A cheap self-emptying LiDAR vacuum for buyers who only need vacuuming.
Amazon $279.99The Shark AI Ultra is the better robot vacuum overall, rated 4.1 to 3.5. The Shark AI Ultra leads on value. The iRobot Roomba Max 715 Vac wins on navigation. The Shark AI Ultra costs $419.01 less ($279.99 vs $699).
For carpet-heavy or pet homes that want a vacuum-only Roomba with camera obstacle avoidance and a 90-day bagged dock.
Amazon $699Prices were last checked October 26, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Shark AI Ultra for value ($280 vs $699).
- Choose the iRobot Roomba Max 715 Vac for navigation (LiDAR + camera vs LiDAR).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every vacuum only robot vacuum; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Shark AI Ultra | iRobot Roomba Max 715 Vac |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.1/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Cleaning 33% | 68 not yet tested; estimated from 4 tested Shark robots and the median of the 70 tested robots | 48 not yet tested; estimated from 3 tested iRobot robots and the median of the 70 tested robots |
| Value 28% | 63 $280 | 8 $699 |
| Dock 22% | 100 Self-empties the bin | 100 Self-empties the bin |
| Navigation 17% | 65 LiDAR | 100 LiDAR + camera |
Specifications
| Shark AI Ultra | iRobot Roomba Max 715 Vac | |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum | ||
| Claimed suction | - | 30,000 Pa |
| Main brush | self-cleaning brushroll | dual rubber anti-tangle brushes |
| Mopping | ||
| Mop | None | None |
| Dock | ||
| Dock | Self-empty | Self-empty |
| Self-empties | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | LiDAR | LiDAR + camera |
| Obstacle avoidance | LiDAR-based object detection | PrecisionVision AI camera object recognition |
| Voice assistants | Alexa, Google Assistant | - |
| Build | ||
| Battery | - | 6,000 mAh |
| Run time | Up to 2 h | - |
| Weight | - | 7.5 lb (3.4 kg) |
| Warranty | 1 year | - |
| Released | 2021-12 | 2026-07 |
