If you are shopping for a self-emptying robot vacuum in this year, you are likely torn between two very different promises.
On one side, you have the Roomba j7+. It is famous for one specific thing: It guarantees it won’t eat dog poop. It uses a camera and AI to avoid cables, socks, and accidents. It is the safe, premium choice.
On the other side, you have the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1. It promises to do more (vacuum AND mop) for less money. It features a “Bagless” self-empty base that saves you money on ongoing costs, and it uses “Sonic Mopping” to scrub your floors.
But is the Shark’s navigation smart enough to avoid your phone charger? Is the Roomba worth the extra cost just for the camera?
In this robot vacuum comparison, we test the obstacle avoidance, cleaning patterns, and hidden costs to help you decide.
Table of Contents
Quick Verdict: Which Robot Should You Buy?
- Buy the Roomba j7+ if: You have indoor pets. The “P.O.O.P. Promise” is real. If your dog has an accident, the Roomba will see it and go around it. The Shark will likely run over it and spread it. The Roomba is also the better choice for long hair due to its Dual Rubber Brushes.
- Buy the Shark Matrix Plus if: You want value and mopping. You get a robot that vacuums and mops simultaneously for significantly less than the Roomba. Plus, the bagless base means you never have to buy expensive dust bags again.
Comparison: Shark Matrix Plus vs. Roomba j7+
Feature | Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 | iRobot Roomba j7+ | Winner |
Product Type | Robot Vacuum & Mop Hybrid | Robot Vacuum Only* | Shark |
Navigation | LiDAR (360° Laser) | Camera (PrecisionVision) | Tie |
Obstacle Avoidance | Basic (Sensors) | Excellent (AI Camera) | Roomba |
Poop Avoidance | No Guarantee | P.O.O.P. Promise | Roomba |
Cleaning Pattern | Matrix Grid (Cross-hatch) | Standard Rows | Shark |
Mopping | Sonic Mopping (Scrubbing) | None (Unless you buy Combo) | Shark |
Self-Empty Base | Bagless (HEPA) | Bagged (Disposable) | Shark |
Brush Roll | Single Bristle/Fin Brush | Dual Rubber Brushes | Roomba |
Price | Shark |
*Note: The standard Roomba j7+ is a vacuum only. To get mopping, you must upgrade to the “Roomba Combo j7+,” which is significantly more expensive.
Key Differences Between These Robot Vacuums
1. The “Poop” Factor (Obstacle Avoidance)
This is the main reason people buy the Roomba.
- Roomba j7+: Uses a front-facing camera to “see” objects. It identifies shoes, socks, cords, and pet waste. If it sees a cable, it takes a photo and asks you in the app: “Is this a temporary obstacle or a permanent no-go zone?”
- Result: You can leave your house messy, and the Roomba will clean around the clutter without getting stuck.
- Shark Matrix Plus: Uses LiDAR (lasers) to map walls, but it lacks a camera to identify small objects. It might see a shoe, but it will likely eat a USB cable or push a sock around the room.
- Result: You must tidy up your floor before running the Shark.
2. Bagless vs. Bagged Base (Ongoing Cost)
- Shark Matrix Plus: The dock is bagless. It works like a Dyson canister—you pull a lever, and the dust falls into your trash can. It also has a HEPA filter to trap allergens.
- Benefit: $0 ongoing cost. You never have to buy bags.
- Roomba j7+: The dock uses Clean Base® Disposal Bags. When the bag is full (every 30–60 days), you throw it away and put in a new one.
- Cost: Bags cost about $15–$20 for a pack of 3. Over 5 years, this adds up to ~$150 in hidden costs.
3. Cleaning Performance (Matrix vs. Dual Brush)
- Shark (Matrix Clean): Shark uses a unique “Matrix” cleaning grid. Instead of just going back and forth in straight lines, it cleans in a cross-hatch pattern (North-South, then East-West).
- Result: This is incredibly effective for fine dust and carpets, as it hits every spot from two angles.
- Roomba (Dual Brushes): Roomba holds the patent on Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes. Two rollers spin in opposite directions to grab hair and pull it apart.
- Result: This is the gold standard for carpets. It resists hair tangles much better than Shark’s single brush roll.
What’s In The Box? (Unboxing Comparison)
Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Box Contents
- Shark Matrix Robot: With Hybrid Vacuum/Mop bin.
- Self-Empty HEPA Base: Bagless.
- Side Brush: (Usually one extra included).
- Mopping Pads: (2 Reusable Microfiber pads).
- Filter: Pre-installed.
- Owner’s Guide.
iRobot Roomba j7+ Box Contents
- Roomba j7 Robot.
- Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal.
- Dirt Disposal Bags: (2 included).
- Extra High-Efficiency Filter.
- Extra Edge-Sweeping Brush.
- Power Cord.
Winner: Roomba. While Shark gives you the mopping pads, Roomba is more generous with “consumables” like an extra filter and bag right in the box.
Real User Complaints: What Do People Hate?
Common Complaints: Shark Matrix Plus
- “The App disconnects.” The SharkClean app is the weak link. Users often report that the map disappears or the robot disconnects from Wi-Fi, requiring a factory reset.
- “It gets stuck on cliffs.” Some users with black-patterned rugs report that the Shark thinks the black rug is a “cliff” (stairs) and refuses to clean it.
- “Eats phone chargers.” Because it lacks the camera of the Roomba, if you leave a cable on the floor, the Shark will suck it up and jam the brush roll.
Common Complaints: Roomba j7+
- “The bag fills up too fast with pet hair.” If you have a Golden Retriever, the small bag in the dock might fill up in 2 weeks rather than 60 days. This makes the “bagged” system expensive.
- “It bumps into furniture.” While it avoids poop perfectly, the navigation can be a bit more “bumpy” than the gentle LiDAR of the Shark. It relies on a physical bumper to find walls.
Maintenance & Ongoing Costs
1. The “Bag Tax”
- Roomba: You must budget ~$30 per year for bags.
- Shark: $0 per year for dust disposal.
2. Mopping Supplies (Shark Only)
- You will need to buy “Shark VACMOP” or generic hard floor cleaner. You also need to wash the microfiber pads in your laundry machine after every use.
3. Brush Roll Maintenance
- Roomba: The rubber brushes are incredibly easy to clean. Hair slides right off the ends.
- Shark: The bristled brush can get hair wrapped around it. You may need to use scissors to cut hair off the Shark’s brush once a month.
FAQ
Yes. It uses Sonic Mopping, which vibrates the pad 100 times per minute to scrub dried stains. It is surprisingly effective for light kitchen messes, though not as good as a dedicated mop. The standard Roomba j7+ cannot mop.
Yes. Roomba uses a camera, so it is not confused by dark black rugs. LiDAR robots (like the Shark) sometimes mistake black carpet for a “cliff” and refuse to drive on it.
Yes, you can press the “Clean” button on the robot, and it will vacuum. However, you cannot set schedules, use “Matrix Clean” specific zones, or set “No-Go Zones” without the app.
Final Recommendation
This decision comes down to your household “risk level.”
If you have a new puppy or a dog that is prone to accidents, you must buy the Roomba j7+. The “P.O.O.P. Promise” is not a gimmick; it is an insurance policy for your carpets. The peace of mind knowing it won’t smear waste is worth every penny of the extra cost.
If you are a budget-conscious shopper who keeps a tidy floor (no loose cables), the Shark Matrix Plus is the better financial decision. You get mopping, vacuuming, and a bagless base for hundreds of dollars less than the Roomba. It is the best “Value” robot of 2026.
- Best for Pet Owners (Safety First): Check Price for Roomba j7+
- Best Value & Mopping: Check Price for Shark Matrix Plus
