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iRobot vs Shark
Too close to call: it comes down to the model.
The verdict in 10 seconds
Best iRobot
iRobot Roomba j7+Smart, pet-safe robot that dodges clutter, but long-term reliability is mixedSuits you if
- You have pets and worry about the robot running into an accident
- Your floors often have cords, socks or toys lying around
- You want a robot that empties itself and runs on a schedule with little hands-on care
Best Shark
Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch ProExcellent hands-free mopper held back by a bare-bones appSuits you if
- Your home mixes hard floors, rugs and carpet
- You want the robot to clean its own mop and empty itself with little upkeep
- You'd rather set it and forget it than tweak settings
Which brand wins?
Brand for brand, iRobot and Shark are closely matched. The best single model of the two is the iRobot Roomba j7+, which suits you if you have pets and worry about the robot running into an accident.
We researched 23 expert reviews, analyzed 15,322 owner ratings and comments across 17 sources for every iRobot and Shark model we cover, and cross-checked them into one verdict, so you don't have to.
Show me the receipts
Brand scoreboardAverage score 69 vs 66 · reliability 56 vs 60
| iRobot | Shark | |
|---|---|---|
| Product Review score | 69 | 66 |
| Experts | 84 | 75 |
| Owners | 60 | 60 |
| Reliability | 56 | 60 |
| Models scored | 1 | 2 |
| Most reliable model | iRobot Roomba j7+ | Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro |
Averages across scored models. ● marks the better number on each row.
Questions people actually ask
Which is better, iRobot or Shark?
Neither, clearly. Choose the model, not the brand.
Based on: Average Product Review score 69 for iRobot vs 66 for Shark.Which brand is more reliable, iRobot or Shark?
Shark. Its models are less likely to give you trouble.
Based on: Average reliability 56 vs 60.What is the best iRobot robot vacuum?
The iRobot Roomba j7+. It suits you if you have pets and worry about the robot running into an accident.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among iRobot models (69).What is the best Shark robot vacuum?
The Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro. It suits you if your home mixes hard floors, rugs and carpet.
Based on: Highest Product Review score among Shark models (67).