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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 6, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerShark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty vs iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop
The Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty is the smarter buy for most people—its 120-minute runtime crushes the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+, which only lasts 90 minutes. Plus, it features a bagless HEPA self-empty base that holds debris for 60 days, making maintenance a breeze. In real-world use, the Shark's Matrix Clean Navigation allows for more efficient cleaning coverage compared to the Roomba's gyro-based navigation. If you value hands-free cleaning and allergy filtration, the Shark AI Ultra is worth the investment, especially in 2026 when keeping your home clean is a top priority.
⚖️ Weight: 104.48 oz vs 112.17 oz🔋 Runtime: 120 min vs 90 min🗑️ Dustbin: 0.08 gal vs 0.10 gal
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Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
★4.1
(7,858)•Amazon
Navigation:Matrix Clean Navigation (LIDAR) with 360° vision; cleans in a precision grid (matrix) pattern.
Mapping:Yes (Precision Home Mapping via SharkClean app; supports room selection and No-Go Zones).
Obstacle Avoidance:LiDAR-based object detection (avoids walls/furniture, but lacks active camera/AI small object recognition).
Suction Pa:Not specified (Features UltraClean Mode™ for deep cleaning).
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iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop
★3.9
(2,363)•Amazon
Navigation:Gyro-based Navigation with Floor Tracking Sensors (Cleans in neat, efficient rows).
Mapping:Imprint® Smart Mapping (Learns floor plan, allows Room-Specific cleaning; Note: Does NOT support Keep Out Zones or No-Go Zones).
Obstacle Avoidance:Standard sensor-based avoidance (Bumper, Wall, and Cliff sensors; No AI object recognition for cords/waste).
Suction Pa:Not published (Rated 10x Power-Lifting Suction vs. Roomba 600 Series).
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
Lithium-ion (Capacity not specified)
iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop
Lithium-ion (Approx. 1800-2210 mAh)
Design1 specs
Dimensions
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
12.9" (L) x 12.6" (W) x 3.5" (H)
iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop
13.40" (L) x 13.47" (W) x 3.60" (H)
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty vs iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
★4.1(7,858)Amazon
iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop
★3.9(2,363)Amazon
| Criterion | Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty | iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.1(7,858)Amazon | ★3.9(2,363)Amazon |
Navigation | Matrix Clean Navigation (LIDAR) with 360° vision; cleans in a precision grid (matrix) pattern. | Gyro-based Navigation with Floor Tracking Sensors (Cleans in neat, efficient rows). |
Mapping | Yes (Precision Home Mapping via SharkClean app; supports room selection and No-Go Zones). | Imprint® Smart Mapping (Learns floor plan, allows Room-Specific cleaning; Note: Does NOT support Keep Out Zones or No-Go Zones). |
Obstacle Avoidance | LiDAR-based object detection (avoids walls/furniture, but lacks active camera/AI small object recognition). | Standard sensor-based avoidance (Bumper, Wall, and Cliff sensors; No AI object recognition for cords/waste). |
Suction Pa | Not specified (Features UltraClean Mode™ for deep cleaning). | Not published (Rated 10x Power-Lifting Suction vs. Roomba 600 Series). |
Brush System | Self-Cleaning Brushroll (PowerFins) designed to prevent hair wrap + dual spinning side brushes. | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes (Patented design adjusts to floor type and resists hair tangles) + Edge-Sweeping Brush. |
Mopping | No | Interchangeable Roomba Combo® Bin (Passive gravity-fed wicking system; requires manual bin swap to switch modes). |
Mop Lift | N/A (No mopping) | No (Mop pad stays in contact with floor; must manually skip carpeted rooms in app when Mopping Bin is installed). |
Carpet Boost | No automatic suction boost (Manual 'UltraClean Mode' increases coverage and intensity). | No |
Battery | Lithium-ion (Capacity not specified) | Lithium-ion (Approx. 1800-2210 mAh) |
Runtime | Up to 120 min (in Eco/Standard mode) | Up to 90 min (Supports Recharge and Resume to finish the job). |
Charging Time | 6 hours | Approx. 3 hours |
Dustbin | Robot: approx. 0.08 gal; Base: 60-day capacity (Bagless HEPA bin). | 0.10 gal (360 mL) with Vacuum Bin / 0.07 gal (276 mL) with Combo Bin. |
Water Tank | N/A (No mopping) | 0.05 gal (210 mL) — Integrated into Combo Bin |
Auto Empty | Yes (Bagless HEPA Self-Empty Base; holds up to 60 days). | Yes (Clean Base® holds up to 60 days of debris; Note: Auto-empty works ONLY with Vacuum Bin, not Combo Bin). |
Dock Type | XL HEPA Self-Empty Base (Bagless) | Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal (12.2" W x 15.8" D x 13.3" H). |
Mop Wash | N/A (No mopping) | No |
Mop Dry | N/A (No mopping) | No |
Filtration | True HEPA filtration (in Base only) captures 99.97% of dust/allergens; Standard filter in robot. | High-Efficiency Filter (Captures 99% of cat and dog allergens) |
Noise Level | Approx. 70 dB | Approx. 68-70 dB |
App Features | SharkClean App: Schedule, Select Rooms, No-Go Zones, UltraClean Mode™, Report, Recharge & Resume. | iRobot Home App (Clean by Room, Schedules, Favorites, Seasonal Recommendations). |
Voice Assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri. |
Multi Floor | Yes (Supports storage of up to 3 floor maps). | Yes (Stores one Smart Map for room cleaning). |
Threshold Climb | 0.75" (approx. 2 cm) | 0.63" (1.6 cm) |
Height | 3.5" | 3.60" (92 mm) |
Dimensions | 12.9" (L) x 12.6" (W) x 3.5" (H) | 13.40" (L) x 13.47" (W) x 3.60" (H) |
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Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
Rating:★4.1(7,858)Amazon
Navigation:Matrix Clean Navigation (LIDAR) with 360° vision; cleans in a precision grid (matrix) pattern.
Mapping:Yes (Precision Home Mapping via SharkClean app; supports room selection and No-Go Zones).
Obstacle Avoidance:LiDAR-based object detection (avoids walls/furniture, but lacks active camera/AI small object recognition).
Suction Pa:Not specified (Features UltraClean Mode™ for deep cleaning).
Brush System:Self-Cleaning Brushroll (PowerFins) designed to prevent hair wrap + dual spinning side brushes.
Mopping:No
Mop Lift:N/A (No mopping)
Carpet Boost:No automatic suction boost (Manual 'UltraClean Mode' increases coverage and intensity).
Battery:Lithium-ion (Capacity not specified)
Runtime:Up to 120 min (in Eco/Standard mode)
Charging Time:6 hours
Dustbin:Robot: approx. 0.08 gal; Base: 60-day capacity (Bagless HEPA bin).
Water Tank:N/A (No mopping)
Auto Empty:Yes (Bagless HEPA Self-Empty Base; holds up to 60 days).
Dock Type:XL HEPA Self-Empty Base (Bagless)
Mop Wash:N/A (No mopping)
Mop Dry:N/A (No mopping)
Filtration:True HEPA filtration (in Base only) captures 99.97% of dust/allergens; Standard filter in robot.
Noise Level:Approx. 70 dB
App Features:SharkClean App: Schedule, Select Rooms, No-Go Zones, UltraClean Mode™, Report, Recharge & Resume.
Voice Assistants:Alexa, Google Assistant
Multi Floor:Yes (Supports storage of up to 3 floor maps).
Threshold Climb:0.75" (approx. 2 cm)
Height:3.5"
Dimensions:12.9" (L) x 12.6" (W) x 3.5" (H)
✓ Pros:
- • Bagless Self-Empty Base reduces recurring cost of disposal bags
- • True HEPA filtration in the dock is excellent for allergy sufferers
- • Matrix Clean Navigation provides better coverage than standard row-cleaning
- • LiDAR mapping allows for quick map generation and accurate room selection
✗ Cons:
- • No mopping capability
- • Lacks advanced AI camera for avoiding small objects (cables, pet waste)
- • Suction power (Pa) is not publicly specified by manufacturer
- • Bagless base requires messy filter cleaning/washing unlike sealed bag systems
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop
Rating:★3.9(2,363)Amazon
Navigation:Gyro-based Navigation with Floor Tracking Sensors (Cleans in neat, efficient rows).
Mapping:Imprint® Smart Mapping (Learns floor plan, allows Room-Specific cleaning; Note: Does NOT support Keep Out Zones or No-Go Zones).
Obstacle Avoidance:Standard sensor-based avoidance (Bumper, Wall, and Cliff sensors; No AI object recognition for cords/waste).
Suction Pa:Not published (Rated 10x Power-Lifting Suction vs. Roomba 600 Series).
Brush System:Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes (Patented design adjusts to floor type and resists hair tangles) + Edge-Sweeping Brush.
Mopping:Interchangeable Roomba Combo® Bin (Passive gravity-fed wicking system; requires manual bin swap to switch modes).
Mop Lift:No (Mop pad stays in contact with floor; must manually skip carpeted rooms in app when Mopping Bin is installed).
Carpet Boost:No
Battery:Lithium-ion (Approx. 1800-2210 mAh)
Runtime:Up to 90 min (Supports Recharge and Resume to finish the job).
Charging Time:Approx. 3 hours
Dustbin:0.10 gal (360 mL) with Vacuum Bin / 0.07 gal (276 mL) with Combo Bin.
Water Tank:0.05 gal (210 mL) — Integrated into Combo Bin
Auto Empty:Yes (Clean Base® holds up to 60 days of debris; Note: Auto-empty works ONLY with Vacuum Bin, not Combo Bin).
Dock Type:Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal (12.2" W x 15.8" D x 13.3" H).
Mop Wash:No
Mop Dry:No
Filtration:High-Efficiency Filter (Captures 99% of cat and dog allergens)
Noise Level:Approx. 68-70 dB
App Features:iRobot Home App (Clean by Room, Schedules, Favorites, Seasonal Recommendations).
Voice Assistants:Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri.
Multi Floor:Yes (Stores one Smart Map for room cleaning).
Threshold Climb:0.63" (1.6 cm)
Height:3.60" (92 mm)
Dimensions:13.40" (L) x 13.47" (W) x 3.60" (H)
✓ Pros:
- • Clean Base® provides weeks of hands-free vacuum maintenance
- • Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes are industry-leading for hair and carpet agitation
- • Imprint® Smart Mapping allows you to command the robot to clean specific rooms (e.g., 'Clean the Kitchen')
- • Interchangeable bin system ensures the robot is lighter and has a larger dustbin when just vacuuming
✗ Cons:
- • Must manually swap the dustbin to switch between vacuuming and mopping modes
- • No Keep-Out Zones or No-Go Zones supported (unlike j7/j9 series)
- • Auto-empty does not function when the Mopping Bin is installed
- • Navigation is less efficient and prone to bumping compared to camera/LiDAR-based models
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
The Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty is the better buy for most people - its 120-minute runtime crushes the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+'s 90 minutes. That said, grab the iRobot if you need the mopping functionality, even if it requires a manual bin swap.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty if: you want up to 120 minutes of runtime, prefer a bagless self-emptying base, or have allergies needing HEPA filtration.
Choose the iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop if: you need a vacuum and mop combo, prefer manual control for mopping, or want a slightly larger dustbin. (112.17 oz weight)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty excels if you value bagless self-empty base reduces recurring cost of disposal bags. iRobot Roomba Combo i5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop is better if you prioritize clean base® provides weeks of hands-free vacuum maintenance. Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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