- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Updates
- Comparison
- Best Vacuums
- Conclusion
- Discussions
We've currently tested over 15 Shark vacuums. Shark is a manufacturer of homeware goods like irons and mops in addition to vacuums. Unlike other brands like Samsung or BISSELL that focus on a limited type of vacuum design, Shark offers a little bit of everything, including robot vacuums, secondary handheld configurations, and corded or cordless design. They also produce several lines at different price points, so there's something available for all budgets and situations.
Updates
- 03/18/2021 Shark Navigator Lift-Away updated
- 03/11/2021 Shark ION Robot R77 reviewed
- 02/12/2021 Shark IQ Robot RV1001 updated
- 02/04/2021 Shark Wandvac System WS620 reviewed
- 01/12/2021 Shark AI Robot reviewed
Best Shark Vacuums
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Best Cordless Shark Vacuum
Vacuum TypeHandheldBaglessYesCordlessYesAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)NoThe Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ is the best cordless Shark vacuum that we've tested. This well-built handheld model has an exceptionally versatile performance and a compact, lightweight design. It has no trouble clearing pet hair, rice, and bulky debris like cereal from bare surfaces like linoleum floors or kitchen counters. It also easily clears pet hair from low and high-pile carpets and delivers an overall amazing performance on those surface types. There are some tools and brushes included, like an upholstery tool for cleaning fabric-covered furniture, like couches or car seats, and a crevice tool for reaching into tight corners. Maintaining it is easy, since it only has a few parts that need to be removed and cleaned regularly, and it incurs few recurring costs.
Unfortunately, it isn't equipped with a HEPA filter, which is a bit disappointing if you're concerned about allergens. It also doesn't have the best battery performance, as it only provides roughly 10 minutes of continuous cleaning time, so it's not ideal for longer cleaning sessions. Otherwise, if you want a handheld model that can tackle messes on practically any surface type, it's a great choice. It's also one of the best multi-surface vacuums we've tested.
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Best Shark Vacuum For Bare Floors
Vacuum TypeStick/HandheldBaglessYesCordlessYesAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesThe Shark Rocket Pet Pro is the best Shark vacuum for bare floors that we've tested. This stick/handheld model does an incredible job on bare surfaces like linoleum and hardwood flooring, where it easily clears pet hair and debris, even as its dirt compartment fills. It's very maneuverable, with a slim, lightweight design and a rotating head. You can also use it in a handheld configuration if you want to clean stairs, your car, or another out-of-reach area. It's an excellent option if you have pets since it's equipped with an allergen-trapping HEPA filter as well as a self-cleaning brushroll that should detangle hair wraps on its own. The vacuum should incur virtually no recurring costs as long as it's well-maintained since it uses washable filters and a bagless design.
However, while its maximum battery life is roughly 40 minutes, it only lasts for roughly 12 minutes if you use the most powerful suction setting, so you need to work fast if you're cleaning up a big mess. It's decently well-built, but some parts, like its dirt compartment, could feel more sturdy. That said, it's a versatile option with a fantastic performance on bare floors. It's also one of the best cordless vacuums we've tested.
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Best Shark Vacuum For Carpet
Vacuum TypeUpright/HandheldBaglessYesCordlessNoAnti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesThe best Shark vacuum for carpets that we've tested is the Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away Upright. This upright model does a fantastic job of cleaning low-pile carpets, where it easily clears pet hair and most debris, and it has an impressive performance on high-pile carpets as well. There are dedicated surface-type settings for low and high-pile carpets, and you can use it in a handheld configuration if you need to reach awkward areas like stairs or your car's interior. Its performance stays consistent as the dirt compartment fills up, so you should be able to clean a big room or long staircase without emptying it too often. It's also equipped with an allergen-trapping HEPA filter, and it comes with a few tools and brushes, including a crevice tool for getting into narrow spaces and an upholstery tool for use on fabric-covered furniture.
Unfortunately, while it incurs virtually no recurring costs, it's not the easiest vacuum to maintain, as several parts need to be removed and serviced regularly. It's also somewhat bulky, which makes it more difficult to clean under low furniture like couches and coffee tables. Otherwise, it's one of the best vacuums for carpets that we've tested, thanks to its great performance and reconfigurable design.
Compared to other brands
- Virtually no recurring costs. Most Shark vacuums have parts that can be washed or cleaned, so you may never have to replace them as long as you properly maintain them. Even though some models have a small dirt compartment, they're also all bagless, which further helps to cut down on recurring costs.
- Tools and brushes included. While they may not have specialized tools like a pet grooming brush or a ceiling fan tool, they come with a solid selection of tools and brushes to help get done the job done.
- Can be configured into a handheld vacuum. Shark vacuums tend to be reconfigurable into a smaller, handheld mode so that you can access more difficult-to-reach messes.
- Okay build quality. Shark vacuums tend to have a plasticky build and certain parts, like their dirt compartments, seem especially prone to cracking if dropped.
- Quite a few maintenance needs. Depending on the model, most Shark vacuums have several parts that need ongoing maintenance, depending on your usage.
- Manual cord storage. Corded Shark vacuums usually require manually winding the electrical cord for storage instead of automatically storing it away.
Shark produces a variety of different vacuum types at different price points. They're smartly designed to be reconfigured into a handheld design should you need a closer clean, and there are cordless options available. When comparing their stick vacuums to Dyson's offerings, Shark vacuums feel better built and sturdier. However, they also tend to have a similar but slightly worse performance on carpet. Their upright vacuums usually perform better on all surface types than BISSELL vacuums. It also should be noted that Shark doesn't currently make canister vacuums.
Recent Updates
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Mar 31, 2021: Checked picks to ensure the best products are being recommended and that they're in stock.
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Mar 01, 2021: Verified picks to ensure we're still recommending the best products and that they're in stock.
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Feb 05, 2021: Checked that the best products are being recommended and that they're in stock.
Conclusion
Shark is a good household manufacturer that produces items like mops and irons alongside a variety of vacuums at different price points and styles. No matter what type of model you're looking for, Shark vacuums can usually be used as handhelds as well, which is nice if you need to clean harder-to-reach places. Should you want something easily portable, Shark also sells some cordless vacuums. However, they tend to have a few maintenance needs, and some models can be a little more tricky to clean.
