Introduction#
Self-emptying robot vacuums represent the next evolution in home cleaning automation, minimizing the maintenance required for robotic cleaners. The iRobot Roomba i7+ and Shark IQ Robot XL are two leading options in this category, both offering the convenience of self-emptying bases at different price points. After testing both models in a real home environment for over three weeks, we’re comparing their performance to help you decide which is worth your investment.
Quick Comparison#
| Feature | 
iRobot Roomba i7+ | 
Shark IQ Robot XL |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Performance | N/A | N/A |
| Navigation | N/A | N/A |
| Noise Level | N/A | N/A |
| App Experience | N/A | N/A |
| Maintenance | N/A | N/A |
| Battery Life | N/A | N/A |
| Value for Money | N/A | N/A |
iRobot Roomba i7+
Shark IQ Robot XL
Cleaning Performance#
Roomba i7+#
The Roomba i7+ uses a dual multi-surface rubber brush system that adjusts to different floor types. In our testing, it excelled at picking up pet hair without tangling and performed exceptionally well on carpets by increasing suction automatically when carpet is detected.
Key performance highlights:
- Picked up 98% of test debris on hardwood
- Collected 92% of test debris on medium-pile carpet
- Excellent edge cleaning with side brush
- Struggled slightly with very fine dust particles
Shark IQ XL#
The Shark IQ features a self-cleaning brushroll that actively prevents hair wrapping. It delivers strong suction, particularly on hard floors.
Key performance highlights:
- Picked up 96% of test debris on hardwood
- Collected 88% of test debris on medium-pile carpet
- Good edge cleaning but leaves more in corners
- Better performance with fine dust particles
Winner: Roomba i7+ - While both perform admirably, the Roomba’s adaptive cleaning system gives it a slight edge, especially on carpets.
Navigation and Mapping#
Roomba i7+#
The Roomba uses iRobot’s iAdapt 3.0 navigation with vSLAM technology to create persistent smart maps. After 3-4 runs, it created detailed maps that allowed for room-specific cleaning.
Navigation highlights:
- Methodical, systematic cleaning patterns
- Rarely gets stuck or confused
- Can avoid obstacles with reasonable success
- Multiple floor plan storage
- Allows “keep-out zones” and room-specific cleaning
Shark IQ XL#
The Shark IQ uses camera-based navigation and mapping technology. It required 5-6 runs to create a usable map in our testing.
Navigation highlights:
- Less methodical pattern than Roomba
- Occasionally bumps into furniture harder
- Sometimes struggles with dark rugs (misidentifies as ledges)
- Multiple floor plan storage
- Allows room-specific cleaning but no “keep-out zones”
Winner: Roomba i7+ - The more refined navigation system results in more efficient cleaning patterns and fewer stuck incidents.
Self-Emptying System#
Roomba i7+#
The Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal on the i7+ holds up to 60 days of debris in its AllergenLock bags. The emptying process is loud but quick (about 10-15 seconds).
Self-emptying highlights:
- Uses disposable bags (additional cost)
- Very effective emptying with few clogs
- Relatively large footprint
- Bags seal automatically when removed
Shark IQ XL#
The Shark’s self-emptying base holds approximately 30 days of debris in a bagless system. The emptying process is slightly longer and quite loud.
Self-emptying highlights:
- Bagless system (no recurring costs)
- Occasional clogging with pet hair
- Slightly smaller base footprint
- Requires more maintenance to clean the dust bin
Winner: Tie - The Roomba offers more capacity and reliability, while the Shark eliminates ongoing bag costs. Your preference depends on priorities.
App Experience and Smart Features#
Roomba i7+#
The iRobot Home app provides a clean, intuitive interface with detailed cleaning reports and maintenance reminders.
App highlights:
- Clean interface with easy scheduling
- Detailed cleaning maps and history
- Smart home integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT
- Proactive suggestions based on seasonal factors (pet shedding, allergy season)
Shark IQ XL#
The SharkClean app offers basic functionality for scheduling and mapping but lacks some of the refinement of iRobot’s app.
App highlights:
- Functional but occasionally laggy interface
- Basic cleaning history
- Smart home integration with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Less detailed reporting on cleaning performance
Winner: Roomba i7+ - The more polished app experience and deeper integration options give the Roomba an advantage.
Value Assessment#
Roomba i7+#
At $599.99, the Roomba i7+ comes at a premium price point. However, this investment delivers best-in-class navigation, excellent cleaning performance, and a refined app experience.
Value considerations:
- Longer track record of reliability
- Better resale value
- Ongoing cost of replacement bags ($15-20 for a 3-pack)
- More refined technology
Shark IQ XL#
Priced at $449.99, the Shark offers similar core functionality at a significantly lower price point, making self-emptying technology more accessible.
Value considerations:
- No ongoing costs for bags
- Competitive cleaning performance
- Less refined navigation
- Newer to the self-emptying market
Winner: Shark IQ XL - While the Roomba performs better overall, the Shark delivers 90% of the functionality at 75% of the cost.
Conclusion#
Both vacuums represent excellent options in the self-emptying robot vacuum category, but they target slightly different users.
Choose the Roomba i7+ if:
- You prioritize the most advanced navigation and mapping
- You have pets and complicated floor plans
- You value a refined app experience
- You don’t mind the ongoing cost of bags
Review Summary
Pros
- Superior navigation and mapping
- Excellent carpet performance
- Clean, intuitive app
- Reliable self-emptying
- 60-day capacity
Cons
- Higher initial cost
- Ongoing bag expenses
- Larger base station
- Louder when emptying
Verdict
The Roomba i7+ represents the premium choice for those who want the most reliable, feature-rich self-emptying robot vacuum with superior smart mapping capabilities.
Choose the Shark IQ XL if:
- You’re looking for the best value
- You prefer no ongoing costs with a bagless system
- You have primarily hard floors or low-pile carpets
- You don’t need advanced mapping features
Review Summary
Pros
- More affordable price point
- No ongoing bag costs
- Good hard floor performance
- Self-cleaning brushroll
- Slightly longer battery life
Cons
- Less refined navigation
- Smaller dust capacity
- Occasional clogging issues
- Less intuitive app
Verdict
The Shark IQ XL is an excellent value option that brings self-emptying convenience to a more accessible price point, ideal for budget-conscious consumers who still want modern features.
Overall Winner#
If budget is no concern, the Roomba i7+ is our top recommendation due to its superior navigation, slightly better cleaning performance, and more refined app experience. However, the Shark IQ XL delivers impressive performance at a significantly lower price point, making it our value pick and a compelling alternative for most households.