Shark’s AI robot vacuum with a self-emptying base station checks all the boxes for a solid mid-range cleaning machine. It delivers reliable performance, has an intuitive mobile app, creates precise home maps, and features a bagless base—saving you the cost of replacement bags over time.
Setting up the Shark AI is straightforward. Once out of the box, you simply plug in the base station and download the companion app to complete the setup. The vacuum connects to Wi-Fi, allowing for control via the app even when you’re not home, or through voice commands with Google Assistant and Alexa. During its initial “Explore Run,” the Shark scans and maps your home, which you can later fine-tune using the app.
In my two-bedroom apartment, the Shark quickly generated an accurate floorplan, and I appreciated the option to re-explore if needed. After creating a map, the app prompts you to label rooms, enabling more targeted cleaning. You can also set “no-go” zones to keep the vacuum out of certain areas.
In its first few cleaning sessions, I had the Shark clean the entire apartment. With up to 120 minutes of runtime, it’s well-suited for larger homes. I was impressed by how quiet it operated, especially compared to other robot vacuums. While you may need to raise the volume on your TV if it’s cleaning nearby, it’s barely noticeable when working in another room. The Shark also skillfully maneuvered around obstacles, including cat toys. Its object detection feature claims it can avoid objects as small as four inches, though I found it performed better with larger items like a three-foot-long cat tunnel than with smaller toys.
Despite occasionally catching small objects like toy mice, the Shark continued cleaning without a hitch. A key factor I consider when testing robot vacuums is how much intervention they require during operation. The best machines are fully autonomous, navigating your home and returning to their base when finished without needing extra attention. Shark’s robot vacuum met this standard, allowing for true hands-free cleaning. While I did preemptively clear items like clothes and cables, as recommended by the app, the Shark performed flawlessly without any manual input.
One standout feature is the self-emptying station, which allows the Shark to automatically empty its dustbin after every run—and even during a session if it fills up before finishing. In that case, the vacuum resumes cleaning right after emptying itself. What makes the Shark particularly convenient is its bagless base design, unlike most competitors that require the regular purchase of proprietary garbage bags. With Shark, the debris compartment snaps off for easy emptying and clicks back into place, reducing the long-term cost of ownership.
Shark also offers similar models with slight variations, including differences in color schemes and base capacity (30-day vs. 60-day self-emptying). If minimal interaction with your robot vacuum is important to you, the 60-day model is worth considering.
In summary, Shark’s AI robot vacuum excels in performance, convenience, and cost-efficiency, making it a great choice for those seeking a reliable, hands-off cleaning solution.
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