Roomba J6 vs Shark Matrix Plus – Which Should You Buy?
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Choosing the right robot vacuum can make keeping your home clean much easier and more efficient. The Roomba J6+ and Shark Matrix Plus are designed for people who want convenience but approach cleaning in different ways. The Roomba J6+ is ideal for homes with pets and offers advanced obstacle detection and automatic dirt disposal. The Shark Matrix Plus focuses on powerful suction and multi-surface cleaning with a bagless self-empty base. This article highlights their key differences to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle and cleaning needs best.
Side by Side Comparison
| Feature | Roomba J6+ | Shark Matrix Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | PrecisionVision navigation with obstacle detection | Matrix Clean navigation with row-by-row cleaning |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Detects and avoids cords, shoes, and pet waste | Avoids larger obstacles but less advanced with small items |
| Cleaning Power | Strong suction with Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes | Powerful suction with multi-surface brushroll |
| Self-Emptying | Clean Base Automatic Dirt Disposal with bags | Bagless self-empty base for easy emptying |
| Mapping | Smart mapping with keep-out zones and room selection | Multi-room mapping with app control |
| Voice Control | Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant | Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant |
| Battery Life | Up to 75 minutes with recharge and resume | Up to 90 minutes with recharge and resume |
| Filter | High-efficiency filter that traps 99% of allergens | HEPA filtration system |
| App Features | Custom schedules, targeted room cleaning | Matrix Clean coverage pattern and deep clean mode |
Detailed Feature Comparisons
Navigation: The Roomba J6+ uses PrecisionVision navigation that recognizes and avoids obstacles like cords and shoes, reducing the risk of tangles. The Shark Matrix Plus uses Matrix Clean navigation to cover every row systematically, ensuring thorough coverage but with less advanced object recognition.
Obstacle Avoidance: The J6+ stands out with its ability to detect small household items and even pet waste, which is very useful for pet owners. The Shark Matrix Plus does avoid larger obstacles but may still require a quick pickup of small objects before cleaning.
Cleaning Performance: Both models offer strong suction, but the Roomba uses dual multi-surface rubber brushes that resist hair tangles, making it ideal for homes with shedding pets. The Shark Matrix Plus uses a self-cleaning brushroll with powerful suction that lifts debris effectively from carpets and hard floors.
Self-Empty System: The J6+ comes with a Clean Base that uses disposable bags, which can hold weeks of debris and is hygienic to empty. The Shark Matrix Plus has a bagless self-empty system, which saves money on replacement bags and is easy to dump directly into the trash.
Mapping and Control: Roomba’s smart mapping allows you to label rooms and set keep-out zones directly from the app. Shark’s multi-room mapping also supports app control and scheduling but offers fewer customization options compared to Roomba.
Battery and Runtime: The Shark Matrix Plus offers slightly longer runtime at around 90 minutes per charge, which is helpful for larger spaces. The Roomba J6+ runs for about 75 minutes but automatically recharges and resumes cleaning until the job is done.
Filtration: The Roomba J6+ includes a high-efficiency filter designed to trap 99% of allergens such as pollen and dust mites. The Shark Matrix Plus includes a HEPA filter, which is a good choice for allergy sufferers looking for cleaner air quality.
App and Smart Features: Roomba’s app supports targeted cleaning by room and even offers seasonal cleaning suggestions. Shark’s app allows for zone cleaning and deep clean mode but is more focused on simple control rather than predictive suggestions.
FAQ
Is the Roomba J6+ good for pet owners?
Yes, the Roomba J6+ is excellent for pet owners because it has dual rubber brushes that prevent hair tangling and uses advanced obstacle detection to avoid pet waste and small toys.
Does the Shark Matrix Plus need bags for its base?
No, the Shark Matrix Plus has a bagless self-empty system, which allows you to empty the bin without buying replacement bags.
Which one has better obstacle avoidance?
The Roomba J6+ generally has better obstacle avoidance thanks to its PrecisionVision technology that can recognize cords, shoes, and pet waste, reducing the chance of clogs or messes.
How do the apps compare between these two models?
The Roomba app offers more customization such as keep-out zones, labeled rooms, and cleaning recommendations, while the Shark app focuses on simple controls and row-by-row cleaning.
Do they both work with voice assistants?
Yes, both the Roomba J6+ and Shark Matrix Plus are compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice-controlled cleaning.
Can either robot vacuum handle multiple floors?
Yes, both models can store multiple maps, allowing you to use them on different floors of your home with saved layouts for efficient cleaning.
How often do you need to empty the base?
For the Roomba J6+, the Clean Base bags hold several weeks of debris, so emptying is infrequent. The Shark Matrix Plus needs to be emptied manually but is quick and mess-free due to its bagless design.
Which one is quieter during operation?
The Roomba J6+ runs quieter during normal cleaning, while the Shark Matrix Plus can be slightly louder when using maximum suction or emptying into the base.
Do both robots return to the dock automatically?
Yes, both models return to their docking stations when they need to recharge and can resume cleaning from where they left off.
Which one is better for larger homes?
The Shark Matrix Plus may have a slight edge for larger homes due to its longer runtime, but the Roomba J6+’s recharge and resume feature ensures it will finish cleaning regardless of battery capacity.