6 Best Shark IQ Robot Vacuums of 2025

The Shark IQ Robot RV2302AE enters the ring as a game-changer for hands-off cleaning, delivering an unbeatable mix of 60-day bagless self-emptying, precision LiDAR navigation, and powerful suction that tackles everything from fine dust to pet hair. This isn’t just another set-and-forget robot—it’s a deep-cleaning powerhouse that maps your home with surgical accuracy, then methodically scrubs every inch using Matrix Clean’s grid-based approach. If you’re tired of daily bin dumps and missed spots, this model erases those pain points with confidence, making it a top contender for the best overall robot vacuum in the Shark lineup.

In real-world testing, the RV2302AE shines on mixed flooring, transitioning seamlessly from thick rugs to hardwood without sacrificing suction or navigation. Its LiDAR-guided system creates a reliable home map in under two cleaning cycles, allowing for room-select cleaning and scheduled deep cleans via the SharkClean app. While it handles clutter well, it can struggle slightly with dark furniture legs or low-contrast obstacles—a minor hiccup in an otherwise flawless performance. The self-emptying base lives up to its promise, holding a staggering 60 days of debris for average homes, and the multi-surface brushroll resists hair wrap better than most non-self-cleaning rollers.

Compared to the pricier AV1010AE, the RV2302AE trades slightly slower mapping and no dual side brushes for a dramatically better value and longer bin capacity. It’s the ideal pick for medium-sized homes where long-term convenience trumps cutting-edge speed. Busy families, pet owners, and tech-savvy users who want set-it-and-forget-it reliability will find this robot hits the sweet spot. While the AV1010AE offers faster navigation, the RV2302AE delivers more days between maintenance for less, making it a smarter everyday workhorse.

The Shark AV1002AE stands tall as the ultimate solution for large-home owners who demand non-stop, room-to-room coverage without lifting a finger. Boasting row-by-row cleaning logic, advanced Wi-Fi navigation, and a self-cleaning brushroll, this robot doesn’t just vacuum—it orchestrates a full-home cleaning symphony. Its Recharge & Resume function ensures no corner is left untouched, even in sprawling 3,000 sq. ft. layouts, while the 30-day self-empty base keeps maintenance to a minimum. For families who want a truly autonomous vacuum that masters complex floorplans, the AV1002AE is engineered to impress.

During extended use, the AV1002AE’s navigation system proves impressively consistent, building accurate maps within a single run and remembering multiple floorplans with ease. It excels on mixed surfaces, with its multi-surface brushroll gripping pet hair and debris without tangling, thanks to its self-cleaning design. While suction is strong and effective, it doesn’t quite match the RV2302AE’s deep-cleaning grit on low-pile carpets. The robot occasionally pauses near glass doors or reflective surfaces, but rarely gets lost—its room-to-room logic keeps it on track even in cluttered environments.

When stacked against the AV1010AE, the AV1002AE feels like its slightly older sibling—still powerful, but lacking the newer model’s faster mapping and 45-day dust retention. It’s best suited for large homes where consistent, scheduled cleanings matter more than pinpoint room selection speed. Compared to the budget-friendly AV970, it offers far superior automation and convenience. Though it doesn’t have the longest bin life, its reliable row-by-row coverage and smart recharging make it a top-tier pick for spacious homes that need thorough, hands-free cleaning.

Step into the future of robotic cleaning with the Shark AV1010AE, a navigation-first powerhouse that redefines how quickly and intelligently a robot can map and master your home. Thanks to faster LiDAR mapping, this model builds a full home layout in record time—often within a single cleaning cycle—making it the best choice for tech-forward users who hate waiting. Its 45-day bagless self-empty base, row-by-row cleaning logic, and room-select functionality combine to deliver surgical precision across multi-room environments. If you value speed, accuracy, and smart control, this robot isn’t just efficient—it’s brilliantly responsive.

In real-world testing, the AV1010AE adapts swiftly to furniture rearrangements and lighting changes, thanks to its robust 360° LiDAR vision. It excels at targeted cleaning, letting you zap high-traffic zones via the app or voice command—perfect for post-dinner kitchen spills or weekend pet playdates. Suction is strong and consistent, with noticeable improvements on carpets over previous models. However, in homes with tight furniture clusters or dark flooring, it can hesitate briefly before navigating through—rare but noticeable. The dual side brushes enhance edge cleaning, pulling debris from corners that lesser bots miss.

Compared to the RV2302AE, the AV1010AE trades 15 fewer days of dust capacity for faster mapping and smarter room logic—a fair trade for users who clean daily or have multiple pets. It outperforms the AV1002AE in speed and responsiveness, making it the clear upgrade for those who want the latest in Shark’s navigation tech. While it commands a premium, its blend of rapid mapping, strong suction, and long-term autonomy makes it ideal for pet owners and tech enthusiasts in medium to large homes. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s the most intelligent navigator in the lineup.

The Shark AV970 is a budget-savvy hero that punches way above its weight, delivering self-cleaning brushroll technology, XL dust bin, and reliable row-by-row cleaning without breaking the bank. For pet owners drowning in fur and dander, this model is a revelation—its no-hair-wrap brushroll spins free of tangles, while the multi-stage filtration traps 99% of allergens down to 1 micron. With Wi-Fi and voice control, it brings premium convenience to a mid-tier price, making it the best budget-friendly robot vacuum from Shark for homes that need real performance without the luxury tax.

In daily use, the AV970 proves surprisingly capable, covering large areas with systematic row-by-row cleaning and resuming after recharging without losing its place. Its navigation is solid for the price, though not as fast or precise as LiDAR-powered models—it relies on a mix of sensors that can struggle in dimly lit rooms or ultra-minimalist spaces. Suction is strong enough for daily debris and pet hair, but it may require multiple passes on thick carpets. The XL dust bin reduces emptying frequency, and the included BotBoundary strips help contain cleaning zones—smart touches that add value.

Against the AV992, the AV970 offers a larger bin and better filtration, making it a superior pick for homes with shedding pets. It lacks the 60-day self-empty of the RV2302AE, but for users who don’t mind emptying the bin weekly, it’s a smarter financial move. While it doesn’t have app-based room selection or Matrix Clean, it delivers core robotic vacuum functions with remarkable reliability. For cost-conscious buyers who still want pet-ready performance and smart features, the AV970 strikes the ideal balance.

Meet the Shark AV992, a pet-focused performer built to dominate homes where fur, dander, and tracked-in debris are daily realities. With incredible suction, a multi-surface brushroll, and dual side brushes, this robot dives into corners and along baseboards, pulling out pet hair that other bots leave behind. It’s not the most advanced in navigation, but its row-by-row cleaning pattern ensures consistent coverage, making it a dependable workhorse for pet owners who want no-fuss, thorough cleaning. If your main battle is pet mess, not smart mapping, the AV992 is built for that war.

In real-world runs, the AV992 handles hardwood and low-pile carpets with ease, its dual side brushes sweeping debris into the central path like a pro. Suction is strong and consistent, easily lifting kibble crumbs, litter, and embedded fur. It lacks a self-cleaning brushroll, so long human or pet hair can still wrap over time—requiring occasional maintenance. Navigation is sensor-based and functional, but it can bounce off walls or miss tight spaces, especially in cluttered rooms. It supports app and voice control, letting you start cleanings remotely, though you can’t select specific rooms.

Compared to the AV970, the AV992 offers similar suction and pet-focused design but skips the XL bin and advanced filtration—making it less ideal for heavy shedders. It’s a step up from basic bots but doesn’t match the intelligence of LiDAR models. For pet owners who want solid, no-frills cleaning with smart connectivity, it’s a capable pick. While it doesn’t self-empty or map rooms, it delivers dependable pet hair pickup at a reasonable cost—making it a focused solution for a specific problem.

The Shark RV2400WD isn’t just a vacuum—it’s a two-in-one cleaning dynamo that combines Matrix Clean vacuuming with sonic mopping to tackle both dry debris and sticky spills in a single run. For homes with pets and hard floors, this renewed gem delivers exceptional value, using 100 vibrations per minute to scrub away paw prints, juice spills, and dried-on messes that standard mopping bots miss. Its LiDAR-powered mapping ensures no spot is skipped, while Matrix Mop mode boosts stain removal by 50% in targeted zones—making it the best mopping function in Shark’s robot lineup.

In real-world testing, the RV2400WD excels on sealed hardwood and tile, where its microfiber pads glide smoothly while the vacuum lifts pet hair from edges. The Matrix Clean grid pattern ensures deep coverage, and the reusable pads are easy to wash and reattach. However, it lacks a self-empty base—meaning you’ll need to empty the bin after each run—and the mopping function requires manual pad installation. On thick carpets, the water tank must be removed, interrupting seamless transitions. Still, for hard-floor dominance, few robots match its scrubbing power.

Compared to the RV2302AE, the RV2400WD sacrifices self-emptying convenience for true mopping capability—a trade-off that makes sense for homes that prioritize floor hygiene over hands-off emptying. While the AV1010AE maps faster, it can’t mop at all. For pet owners with large hard-surface areas, the RV2400WD is unmatched in its niche. It’s a renewed model, so availability is limited, but its dual-action cleaning and deep stain removal make it a standout for the price.