Shark IQ Robot vs Roomba i4: Which Robot Vacuum Is Right for You?

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Written by: Ryan Sneltzer
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When it comes to robot vacuums, the two biggest names in the game are iRobot’s Roomba and Shark’s IQ Robot. But with so many models to choose from, it can be tough to determine which is the best for your needs. In this head-to-head comparison, we’re going to take a closer look at the Roomba i4 vs Shark IQ Robot to help you make an informed buying decision.

Shark IQ Robot Vacuum
Pros:
  • Efficient cleaning
  • Can handle pet hair
  • Large dustbin capacity
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • May require manual intervention
  • Limited smart home integration
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Cleaning Power

Both the Roomba i4 and Shark IQ Robot are evenly matched when it comes to cleaning power, with powerful suction designed to pick up everything from dust and pet hair to larger debris like crumbs and cereal. However, the Shark IQ Robot comes out ahead with its self-cleaning brushroll, which helps to prevent hair wrap and keeps the vacuum running at peak performance for longer.

Battery Duration: 

In terms of battery life, the Shark IQ Robot has a slight advantage with a runtime of up to 120 minutes on a single charge, compared to the Roomba i4’s 90 minutes.

Navigation and Mapping

The Roomba i4 uses iRobot’s proprietary iAdapt Navigation technology to navigate your home, while the Shark IQ Robot uses Shark’s IQ Navigation. Both systems are designed to help the vacuum navigate around obstacles and clean efficiently, but the Shark IQ Robot takes things a step further with its advanced mapping capabilities. The Shark IQ Robot can create a map of your home and use it to clean more efficiently, avoiding areas it’s already cleaned and remembering where furniture and other obstacles are.

Features and Accessories:

The Roomba i4 comes with a virtual wall barrier, which lets you create a barrier to keep the vacuum out of certain areas. The Shark IQ Robot, on the other hand, comes with a self-emptying base that can hold up to 30 days’ worth of dirt and debris. The SharkClean app is also a standout feature of the Shark IQ Robot, allowing you to control the vacuum remotely, create custom cleaning schedules, and even receive notifications when the vacuum has finished cleaning.

Price and Value:

When it comes to price, the Roomba i4 is slightly more affordable than the Shark IQ Robot. However, when you take into account the fact that the Shark IQ Robot comes with a self-emptying base and advanced mapping capabilities, it’s arguably the better value for your money.

Warranty and Coverage:

Both the Roomba i4 and Shark IQ Robot come with a one-year limited warranty, which covers defects in materials and workmanship. However, the Shark IQ Robot also comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee, which gives you the peace of mind to try it out and return it if it doesn’t meet your expectations.

FeatureiRobot Roomba i4Shark IQ Robot
Cleaning PowerEvenly matchedSelf-cleaning brush roll
Battery DurationUp to 90 minutesUp to 120 minutes
Navigation and MappingiAdapt NavigationIQ Navigation; Advanced Mapping
Features and AccessoriesVirtual Wall BarrierSelf-emptying base; SharkClean App
Price and ValueSlightly more affordableBetter value for money
Warranty and Coverage1-year limited warranty1-year limited warranty

Shark IQ Robot Vacuum
Pros:
  • Efficient cleaning
  • Can handle pet hair
  • Large dustbin capacity
Cons:
  • Expensive
  • May require manual intervention
  • Limited smart home integration
Check Today's Price
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The Clear Winner: Shark IQ Robot

Overall, the Shark IQ Robot is the clear winner in this head-to-head comparison of the Roomba i4 vs Shark IQ Robot. While the Roomba i4 is a solid robot vacuum in its own right, the Shark IQ Robot’s advanced mapping capabilities, self-cleaning brushroll, and self-emptying base make it a more convenient and efficient choice for most users. And with a slightly longer battery life and better value for your money, the Shark IQ Robot

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Ryan Sneltzer