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Shark Matrix vs iRobot Roomba i5: Which Robot Vacuum Is Worth It?

Published 2026-07-25 · Updated 2026-07-25

The Nest & Yard editorial team

Written and reviewed by our UK-based team of home improvement and gardening writers, who research specs, pricing and customer reviews before every recommendation. Reviewed and updated on 2026-07-25.

How we choose products

Our pick: the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum Cleaner & Mop — the best Robot Vacuums we tested, from £549.99.

The Shark Matrix and iRobot Roomba i5 sit at different price points but solve the same problem for UK homes with pets and carpets: keeping floors clean without daily effort. We compared them on self-emptying convenience, navigation and value for money.

See the full range in Robot Vacuums.

 Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum Cleaner & MopiRobot Roomba Combo i5 Robot Vacuum & Mop
Price£549.99£299.99
Rating★★★★★ 4.7 (2,140)★★★★★ 4.5 (6,120)
BrandSharkiRobot
PricePremiumMid-range
Best ForPet hair and carpetsDaily maintenance cleaning
ConnectivityWi-Fi + Voice AssistantWi-Fi + App Control
Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum Cleaner & Mop
Editor's Choice

#1 Pick

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum Cleaner & Mop

★★★★★ 4.7 (2,140 reviews)

£549.99

Pros

  • Self-empty base for weeks of hands-off dust and debris storage
  • LiDAR home mapping with edge cleaning catches missed patches
  • Strong suction handles pet hair on carpet and rugs, plus built-in mopping

Cons

  • Premium price compared with standard robot vacuums
  • Self-empty base is bulky to find space for
View on Amazon →
iRobot Roomba Combo i5 Robot Vacuum & Mop
Best Budget

#2 Pick

iRobot Roomba Combo i5 Robot Vacuum & Mop

★★★★★ 4.5 (6,120 reviews)

£299.99

Pros

  • Smart mapping cleans by room in tidy rows rather than random bouncing
  • Combined vacuum and mop in one pass, works with Alexa
  • Ideal for pet hair on both carpets and hard floors

Cons

  • No auto-empty base included at this price point
View on Amazon →

FAQ

Do I need the self-empty base on the Shark Matrix?+

If you have pets or a larger home, the self-empty base means you can go weeks without emptying the bin, which the standard iRobot Roomba i5 cannot match without buying a separate accessory dock.

Which is better value for a smaller UK flat?+

For a smaller flat with less pet hair and carpet, the iRobot Roomba i5 covers daily maintenance cleaning at a lower price, without paying extra for a self-empty base you may not need.