iRobot Roomba 981 vs Shark AI Robot RV2001: Which Robot Vacuum Is Better? - RTINGS.com

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Tested using Methodology v0.7

Updated Aug 27, 2025 02:21 PM

Tested using Methodology v0.7

Updated Aug 27, 2025 03:00 PM

iRobot Roomba 981 Picture

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Picture

Vacuum Type Robot

Bagless Yes

Cordless Yes

Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA) Yes

Wet Compatible No

Vacuum Type Robot

Bagless Yes

Cordless Yes

Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA) No

Wet Compatible No

Our Verdict

iRobot Roomba 981

Shark AI Robot RV2001

The iRobot Roomba 981 is a better robot vacuum than the Shark AI Robot RV2001. The iRobot feels better built and is easier to maintain. It also performs better on all surface types and has superior maneuverability. However, the Shark has a longer battery life, and you can set boundary markers for it via its companion app.

Variants

Roomba 981 (Black)
Roomba 980 (Black)

RV2001 (Black/Silver)
AV2001 (Gray)

Review

See iRobot Roomba 981 Review

See Shark AI Robot RV2001 Review

Check Price

Black

Roomba 981

Black/Silver

RV2001

Black

Roomba 980

Gray

AV2001

Night Blue

Roomba 981

Main Differences for

Bare Floor

Threshold

0.10

Bare Floor

0.0

0.0

JOIN NOW to see main differences

Full Comparison

Bare Floor

0.0

0.0

Low-Pile Carpet

0.0

0.0

High-Pile Carpet

0.0

0.0

Pets

0.0

0.0

Stairs

0.0

0.0

Cars

0.0

0.0

Workshop

0.0

0.0

Design

Build Quality

N/A

N/A

Vacuum Type

Locked

Locked

Build Quality Picture

iRobot Roomba 981 Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

User Maintenance

N/A

N/A

Maintenance Picture

iRobot Roomba 981 Maintenance Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Maintenance Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Brushroll Cleaning Video

iRobot Roomba 981 Brushroll Cleaning Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Brushroll Cleaning Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Recurring Cost

N/A

N/A

Recurring Cost Picture

iRobot Roomba 981 Recurring Cost Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Recurring Cost Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Bag Part Number

Locked

Locked

Filter Part Number

Locked

Locked

HEPA Filter Part Number

Locked

Locked

Storing

N/A

N/A

Storing Picture

iRobot Roomba 981 Storing Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Storing Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Height

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Width

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth

Lock" (Lock cm)

Lock" (Lock cm)

Cord Storing

Locked

Locked

On-Board Tool Storage

Locked

Locked

Vacuum Rack/Station

Locked

Locked

Dirt Compartment

N/A

N/A

Dirt Compartment Picture

iRobot Roomba 981 Dirt Compartment Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Dirt Compartment Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Bagless

Locked

Locked

Volume

Lock gal (Lock L)

Lock gal (Lock L)

Full Indicator

Locked

Locked

Bag Included

Locked

Locked

In The Box

In The Box Picture

iRobot Roomba 981 In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Range

N/A

N/A

Cordless

Locked

Locked

Cord Length

N/A

N/A

Hose Length

N/A

N/A

Minimum Wand Length

N/A

N/A

Maximum Wand Length

N/A

N/A

Total Range

N/A

N/A

Portability

N/A

N/A

Total Weight

Lock lbs (Lock kg)

Lock lbs (Lock kg)

Weight In Hand

Lock lbs (Lock kg)

Lock lbs (Lock kg)

Carrying handle

Locked

Locked

Battery

N/A

N/A

Minimum Battery Life

Lock min

Lock min

Maximum Battery Life

Lock min

Lock min

Recharge Time

Lock min

Lock min

Recharge Dock

Locked

Locked

Battery Life Indicator

Locked

Locked

Removable Batteries

Locked

Locked

Quality Of Life Features

Picture Of Controls

iRobot Roomba 981 Picture Of Controls Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Picture Of Controls Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Rotating Head

Locked

Locked

Power Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Self-Propelled

Locked

Locked

Headlights

Locked

Locked

Easy On/Off

Locked

Locked

Head Surface Type Adjustment

Locked

Locked

Tools And Brushes

Tools And Brush Picture

iRobot Roomba 981 Tools And Brush Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Tools And Brush Picture Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Brushroll

Locked

Locked

Brushroll On/Off

Locked

Locked

Removable Brushroll

Locked

Locked

Turbo Brush

Locked

Locked

Crevice Tool

Locked

Locked

Upholstery Tool

Locked

Locked

Soft Bristle Brush

Locked

Locked

Hard Bristle Brush

Locked

Locked

Extension Wand

Locked

Locked

Ceiling Fan Tool

Locked

Locked

Pet Grooming Tool

Locked

Locked

Alternative Configuration

Alternative Configuration Photo 1

iRobot Roomba 981 Alternative Configuration Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Alternative Configuration Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Alternative Configuration Photo 2

iRobot Roomba 981 Alternative Configuration Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Alternative Configuration Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Blower Mode

Locked

Locked

Performance

Bare Floor Performance (Hardwood, Laminate, Tiles)

N/A

N/A

Setting Used

Locked

Locked

Bare Floor Large Debris Graph

iRobot Roomba 981 Bare Floor Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Bare Floor Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Large Debris at 0 gal (0L)

Lock%

Lock%

Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)

Lock%

Lock%

Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)

N/A

N/A

Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)

N/A

N/A

Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)

N/A

N/A

Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)

N/A

N/A

Bare Floor Small Debris Graph

iRobot Roomba 981 Bare Floor Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Bare Floor Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Small Debris at 0 gal (0L)

Lock%

Lock%

Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)

Lock%

Lock%

Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)

N/A

N/A

Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)

N/A

N/A

Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)

N/A

N/A

Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)

N/A

N/A

Low-Pile Carpet Performance

N/A

N/A

Setting Used

Locked

Locked

Low Carpet Large Debris Graph

iRobot Roomba 981 Low Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Low Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Large Debris at 0 gal (0L)

Lock%

Lock%

Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)

Lock%

Lock%

Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)

N/A

N/A

Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)

N/A

N/A

Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)

N/A

N/A

Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)

N/A

N/A

Low Carpet Small Debris Graph

iRobot Roomba 981 Low Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Low Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Small Debris at 0 gal (0L)

Lock%

Lock%

Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)

Lock%

Lock%

Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)

N/A

N/A

Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)

N/A

N/A

Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)

N/A

N/A

Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)

N/A

N/A

High-Pile Carpet Performance

N/A

N/A

Setting Used

Locked

Locked

High Carpet Large Debris Graph

iRobot Roomba 981 High Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 High Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Large Debris at 0 gal (0L)

Lock%

Lock%

Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)

Lock%

Lock%

Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)

N/A

N/A

Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)

N/A

N/A

Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)

N/A

N/A

Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)

N/A

N/A

High Carpet Small Debris Graph

iRobot Roomba 981 High Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 High Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Small Debris at 0 gal (0L)

Lock%

Lock%

Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)

Lock%

Lock%

Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)

N/A

N/A

Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)

N/A

N/A

Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)

N/A

N/A

Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)

N/A

N/A

Pet Hair Floor Performance

N/A

N/A

Pet Hair Graph

iRobot Roomba 981 Pet Hair Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Pet Hair Graph Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Bare Floor

Lock%

Lock%

Low-Pile Carpet

Lock%

Lock%

High-Pile Carpet

Lock%

Lock%

Suction

N/A

N/A

Suction Video

iRobot Roomba 981 Suction Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Suction Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Maximum Hose Suction

N/A

N/A

Maximum Head Suction

Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)

Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)

Normal Head Suction

Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)

Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)

Setting Used For Normal

Locked

Locked

Hose Diameter

N/A

N/A

Airflow

N/A

N/A

Maximum Airflow Video

iRobot Roomba 981 Maximum Airflow Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Maximum Airflow Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Maximum Hose Airflow

Lock CFM (Lock m³/min)

Lock CFM (Lock m³/min)

Noise

N/A

N/A

Noise Video

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Bare Floor

Lock dBA

Lock dBA

Low-Pile Carpet

Lock dBA

Lock dBA

Maneuverability

N/A

N/A

Maneuverability Video

iRobot Roomba 981 Maneuverability Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Maneuverability Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Pet Hair Furniture Performance

N/A

N/A

Sofa Pickup Video

iRobot Roomba 981 Sofa Pickup Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Sofa Pickup Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Sofa Pickup Post Test

iRobot Roomba 981 Sofa Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Sofa Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Air Quality

Sealing Quality Video

iRobot Roomba 981 Sealing Quality Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Sealing Quality Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)

Locked

Locked

Cracks

N/A

N/A

Cracks Video

iRobot Roomba 981 Cracks Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Cracks Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Wood Cracks Post Test

iRobot Roomba 981 Wood Cracks Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Wood Cracks Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Stains

N/A

N/A

Stain Video

iRobot Roomba 981 Stain Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Stain Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Stain Pickup Post Test

iRobot Roomba 981 Stain Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Stain Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Water

N/A

N/A

Wet Compatible

Locked

Locked

Water Video

iRobot Roomba 981 Water Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Water Video Sample

SAMPLE

for videos & test results

Water Pickup Post Test

iRobot Roomba 981 Water Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Water Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Automation

Physical Automation

N/A

N/A

Automatic Recharging

Locked

Locked

Automatic Bag Emptying

Locked

Locked

Pathing Algorithm

Locked

Locked

Physical Boundary Markers

Locked

Locked

Scheduled Start Buttons

Locked

Locked

Cycle Control Buttons

Locked

Locked

Navigation Control Buttons

Locked

Locked

Companion App Automation

N/A

N/A

Companion App Screen Grabs

iRobot Roomba 981 Companion App Screen Grabs Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

Shark AI Robot RV2001 Companion App Screen Grabs Sample

SAMPLE

for pictures & test results

App Name

Locked

Locked

iOS Availability

Locked

Locked

Android Availability

Locked

Locked

Software Boundary Markers (No Go Zones)

Locked

Locked

App Scheduled Start

Locked

Locked

App Cycle Control

Locked

Locked

Navigation Control within App

Locked

Locked

Check Price

Black

Roomba 981

Black/Silver

RV2001

Black

Roomba 980

Gray

AV2001

Night Blue

Roomba 981

iRobot Roomba 981

Shark AI Robot RV2001

Comments

Comparison

• Posted 2 years ago

iRobot Roomba 981 vs Shark AI Robot RV2001: Main Discussion

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