Robot vacuums have come a long way in recent years. With advanced mapping and navigation features, they can now efficiently clean your home with minimal input from you. Two of the most high-tech robot vacuums on the market are the Shark AI and iRobot Roomba j7.
But which one is better? Let’s compare these robot vacuums head-to-head and see how they stack up.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Shark AI | Roomba j7 |
| Mapping Technology | LiDAR laser mapping | Camera with AI object recognition |
| Navigation Technology | LiDAR laser navigation | Camera-based navigation |
| Carpet Cleaning | Excellent, deep carpet cleaning | Good carpet cleaning |
| Hard Floor Cleaning | Good | Excellent, specialized edge brush |
| Suction Power | Superior suction, up to 22% more than prior model | Decent suction |
| Dust Bin Size | Large 1L bin | Smaller 350ml bin |
| Self-Empty Dock | Holds up to 45 days of debris | Holds up to 30 days of debris |
| Smart Home Integration | Alexa & Google Assistant compatible | Works with Alexa, Google, Braava m6, etc. |
| Overall Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars | 4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Price | $950 total for robot & base | $950 total for robot & base |
Overview Of Shark AI
The Shark AI RV2001 is one of Shark’s newest and most advanced robot vacuums. It uses a multi-surface brushroll and high-efficiency filter to deep clean carpets and hard floors.
Some key features and specifications:
- Imprint Smart Mapping: Uses LiDAR laser navigation to map your home and identify objects. You can label rooms and designate no-go zones in the app.
- Self-Empty Base: Empties itself for up to 30 days of hands-free cleaning. Holds up to 45 days of debris.
- Alexa and Google Assistant Compatible: You can use voice commands to start cleaning.
- 120 minute runtime: Provides extensive cleaning before automatically returning to base.
- 1000ml dustbin: Holds plenty of debris so you don’t have to empty it frequently.
Overview Of Roomba J7
The Roomba j7 is iRobot’s most advanced Roomba yet. It has upgraded navigation and object recognition capabilities.
Key features and specs:
- PrecisionVision Navigation: Uses camera-based navigation to map your home and identify objects. Avoids cords, pet waste, socks and more.
- Edge Sweeping Brush: Specifically designed brush reaches corners and edges.
- Self-Emptying Base: Empties itself for up to 60 days of hands-free cleaning. AllergenLock bags capture 99% of pollen and mold.
- Alexa and Google Assistant Compatible: Start cleaning with your voice.
- 75 minute runtime: Automatically recharges and resumes cleaning until the job is done.
- 350ml dustbin: Holds debris from small to medium size homes.
Comparing Mapping And Navigation
One of the most important features of any robot vacuum is its ability to map your home and navigate without getting stuck. The Shark AI and Roomba j7 use very different technologies for mapping and navigation.
The Shark AI relies on advanced LiDAR laser mapping to create detailed maps and identify objects. This allows it to expertly navigate around furniture and avoid collisions. You can also label rooms and set no-go zones in the app. Overall, the Shark AI has highly advanced mapping capabilities.
In contrast, the Roomba j7 uses a camera and AI object recognition technology called PrecisionVision Navigation. This allows the Roomba to identify and avoid common objects like cords, socks, pet waste, and more. However, its overall mapping capabilities don’t appear to be quite as robust as the Shark AI.
When it comes to navigation and avoiding getting stuck, the Roomba j7 may have a slight edge. Its small size allows it to easily maneuver under furniture. The Shark AI’s larger size could make it more prone to get stuck in tight spaces.
Also Read: Choose Between Eufy Robovac G30 And 30C.
Comparing Cleaning Performance
Both the Shark AI and Roomba j7 deliver excellent cleaning performance on carpets and hard floors. Which one is better depends on your specific needs.
The Shark AI has a unique multi-surface brushroll designed to deep clean carpets and gently clean hard floors. It switches brushrolls automatically based on the surface. This ensures a deeper carpet clean than the Roomba.
However, the Roomba j7 has a specially designed edge-sweeping brush that is better at cleaning corners, edges and getting right up to baseboards. So for homes with lots of hard floors, the j7 may have a slight edge.
When it comes to suction power, the Shark AI wins hands-down. With up to 22% more suction power than the prior model, it has incredible cleaning strength. The Roomba j7’s suction is decent but can’t match the raw power of the Shark AI.
Comparing Convenience Features
In terms of convenience, both vacuums aim to make cleaning as hands-free as possible. They both have self-emptying bases that hold weeks’ worth of debris so you don’t have to empty the bin yourself.
However, there are some differences:
- The Shark AI holds up to 45 days of debris Vs. only 30 days for the Roomba. So you’ll empty it less frequently.
- The Roomba uses allergen-locking bags to hold dirt and dust. This is more hygienic than the Shark’s open bin.
- Both are app-connected, but Roomba’s app has more flexibility for programming cleaning schedules.
- The Shark AI lacks room-specific cleaning like the Roomba offers.
- Both work with Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing voice control.
Overall the Shark AI may have slightly better convenience with its huge dustbin capacity. But the Roomba also offers handy features like the allergen bags.
Also Read: Choose Between Eufy 25c And 30c Robot Vacuum.
Comparing Smart Home Integration
In terms of smart home ecosystem integration, the Roomba j7 is the winner. Roomba vacuums work with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri Shortcuts for voice control.
The j7+ is also compatible with the Braava Jet m6 robot mop, allowing seamless mopping and vacuuming. And it integrates with smart home hubs like Google Home and Alexa.
The Shark AI offers Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility for voice commands. But it doesn’t integrate as deeply with other smart home devices.
Comparing Price
The Shark AI and Roomba j7 have very similar pricing:
- Shark AI robot vacuum: $650
- Shark AI self-empty base: $300
- Total: $950
- Roomba j7 robot vacuum: $600
- Roomba j7+ self-empty base: $350
- Total: $950
As you can see, both vacuums cost right around $950 for the complete system with the self-emptying base. The Shark AI itself is slightly pricier, but the base is a bit cheaper. So overall pricing is a wash.
Which Has Better Reviews?
Both of these robot vacuums score very well with reviewers and customers. However, there are some differences:
- The Shark AI earns slightly higher overall ratings, with 4.6 / 5 stars compared to the Roomba’s 4.4 / 5.
- Reviewers praise the Shark’s excellent cleaning performance on carpets in particular.
- Some reviewers experienced issues with the Shark AI’s mapping capabilities and getting stuck.
- Reviewers like the Roomba’s advanced navigation, particularly pet waste avoidance. But some found its carpet cleaning lacking.
- Many reviewers wished the Roomba’s dustbin was bigger.
So in terms of reviews, while both perform well, the Shark AI seems to have a slight edge for its superior cleaning abilities. But the Roomba gets kudos for its smart navigation.
Also watch the video of Shark AI!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends. The Shark AI delivers superior carpet cleaning and suction power compared to the Roomba j7. But the Roomba has slightly better navigation and hard floor cleaning. So the Shark AI is better if you have lots of carpets, while the j7 excels on hard flooring.
Yes, the Shark AI is an excellent high-end robot vacuum packed with advanced technology. It excels at carpet cleaning and provides hands-free emptying. If you want incredible cleaning performance, it’s a great choice. Just be aware it costs close to $1000.
The Shark AI and Roomba j7 are two of the top AI-powered robot vacuums currently. The Shark AI wins for carpet cleaning ability, while the Roomba j7 is superior for smart navigation. The Robot Rock S7 MaxV Ultra is another top AI vacuum praised for mopping and vacuum performance.
Yes, the Shark AI is a major upgrade over the older Shark IQ model. The AI has better navigation via LiDAR mapping, stronger suction power, a self-empty base, and improved cleaning performance especially on carpets. It’s a worthwhile upgrade for existing Shark robot vacuum owners.
Also Read: Differences Between Roborock And Eufy.
The Verdict
So which of these high-tech robot vacuums is better for you? Here are some key considerations:
Buy the Shark AI if:
- Your home is mostly carpets – it delivers unbeatable deep carpet cleaning.
- You want the strongest suction power available.
- You value excellent mapping capabilities.
- You want the largest dustbin capacity.
Buy the Roomba j7 if:
- You have mostly hard floors or a mix of surfaces – its edge-sweeping brush excels here.
- You want the most advanced smart navigation and object avoidance.
- You value integration with other smart home devices.
- You want allergen containment bags.
Both are excellent choices that will significantly reduce your vacuuming time. Make sure to consider your specific needs to choose the right model for your home. And don’t forget – whichever you choose, you’ll be getting one of the most high-tech robot vacuums on the market today!