In the realm of robot vacuums, Roomba has long been regarded as “the best,” thanks to its status as the most recognized and established brand in the [robot vacuum market](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-robot-vacuums). Nevertheless, Shark has progressively developed a robust reputation in the vacuum sector, and its latest series of robot vacuums positions it as a legitimate rival to [Roombas](https://mashable.com/roundup/best-roombas) and Roborocks.
After testing leading robot vacuums from all major manufacturers, I have identified the three top Shark robot vacuums that you should consider as we approach 2025.
### Are Shark Robot Vacuums on Par with Roombas?
The response isn’t merely a simple yes or no. Similar to the [Instant Pot vs. Ninja Foodi discussion](https://mashable.com/deals/instant-pot-vs-ninja-foodi), both Shark and Roomba are in a continuous cycle of innovation, broadening their product ranges, and addressing areas where the competing brand might have previously excelled. It’s a close competition, and the “superior” choice often relies on your specific requirements.
That being said, Shark has a distinct advantage in one aspect: cost-effectiveness. Shark consistently provides high-end robot vacuum functionalities at a lower price compared to Roomba. As robot vacuums have progressed from futuristic devices to essential home appliances, three key features have emerged as standard expectations: **mopping, smart room mapping, and automatic emptying**.
Both iRobot (the company behind Roomba) and Shark present models equipped with these functionalities, either singularly or collectively. However, with Shark’s launch of its Matrix robot vacuums in the spring of 2023 and the upcoming fall 2024 release of its PowerDetect line featuring a NeverTouch Base, Shark has established itself as the favored brand for budget-minded shoppers seeking cutting-edge features. Additionally, Shark vacuums are frequently offered at reduced prices throughout the year, even beyond major sales events like Black Friday or Prime Day. Although MSRP prices for each Shark vacuum are provided below, be aware that sale prices often tend to be much lower.
### Shark Excels at Spot Cleaning
When it comes to addressing unanticipated messes, Shark’s Matrix robot vacuums excel. Spot cleaning with Shark is notably more user-friendly than with Roomba. In the Shark app, you can effortlessly draw a square over the area you wish to clean in the spot cleaning section. In contrast, Roomba’s app necessitates you to establish and label a designated cleaning zone on the map, which can seem unnecessarily complex for a one-off mess.
Moreover, many Shark robot vacuums come with a physical cleaning button, enabling you to place the vacuum in the desired location and initiate cleaning immediately. This often-overlooked feature is noticeably missing from contemporary Roombas.
### Shark’s Selection: Fewer Models, Yet Strong Options
Although Shark doesn’t provide as extensive a range of robot vacuum models as iRobot, its collection still offers substantial diversity. Evaluating the differences between Shark models can be daunting on paper, which is why I’ve examined most of them in practical scenarios. I’ve also compared them to other top brands such as Roborock, Eufy, and iRobot, utilizing a standardized obstacle course to assess their performance.
Based on my practical testing, here are the three leading Shark robot vacuums to consider in 2024:
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Shark has demonstrated its capability as a significant contender in the robot vacuum market, offering a blend of affordability, innovation, and user-friendly attributes. Whether you’re in search of advanced automation or a straightforward spot cleaning solution, Shark’s latest models deserve your consideration.