Shark IQ Robot vs. Roomba S9+ vs. Roomba I7+

After completing our Shark IQ auto blank review, I thought it would be appropriate to compare it to its two main competitors, the Roomba I7+ and Roomba S9+.

Shark’s IQ series is a leader in budget self-dumping robots and remains one of the least expensive alternatives to date.

I’ve spent several hours testing these products, comparing different aspects from navigation and cleaning to app features to determine which is best for your needs.

A quick look at the Shark IQ, Roomba I7 + and Roomba S9+

I’ve listed the specifications for each variant in this section to give you an overview of their respective functions.

Please note that I have used the specifications/test results of the Roomba I6 for the I7 below. Both options use the same motor, battery, and extractors, so results should be pretty close.

Introduction to Shark IQ, Roomba I7 + and Roomba S9+

These three auto-discharge vacuums are the pioneers in this sub-field, with I7 being the first.

Soon after its release came the flagship S9+, the best robotic vacuum I’ve tested.

While both types provide excellent cleaning performance, each option is expensive.

Shark IQ aims to address the price issue by offering a cheaper alternative to these expensive rooms.

But the question is, can it clean and navigate like the Roomba? I have tested these bots extensively and will answer the question in the various sections below. We will look at the similarities and differences.

Least Expensive Option: Shark IQ Self Empty

Consumers should thank Shark for the IQ – it was The first product with a smart feature and self-discharge This was new at the time.

But the first generation of Shark IQ robots One fatal flaw There is no light sensor underneath.

The result is that it was not able to create the map despite several runs. I’ve seen reviews on both YouTube and online stores, and they’ve been consistent.

The introduction of second-generation variants that addressed this issue by adding the optical sensor eliminated this issue.

Along with this floor sensor, it has a top-mounted camera with an array of shock and fall sensors to help it track and avoid obstacles.

This set of sensors enables the intelligence to move in straight lines toward the pavement.

The presence of VSLAM also unlocks other advanced features such as recharge, resume, selective room cleaning, vacate, resume, save maps, and more.

Underneath, it has a single slit side brush with the slowest rotation I’ve ever seen from a robot. It helps the smart robot to clean more efficiently because it doesn’t scatter as much dirt.

But slower-than-normal rotation hampers its performance at the edges.

The base brush is unlike any other combo brush I’ve seen because it incorporates fins all around, similar to the Vertex Cordless roller.

While the navigation is efficient, the IQ lacks subtlety, even with the extended playback feature enabled.

I didn’t notice any difference between the virtual cycle and the extended run, as it took the same time to finish both runs.

Based on my tests, the cleaning performance is almost on par with the Roomba I7 (or I6+) but it lags behind in deep sand cleaning.

It’s a good budget alternative if you don’t want to spend on bags and don’t mind being exposed to allergens while getting rid of dirt.

Mid-level option: Roomba I7 +

Roomba I7+ is iRobot’s mid-priced iRobot option between the entry level I3+ and the top S9+.

One The difference between I3 and I7 is mobility. The latter has the top-mounted camera and SLAM, unlocking features like saving maps, custom cleaning, and adding blocking zones.

It’s not as powerful as the high-end S9+ With only 8.2 CFMwhich are on the same level as the other minimalist Roombas – 675And 690And e 5.

However, don’t expect it to be as clean as the S9 due to the reduced airflow, but it’s still decent.

Aside from the low airflow, the side brush rotates quickly and debris is scattered around.

But the excellent cranking makes up for the lack of power, so it works well for a low airflow robot on the carpet—yes, even on compact sand.

Navigation is similar to the S9, moving in what iRobot calls “stylish rows,” or straight lines.

However, efficiency is not its strong point, taking more than 28 minutes to complete two tracks.

If you don’t want to spend a premium on the S9, take a look at the less expensive Roomba I7 or I6.

Best cleaning performance: Roomba S9+

I tested many robot vacuums, and none of them cleaned like Roomba S9+.

The rare combination of high airflow, wide rollers, and square frontage makes it the most efficient choice for every pass.

Sure, it’s not as wide as the Neato Botvac, but the squared-off front and patented rubber extractors make up for it, giving it best-in-class performance.

It has the same mobility as the Roomba I7, but for some strange reason – less efficient.

If your top priority is cleaning performance and you No objection to paying the premiumThe S9 is the best option out there.

Similarities Between Shark IQ, Roomba I7+ and Roomba S9+

1. Navigation

All three robots use the same combination: a top-mounted camera, gyroscopes, and ground sensors for navigation with VSLAM.

They will both navigate in straight lines, but one difference is that Roomba has dynamic navigation where you’ll find the most efficient path, while Shark heads in the direction of the empty dock itself.

2. Self-discharge

These robots You have an empty base station automatically A second vacuum cleaner empties the contents of the trash after the robot is docked. The difference, however, is that Roomba has a bag system, while Shark uses a bagless design.

3. Savings Map

Shark and Roomba can save maps – up to one and ten maps, respectively.

Since these variables depend on the camera, you will have to keep the lights on to successfully create the map.

One of the features that iRobot has is the mapping operation, the robot operates with the engine off, which increases its range, which is useful in large homes.

4. Containment

Each has the advantage of containing different terms.

Shark calls them zones, while Roomba has no-entry zones.

Regardless, the functionality is similar: square or rectangular areas prevent the robot from entering.

You will need to create and save the map first to access this feature.

Differences between Shark IQ, Roomba I7 + and Roomba S9+

1. Automatic empty dock design

The Roomba I7 and S9 use an incline-style base station which I love because it offers better stability.

In comparison, the Shark IQ has a vertical port that connects to the rear hatch of the robot.

Consumers will need to purchase a SharkMat to use the carpet to prevent alignment issues.

2. Side brush

Each variant uses a different side brush design.

The Roomba S9 It has a shorter five-prong design, while the I7 uses a traditional three-pronged brush with more extended tips.

The Shark IQ features a single-prong design, with the slowest spinning of the three.

Of the three, I like the Roomba’s design best because of the shape of the robot and the placement of the side brush on the front.

It has the most practical design and the best in edge cleaning.

3. Basic brush

Roomba Uses patented bristless anti-roll rubber extractors for both I7 and S9.

By comparison, the Shark uses a cylinder similar to the Vertex cordless machine, combining fins and plastic bristles.

4. Dirt storage inside the automatic unloading dock

All Roomba products use a file Same capacity 2.5 liters bags inside their clean base.

Shark offers two variants – the XL (30-day capacity) and Standard versions (15-day capacity) and both have bagless systems.

5. Dirt Detection

Only iRobot has dirt that detects where it makes extra passes back and forth if it detects more debris.

It’s an important reason why Roomba products perform better than other brands at cleaning carpets despite the lower airflow.

6. Efficiency

While these robots have the same navigational sensors, the efficiency varies.

I did efficacy tests for all three, scattering Quaker oats throughout a small room and then checking how long each variable completed one cleaning cycle.

Shark IQ is Most efficient (18 minutes)followed by I7 (28 minutes)Then S9 (32 minutes).

While the Shark IQ and Roomba I7 took less time to finish, they both left large amounts of debris.

Counting the amount of dirt captured, the S9 is the best, catching almost every crumb after the first swipe.

Application Features

Both brands have smartphone apps available on your favorite app stores on IOS and Android.

Android IQ is compatible with SharkClean and Both types of Roomba Usable with the iRobot Home app.

These apps will unlock all advanced features, and we recommend you to download them.

Please note that these robots Only compatible with 2.4G WIFI networksbut not 5G.

1. Save map

Perhaps the most important feature of these bots is saving maps, which unlocks a host of other features.

One difference is iRobot can Save up to ten map levels – Get the most out of the bots I’ve reviewed.

In comparison, the Shark can only save one level, which is disappointing with the compact dock that is easy to transport.

However, only the iRobot app offers map playback, where the robot is in exploratory mode with the sole purpose of creating the map.

Shark does not have this feature.

2. Edit the map

After the map is created, users can customize it by assigning and naming sections.

But both apps have different ways of creating these regions. iRobot allows users to add horizontal partitions to divide rooms.

Primitive method and takes a while to get used to, but it works decently.

Shark offers a much more straightforward method – drawing boxes around areas that automatically wrap around them.

Once these sections are set, you can name them. iRobot offers a custom room label, while Shark doesn’t, and consumers can only choose from a menu.

3. Containment

Another advantage of these applications is the availability of containment, which I prefer over old magnetic tapes or invisible infrared-based walls.

The Shark and iRobot apps allow users to draw boxes that mark areas as restricted areas, preventing the bot from risking them.

Here’s the Shark version.

Here is the Roomba version.

Unfortunately, neither has the invisible wall feature, so it is only possible to block square or rectangular areas, but not diagonal areas.

4. Selective room cleaning

Consumers can choose specific rooms or areas to clean with both brands by clicking on the room names.

The Shark version will display this window every time they press this launch icon, while you’ll need to click the iRobot’s new task button in the top right to access this feature.

5. Clean areas [Roomba only]

iRobot allows users to define clean areas where they can draw rectangular or square areas on the map. I think this feature helps target high-traffic areas within larger rooms.

It’s similar to custom cleaning on brands like Roborock, Dreame, and Yeedi, but the difference is that you can save these areas to the iRobot app.

7. Disclaimer and Resume [Shark only]

Since Shark IQ does not have any litter box sensor, they had to implement it to prevent the robot litter box from overfilling.

Shark says it’s useful inside dirty areas because it tells the robot to dock after 30 minutes, empty the robot’s trash, and resume cleaning where it left off.

8. Play maps [Roomba only]

An expedition tour where the robot rotates around the area with the engine turned off to increase coverage.

iRobot added this feature to speed up the map creation process. One of the roomba’s weaknesses is its shorter-than-usual runtime.

This feature helps mitigate this issue so that you can unlock other features sooner.

It is essential to keep the lights on and open all the doors for a successful run.

9. Extended cleaning [Shark only]

Shark IQ will only go around the area once. To help with accuracy, Shark is adding an extended cleaning feature, which uses remaining battery life to constantly clean targeted areas.

This is the theory. I tested this feature and didn’t notice any difference between default playback and extended playback.

10. Power settings

Both apps have the option to adjust power levels. The Shark app has three power levels, while the S9 app version has three.

Just Roomba S9 It has adjustable power, while the i7 does not have this mod.

There are three levels for the S9 (check the screenshot below) – Detailed, Quiet, and Custom.

Detailed cleaning activates the medium power setting to balance power and runtime, while Quiet uses the eco setting, prioritizing lower noise levels.

The custom setting allows users to manually select the power level and unlock the maximum power setting.

11. Control the number of passes [Roomba only]

The iRobot app allows users to adjust the number of passes – between one and two, giving it better accuracy.

12. Scheduling

These bots also have a scheduling feature that increases the usefulness of their self-emptying.

The difference is that the Shark app has three Separate tabs for morning, afternoon, and evening.

Unfortunately, it only allows users to choose one scheduled run per day.

Consumers cannot schedule multiple runs per day, which is not the case for the iRobot app.

iRobot can set multiple runs per day but with a minimum gap of three hours between runs.

So technically, you can set up up to six automations per day.

13. History

Finally, for this section there is the History tab, which displays previous cleaning cycles.

Roomba’s cleaning history tab.

Shark’s copy of the History tab.

It acts as an odometer and lets users know how much they use their bots.

Air Flow Comparison

Strength is a critical consideration in choosing a robot vacuum. Unfortunately, manufacturers don’t disclose global power numbers, but they don’t, so that’s what it is.

I use an anemometer to measure airflow or the amount of air flowing through the main brush to get around this problem.

Here are the results of the three bots.

The Roomba S9+ Has the highest airflow Of the three with up to 25 CFM – an important factor behind it also getting the most.

Next in line is the Shark IQ with up to 18.87 CFM, and the Roomba I7 has the lowest airflow at 8.2 CFM.

cleaning comparison

Next, we’ll look at the cleaning results as I tested each on debris like Quaker oats, coffee grounds, quinoa, pet litter, hair, and sand.

It is not surprising that Roomba S9+ Picked up the most across the board and the best in both surface and inline dirt.

The Roomba I7 took second place overall, and was slightly worse in hardwood flooring results despite having the least airflow.

What is the best robot for hard floors?

Once again, the Roomba S9+ is the best of the bunch, with nearly perfect scores on this surface.

It outperformed the sand in the hard floor test by 100%, and the eye test confirms this result as there was no residue on the brush assembly.

The Roomba I7 is the next best choice based on the tests, and the Shark IQ was the worst, but the difference is not much.

The Shark IQ performed the worst in the sand test on hard floors.

The scale I use for these robots is sand testing because it is one of the hardest debris to pick up.

If the robot works well on it, most likely, it will not have any problems with other types of dirt.

Edge cleaning

Once again, the Roomba S9+ is the clear winner here, Thanks 9″ wide Cleaning path and square front.

I caught the most wrecks in the fewest number of passes. High airflow, excellent agitation, and wide hoods are the reasons why it performs so well.

The next best option is Roomba I7 or I6, but it left significantly more debris.

Finally, the Shark IQ is the worst, with the slow-spin brushing not having enough force to direct debris toward the master cylinder.

Hair wrap comparison

The Roomba I7 and Shark IQ I achieved the best results with short 5″ strands, at 100% and 99%, respectively.

Here’s how much the Roomba I7 (actually I6) captured after a 5-inch test.

The Shark IQ performed slightly worse with just a few strands on the brush.

However, the Roomba S9+, thanks to his wide rollers, he was the best, Capture 82% of Seven Inch Filaments.

I’ve been expecting more from Shark IQ since then Brush roller similar to Vertex cordless machine (Both have combs above the brush to detangle hair.)

But the brush roller doesn’t spin as hard as its stick-vacuum counterpart, so it gets stuck when you wind longer strands on it.

What is the best robot on the carpet?

Once again, the Roomba S9+ is the clear winner here – both on the surface and inline dirt. easily picked up Most sand included at 93% – Currently tops all robotic vacuum cleaners I’ve tested.

This is not a surprise because it has the most airflow, the widest brush and excellent agitation.

The next best option on the rug is the Roomba I7. Although it doesn’t match the S9’s airflow, it does have a dirt-detection feature where the robot makes additional passes over the most polluted areas.

This feature is not available on other brands like Shark because it is iRobot patented.

Shark is the worst of the three on the surface and deep cleaning but still decent compared to other non-Roomba brands.

Runtime comparison

Both Roomba products have the extension Same run time at 75 minutes. S9 has Bigger 3300 mAh batterywhich is necessary because it uses a larger engine.

shark has Minimum rated run time at 60 minutes Its battery is 2990 mAh.

However, uptime should not be a concern for these bots because they all recharge and resume.

This means that if the battery is low, these bots will recharge and then continue cleaning where they left off earlier.

Uptime will be an issue for people who live in large homes. If this is a concern, you will have to choose brands like Roborock or Dream who – which Using large 5200 mAh lithium-ion batteries.

noise comparison

One downside with higher airflow is noise, which is the case for Roomba S9It topped the list with 74.1 decibels.

Despite doubling the power output, the Shark IQ is the least noisy of the bunch, maxing out at 64.8 dB – slightly higher than the Roomba I7+ (64.5 dB).

maintenance

Maintenance is a critical component of vacuum robot ownership. More than just a vacuum cleaner because robots are tiny machines that rely on an array of sensors to run at their peak.

I will share with you the parts that need to be checked, cleaned and replaced below to maximize the life cycle of these machines.

Since you will be spending hundreds on these bots, it makes sense to keep them running for as long as possible.

1. Basic brush: This is the most misused component of any robotic vacuum. It is responsible for capturing debris and it will build up over time. Check and clean once a week to remove any wrapped hair (or dirt) on the roller and hubs.
2. Side brush: The next most battered part is the side brush. Like the primary roller, it rotates constantly to direct dirt toward the inlet. Hair tends to stick to the arms of a multipronged brush. There is also a buildup on the base. Again, check at least once a week to remove buildup and prevent unnecessary friction.
3. Dustbin and filter: The self-discharging feature of these bots means that you don’t need to do the job manually. But dirt builds up over time, and manual cleaning is a must. Fortunately, the three litter boxes are washable, which makes the task simpler. However, the filters are not, so replace them every two or three months.
4. Automatic empty dock: The task is even more straightforward for Roomba products – empty the bag when full and replace it. The Shark system is bagless, so you’ll have to empty its contents into a spacious trash can and wash the primary filter if it gets dirty. There is also a secondary filter underneath that you will need to replace annually. Finally, keep the ports clear of any obstructions.
5. fall sensors: Scan these sensors at least once a month to prevent an error code from launching and interfering with the bot.
6. robot body: Use a clean microfiber towel to wipe the entire body of the robot to clean any fingerprints and dust stuck to the surface.

Availability of spare parts

Shark and iRobot are two more popular brands of robot vacuum cleaner, and availability of parts will not be an issue.

Roomba has a wider range of options, at least for the I7 since it shares components like the I6 and I3.

You can buy aftermarket or OEM parts from online stores like Amazon and eBay.

Product Spec.

Model	Shark IQ	Roomba I7+	Roomba S9+
Width	12.8″	13.34″	12.25″
Height	3..5″	3.63″	3.5″
Filter	High Efficiency	High Efficiency	High Efficiency
Navigation	Smart Navigation	Smart Navigation	Smart Navigation
Run time	60 mins.	75 mins.	75 mins.
Recharge and Resume	Yes	Yes	Yes
Map Saving	Yes	Yes	Yes
Number of Maps	1	10	10
Dustbin capacity	400 ml	400 ml	500 ml
Auto-empty capacity	1.8-liters	2.5-liters	2.5-liters
Base station type	Vertical port	Ramp-style	Ramp-style
Water tank capacity	N/A	N/A	N/A
Airflow	18.87 CFM	8.2 CFM	25 CFM (Max)
Warranty	1-year limited	1-year limited	1-year limited
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

Where can I buy these bots?

You can get these bots from online stores like Amazon. Check out the links below for the latest pricing information.

• Roomba S9+

BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

• Roomba i7 +

BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

• Shark IQ

BUY NOW FROM AMAZON

Disclaimer: I’ll earn a commission if you buy through any of the links above, but at no additional cost to you, so it’s a win for us!

What is the better option, Shark IQ, Roomba I7 + or Roomba S9+?

Choosing the best option for your needs will boil down to your preferences and budget.

People who don’t mind spending close to $1000 should look at Roomba S9+. It’s the best performing Roomba product to date.

Yes, this variant has issues, especially with its runtime and some shortcomings in its navigation, but it makes up for that by capturing most of the debris per pass.

Consider if you need something capable of cleaning hard floors and carpets well.

The Roomba I7 is a good mid-range option. Not as expensive as the S9+ without sacrificing a lot of features and cleaning performance. It won’t be a vacuum cleaner like the S9, but it’s not that expensive.

Shark is the least expensive option, but with decent enough cleaning performance for the price. The latest version has an optical sensor.

Creating maps should not be a problem if you follow the proper procedures.

4 reasons to choose Roomba S9+

1. Best cleaning performance: The S9+ is by far the best robot vacuum cleaner I’ve tested.
2. Excellent at cleaning edges: Changing to a square front allows the S9 to be better at cleaning edges and corners.
3. Captures the most built-in dirt: It picked up 93% of the built-in sand in our deep cleaning test – the best result so far compared to other brands.
4. Wide cleaning path: The S9’s wide nozzle makes the cleaning robot the most efficient in every stroke.

3 reasons to choose Roomba I7 +

1. Cheaper than S9+: If the S9+ is too expensive, take a closer look at the I7+.
2. Above average in deep cleaning: Not as good as the S9+, but the I7+ got 82.5%
3. More efficient navigation: It was better than the S9 in the proficiency test, finishing 4 minutes faster (28 minutes vs 32 minutes).

4 reasons to choose Shark IQ

1. Less expensive alternative: Shark IQ is the cheapest of the three options.
2. No need to buy bags: It uses a bagless system, so there is no need to constantly buy replacement bags.
3. Not noisy even at maximum power: Shark did an excellent job at damping out the noise, keeping it below 65dB at the maximum setting.
4. Compact base station: The compact base station is the easiest of the three to move around the house with the handle.

Verdict: Which is better, shark or rumba?

Tests reveal that Shark IQ is a suitable alternative to Roomba I7 and S9. It won’t clean like the S9, but the difference between the I7 is minimal.

The second generation IQ addressed map creation issues by adding an optical sensor.

So this should not be a decisive factor.

Although the bagless system saves money, it exposes consumers to dust and can be prone to spills if you’re not careful.

The last drawback is that it only saves one map, which negates the purpose of the built-in base station. Hope Shark addresses this in future updates.

Both Roomba options are still better, considering cleaning performance, inclusion, and navigation, but at the cost of a higher cost.

I like the bagged automatic vacuum system because it simplifies the process of getting rid of dirt and eliminates exposure to allergens.