iRobot Roomba 960 vs. Roborock S5 Max vs. Shark IQ vs. Neato D7: Which Makes the Best Robot Vacuum?

The Best Robot Vacuums Have the Following Features:

• A good value (balance of features and price)

• Excellent cleaning performance

• Smart navigation

• User-friendly

• Long enough run time to get the job done

iRobot Roomba 960 

Price & Where to Buy: $499.99 + 4%cashback @ iRobot US

The iRobot Roomba 960 isn't cheap, but thanks to a mix of premium features and performance, it's the best high-end robot vacuum for the price.The Roomba 960 robot vacuum seamlessly navigates room to room to clean an entire level of your home, recharging and resuming until the job is done. Roomba 960 loosens, lifts, and suctions dirt with up to 5x more air power and requires less maintenance. Just press CLEAN or schedule Roomba on the go with the iRobot HOME App. It even learns your cleaning habits and offers up personalized schedules, giving you one less thing to think about.

Design

The first-generation Roomba pretty well defined the template for all robot vacuums to follow. But there are actually several different Roomba models, and they don’t share all the same features and specs.

The Roomba 960 measures 13.8-by-3.6 inches and weighs 8.5 pounds. A large “clean” button sits prominently on the top between its spot cleaning and home buttons. You can use these to manually control the robot vacuum, although as you’ll see in a bit, there are advantages to using more hands-free options. A camera embedded at the front of the 960 allows it to navigate more easily, and there’s a dust bin in back.

Suction Power

The Roomba 960 uses an older motor – the one found in the 800-series Roomba. The Roomba 960 has a much shorter battery life. And like all iRobot robot vacuums prior to the 980, the Roomba 960 doesn't have carpet boost technology that boosts suction power when cleaning rugs.

Battery

Actually, the Roomba's battery is essentially 12 NiMH batteries strung together to create one ginormous nickel-based battery. iRobot promises that the battery can run for up to 2 hours, and based on our estimates, will last about 400 charges.

That's all fine and good, but depending on how the robot's battery is taken care of, you could find yourself replacing it sooner than you'd like. And for the same reasons, you might find your Roomba getting tired before that 2-hour mark.

Key Specifications

How does iRobot Roomba 960 work?

An advanced motor gives the 960 up to 10x the air power* in Performance Mode or when the robot detects it is cleaning on carpet. The cleaning system of the 960 is designed with Power Boost, a feature that automatically increases vacuum power on carpets where it's needed most.

Pros

• Good navigation capabilities.

• Handles different floor types well.

• Relatively quiet.

• Works with smartphone app and voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

• Shows map of cleaned areas.

Cons

• Occasionally gets stuck under low furniture.

• Can't steer using phone app.

Why Buying the Roomba 960？

• Silicone rollers. These are the perfect brushless rollers for pet hair since they are tangle-free.

• Dirt detect. This system provides deeper cleaning when it recognizes high-traffic spots by boosting app air power and making the robot go over the same spot a few times.

• Full bin indicator. The Roomba alerts when the dustbin is full. You can either stop the cleaning cycle to empty the container or pause the machine.

• The app is easier to connect to Wi-Fi.

• The Roomba 960 has a bigger tank to hold dust and dirt.

• The Roomba 960 has a shorter body that fits under most furniture.

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Roborock S5 Max Robot Vacuum & Mop Cleaner

Price & Where to Buy: $490.95-$549 + 4% cashback @ Walmart.com

The Roborock S5 Max is engineered for seamless automated mopping, it has a super-sized water tank, precision water control, virtual no-mop zones, and more. Combined with precision laser mapping, advanced navigation, and intense vacuum suction, it makes spotless floors easier than ever. The S5 Max’s laser rangefinder spins at 300rpm, sending 360 degree area scans through a custom algorithm in real-time. Using that data, it creates an accurate floorplan map, and it knows where rooms are. A powerful 32-bit quad-core processor makes the S5 Max capable of an extraordinary level of intelligence. It understands the room’s shape and learns where obstacles are. It uses that knowledge to transform how it navigates, calculating the most efficient route for each room. An array of sensors including an accelerometer, odometer, infrared, compass, bumper and its hyper-accurate map of your room, mean the S5 Max cleans efficiently on its own. Inside the S5 Max is a specialized fan spinning at 1500rpm, channeling its airflow through carefully designed pathways. The suction it creates is strong enough to lift even AA batteries.

Design

At 13.9 inches in diameter, the circular Roborock S5 is a pretty standard size for a robot vacuum. But at 3.8 inches tall due to a laser sensor in the middle, it might have trouble getting under low-clearance furniture. I tested the white model, which has silver accents along the rim; it also comes in black or rose gold.

Suction Power

This Vacuum comes with a powerful suction power. It provides up to 2000Pa suction power which can absorb particles including beans, seeds, hair and more.

Inside S5 Max is a specialized fan spinning at 15000rpm, channeling its airflow through carefully designed pathways. The suction it creates is strong enough to lift even AA batteries.

Battery

Roborock S5 Max Vacuum cleaner is powered by a 5200 mAh battery. According to Roborock, the S5 Max will run for up to 150 minutes in the Eco setting.

This battery capacity can also clean up to 250 square meters at a single charge. So this robot is ideal for cleaning large homes thanks to the combination of efficiency, smart navigation, and range.

Key Specifications

How does the Roborock S5 Max work?

The S5 Max runs both the vacuum attachment and the handles mopping at the same time. With the cloth in the back, the vacuum sweeps up and then glides over the same spot. ... While you do not need to install the Roborock app to operate the vacuum, the app is where you'll adjust the mop settings.

Pros

• Powerful suction.

• Comes with mopping attachment.

• Strong navigation with virtual barriers.

• Long battery life.

• Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control.

Cons

• Buggy app.

• Small dustbin.

• May not fit under low furniture.

Why buying the Roborock S5

• The Roborock S5 has stronger suction power.

• It can recognize carpet flooring automatically boosting suction power to its maximum level.

• The S5 can mop and sweep.

• It has the longest-lasting battery in the industry.

• LIDAR builds an accurate map and allows to work in the dark.

• With the S5, you can set restricted areas in the Mi Home app.

• The Roborock S5 supports zoned cleaning if you want it to work within a specific zone.

• The Roborock can be tracked in real-time. You can watch it creating a map in the app.

• The Roborock S5 can be controlled like a radio car.

iRobot Roomba 960 vs. Roborock S5: Main Differences

• Rollers. The Roomba has two silicone brushless rollers that are ideal for pet hair.

• Mapping technology. The Roomba uses a camera sensor; the Roborock has the LDS sensor.

• Interaction with a map. The Roomba's map disappears once the cleaning is done. You can see the created map in the iRobot Home. With a map created by the S5, there is an ability of interaction.

• S5 has a smaller dustbin.

• Mopping. The Roborock S5 can sweep and mop at the same time. The vacuum is able to mop for about 50 minutes until the water container gets dry. Fill it with water again and let the robot run.

• Real-time tracking. Thanks to three processors houses inside the Roborock, you can track the vacuum in real time using the Mi Home app.

• Virtual walls and zone cleaning. In the Mi Home app, you can set virtual boundaries to keep the robot from crossing some particular areas. Also, you can create zone cleaning by drawing a rectangle on the map or even order the robot to go to the kitchen directly. The Roomba has 2 dual virtual wall barriers in the box that creates a zone up to 3 meters in diameter that the robot should not cross.

• Carpet boost increases air power to max level once the sensors recognize carpet flooring. The Roomba 960 lacks this feature.

• Suction power. The Roborock S5 has twice stronger suction.

• In the app, you can control the Roborock S5 like a radio car. The iRobot Home app does not support it.

• The Roomba has dirt detect that automatically provides deeper cleaning on high-traffic spots.

• Full bin indicator shows when the container needs to be emptied.

Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL R101AE

Price & Where to Buy: $599.99 + 0.5% cashback @ Bestbuy.com

The whole point of using a robot vacuum is to cut down on your housework, but most need to be emptied and cleaned often, adding at least one chore to your list. If you're looking for a lower-maintenance option, the Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL R101AE ($599) works quickly and efficiently, rarely gets stuck, and has a large dustbin in its base station that only needs to be emptied about once a month. You can control the robot from your phone or with your voice, and set up cleaning schedules so it automatically gets to work when you want it to. The vacuum maps your home as it cleans, so you can send it to specific rooms and create virtual no-go zones, features you don't get with the similarly priced iRobot Roomba i3+. It's also a compelling option for pet owners thanks to a self-cleaning brushroll and enough power to suck fur from carpeting. All of these features earn the R101AE our Editors' Choice award. 

Design

 The Shark IQ R101AE is dressed to kill (or clean) with a tasteful mix of glossy black and matte black plastic with brushed silver accents on top. It’s a far cry from the utilitarian shiny grey and black found on the Shark Ion R85 and signals that the company is clearly going for a more premium look. In fact, its design and color more closely resembles the Roomba i7+, right down to the oversized front bumper. The shiny black plastic around the sides of the IQ looked sleek right out of the box, but quickly attracted dust.

Suction Power

This vacuum has amazing suction. The suction power is better than most upright units I’ve encountered. It left my floors completely free of dust, debris, and dog hair. What really impressed me about the IQ robot, however, was its ability to grab up large debris. We have a lot of trees on our property, so my family and I track in a lot of dried leaves. The robot picked up every last leaf, crumb, and food particle left on the floor from the day.

Battery

The IQ Robot’s self-emptying capability combined with its ability to only clean certain areas makes it possible for me to set a schedule for 30 days and have a truly automated cleaning experience. The robot has a 90-minute battery life on a single charge, but if the robot runs out of battery juice or the dust bin fills up during cleaning, it returns to the station for more battery power or to empty itself, and then it resumes cleaning.

Key Specifications

How does Shark IQ Robot work?

Turn ON Recharge & Resume for complete coverage in larger homes. Your robot will return to the dock, recharge, and can pickup cleaning where it left off. Press and hold the CLEAN button for 15 seconds to turn Recharge & Resume ON or OFF.

Pros

• Features a bagless self-emptying base and self-cleaning brushroll

• Maps your home and supports scheduling, area cleaning, and virtual no-go zones

• Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant

• Comes with a physical boundary strip

• Never got stuck in testing

Cons

• Still relies on physical boundary strips for blocking navigation in certain areas

• Large debris may clog the dust bin

• During our tests, cleaning performance was a little poorer than expected

Why Buying Shark IQ Robot RV1001?

• FORGET ABOUT VACUUMING FOR UP TO A MONTH:  A bagless, self-emptying base holds up to 30 days of dirt and debris.

• POWERFUL SUCTION:  Deep-cleaning power to take on large debris, small debris, and pet hair on carpets & floors.

• NO HAIR WRAP:  Self-cleaning brushroll removes pet hair and long hair as it cleans - no more hair wrap.

• PHONE OR VOICE COMMAND:  Schedule whole-home cleanings or target specific rooms or areas to clean right now with the SharkClean app or voice control with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

• TOTAL HOME MAPPING + ROOM SELECT:  Maps your home and lets you choose which rooms to clean right now.

• ROW-BY-ROW CLEANING: Methodically cleans row by row and then navigates room to room for complete home coverage.

• RECHARGE AND RESUME:  The Shark IQ Robot vacuum will return to the dock, recharge, and can pick up where it left off.

Roborock S5 vs Shark IQ Robot RV1001

The Roborock S5 is a better vacuum than the Shark IQ Robot RV1001. The Roborock is better-built, easier to maintain, and has lower recurring costs. It also has better battery performance, with a longer overall battery life despite a shorter charging time. It performs better on bare floors and even comes with a mopping attachment to clear sticky messes, though we don't test for that. However, the Shark clears more debris on carpeted surfaces and is a little more compact.

iRobot Roomba 960 vs Shark IQ Robot RV1001

The iRobot Roomba 960 and Shark IQ Robot RV1001 have different strengths. The Shark performs better on bare floors as well as low and high-pile carpet and has longer maximum battery life. Meanwhile, the iRobot is better-built, easier to maintain, incurs fewer recurring costs, has a larger dust bin, and recharges in less than a third of the time.

Neato Botvac D7 Vacuum

Price & Where to Buy: $589.99 + 4% cashback @ Walmart.com

The Neato Botvac D7 Connected is smarter than your average robot vacuum. In addition to laser navigation, it features interactive cleaning maps, a simple and intuitive app, and class-leading integration with third-party smart home devices and services.The D7 bears a strong resemblance to the other vacuums in the Botvac Connected line, with Neato's signature D shape for getting into tight spaces. The main physical difference from the D5 is that it sports a new metallic finish that's more resistant to dust and scratches. It also has four LED indicator buttons—two more than previous models—that help provide better feedback during cleaning sessions (you can view battery level, Wi-Fi status, and cleaning modes).

Design

The D7 bears a strong resemblance to the other vacuums in the Botvac Connected line, with Neato's signature D shape for getting into tight spaces. The main physical difference from the D5 is that it sports a new metallic finish that's more resistant to dust and scratches. It also has four LED indicator buttons—two more than previous models—that help provide better feedback during cleaning sessions (you can view battery level, Wi-Fi status, and cleaning modes).

Performance

In Home mode, the D7 navigated back forth in a methodical manner across my apartment while easily maneuvering around obstacles. It handled different surfaces, such as wood, carpet, and tile, with no trouble. It was also able to reliably dock on its own—something infrared-based vacuums often struggle with. If it ever gets stuck, you can use your phone to steer it, which is a feature the Roomba 960 doesn't support. (Steering is also useful for pinpointing a concentrated mess.)

Battery

The Neato Botvac D7 has an outstanding battery performance. It has a larger battery than the newer Neato D8, which enables it to run longer on a single charge. On its maximum 'Turbo' mode, it lasts about an hour and a half, while its lowest setting, 'Eco' mode, keeps the vacuum running for around two hours. Unfortunately, when the charge is below 27%, the vacuum doesn't accept any clean jobs and it looks for its docking station. Luckily, you can see when it's close to running out of battery life as the battery button is solid green when it's fully charged, and the button lights up yellow when you're at the last 35% of the battery.

Key Specifications

How does Neato D7 work?

The D7 automatically switches cleaning modes when it is running on wood, carpet, or tile. You can also select between an Eco cleaning mode, which is quieter and has a longer cleaning run, or Turbo mode, which gives you maximum pickup power.

Pros

• Excellent navigation capabilities and battery life.

• Detailed, interactive cleaning maps.

• App-based virtual boundaries.

• Expanded third-party integration including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT.

Cons

• Expensive.

• Small dustbin.

• Loud.

Is Neato D7 worth it?

At $599.99, the Neato Botvac D7 Connected is definitely pricey. However, its excellent navigation abilities, long battery life, interactive cleaning maps, dual-band Wi-Fi support, and third-party integrations are well worth the cost.

Neato Botvac D7 vs Roborock S5

The Neato Botvac D7 is a slightly better robot vacuum for cleaning both low and high-pile carpet than the Roborock S5. The Neato is more effective at picking up small and large debris on these carpeted surfaces, it has removable batteries which make it easier to replace, and its overall maintenance is easier. However the Roborock has a mop attachment for cleaning wet spills, and it has better maneuverability.

Neato Botvac D7 vs Shark AI Robot

The Neato Botvac D7 is a better robot vacuum than the Shark AI Robot. The Neato is better-built, significantly easier to maintain, and has better performance on all surface types. However, the Shark has fewer recurring costs and has better maneuverability.

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