Shark Matrix Self-Empty
#3 in Vacuum onlyFull review
For vacuum-only buyers who want a bagless self-emptying dock; newer Shark models clean longer for similar money.
Amazon $499.95$499.95
The Shark Matrix Self-Empty is the better robot vacuum overall, rated 3.9 to 3.8. The Shark AI Ultra wins on value. The Shark AI Ultra costs $70.95 less ($429 vs $499.95).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shark AI Ultra
#5 in Vacuum onlyFull review
A cheap self-emptying LiDAR vacuum for buyers who only need vacuuming.
Amazon $429$429
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Shark AI Ultra for value ($429 vs $500).
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 Matrix Self-Empty | Shark AI Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.9/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Cleaning 33% | 84 measured 90% of sand from carpet, no hair tangled | 70 not yet tested; estimated from 5 tested Shark robots and the median of the 80 tested robots |
| Value 28% | 28 $500 | 37 $429 |
| Dock 22% | 100 Self-empties the bin | 100 Self-empties the bin |
| Navigation 17% | 65 LiDAR | 65 LiDAR |
Independent tests
Shark Matrix Self-Empty
| Tested by | Carpet deep clean | Pet hair | Hair tangle (0 = none) | Area per charge | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Wars | 90% | - | 0 | 814 sq ft | Embedded sand in medium-pile carpet; 7 in hair tangle on hard floor (0 = none wrapped); pet hair pickup not published. |
Shark AI Ultra
No independent test published yet.
Specifications
| Shark Matrix Self-Empty | Shark AI Ultra | |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum | ||
| Main brush | self-cleaning anti-hair-wrap brushroll | self-cleaning brushroll |
| Dustbin | 189 mL | - |
| Mopping | ||
| Mop | None | None |
| Dock | ||
| Dock | Self-empty | Self-empty |
| Self-empties | Yes | Yes |
| Navigation & app | ||
| Navigation | LiDAR | LiDAR |
| Obstacle avoidance | LiDAR-based object detection | LiDAR-based object detection |
| Voice assistants | - | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Build | ||
| Run time | Up to 1 h 30 min | Up to 2 h |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| Released | - | 2021-12 |