When it comes to robotic vacuums, two big players in the industry are undeniably iRobot and Shark. Both companies have continually improved their designs, innovated, and integrated cutting-edge technology into their products, providing us with modern conveniences that were unimaginable just a decade ago.
This brings us to the subject of our article today: a comparison of two powerful robotic vacuums – the Roomba j6+ by iRobot and the Shark IQ RV1001AE by Shark. These top-tier robots are currently making waves in the market with their impressive features and stellar performance. But which one has the edge?
We are going to find out in our in-depth comparison review. Buckle up as we dissect these technological marvels feature by feature to see how they stack up against each other.
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About the Robots
Roomba j6+
A proud product of iRobot, the Roomba j6+ is part of their ‘j’ series aimed at redefining the concept of automated home cleaning. It promises powerful cleaning, intelligent navigation, and automatic dirt disposal, taking a lot of the work off your hands.
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Shark IQ RV1001AE
The Shark IQ RV1001AE, on the other hand, is an offering from Shark that is designed to rival high-end robot vacuums with its advanced mapping capabilities and bagless self-emptying base. It boasts of a high-efficiency filter, powerful suction, and methodical row-by-row cleaning.
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Design and Aesthetics
Roomba j6+
The Roomba j6+ showcases a sleek, modern design with its round shape and silver color. It’s built with high-quality materials for durability and measures 13.34 inches in diameter and 3.63 inches in height. The minimalist touch controls and intuitive indicator lights add to its sophisticated look.
Shark IQ
Sporting a black color scheme, the Shark IQ has a slightly more prominent physical control button and display. Its dimensions are 12.9 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches in height, which allows it to easily navigate under most furniture just like the Roomba j6+.
Cleaning Performance
Both the Roomba j6+ and Shark IQ are known for their impressive cleaning performance, but they achieve this in slightly different ways.
Roomba j6+
The Roomba j6+ operates with 10x the suction power compared to previous Roomba models. It can transition smoothly between different floor types and adjust its cleaning style accordingly. Its rubber brushes excel at cleaning carpets as they can stay in constant contact with the surface to pull out embedded dirt.
Shark IQ
The Shark IQ, however, has a unique feature: a self-cleaning brushroll. This brushroll is fantastic for homes with pets as it can effectively capture pet hair and dander without getting tangled. It also boasts of strong suction power and can transition across different floor types.
Smart Features
Today’s robotic vacuums are about more than just cleaning – they incorporate smart features that make your life easier and your home cleaner. Both the Roomba j6+ and Shark IQ are packed with such features.
Roomba j6+
The standout feature of the Roomba j6+ is its iRobot Genius Intelligence. This technology enables the robot to learn the layout of your home and suggest cleaning schedules based on your habits. It has a Precision Jet Spray that tackles stubborn messes, and the robot automatically empties its bin into the Clean Base when it docks.
Shark IQ
The Shark IQ is not to be outdone in this department. It features IQ Navigation with home mapping, which means it cleans your home row by row, room by room. It also has a bagless, self-emptying base that can hold up to 30 days of dirt and debris.
Navigation and Mapping
Good navigation and mapping are crucial for a robotic vacuum to clean efficiently and effectively. Both the Roomba j6+ and Shark IQ come with advanced mapping capabilities.
Roomba j6+
The Roomba j6+ uses iAdapt 3.0 Navigation with vSLAM technology to navigate your home. It can learn the layout of your home and build personal Smart Maps, enabling it to clean more efficiently over time. The Roomba j6+ also allows you to set Keep Out Zones to prevent the robot from entering certain areas.
Shark IQ
The Shark IQ also features intelligent, methodical navigation. With its IQ Navigation, the Shark IQ cleans row by row and then room by room for complete home coverage. It can create a floor plan of your home which you can view in the SharkClean app, and you can also set no-go zones.
Battery Life
A robotic vacuum needs a reliable battery to ensure it can clean your home efficiently. Let’s see how the Roomba j6+ and Shark IQ measure up.
Roomba j6+
The Roomba j6+ is powered by a lithium-ion battery. On a single charge, it can clean for up to 120 minutes, depending on the floor type and the cleaning mode. It will automatically return to its base to recharge when the battery is low or when cleaning is complete.
Shark IQ
The Shark IQ also usesa lithium-ion battery, but its run time is slightly less than the Roomba j6+, with up to 90 minutes of cleaning per charge. However, it also features a recharge-and-resume function, so it will return to its base to recharge when needed, then resume cleaning until the job is done.
Compatibility with Smart Home Devices
Smart home integration is a feature that many homeowners appreciate in a robotic vacuum. Luckily, both the Roomba j6+ and Shark IQ offer this convenience.
Roomba j6+
The Roomba j6+ can connect to your home WiFi network and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This means you can command your vacuum with your voice, which adds a level of convenience to your cleaning routine.
Shark IQ
The Shark IQ also offers compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Like the Roomba j6+, you can use your voice to command the Shark IQ to start or stop cleaning, or you can control it remotely using the SharkClean app.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance is crucial to extend the lifespan of your robotic vacuum and ensure it operates at peak performance. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining the Roomba j6+ and Shark IQ.
Roomba j6+
The Roomba j6+ is designed for minimal maintenance. The Clean Base, which also serves as the charging dock, can hold 60 days’ worth of dirt and debris, so you’ll only need to empty it about once every two months. The brushes should also be cleaned regularly to ensure optimal cleaning performance.
Shark IQ
The Shark IQ’s self-emptying base is bagless, meaning you won’t need to buy replacement bags. It can hold up to 30 days’ worth of dirt and debris. The filter should be cleaned once a month, and the self-cleaning brushroll means you won’t need to worry about hair wrap.
Pricing and Availability
Price is often a determining factor when choosing between two products. Both the Roomba j6+ and Shark IQ are high-end models, but they do have some differences in pricing.
Roomba j6+
The Roomba j6+ comes with a premium price tag. However, considering its advanced features, powerful cleaning, and the convenience of the Clean Base, it’s an investment worth making for many homeowners.
Shark IQ
The Shark IQ is slightly more affordable than the Roomba j6+. Despite its lower price, it still packs a punch in terms of performance and features, making it an excellent value for the price.
Pros and Cons
Roomba j6+
Pros
- Exceptional cleaning performance
- Advanced iRobot Genius Intelligence
- Automatic dirt disposal
Cons
- Premium price
- Limited third-party integration
Shark IQ
Pros
- Self-cleaning brushroll is excellent for pet hair
- Bagless, self-emptying base
- More affordable than the Roomba j6+
Cons
- Shorter battery life
- Less powerful suction compared to the Roomba j6+
- MORE THOUGHTFUL THAN YOU THOUGHT - iRobot OS powers your Roomba j6+ to clean the way you want it to. It avoids...
- AVOIDS PET ACCIDENTS ON PURPOSE – WE GUARANTEE IT - Only iRobot brings you P.O.O.P. (Pet Owner Official...
- CLEANS THE CRUMBS, AVOIDS THE CORDS - Cords stop most robots in their tracks but the Roomba j6+ keeps...
Conclusion
Both the Roomba j6+ and the Shark IQ are top-tier robotic vacuums with impressive features and performance. If you’re looking for superior suction power, advanced smart features, and don’t mind the premium price, the Roomba j6+ is a fantastic choice. However, if you’re after value for money, excellent pet hair cleaning, and a bagless design, the Shark IQ might be the robot for you.
Remember, the best robot vacuum for you depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Consider what features are most important to you, be it cleaning performance, smart features, price, or a balance of all these aspects, and make your choice accordingly.
- Multifunctional Dock - Say Goodbye to Dirty Work. Q Revo offers a feature-packed dock with Auto Mop Washing so...
- Dual Spinning Mops - Watch Stains Disappear. With a spinning speed of 200 RPM and consistent downward...
- Auto Mop Lifting - Mop and Vacuum in One Clean. With Auto Mop Lifting of 7mm, you can clean carpets and floors...
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Last update on 2023-09-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API