The Shark ION R85 (RV850) is a robot vacuum with Wi-Fi, a self-cleaning brush roll and an extra-large dust bin. It has a max mode with more powerful suction than the R75 model. Happyhomegadgets.com compares it to the R75, S87 and Roomba to determine its advantages and disadvantages.
Shark ION R85 vs. R75
These models both have smart sensor navigation for increased sensitivity to objects and obstacles in the room. However, the R85 seems to have the 2.0 version of the navigation system.
The R85 has a max mode that provides up to 3 times more vacuum power when compared to the R75 (RV750). The R85 also has a bigger dust cup that can hold more dirt and hair in comparison with the R75.
These robot vacuum models are both Wi-Fi compatible for the smartphone app and voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant.
You can read our review of the Shark ION R75 (RV750) robotic vacuum cleaner by clicking here.
Shark ION R85 vs. S87
It seems like the Shark S87 robot vacuum has the same features as the R85. However, its charging dock is combined with a handheld vacuum cleaner. This cordless vacuum cleaner is ideal for cleaning areas above the floor that the robot vacuum cannot reach. You might use it to remove pet hair from furniture and pet beds.
You can learn more about the Shark S87 with handheld vacuum and all-in-one charging dock by reading this review.
Shark ION R85 vs. Roomba
It seems like the Roomba robotic vacuum cleaners have better navigation abilities, therefore they get stuck much less often than the Shark ION R85. The Roomba vacuum cleaners are also more diligent in cleaning dirty spots, alongside walls and into corners. The virtual wall system of the Roomba is also more advanced than the magnetic strip system of the R85.
The R85 has two side brushes, while the Roomba has only one side brush. The self-cleaning brush roll is also a good feature.
Overall, the Shark ION R85 does not beat the Roomba vacuum cleaners when it comes down to performance.
Does the R85 clean carpets?
It will clean carpets. The max mode is necessary to clean carpets, otherwise the suction is not enough to remove pet hair properly.
Is the R85 good for removing pet hair?
It has a self-cleaning brush roll that is designed to cope better with the hairy problems associated with having pets in the house. It is even powerful enough to suck up the pet litter that inevitable makes it out of the litter box on to the floor. Its big dust bin provides ample storage space for lots of hair.
Can the R85 recharge and resume automatically?
The robot vacuum will return to its docking station to recharge its battery, but it does not resume cleaning again. It does not have smart mapping abilities, therefore it does not remember where it was cleaning and where it still has to clean.
How long is the run time on a single battery charge?
The Shark ION R85 has a lithium-ion battery. This battery gives the robot vacuum an average run time of about 60 minutes. However, the run time might be less if the robot is in max mode or if it spends a lot of time on thick carpets. If it is cleaning in quiet mode, then it might clean more than one hour before searching for its dock. Unfortunately, the R85 does not resume cleaning after it has recharged its battery.
Shark ION R85: Verdict
To summarize, here are the possible pros and cons of the R85 robotic vacuum cleaner:
- Extra large dust bin is quick and easy to empty
- It does not have a mapping function, it navigates randomly
- It is a noisy robot vacuum
- The robot lacks a built-in handle to carry it
- It might struggle to find its way back to its dock
- More suction power than the R75
- Sensors prevent it from falling down stairs
- The robot does not resume cleaning after recharging
- Two side brushes and self-cleaning brush roll
- Vacuums away cat litter and dog hair
- Wi-Fi connected with useful app
Bottom line: The Shark ION R85 has good suction and a big dust bin for removing pet hair from hard floors and carpets. Its random navigation is not as efficient as the newer robotic vacuum cleaners with smart mapping. It is worth the money if you can buy it at a reduced price, but be aware of its limitations when compared with other robotic vacuum cleaners (view price on Amazon).