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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 16, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerShark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop vs iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop 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: 4.2★ vs 4★
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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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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 PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop vs iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop
★4.2(292)Best Buy
iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum
★4(51,777)Amazon
| Criterion | Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop | iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.2(292)Best Buy | ★4(51,777)Amazon |
Navigation | 360° LiDAR Navigation (Precise home mapping and systematic row-by-row cleaning). | Smart navigation (Gyroscopes/Optical) cleans in neat rows; sensors navigate around furniture and avoid stairs. |
Mapping | Precision Home Mapping (3D Mapping, Room Select, No-Go Zones; stores map). | Clean Map® report (View-only coverage report in iRobot Home App; no persistent mapping). |
Obstacle Avoidance | NeverMiss™ Technology (3D Sensors + LiDAR + LED to detect and avoid obstacles). | Basic sensor-based avoidance for furniture/stairs (no camera/LiDAR AI object recognition). |
Suction Pa | Not published (Marketing claims 'Shark's Strongest Suction' vs. other Shark robots). | Not specified (3 suction power levels) |
Brush System | Self-Cleaning Brushroll (Anti-Hair Wrap design with bristles and flaps to resist tangles). | 3-Stage Cleaning System with Multi-Surface V-shaped main brush + Edge-Sweeping brush. |
Mopping | PowerDetect Mopping with EdgeDetect (Side-to-side scrubbing motion; pad extends to clean edges). | No |
Mop Lift | Yes (Automatically lifts the mop pad to avoid wetting carpets). | N/A (No mopping) |
Carpet Boost | Yes (DirtDetect & FloorDetect automatically boost power on carpets and dirty areas). | No automatic boost (Manual control: 3 suction levels). |
Battery | 14.4V / 3200 mAh Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion (2600 mAh) |
Runtime | Up to 110 min | Up to 120 min |
Charging Time | Approx. 4 hours | Approx. 4 hours |
Dustbin | 0.08 gal (312 mL) — Internal bin | 0.10 gal (approx. 400 mL) |
Water Tank | Internal tank (Auto-refilled by dock; capacity not specified, likely ~200mL). | N/A (No mopping) |
Auto Empty | Yes (Debris is emptied into a bagless bin in the base; rated for 60 days). | No |
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. | Charging Dock (Standard Home Base) |
Mop Wash | Yes (Base washes mop pad after cleaning). | N/A (No mopping) |
Mop Dry | Yes (Warm air drying). | N/A (No mopping) |
Filtration | Anti-Allergen Complete Seal (HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of dust and allergens). | High-Efficiency Filter |
Noise Level | Approx. 70 dB | Not specified |
App Features | SharkClean App (Schedules, Carpet Zones, Room Select, Spot Clean; lacks water flow control). | iRobot Home App: Clean While I'm Away, suggested schedules, Clean Map® report, spot cleaning. |
Voice Assistants | Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant. | Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri |
Multi Floor | Yes (Supports map saving). | No (Does not store maps) |
Threshold Climb | 0.80" (20 mm) — NeverStuck technology actively lifts the robot over high thresholds. | 0.625" (5/8 in) |
Height | 4.00" (approx.) — Taller profile due to LiDAR turret and lift mechanism. | 3.15" |
Dimensions | 14.40" (W) x 14.40" (L) x 4.00" (H) (Robot) | 13" (L) x 13" (W) x 3.15" (H) |
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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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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?
Overall, iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum delivers better satisfaction. Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop is still a quality option with specific strengths worth considering.
Who should buy each?
Choose Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop if:
- You want 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
- Rating: 4.2★ (292 reviews)
Choose iRobot Roomba Vac Essential Robot Vacuum if:
- You prefer Methodical row-by-row cleaning with smart navigation, Up to 120 minutes runtime with auto-docking recharge
- Rating: 4★ (51777 reviews)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop excels if you value nevertouch pro base automates emptying, refilling, washing, and drying for true hands-free maintenance. 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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