Roomba vs. Shark: Which Robot Vacuum Actually Handles Dog Hair? (Comparison)

The “Too Long; Didn’t Read” Verdict

Hi there! I know exactly why you are here. You love your furry friend, but you are absolutely sick of the hair. It’s everywhere, isn’t it?

If you are in a rush and just want the quick answer, here is the scoop.

If your house has lots of carpet and you suffer from allergies, you want the Roomba. It cleans deeper and keeps the dust trapped.

If you have mostly hardwood floors and want to save some cash, the Shark is a great runner-up. It vacuums well, but it can be a bit messier to empty.

Here is a quick breakdown of how they stack up:

Round 1: The Pet Hair Test (Brush Rolls & Suction)

Let’s get to the hairy part—literally. The biggest difference between these two is what happens underneath the robot.

Roomba’s Dual Rubber Brushes

I am obsessed with Roomba’s brush design. They use two rubber rollers that spin in opposite directions.

One roller loosens the dirt, and the other grabs it. Because they are rubber, hair rarely gets tangled. It just slides right off into the bin. It is a huge relief not having to cut hair off the brush with scissors every week!

Shark’s Self-Cleaning Fins

Shark uses a single brush roll with little “fins.” They call it “Self-Cleaning,” and their marketing sounds great.

However, in my experience, it is just okay. It is better than old-school bristles, but long hair can still wrap around it. If you have a Golden Retriever or a family member with long hair, you might still face some tangles.

Deep Carpet Cleaning

Here is the truth: Roomba wins on carpet. Those dual brushes actually beat the carpet to bounce the dust out. Shark mostly relies on suction, which is fine for hard floors but misses the deep grit in rugs.

Round 2: The “Poop” & Obstacle Test (Navigation)

Nobody wants to come home to a robot that has run over dog poop. That is a nightmare scenario.

The P.O.O.P Guarantee vs. Lasers

Roomba (specifically the j7 series) uses a camera on the front. It is smart enough to see cords, socks, and yes, pet waste. They are so confident, they have a P.O.O.P. Guarantee (Pet Owner Official Promise). If it runs over poop, they replace the robot. 💩

Shark uses LiDAR, which is a fancy laser. It is great at seeing walls and furniture, but it isn’t smart enough to know what a poop pile is. It might just plow right through it.

Performance in the Dark

This is Roomba’s one weakness. Since it uses a camera “eye,” it needs light to see. If you run it at midnight with the lights off, it might get lost.

Shark uses lasers, so it can see in pitch black darkness. If you want to clean while you sleep, Shark has the edge here.

Round 3: Maintenance & Ongoing Costs (The Hidden Price)

You buy the robot once, but do you have to keep paying? This is a huge factor for your allowance or budget.

Bag vs. Bagless

Roomba uses a Clean Base with a bag inside. When it’s full, you pull the bag out and toss it. No dust clouds! But, you have to buy new bags every few months.

Shark is usually bagless. You don’t have to buy bags (yay!), but when you empty the bin, dust flies everywhere. If you have allergies, this might make you sneeze like crazy.

Filter Maintenance

Shark filters usually need to be washed and dried every month. It’s a bit of a chore. Roomba parts are designed to be replaced, which is easier but costs a little money over time.

Durability

I have found that Roombas tend to last longer. They are built like little tanks. Sharks are great value, but they feel a bit more plastic-y and might not last as many years.

Buying Guide: 3 Criteria Before You Buy

Before you spend your money, check these three things.

1. Check the Bin Capacity:

Does it self-empty? If you have a shedding dog and you buy a robot that doesn’t empty itself, you will hate it. You will be emptying that tiny dustbin every 10 minutes.

2. Analyze Your Flooring:

Look at your floor. Is it 80% carpet? You need the Roomba for the agitation. Is it mostly wood? The Shark will do a great job for less money.

3. Measure Your Furniture:

Shark robots have a laser turret on top (like a little hat). This adds height. If your sofa is low, the Shark might not fit under it. Roomba is flatter and slides under more furniture.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?

Okay, here is the final showdown. I’ve broken it down into what I really love and what bugs me about the winner.