Robot vacuum showdown: Which cleaning machine, between Shark and Roomba, yields a superior clean?
In the realm of smart home appliances, two leading contenders have emerged: the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop and the Roomba Combo j9+. Both models offer autonomous cleaning solutions, but they differ in several key areas, including cleaning efficiency, obstacle recognition, design, mopping, docking, maintenance, and price.
The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 emphasises strong suction and self-emptying capabilities, able to self-empty for up to 30 days without user intervention, allowing for continuous cleaning without frequent stops. On the other hand, the Roomba Combo j9+ adapts suction power automatically when transitioning between surfaces (carpets vs. hardwood) by folding its mop pad and adjusting suction strength accordingly, improving cleaning on mixed floors.
Both models feature advanced obstacle detection, but the Roomba j9+ is noted for better handling rapid surface changes and intricate navigation features, likely owing to its enhanced sensors. The Shark model includes mapping and no-go zone capabilities typical of premium units but no specific mention of superior object recognition compared to Roomba j9+.
In terms of design, the Shark is a 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop with an emphasis on a self-emptying dustbin integrated with the base that stores debris for up to 30 days. The Roomba Combo j9+ integrates vacuuming and mopping with an adaptive mop pad design to handle different floor types seamlessly.
Shark’s 2-in-1 includes mopping functionality with a mop pad but does not specify advanced features such as mop lifting or scrubbing in the docking station. In contrast, the Roomba Combo j9+ folds its mop pad automatically when it detects carpets, protecting carpets from water and providing efficient mopping on hard surfaces.
Both vacuums come with self-emptying bases, reducing user maintenance. However, the Shark's base can be large and take significant floor space, while specific details on the Roomba j9+'s base size or mop cleaning are not provided.
High-end robot vacuums with self-emptying bases, such as these, typically range from approximately $500 to $1,400, with Shark generally positioned competitively as an overall winner for value. The Roomba Combo j9+ is considered premium and priced accordingly, potentially toward the higher end of the scale due to its advanced sensing and adaptive cleaning features.
In summary, the Shark PowerDetect excels in long-duration autonomous cleaning with large dustbin capacity and strong suction, offering simple mopping. The Roomba Combo j9+ focuses on adaptive cleaning automation, particularly for mixed floor types, with advanced mop handling and obstacle recognition. The choice depends on whether you prioritise longer self-emptying intervals and strong suction (Shark) or smarter surface adaptation and mop management (Roomba).
Both vacuums use smart mapping to learn your home and avoid obstacles like cords, furniture, and anything else that tends to get in the way. The Roomba Combo j9+ uses object recognition to avoid things like cords, shoes, pet toys, and even pet waste.
The Roomba Combo j9+ is regularly marked down from its retail price of $1,399.99 to around $799.99, making it potentially more affordable than the Shark PowerDetect, which starts at $899.99 and tends to stay closer to its full price. The Roomba Combo j9+ is more autonomous in its ability to avoid clutter, lift its mop completely off carpet, and figure out which rooms need more attention without being told.
Roomba's SmartScrub feature adds pressure and a back-and-forth motion for deeper mopping, while Shark relies on DirtDetect and StainDetect to boost power where it's needed. The Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop has dimensions of 13.4 x 2.7 inches and a self-emptying base, while the Roomba Combo j9+'s dock is designed to blend in with your home and hide extra mop pads and bags inside. Both the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 and the Roomba Combo j9+ can vacuum and mop simultaneously.
Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editor Kelly O'Sullivan and deputy editor Rebekah Lowin have researched, tested, and written about appliances and cleaning tools, focusing on products that are backed by data, loved by real customers, and designed to make everyday life easier. They regularly update their stories to keep the recommendations relevant and useful.
- When comparing the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop with the Roomba Combo j9+, both models incorporate advanced gadgets such as smart mapping and obstacle detection, with the Roomba j9+ providing superior object recognition for comprehensive clutter avoidance.
- In the realm of tech-savvy home appliances, the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 and the Roomba Combo j9+ showcase innovation through features like self-emptying bases, adaptive cleaning capabilities, and advanced mopping functions, thereby illustrating the intersection of technology and everyday household tasks.
