At just under $1,000, the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 is the best robot vacuum overall. Its NeverTouch Base empties, cleans, and refills the mop on its own after each job to provide a fully hands-off experience for up to a month.
For
- Excellent vacuum suction and extensive mopping reach
- Self-sufficient dock serves multiple functions for up to a month at a time
- LiDAR scanning for accurate map and obstacle avoidance
- Easy-to-use Shark app
Against
- Struggles with loose debris on longer carpet
Roomba's J9+ boasts strong suction power over the thickest of carpets. Its signature retractable mop pad arm folds over the top of the bot like a convertible car so it won't drip on your rugs. However, you must manually wash the pad after each mopping session since the dock lacks a self-clean function.
For
- Cleans carpets and mops floors well
- Multifunctional dock
- Smart obstacle avoidance
- Feature-packed iRobot app
Against
- Need to manually remove and clean mop pad each time
As the senior smart home editor here at Tom's Guide, I spend my days testing out some of the best robot vacuums. Roomba's J9+ Combo and Shark's PowerDetect 2-in-1 are two of the highest-performing hybrid options you can buy for under $1,000. They also happen to be my go-to robovacs with mopping capabilities, which is why I've kept them set up in my smart home long after their review period.
Now that the new Roomba Combo 10 Max has replaced the J9+ Combo as the brand's flagship model, the price of the older model has been slashed down to just $899, $100 less than the new Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1. However, it should be noted that you can find both models on sale frequently, so be sure to check prices before buying.
While you'll save some cash upfront, keep in mind that the Shark's higher cost nets you a NeverTouch base. This cleans and drains the mop on its own for weeks on end, whereas the J9+ needs its mop pad cleaned by hand after each session.
Still, that's not the only place where these two robots differ. Read on to see how they stack up in terms of price, design, and features so you can decide which is the better fit for both your smart home and your wallet.
Roomba J9+ Combo vs Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1: Specs compared
Roomba J9+ Combo vs Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1: Price and availability
Both the Roomba and Shark are available on Amazon. The J9+ Combo costs $899.99, while the Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 costs $999.99. Although the Roomba is cheaper, Shark's robot offers a much better value since its base has self-cleaning mop and deodorizer functions for a truly hands-off hybrid robot vacuum experience.
These vacuums go on sale often, with the Roomba currently cut down to just $599, so be sure to check out our best Robot Vacuum deals page to see if any discounts apply.
Winner: Shark
Roomba J9+ Combo vs. Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1: Design
Roomba's thinner robot and sleek Clean Base have a more premium design. The robot's docking station maintenance panels are easily accessible through a front-facing cabinet drawer. This leaves the wooden top available as a table for holding decor. Overall, this looks less like a machine and more like a piece of furniture that blends into any environment.
The slimmer J9+ glides smoothly like a hockey puck under the couch or even the tight underhang along kitchen cabinets with ease. It navigates your space using sensors in addition to a camera with an LED headlight to locate and avoid potential obstacles. There's only a single operation button at the top, with a clear dividing line where the mop pad is. The J9+ doesn't ditch its pad at the base—instead, its signature feature is a convertible pad that folds down and drags along the back. When it detects carpet, it folds atop itself to prevent spilling even a drip.
Shark's robot looks more industrial, which prioritizes function over design. It's by no means an ugly-looking machine and is easier to use if you want to plop it down and throw it into vacuum or mop mode with a press of its vacuum, mop, or home button. Its LiDAR turret sticks out as it navigates your space, and the more plasticky finish reminds you that it's a gadget above all else. While the robot has to drop its pad off at its base when mopping near carpets, Shark's NeverStuck leg gives it a leg up on the J9+. This lifts the machine over saddles and carpets effortlessly, whereas the Roomba tends to bump into them and force its way over.
The Shark returns to its NeverTouch base, which is bigger than Roomba's Clean Base but has more functionality. On the top of the base sits three panels consisting of a larger debris chamber towards the back, two water tanks in the front (for dirty and clean) with easy-to-grip handles, and a circular indent for the odor-neutralizing canister to keep scents at bay.
Although its bigger it still fits into the crevices and overhangs in my kitchen but cant easily squeeze under my couch like the Roomba can. Overall the Roomba's retractable arm, slimmer design, and front-side access that leaves the top as a decor display space give the Roomba the edge in the looks department. That said, the Shark is the better option for those who prioritize functionality.
Winner: Roomba J9+ Combo
Roomba J9+ Combo vs. Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1: Performance
Roomba's flagship provides stronger suction on carpets and wipes the floor with the Shark when it comes to removing granular kitty litter from a rug. Its retractable mop pad means it doesn't have to waste time returning to the base for the pad between runs. Unlike with the Shark, you can adjust its water levels with granular control, plus its obstacle avoidance is backed by Roomba's exclusive P.O.O.P. guarantee. Should the J9+ run over pet waste, you'll be sent a new replacement. With that said, it trails behind the shark by a few points in every other category and requires that you wash its mop pad by hand each time.
Shark's AI technology goes beyond boosting carpet suction. Its mopping performance is much more thorough as StainDetect could identify adhesive residue and pass over it several times while the Roomba left it behind. It also extends its pads outward in corners for better reach in underhangs. It's overall the stronger cleaner of the two, picking up more material in almost every scenario save for its Kryptonite—kitty litter in the carpet. I find both vacuums do an incredibly thorough job, but the Shark has better debris pickup scores and mopping performance.
Winner: Shark
Roomba J9+ Combo vs. Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1: App and smart home features
Both systems work with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice controls and triggering routines. The iRobot app takes things further by recommending cleaning schedules, identifying which rooms get the dirtiest (then cleaning them extra), and performing maintenance checks all on its own. Plus, it supports multi-floor mapping, so you can use it on your main floor and carry it up or down.
Shark's app is easy to use and matches most of the Roomba's advanced features. This includes creating advanced schedules, marking rooms, and implementing No-Go zones. However, you will have to place the bot down for a dry vacuum or mop session on other floors of your home.
Winner: Roomba
Roomba J9+ Combo vs. Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1: Verdict
The Shark offers a more streamlined experience that you can set and forget for up to a month at a time. Its minimal maintenance means you deal with it just once at the end of the month to replace the water tanks and empty the dust bin. It even has an allergen filter and deodorizer built-in. For the most hands-off robot vacuum experience that includes mopping, the PowerDetect 2-in-1 is the hybrid robot vacuum you should buy.
iRobot's Roomba is just as capable in its performance. It also doesn't need to return to a base to deep clean—it can make that decision to raise the mop on the fly when moving between hardwood and carpets. If you're willing to wash the mop pad after each session the $100 you save is nothing to scoff at. That's especially true f you mainly do dry vacuum runs because it has the same 60-day dustbin capacity.
