In the bustling world of home automation, robotic vacuums are no longer a luxury, but a necessity. With an array of choices out there, picking the right one can be tricky. In this review, we will put two popular robot vacuums head-to-head: the Shark av753 and the Roomba 694. Both come from manufacturers with an excellent track record in the industry, but how do they stack up against each other in terms of design, functionality, and performance? Let’s find out!
Key Takeaways
- The Shark av753 offers powerful suction and a self-cleaning brushroll.
- The Roomba 694 provides reliable performance and smart features at an affordable price.
Overview: Shark av753 vs Roomba 694
Shark av753: An Introduction
Coming from a brand known for its innovative cleaning solutions, the Shark av753 makes a bold statement in the robot vacuum sector. Promising powerful suction and smart features, the Shark av753 aims to streamline your cleaning chores.
Roomba 694: An Introduction
The Roomba 694 from iRobot, a company with a strong pedigree in the robotic vacuum industry, brings a blend of reliability, functionality, and affordability. It’s designed to deliver a clean home with minimal effort on your part.
Shark av753 and Roomba 694: Key Similarities and Differences
While both vacuums come equipped with features like smart navigation and scheduled cleaning, they do differ in some aspects. The Shark av753 boasts a self-cleaning brushroll, while the Roomba 694 shines with its Dirt Detect technology.
Design and Build Quality
Design of Shark av753
Sporting a sleek black exterior, the Shark av753 brings a modern aesthetic to your home. Its compact and circular design allows it to navigate around obstacles and access hard-to-reach areas.
Design of Roomba 694
The Roomba 694, on the other hand, sports a minimalist yet classic design with its gray finish. Like the Shark av753, it adopts a round shape to navigate your home efficiently.
Build Quality
Both vacuums are robustly built to withstand regular use. While the Shark av753 uses premium plastic materials for its construction, the Roomba 694 integrates durable elements that can withstand minor bumps and collisions.
Cleaning Performance
Shark av753: Cleaning Capabilities
The Shark av753 shines with its powerful suction and self-cleaning brushroll. This combination ensures that it picks up both large debris and fine dust effectively, while the self-cleaning brushroll prevents hair tangles.
Roomba 694: Cleaning Capabilities
The Roomba 694, on the other hand, comes equipped with a three-stage cleaning system. It agitates, brushes, and suctions dirt from your floors. Plus, its Dirt Detect sensors identify high-traffic areas that require extra cleaning.
Navigation and Mapping
Shark av753: Navigational Skills
Equipped with advanced sensors and a camera, the Shark av753 navigates your home with precision, avoiding obstacles and stairs. However, it lacks the ability to create a map of your home, a feature found in more expensive models.
Roomba 694: Navigational Skills
The Roomba 694 uses a suite of advanced sensors to navigate your home. While it also lacks advanced mapping, its smart navigation ensures it covers your entire home efficiently.
Smart Features and Connectivity
Shark av753: Smart Features
The Shark av753 can be controlled using the SharkClean app or through voice commands with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. It allows you to set schedules, start or stop cleaning, and receive notifications.
Roomba 694: Smart Features
Similarly, the Roomba 694 can be controlled using the iRobot Home app or with voice commands. In addition, it also features the unique Dirt Detect technology which signals the robot to clean more thoroughly in dirtier areas.
Battery Life and Charging
Shark av753: Battery Performance
The Shark av753 comes with a long-lasting lithium-ion battery that provides up to 120 minutes of cleaning time. When the battery runs low, it automatically returns to the dock to recharge.
Roomba 694: Battery Performance
Similarly, the Roomba 694 is powered by a lithium-ion battery, providing up to 90 minutes of cleaning per charge. Like the Shark av753, the Roomba 694 also auto-docks to recharge.
User Experience and Maintenance
User Experience with Shark av753
The Shark av753 ensures a smooth user experience with its easy setup and intuitive app. The self-cleaning brushroll is a standout feature, saving users the hassle of detangling hair from the brush.
User Experience with Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 also boasts a straightforward setup and easy-to-use app. Users appreciate its Dirt Detect feature, which ensures high-traffic areas are thoroughly cleaned.
Maintenance Needs
Both models require routine maintenance, including regular dustbin emptying and filter replacements. The Shark av753’s self-cleaning brushroll reduces the need for brush cleaning, a common maintenance task for robot vacuums.
Pricing and Value for Money
Pricing of Shark av753
As a premium robot vacuum, the Shark av753 carries a higher price tag. However, its features like powerful suction and a self-cleaning brushroll offer good value for the investment.
Pricing of Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 is positioned as a more affordable option. Despite its lower price, it doesn’t compromise on the core functionalities and offers reliable performance.
Consumer Feedback
What Users Love About the Shark av753
Users praise the Shark av753 for its powerful suction and self-cleaning brushroll. Many are impressed by the extended battery life that allows for long cleaning sessions.
What Users Love About the Roomba 694
The Roomba 694 receives compliments for its affordability and reliable cleaning performance. Users also appreciate its smart features, like app control and Dirt Detect technology.
Common Criticisms and Concerns
For the Shark av753, some users report issues with the robot getting stuck on obstacles. On the other hand, a few Roomba 694 users wish for a more efficient navigation system.
Safety and Environmental Considerations
Safety Features
Both the Shark av753 and the Roomba 694 come equipped with sensors to prevent falls and collisions, ensuring safe operation in your home.
Environmental Footprint
Both models use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, reducing the waste associated with disposable batteries. Users are encouraged to recycle old batteries in an environmentally-friendly manner.
Pros and Cons
Summarizing the Strengths
Shark av753
- Powerful suction
- Self-cleaning brushroll
- Extended battery life
Roomba 694
- Affordable
- Reliable cleaning performance
- Smart features
Addressing the Weaknesses
Shark av753
- Might get stuck on obstacles
- Higher price point
Roomba 694
- Navigation could be more efficient
- Lacks advanced features like smart mapping
Conclusion
If you are looking for a powerful and intelligent cleaning solution with a longer battery life, the Shark av753 is a great choice. If budget is a key factor and you need a reliable cleaning performance with essential smart features, the Roomba 694 is worth considering.
While both models offer solid performance and smart features, your choice between the Shark av753 and the Roomba 694 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
FAQs
Does the Shark av753 or the Roomba 694 have a virtual wall feature?
While the Roomba 694 offers the Virtual Wall Barrier feature to block off areas you don’t want the robot to clean, the Shark av753 lacks this feature.
Can the Shark av753 and Roomba 694 handle pet hair?
Yes, both the Shark av753 and the Roomba 694 can handle pet hair. However, the Shark av753’s self-cleaning brushroll provides an edge by preventing hair tangles.
Can these robot vacuums clean carpets as well as hardwood floors?
Both the Shark av753 and the Roomba 694 are designed to clean different types of surfaces, including carpets and hardwood floors. Their suction capabilities and brush designs enable effective cleaning on various surfaces.
How often do I need to replace the filters in the Shark av753 and Roomba 694?
Filter lifespan can vary based on usage, but typically, it’s recommended to replace the filters every two to three months for both the Shark av753 and the Roomba 694.
Can the Shark av753 and Roomba 694 be controlled with a smartphone?
Yes, both robot vacuums offer app control. You can use the SharkClean app for the Shark av753, and the iRobot Home app for the Roomba 694. These apps allow you to schedule cleanings, control the robot’s functions, and receive notifications.
Which robot vacuum is quieter, the Shark av753 or the Roomba 694?
Both vacuums produce some noise during operation due to their powerful suction. However, user feedback suggests that the Shark av753 may operate slightly quieter than the Roomba 694.
