Not All Robot Vacuum Models Are Created Equal

A robot vacuum can help you save time, but they don't do miracles. A well-designed robot can help you keep your home tidy however, not all models are created to be the same.

The iRobot Roomba 981 is more expensive than the Shark AI Ultra Robot, but it charges much faster and feels more solid. It also incurs fewer recurring costs, can maneuver more efficiently, and lets you define virtual boundary markers.

The ION Robot AV753 series

The ION Robot AV753 Series is an intelligent cleaning machine that offers several advantages over other entry-level robot vacuums. It has an energy efficient Eco mode, a brushroll that is efficient in cleaning floors that are not clean and is compatible with Alexa or Google Assistant voice control.

The unit's Tri-Brush System, a combination of channel brushes, side brushes, and a multi-surface brushroll will ensure thorough cleaning of all surfaces. The vacuum comes with cliff sensors, which stop it from falling down steps or over ledges. It also has a generous battery life, allowing the vacuum to be used to clean many rooms without recharging.

It isn't equipped with advanced mapping capabilities and room recognition and its 0.45-quart dustbin needs regular emptying. If you're having difficulty connecting your Shark robot to Wi-Fi, shut off the device for 10 seconds and then turn it back on. This will reset the connection to your router.

The ION Robot AV800 Series

The ION Robot comes with a an impressive set of automation features. The companion app allows users to remotely control the robot and change its power modes and schedule cleaning sessions or return it to its charging dock. It also supports voice commands through Alexa and Google Home devices.

The assembly process is easy out of the box, with the only tasks being to snap two included side brushes in place and then plug it into. Its slim ergonomic body, small dustbin make it simple to store and move around.

It is more durable, has fewer elements that require regular maintenance, incurs less recurring costs and is charged faster. It also performs better on any surface and is equipped with physical boundary strips. It's also more flexible and has a longer battery life. The price is higher.

The ION Robot AV900 Series

Shark RV2300SCA Self-Empty Robot Vacuum: Spotless Cleaning's ION Robot is a robot with some amazing features. It sets it apart from its competitors. It can navigate through your home on its own while avoiding obstacles. It also has an energy-efficient 'Eco' mode and a high-suction 'Max mode. It also comes with two single arm side brushes that move debris into its main brushroll, as well as an enormous dust bin.

The app controls a few of the features. However, it is not the most user-friendly, with inputs that don't always register and a confusing set of menus. This vacuum can be operated manually without the internet or using an app by pressing the buttons at the top.

The iRobot Roomba 694 has a higher quality of construction and requires less maintenance. It is more maneuverable, and can remove debris more effectively on all surfaces. It also has an advanced set of automation features, including self-emptying features and an HEPA filter that traps allergens.

The ION Robot AV1000 Series

The Shark ION Robot is one of the best robot vacuums available on market. It is very efficient, cleans many surfaces effectively and does an excellent job of avoiding obstacles. It also comes with an app that makes it easy to control from anywhere you have wifi (or the ability to connect to any device that is internet-connected). The robot is a bit slow to get to dirt areas, and can bounce around even if there isn't dirt to be seen. This can be a problem for Monica Gellar type-As! The garbage bin is emptying fast and it's simple to set up schedules. The app is available for iPhone and Android. For those who don't wish to download the app, there are buttons that are on the top of the device.

The ION Robot AV1500 Series

The robot vacuum is made well and easy to use. It is connected to WiFi via the Shark app but can also operate without it (by manually pressing operating buttons on the top of the device). It comes with a convenient charging station which nestles underneath and is easily accessible via the receptacle.

It has an extended battery life and does a fantastic job of cleaning floors that are not clean. It struggles with low-pile carpets and is not able to take care of pet hair like higher-end robots.

The companion app isn't the best with a clunky interface and inputs that don't always register. It also lacks the ability to map and is unable to view coverage maps from previous cleaning sessions and establish boundary markers. It also lacks a sensor that measures the fill level to the maximum.

The ION Robot AV2500 Series

The ION robot is controlled remotely through the Shark app on your phone or tablet. The app gives you lots of options to schedule cleanings as well as setting up areas to avoid or keep clean. You can also tell the app not to let your vacuum get into certain surfaces. The app also provides an abundance of remote access to all the machine's features.

Ion works with your hospital's PACS system and PlanPoint software to provide seamless workflow from preparing through the lung nodule biopsy procedure. Ion's navigation routes are pre-planned to ensure the accuracy of the tool-in-lesion and to allow for a more thorough exploration of the peripheral lung. Its non-magnetic technology is compatible with bronchoscopy rooms, without the necessity of an external magnetic navigation or an electromagnetic shield. The ultrathin bronchoscopy tube is thin enough for it to pass through a sleeve for cystic fibrosis.

The ION Robot AV3500 Series

The robot vacuum is well-constructed and can effortlessly remove pet hair as well as heavy debris. It also has an extremely long-lasting battery. However, it has basic navigation capabilities and is prone to get caught in rug tassels or hit things while moving. It's also a bit louder than other models and comes with recurring costs such as replacing the premotor filter, brushroll, and side brushes when required.

The SharkClean application is required to operate the device over WiFi, but it can be operated manually by pressing the buttons on the top. The app allows you to change power modes, set limits, view previous cleaning results, and even the remaining battery life. You can also transfer it back to its dock. It's not intuitive and has inputs that don't always show up and a confusing menu system.

The ION Robot AV4500 Series

The ION Robot is a budget robot that cleans surfaces well and feels well made. It comes with a long-lasting, durable battery, simple-to-use controls, and multiple operating modes. It also has a decent dust bin that snaps into and out for quick refills. It could get stuck on socks or other items and require manual intervention.

The ION Robot can swap between three power modes through its companion app that includes the energy-efficient 'Eco' mode, standard Normal mode and high-suction 'Max' mode. The physical buttons on the top allow you to begin and stop a cleaning session, return the robot to its dock, or activate the suction mode 'Max. It is a bit basic in its navigation capabilities, but does not have the room mapping functionality available on higher-end Shark robots. It comes with some ongoing costs such as the premotor filter and brushroll that must be replaced every two months.

The ION Robot AV5500 Series

This Shark robot vacuum is well-made and is able to remove debris from the majority of surfaces. It also comes with a long-lasting battery. It is not able to handle pet hair or other messes, and its automation features are basic.

It uses random navigation to navigate around its coverage area, which can result in it missing spots or go over them several times. It may also be stuck on tassels of rug and struggle to climb stairs.

The ION app offers basic functions such as scheduling and setting power mode, however the interface can be a bit difficult to use because inputs aren't always recognized and an unclear menu structure. The Shark RV2310AE Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum: Precision Mapping Pet Hair AI Ultra Robot, for instance, comes with boundary maker and coverage map features. It's not available on the cheaper models. You'll have to keep track of recurring costs, such as replacing the brushroll and pre-motor filters.

The ION Robot AV6500 Series

The robot is simple to use and comes with a simple companion app. It's quiet and can be operated even without WiFi by pressing operating buttons on the robot. Its dust bin is easy to empty and snaps into its place.

It is capable of clearing small and bulky objects such as rice or cereal. Its basic system of navigation, which uses random paths to cover the area, and is not equipped with a room mapping capability could result in it missing certain areas of the home or become stuck on rug fringes.

The EZ Robot is better than this model for a variety of reasons. It feels more durable, has fewer parts that require periodic replacement or maintenance, incurs lower cost of maintenance, moves more efficiently, and offers superior performance on floors that are unfinished and carpet with a low pile. It also has a wider variety of automation features and a larger trash can.