Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum and Mop review

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1: Introduction

• Type: Robot vacuum and mop
• Docking: Self-empty dock
• Navigation system: LiDAR

The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop (RV2620WAUK) marks the American brand’s debut robot vacuum in the UK, though Shark has a history of successful robot cleaners in its homeland, including the Shark ION, which we reviewed way back in 2021.

This newer model, revealed earlier this year at SharkNinja’s first-ever EMEA Launch Event, brings several advancements over its predecessor, though it still falls short in certain areas like the app and mopping system.

And, although it’s a great mid-level contender, going up against the likes of the Eufy Clean X8 Pro, the Yeedi Cube and the iRobot Roomba Combo j7+, it’s also worth noting that Shark has a newer range incoming: the Shark PowerDetect Robot that was unveiled in September at IFA 2024.

Read on for our full Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 review.

Design and components

• Bagless Self-Emptying System
• Module Swapping for Mopping
• Simple App with Limited Features

The Shark Matrix 2-in-1 is available in two versions: the RV2620WDUK, which comes with a standard dock and a dustbin that needs manually emptying, and the pricier RV2620WAUK with a bagless self-empty station.

For both configurations, it’s the same actual robot you get, a rather plasticky affair with a few grey accents on top of what is widely a shiny black number.

It’s the latter is the model that we have on review here and, for the sake of £100, it’s well worth the upgrade if you can stretch to it.

Self-emptying stations are not uncommon these days, but Shark’s take is a bit different.

Instead of using bags that you need to dispose of, this station has a 1.8l bin that works much like a traditional vacuum cleaner’s dust container.

The bagless design does mean you’ll need to clean a few filters periodically, but you save money on consumables and avoid creating additional waste; a big plus for eco-conscious users.

One drawback is that the docking station only empties the dustbin though; it doesn’t refill the water tank or clean the mopping pads.

And speaking of mopping, Shark’s approach feels somewhat outdated on the Matrix. You need to manually swap the vacuum module with a separate mopping unit, which includes a sonic scrubbing feature and houses the 400ml water tank and microfibre cloth.

While this system is functional, it’s cumbersome compared to other robot vacuums that offer integrated mopping and the ability to lift mopping pads when not in use.

On top, is the LiDAR dome sensor and a couple of manual buttons for starting a clean, or sending the robot back to base.

Underneath, the Shark Matrix 2-in-1 has the a brush roll, with rubber anti-tangle flaps and a side sweeper, but with a twist: it uses air to blow debris into its path, which is a nice touch for edge cleaning. The brush roll is designed to minimize hair tangling, which should reduce maintenance time.

The app

The SharkClean app allows for more control but lacks the bells and whistles of competitors, especially Chinese brands like Roborock and Ecovacs, who have incredibly in-depth apps with an absolute avalanche of settings.

I even found that some features never worked, such as the Mission Complete report, which refused to show me anything.

The initial setup is straightforward and you do get to give your Matrix robo a hilarious name, such as Clean Latifa and Steve McClean.

Once you’re up and running, you’ll send the robot out for an initial ‘Explore mapping mission but, for me, the mapping failed the first time, simply presenting me a blank map.

Once it is all sorted, mapping is still quite basic and, unlike the likes of Roborock, it doesn’t divide rooms automatically, you have to manually set them.

Creating and editing room zones can also be a bit fiddly, and drawing precise carpet zones to avoid mopping carpets is an awkward process that doesn’t always work smoothly.

Also, instead of showing a live map during cleaning, the app displays only the robot’s icon moving about.

For homes with a mix of carpets and hard floors, this lack of refinement could become frustrating.

In use

• Powerful Vacuuming
• Good mopping for lighter stains
• Struggles with more stubborn dirt

In our testing, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 showed its strengths. On carpet, it handled most messes well, particularly in Matrix Clean mode, which doubles down on cleaning by going over areas in two directions.

That said, the standard cleaning mode left some debris behind, especially on softer carpets.

On hard floors, it performed better, collecting most dirt in a single pass.

However, edge cleaning was hit-and-miss, especially on the standard mode, where I noticed some debris being left behind or even spread around.

Matrix Clean mode improved the situation, though a bit of mess remained, particularly flour that was pressed into the floor.

For mopping, the results were generally impressive, handling coffee and red wine stains on a wooden floor, with ease.

It also did well with my mud test, picking up both solid dirt and dried-on stains. However, when faced with tougher challenges like dried ketchup, the Shark Matrix 2-in-1 couldn’t fully clean the mess.

As for pet hair, it collected strands effectively, though some hair wrapped around the brush roll, thankfully, it’s easy to remove.

Noise levels were reasonable, clocking in at around 65dB, which is fairly quiet for a robot vacuum.

Speaking of noise, and the Matrix has some nice little jingles built in to signal the start and end of cleans.

Battery life is decent too, with the robot lasting up to 110 minutes on a single charge, enough to clean a couple of rooms in my testing space.

Final thoughts

The Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum & Mop delivers solid cleaning performance and is particularly good for homes with predominantly carpet or hard floors.

Its self-emptying, bagless station is a standout feature, offering long-term cost savings. However, the simplistic app and the need to swap modules for mopping detract from its overall appeal, especially for households with mixed flooring.

The app is a bit naff and there are a few features missing from rival models but, for sheer cleaning power and long-term value, the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 is a strong contender, especially if you’re happy to manage the occasional manual module swap.

How we test

When we publish our reviews, you can rest assured that they are the result of “living with” long term tests.

Robot cleaners usually live within an ecosystem, or a range of products that – supposedly – all work in harmony. And they are designed to offer a range of different cleaning options. Therefore, it’s impossible to use a robo cleaner for a week and deliver a verdict.

Because we’re testing smart home kit all day, everyday, we know what matters and how a particular smart cleaning machine compares to alternatives that you might also be considering.

Our reviews are comprehensive, objective and fair and, of course, we are never paid directly to review a device.

Read our guide on how we test robot vacuum cleaners to learn more.

FAQs

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1: Specifications