What is the difference between Shark robot vacuum models?

Shark robot vacuums are classified in a few different ways, which manifest as random jumbles of numbers and letters in each robot vacuum's official name. IQ versus AI and RV versus AV were the main ones for several years, but new terminology like Matrix, PowerDetect, and Ultra have entered the Shark glossary as of 2025. The difference between Shark IQ and AI is that Shark AI vacuums use 360-degree LiDAR mapping that allows the robot vacuum to create a map of your home and remember each room for more specified cleaning runs when necessary. Shark IQ vacuums , however, do not have smart mapping capabilities, and clean in a methodical row-by-row pattern created as the robot senses walls and large obstacles in each room. Another main difference between Shark AI and IQ is that the newer AI models — now referred to as Shark Matrix Plus — have improved edge cleaning (called CleanEdge) that Shark says yields 50% better edge cleaning than the IQ models that do not have this technology. Matrix also refers to Shark's more thorough cleaning system for both wet and dry cleaning. During regular vacuuming, Matrix mode delivers 30% better carpet cleaning (compared to the older RV Shark models) by digging deeper into carpet and taking multiple passes in a crosshatch pattern to loosen and grab debris from multiple angles. During mopping, "Matrix" mode scrubs by vibrating 100 times per minute (rather than lightly dragging a wet cloth across hard floors). The self-emptying docks that come with Matrix Plus models also have a HEPA anti-allergen seal. The difference between Shark RV and AV is one extra floor sensor that AV models have, making them slightly more perceptive. Sometimes, RV and AV models also come in different color options. To tell the difference between two aesthetically-similar models, you can look at features like the type of brushroll built into the vacuum to decide which will supply the best debris pickup for your home. For instance, the RV2300S Matrix features a multi-surface brusholl, which would be the better choice for homes with one or no pets and widely varying floor types, while the RV2320S has a self-cleaning brushroll, which features anti-hair wrap technology and would be the better choice for pet hair pickup. Shark EZ and Shark VacMop are older, less advanced product lines that now see limited distribution. The newest Shark release doesn't exactly follow any of these classification rules. Its title simply describes what it does, and what it does sets it apart from all of the other models: Shark PowerDetect (technology that works harder on dirtier spots) NeverTouch Pro (a dock that you'll never have to touch, because the base deals with the dustbin and mopping pads on its own) Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo (it does both, and does them better than any Shark robot vacuums before it.)

3 best Shark robot vacuums of 2025, tested at home

Overview

Shark PowerDetect robot vacuum on self-empty base near potted plant

Best overall

Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro

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Shark robot vacuum cleaning fluffy rug near table legs

Budget pick

Shark Matrix RV2320S

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$329.99 Best Buy

Shark robot vacuum cleaning tile floor with shower curtain and plant in background

Best budget robot mop

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1

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$369.99 Amazon

In an unspoken sort of way, Roomba has been crowned "the best" robot vacuum simply because it's the most established brand in the market. But Shark has always had competitive street cred when it comes to vacuums, and its newest rounds of robot vacuums finally make Shark a force to be reckoned with among Roombas and Roborocks.

Having personally tested the top robot vacuums from Shark and Roomba and botvacs from the other big robot vacuum brands, I've become quite familiar with Shark robot vacuums' advantages and disadvantages.

Sometimes, there's an unexpected mess that you want to clean without messing around with a map on the app. In those cases, Shark Matrix robot vacuums make spot cleaning much easier than Roombas do. Setting a zone for a one-time clean in the Shark app is as easy as dragging a square in the designated spot cleaning tab, compared to having to create and name an official cleaning zone in the iRobot app. Most modern Shark robot vacuums also have a physical cleaning button if you want to pick the robot up and place it in the right area — an underrated feature that modern Roombas completely skip.

On the other hand, Shark's one big blind spot — literally — is small obstacle avoidance technology. While Roombas at several price points can steer clear of phone chargers, cords, socks, and pet waste, Shark hasn't mastered this coveted skill yet.

Based on home testing through my personal standardized obstacle course, here are the three best Shark robot vacuums you can buy in 2025:

How we tested

With these in mind, the overall bang for your buck for each robot vacuum comes into play. Are its features on paper and actual cleaning competence worth the price tag, and how practical is that cost for the average household? Learn more about how we test

Cleaning thoroughness

To encapsulate the full spectrum of messes a robot vacuum might encounter, each one is sent out to tackle various spills, debris, levels of pet hair, and more on multiple floor types. The vacs that mop perform extra tests on stains and spills.

Navigation

A robot vacuum’s ability to get to the right spot in the first place is arguably as important as the cleaning itself. I keep tabs on navigational accuracy when it comes to smart mapping my home, finding specific rooms and zones, and identifying small obstacles.

User-friendliness and intuitiveness

The ideal robot vacuum will be a relatively seamless addition to your household. Because if it’s loud, an eye sore, or generally a pain to use, you're not going to want it in your house at all.

Maintenance

Anyone aiming to avoid manual sweeping may also want to avoid manual upkeep of a vacuum. Many robot vacuums automate their own dust bin emptying, mopping pad washing, and more — the more self-sufficient they are, the better.

Our Pick

Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro

Best overall

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The Good & The Bad

Goes on sale for under $700 throughout the year
Large wheels help it to navigate over rugs
The mopping pads lift high over carpet to keep them dry
Drag and drop spot cleaning process is painless and accurate
Very reliable suction on hard floors and varying rug piles
Comes with bottle of hard floor cleaner

Still runs over cords, which shouldn't happen at this price point
Dock and vacuum announce everything they're doing out loud
Floor almost gets too wet during mopping

Who it's for

The most expensive Shark robot vacuum would best appease the crowd that expects the full hands-off robot vacuum experience — not just as in automation of the cleaning itself, but in automation of dustbin and mopping pad maintenance. As the only Shark that can wash and dry its own mopping pad and refill its own water tank, the PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro would be really handy in larger homes that have a significant amount of hard floors that would probably require a fresh mopping pad on a daily basis.

Why we picked this

A self-washing and drying mopping pad situation is the current gold standard for hybrid robot vacuums, and Shark offering a premium model that hands-off solves my biggest gripe with Shark's previous fanciest hybrid, the Matrix Plus 2-in-1. While I enjoyed the Matrix Plus 2-in-1's thoroughness in taking double passes when vacuuming or scrubbing, the manual intervention the mopping pad and water tank required was so frequent that it made me want to skip mopping altogether. Now, the PowerDetect refills its own water tank from a larger tank in its dock and clicks its pad on and off by itself according to its upcoming task, so it's always on call to do either. I also appreciate how Shark rigged the PowerDetect with large wheels that fully hoist the vac over carpet to keep it dry during mopping mode. It does this by itself, too — no need to designate carpeted areas by hand in the map.

Speaking of those wheels, these hydraulics did not come to play. With their help, the PowerDetect has been one of the only (if not the only) robot vacuums to actually be able to get up and over a fluffy rug or bath mat and vacuum them without leaving them looking like a small tornado went through the room. Shark calls it "NeverStuck" technology, and so far, that's been accurate. Corner cleaning has been just as surprising, considering many premium bots I've tested can't seem to nail that — the PowerDetect reliably scoops up kitty litter lodged against the wall and crumbs lodged under the cabinets. Throw Shark's iconic "no bullshit" spot cleaning in the mix, and this self-cleaning self-care suite is so reliable otherwise that I don't even care that it hasn't mastered the art of dodging phone chargers.

Other versions of the PowerDetect NeverTouch

Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch (self-refilling but no self-washing or drying mopping pad): $899.99 or as low as $549.99 on sale
Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro AV2800ZE (extra floor sensor): $1,199.99 or as low as $699.99 on sale

Details

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Shark Matrix RV2320S

Budget pick

$329.99 Best Buy

The Good & The Bad

Frequently on sale between $250 and $330
Accurate smart mapping
Reliable spot cleaning is crucial in any home size
Very compact self-empty dock
Matrix Cleaning goes over extra soiled spots from multiple angles
Decent edge cleaning for the price

Loud and rickety when cleaning
No live tracking of vacuum's cleaning path in app
No small object avoidance
Suction isn't strong enough for multi-pet household

Who it's for

This Shark Matrix model is ideal for budget shoppers with low-intensity cleaning needs — Best Buy almost always has this Shark Matrix on sale for between $249.99 and $329.99. It'd be a great contender for a first time robot vacuum purchase, or an elevated entry-level upgrade from a ditsy outdated robot vacuum.

This charging base is one of the more compact self-emptying docks out there. The whole setup takes up less than two square feet of floor space and would work well in a tight apartment.

Why we picked this

The entry-level Matrix line is the go-to solid cheap Shark option now that the older Shark ION vacuums are basically obsolete. Shark Matrix models use LiDAR-based smart mapping to clean specific rooms or zones that you select in the app. During my testing, the Matrix RV2320S made it to the correct room or zone without fail. Surprisingly, navigation wasn't hindered by the bare bones map in the borderline clunky SharkClean app, which is far less detailed than other robot vacuum apps I've used.

As for actual cleaning performance, this Shark Matrix cleans circles around any cheap Roomba I've tried. When in Matrix Mode, the Shark will automatically vacuum from multiple angles in attempts to grab any debris missed on the first pass. (This is the default mode for spot cleaning, but can be set to use for entire rooms.) For the price, pet hair pickup was pretty thorough on low-pile and a fluffy area rug in my home, and scattered crumbs or pieces of kitty litter were rarely left behind. The RV2320S cleaned edges more closely than most basic bots do — though it's so hellbent on getting to the wall that it completely bulldozed my cats' food and water bowls a few times.

The Matrix RV2320S is also one of the most affordable Matrix models to come with a self-empty base.

Details

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$329.99 Best Buy

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1

Best budget robot mop

$369.99 Amazon

The Good & The Bad

Goes on sale for $349.99 for events like Black Friday
Affordable for a LiDAR-equipped hybrid with advanced mopping
Sonic scrubbing vibrates 1,000 times per minute
Matrix Cleaning goes over extra soiled spots from multiple angles
Includes a bottle of Shark's cleaning solution

Requires manual rug verification run to avoid mopping rugs
LiDAR still makes odd navigational choices
Only available with self-emptying

Our review

Read our full review of the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1.

Who it's for

The Matrix Plus 2-in-1 is one of two main Shark contenders for anyone who wants a robot vacuum that can mop. Price is the obvious factor that might make you opt for this one over my favorite Shark hybrid, the new PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro — the self-emptying version of the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 can almost always be found on sale while the PowerDetect rarely drops below $899.99 (if you can find it on sale at all).

Your expected level of automation of your Shark's mopping pad will also play a huge role in choosing between these Sharks. If your home is mostly carpeted with only a few rooms that would need to be mopped, like a bathroom and kitchen-only type of situation, you may not mind having to physically attach the mopping pad or fill the water tank to enable mopping mode. The price difference may also be stark enough to convince you that having to manually wash the mopping pad after each run isn't that bad. Alternatively, the pricey PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro washes and dries its own mopping pad and refills its own water tank.

Circling back to floor type, the Matrix Plus probably wouldn't be the best choice for homes with a heavy rug situation, as the bot requires you to manually highlight rugs or carpets in the app and can't vacuum while the water tank is attached.

Why we picked this

Shark became relevant in the robot vacuum game again when it introduced its Matrix cleaning mode in 2022. I first experienced it when testing the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 and was pumped by the simplicity and reliability of its spot cleaning in particular. Though the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 has since been surpassed as the fanciest Shark hybrid, its combination of affordability, straightforward mapping, and meticulous cleaning keep it as a top pick.

Shark's Matrix mode cleans better in selected rooms or zones in the app by going over the target area from multiple angles to suck up or scrub anything that may have been missed on the first pass. During regular vacuuming, Matrix mode cleans carpet 30 percent more thoroughly than the older RV Shark models, and during mopping, the mopping pad vibrates 1,000 times per second to put in a little more work on larger spills that need an extra wipe, or light dried-on stains.

In my testing, I watched the Matrix Plus 2-in-1 successfully clear crumbs near the kitchen counter, kitty litter in my bathroom, and minor drops on hardwood or tile several times — messes that similarly-priced Roombas I tested couldn't conquer in one pass.

Details

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$369.99 Amazon

$399.99 Shark

Topics Robot Vacuums Gadgets

Are Shark robot vacuums as good as Roomba?

The short answer? It's complicated. That's not the definitive one-word answer you were hoping for, but making an unequivocal call between the two brands just wouldn't make sense. Both vacuum brands are constantly improving their product lineups and introducing new features. Both brands have several options with mopping, smart room mapping, and automatic emptying, including vacs that can do all three or offer some mix-and-match combo of those features.

So, where does Shark outperform the best Roombas? While Shark has way fewer options to choose from after iRobot randomly overhauled its Roomba lineup in March 2025, Sharks are more likely to be a bang for your buck than Roombas. Shark consistently puts out more budget-friendly robot vacuums, often without skimping on the most crucial features. If you were capping yourself at $300, the $300 Shark vacuum is going to be more competent than the $300 Roomba (unless you're finding a premium Roomba on sale for that price).

Admittedly, Shark takes a little longer to roll out new features and doesn't have product drops very often. (For instance, it was late to self-emptying, self-washing, and self-drying compared to iRobot — and everyone else, for that matter.) But when Shark does release a model with new in-demand features, it's typically at a much more digestible price than the competition. Even Shark's most premium robot vacuum, the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 with NeverTouch Pro Base, debuted at around $400 less than the most premium Roomba, the Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock, despite them being nearly identical in capabilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Shark robot vacuums are classified in a few different ways, which manifest as random jumbles of numbers and letters in each robot vacuum's official name. IQ versus AI and RV versus AV were the main ones for several years, but new terminology like Matrix, PowerDetect, and Ultra have entered the Shark glossary as of 2025.

The difference between Shark IQ and AI is that Shark AI vacuums use 360-degree LiDAR mapping that allows the robot vacuum to create a map of your home and remember each room for more specified cleaning runs when necessary. Shark IQ vacuums, however, do not have smart mapping capabilities, and clean in a methodical row-by-row pattern created as the robot senses walls and large obstacles in each room.
Another main difference between Shark AI and IQ is that the newer AI models — now referred to as Shark Matrix Plus — have improved edge cleaning (called CleanEdge) that Shark says yields 50% better edge cleaning than the IQ models that do not have this technology.
Matrix also refers to Shark's more thorough cleaning system for both wet and dry cleaning. During regular vacuuming, Matrix mode delivers 30% better carpet cleaning (compared to the older RV Shark models) by digging deeper into carpet and taking multiple passes in a crosshatch pattern to loosen and grab debris from multiple angles. During mopping, "Matrix" mode scrubs by vibrating 100 times per minute (rather than lightly dragging a wet cloth across hard floors). The self-emptying docks that come with Matrix Plus models also have a HEPA anti-allergen seal.
The difference between Shark RV and AV is one extra floor sensor that AV models have, making them slightly more perceptive. Sometimes, RV and AV models also come in different color options.
To tell the difference between two aesthetically-similar models, you can look at features like the type of brushroll built into the vacuum to decide which will supply the best debris pickup for your home. For instance, the RV2300S Matrix features a multi-surface brusholl, which would be the better choice for homes with one or no pets and widely varying floor types, while the RV2320S has a self-cleaning brushroll, which features anti-hair wrap technology and would be the better choice for pet hair pickup.
Shark EZ and Shark VacMop are older, less advanced product lines that now see limited distribution.
The newest Shark release doesn't exactly follow any of these classification rules. Its title simply describes what it does, and what it does sets it apart from all of the other models: Shark PowerDetect (technology that works harder on dirtier spots) NeverTouch Pro (a dock that you'll never have to touch, because the base deals with the dustbin and mopping pads on its own) Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo (it does both, and does them better than any Shark robot vacuums before it.)

Leah Stodart

Senior Shopping Reporter

Leah Stodart is a Philadelphia-based Senior Shopping Reporter at Mashable where she covers and tests essential home tech like vacuums and TVs, plus eco-friendly hacks. Her ever-evolving experience in these categories comes in clutch when making recommendations on how to spend your money during shopping holidays like Black Friday, which Leah has been covering for Mashable since 2017.