Navigator Self-Empty
Limited evidenceRead the findings →Shark's entry-level mapping robot, with a bagless self-emptying base, sold in the US. It cleans in neat rows rather than bouncing around. There's no camera and only basic obstacle avoidance, so you'll tidy up before each run.
Updated
See the alternatives below, or switch market.
Where it sits in Shark’s range
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What we know
Vacuum Wars covers the Navigator Self-Empty in a guide to Shark's range, describing its features: spot-laser mapping, cleaning in rows, recharging mid-job and a bagless base. The rest comes from Shark's listing in the specifications. The review pages we found either repeated the spec sheet or contradicted it on basics such as the type of dust base, so we haven't cited them.
Maps and cleans in rows
Shark says the Navigator maps your home with spot laser technology and cleans in a row-by-row pattern, per the specifications. Vacuum Wars explains that this makes it far more orderly than Shark's ION robots, which bounce around at random, and that it can recharge mid-job and carry on where it stopped. That's the main step up from the ION range.
Basic obstacle avoidance
Vacuum Wars describes its object detection as basic, and Shark only says it detects and avoids objects in its path, per the specifications. There's no camera. Assume you'll need to pick up cables, socks and pet mess before each run, as with most robots at this level. Shark's pricier PowerDetect models add features aimed at not getting stuck.
No bags to buy
The base is bagless, and Shark rates the RV2120AE's for up to 60 days of dirt, per the specifications. Vacuum Wars notes that not having to buy bags is a favourite feature among Shark owners. The robot's own bin is small at 0.2 quarts, so the base matters, and it empties into it after every run.
What's not checked yet
Nobody independent has tested the Navigator yet, so these are the open questions: how much floor it covers and how long a charge lasts, how well the basic obstacle avoidance copes with clutter, how it handles hair and edges, how loud the base is when it empties, and whether it really has the extra suction Shark claims, per the specifications.
Covers the self-emptying Navigator (RV2120AE, and the 2025 AV2110S with a smaller base). The charge-only Navigator RV2110 is a different listing.
Our take
Should you buy the Navigator Self-Empty?
Best for: Homes wanting a vacuum that empties itself without dust bags. Skip it if: You want a stronger record in independent tests before buying.
wait for a proper test if you can. The AI Ultra Self-Empty is a tested vacuum-only Shark with a bagless base, and the Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty adds a basic mop for a little more.
The Navigator sits between Shark's basic bump-and-turn ION robots and the laser-mapping AI Ultra. It maps with a small spot laser and cleans in rows, avoids objects in its path, and empties itself after every run into a bagless base. It's vacuum-only, with a single brush roll that Shark says clears itself of hair. The RV2120AE has a base rated for up to sixty days of dirt, while the white AV2110S has a smaller one.
It needs a tidy floor first: there's no camera, and Vacuum Wars describes its object detection as basic, so pick up cables and socks before a run. Everything here comes from Shark's own listing and Vacuum Wars' guide to the range. Shark claims up to half as much suction again as an iRobot Combo Essential, and the bagless base means there are no bags to buy.
Before you buy
The questions people ask about this one
Will it avoid cables and pet mess?
Don't count on it. Shark says it detects and avoids objects, per the specifications, but Vacuum Wars calls the avoidance basic, and it has no camera. Neither source tested it with cables or pet waste, so tidy up first.
Can it mop?
No. Vacuum Wars confirms the Navigator is vacuum-only, with one brush roll and one side brush. If you want a wipe as well, look at Shark's Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty, which adds a vibrating mop pad.
How often do I have to empty or refill anything?
Shark says the RV2120AE's bagless base holds up to 60 days of dirt, per the specifications. Vacuum Wars says the 2025 versions come with either a 30-day or a 60-day base, so check which one you're buying.
Does it work on thick carpet?
Shark says it performs on carpets and hard floors and claims up to 50% more suction than an iRobot Combo Essential, per the specifications. Vacuum Wars notes Shark doesn't publish a suction figure. Neither source has measured its carpet pickup yet.
Alternatives
Other robot vacuums to compare.
AI Ultra Self-Empty
Why consider it: A vacuum-only Shark with laser mapping and a bagless base that picks up well on hard floors.
The compromise: It bumps into small objects and struggles with hair pressed into carpet.
Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty
Why consider it: It maps quickly and vacuums well on hard floors and short carpet, and empties into a bagless base.
The compromise: The mop is a light wipe and you swap parts by hand.
RV20 Max Plus
Why consider it: A compact self-emptying robot with laser mapping that suits smaller homes.
The compromise: It can get caught under low furniture and on loose objects.
Specs
Full specifications
Each specification names its source. Manufacturer claims are not independent test results; unconfirmed figures are labelled.
Owner reviews
Do you own the Navigator Self-Empty?
Tell people how it’s held up: cleaning, maintenance, faults and support. Owner accounts are shown separately from independent reviews.
Sources
Where this page’s findings come from
Sources
Videos
- Search YouTube for Shark Navigator Self-Empty ↗Search results may include company demonstrations or similar models. Check the source and model name; a demonstration is not an independent performance test.