Product Features and Description
- Powerful Cleaning: The Shark vacuum delivers intense suction power, effectively lifting dirt and debris from all types of floors, ensuring even the most stubborn messes are addressed.
- Thorough Coverage: Utilizing Matrix Clean Navigation, the vacuum systematically covers your home in a grid pattern, ensuring no spot is missed and performing multiple passes for a comprehensive clean.
- Self-Emptying Convenience: The vacuum features a bagless, self-emptying base that can contain up to 30 days of dirt and utilizes true HEPA filtration to capture 99.97% of dust and allergens as small as 0.3 microns.
- Advanced Home Mapping: Equipped with 360° LiDAR vision, the vacuum accurately maps your home for efficient cleaning, skillfully avoiding obstacles and adapting to changes in the environment.
- Pet-Friendly Design: The vacuum is ideal for pet owners, with strong suction, a self-cleaning brushroll, and a HEPA filtration system that easily handles pet hair, dust, and allergens.
- Voice-Activated Operation: Users can effortlessly control their vacuum using voice commands through Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, setting schedules or initiating on-demand cleaning.
- Long Battery Life: With up to 120 minutes of runtime, the vacuum can clean the whole home on a single charge, and will recharge and resume cleaning if necessary to finish the job.
The Shark AI ULTRA Robot Self-Empty is the epitome of modern cleaning, offering an unparalleled blend of power, intelligence, and convenience for an immaculate home environment. Equipped with formidable suction capabilities, this robotic vacuum effortlessly deals with a variety of debris and pet hair across both carpets and hard floors, leaving no mess behind.
Employing advanced Matrix Clean Navigation, the robot ensures thorough coverage by performing multiple passes, guaranteeing that no area is overlooked. Its sophisticated precision home mapping technology constructs an accurate layout of your space, empowering the robot to navigate and clean effectively while adeptly avoiding obstacles, even in low light conditions or during nighttime. The user-friendly app further enhances the cleaning experience by allowing users to schedule comprehensive home cleanings or address specific spills with ease.
- Brand: Shark
- Model Name: AI Ultra
- Special Feature: Self-Cleaning Brushroll, Pet Hair Pick Up, Bagless, Self-Emptying
- Color: Dark Grey
- Product Dimensions: 13.7
- Included Components: (2) Side Brushes, Filter, Shark AI Robot, HEPA Self-Empty Base
- Filter Type: Foam
- Battery Life: 120 minutes
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Are Batteries Included: Yes
- Control Method: Voice
- Compatible Devices: Amazon Alexa, Google Home
- Form Factor: Robotic
- Item Weight: 14.42 pounds
- Manufacturer: SharkNinja
- ASIN: B09H8CWFNK
- Item model number: AV2501S
- Batteries: 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included)
- Best Sellers Rank: #49,321 in Home & Kitchen (See Top 100 in Home & Kitchen) #64 in Robotic Vacuums
- Number of pieces: 5
- Warranty Description: 1 year limited warranty.
- Batteries required: Yes
Discover the latest in home cleaning technology with our comprehensive roundup of advanced robot vacuums, including the Shark AV2501S AI Ultra. This innovative device boasts Matrix Clean, home mapping, and a 30-day capacity HEPA bagless self-empty base—ideal for pet owners. Dive deeper into its features and compare with similar products by exploring our detailed reviews here.
The Good, the Bad, and the Product: An In-Depth Review
The vacuum in question has garnered some positive feedback from users who appreciate its functionality and the convenience it offers. Notably, a user named J Jones found the mapping feature of the vacuum to be incredibly efficient, allowing for the labeling and selective cleaning of rooms via an app. This level of automation, combined with the ability to schedule cleaning sessions, provides a significant convenience factor. Users like Kevin Toomey have observed an impressive amount of pet hair collection, attributing this to the device’s advanced navigation capabilities, such as LiDAR mapping. This technology is praised for its precision in navigating around furniture and other obstacles.
The product seems to be relatively quiet, as noted by Taylor Carthas, and is effective on a variety of surfaces including hardwood, tile, and low-profile area rugs, according to Chester H. Leckner. The absence of tangled hair in the brushes is a unique selling point mentioned by deweyduo, which can be particularly beneficial for homes with pets. The device’s self-emptying feature, despite being noisy, is a highlight for some customers, eliminating the need for frequent manual intervention.
Furthermore, for individuals with mobility issues or those who simply detest vacuuming, like Chris D., the robot vacuum offers a hands-off approach to maintaining clean floors. The ease of removing and cleaning the dust bin, as mentioned by Susan H., and the aesthetic of neat carpet lines left behind add to the appeal of the vacuum.
However, the product also has its fair share of criticism, with a number of users reporting significant drawbacks. A common complaint, highlighted by Amanda Lipesky, is the vacuum’s inefficiency on carpet and its inability to effectively handle pet hair. This suggests that the product may not be suitable for homes with pets or those with carpeted floors.
The longevity and durability of the vacuum have been questioned by users like rich, who experienced a breakdown of the unit shortly after the warranty expired and faced challenges with the lack of available replacement parts or repair services. Similarly, patioelf’s experience with a unit that failed to charge and self-empty, despite its high cost, points to reliability issues. Additionally, issues with the device’s software and Wi-Fi connectivity, as described by Sumit@AWS and other users, seem to hinder the full utilization of the product’s smart features, which is a significant downside for a technology-oriented device.
Furthermore, customers like David C. have raised concerns about the product’s lifespan, indicating that the vacuum may not last as long as expected. Others, such as Stephani Perriman and Shelby Loftin, have encountered quality control issues, including receiving units that were previously used or malfunctioned after a brief period of satisfactory performance. User deweyduo’s frustration with the product’s multiple filters, the app’s lack of error notifications, frequent errors, and the high maintenance demands echo the sentiment of unreliability and inconvenience.
In summary, while the vacuum has features that are praised by some, such as its mapping and cleaning abilities, the overall sentiment from users indicates that the product may struggle with pet hair, carpets, and reliability over time, which could be potential deal-breakers for prospective buyers.
What do the stars speak of?
Opinions about this product were divided in such a proportion among the buyers.
We have a long haired cat and need daily cleaning. We have had great service from this vacuum. Transitions easily from hardwood to low profile area rugs.
Not good for pet hair or Carpet
Question Bank: Providing the Answers You Seek
What is the Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum’s main function?
The Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum is designed to provide automated cleaning across your entire home. It utilizes powerful suction and a self-cleaning brushroll to pick up all types of debris and pet hair on both carpets and floors. The robot features Matrix Clean Navigation to ensure no spots are missed by cleaning in multiple passes and offers precision home mapping for efficient navigation and obstacle avoidance.
Can the Shark AI Ultra Robot clean in the dark?
Yes, the Shark AI Ultra Robot is equipped with technology that allows it to navigate and clean efficiently in all light conditions, including complete darkness. This means it can continue cleaning your home even at night without missing spots.
How does the self-emptying feature work on this vacuum?
The Shark AI Ultra Robot comes with a bagless, HEPA self-empty base. After the robot completes its cleaning cycle, or when its dustbin is full, it automatically returns to the base to empty its contents. This allows for a hands-off cleaning experience with a capacity for up to 30 days worth of debris, depending on usage.
What is the battery life of the Shark AV2501S, and how long does it take to charge?
The Shark AV2501S has a battery life of up to 120 minutes on a single charge, making it suitable for extensive cleaning sessions. The charging time can vary, but it typically takes several hours to fully recharge the battery. The vacuum returns to its base to charge automatically when the battery is low.
Is the Shark AI Ultra Robot compatible with smart home systems?
Yes, the Shark AI Ultra Robot is compatible with popular smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This allows you to control the robot with voice commands and integrate it into your existing smart home setup for seamless operation.
Does the vacuum have a warranty?
The Shark AI Ultra Robot comes with a 1-year limited warranty from SharkNinja. This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship under normal use and maintenance.
Can I schedule cleanings with the Shark AI Ultra Robot?
Yes, you can schedule whole-home cleanings or target specific areas for cleaning using the SharkClean app. The app allows for easy customization of cleaning schedules, ensuring your home is cleaned when it’s most convenient for you.
How do I maintain the Shark AI Ultra Robot?
Maintenance for the Shark AI Ultra Robot includes emptying the self-empty base when it gets full, regularly cleaning the filter, and checking for and removing any tangled hair or debris from the brushroll. It’s also recommended to keep the sensors and charging contacts clean for optimal performance. Detailed maintenance instructions can be found in the user manual.
Amazon Customer –
Works Wonderfully – House has never been cleaner!
We purchased 2 of these units and they each run every other day. Very pleased with the cleaning capabilities. These vacuums manage to keep the floors pretty clean and we have 2 dogs and 4 cats!
demercules –
Complete garbage!!
Lasted about 5 months and to their defense Shark replaced it with a new slightly different version which also just broke after 3 months. I’m all set with the robo vacs. Great while they last but def not worth $400 to clean one floor of my house for 8 months.
Jennifer Shenk –
Works great
We have a Shetland sheepdog and he has a LOT of hair. He sheds so much. I’ve never been able to keep up with it.
Gigi/ Jim –
Works good but different
It first maps your house. Then if you can figure out the map in the app you can clean certain areas.
Peyton Eileen Brzozowski –
DO NOT BUY!!!!
I have had this robot for only a few months and it broke. It will not even leave the charging station and will not empty itself. I spent a ridiculous amount of money on this thing for it to literally not work at all. I would like to add that we live in a house of 2, with one dog that doesn’t shed. Once a week we deep clean the house(vacuum, mop). So it’s not like the house is dirty or it sucked up too much debris and now it won’t work or something(things I’ve read online trying to fix it). Do NOT buy this robot. It is an absolute WASTE of your money.
Elvira Bauer –
Best purchase for me in 2023
With the exception of the poop incidents (yes, it is real and not the vacuums fault) it is awesome. For poop incidents though, it is easy to take apart, clean, and put back together. The main thing this has done for me, and I run it every day on my floor every day for around 8 rooms, is established the habit of not leaving things on the floor to get caught up in the brushes. As a result, it had trained me to be a tidier person unconsciously! It amazes me how much pet hair is in the trash receptacle weekly and is the single best purchase I made all this year. Simply love the set it and forget it (mostly) aspect of the scheduling and great mapping ability. It runs quiet “enough” my cats are not afraid of it and if I am cooking and it bumps into my bare feet, asking I moved, it is gentle. It will avoid me so any bumps are my goof. Good product and would highly recommend.
Montanagal –
This Vaccum is awful
It won’t hold the program you can reprogram it it’s worthless spent alot of money for nothing
Al –
Works well
I’ve been using this for about a year now and I’m really happy with it
RUDI F SCHULT –
We love it
When was it purchased date
Amazon Customer –
poor quality
had this product for only 2 days the first and second time l used it when it empty the trash smell some burning then after will not empty with an error 26 found the vacuum motor burned out amazon will not replace or refund i would not buy another.
Amazon Customer –
shark doesn’t work
my product worked great for like 6 months then it just stop working like it supposed to, now i can only get it to keep a charge maybe 1 day every couple weeks then it only will remember to do part of the house, then it goes back to the charger, and doesn’t charge
Laura VanVleet –
Whew.
Worked for a year then died. Thankful I bought the insurance.
Waylon –
Ok
Ok sweeper for tile floors. picks up light items and leaves nice “just vacuumed lines” on carpet. You might have to go hunt it down if it finds a sock under the bed. I paid around $350 IMO Overpriced.
Amanda Lipesky –
Idea for non pet owners with no carpet
Not good for pet hair or Carpet
patioelf –
Used 3 times – won’t charge NEVER self emptied
Unit won’t charge and it’s never self emptied- I’ve had to empty it the few times I’ve used it in 1 room only. This cost SO much money and it now requires a phone call to customer service. Bought it in September ( still paying for it) here it is November and I’m going through Manuel’s and DIY videos ready to throw this piece of crap out the window. I had the real ROOMBA for 2 decades before it just wore out. What an inferior product this is. I see that the return window has closed / so is customer service today / Sunday my cleaning day. I now have to call customer service during my work week and downs who knows how much time on this piece of plastic .
rich –
No parts available or repair centers
I really like this vacuum. I bought two and they both did a great job, until one broke 3 months after the warranty. Shark does not offer any replacement parts or service options. No one locally would touch either. The best they could do was offer a subpar discount for a new one. Considering other brands for my next purchase.
Matt Fitz –
What junk
Does not work well at all loses position and gets stuck
jasper –
hard to figure out how to name rooms and even come up with a room.
I have a different brand robotand it was much easier to make and name rooms. the map was much better quality in old one. orterwice took 3 attempts to connect. seems to vaccunm adequately.
J Jones –
Buy it, you won’t regret it!
I am a lover of technology so I am not sure why it took me so long to come around to the idea of getting a robot vacuum but this thing is awesome! It mapped my entire house in a very short period of time, then I assigned labels for each room in the app. Now I can vacuum my entire house or just certain rooms. It has 3 levels of suction and can spot clean. I have 2 fur babies and they shed like crazy. My one dog dives under the bed whenever she can and it’s almost impossible to vacuum under there. Since getting this robot vac I’ve been closing my bedroom door at night, then I start the vac using my phone and I set it to vacuum the entire house but not the bedroom. When I get up the next morning I send it to vacuum the bedroom only and I will also spot clean under the bed, to get up all that hair and dander. The vacuum knows when to head back to its base station, either to empty its dirt cup or recharge, then it returns to the exact place that it left off and continues to clean. It charges very quickly and I am amazed at how much it picks up. I am so happy with this purchase and I am still wondering why I waited so long!
David C. –
Issues after a year
Robot giving errors that it’s wheels are having issues. Shark is sending a replacement unit, but don’t expect this thing to last 5-10 years.
Kaitlyn Hogan –
Lasted less than 1 year.
I am so disappointed. Purchased 11/2022. At first, I was raving about this vacuum. It was working so well and my floors looked fantastic! We have 2 dogs and it kept up with the day to day between my regular deep cleaning with my Dyson. Well, by June 2023 I noticed it wasn’t picking up as well as it once was. I took it apart and gave it a good cleaning, but all parts seemed to be working as it should. Since then, it’s never worked right again. It gets stuck on nothing, fails to dock itself, gets clogged and can’t empty itself, and loses Wi-Fi which requires the entire machine to be disconnected and remapped. This has been nothing but a headache and customer service has been TERRIBLE. The convenience of a robot vacuum is lovely but I would purchase a less expensive version if it’s only expected to last a few months.
Kevin Toomey –
I finally bought one and I’m obsessed with it!
We have 2 dogs and the amount of dog hair this has picked up in the week since I got it is amazing! The Lidar mapping is incredible as it knows exactly where to go on floors and carpets and around furniture and in between barstools. It is an amazing device to watch. Extremely pleased with the purchase and I grabbed it for 299 which is a great price for a self emptying, bagless with lidar mapping. I’ve never recommended a product this highly before.
Amazon Customer –
Great vacuum but does not connect to internet
The suction and cleaning abilities of this vacuum is great but, after many, many hours I was unable to use the app and connect it to my wifi. This leaves us without the use of the many features that make this vacuum pricey. We are a tech saavy household so this was extremely disappointing.
Shelby Loftin –
Clearly used
Item was clearly used prior and repackaged
Stephani Perriman –
Was great, until it wasnt
Vacuum worked great for about a year, then started having issues with “no bin” then stopped working and have an error code 18, which is drive wheel. This is my second Shark robot vacuum that shortly after a year had issues with drive wheels.. I have 3 Shark regulate vacuums and 3 Shark robot vacuum, however will probably make the move to another brand.
Paul M. –
Excellent product – Bye bye Vacuuming!
I was skeptical to purchase this at first since I owned a different brand a few years back that did not very clean well. I have a high traffic household that is hardwood, tile, and throw rugs. This thing really won me over, my floors are spotless everytime i come home. I highly recommend it. No more vacuuming!!!!
Chester H. Leckner –
Works great!
I bought this to replace a Roomba that had been giving me trouble and it works very good so far. We have a mix of carpet, terrazzo and tile and it works great on all of them.
Julia –
Stopped working after a few months and haven’t been able to fix it
Worked great for a few months then refuses to clean telling me to clean sensors. No amount of cleaning has worked and shark help files are no help. Attempted to reset and start over with no results so now only have a floor decoration Gave 2 star’s because for the few months it worked it did a good job
Taylor Carthas –
5 Stars because of the price and quality
For $240 it was worth every single penny. I was constantly vacuuming crumbs/dog hair on a daily basis. I have 2 kids and a dog and I pulled my cordless vacuum out 15 times a day. Finally I said F it let’s see what the robot is all about. I previously tried a Roomba and it was terrible always getting stuck in weird places. This Shark mapped perfectly to my layout of my first floor. The way it cuts corners perfectly to get all the dust, hair and crumbs that build up along the sides and corners is amazing. For noise level I can only compare it to the Roomba I had which this is a little quieter. Quieter than my cordless shark vaccum and when it gets to my living room rug it’s even more quiet. The Auto emptying waste feature is great however that’s super loud and it empties everytime it goes back to the dock which is nice however, if you have kids and they’re sleeping it’s so loud it might wake them. The App is really nice to control your schedule. Run a clean anytime you need and if one room is really a mess you can run a Matrix clean which does about 45 mins ln one room to ensure everything is spotless Cleaning: it does pick up anything that a normal broom would sweep up however if there’s something even mildly stuck to your floor it is not getting it up. So overall cleaning is a 4.5 out of 5 for me. Gets the job done could have better brushes that loosen up something a little stuck. Overall a 5 star product for me for $240! Saves me 15 vacuums a day and runs on its on
Eric –
It greatly exceeded expectations
We have tile and hardwood flooring with slight elevation variance between the two. The Shark was able to recognize and account for the difference while doing a thorough cleaning of both. In addition it recharged itself and finished areas it hadn’t touched before returning to the docking station. It was easy to program and entertaining to watch our cat follow it through the process!
Chris D. –
Does the job
I really like this product. It does a great job. It goes where you tell her to go. It will clean several times in one spot. I would buy this product again. There are some cons. When it empties the dirt it stinks pretty bad. The no zones are hard to define, You have to keep readjusting them to get them where you want. You can’t get them to adjust smaller then a 5 x 5. You can’t adjust the spot clean. And if you don’t map out your whole house, but later want to change it to a couple of more rooms you missed, you will have to delete everything and start all over again. It doesn’t allow you to map other rooms, unless you delete the whole thing and start all over again. it is a little loud. The positive is that I will never have to use a vacuum cleaner again. With my limited physical abilities this is hard to do. My husband doesn’t like her because she’s always under foot in his room, but I tell him if he doesn’t like it then he can get out the vacuum cleaner himself. If you have a few hundred dollars, it will be money well spent. By the way, I named her boog, short for boogie.
Mgman –
Works great
Susan H. –
Makes Great Carpet Lines
Love this product. Easy to remove and clean dust bin. Everyone comments on my great carpet lines. It takes quite a while to map your house so don’t worry it will finish.