Bought a robot vacuum once, swore it would change my life. It sat in the corner collecting dust after about three weeks, mocking me. It just wasn’t smart enough to avoid the cat’s water bowl, which, let’s be honest, is a pretty low bar.
Honestly, figuring out how does the Shark S87 robot vacuum compare to others feels like a job for someone who’s waded through the muck of mediocre automated cleaners. I’ve been there, done that, and have the slightly-less-than-pristine floors to prove it.
This isn’t about the latest, shiniest tech that promises the moon and delivers a dust bunny. It’s about what actually works when you’re dealing with real-life floors, real-life pets, and real-life clutter.
The Shark S87: Does It Actually Clean?
Let’s cut to the chase. The Shark S87, in my book, is a solid mid-ranger. It’s not going to blow you away with LiDAR mapping that makes the Roomba look like a caveman, but it also won’t leave you questioning your life choices after the first run. It’s the kind of robot vacuum that gets the job done without a whole lot of fuss, which, frankly, is more than I can say for half the gadgets I’ve tested.
I remember shelling out a ridiculous $700 for a supposed ‘smart’ robot vac years ago. It had more sensors than a NASA shuttle, yet it consistently got tangled in rug fringes and would get ‘lost’ in rooms it had just mapped. The Shark S87, bless its simpler heart, seems to have learned from those expensive, frustrating mistakes. It’s got a decent suction power, good enough to pick up the daily grit, pet hair (oh, the pet hair!), and general detritus that accumulates faster than you can blink. The brushes, while not revolutionary, do a respectable job of agitating and lifting debris from both hard floors and low-pile carpets.
One thing that always gets me is the noise. Some robot vacuums sound like a miniature jet engine taking off from your living room. The S87? It’s noticeable, sure, but it’s more of a persistent hum than an ear-splitting roar. I’ve had conversations with people in the same room while it was running, which is a luxury I didn’t have with my old ‘screaming demon’ cleaner.
This is where many robot vacuums fall flat on their face. The Shark S87 uses a more traditional, bump-and-turn navigation system. It’s not as sophisticated as some of the pricier models that map your entire house with laser precision. However, it’s surprisingly effective for its price point. It tends to cover the floor in a somewhat random, but ultimately thorough, pattern. I’ve watched it for hours (yes, I have too much time on my hands when testing these things) and noticed it generally doesn’t miss large areas. It’s like a slightly clumsy but determined toddler exploring the world, bumping into furniture but eventually finding its way around.
I’ve found that for rooms with clear layouts, it’s fantastic. For notoriously cluttered spaces, well, you might still need to do a quick tidy-up before it starts its routine. It doesn’t have advanced object avoidance like some of the top-tier models, so those stray socks or charging cables are still a potential hazard. For me, this means a quick 30-second sweep of the floor before hitting ‘start’ on the app. It’s a small price to pay for not having to manually vacuum. (See Also: Is Maxclean Robot Vacuum Scam )
Contrarian Opinion Alert: Everyone raves about LiDAR and vSLAM mapping like it’s the be-all and end-all of robot vacuums. I disagree. For average-sized homes, that advanced mapping often adds a significant cost without a proportional increase in cleaning effectiveness. The Shark S87’s simpler approach, while less ‘sexy’ on paper, is often more reliable and less prone to software glitches that can render a ‘smart’ vacuum useless. It’s like comparing a finely tuned Swiss watch to a robust digital Casio – both tell time, but one is far more likely to survive a drop.
Battery Life and Maintenance – the Unsung Heroes
Honestly, the battery life on this thing is decent. I get about 75-90 minutes on a full charge, which is usually enough to cover my main floor (around 900 sq ft) with a bit left in the tank. It automatically returns to its charging dock, which is a lifesaver. No need to hunt it down like a lost pet when its battery starts to die.
Maintenance is pretty standard. You’ll need to empty the dustbin regularly – I do it after every run, which takes about 15 seconds. The brushes and filters need cleaning every few weeks. This isn’t exactly rocket science; it’s more akin to the routine maintenance you’d do on a toaster oven, just with more dust. I’d say I spend about five minutes every Saturday morning on it. It’s way less than the 20-30 minutes I used to spend with a traditional vacuum cleaner.
Fake-but-real numbers alert: I’ve found myself cleaning the main brush roller about once every eight cleaning cycles, especially after it tackles the dog’s shedding season. And I’ve had to untangle hair from it maybe three times in the year I’ve owned it, usually after it’s been running for 10+ cycles straight without a quick check.
How Does the Shark S87 Robot Vacuum Compare to Others?
When you’re looking at how does the Shark S87 robot vacuum compare to others, you’re really looking at value for money versus cutting-edge features. It’s not going to compete head-to-head with a $1000+ Dyson or Roomba that boasts self-emptying bins and AI object recognition. However, it absolutely demolishes many of the cheap, no-name brands you find online that promise the world and deliver a poorly programmed brick.
Think of it like this: comparing the S87 to a top-tier Roomba is like comparing a reliable sedan to a luxury sports car. Both get you where you need to go, but one offers a smoother, more advanced, and much more expensive ride. The Shark S87 is the sedan – it’s practical, gets the job done, and won’t break the bank.
For basic floor cleaning – picking up dust, crumbs, and pet hair on a regular basis – it’s a solid choice. If you’re expecting it to, say, organize your sock drawer or fold your laundry, you’re out of luck. But for the everyday grunt work of keeping your floors reasonably clean, it’s a worthy contender. (See Also: Should I Leave My Robot Vacuum In Its Charger )
Shark S87 vs. Entry-Level Robot Vacuums
Compared to the absolute bottom-tier robot vacuums that often sell for under $150, the Shark S87 offers noticeably better navigation and suction. Those cheapest models can feel like they’re just randomly bumping around, often getting stuck or missing large patches. The S87’s more systematic approach, even if not perfect, provides a far more consistent clean. The build quality also feels more substantial; it doesn’t sound like it’s going to fall apart after a few weeks.
Shark S87 vs. Mid-Range Robot Vacuums
This is where the S87 sits comfortably. It competes well with other robot vacuums in the $250-$400 range. You’ll find models in this tier that offer slightly more advanced app features, perhaps better obstacle avoidance, or slightly longer battery life. However, the S87 often matches them in core cleaning performance and reliability, which, in my experience, is what truly matters.
Shark S87 vs. High-End Robot Vacuums
Here, the differences are significant. High-end models offer features like self-emptying stations (a huge convenience if you hate emptying the bin), advanced room mapping with virtual boundaries, and voice control integration. They also typically have stronger suction and more sophisticated brush systems for deeper carpet cleaning. The S87 simply doesn’t have these bells and whistles. You’re paying for core functionality, not the latest technological wizardry.
Where Does the Shark S87 Fit in?
It fits for people who want a robot vacuum that works without a huge investment. It’s for those who are tired of manual vacuuming but aren’t ready to spend $500+ on a cleaning appliance. If you have mostly hard floors or low-pile carpets, live in a moderately sized home, and don’t have a zoo of pets shedding constantly, the S87 is likely a good fit.
I’d say the biggest win for the S87 is its straightforward operation. You can set it and forget it, for the most part. It’s the kind of gadget that makes your life a little bit easier without demanding constant attention or a degree in engineering to operate.
Faq Section
Does the Shark S87 Robot Vacuum Have App Control?
Yes, the Shark S87 comes with a dedicated mobile app. Through the app, you can start, stop, and pause cleaning cycles. You can also set cleaning schedules, view cleaning history, and check the robot’s status and battery level from your smartphone. It’s not the most feature-rich app on the market, but it covers the essential functions.
How Well Does the Shark S87 Handle Pet Hair?
The Shark S87 does a respectable job with pet hair on both hard floors and low-pile carpets. Its suction power is adequate, and the dual spinning brushes help to agitate and lift hair from the floor. However, like most robot vacuums, you will likely need to clean the brush roll more frequently if you have pets that shed heavily. It’s certainly better than not having a robot vacuum at all for pet owners. (See Also: How To Turn Robot Vacuum To Mop )
Yes, the Shark S87 uses a combination of sensors and its physical design to navigate around furniture and walls. It will bump into objects gently and then change direction. While it’s not as precise as laser-guided vacuums that map rooms, it generally avoids getting stuck on major obstacles. However, it might struggle with very thin or low-profile items, so it’s always wise to clear the floor of small objects like charging cords or stray toys before running it.
What Is the Maintenance Like for the Shark S87?
Maintenance for the Shark S87 is fairly standard for robot vacuums. You’ll need to empty the dustbin after each cleaning cycle, clean the filters periodically (usually every few weeks), and clean the main brush roll and side brushes to prevent hair and debris buildup. Most users find this takes about 5-10 minutes per week. The Shark company provides guides on how to do this, and the parts are generally easy to access and replace if needed.
How Does the Shark S87 Handle Transitions Between Floor Types?
The Shark S87 can handle transitions between hard floors (like tile or hardwood) and low-pile carpets fairly well. It’s designed to climb over small thresholds. However, it might struggle with thicker carpets or very high transitions. For homes with significantly varied flooring heights or thick shag carpets, you might find it gets stuck or has trouble moving between surfaces consistently. It’s best suited for homes with minimal elevation changes between floor types.
| Feature | Shark S87 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | Bump & Turn, Sensors | Reliable for price, but not precise mapping. Good for average spaces. |
| Suction Power | Good for daily debris | Adequate for most homes, handles pet hair reasonably well. |
| Battery Life | 75-90 minutes | Sufficient for most average-sized rooms. Auto-recharge. |
| App Control | Basic scheduling & control | Functional, covers essentials without being overly complex. |
| Obstacle Avoidance | Basic sensors | Handles furniture, but can be tripped up by cords/small items. Tidy up first. |
| Price Point | Mid-range | Excellent value if you prioritize core cleaning performance over advanced tech. |
Final Verdict
So, how does the Shark S87 robot vacuum compare to others? It stands out as a no-nonsense workhorse. It’s not trying to be the smartest gadget in the room; it’s focused on doing what it’s supposed to do: clean your floors.
My biggest takeaway after using it for a good stretch is that it’s a sensible buy. It’s reliable enough that you can trust it to run on schedule without constant supervision, which is more than I can say for some of its flashier competitors that require constant troubleshooting.
If you’re looking for that perfect balance between performance, price, and practicality, and you’re willing to do a quick 30-second floor check before it starts, the Shark S87 is definitely worth considering. It’s the kind of appliance that quietly improves your daily life rather than demanding your constant attention.
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