Cleaning equipment: Shark HydroVac Cordless Pro XL 3-in-1 Multi-Surface Cleaner vs. iRobot Roomba j9+ Robot Vacuum

Quick Verdict

The Shark HydroVac is a lightweight, cordless multi-surface cleaner ideal for homes with mostly hard floors and area rugs, offering a self-cleaning brushroll and streak-free finish. The iRobot Roomba j9+ is a more autonomous solution, suitable for all floor types, with smart navigation, self-emptying capabilities, and longer runtimes, making it better for comprehensive, hands-free cleaning.

The Shark HydroVac is designed for multi-surface cleaning, particularly sealed hard floors and area rugs, while the iRobot Roomba j9+ is suitable for all floor types, including carpets.
The Shark HydroVac offers a self-cleaning system for the brushroll, whereas the iRobot Roomba j9+ features a self-emptying bin into a Clean Base.
The iRobot Roomba j9+ has smart features like app control, voice control, and precision navigation, while the Shark HydroVac features an LED display for battery life and settings.
The iRobot Roomba j9+ has a longer runtime (up to 201 minutes) but also a longer recharge time (236 minutes) compared to the Shark HydroVac (20-40 minutes runtime, 4 hours charging).

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Shark HydroVac Cordless Pro XL 3-in-1 Multi-Surface Cleaner	iRobot Roomba j9+ Robot Vacuum
Cord Type	Cordless	Cordless
Cleaning Path Width	9.3 inches	7 inches
Weight	Less than 10 lbs / 8.46 lbs / 3.9 kg	Robot: Around 9 pounds, Clean Base: 21.9 lbs, Assembled Product Weight: 40 lb
Water Tank Capacity	Clean Water Tank: 0.5L (500ml or 16.9 oz), Dirty Water Tank: 0.36L (360ml or 12 oz)	210 ml
Dirt Collection Method	Bagless	Bagless, empties into a bag in the Clean Base
Surface Type Compatibility	Hardwood, Tile, Marble, Laminate, Vinyl, and Area Rugs	Suitable for all floors including hardwood, carpet, and tile
Runtime (Cordless Models)	20-40 minutes	Up to 75 minutes, Quiet Mode: Up to 120 minutes, Maximum Battery Life: 201 minutes
Charging Time (Cordless Models)	4 hours (initial charge)	Around 2 hours, Recharge Time: 236 min
Smart Features	LED Display: Shows battery life, surface type, and tank levels.	App Control (iRobot Home App), Voice Control (Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit), Dirt Detective (prioritizes dirtier rooms), PrecisionVision Navigation (obstacle avoidance), Customizable routines and scheduling
Self-Cleaning Functionality	Yes, it has a self-cleaning system	Self-emptying bin into the Clean Base
Allergen Filtration	Includes a washable filter	High-Efficiency Filter captures pollen, dust, and allergens. Some models have HEPA filtration.
Attachments Included	Multi-Surface Concentrate (sample size included), Brushroll (antimicrobial), Filter, Charging Dock / Storage Tray	Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal, Extra High-Efficiency Filter, Extra Dirt Disposal Bag, Line Cord
Price	Not available	Not available
Overall Rating	Not available	Not available
Performance	Effective on sealed hard floors (hardwood, tile, marble, laminate, vinyl) and area rugs. Removes surface dirt and odors from area rugs. Not recommended for deep-pile carpets.	Not available

Overall Comparison

Shark HydroVac: 8.46 lbs, 9.3-inch path, 20-40 min runtime vs. iRobot Roomba j9+: ~9 lbs (robot), 7-inch path, up to 201 min runtime.

Pros and Cons

Shark HydroVac Cordless Pro XL 3-in-1 Multi-Surface Cleaner

Pros:

Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Cordless design adds to maneuverability
Effective at picking up pet hair and other debris
Self-cleaning system helps prevent dirt from being redeposited
Leaves a streak-free finish
Multi-surface concentrate helps floors dry quickly

Cons:

Runtime varies from 20-25 minutes
Charging time is approximately 4 hours
Can be a bit noisy
Some users recommend taking it apart to dry all the parts after self-cleaning

iRobot Roomba j9+ Robot Vacuum

Pros:

Effective on both hard floors and carpets
Navigates around furniture and obstacles
Self-empties into a bag in the Clean Base, which holds up to 60 days of debris
Empties its bin automatically, so cleaning is off your mind
Built with more pet features than any other robot vacuum
Effectively picks up pet hair, dirt, and debris
Twin rubber brushrolls are easy to clean and remove pet hair
Modular design for easy replacement of parts
Easy-to-use iRobot Home App with many features
Dirt Detective, enhanced maps, custom routines, and smart home integrations
PrecisionVision Navigation avoids obstacles

Cons:

May struggle with shorter hazards like tasseled rugs and power cords
Runtime can vary based on cleaning mode and floor type
Long recharge time (over 2 hours)
May struggle with fine material in corners
Can struggle with finer debris on carpets
Moderately loud during cleaning
Self-emptying function can be very loud

User Experiences and Feedback

Shark HydroVac Cordless Pro XL 3-in-1 Multi-Surface Cleaner

What Users Love

Effective on various hard floor types
Easy to maneuver
Good for pet owners
Self-cleaning function is convenient

Common Complaints

Short battery life
Long charging time
Can be noisy
Requires additional drying after self-cleaning

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

iRobot Roomba j9+ Robot Vacuum

What Users Love

No highlights reported.

Common Complaints

No major complaints reported.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.