Author: Maurice Savaryego, M.Sc.Eng. (Learn More)
(Please note that our website is supported by commissions earned when products are sold through the provided links.)
Author: Maurice Savaryego, M.Sc.Eng. (Learn More)
(Please note that our website is supported by commissions earned when products are sold through the provided links.)
Compare Top Roomba and Shark Self-Emptying Vacuuming Robots: Roomba s9+ vs. Roomba i7+ vs. Shark IQ RV1001AE (with comparison chart)
![]() At this time, the top of the line vacuuming robots offered by iRobot are Roomba s9+ and Roomba i7+, and the top of the line vacuuming robot offered by Shark is Shark IQ RV1001AE.
Though vacuuming robots have been around for quite some time, only very few brands offer nowadays the automatic dirt disposal (self-emptying) functionality. Roomba s9+ and Roomba i7+, as well as Shark IQ RV1001AE are three vacuuming robots that do offer the self-emptying functionality on top of most other functionality you might ask from a vacuuming robot! However, these three robots present some functional differences which will be described in this article, so that you may choose the right robot for your home's cleaning needs. Please Note: IRobot and Shark offer also the Roomba s9, Roomba i7, and Shark IQ RV1001 vacuuming robots which do not have the auto-dirt disposal (self-emptying) feature, but which in all other respects are identical respectively to Roomba s9+ and Roomba i7+, and Shark IQ RV1001AE. So, if you don't need the auto-dirt disposal (self-emptying) feature, you might want to consider Roomba s9, Roomba i7 or Shark RV1001. Both versions of these robots are offered below in the Amazon products section.
This article will compare the Roomba s9+, Roomba i7+ and Shark IQ RV1001AE vacuuming robots.
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Comparing Roomba s9+, Roomba i7+ and Shark IQ RV1001AE
The following pictures show the three robots that will be compared below when they are at their home base for charging and emptying their dirt bin:
The following table compares the features of Roomba s9+, Roomba i7+ and Shark IQ RV1001AE:
The (Note #) notation used in the table refers to the clarification notes provided following the table (please read these notes carefully in order to understand better the features that come with each robot):
The following table compares the features of Roomba s9+, Roomba i7+ and Shark IQ RV1001AE:
The (Note #) notation used in the table refers to the clarification notes provided following the table (please read these notes carefully in order to understand better the features that come with each robot):
Explanation of Notes 1 to 19 from Comparison Table:
Note 1:
The iAdapt 3.0 technology used by the Roomba robots and the IQ NAV technology used by the Shark robot are both smart navigation technologies that use sophisticated software and sensors that allow the robot to clean more thoroughly the room, avoiding stairs, getting under and around furniture, and cleaning along wall edges and corners. In particular, with both iAdapt 3.0 and IQ NAV an optical sensor is used to calculate the robot's relative position in the room to be cleaned in real time and using this information to build a map as it cleans. Robots that navigate using this type of technology are able to clean the floor more efficiently using a systematic logical pattern and avoiding wasting time going over areas already cleaned.
Therefore, robots with optical sensors can cover the same area in shorter time and more efficiently than robots that rely strictly on physical sensors.
Note that with all three robots considered here, once mapping is complete, an interactive map of your floor plan will be available on the associated App. The interactive map allows you to name rooms, then select which rooms to clean, and send the robot to immediately clean one specific location. You can tell the robot to clean only the master bedroom or the living room for instance, and it knows exactly where to go. You could even use Alexa or Google Assistant to vocally request your robot to clean specific rooms by calling their names.
Note that at this time, iAdapt 3.0 on both Roomba s9+ and Roomba i7+ allows the robot to store up to 10 floor plans which is great with homes with multiple floors.
At this time, Shark IQ can store a single floor plan.
Note 2:
All three robots considered here use a 3-stage vacuuming system:
- On Roomba s9+ and i7+, counter rotating dual multi-surface main brushes pick up dust, debris, dirt, pet hair from the floor.
On Shark IQ RV1001AE, a single self-cleaning main brush picks up dust, debris, dirt, pet hair from the floor. - On Roomba s9+ and i7+, a single spinning side brush (or corner brush) cleans along wall edges and corners.
On Shark IQ RV1001AE, two spinning side brushes (or corner brushes), one on each side of the robot, clean along wall edges and corners. - Finally, on all three robots, an efficient vacuum pulls dirt and hair off the brushes (or off the debris extractors) and directs it into the bin.
Note 3:
All three robots considered here are able to resume automatically the cleaning job where it was interrupted before going to Home Base to recharge. They continue this way until the job is done and the entire level of your home is cleaned!
Note 4:
- iAdapt 3.0 navigation technology used by Roomba s9+ and Roomba i7+ comes with the new Imprint Smart Mapping feature which lets you control which rooms are cleaned and when: the robot can store up to 10 floor plans, and once the floor plans are stored, you can use the associated Home App to assign names to the various rooms associated with the floor plans and request to clean the rooms selectively by specifying their name! Imprint Smart Mapping enables the robot to learn, map and adapt to your home, allowing you to choose which rooms are cleaned and when. In addition, the creation of Keep Out Zones allows you to clean with added control, actively avoiding the areas you tell it not to go. Keep Out Zones are virtual boundaries that keep your robot cleaning where you want it to, and away from where you don’t. You could even use Alexa or Google Assistant to vocally request your robot to clean specific rooms by calling their names.
- The interactive map built by the Shark IQ robot allows you to name rooms using the Shark Clean App, then select which rooms to clean, and send the robot to immediately clean one specific location. You can tell the robot to clean only the master bedroom or the living room for instance, and it knows exactly where to go. You could even use Alexa or Google Assistant to vocally request your robot to clean specific rooms by calling their names.
Note 5:
- Roomba s9+ and Roomba i7+ are compatible with Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barriers which are standalone battery run little devices used to prevent the robot from entering areas or rooms that are not supposed to be cleaned. Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barriers are more effective than Virtual Walls used with the former Roomba robots. Not only can they be used to block off an open doorway, but they can also be used as Virtual Wall Halos to protect some restricted area within the room, like for instance the area where the dog food might be (see the picture below for illustration).
- Roomba s9+ and i7+come with one Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier included (if needed, additional Dual Mode Virtual Wall barriers can be purchased below in the Amazon products section).
- Note that with s9+ and i7+, you don't have to use exclusively the Virtual Wall Barrier to prevent the robot from entering areas not to be cleaned: the Imprint Smart Mapping feature on these robots allows the creation of Keep Out Zones which are virtual boundaries that allow you to clean with added control that keeps your robot cleaning where you want it to, and away from where you don’t. The following picture explains and illustrates how the Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier protects the off-limits areas:
- Shark IQ robot comes with 8 feet of magnetic boundary strips that can be used to block off areas you don’t want the robot to travel. You can cut the magnetic strips into smaller pieces, and placed the strips in front areas you do not want the robot to clean, such as the area where the pet's food is placed. At this time, with this robot, no virtual boundaries can be created using the App.
Note 6:
An important feature of Roomba s9+ and Roomba i7+ is Dirt Detection: These robots come with sophisticated dirt detection ability. They are equipped with both acoustic and optical sensors, and therefore they are very powerful and effective in finding dirtier areas.
Note 7:
The High Efficiency filters on these three robots do an excellent job capturing hair, pet fur, lint and carpet fuzz, and can capture 99% of allergens, pollen, and particles as small as 10 microns.
These filters are easy to install, to remove and to clean for reuse.
Note 8:
When batteries run low, all three robots considered here return to their Home Base to dock and recharge.
Note that these robots are able to resume automatically the cleaning job where it was interrupted before going to Home Base to recharge. They continue this way until the job is done and the whole level of your home is cleaned!
Note 9:
The dust bin that comes with Roomba s9+ and Roomba i7+ presents some important enhancements: not only is it easier now to empty it manually, but it can also be emptied automatically without you being around! To enable automatic emptying of the dust bin, a new suction port has been added to the docking station. The docking station of the robot, known in the past as the Home Base, is now replaced with a new docking station called the Clean Base which is used not just to recharge the robot, but also to empty the dust bin. So, when the robot is docked, it attaches to the new suction port in the docking station that sucks up rapidly the contents of the dust bin into the Clean Base. All dirt and debris is then automatically transferred into a disposable bag that can hold up to 30 bins’ worth of dirt and debris. Once the disposable bag is full, you will get an alert on your smartphone for replacing the bag.
The dust bin that comes with Shark IQ RV1001AE also comes with important enhancements to allow automatic self emptying without you being around. The docking station of the robot, is used not just to recharge the robot, but also to empty the dust bin. So, when the robot is docked, it attaches to the new suction port in the docking station that sucks up rapidly the contents of the dust bin into the base. But note that here, no bags are required to store the collected dirt: the base dust bin can hold up to 30 days' worth of dust and debris. You will need to empty the bin when the debris level approaches the max fill line (emptying instructions provided in the user manual).
Note 10:
All three robots considered here support Wi-Fi and can be connected to your smartphone. You can then use their associated App (Home App for the Roomba robots and Shark Clean for the Shark robot, available for both Android and iOS) to invoke remotely operations (such as Cleaning, Scheduling, Sending to Home Base, etc.). The App will also provide cleaning status information, allow nameing rooms for selective cleaning, etc.
Note 11:
All three robots considered here can be scheduled to run at any time and at any day of the week using their associated App.
The robot starts vacuuming as soon as the scheduled time is reached.
Note 12:
Note that s9+ is not completely round and have angled front design better suited for cleaning corners and come with the built-in iRobot's PerfectEdge technology that cleans more thoroughly corners and along wall edges.
The PerfectEdge Technology on this robot comes with advanced sensors, and the specially designed corner brush with five arms to grab dirt and debris from deep in corners and along walls, directing it into the robot’s path to be vacuumed up.
Note 13:
Roomba s9+ will also include with its Clean Base two AllergenLock Dirt Disposal Bags that can capture and trap 99% of pollen and mold allergens. The s9+ picks up dust and debris, and when the Robot evacuates on the Clean Base, it locks the dirt and debris in a bag, that helps prevent it from escaping back into the air.
Note 14:
All three robots considered here come with a Lithium-Ion battery.
Note that Lithium-Ion batteries are designed to provide longer cleaning sessions and last longer before needing to be replaced.
Note 15:
All three robots considered here can be remotely controlled from your smartphone or tablet using the associated App (Home App for the Roomba robots and Shark Clean for the Shark robot).
Note that all three robots are also compatible with Amazon Alexa, including Amazon Echo, Echo Dot and Amazon Tap.
Note 16:
The Custome Power feature on Roomba s9+ is the ability to set your Roomba at low, medium or max suction power. With this feature you decide what vacuuming power your Roomba should be using. It makes sense to use higher suction power on carpets or when there is lots of hair and debris on the floors.
Note 18:
The "d" in the dimensions refers to the diameter, and "h" to the height of the unit. All measurements are in inches.
Note 19:
All three robots come with 1-year limited warranty is on the robot.
Roomba robots come also with a 12-month warranty on the battery.
Note 20:
The following equipment comes with the three robots considered here:
Roomba s9+:
Roomba i7+:
Shark IQ RV1001AE:
Note 6:
An important feature of Roomba s9+ and Roomba i7+ is Dirt Detection: These robots come with sophisticated dirt detection ability. They are equipped with both acoustic and optical sensors, and therefore they are very powerful and effective in finding dirtier areas.
Note 7:
The High Efficiency filters on these three robots do an excellent job capturing hair, pet fur, lint and carpet fuzz, and can capture 99% of allergens, pollen, and particles as small as 10 microns.
These filters are easy to install, to remove and to clean for reuse.
Note 8:
When batteries run low, all three robots considered here return to their Home Base to dock and recharge.
Note that these robots are able to resume automatically the cleaning job where it was interrupted before going to Home Base to recharge. They continue this way until the job is done and the whole level of your home is cleaned!
Note 9:
The dust bin that comes with Roomba s9+ and Roomba i7+ presents some important enhancements: not only is it easier now to empty it manually, but it can also be emptied automatically without you being around! To enable automatic emptying of the dust bin, a new suction port has been added to the docking station. The docking station of the robot, known in the past as the Home Base, is now replaced with a new docking station called the Clean Base which is used not just to recharge the robot, but also to empty the dust bin. So, when the robot is docked, it attaches to the new suction port in the docking station that sucks up rapidly the contents of the dust bin into the Clean Base. All dirt and debris is then automatically transferred into a disposable bag that can hold up to 30 bins’ worth of dirt and debris. Once the disposable bag is full, you will get an alert on your smartphone for replacing the bag.
The dust bin that comes with Shark IQ RV1001AE also comes with important enhancements to allow automatic self emptying without you being around. The docking station of the robot, is used not just to recharge the robot, but also to empty the dust bin. So, when the robot is docked, it attaches to the new suction port in the docking station that sucks up rapidly the contents of the dust bin into the base. But note that here, no bags are required to store the collected dirt: the base dust bin can hold up to 30 days' worth of dust and debris. You will need to empty the bin when the debris level approaches the max fill line (emptying instructions provided in the user manual).
Note 10:
All three robots considered here support Wi-Fi and can be connected to your smartphone. You can then use their associated App (Home App for the Roomba robots and Shark Clean for the Shark robot, available for both Android and iOS) to invoke remotely operations (such as Cleaning, Scheduling, Sending to Home Base, etc.). The App will also provide cleaning status information, allow nameing rooms for selective cleaning, etc.
Note 11:
All three robots considered here can be scheduled to run at any time and at any day of the week using their associated App.
The robot starts vacuuming as soon as the scheduled time is reached.
Note 12:
Note that s9+ is not completely round and have angled front design better suited for cleaning corners and come with the built-in iRobot's PerfectEdge technology that cleans more thoroughly corners and along wall edges.
The PerfectEdge Technology on this robot comes with advanced sensors, and the specially designed corner brush with five arms to grab dirt and debris from deep in corners and along walls, directing it into the robot’s path to be vacuumed up.
Note 13:
Roomba s9+ will also include with its Clean Base two AllergenLock Dirt Disposal Bags that can capture and trap 99% of pollen and mold allergens. The s9+ picks up dust and debris, and when the Robot evacuates on the Clean Base, it locks the dirt and debris in a bag, that helps prevent it from escaping back into the air.
Note 14:
All three robots considered here come with a Lithium-Ion battery.
Note that Lithium-Ion batteries are designed to provide longer cleaning sessions and last longer before needing to be replaced.
Note 15:
All three robots considered here can be remotely controlled from your smartphone or tablet using the associated App (Home App for the Roomba robots and Shark Clean for the Shark robot).
Note that all three robots are also compatible with Amazon Alexa, including Amazon Echo, Echo Dot and Amazon Tap.
Note 16:
The Custome Power feature on Roomba s9+ is the ability to set your Roomba at low, medium or max suction power. With this feature you decide what vacuuming power your Roomba should be using. It makes sense to use higher suction power on carpets or when there is lots of hair and debris on the floors.
Note 18:
The "d" in the dimensions refers to the diameter, and "h" to the height of the unit. All measurements are in inches.
Note 19:
All three robots come with 1-year limited warranty is on the robot.
Roomba robots come also with a 12-month warranty on the battery.
Note 20:
The following equipment comes with the three robots considered here:
Roomba s9+:
- iRobot Roomba s9+ Robot Vacuum
- 1 Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
- 2 Dirt Disposal Bags
- 1 North American Line Cord
- 1 Dual Mode Virtual Wall® Barrier
- 1 Extra High-Efficiency Filter
- 1 Extra Corner Brush
- Owner's Guide and Documentation Package
Roomba i7+:
- iRobot Roomba i7+ Robot Vacuum
- 1 Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal
- 2 Dirt Disposal Bags
- 1 North American Line Cord
- 1 Dual Mode Virtual Wall® Barrier
- 1 Extra High-Efficiency Filter
- 1 Extra Side Brush
- Owner's Guide and Documentation Package
Shark IQ RV1001AE:
- Shark IQ Robot Vacuum
- 1 Charging & Automatic Dirt Disposal Base
- 2 Extra Side Brush
- Boundary Strips
- Owner's Guide and Documentation Package
So which of these three self emptying vacuuming robots is best for your home?
As the above comparison table shows, the three robots considered here come with slightly different features. So, we suggest you carefully study the above table and clarification notes before you decide which robot will respond best to your needs. Here are some of the important differences you should consider:
- Both Roomba robots come with dual multi-surface main brushes that do an excellent job picking up dust, debris, dirt, pet hair from the floor.
Shark IQ RV1001AE comes with a single self-cleaning main brush.
On the other hand, both Roomba robots come with a single side brush, while Shark IQ comes with dual side brushes that dig deep into edges and corners for complete cleaning of dust, dirt, and debris. - Both Roomba robots come with sophisticated dirt detect technology using acoustic and optical sensors, and therefore they are very powerful and effective in finding dirtier areas. A feature not available on the Shark IQ robot product descriptions.
- If you want to be able to create virtual boundaries, so that your robot does not clean certain areas in a given room (without having to use Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barriers) then you should consider s9+ and i7+. These robots allow the creation of Keep Out Zones using the iRobot Home App.
- If you don't want to invest in any bags for the accumulation of the dirt in the auto-disposal base, then you should consider the Shark IQ RV1001AE robot, which is equipped with a base that can collect up to 30 days of dirt and debris.
Roomba s9+, Roomba i7+ and Shark IQ Vacuuming Robots on Amazon
Please click the Amazon link image below for the robot of your choice to see exact price information or to purchase:
Roomba s9+ |
Roomba i7+ |
Shark IQ RV1001AE
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Please Note: If the self-emptying feature is not essential for you, and you would still like to obtain the top Roomba and Shark vacuuming robots, you should be considering the Roomba s9, Roomba i7 or Shark IQ RV1001. These three robots come respectively with the same features as Roomba s9+, Roomba i7+ and Shark IQ RV1001AE described above, except for the self-emptying feature.
Roomba s9, Roomba i7 and Shark IQ RV1001 are offered below:
Roomba s9, Roomba i7 and Shark IQ RV1001 are offered below:
Roomba s9 |
Roomba i7 |
Shark IQ RV1001
Robot Navigation Control Accessories on Amazon
Please click the images below to see price information or to purchase:
Roomba Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier |
Shark IQ Boundary Strips |
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