Robot vacuums are now a staple in many homes, thanks to the convenience they bring. Just turn the machine on and forget about it — you can busy yourself with other things and let the vacuum clean on its own. If you’re looking for one, the Shark EZ Robot Vacuum and iRobot Roomba i1 are two models worth considering.
Shark’s smart cleaner boasts powerful suction and self-emptying base. The Roomba i1, on the other hand, is known for its Dirt Detect Technology that delivers deeper cleaning across messier corners of your home. Which one should you get? Below, we compare these robovacs to help you decide.
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Shark EZ Robot vs Roomba i1 Comparison Chart
Design
Shark’s EZ Robot Vacuum and Roomba’s i1 have fairly similar designs but with key differences in their cleaning components.
Like most robot vacuum cleaners, the Shark EZ Robot and Roomba i1 sport a circular form surrounded by protective bumpers. Both are thicker where their cliff sensors are located. Shark’s vacuum is slightly slimmer than the Roomba. However, both devices are just under four inches and are chunkier than other models in the market.
From the top, the vacuums also present a simple and discreet design. The EZ Robot’s faceplate is halved by an oblong panel that contains three operational buttons and a similar number of indicator lights. Meanwhile, iRobot’s Roomba i1 features an attractive metallic color finish where three buttons with integrated indicator lights are neatly arranged.
You’ll find similar cleaning components underneath these vacuums. For instance, two drive wheels move the Shark and Roomba cleaners. Just on the front, they also have an omnidirectional caster wheel. Meanwhile, charging contacts occupy the back, with a dustbin in between. The difference between the two is that the Shark EZ Robot uses two side brushes, while the Roomba i1 has an edge-sweeping brush on one side
The Shark EZ Robot and Roomba i1 lack the advanced mapping and navigation features of higher-end vacuum cleaners.
Shark’s EZ Robot Vacuum is one of the more expensive in the brand’s lineup, while the Roomba i1 falls somewhere near the entry level. Nonetheless, both cleaners lack the advanced navigation features found in other models.
Instead, the EZ Robot Vacuum and the Roomba i1 follow a row-by-row approach in cleaning your home. The route they take is largely pre-programmed and guided by built-in sensors. There are no mapping capabilities available, too. At best, these robovacs will avoid stairs thanks to their cliff-detect sensor.
Roomba’s i1, however, is compatible with iRobot’s Dual Mode Virtual Wall Barrier. It’s an accessory sold separately that allows homeowners to control when the robot vacuum cleans. Meanwhile, Shark’s take on the virtual wall is called BotBoundary Strip. As its name implies, the BotBoundary is a tape-like strip that uses a magnetic field to create no-go zones for the EZ Robot.
Cleaning Performance
Shark’s EZ Robot Vacuum comes with a self-emptying base, while Roomba’s i1 features a smart, Dirt Detect technology.
When it comes to performance, Shark and Roomba are a bit adamant to say how powerful the suction is of their robot vacuums. Roomba shares that the i1 is simply 10x more powerful than its 600 series. Meanwhile, Shark claims the EZ Robot’s 1.8amp motor is good enough to tackle large and small debris, including stubborn pet hair.
Both devices are equipped with brushes that can work on multiple surfaces. As mentioned in the design, Shark’s EZ robot has two side brushes, too, which does a better job cleaning edges and corners. The Roomba i1 only has one side brush. However, its main brush roll uses more than one bristle, ideal for agitating deep-seated dirt in carpeted areas or sweeping debris across surfaces.
Another key advantage of the Roomba i1 is the presence of Dirt Detect Technology. It’s a smart cleaning feature that guides the vacuum to target dirtier areas of a room. In this scenario, the Roomba i1 moves over that area multiple times until it’s clean.
If convenience is your preference, Shark wins over the Roomba. The EZ Robot comes with a self-emptying base that means less manual disposal for homeowners. While Roomba has similar technology, it’s available only with the i1+ version of the vacuum.
Runtime and Smart Features
Both robot vacuum cleaners can run for over an hour and enjoy nifty smart features.
Although small, the Shark EZ Robot Vacuum and Roomba i1 have impressive battery life ratings. Shark’s robovac can go for 1.5 hours, while Roomba’s i1 enjoys a 1.25-hour battery life. These cleaners automatically return to their charging base when running low in battery. However, Shark’s vacuum takes about 3 hours to fully charge. In contrast, the i1 is ready in half the time.
Both vacuum cleaners are Wi-Fi connected, too, and work with their respective mobile apps. This allows users to schedule cleaning time, start cleaning, or check history.
In addition, Roomba’s iRobot Genius app gives personalized cleaning suggestions by learning your habits. It can even guide you through the allergy season. On the other hand, the Shark App supports voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant-enabled devices. The Roomba only supports Alexa. So if hands-free operation is your thing, then the EZ Robot is a better purchase.
Verdict
Most users will stand to benefit more from the Shark EZ Robot Vacuum than the Roomba i1.
The idea behind robot vacuums is largely focused on convenience. They’re designed as forget about vacuuming machines given their automated operations. With this in mind, the Shark EZ Robot Vacuum is better than the Roomba i1. iRobot’s entry-level robovac enjoys the Roomba DNA, including smart dirt detection features and an intuitive app. It has powerful cleaning abilities, too. However, the EZ Robot Vacuum simply brings more to the table.
Shark’s robot vacuum cleaner comes with a self-emptying base that means less manual dirt disposal. Aside from powerful suction, the device boasts two side brushes, which offer better edge and corner cleaning than the Roomba. Lastly, the EZ Robot Vacuum can be controlled hands-free through both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant-enabled devices. If convenience is what you want, Shark’s robovac fits the bill.
FAQs
In the case of the Shark EZ Robot Vacuum and the Roomba i1, Shark has the better robot vacuum cleaner.
The Roomba i3 is better than the i1. The i3 vacuum cleaner comes with a smart mapping feature and works with both Alexa and Google Assistant.
Yes, the Shark EZ Robot vacuum cleaner comes with a self-emptying base for automated dirt disposal.
The Roomba i1 enjoys a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.