The Shark EZ Robot Self-Empty and IQ Robot XL

The Shark EZ Robot Self-Empty is considered to be one of the cheapest options on the market for a hands-free robotic vacuum. Its bagless design cuts down on the cost of recurring expenses, and it comes with reusable mops.

It makes use of multiple sensors to map your home and also includes boundary sensors and cliffs. It also connects to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant so that you can use voice commands to activate it.

Battery life

Robot vacuums can reduce the time spent on household chores. However, they do require frequent cleaning and emptying, adding yet another chore to your list of tasks. This model from Shark is more self-sufficient than most of the other models and has a a larger dustbin that needs to be empty once every 30 days. It also has an automatic squeegee cleaner that stops hair from getting wrapped around it.

The Shark IQ Robot Self Empty XL RV1001AE performed well in my tests and never stuck. Its 123 air suction watts were sufficient to clear most surfaces, including carpets with thick padding and pet hair that was entangled. It has a smart design that lets it detect the dirtiest areas and boost its suction power in line with the dirt. Its smart features include DirtDetect, FloorDetect, EdgeDetect and NeverStuck technologies.

The most notable feature of this vacuum is its self-emptying function. It automatically dumps the debris from its dust bin into the large dirt container that is attached to its charging dock. The bin is completely unbagged and easily releases its contents into the trash without any fumbling, making the process fast and simple. Its washable filter and odor neutralizer keep odors at the minimum. The sealed HEPA design prevents allergens from getting into the environment.

The SharkClean App is well designed however, it isn't user-friendly. It is also reported to stop working. The app allows you to change the mode of cleaning, schedule a cleaning session, view and track its progress, and update its firmware. The app is also compatible with Amazon Alexa, allowing you to control the vacuum through voice commands. You can also create virtual no-go zones through the app.

The Shark EZ Robot Self Empty is a fantastic choice for a wide range of uses, however I prefer the iRobot Roomba for several reasons. The iRobot feels better-built, is more durable, can maneuver over obstacles like electrical cords with ease and has a bigger dirt compartment capacity because of an external dust bin, and can be programmed to set up virtual boundary lines with its companion app. It also has fewer ongoing expenses and removes more dirt from carpets with high pile than the EZ Robot.

Cleaning performance

The Shark Detect Pro is the most advanced robot vacuum Shark has ever built. It can recognize different kinds of flooring and adjust its cleaning performance accordingly. It can also avoid big objects or surfaces that could keep it from getting stuck. This is all due to a combination of DirtDetect Technology, FloorDetect Technology, EdgeDetect Technology and NeverStuck Technology.

The Detect Pro is controlled by the physical 'Clean' and 'Docker' buttons on top, or through the app. It can be connected to Amazon Alexa to allow you to use voice commands. The app lets you create virtual no-go areas. The app is quite feature-rich however it can be a bit confusing to use and is susceptible to freezing.

Despite these shortcomings, the Detect Pro has a good level of cleaning performance. The Eco mode is more effective on hard floors than its Max power mode and it comes with approximately 70 minutes of battery life. It is also able to recharge in less than an hour, which is impressive for a robot vacuum.

The Detect Pro performed well on carpeted floors as well as hard floors, but it struggled with small particles such as sugar and rice cereal. The Detect Pro did a fantastic job on flooring that was not bare, however it was able of moving itself well.

It took just one session to map my roughly 1,000-square-foot home, and the app allows you to label rooms and make virtual zones that are not allowed to enter. It also gives you an idea of how much area the vacuum is able to cover and how long it took to clean each room. The app also displays the current status of the charge and cleaning history and can update the firmware of the vacuum.

Although the Shark EZ Self-Empty is more flexible than the iRobot Roomba 694, it isn't quite as good as the Roomba for the majority of uses. The iRobot is more sturdy, offers a more flexible schedule and has a simpler maintenance requirement, and a greater capacity for debris with its dust bin that is external. It also gets rid of more dust on both bare and high-pile carpets, and can be directed to specific areas or rooms via its companion app.

App compatibility

The IQ Robot XL is compatible with the SharkClean app and can be controlled by your smartphone, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Its smart navigation system enables it to identify your home's location and provide a clear view of its position. It can be programmed to clean certain areas like the living room or kitchen. Additionally it is able to mop and vacuum simultaneously by using the VACMOP mode.

This robotic cleaner includes an enormous base that also acts as a dust bin and charging dock for the robot. The base requires at least 5 feet between the sides and 3 feet on each side. The robot can be parked directly on carpet. However the SharkMat that comes with it is required to be placed beneath the robot to ensure smooth transition between the floor and the base. The IQ Robot XL can be used with an AC power cord or a plug-in USB cord however, you'll need to keep the AC cable plugged in for the duration of your cleaning cycle.

NeverStuck stops the robot's wheels from becoming stuck under taller rugs and floor transitions. The IQ Robot also has a self-cleaning brushroll as well as a high-efficiency filter that catches airborne dust, dander, and allergens as it cleans. The app also comes with remote controls to operate the device, however it's not very intuitive and can freeze.

Compared to the Shark EZ robot, the yeedi is more sturdy, has a longer maximum battery life, and a wide range of automation options. It is also less expensive and uses disposable dirtbags that have a greater capacity. Moreover, it has more maneuverable features and can remove debris more efficiently on low-pile carpet. The yeedi dust bin is heavier and more difficult to maneuver around obstacles such as power cables.

The Shark EZ robotic cleaner is an excellent choice for those with bare floors, but it does not have the sophisticated automation of its main competitor that is the iRobot Roomba. The i7/i9 models come with bags that do not hold dirt, a larger capacity and a variety of automated features including virtual boundary markers. The i7/i9 models also perform better on low-pile flooring, charge faster and feel more durablely built.

Maintenance

Shark Robotic Vacuum Cleaner IQ robots require regular maintenance to remain in good functioning order. Cleaning of the bin, emptying it and dusting sensors are all part of regular maintenance. This will ensure that the vacuum is in top working order, and prevent blockages from damaging the motor. This process also helps prolong the lifespan of the vacuum.

Shark's self-emptying robotic vacuums are an excellent alternative for those who wish to reduce the amount of vacuuming that they have to do at home. They are swift and don't get stuck. They also have large dustbins which can be cleaned only once or twice per week. They also have an app that allows you to schedule and remotely activate the vacuum, view its history of cleaning and also view any error alerts. The app can be susceptible to freeze, however.

Shark IQ Robot XL RV1001AE is a robot that has some unique features. These include NeverStick technology and an integrated base station that can self-empty. It is controlled via voice commands, or by Alexa and Google Home compatible devices. It is among our less expensive options, however it doesn't have a LIDAR mapping device and has limited automation capabilities.

The Shark IQ Robot, unlike other robotic vacuums, is easy to clean and maintain. The main dustbin is easily removed and emptied and takes only some minutes to complete. The wand, as as any attachments can be cleaned in similarly. The base station can also be cleaned with dry cloth.

The sensors and wheels of a Shark IQ robot may become blocked by dirt, which could affect the navigation and performance. Wipe them gently with a dry cloth to ensure that they are free of dust. It is crucial to clean the top sensor that is responsible for mapping the interior of your house. Clean the sensor with a an unclean, dry cloth to remove any debris that could impact its function. Additionally the sensors for charging on the base station have to be kept clean, because they are vulnerable to dust and buildup.