The other top robot vacuum brands can release as many models as they want, but the "Shark vs. Roomba" debate isn't leaving the Google search bar anytime soon.
There's always an even bigger spotlight on the feud when comparing their deals during various sale events, and the last day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale is seeing a big showdown between Shark and iRobot's two most expensive robot vacuum and mop combos: The Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro and iRobot Roomba Combo Max + AutoWash Dock are both down from their over-$1,000 prices to $799.99 ($799 for the Roomba, so you'd technically be saving almost a dollar extra).
Both can wash and dry their own mopping pads whereas the models right below each in the family tree, the Roomba Combo j9+ and Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch (no Pro) only refill their water tanks, but need you to throw the pads in the washing machine. The self-washing situation is definitely worth the upgrade in my eyes.
I've tested both of them, and have some intel as to who should pick the Shark and who should pick the Roomba. (Though if you're going to spend that much on a robot vacuum during this sale, I'd ultimately tell you to buy the Roborock Qrevo Master that's also on sale for $799.99 — it was my favorite robot vacuum from all of 2024.)
iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max
Why we like it
If you care more about meticulous small obstacle avoidance, go with the Roomba Combo 10 Max. iRobot's PrecisionVision technology consistently has the best track record when it comes to dodging things like chargers, extension cords, socks, and towels in my home. And personally, this level of self-sufficiency has become a non-negotiable for me — it's just nice to be able to start a cleaning whenever without worrying that the robot vac will suck up a random object and get stuck for hours.
After the unveiling of the $799.99 Roomba Plus 405 and $999.99 505 Combo models earlier in March, the Combo 10 Max is no longer the only Roomba vacuum and mop that can wash and dry its own mopping pads. Compared to those models, aside from a total design overhaul, the main difference is that the Combo 10 Max still retains the auto-lifting mopping arm that iRobot was trying to push (compared to spinning mopping pads on the other two).
But with the $999.99 Roomba Plus 505's release being pushed back to April, the Combo 10 Max is currently the only Roomba out there that can deal with its own mop, refill its own tanks, and avoid cords, laundry, and pet waste. And $799.99 is the cheapest it has ever been, Black Friday 2024 included.
The Combo 10 Max doesn't come in white and the Shark PowerDetect does, and maybe your decision will boil down to which color better matches your decor. But I'll say that, aesthetically, the Combo 10 Max looks much chicer in person. If you'd like to mitigate the risk of a giant hunk of technology ruining your cozy aesthetic, the Roomba is the choice here.
Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro
Why we like it
If you care more about quick, straightforward spot cleaning, go with the Shark PowerDetect Pro. As basic as it is, there's something to be said about how easy the Shark app makes the spontaneous cleaning process. All you have to do is drag and drop a square in the room you want the PowerDetect to clean, compared to the iRobot app, which makes you take the extra step of naming an official zone before cleaning (even if it'll be a one-time thing).
The PowerDetect's small obstacle avoidance situation isn't so streamlined — Shark hasn't perfected that technology yet. So while it can totally be relied on to make it to the right room while navigating around furniture, I'd still pick phone chargers off the floor and scoot slippers and shoes to the edges of the room.
Cleaning performance-wise, the PowerDetect is the most powerful Shark vacuum and mop. Like iRobot, Shark doesn't disclose suction power in Pascals, but the PowerDetect was quite reliable on various rugs in my home, and actually did a better job at picking up kitty litter and food crumbs around wall or cabinet edges than the Combo 10 Max did.
If it sways your decision at all, Shark does more to nail the "just cleaned" scent to go with your sparkling floors. The dock is equipped with a filter (I think it smells like laundry) that puffs after each auto-empty whoosh to combat any potential dust bag smell. A bottle of hard floor cleaning solution is also included.
