Get the App
Better experience on mobile
Discover if the Shark ION Robot Vacuum S87 (RV851WV) delivers value at $350. We tested its cleaning on bare floors, carpets, and pet hair, plus navigation and app control. See our scores, pros/cons, and top alternatives like the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra for superior performance.
Robot vacuums have transformed home cleaning, offering hands-free maintenance with smart features like app control and self-emptying bases. The Shark ION Robot Vacuum Cleaning System S87 (RV851WV) stands out as an affordable self-emptying option priced around $350. In our hands-on tests, it handled basic debris decently on rugs but faltered on navigation, pet hair, and larger spaces. Read on for detailed performance data, pros/cons, and why top alternatives might suit you better.
Quick Pick
Best Overall Robot Vacuum: roborock S8 MaxV Ultra Robot Vacuum & Sonic Mop, 10000 Pa Suction, Corner to Edge Deep Cleaning, Hot Air Self-Drying, Auto Empty & Refill, Detergent Dispenser, Obstacle Avoidance,White S8 MaxV Ultra(White)
With 10,000 Pa suction, AI obstacle avoidance, and full self-maintenance, it's a game-changer for pet owners and busy homes. Check current price
We pitted the Shark ION S87 against leading self-emptying robot vacuums in key categories like debris pickup, navigation, and battery life. Scores are out of 100 based on lab tests simulating real homes (rice, sand, hair on hardwood, low/medium carpet).
| Feature | Shark ION S87 | iRobot Roomba i4 EVO | iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) | DREAME L20 Ultra | roborock S8 MaxV Ultra |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Floors Debris Pickup | 57 | 92 | 95 | 98 | 99 |
| Carpet Debris Pickup | 55 | 88 | 90 | 96 | 98 |
| Pet Hair Pickup | 22 | 85 | 92 | 95 | 97 |
| Navigation Score | 45 | 90 | 96 | 98 | 99 |
| Battery Life (min) | 80 | 120 | 110 | 180 | 180 |
| Self-Emptying | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| App/Voice Control | Yes (Alexa/Google) | Yes (Alexa) | Yes (Alexa) | Yes (Alexa/Google/Siri) | Yes (Alexa/Google/Siri) |
| Approx. Price | $350 | $400 | $600 | $1,200 | $1,500 |
See the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra on our product page for unmatched power.
The Shark ION S87 arrives in a compact box: the 3.8 x 12.4 x 12.4-inch robot (5.7 lbs), self-emptying base, charging cable, and basic filters. Setup takes under 10 minutes—dock it, download the Shark app, and connect to Wi-Fi. Voice integration with Alexa or Google Assistant works seamlessly for scheduling cleans.
Real-World Tip: Place the base in an open area (at least 3 ft clearance) to avoid docking issues, a common snag with budget models.
On hardwood, the S87 picked up 57% of mixed debris (sand, rice, cereal) in a 600 sq ft test room. It maneuvers decently in open spaces but scores lower (55%) on medium-pile carpets due to weaker suction (undisclosed Pa, estimated ~1,500).
Pet owners beware: only 22% pickup on carpets tangled in long hair. Brushroll clogs after 15-20 minutes in fur-heavy homes, requiring manual intervention.
This is the weak spot (45/100). Lidar-free sensors bump into furniture legs and cords frequently. In a cluttered living room test, it got stuck 12 times per hour versus 2 for premium models.
80 minutes per charge covers ~1,000 sq ft, sufficient for apartments but not large homes. Recharges and resumes automatically.
The bagless base holds 30 days of dirt but empties inefficiently—debris flies back 15% of the time. Weekly bin empties and filter rinses are easy (5 minutes).
Our Overall Score: 54/100 – Budget-friendly for light duties, but not for demanding homes.
Pros:
Cons:
Not convinced? Upgrade to the iRobot Roomba j7+ (7550) Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum for pet waste avoidance and 60-day bins. View details
If the Shark ION falls short, consider these tested winners:
10,000 Pa suction obliterates pet hair (97% pickup). Mopping, self-washing, and detergent dispensing make it fully autonomous. Ideal for 2,000+ sq ft homes.
7,000 Pa with mop extension reaches edges. 180-min battery and AI avoidance score 98/100 navigation.
PrecisionVision dodges socks and pet messes. Perfect for families.
Smart mapping at a mid-range price—great starter upgrade from Shark.
Pro Tip: For pet-heavy homes, prioritize 5,000+ Pa suction and reactive AI.
Grab the Dreame L20 Ultra today.
Yes, if: Small apartment, minimal pet hair, budget under $400.
No, if: Pets, clutter, or large floors—opt for Roborock or iRobot instead.
Maintenance averages 10 min/week; bags cost $20/3-pack yearly.
No, pet hair pickup is low at 22% on carpets. Choose Roomba j7+ for better results.
About 80 minutes, covering 1,000 sq ft. It auto-resumes after recharging.
Moderately—holds 30 days but can scatter debris. Premium models like Roborock S8 excel here.
Yes, via Alexa or Google Assistant for start/stop/schedules.
1-year limited; register via app for support.
Pair your vacuum with essentials from our guides:
Final Verdict: The Shark ION S87 is a basic self-emptying starter, but for lasting value, invest in roborock S8 MaxV Ultra. Questions? Drop a comment below!
