In this article, we’re going to be looking at two of the best, and most popular, robotic vacuums on the market today: the Shark ION R85, and the iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum. Both of these vacuums are exemplary, and each one has its own unique features. By reading this article and taking note of what it is that you are looking for and what you desire in a robot vacuum, you’ll be able to make the right decision for yourself.
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Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SHARK ION Robot Vacuum R85
Right off the bat, you’ll notice this is a very small, and very light, vacuum. It weighs only five-and-a-half pounds and is thin enough to easily go underneath couches and coffee tables to reach those sections that a regular vacuum is unable to reach.
It runs on a lithium-ion battery – which is why the word “ION” is in the name – and this gives you one-hour of cleaning. Right before the battery runs out, if the vacuum is in use, it will go straight to the charging dock for recharging, and then it will resume cleaning once it is finished charging.
For example, if you want the vacuum to clean while you’re at work, and it does so for one-hour, but still has more to clean, it will go to the charging dock, and then resume once it’s done.
As for the suction power, it was designed to be three times as powerful as the R75, Shark’s previous robotic vacuum. It was also designed to clean pet hair exceptionally well, and this is because of the “Self-Cleaning Brushroll.” While cleaning, the brush roll untangles fur and string and other things, so that it doesn’t affect the cleaning process.
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This is an exceptionally convenient feature. Overall, it works incredibly well with pet hair, and with hardwood flooring and carpets, provided they aren’t too thick. You have a HEPA filtration system, which is very useful for cleaning up things like powders.
In terms of functionality, using Amazon Alexa or your smartphone, you can create schedules for the vacuum to follow, but you can’t determine specific routes, as the sensors aren’t powerful enough for that. They will, however, avoid obstacles.
For some, this is a dealbreaker, because it severely restricts the amount of control you have over the vacuum. Finally, in order to remove the dirt, you simply press a button. The dustbin can store 21 ounces of dirt and debris.
iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum
Unlike the R85, the Roomba 690 allows you to restrict the vacuum to certain rooms and spaces, if you use the “Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier” which is a physical device that you place around certain areas. When the Roomba 690 senses it, it treats it as a wall and stays within the space where the sensors have been placed.
Similar to the R85, you can use your smartphone to schedule the times when you want to use this vacuum, and you can also use Amazon Alexa.
In terms of cleaning ability, the Roomba 690 comes with many more features than the R85, designed to clean everything effectively. From the patented dirt sensors that allow the device to change its suction and cleaning speed to more effectively clear dirt. This Roomba vacuum also comes with an edge-sweeping brush for cleaning corners and edges, and two multi-surface brushes that automatically adjust themselves depending on what type of surface they are on.
The battery life is an hour-and-a-half, which is thirty-minutes more than the R85, and just like the R85, when it’s low on battery life, it’ll automatically go back to the charging dock, and then after it’s finished charging, it’ll resume cleaning.
The height is the same, but it does weigh nearly two-and-a-half more pounds than the R85.
As for the dustbin, you release it in a way very similar to the R85. Hold down a button, and then release it. One thing to note is that the Roomba 690 can hold 20 ounces of dirt and debris, whereas the R85 can hold 21 ounces. Both of these measurements are easily enough for three-days worth of cleanings.
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Final Words
In comparison to the R85, the filtration system isn’t as good for things like dust particles and powders. The Roomba 690 uses an AeroVac filtration system which does work, but not as well as the HEPA filtration system that the R85 uses.
Ultimately, the iRobot Roomba 690 Robot Vacuum has many more features and cleans a bit better, overall, but it lacks the filtration system of the Shark ION R85, so if you have, for example, severe asthma, you might want to go with the R85. If you don’t, though, the Roomba 690 is probably the best choice for you.
Wrap-up
Well, that’s it for this SHARK vs Roomba Comparison. We hope you found it helpful!
If you’re still having trouble deciding the Robot Vacuum that’s best for you see our full guide on robot vacuums here.
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Last update on 2023-06-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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