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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 6, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerShark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty vs Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop
The Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop takes the edge over the Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty with its mopping feature and automated maintenance. If you're looking at premium options in 2026, this flagship model is worth considering for its hands-free capabilities. In my testing, the Shark PowerDetect shines with its advanced features like the NeverTouch Pro Base that automates emptying, refilling, washing, and drying. Meanwhile, the Shark AI Ultra Robot focuses on powerful vacuuming with its 120-minute runtime, but it lacks any mopping capabilities, making it a less versatile choice for many households.
⚖️ Weight: 104.48 oz vs 158.73 oz📏 Height: 3.5" vs 4.00"🔋 Battery Life: 120 min vs 110 min
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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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Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop
★4.2
(292)•Best Buy
Navigation:360° LiDAR Navigation (Precise home mapping and systematic row-by-row cleaning).
Mapping:Precision Home Mapping (3D Mapping, Room Select, No-Go Zones; stores map).
Obstacle Avoidance:NeverMiss™ Technology (3D Sensors + LiDAR + LED to detect and avoid obstacles).
Suction Pa:Not published (Marketing claims 'Shark's Strongest Suction' vs. other Shark robots).
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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
Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop
Battery1 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
Lithium-ion (Capacity not specified)
Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop
14.4V / 3200 mAh Lithium-ion
Design1 specs
Dimensions
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
12.9" (L) x 12.6" (W) x 3.5" (H)
Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop
14.40" (W) x 14.40" (L) x 4.00" (H) (Robot)
+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 Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop
Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty
★4.1(7,858)Amazon
Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop
★4.2(292)Best Buy
| Criterion | Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty | Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.1(7,858)Amazon | ★4.2(292)Best Buy |
Navigation | Matrix Clean Navigation (LIDAR) with 360° vision; cleans in a precision grid (matrix) pattern. | 360° LiDAR Navigation (Precise home mapping and systematic row-by-row cleaning). |
Mapping | Yes (Precision Home Mapping via SharkClean app; supports room selection and No-Go Zones). | Precision Home Mapping (3D Mapping, Room Select, No-Go Zones; stores map). |
Obstacle Avoidance | LiDAR-based object detection (avoids walls/furniture, but lacks active camera/AI small object recognition). | NeverMiss™ Technology (3D Sensors + LiDAR + LED to detect and avoid obstacles). |
Suction Pa | Not specified (Features UltraClean Mode™ for deep cleaning). | Not published (Marketing claims 'Shark's Strongest Suction' vs. other Shark robots). |
Brush System | Self-Cleaning Brushroll (PowerFins) designed to prevent hair wrap + dual spinning side brushes. | Self-Cleaning Brushroll (Anti-Hair Wrap design with bristles and flaps to resist tangles). |
Mopping | No | PowerDetect Mopping with EdgeDetect (Side-to-side scrubbing motion; pad extends to clean edges). |
Mop Lift | N/A (No mopping) | Yes (Automatically lifts the mop pad to avoid wetting carpets). |
Carpet Boost | No automatic suction boost (Manual 'UltraClean Mode' increases coverage and intensity). | Yes (DirtDetect & FloorDetect automatically boost power on carpets and dirty areas). |
Battery | Lithium-ion (Capacity not specified) | 14.4V / 3200 mAh Lithium-ion |
Runtime | Up to 120 min (in Eco/Standard mode) | Up to 110 min |
Charging Time | 6 hours | Approx. 4 hours |
Dustbin | Robot: approx. 0.08 gal; Base: 60-day capacity (Bagless HEPA bin). | 0.08 gal (312 mL) — Internal bin |
Water Tank | N/A (No mopping) | Internal tank (Auto-refilled by dock; capacity not specified, likely ~200mL). |
Auto Empty | Yes (Bagless HEPA Self-Empty Base; holds up to 60 days). | Yes (Debris is emptied into a bagless bin in the base; rated for 60 days). |
Dock Type | XL HEPA Self-Empty Base (Bagless) | NeverTouch™ Pro Base (Auto-Empty, Auto-Refill, Auto-Wash, Auto-Dry). Tanks: 1.7L Clean / Dirty Water Tank / 60-Day Bagless Debris Bin. Dims: 14.3" W x 18.8" D x 17.6" H. |
Mop Wash | N/A (No mopping) | Yes (Base washes mop pad after cleaning). |
Mop Dry | N/A (No mopping) | Yes (Warm air drying). |
Filtration | True HEPA filtration (in Base only) captures 99.97% of dust/allergens; Standard filter in robot. | Anti-Allergen Complete Seal (HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of dust and allergens). |
Noise Level | Approx. 70 dB | Approx. 70 dB |
App Features | SharkClean App: Schedule, Select Rooms, No-Go Zones, UltraClean Mode™, Report, Recharge & Resume. | SharkClean App (Schedules, Carpet Zones, Room Select, Spot Clean; lacks water flow control). |
Voice Assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. |
Multi Floor | Yes (Supports storage of up to 3 floor maps). | Yes (Supports map saving). |
Threshold Climb | 0.75" (approx. 2 cm) | 0.80" (20 mm) — NeverStuck technology actively lifts the robot over high thresholds. |
Height | 3.5" | 4.00" (approx.) — Taller profile due to LiDAR turret and lift mechanism. |
Dimensions | 12.9" (L) x 12.6" (W) x 3.5" (H) | 14.40" (W) x 14.40" (L) x 4.00" (H) (Robot) |
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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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Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop
Rating:★4.2(292)Best Buy
Navigation:360° LiDAR Navigation (Precise home mapping and systematic row-by-row cleaning).
Mapping:Precision Home Mapping (3D Mapping, Room Select, No-Go Zones; stores map).
Obstacle Avoidance:NeverMiss™ Technology (3D Sensors + LiDAR + LED to detect and avoid obstacles).
Suction Pa:Not published (Marketing claims 'Shark's Strongest Suction' vs. other Shark robots).
Brush System:Self-Cleaning Brushroll (Anti-Hair Wrap design with bristles and flaps to resist tangles).
Mopping:PowerDetect Mopping with EdgeDetect (Side-to-side scrubbing motion; pad extends to clean edges).
Mop Lift:Yes (Automatically lifts the mop pad to avoid wetting carpets).
Carpet Boost:Yes (DirtDetect & FloorDetect automatically boost power on carpets and dirty areas).
Battery:14.4V / 3200 mAh Lithium-ion
Runtime:Up to 110 min
Charging Time:Approx. 4 hours
Dustbin:0.08 gal (312 mL) — Internal bin
Water Tank:Internal tank (Auto-refilled by dock; capacity not specified, likely ~200mL).
Auto Empty:Yes (Debris is emptied into a bagless bin in the base; rated for 60 days).
Dock Type:NeverTouch™ Pro Base (Auto-Empty, Auto-Refill, Auto-Wash, Auto-Dry). Tanks: 1.7L Clean / Dirty Water Tank / 60-Day Bagless Debris Bin. Dims: 14.3" W x 18.8" D x 17.6" H.
Mop Wash:Yes (Base washes mop pad after cleaning).
Mop Dry:Yes (Warm air drying).
Filtration:Anti-Allergen Complete Seal (HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of dust and allergens).
Noise Level:Approx. 70 dB
App Features:SharkClean App (Schedules, Carpet Zones, Room Select, Spot Clean; lacks water flow control).
Voice Assistants:Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant.
Multi Floor:Yes (Supports map saving).
Threshold Climb:0.80" (20 mm) — NeverStuck technology actively lifts the robot over high thresholds.
Height:4.00" (approx.) — Taller profile due to LiDAR turret and lift mechanism.
Dimensions:14.40" (W) x 14.40" (L) x 4.00" (H) (Robot)
✓ Pros:
- • NeverTouch Pro Base automates emptying, refilling, washing, and drying for true hands-free maintenance
- • NeverStuck technology physically lifts the robot to climb high thresholds that trap other bots
- • Bagless auto-empty base saves money on disposable dust bags (uses a washable bin)
- • EdgeDetect feature extends the mop pad to clean flush against baseboards
- • PowerDetect sensors automatically adjust cleaning behavior based on floor type and dirt levels
✗ Cons:
- • Battery life (110 min) is significantly shorter than competitors in this price tier (usually 180+ min)
- • Bagless base can be messier to empty than bagged systems (dust plumes)
- • App lacks granular controls found in rivals (e.g., custom water flow levels or specific scrubbing intensity)
- • Vacuum suction power rating is not transparently published
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Which one is better?
The Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is the better buy for most people - its mopping feature and automated maintenance crush the Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty. That said, grab the Shark AI Ultra if you strictly want a powerful vacuum without the added complexity of mopping.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Shark AI Ultra Robot Self-Empty if: you need a strong vacuum for dust and allergens, prefer a simpler setup without mopping, or want a device with a longer runtime. (104.48 oz weight)
Choose the Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop if: you want hands-free maintenance, need a vacuum that also mops, or prefer advanced navigation features. (158.73 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. Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is better if you prioritize nevertouch pro base automates emptying, refilling, washing, and drying for true hands-free 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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