The Shark ION S87 robot cleaning system is a unique package that combines a robotic vacuum cleaner and a cordless handheld vacuum with an all-in-one charging dock. The S87 robot cleans the floor, while the cordless handheld vacuum is used to spot clean places above the floor where the robot cannot reach. We review this unique vacuum cleaning combination to see if it is worth the money.
Shark ION S87 vs. R85
This robotic vacuum cleaner (model number RV851WV) is basically the same as the Shark ION R85 (model RV850). They both have smart sensor 2.0 navigation, max mode suction power, an extra large dust cup, Wi-Fi app, voice control, two edge-cleaning brushes and a self-cleaning brush roll. However, the S87 has the all-in-one charging dock with charging places for both the robot vacuum and the handheld vacuum cleaner.
Shark ION S87 vs. Roomba
This Shark robot might be more powerful when compared to a Roomba 600 series robotic vacuum cleaner such as the 675. The Shark ION S87 has two side-sweeping brushes, compared to the single edge-sweeping brush of the Roomba. However, the Roomba has two multi-surface brush rolls, while the S87 has only one self-cleaning brush roll.
The Shark ION and Roomba 600 robots are both Wi-Fi enabled with their own respective apps. They can also receive voice commands when combined with an Alexa device. However, neither of these vacuum robots have advanced smart mapping abilities for creating a map of the house. They basically clean in a random pattern while avoiding obstacles in their path. Therefore, if you want a robot vacuum that can create a smart map for use inside an app, then you should consider the newer Roomba i7.
The big difference between the Shark ION robot S87 cleaning system and the Roomba 600 vacuum robots is the all-in-one charging dock with the cordless handheld vacuum cleaner. This combination is unique to the Shark ION S87. Still, you have to pay a few hundred dollars more for this cleaning system: it has a list price of about $500. If you do not want to use the cordless Shark handheld vacuum, then there is not much reason to buy the S87 instead of a Roomba.
Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
The S87 cleaning system includes the Shark WANDVAC cordless handheld vacuum cleaner. It is a lightweight tool that weighs only 1.4 pounds. Its high-speed brushless motor has enough power to vacuum away pet hair. You attach either the pet tool for spot cleaning pet hair or the crevice tool for tight spaces. Emptying its small debris bin only requires the touch of a button. Return the Shark WANDVAC to its charging spot on the dock to let its battery recharge.
The pet hair attachment, crevice attachment and a soft dusting brush are included in the S87 package. It seems like the S86 package is almost the same, but the soft dusting brush for the WANDVAC is not included.
The Shark WANDVAC is also available as a separate product (view it on Amazon). It has simply been combined with a robotic vacuum cleaner and a special charging dock to create the Shark ION S87 vacuum cleaning system.
What is included in the S87 cleaning system?
- 8-foot boundary strip
- all-in-one charging dock
- crevice tool attachment
- filter
- lithium-ion battery
- multi-surface pet tool attachment
- Shark cordless handheld vacuum
- Shark ION robotic vacuum cleaner
- side brushes
- soft dusting brush
Does the Shark ION S87 have Wi-Fi connectivity?
The Shark robot vacuum has Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control with a smartphone app or voice control with either Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
The app provides the basic commands for clean, dock or maximum vacuum mode. Furthermore, the app allows you to set up a schedule and to locate the robot if it gets stuck somewhere or runs out of battery power. However, it does not provide you with any mapping functions.
Commanding the robot vacuum with an Alexa device seems like something from the future, but you might need to repeat a voice command if Alexa does not hear you the first time.
Regardless, the robot vacuum can still be started manually if you do not have a Wi-Fi connection in your home. There are three buttons on top of the robot: Clean, Dock And Max.
Is the Shark ION S87 system good for pet hair?
The robot has enough vacuum and brushing power to pick up pet hair from hardwood floors and low-pile carpets. It might get stuck on carpets with fringes and high pile carpets. In reality, it will never surpass the cleaning power of a normal upright vacuum cleaner. Its maximum cleaning ability is limited by its battery charge and the size of its dust bin. Nevertheless, the Shark Robot S87 cleaning system does include a small cordless handheld vacuum cleaner for doing spot cleaning on areas above the floor.
How well does the included handheld vacuum work?
The Shark WANDVAC works very well, although its battery charge does not last long. It is only good for a few minutes of spot cleaning. Did the cats leave cat litter on the floor? Use the Shark handheld vacuum cleaner. Did the dog take a nap on the couch and leave hair all over it? Get the Shark WANDVAC and make it go away.
Shark Robot Cleaning System S87: Verdict
The advantages of this robotic vacuum cleaner are numerous. It sweeps well on smooth, hard floor surfaces such as hardwood and even tile (if the tiled surface is not too rough). It will clean low-pile carpets, but not high-pile carpets. The robotic vacuum cleaner follows a random path, so do not expect it to clean in straight lines. The included handheld vacuum cleaner is a useful addition, even though its battery charge is only good for a few minutes of powerful suction.
Bottom line: the Shark ION S87 cleaning system provides great value because it combines a robot vacuum with a handheld vacuum cleaner. Nevertheless, you should only buy it if you own neither a robotic vacuum cleaner nor a handheld vacuum cleaner (buy it on Amazon).