Shark is rapidly establishing itself in the smart home industry and is making a big mark on robotic vacuum cleaning. Once known mainly for its traditional stick vacuums, it is now going head-to-head with giants like iRobot and Dyson. Whether you’re dealing with pet hair, mixed flooring, or just trying to automate your cleaning routine, Shark robots are known for their efficiency, navigation, and user-friendly technology.
In this guide, I’ve teamed up with the Cybernews research team to break down the best Shark robot vacuum in 2025. I created a reliable comparison of the best models by analyzing many expert reviews, manufacturer claims, and user experiences. From self-emptying bases to AI mapping technology, you’ll learn about Shark's top offerings and find the one that best suits your space, lifestyle, and budget.
Best Shark robot vacuums – shortlist
- Shark RV2820YE – best Shark robot vacuum in 2025
- Shark RV2820ZE – most affordable Shark robot vacuum
- Shark AV2501AE – best robot vacuum for allergen control
- Shark AI Ultra – best Shark vacuum with voice control
- Shark RV2820AE – best self-emptying base
- Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 – best Shark robot vacuum for pet hair
The best Shark robot vacuums compared
Before going into the detailed summaries of each model, it is helpful to look at them side-by-side. The comparison below will give you a snapshot of the most important features, performance, and some of the ideal use cases for each Shark robot vacuum. It will help you to clearly see the differences and pick the one most suitable for your home and lifestyle.
| Best for | Dimensions | Battery life | Mop/vacuum/hybrid | Scheduling | Virtual walls | Remote control | Phone controls | |
| Shark RV2820YE | Best overall | 13.7 x 13.7 x 4.1 in | Up to 120 min | Hybrid | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Shark RV2820ZE | Most affordable | 13.7 x 13.7 x 4.1 in | Up to 120 min | Hybrid | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Shark AV2501AE | Best for allergen control | 13.4 x 13.4 x 3.5 in | Up to 120 min | Vacuum | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Shark AI Ultra | Best for voice control | 13.6 x 13.6 x 4.0 in | Up to 120 min | Vacuum | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Shark RV2820AE | Best self-emptying base | 13.7 x 13.7 x 4.1 in | Up to 120 min | Vacuum | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 | Best for pet hair | 13.7 x 13.7 x 4.0 in | Up to 120 min | Hybrid | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
6 best Shark robot vacuums – our detailed list
In the next section, you will find a detailed review of the best Shark robot vacuums in 2025. I’ll consider features like powerful suction, smart mapping capabilities, and mopping features. The expert-backed list helps you compare specs, strengths, and standout features to help you find the perfect fit for your home.
1. Shark RV2820YE – best all-around Shark robot vacuum in 2025
| Dimensions: | 13.7 x 13.7 x 4.1 in |
| Mop/vacuum/hybrid: | Hybrid |
| Battery life: | 120 min |
| Virtual walls: | Yes |
| Remote control: | No |
| Best for: | Best overall |
The RV2820YE is one of the most feature-packed Shark products with vacuum and mop capabilities. It cleans the floors like a pro, whether hard floors or carpets – even the messiest rugs – and provides an auto-emptying dust bin.
This high-end vacuum robot adapts its suction power to the surface with the PowerDetect feature. Voice and app control makes it easy to manage, while the self-cleaning brushroll (the rotating brush mechanism in a vacuum) and HEPA filtration system keep maintenance low and air quality high.
2. Shark RV2820ZE – best budget-friendly Shark robot vacuum
| Dimensions: | 13.7 x 13.7 x 4.1 in |
| Mop/vacuum/hybrid: | Hybrid |
| Battery life: | 120 min |
| Virtual walls: | Yes |
| Remote control: | No |
| Best for: | Most affordable |
The Shark RV2820ZE combines basic abilities with cute looks to be perfect for budget-conscious consumers. It is ideal for smaller homes or anyone looking for a dependable budget robot vacuum/mop combo with user-friendly controls.
The self-cleaning brushroll avoids tangles, and the PowerDetect feature changes suction levels based on the floor type. Additional features include smart navigation, virtual walls, and voice and app control. However, this model has no self-emptying base.
3. Shark AV2501AE – ideal Shark vacuum for allergy-sensitive homes
| Dimensions: | 13.4 x 13.4 x 3.5 in |
| Mop/vacuum/hybrid: | Vacuum |
| Battery life: | 120 min |
| Virtual walls: | Yes |
| Remote control: | No |
| Best for: | Best for allergen control |
Households that are concerned about allergen accumulation should invest in the Shark AV250. This smart robot vacuum carries an elevated HEPA self-emptying base capable of imprisoning 99.97% of dust and allergens for up to 60 days.
While it doesn’t offer mopping, this vacuum quietly and efficiently captures and contains allergens. It also supports voice commands, app-based scheduling, and targeted room cleaning for added convenience.
4. Shark AI Ultra – best Shark robot vacuum with voice assistant
| Dimensions: | 13.6 x 13.6 x 4.0 in |
| Mop/vacuum/hybrid: | Vacuum |
| Battery life: | 120 min |
| Virtual walls: | Yes |
| Remote control: | No |
| Best for: | Best for voice control |
This Shark AI vacuum robot offers advanced voice controls and navigation for tech lovers, making the Ultra an ideal fit for your smart home. It also pairs perfectly with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, making automated cleaning even more accessible.
Shark's self-named Matrix Clean Navigation feature cleans thoroughly in a precise grid pattern. With AI Laser Vision, the device avoids obstacles on its own and assures that the brushroll stays clean. The suction is strong enough for any surface.
5. Shark RV2820AE – best self-emptying technology
| Dimensions: | 13.7 x 13.7 x 4.1 in |
| Mop/vacuum/hybrid: | Vacuum |
| Battery life: | 120 min |
| Virtual walls: | Yes |
| Remote control: | No |
| Best for: | Best self-emptying base |
The Shark RV2820AE is perfect for those who want a genuinely low-maintenance cleaning routine. Designed with Shark’s most advanced self-emptying base, this model can hold debris for up to 60 days, making it ideal for busy households or those with shedding pets.
The PowerDetect technology controls the vacuum's suction depending on surface types. It includes a smart navigation LiDAR radar and a self-cleaning brushroll that requires no hands-on cleaning.
6. Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 – best Shark vacuum for homes with pets
| Dimensions: | 13.7 x 13.7 x 4.0 in |
| Mop/vacuum/hybrid: | Hybrid |
| Battery life: | 120 min |
| Virtual walls: | Yes |
| Remote control: | No |
| Best for: | Best for pet hair |
The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 is specifically for pet owners. The powerful suction easily handles cat or dog hair and dander, and the mop takes care of pet paw prints. It operates smoothly on various flooring types, including tile, hardwood, or carpet.
The Matrix Clean system guarantees absolute coverage and the auto-cleaning brushroll helps prevent hair blockage. It offers seamless voice control, intuitive app scheduling, and the convenience of vacuuming and mopping simultaneously.
How did we select the best Shark robot vacuums?
The list of the best Shark robot vacuums manufactured in 2025 is based on product ratings, expert insights, manufacturer data, and verified user feedback. I focused on real-world performance and features that matter most to everyday users. These key factors shaped my selection process:
- Suction power and mopping efficiency (35%): I prioritized models that could effectively remove dirt, dust, and pet hair from carpets and hard floors equally.
- Smart features (25%): Voice assistant support, app control, and custom scheduling should be present in any robot vacuum, so I chose models with smart home capabilities.
- Battery life and auto-recharge (20%): A battery with good run time and auto docking were favorites to reduce interruptions in large or multi-room homes.
- Obstacle avoidance and navigation (20%): Accurate navigation provides less bumpy rides. In addition to collision detection, my selection leaned towards LiDAR and smart mapping models.
What is the difference between Shark robot vacuums?
Before starting a shark robot vacuum model comparison, I should emphasize that Shark offers models for various cleaning needs and budgets. The Shark AI models offer AI Laser Navigation and obstacle detection. On the more affordable end, the Shark EZ lineup delivers solid suction and basic mapping but lacks advanced features like self-emptying or app-controlled zones. When comparing the Shark Matrix vs Shark IQ, the Matrix series typically offers enhanced cleaning patterns with its Matrix Clean technology, while the IQ series pioneered Shark's self-emptying technology.
The various Shark models provide run times ranging from 90 to 120 minutes per charge. All are excellent, so most users’ decisions will come down to how much you're willing to spend for added automation.
Are Shark robot vacuums better than iRobot?
- Shark offers similar performance to iRobot at a significantly lower price point
- Both brands provide strong suction performance across various surfaces
- Shark's AI navigation applies optimal suction for specific surface types
- Shark features Matrix Clean Navigation and more affordable self-emptying bases
- Shark models include self-cleaning brushrolls, while iRobot users clean hair manually
- Both brands maintain high customer satisfaction ratings
Shark robot vacuums have quickly become strong competitors to iRobot's popular lineup, particularly on value for money. iRobot's models tend to be more expensive, whereas Shark offers a much lower price for similar performance. While both brands deliver powerful suction across various surfaces, Shark enhances the experience with AI navigation that adapts to specific floor types. The self-cleaning brushrolls on Shark models eliminate the manual detangling required with iRobot vacuums, making maintenance simpler for busy households.
Are Shark robot vacuums as good as Roomba?
- Shark matches Roomba in suction power and overall cleaning performance
- Roomba has a slight edge when deep cleaning carpets
- Shark's PowerDetect feature adapts suction to different surface types
- Roomba's iAdapt and PrecisionVision navigation technology is slightly more advanced
- Shark's AI Laser Navigation still delivers thorough, methodical coverage
- Both brands offer app connectivity and voice control features
- Shark provides a better price-to-performance ratio with comparable features
Shark robot vacuums compete directly with Roomba in almost every critical metric, with equal performance, suction power, and return on investment. Roomba has a slight edge in deep carpet cleaning, but Shark's PowerDetect feature detects your surface and does the job. Although Roomba's iAdapt and PrecisionVision navigation may be better, Shark's AI Laser Navigation still delivers good coverage. Both systems support app connectivity and voice control. In general, Shark wins on price-to-performance, too. It doesn’t sacrifice many premium features but comes at a lower price point, making it a good alternative to Roomba for the average user.
Is Shark better than Dyson?
- Dyson excels at pet hair pickup and deep debris removal
- Shark's PowerDetect feature adjusts suction based on floor type
- Dyson features a futuristic design and robust construction
- Shark models prioritize practicality and easy maintenance
- Similar battery life, but Shark generally charges faster
- Shark offers better value for everyday users
- Dyson appeals to those seeking premium design and technology
Dyson makes cutting-edge vacuums with powerful suction to tackle pet hair and debris. Shark counters with its PowerDetect feature, which automatically adjusts suction based on flooring, at a lower price. Dyson models have a more futuristic look, while Shark models focus on practicality and ease of maintenance. Battery life is similar on the whole, but Shark usually charges quicker. For the average person who wants consistent performance and smart features at a lower price, Shark offers better value. Dyson attracts customers who love advanced technology and high-end design and don’t mind paying a premium.
How to choose the best Shark robot vacuum for your needs
Before choosing a Shark robot vacuum, consider the following factors to match the right model to your lifestyle:
- Size of your home: Larger spaces benefit from models with longer battery life and smart navigation.
- Pet ownership: If you have pets at home, go for a vacuum with strong suction and self-cleaning, tangle-free brushrolls.
- Floor type: Choose a model optimized for your flooring, whether hardwood, carpet, or tile.
- Smart features: Look for smooth app control, voice assistant integration, and smart mapping.
- Price range: Balance your budget with desired features like AI navigation or a self-emptying base.
Each of these considerations directly impacts performance, convenience, and overall satisfaction. A compact model might suit an apartment, while a larger home may call for premium automation. Choosing the right model means aligning your cleaning needs and lifestyle with the most important features for you.
Final word on the best Shark robot vacuum
After carefully analyzing the top Shark robot vacuums of 2025, the Shark RV2820YE PowerDetect 2-in-1 is the best all-around option. It offers premium features, hybrid mop and vacuum cleaning, and smart automation at an affordable price.
At the same time, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to robot vacuums. All the models I reviewed above have strengths, with some suiting users on a budget or seeking specialized solutions for pet owners or allergy sufferers. My analysis considered real-world performance, technical specifications, and user experiences to deliver a comprehensive overview. Whether you care most about navigation precision, floor-type versatility, or ease of maintaining a clean home, a model in the Shark lineup is likely well-suited for you.
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FAQ
How long does a Shark robot vacuum last on a single charge?
Most Shark robot vacuums offer 120 minutes of uninterrupted service on a single charge, depending on the model and cleaning mode. Premium models automatically return to their docks for a refill and resume working. I recommend the Shark RV2820YE.
Are Shark robot vacuums good for pet hair?
Yes, Shark robot vacuums are highly efficient at gathering pet hair. Many come with high-power suction and a self-cleaning brushroll to avoid tangles. It even removes paw prints and sticky messes when paired with mopping features.
Can I control a Shark robot vacuum with my phone?
Yes, Shark robot vacuums come together with the SharkClean app, allowing you to control and customize your cleaning experience. You can start, pause, schedule cleanings, set no-go zones, and even monitor cleaning history – all with your smartphone
How often do I need to clean my Shark robot vacuum?
It’s best to clean the brushroll and empty the dustbin after every few uses. You should rinse filters monthly, while sensors and charging contacts benefit from a quick wipe weekly. If you do this consistently, it helps extend the performance and lifespan of your vacuum.
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