Overall Score 6.7
Overall Score 6.7
Category | Features | iRobot Roomba 976 | Shark AI |
---|---|---|---|
COMMONLY ASKED FOR FEATURES | can clean all floor types | ✓ | ✓ |
has mapping and navigation | ✗ | ✓ | |
has an obstacle sensor | ✓ | ✓ | |
supports no-go zones | ✗ | ✓ | |
works with alexa | ✓ | ✓ | |
compatible with google assistant | ✓ | ✓ | |
number of cleaning modes | 3only | 3only | |
warranty period | 2year | 1year | |
DESIGN FEATURES | has included washable filters | ✓ | ✓ |
dustbin capacity | 0.6L | 0.3L | |
has twin side brushes | ✗ | ✓ | |
indicates when full | ✓ | ✗ | |
weight | 4kg | 3.2kg | |
width | 350mm | 348mm | |
height | 92mm | 104mm | |
CLEANING PERFORMANCE AND POWER FEATURES | battery power | 2,130mAh | ✗ |
operating time | 1.25h | 2h | |
charge time | 3h | 4h | |
operating power consumption | 33W | ✗ | |
has auto-off | ✗ | ✓ | |
has dirt sensor | ✓ | ✗ | |
OTHER FEATURES | has problem area cleaning | ✗ | ✓ |
has carpet detection | ✓ | ✗ | |
support a mobile application | ✓ | ✓ | |
doesn't get stuck | ✓ | ✓ | |
supports virtual barriers | ✓ | ✓ | |
has route mapping | ✓ | ✓ | |
supports auto docking | ✓ | ✓ | |
has anti-fall sensor | ✓ | ✓ | |
can be scheduled | ✓ | ✓ | |
supports wi-fi | ✓ | ✓ | |
See Price on Amazon | See Price on Amazon |
iRobot Roomba 976 can clean all floor types, this feature is essential, since different rooms inside your home may have different types of flooring i.e. carpets. If a robot vacuum cleaner is stated able to clean all floor types, this implies that the robot vacuum is designed and equipped to effectively clean several flooring materials without much significant issues.
Shark AI aslo cleans all floor types, this means that it too is built to be versatile, giving effective cleaning performance on either carpets or hard floors found in most homes. iRobot Roomba 976 has an obstacle sensor, such a sensor serves the purpose of detecting and identifying objects in the robot's path, allowing it to navigate around them thus avoiding collisions. Also, the Shark AI has an obstacle sensor, obstacle sensors work together to provide the robot vacuum with a comprehensive understanding of its environment, making it possible to navigate around furniture, walls, and other objects when cleaning a room and preventing damage to both the robot and its obstacles.
Many modern robot vacuum cleaners such as the iRobot Roomba 976 are designed to work with Amazon Alexa, which implies that they can be integrated with the Amazon Echo ecosystem and programmed using voice commands. Shark AI can also work with Amazon Alexa, keep in mind that you will require an Alexa-enabled device such as an Echo speaker for voice control to work with Shark AI. The iRobot Roomba 976 is compatible with Google Assistant, allowing you to control it using voice commands through Google Home devices or the Google Assistant app found on smartphones and tablets.
The Shark AI is compatible with Google Assistant, it's advised to verify the level of compatibility with Google Assistant before purchasing a robot vacuum. iRobot Roomba 976 has 3 cleaning modes, the number of cleaning modes supported by robot vacuum cleaners varies widely depending on the make and model of the robot vacuum. The Shark AI, having only 3 has the same number of cleaning modes as the iRobot Roomba 976 Robot vacuum manufacturers may offer different cleaning modes to provide users with flexibility and adaptability to various cleaning challenges.
The iRobot Roomba 976 has a period of 2 year, warranty periods typically range from 1 - 2 years, but some higher-end brands may offer longer warranties. The Shark AI, at 1 year has a shorter warranty period than the iRobot Roomba 976 by 1 year. When thinking of buying a robot vacuum cleaner, it's important to read and understand the warranty terms and conditions, as well as any limitations or exclusions that may apply.
iRobot Roomba 976 has washable filters, these are designed to capture dust, dirt, and fine particles during the cleaning process and can be easily removed and washed to maintain the vacuum's performance. Shark AI comes with washable filters, the good thing about washable filters is that they can be cleaned and reused multiple times, reducing costs of replacing disposable filters, plus it's also good for the environment. iRobot Roomba 976's dustbin capacity is at 0.6L, dustbin capacity indicates how much dust, dirt, and pet hair the vacuum holds before it needs to be emptied.
The Shark AI, at 0.3L carries less dirt than the iRobot Roomba 976 by only 0.3L The dustbin capacity varies widely among different robot vacuum models, and the capcity you choose should depend on your cleaning needs and the size of the area you want to clean. Most robot vacuum cleaners are equipped with sensors and indicators to notify users when the dustbin is full and needs to be emptied. iRobot Roomba 976 supports this feature, which prevents the robot vacuum from getting clogged thus performance will be maintained as soon as the bin is emptied.
iRobot Roomba 976 weighs 4kg, robot vacuums are generally designed to be lightweight and compact to easily get around and portability. Shark AI, at 3.2kg is lighter than the iRobot Roomba 976 with a difference of 0.8kg. It's advisable to take in consideration the weight of the robot vacuum when choosing a model, especially if you plan to carry it up and down stairs iRobot Roomba 976 has a width of 350mm, often referred to as its cleaning path width, refers to the width of the area that the robot vacuum can properly clean in one go.
The width of a robot vacuum is important as it can affect its efficiency and the duration it takes to clean a room Shark AI, at 348mm measures less in width than the iRobot Roomba 976 by 2mm. A wider cleaning path can cover more ground in a single pass, reducing the time it takes to clean a room. iRobot Roomba 976's height measures 92mm, here you are looking at the measure from the bottom of the robot vacuum to its highest point.
Height is a key consideration, especially if you have obstacles with limited clearance in your home. The Shark AI, at 104mm measures more in height than the iRobot Roomba 976 by 12mm. When choosing a robot vacuum, ensure that the robot vacuum can go under the furniture and navigate effectively in your living space without getting stuck or causing damage.
The battery power of a robot vacuum cleaner is important as it determines how long the vacuum can run on a single charge. It is typically measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), iRobot Roomba 976's battery power is 2,130mAh The operating time of the iRobot Roomba 976 refers to the time the vacuum can clean continuously on a single charge before it needs to return to its charging dock for recharging. iRobot Roomba 976's operating time is 1.25h The Shark AI, at 2h lasts more than the iRobot Roomba 976 with a difference of 0.75h Always plan cleaning cycles around the vacuum's operating time to maximize efficiency and prevent "incomplete work" between charge intervals.
iRobot Roomba 976 has a charge time of 3h, the charge time of a robot vacuum cleaner refers to the amount of time it takes for the vacuum's battery to recharge fully after it has been depleted during a cleaning cycle. The Shark AI, at 4h charges for longer than the iRobot Roomba 976 by 1h. Charge time is an important factor to consider when choosing a robot vacuum, as it determines how long you'll need to wait before the vacuum is ready for its next cleaning cycle.
This is the amount of electrical power the vacuum uses while it's actively cleaning your home. iRobot Roomba 976 has a power consumption of 33W, power is typically measured in watts (W) and can vary among different robot vacuum models based on several consuption factors. iRobot Roomba 976 has a dirt sensor, dirt sensors are designed to detect the concentration of dirt, dust, or debris in the area being cleaned and can be used to adjust the vacuum's cleaning behavior during operation.
iRobot Roomba 976 has carpet detection, this enables the vacuum to identify and adapt to all kinds of floor surfaces, to be specific recognizing when it transitions from hard floors like hardwood to areas with carpets. iRobot Roomba 976 supports a smartphone app, that allows you to control and monitor the vacuum without getting to it physically but through your smartphone or tablet. Both the Shark AI and iRobot Roomba 976 have mobile application support, this enhances the user experience by providing convenience, and ease update of features and functionalities.
This feature in robot vacuum cleaners is intended to reduce the chance of the robot vacuum getting trapped while cleaning. Robot vacuums such as the iRobot Roomba 976 are equipped with various sensors and technologies to navigate around obstacles and avoid getting trapped, but the effectiveness of this feature can vary among different models. Both the Shark AI and iRobot Roomba 976 have the "anti-stuck" feature, however clearing clutter, ensuring proper cable management, and creating clear paths for the vacuums helps to further eliminate the chances of becoming stuck while cleaning.
Virtual barriers are set up and managed via the robot vacuum's mobile app, similar to no-go zones, these barriers are setup to enable you control and restrict where the robot vacuum can and cannot go during cleaning. Both iRobot Roomba 976 and Shark AI support virtual barriers, this ability to set virtual barriers is especially useful for spaces with areas where the robot vacuum may become stuck. iRobot Roomba 976 has a route mapping feature that enables it to generate a map of your space and schedule efficient cleaning routes.
This mapping capability improves the vacuum's ability to work effectively and systematically. Route mapping is a valuable feature as it makes it possible for robot vacuums such as the Shark AI to adapt to the layout of your home to clean more efficiently and reduce the possibility of missing certain spots. Auto-docking is a feature in robot vacuum cleaners that refers to the vacuum's ability to autonomously return to its docking station when certain conditions are met such as getting work done, battery running low, or any malfunction.
Both Shark AI and iRobot Roomba 976 support this feature, considered a convenient feature because it makes sure that the robot vacuum maintains its charge and readiness for cleaning without requiring manual intervention. Most robot vacuum cleaners such as iRobot Roomba 976 come equipped with an "cliff detection" feature. This feature is intended to save the robot vacuum from falling off stairs, ledges, or other elevated surfaces, hence its safety during operation.
This safety feature that is also available on the Shark AI is essential in mitigating accidents and protecting the robot vacuum from damage. It gives you peace of mind by ensuring that the vacuum will not fall down a flight of stairs during its cleaning cycle. iRobot Roomba 976 has this convenient feature, which enables you to set specific days or times of day for the robot vacuum to automatically start cleaning your home.
This feature in robot vacuums is specifically useful in maintaining a consistently clean space with little or no manual intervention. Shark AI too allows scheduling. iRobot Roomba 976 supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi-enabled robot vacuums offer several advantages and features, such as remote control, mobile app integration, voice assistant compatibility, and remote monitoring.
Also, Shark AI supports Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi connectivity enhances the ease and flexibility of robot vacuum usage, allowing for more efficient and customized cleaning routines.