With hectic and busy lifestyles dominating daily life, it’s hard to find the time to clean the house and vacuum the floors. That’s where a more modern style of cleaning can benefit your life and free up some extra time for you: the robotic vacuum cleaner. For people who are always on the run or who want to save some time for themselves, getting a robotic vacuum cleaner can eliminate one time-consuming aspect of your life. Imagine the time and effort you can save when you don’t have to fight with tangled cords or drag a heavy vacuum from room to room and up flights of stairs. A robotic vacuum cleaner can do the work for you, so you can relax and spend your time on activities you enjoy.
More robotic vacuums are emerging on the market, and because they are still relatively new products, it is tough to determine which ones are worth your time and money. This buying guide will help make your robotic vacuum purchase a smooth process so you can select the cleaning tool that best suits your budget and lifestyle.
In this guide, we will compare and contrast the popular and highly rated Shark robotic vacuum cleaners, specifically the Shark ION R75, the Shark ION R85, and the Shark ION S87. Our guide will assist you in choosing the right Shark model to save you time and keep your home clean.
About Shark
Founded in Montreal, Canada, in 1998, Shark is a house-care brand that is part of the larger SharkNinja corporation. The Shark name has long been associated with cleaning and household appliances and is a leading company in the area of cutting-edge vacuum cleaners. Shark is dedicated to crafting products that are easy to use, innovative, and reasonably priced.
Recommended reading: We find the Best Shark Vacuums for Pet Hair.
You may also interested: Coredy R300 vs. R500+ vs. R650 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | SHARK ION R75 | SHARK ION R85 | SHARK ION S87 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.6 x 12.6 x 2.6 in | 12.8 x 12.5 x 3.4 in. | 12.8 x 12.5 x 3.4 in. |
| Weight | 5.51 pounds | 5.51 pounds | 11.02 pounds |
| Navigation | Smart Sensor Navigation | Smart Sensor Navigation 2.0 | Smart Sensor Navigation 2.0 |
| XL Dust Cup | No | Yes | Yes |
| 3X Suction Power | No | Yes | Yes |
| Dual-Brush Edge | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cleaning System with Handheld Vacuum | No | No | Yes |
| Multi-Axis Bumper | No | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Enjoy | Enjoy | Enjoy |
Shark ION R75
The Shark ION R75 is an excellent starter robotic vacuum, especially for consumers who are working within a budget. With smart sensor navigation and high-performance brushes, the R75 is a simple yet effective vacuum that makes cleaning effortless and seamless. All you have to do is turn the vacuum on and let it do the work.
Pros
- Wi-fi enabled with voice control through smartphone or Alexa
- Scheduling capabilities
- Smart sensor navigation
- Low-profile, thin design
- Self-cleaning brushroll with detangling technology
- Dual spinning side brushes
- Easy to use dust bin
- Lithium-ion battery with over one hour of cleaning time
- Charging dock
- Nine feet of BotBoundary
- Two BotBoundary connectors
Cons
- This model has difficulty finding the docking station
- The R75 may have trouble vacuuming over thick carpets or rugs
- The model struggles to map the house correctly
- Power cords are likely to get tangled up in the vacuum
- The robot sometimes has difficulty finding its way out from underneath furniture
Our Review
The Shark ION R75 is the perfect robotic vacuum model for people new to this market. It is particularly ideal for consumers on a budget who want a reasonably priced vacuum but don’t want to overspend for an inferior item. The R75 provides all the basics and more that top robotic vacuum models offer. From wi-fi capabilities to superior cleaning brushes, the R75 is built to clean dirt, debris, and pet hair on carpets, laminate, and hardwood floors and in edges and corners on command.
These are some of the top features of this model:
Wi-fi capabilities
With wi-fi capabilities, the Shark R75 allows the user, through the Shark app, use a smartphone or Alexa home system to give voice commands to the vacuum. The wi-fi also provides the option of scheduling cleaning sessions on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
Long-lasting battery power
The Shark R75 has a lithium-ion battery that gives the user over an hour’s worth of cleaning time. After the vacuum is done cleaning, it returns to its docking station and recharges fully for the next time you’re ready to put it to work.
Performance brushroll with detangling technology
The star of the Shark R57 is the performance brushroll. Designed to be a useful cleaning tool, the brushroll has helix-pattern bristles that provide superior pickup abilities on both hardwood and carpeted surfaces. Additionally, the detangling technology means the brushroll sweeps up long hairs, fibers, and strings without getting tangled around the roll itself.
Large and effective dust bin
Clean-up is simple with an easy-to-access bin that quickly detaches from the side of the vacuum. The bin can be emptied easily and without spillage or further messes.
Low-profile design
It’s not hard to vacuum underneath couches, sofas, or tables with the Shark R57. The vacuum cleaner’s low-profile at 2.6 inches and thin design gives it a sleek, sophisticated look that can readily access hard-to-reach areas underneath the furniture.
Shark ION R85
The Shark ION R85 takes the effective cleaning methods found in the basic Shark vacuum models and elevates its suction power. At three times the suction in maximum mode than the R75 model, the R85 employs the same performance brushroll and side brushes to keep your floors effortlessly spotless. Designed for pet owners, the Shark R85 excels at picking up hair and getting dirt and debris out of corners and along walls.
Pros
- Smart sense navigation 2.0 for better mapping and obstacle avoidance
- Wi-fi app and voice enabling capabilities via Shark app or Alexa
- Performance brushroll and dual-brush corner and edge cleaning abilities
- Extra-large dustbin cup for easy cleanup
- Powerful suction, especially on Max Mode
- Lithium-ion battery for extended power
- Charging dock
- Low-profile to access hard-to-reach areas
- Cleaning pattern goes straight instead of in circles
Cons
- Docking can take a long time if the vacuum is far away from the dock
- Side brushes are a little short
- Scheduling capabilities are uneven
- Recharging at the dock can take hours
- The brushroll can get overloaded with hair and fibers and stop working effectively
Our review
The Shark ION R85 is an upgraded version of the R75 and therefore is slightly higher in price. It features stronger suction for more efficient cleaning results. Consumers with pets will appreciate this robotic vacuum which was explicitly designed for homes with lots of fur and hair floating around. With its performance brushroll and side brushes, the R85 is sure to pick up every piece of hair and dirt to keep your floors bright and clean.
Here are some of the top features for this model:
Maximum suction power
At three times the suction strength of the Shark ION R75, the R85 makes sure that no speck of dirt or crumb is left behind. The self-cleaning performance brushroll can suck up hair and debris without letting any of it clog the brush or negatively affect the vacuum’s performance. With an extra-large dust bin, your robotic vacuum can work for longer periods to clean up even more dirt the first time around.
Smart Sensor Navigation at a higher level
The smart sensor navigation program on the ION R85 is created to be far more sensitive to objects and obstacles in its path. This benefit prevents the vacuum from getting stuck under furniture or in corners.
Wi-fi voice and app-enabled
Use the Shark app with your smartphone or Alexa home system to schedule your vacuum to begin cleaning no matter whether you are home or not. You’ll come back to a clean house and a recharged vacuum cleaner.
Long-lasting battery power
Equipped with a lithium-ion battery, the Shark ION R85 can provide almost two hours of battery life if run on quiet mode. The vacuum returns itself to its charging dock when finished cleaning to recharge for the next use.
Extra-large dust bin
The Shark ION R85 can keep cleaning effectively for longer periods due to its extra-large sized dust cup. Fewer trips to the garbage can empty the bin means more cleaning at a faster rate for you and your home.
Brushes designed for pet owners
The R85 is the right robotic vacuum cleaner for people who own pets. The brushroll and side brushes capture pet fur and dander, so it’s off your floors and out of sight.
Shark ION S87
With dual vacuuming capabilities, the Shark ION S87 offers incredible suction power courtesy of a high-efficiency motor in both the vacuum itself and an attached handheld vacuum. This pricier model includes multiple versatile attachments that are lightweight and easy to use. With wi-fi capabilities, the S87 will clean what you want, where you want, when you want, so your floors will be clean while you spend time on yourself.
Pros
- Powerful Max Mode suction paired with a superior motor
- Lightweight and efficient cleaning attachments
- Smart Sensor Navigation 2.0
- Extra-large dust cup
- One-touch debris emptying cup
- Multi-axis bumper
- Charging dock
- Powerful self-cleaning brushroll and four side brushes
- Wi-fi capabilities with smartphone and Alexa home systems
- 7-day scheduling ability
- Multi-surface pet tool attached to the hand vacuum
Cons
- The navigation system can experience glitches
- Side brushes may catch on sides of carpets and rugs
- The wireless network must be broadcast for wi-fi functions to work
Our review
The Shark ION S87 is a pricier robot vacuum, and that’s because of its dual vacuum functionality. The model itself cleans the floors and edges along the walls and in corners; the attached handheld vacuum can be used to clean higher up the walls, curtains, or ceiling corners. With a strong motor and equally strong suction, this popular robotic vacuum model will be hard at work cleaning your floors, so you don’t have to do them yourself.
Two separate cleaning systems in one unit
The Shark ION S87 is two vacuums for the price of one. It combines a high-performance robot vacuum with a built-in, handle vacuum. Keep your floors clean and your walls cleaner with the S87’s dual-capacity cleaner.
Ideal for cleaning up pet hair
The ION S87 was specifically created to handle as much pet hair as you’ve got floating around your house. Between the self-cleaning brushroll, four side brushes in the main vacuum and the handheld pet tool and crevice tool attachments in the handle vacuum, the ION S87 has you and your pets covered.
Wi-fi capabilities for ultimate operational convenience
By using the Shark app, you can program when and where you want your ION S87 to get to work cleaning your floors. The vacuum is both smartphone and Alexa capable, and you can schedule up to 7 days of cleaning to cover your whole week.
Upgraded navigation system
With an upgraded Smart Sensor Navigation system, the S87 keeps moving from room to room without running into obstacles or getting stuck in corners. You can let it do its job without constant supervision on your part.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Shark r75/r85/s87 return to the docking station?
When the battery is low the Shark will automatically return to the docking station.
What do I need to do to keep up with the maintenance on my Shark r75, r85 and s87?
The consumer should be sure to change the filter routinely, as well as clean under the wheel and the brush. It would also be good to replace the roller bar on a regular basis.
Will the Shark r75/r85/s87 scratch tile, hardwood, laminate, and stone floors?
No. All models of the Shark are designed to clean multi surfaces without damaging the flooring.
Can I use the Shark r75/r85/s87 without using Alexa or Google Assistant?
Yes, it can be started manually.
Will the Shark r75/r85/s87 clean grooved flooring?
Yes. The Shark is designed to thoroughly clean floors whether smooth or grooved.
What’s the Difference Between these Shark ION Robotic Vacuum Models?
Which model is better: the Shark ION R75, the ION R85, or the ION S87? What you want in a robotic vacuum and the limits of your budget will determine the answer to that question.
For buyers on a budget or those who are new to robotic vacuums, the Shark ION R75 is a perfect choice. Aside from its reasonable price, the R75 offers every essential you want in a robotic vacuum, plus a little bit more. It has decent suction power, is sleek and low-profile, and has wi-fi capabilities for remote programming and use. Multiple brushes will keep your wall edges and corners clean as well.
How does the Shark ION R85 differ from the R75? Most of the amenities and equipment on these two robot vacuums are the same; however, the R85 has much stronger suction and motor power, at least three times as strong as the R85. If you want more power in your vacuum’s suction, then the R85 is the better choice.
The Shark ION S87 differs from the Shark ION R75 and the Shark ION R85 in that it offers two separate means by which to vacuum your home. The S87 has the main robot vacuum unit to clean floors and carpets and has a detachable handle vacuum that offers a way to clean hard-to-reach areas like upper walls and ceiling corners. The S87 also provides more brush power with four side brushes that work to pick up pet hair and dander on the carpets and floors.
If you are on a budget but still want a quality robotic vacuum, the Shark ION R75 is the ideal model because of its affordable pricing and effectiveness. For consumers who want more power and suction to their robot vacuum, the Shark ION R85 delivers on power and gets the job done, fast. Buyers who are looking for more flexibility in a vacuum, especially one that specializes in cleaning up pet hair, the Shark ION S87 is the model for you. Whichever Shark ION model works for your lifestyle, you will have cleaner floors and won’t have to spend time cleaning them yourself.
