Shark IQ AV1002 — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Shark |
|---|---|
| Model | IQ AV1002 |
| Year | 2021 |
| Category | Cleaning |
| Autonomy | fully-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Price (USD) | $349–$399 |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Alexa, Google Assistant, App Control |
| Country of origin | CN |
Key features
- LiDAR navigation for precise home mapping
- HEPA filtration (99.97% capture at 0.3 microns)
- Self-emptying XL base (45-day capacity)
- Self-cleaning brushroll
- Row-by-row systematic cleaning pattern
- SharkClean app with room scheduling
- Alexa and Google Assistant compatible
What is it?
The Shark IQ AV1002 builds on the AV970 platform with two meaningful upgrades: LiDAR navigation for more accurate and faster home mapping, and a HEPA filter for superior air quality during cleaning. It remains part of Shark's IQ self-emptying line, targeting mid-range buyers.
Who is it for?
Allergy and asthma sufferers who need certified HEPA filtration. Buyers in larger, complex floor-plan homes where LiDAR's superior mapping accuracy and obstacle detection outperform camera-based navigation. Those who want systematic row-by-row coverage with verified particle capture.
Key specs
- Navigation: LiDAR (laser-based) home mapping
- Filtration: HEPA filter (99.97% at 0.3 microns)
- Cleaning pattern: Row-by-row systematic
- Self-empty: XL base, ~45 days capacity
- Brushroll: Self-cleaning
- Battery: ~90 minutes runtime
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz, Alexa, Google Assistant
- Price: $349
How it compares
The AV1002 at $349 is priced identically to the Roomba i3+ but offers LiDAR navigation and HEPA filtration — two significant advantages for the price. The Roomba i3+ counters with rubber dual brushes that outperform on carpet and a bag-based self-empty system that is more hygienic for allergy households at the emptying stage. Against the Roborock Q5 Pro+ ($449), the AV1002 is $100 cheaper but lacks Roborock's 5500Pa suction.
Limitations
- No mop function
- Bagless XL base requires manual emptying
- 90-minute runtime
- HEPA benefit partially offset by open-lid emptying of bagless base (dust exposure risk)
- Single floor map storage
FAQ
Does the Shark AV1002 actually have HEPA filtration?
Yes. The AV1002 includes a HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns. This makes it suitable for allergy and asthma households, unlike the standard filter on the AV970.
Is LiDAR navigation better than camera navigation?
LiDAR creates faster, more accurate floor maps and handles low-light environments better than camera-based navigation. The AV1002's LiDAR maps your home more precisely and builds the map in a single run, whereas the AV970's camera system takes multiple runs to refine.
Is the Shark AV1002 better than the Roomba i3+?
On paper, the AV1002 offers LiDAR navigation and HEPA filtration at the same price as the i3+. The i3+ counters with rubber brushes that are more effective on carpet and a sealed-bag Clean Base that reduces dust exposure during emptying. The best choice depends on your priorities: filtration and mapping precision (AV1002) vs carpet performance and hygiene (i3+).
How many rooms can the Shark AV1002 map?
The AV1002 can map up to 10 rooms in a single floor plan via the SharkClean app. You can name rooms, set cleaning schedules per room, and restrict access using virtual boundary lines.
Does the AV1002 connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
No. Like most robot vacuums in this price range, the AV1002 connects to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi only.