Roomba vs. Shark: Which Robot Vacuum Cleans Better?

16 August 2025

Keeping your home clean used to mean lugging around a heavy vacuum cleaner, but thanks to robot vacuums, those days are fading fast. Among the top contenders in the robotic cleaning game are Roomba (by iRobot) and Shark. But when it comes to Roomba vs. Shark, which robot vacuum is actually better? If you're trying to decide between these two brands, you're in the right place.

Let's break it down and see which one deserves a spot in your home.

1. Roomba vs. Shark: An Overview

Before diving into the nitty-gritty details, let's introduce the competitors.

Roomba: The Industry Pioneer

iRobot’s Roomba has been a game-changer since it first hit the market. With years of innovation, Roomba vacuums are known for their top-tier navigation systems, self-emptying features, and smart home integration. They're often favored for their reliability and efficiency.

Shark: The Budget-Friendly Contender

Shark, primarily known for its upright vacuums, entered the robot vacuum market later. However, it quickly became a fierce competitor, offering feature-rich vacuums at a lower price point than Roomba. Shark robots often boast strong suction power and decent navigation, making them a solid alternative.

Now that you know a little about both brands, let’s compare them in detail.

2. Cleaning Performance: Who Picks Up More Dirt?

At the end of the day, a vacuum’s main job is to clean. So which one does it better?

Suction Power

Shark robot vacuums tend to have powerful suction, often surpassing many Roomba models in sheer force. If your home has deep carpets or tends to collect a lot of pet hair, this might be a crucial factor.

Roomba, on the other hand, may not always boast the highest suction power, but it makes up for it with advanced cleaning technology, such as multi-stage cleaning and rubber brush rolls that prevent tangling.

Winner: If you want raw suction power, Shark takes the edge. But for overall smarter cleaning, Roomba holds strong.

Navigation & Mapping

If you've ever owned a robot vacuum before, you know that clumsy navigation can lead to a frustrating mess.

- Roomba’s navigation system uses advanced LiDAR or vSLAM technology, allowing it to map rooms accurately. Higher-end Roomba models create detailed maps of your home and clean systematically, ensuring no spots are missed.
- Shark’s navigation, while decent, isn’t quite as advanced. Some models use random bounce navigation, meaning they move unpredictably, which can lead to uneven cleaning. However, higher-end Shark models have improved mapping abilities.

Winner: Roomba. Its mapping and navigation lead to a more efficient and thorough cleaning experience.

Edge Cleaning & Corners

Robot vacuums often struggle with cleaning along walls and in corners.

Roomba’s rubber brush system helps to pull dirt from edges better than many other brands. Shark, however, has strong suction and a self-cleaning brush roll that prevents hair wrap, which is ideal for pet owners.

Winner: It’s a tie. Roomba has better edge-cleaning brushes, but Shark's powerful suction helps compensate.

3. Smart Features & App Control

In the modern smart home, app control and automation play a crucial role.

- Roomba’s app is highly advanced, offering room-specific cleaning, no-go zones, and scheduling. Higher-end Roombas also feature voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant.
- Shark’s app is functional but not as refined. While it does allow mapping, scheduling, and voice control, it’s not as detailed or intuitive as Roomba’s system.

Winner: Roomba. If you love customizing your cleaning routine, Roomba’s app is the clear choice.

4. Battery Life & Charging Efficiency

A longer battery life means fewer disruptions during cleaning.

- Roomba models generally have strong battery performance, lasting up to 120 minutes on a single charge. Plus, newer models automatically return to their dock, recharge, and resume cleaning where they left off.
- Shark models tend to have slightly shorter battery life, averaging around 90 minutes. However, they also have the recharge-and-resume feature in their higher-end models.

Winner: Roomba. Longer battery life and a more efficient recharging system make it the better choice for larger homes.

5. Maintenance & Durability: Which One Lasts Longer?

A good robot vacuum should last you several years, but which one holds up better?

- Roomba vacuums are known for their durability. Their rubber brushes are easy to clean, and high-end models feature self-emptying bins, reducing maintenance.
- Shark vacuums also have solid durability, but their brush rolls may require more frequent cleaning, especially if you have pets.

Winner: Roomba wins here due to its extended longevity and lower maintenance requirements.

6. Price & Value for Money

Budget plays a big role in choosing a robot vacuum.

- Roomba vacuums, especially the higher-end models, are more expensive. But with the price comes premium features like smarter navigation, self-emptying docks, and detailed mapping.
- Shark models are generally more affordable while still offering strong suction and decent automation.

Winner: If you’re on a tight budget, Shark is the better value. But if you’re looking for premium features and long-term reliability, Roomba is worth the investment.

7. Which One Is Best for Pet Owners?

If your home is covered in pet hair, the right robot vacuum is crucial.

- Roomba models (especially the "i" and "j" series) feature tangle-free rubber brush rolls, making them excellent for pet hair. The self-emptying feature further helps those with allergy concerns.
- Shark vacuums have powerful suction and a self-cleaning brush roll, which prevents hair from getting tangled.

Winner: It depends on your needs—Shark is excellent for raw suction, but Roomba’s brush design and self-emptying feature make it a more convenient option.

8. Noise Levels: Which Vacuum Is Quieter?

If you’re sensitive to noise, this is something to consider.

- Roomba vacuums are relatively quiet, but their high-end models can be a bit louder due to the advanced suction and cleaning power.
- Shark vacuums tend to be louder on average, especially when running at max suction power.

Winner: Roomba. It’s generally quieter, making it a more peaceful cleaning experience.

Final Verdict: Roomba or Shark?

So, which robot vacuum cleans better? It depends on what you're looking for!

- Go for Roomba if you want superior navigation, smarter features, longer battery life, and an overall more efficient cleaning experience.
- Choose Shark if you need powerful suction, a more budget-friendly option, and good pet hair pickup.

At the end of the day, both brands offer solid options, but if you want the best of the best and don’t mind spending a little extra, Roomba takes the crown. If you're looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option, Shark won't disappoint.

Which One Will You Choose?

Now that you know the pros and cons of Roomba vs. Shark, which one best fits your home? Let us know in the comments!