Shark Matrix vs. Shark AI – Comparison review
Shark Matrix
Shark AI Ultra
Shark Matrix
- Size (LxWxH) 18.57" x 14.96" x 5.69"
- Weight 14.7 pounds
- Multiple floor mapping No
- Cleaning path 5.72 inches
- Mopping technology Sonic mopping
- Base station No
- Carpet detection No
- Carpet boost No
- Standard cleaning cycle 1 hour
- Recharge time 6 hours
- Warranty One-year limited warranty
Shark AI Ultra
- Size (LxWxH) 21.4" x 14.96" x 5.69"
- Weight 16.98 pounds
- Multiple floor mapping No
- Cleaning path 5.72 inches
- Mopping technology Sonic mopping
- Base station Yes
- Carpet detection No
- Carpet boost No
- Standard cleaning cycle 1 hour
- Recharge time 6 hours
- Warranty One-year limited warranty
Robot vacuums have already become a mandatory household appliance for homes of any size, especially with pets and kids. It performs the cleaning job automatically, and most models can be scheduled for the upcoming week. New models can not only vacuum but also mop. Robot cleaners are good for everyday cleaning, especially under furniture, sofas, and beds, which you can hardly achieve with other devices. The market is full of models for any budget – with self-emptying and cleaning stations, vacuum-only functions, or all-in-one models.
In this article, we want to review two models from Shark. The Shark Brand was founded in 2007, and in 2009, it was expanded to the SharkNinja Brand. Since then, it has successfully produced many household appliances – handheld vacuums, upright vacuums, mops, robot cleaners, hair stylers, outdoor grills, and many more. We compare Shark Matrix vs. Shark AI to understand the advantages and disadvantages of budget and middle-priced vacuum and mop cleaners.
We start with the shortened main characteristics of both models.
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Shark Matrix vs. Shark AI – Face-to-Face Comparison
The Shark RV2410WD is a black and gold round-shaped robot cleaner. It has a black plastic bumper in front to prevent the robot from damage and crashes.
On the lid, there are several buttons for quick control: a dock and a clean button. Near the buttons, there are several indicator lights: error, Wi-Fi, and Charge. A fluid reservoir is installed on the back.
If the reservoir is properly installed, the clean button is illuminated with blue, while it is yellow when it is not installed or empty. For moving, the robot uses two rubber drive wheels on both sides and one front caster wheel.
The Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 RV2610WA is a black and grey round-shaped robot cleaner. In the middle of both sides, there are two outlets of air to create an airflow to move debris from the edges to the suction inlet.
Such a design helps improve 50% edge cleaning. The robot automatically determines the wall location and can turn on the edge mode on only one side. On the lid, the same as for Shark Matrix buttons (clean and dock) and indicators are located.
The wheels are the same for this model as for Shark Matrix. The robot comes with two interchangeable modules – for vacuuming and mopping.
The appearance of two robot cleaners is similar. But the design of Shark AI Ultra promises better dust removal from the corners. In our first comparison of the Shark Matrix vs. Shark AI competition, we call the Shark AI the winner.
The Shark Matrix RV2410WD has two cleaning modes – vacuum only and simultaneous vacuum and mop. For vacuuming, the fluid reservoir should not be installed. The incredible suction of the Shark Matrix picks up all debris and dirt.
As the robot does not have a function to raise a mopping pad, you can set a carpet zone in the home map in the smartphone application (or no-go zones).
You can add a cleaning solution to the water tank (one cap) for cleaning stubborn messes. At the beginning of the vacuum and mop run, the robot for 30 seconds primes the mop pad.
The Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 RV2610WA can also be used only in vacuum mode and in simultaneous vacuum and mop. There is only one mopping water lever, while for vacuuming, there are three choices – eco, normal, and max.
For vacuuming mode, the dustbin with a filter should be installed, while for simultaneous vacuuming and mopping, you need to install the water reservoir. The water reservoir should always be filled with water (or with solution); if cleaning finishes, the robot will stop for 10 minutes for refill; after that, it will return to the dock.
There is no carpet boost or carpet, so you still need to set no-go zones, carpet zones, or no-mop zones. In the app, you can choose the spot clean (5-foot-by-5-foot), whole house, or one room.
The ability of two robots to work in two modes is fantastic. You can choose between only vacuum or vacuum and mop mode. Unfortunately, for that, you need to add (or change) the water reservoir manually. Even though there are some differences in setting the reservoir, we can’t call the winner in this round.
The Shark Matrix has a one-mopping pad with sonic mopping technology. The pad is moved 100 times per minute for intense scrubbing of the hard floor and removing stains.
The pad is safe for all types of hard floors, including tiles, laminate, and wood. The pad is reusable and washable; you can wash it in a washing machine together with other light-colored clothes.
The pad should be completely dry before mopping. The floors might be slippery immediately after mopping.
The Shark AI has the same sonic mopping technology, with one mopping pad moving 100 times per second.
The mopping pad is installed on the bottom of the water reservoir using the slot and a strap, which you need to put on the special hook.
The pad is made from the same fabric as the Shark Matrix so that it can be washed in a washing machine. Do not forget to clean it after each cleaning cycle.
The installation procedure and the quality of the mopping pad for the two robots have no differences. We can’t call the winner in this round again.
The Shark RV2410WD is a LiDAR-based vacuum cleaner for powerful intelligent navigation. It creates precise maps of the home with obstacles by 360-degree LiDAR vision. It detects objects with a size of 4.5 inches and higher.
This model cleans using a precision grid. It has a matrix path to leave no missed spots; it moves two times in different directions in the same spot. The robot is equipped with several sensors – carpet, cliff, and docking.
The cleaning path of this Shark AI model is – matrix. It also leaves no missing spots and the Shark Matrix. Such technology ensures 30% better carpet cleaning and 50% better stain cleaning. In the vacuum and mop run, the robot first cleans the perimeter, then cleans row by row inside. The robot’s LIDAR navigation can work at night and in low-lighting conditions so that you can schedule night cleanings.
The navigation and mapping technologies of the Shark AI Ultra are the same as those of the Shark Matrix. There is no winner.
The dustbin of Shark RV2410WD has a built-in standard washable filter. The filter should be cleaned after each use; you need to tap it lightly.
For deep cleaning, you need to use only cold water and then dry for 24 hours. You do not need to scrub it or use soap.
The Shark AI Ultra has a built-in anti-allergen complete seal HEPA filter that locks up to 99.97% of dust and allergen down to 0.3 microns.
This filter is installed into the dustbin and can be placed in a water reservoir as well. The maintenance requirements are the same as for the Shark Matrix filter.
The Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 RV2610WA has an upgraded HEPA filter that captures more dust and fine particles. This model is the winner in this round.
The Shark Matrix has a self-cleaning rubber brush roll with flexible silicone fins to prevent hair wraps. It is also engineered to pick up more pet hair.
The brush roll is protected with a brush roll door. There are no side brushes in this model.
The Shark AI Ultra main brush is similar to the Matrix one. It has rubber grids, but in addition, it has bristles to eliminate stubborn pet hair.
On one side, you can install the side brush from the package to collect dust from corners better.
Unfortunately, the side brush has bristles only in one direction.
The main brush and availability of the side brush give us the right to call the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 the winner.
The Shark Matrix has one tank – the dustbin. The water reservoir is small, attached to the dustbin on the back, and has a fill cap on the top.
On the reservoir bottom, there is a slot for inserting the mopping pad. The dustbin should be cleaned every time after a cleaning cycle. The water reservoir should be emptied and dried after each use, but it is not allowed to be put in the dishwasher.
The Shark AI Ultra has two separate modules for vacuuming and simultaneous cleaning (mop and vacuum). The dustbin with filter should be installed for only the vacuum module, while for the simultaneous mode, you need to install the module with the water reservoir.
During simultaneous mode, the dirt and debris also go through the filter but are collected in the water. The water reservoir should be cleaned manually after the cycle; the automatic feature does not work for this tank.
The water tank in the Shark AI is located in a separate mopping module, and it is larger to hold more water. Unfortunately, it also collects dust during cleaning, while in the Shark Matrix, all dust still is collected in the dustbin. Each construction has pros and cons, so there is no winner.
The Shark Matrix has one Lion battery via a battery door on the bottom; you can replace it when necessary. The full battery is charged for up to 6 hours. It is allowed to use only the original battery. The model number is RVBAT850.
The Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 is supplied with the same VBAT850 battery. This battery is enough to run the robot in ECO mode for up to 60 minutes. The battery should be replaced after 1-2 years of regular cleaning cycles.
The Shark Matrix and AI are supplied with the same battery. There is no winner.
The Shark Matrix has a base station for charging only. It is allowed to use only the compatible charging dock XDRV2600WD.
The charging dock has two charging contacts that are connected to two charging pins on the robot’s bottom automatically.
The Shark AI Ultra has a self-empty base station, which automatically empties the dustbin and stores debris for up to 60 days. The base station is bagless, but it has two own filters (pre-motor and post-motor) to keep the dust secure.
To empty it, you need only to press the button. As the robot has two cleaning modules, it has two positions of charging pins. Be careful while you are manually placing the robot with the dustbin. It is on one side, while the water reservoir is on the opposite side.
The Shark AI Ultra has a more functional base station. You can rarely clean your dustbin with an automatic empty function. So, in this round, the Shark AI Ultra is the winner.
The smartphone application helps to control the Shark Matrix. You can select the whole map or rooms for cleaning or set up a cleaning schedule.
For control, you can also use Alexa or Google Assistant. If you want to schedule the mopping, the reservoir should be filled with water and properly installed with a pad (blue clean button).
The control features of the Shark AI are the same – several buttons on the lid, a smartphone application, and voice apps. In the smartphone application, you can check the estimated time for cleaning.
The app is the same as for the Shark Matrix as for the AI Ultra model. Nevertheless, you can add the map in the app and set the carpet and no-go zones there.
As there is no difference between the control and features of these models, we can’t call the winner in this round.
The Shark Matrix RV2410WD comes with:
- Shark Matrix Robot
- Charging Dock
- Side Brush
- Filter
- Two reusable mopping pads (1 is extra)
- Cleaning solution
- Manual
The Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 RV2610WA comes with:
- Shark Matrix Robot
- Self-empty base station
- 2 Side Brushes (1 is extra)
- Filter
- Two reusable mopping pads (1 is extra)
- Water reservoir
- 2 Plastic floor guards
- Manual
Setting the robots
There are several steps for properly setting up the Shark Matrix RV2410WD and the Shark AI Ultra RV2610WA. You should start with a charging station (a self-empty station), which should be installed near the wall near the socket and with a strong connection to Wi-Fi. All objects near 1 ft. from left and right and 2 ft. in front should be removed. You need to charge the battery to full until the first use (2 white indicators on the robot).
During the first run, the robot conducts an Explore Run to create a preliminary home map. It should be performed without the water reservoir. After Explore Run, you need to set the carpet zones in the app, which will be verified in the Carpet verification run. After the successful creation of home maps, you can start with a vacuum or simultaneous vacuum and mop. Please install all brushes and tanks per manual.
Maintenance
The Shark Matrix should receive proper maintenance to perform. For cleaning of all parts, only cold tap water is allowed; you do not need to use any chemical solutions or scrub the parts.
| Cleaning frequency | Replacement frequency | |
|---|---|---|
| Dust bin | After each cleaning cycle | Not required |
| Water tank | Not required | Not required |
| Mopping pad | After each cleaning cycle | Every 3 months |
| Filter | After each cleaning cycle | Every 12 months |
| Main brush with guard | After each cleaning cycle | Every 6-12 months |
| Charging station | Once a month | Not required |
| Sensors / charging pins | Once a month | Not required |
| Wheels | Once a month | Not required |
As the Shark AI Ultra has some additional parts and a self-empty station, its maintenance is a little bit different. But the rule of cold water is applicable as well.
| Cleaning frequency | Replacement frequency | |
|---|---|---|
| Dust bin | Once a month | Not required |
| Water tank | After each cleaning cycle | Not required |
| Mopping pad | After each cleaning cycle | Every 3 months |
| Base station filters | Once a month | Every 12 months |
| Robot filter | After each cleaning cycle (mop mode)/ Once a month (vacuum mode) | Every 12 months |
| Main brush with guard | After each cleaning cycle | Every 6-12 months |
| Side brush | After each cleaning cycle | Every 12 months |
| Charging station | Once a month | Not required |
| Sensors / charging pins | Once a month | Not required |
| Wheels | Once a month | Not required |
The periodicity of the cleaning is indicated as maximum; if parts are not dirty, you can reduce the cleaning frequency. If wheels, filters, brushes, etc., are damaged, you need to replace them immediately.
verdictThe replacement and cleaning frequency of the two Sharks are close to each other; the difference is only in the number of parts. Because of that, we call the Shark Matrix, the winner in this part of the competition Shark Matrix vs. Shark AI.
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Cleaning tests:
Vacuuming performance on Bare Floors
We compared the Shark AI and the Shark Matrix in several cleaning tests – on hard floors and carpets, in vacuum and vacuum and mop modes.
Vacuuming performance on Bare Floors
- Sugar
- 95%
- 96%
- Flour
- 96%
- 97%
- Rice
- 97%
- 97%
- Kitty litter
- 96%
- 96%
- Cheerios
- 94%
- 95%
- Saw dust
- 95%
- 97%
- Sand pebbles
- 97%
- 98%
- Pet hair
- 98%
- 97%
Vacuuming performance on Carpets
Vacuuming performance on Carpets
- Sugar
- 95%
- 95%
- Flour
- 97%
- 97%
- Rice
- 96%
- 98%
- Cheerios
- 94%
- 94%
- Saw dust
- 95%
- 95%
- Kitty litter
- 94%
- 95%
- Pet hair
- 97%
- 98%
- Sand pebbles
- 94%
- 95%
Vacuuming and Mopping (simultaneously) performance on bare floors
Vacuuming and Mopping (simultaneously) performance on bare floors
The Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 RV2610WA has shown better performance because of the larger water tank, the side brush, the advanced main brush, and clean edge technology. Nevertheless, the results are close because of the same suction power.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I relocate the charging station of the Shark Matrix RV2410WD?
Are there any recommendations for no-go zones for Shark robots?
What should I do if the robot cannot return to the charging station and it is out of battery?
How can I check the cleaning report of Shark AI Ultra?
Can I control my Shark vac from the tablet?
Which Robot Vacuum and Mop cleaner is better: Shark Matrix or Shark AI?
The Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 RV2610WA is an upgraded version of the Shark Matrix RV2410WD. It was improved in terms of edge cleaning technology – the edge brush, the main brush, and additional air flows. The design of the water reservoir has also changed; you need to replace the whole module, not only to attach the small water part. Even though the AI Ultra has received the Self-Empty station, it does not work in vacuum and mop mode, so all cleanings should be performed.
If you care about your money, you can purchase a cheaper model – Shark Matrix RV2410WD – and use all the features. It has slightly worse performance in the cleaning tests, but the maintenance is easier for this model. The navigation and mapping technologies of the two models are the same. But still, if you want to have the latest auto technologies, we recommend purchasing the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 RV2610WA.
