Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty vs iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop
The Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty is the smarter buy for cleaning enthusiasts, especially if you prioritize allergen filtration. It features a True HEPA filtration system that captures 99.97% of dust and allergens, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. In contrast, while the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill offers mopping functionality, it lags behind in navigation speed and requires manual mop maintenance, which can be a hassle. In real-world testing, the Shark's bagless self-empty base holds up to 60 days of debris, while the iRobot's dock refills water for mopping but doesn't clean its mop pad. If you're looking for a device that minimizes upkeep, the Shark AI Ultra is definitely worth considering, especially if you have pets or allergies to manage in your home. Key specs: Weight: 104.48 oz vs 143.92 oz and Mopping: No vs Yes (iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ has mopping capability).
Why compare these? Both the Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty and iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop are mid-range robot vacuums competing in the same market segment. This makes them direct rivals for buyers looking for mid-range features and performance in 2026. Understanding their differences helps you choose the right one for your specific needs.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Shark AI | iRobot Roomba |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.1★ (7,858 reviews) | 3.5★ (1,196 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Bagless Self-Empty Base reduces recurring cost of disposal bags | Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock automates both dust emptying and water refilling |
| Main Drawback | No mopping capability | Dock does not wash or dry the mop pad (requires manual maintenance) |
| Market Position | Mid-range | Mid-range |
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
Matrix Clean Navigation (LIDAR) with 360° vision; cleans in a precision grid (matrix) pattern.
Yes (Precision Home Mapping via SharkClean app; supports room selection and No-Go Zones).
LiDAR-based object detection (avoids walls/furniture, but lacks active camera/AI small object recognition).
Not specified (Features UltraClean Mode™ for deep cleaning).
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop
PrecisionVision Navigation (Camera-based VSLAM with object recognition and avoidance).
Imprint Smart Mapping (Stores up to 10 maps, room segmentation, room naming, and Keep Out Zones).
PrecisionVision with AI (Identifies and avoids cords, pet waste, shoes, socks, and seasonal items).
Not published (Rated 100% stronger suction vs. Roomba i-Series / 2x Power-Lifting Suction).
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+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 j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop
| Criterion | Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty | iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.1(7,858)Amazon | ★3.5(1,196)Amazon |
Navigation | Matrix Clean Navigation (LIDAR) with 360° vision; cleans in a precision grid (matrix) pattern. | PrecisionVision Navigation (Camera-based VSLAM with object recognition and avoidance). |
Mapping | Yes (Precision Home Mapping via SharkClean app; supports room selection and No-Go Zones). | Imprint Smart Mapping (Stores up to 10 maps, room segmentation, room naming, and Keep Out Zones). |
Obstacle Avoidance | LiDAR-based object detection (avoids walls/furniture, but lacks active camera/AI small object recognition). | PrecisionVision with AI (Identifies and avoids cords, pet waste, shoes, socks, and seasonal items). |
Suction Pa | Not specified (Features UltraClean Mode™ for deep cleaning). | Not published (Rated 100% stronger suction vs. Roomba i-Series / 2x Power-Lifting Suction). |
Brush System | Self-Cleaning Brushroll (PowerFins) designed to prevent hair wrap + dual spinning side brushes. | Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes (Resistant to hair tangles) + Edge-Sweeping Brush. |
Mopping | No | SmartScrub System (Back-and-forth scrubbing motion with consistent pressure). |
Mop Lift | N/A (No mopping) | Auto-Retract Mopping System (Lifts mop pad to the top of the robot to keep carpets completely dry). |
Carpet Boost | No automatic suction boost (Manual 'UltraClean Mode' increases coverage and intensity). | Yes (Carpet Boost automatically increases suction on carpets). |
Battery | Lithium-ion (Capacity not specified) | 14.4V / 4460 mAh Lithium-ion |
Runtime | Up to 120 min (in Eco/Standard mode) | Up to 120 min (Recharge and Resume supported) |
Charging Time | 6 hours | Approx. 3 hours |
Dustbin | Robot: approx. 0.08 gal; Base: 60-day capacity (Bagless HEPA bin). | 0.08 gal (313 mL) — Internal bin |
Water Tank | N/A (No mopping) | 0.05 gal (210 mL) — Internal tank (Auto-refilled by dock) |
Auto Empty | Yes (Bagless HEPA Self-Empty Base; holds up to 60 days). | Yes |
Dock Type | XL HEPA Self-Empty Base (Bagless) | Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock (Empties debris for up to 60 days, refills water for up to 30 days; 15.8" W x 16.4" D x 16.3" H). |
Mop Wash | N/A (No mopping) | No (Pad requires manual washing) |
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 dB |
App Features | SharkClean App: Schedule, Select Rooms, No-Go Zones, UltraClean Mode™, Report, Recharge & Resume. | iRobot Home App (Dirt Detective prioritizes dirty rooms, Clean While I'm Away, SmartScrub settings, Pet Owner Official Promise). |
Voice Assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Siri. |
Multi Floor | Yes (Supports storage of up to 3 floor maps). | Yes (Imprint Smart Mapping stores multiple floor plans). |
Threshold Climb | 0.75" (approx. 2 cm) | 0.6" (1.6 cm) — Reduced slightly due to mopping mechanism |
Height | 3.5" | 3.40" (87 mm) |
Dimensions | 12.9" (L) x 12.6" (W) x 3.5" (H) | 13.70" (L) x 13.70" (W) x 3.40" (H) |
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Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
Matrix Clean Navigation (LIDAR) with 360° vision; cleans in a precision grid (matrix) pattern.
Yes (Precision Home Mapping via SharkClean app; supports room selection and No-Go Zones).
LiDAR-based object detection (avoids walls/furniture, but lacks active camera/AI small object recognition).
Not specified (Features UltraClean Mode™ for deep cleaning).
Self-Cleaning Brushroll (PowerFins) designed to prevent hair wrap + dual spinning side brushes.
No
Pros
- Bagless Self-Empty Base reduces recurring cost of disposal bags
- True HEPA filtration in the dock is excellent for allergy sufferers
Cons
- No mopping capability
- Lacks advanced AI camera for avoiding small objects (cables, pet waste)
iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop
PrecisionVision Navigation (Camera-based VSLAM with object recognition and avoidance).
Imprint Smart Mapping (Stores up to 10 maps, room segmentation, room naming, and Keep Out Zones).
PrecisionVision with AI (Identifies and avoids cords, pet waste, shoes, socks, and seasonal items).
Not published (Rated 100% stronger suction vs. Roomba i-Series / 2x Power-Lifting Suction).
Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes (Resistant to hair tangles) + Edge-Sweeping Brush.
SmartScrub System (Back-and-forth scrubbing motion with consistent pressure).
Pros
- Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock automates both dust emptying and water refilling
- Auto-Retract Mopping System is the industry standard for keeping high-pile carpets dry
Cons
- Dock does not wash or dry the mop pad (requires manual maintenance)
- Navigation and mapping are slower than LiDAR-based competitors
Which one is better?
The Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty is the better buy for most people - its True HEPA filtration crushes the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill’s cleaning efficiency. That said, grab the iRobot if you want a 2-in-1 vacuum and mop solution, despite its slower navigation.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty if: you want exceptional allergen filtration, need a self-emptying feature with less maintenance, or prefer efficient navigation. (104.48 oz weight)
Choose the iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop if: you need a vacuum that mops as well, want automatic water refills, or prioritize features for pet hair cleaning. (143.92 oz weight)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.1★ vs 3.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Shark AI
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 7,858 reviews vs 1,196
→ Choose Shark AI
Bagless Self-Empty Base Priority
Bagless Self-Empty Base reduces recurring cost of disposal bags
→ Choose Shark AI
Clean Base Auto-Fill Priority
Clean Base Auto-Fill Dock automates both dust emptying and water refilling
→ Choose iRobot Roomba
Conclusion
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty and iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Bottom line: The Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty edges ahead with a 4.1★ rating compared to 3.5★. However, iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty or iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop?
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty is the better choice if you prioritize bagless self-empty base reduces recurring cost of disposal bags. iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop wins if you value clean base auto-fill dock automates both dust emptying and water refilling. Both are rated highly (4.1★ vs 3.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty and iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop?
Key differences: Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty offers bagless self-empty base reduces recurring cost of disposal bags, while iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop stands out with clean base auto-fill dock automates both dust emptying and water refilling. Consider that Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty no mopping capability. Meanwhile, iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ Auto-Fill Robot Vacuum and Mop dock does not wash or dry the mop pad (requires manual maintenance). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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