The Best Shark Robot Vacuum

The IQ XL has a big dust bin in its base that has to be cleaned once a month. It's fast and efficient, rarely is stuck and can help you map your home to make scheduling simpler.

It may not have the advanced intelligence of the iRobot J7+ but it is more durable and has lower recurring costs.

1. The IQ XL

The IQ XL Robot Vacuum Mops is one of the few that is able to set and forgotten, thanks to its intelligent features. They include visual mapping and self emptying. Its minimalist, all-black design won't win any style awards however it is solid and looks well-constructed. Its features make it a great option for pet owners, too.

During our tests during our tests, the IQ XL cleared an impressive amount of dirt from bare floors and performed fair on carpets with low pile. It was adept at maneuvering around furniture and other obstacles and remove the edges of rooms. It was prone to push things like chairs and dog food bowls a little too hard, however. It also struggled to pick large pieces of debris like sand or baking soda, from low-pile flooring.

You can control the IQ XL through the Clean and Dock buttons or by interacting with a voice command using Alexa or Google Assistant. You can also use the SharkClean app that is stylish and easy to use. Once you create your account and connect to WiFi you can then name the robot, view its map (once it's completed a few cleaning cycles) and create a schedule, and assign rooms.

The IQ XL has three power modes: energy-saving Eco, Normal by default and high-powered Max. It has two side brush that can help move debris to the main brushroll and near the robot's edges. It also has an Evacuate and Resume feature that lets the robot return to its base to empty its trash bin after completing a cleaning process, and it can continue where it began.

2. The IQ

Shark's IQ robot vacuum does a fantastic job of mapping out and creating virtual boundaries that prevent pet waste, lamp cords and other obstacles. It can also be controlled with a physical Clean and Dock button on its top or the SharkClean app. It is equipped with an infrared sensor that allows it to ensure that it stays off the steps. You can also create an interactive map to pick rooms to be cleaned. It comes with a self-emptying base that can store up to 30 days of dirt.

The IQ is a robot vacuum that operates quickly and efficiently. It rarely gets stuck. It has a large dustbin in its base, which only needs to be emptied about once a month. Its HEPA-certified filter is also easy to clean and traps airborne allergens while it vacuums.

The IQ is more expensive than some of the other robotic vacuums we reviewed however it is better at of defining virtual boundaries to keep pet waste, lamp cords and other dangers from getting swept into your carpet. It can be controlled by a mobile application, which allows you to set up an agenda and control the vacuum using your voice.

Another advantage of this model is that it has a slim 11.8-inch-by-3-inch profile, which means it's able to be placed under furniture the larger models, like the Eufy 11s and iRobot J7+ can't. It also has a built-in Wi-Fi radio and can connect to your home's wireless router. The app lets you create cleaning routines as well as set up no-go zones and monitor the battery level, and many more. The only downside is that you must manually empty the bin. This could be messy as dust can fly around.

3. The RV2502AE

The RV2502AE is the first Shark robot vacuum to use LiDAR navigation, a top feature that allows it to better navigate around your home and avoid obstacles. Prior to this Shark's robots were equipped with V-SLAM, a camera-based system which also works, but isn't as precise as LiDAR.

This robot is the most expensive of our runners-up picks, but it delivers a lot in return for the extra cost. It has a strong cleaning power, a lot of advanced features, and a self-emptying, bagless base that can store up to 60 days' worth of dirt.

It is powered by a long-lasting battery and returns automatically to its charging dock once completed or when its internal battery runs low. You can control it through the intuitive app, by using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant or by pressing the Clean and Dock buttons on the top.

You can choose from three different power settings: Eco, which is energy-efficient and uses the least amount of suction; Normal, which is the default setting and is ideal for the majority of situations and Max, which offers maximum suction, but will drain the battery more quickly. It can also customize its cleaning schedule and set virtual no-go zones.

The RV2502AE isn't our top pick due to a few shortcomings. It's taller, so it won't fit under low TV stands or couches. The V-SLAM navigation can also be a bit difficult to navigate between cables, and the robot might get stuck on stairs or in corners.

It's a good option for those looking for a versatile robotic vacuum that can be used to vacuum and mop.

5. The IQ Lite XL

Robot vacuums can make you feel like you're trading one job for another, because they all have to be emptied or cleaned frequently. But the $599 shark 2 in 1 robot vacuum IQ Robot Self-Empty XL RV1001AE slashes that frequency to once a month, thanks to a bagless base that holds 30 days worth of debris and dust, and self-cleaning brushrolls that stop hair from circling around it. It was quick and efficient in our tests, never getting stuck and had strong suction power. It comes with a Find Robot Button that helps you locate the robot if it is lost. It also allows scheduling via mobile application.

The IQ Lite is connected to your home WiFI and can be controlled using the physical Clean and Dock buttons located on the top. You can also control it via the free SharkClean App for Android and iOS or voice commands through an Amazon Alexa device or Google Assistant. It utilizes IQ NAV navigation technology to navigate around your home and even detect furniture that is blocking its route. It takes several cleanings to identify your home's layout and you can also view an interactive floor plan in the SharkClean app to identify rooms, define no-go zones, or choose certain areas to clean.

When the IQ Lite runs out of battery, it automatically returns to its base for a recharge and resumes where it began. This feature that is turned off by default, is referred to as Evacuate and Resuming. It's especially helpful for households with pets. The IQ Lite XL robot is the only Shark robot that we've tested with a special sensor for marking zones that are not allowed. Other robots utilize their upward-facing cameras to accomplish this however the sensor on the IQ Lite sits between the Dock and Clean buttons.