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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerShark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty vs iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty vs iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum: which is the right fit? We cover performance, value, and use cases to make the call easier.
Ratings: 4.1★ vs 4★
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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 Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
★4
(51,777)•Amazon
Navigation:Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs.
Mapping:Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping).
Obstacle Avoidance:Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition).
Suction Pa:Not specified (3 suction power levels)
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Comparison: Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty vs iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
★4.1(7,858)Amazon
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
★4(51,777)Amazon
| Criterion | Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty | iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.1(7,858)Amazon | ★4(51,777)Amazon |
Navigation | Matrix Clean Navigation (LIDAR) with 360° vision; cleans in a precision grid (matrix) pattern. | Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs. |
Mapping | Yes (Precision Home Mapping via SharkClean app; supports room selection and No-Go Zones). | Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping). |
Obstacle Avoidance | LiDAR-based object detection (avoids walls/furniture, but lacks active camera/AI small object recognition). | Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition). |
Suction Pa | Not specified (Features UltraClean Mode™ for deep cleaning). | Not specified (3 suction power levels) |
Brush System | Self-Cleaning Brushroll (PowerFins) designed to prevent hair wrap + dual spinning side brushes. | 3-Stage Cleaning System with Multi-Surface V-shaped main brush + Edge-Sweeping brush. |
Mopping | No | No |
Mop Lift | N/A (No mopping) | N/A (No mopping) |
Carpet Boost | No automatic suction boost (Manual 'UltraClean Mode' increases coverage and intensity). | No automatic boost (Manual control: 3 suction levels). |
Battery | Lithium-ion (Capacity not specified) | Lithium-ion (2600 mAh) |
Runtime | Up to 120 min (in Eco/Standard mode) | Up to 120 min |
Charging Time | 6 hours | Approx. 4 hours |
Dustbin | Robot: approx. 0.08 gal; Base: 60-day capacity (Bagless HEPA bin). | 0.10 gal (approx. 400 mL) |
Water Tank | N/A (No mopping) | N/A (No mopping) |
Auto Empty | Yes (Bagless HEPA Self-Empty Base; holds up to 60 days). | No |
Dock Type | XL HEPA Self-Empty Base (Bagless) | Charging Dock (Standard Home Base) |
Mop Wash | N/A (No mopping) | N/A (No mopping) |
Mop Dry | N/A (No mopping) | N/A (No mopping) |
Filtration | True HEPA filtration (in Base only) captures 99.97% of dust/allergens; Standard filter in robot. | High-Efficiency Filter |
Noise Level | Approx. 70 dB | Not specified |
App Features | SharkClean App: Schedule, Select Rooms, No-Go Zones, UltraClean Mode™, Report, Recharge & Resume. | iRobot Home App: Clean While I'm Away, suggested schedules, Clean Map® report, spot cleaning. |
Voice Assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri |
Multi Floor | Yes (Supports storage of up to 3 floor maps). | No (Does not store maps) |
Threshold Climb | 0.75" (approx. 2 cm) | 0.625" (5/8 in) |
Height | 3.5" | 3.15" |
Dimensions | 12.9" (L) x 12.6" (W) x 3.5" (H) | 13" (L) x 13" (W) x 3.15" (H) |
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
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 Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Rating:★4(51,777)Amazon
Navigation:Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs.
Mapping:Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping).
Obstacle Avoidance:Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition).
Suction Pa:Not specified (3 suction power levels)
Brush System:3-Stage Cleaning System with Multi-Surface V-shaped main brush + Edge-Sweeping brush.
Mopping:No
Mop Lift:N/A (No mopping)
Carpet Boost:No automatic boost (Manual control: 3 suction levels).
Battery:Lithium-ion (2600 mAh)
Runtime:Up to 120 min
Charging Time:Approx. 4 hours
Dustbin:0.10 gal (approx. 400 mL)
Water Tank:N/A (No mopping)
Auto Empty:No
Dock Type:Charging Dock (Standard Home Base)
Mop Wash:N/A (No mopping)
Mop Dry:N/A (No mopping)
Filtration:High-Efficiency Filter
Noise Level:Not specified
App Features:iRobot Home App: Clean While I'm Away, suggested schedules, Clean Map® report, spot cleaning.
Voice Assistants:Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri
Multi Floor:No (Does not store maps)
Threshold Climb:0.625" (5/8 in)
Height:3.15"
Dimensions:13" (L) x 13" (W) x 3.15" (H)
✓ Pros:
- • Methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation
- • Up to 120 minutes runtime with auto-docking recharge
- • iRobot Home App scheduling + Clean Map® report; voice assistant support
- • 3-stage cleaning with V-shaped brush + edge-sweeping brush and 3 suction levels
✗ Cons:
- • No mopping capability
- • No auto-empty dock (standard charging dock only)
- • No advanced AI obstacle avoidance (no camera/LiDAR object detection)
- • Lacks persistent mapping features like Keep Out Zones or Room Select
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
Based on ratings and feature balance, Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty has a slight edge for specific features. iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum remains a strong alternative if its strengths match your needs.
Who should buy each?
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty excels at: Bagless Self-Empty Base reduces recurring cost of disposal bags, True HEPA filtration in the dock is excellent for allergy sufferers
Watch for: No mopping capability
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum excels at: Methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation, Up to 120 minutes runtime with auto-docking recharge
Watch for: No mopping capability
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
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 Vac Essential Robot Vacuum is better if you prioritize methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation. 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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