Shark APEX UpLight vs Stratos UltraLight HZ3002

Which Vacuum Is Better?

Products

Shark APEX UpLight
Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002

Tested using Methodology v1.2

Updated Sep 22, 2025 06:58 PM

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Tested using Methodology v1.3

Updated Sep 04, 2025 03:44 PM

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  1. Recommended in 1 article:
  2. Corded

Our Verdict

Shark APEX UpLight

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002

The Shark APEX UpLight and Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 each have strengths. The APEX has a higher-capacity dustbin and a wider array of attachments, and it exerts a slightly stronger suction force, resulting in better debris pickup in cracks and crevices. Conversely, the Stratos is lighter and more compact. It also features an odor-neutralizing system to help tamp down on unpleasant scents.

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Variants

  • QU601QBK (Black)
  • QU603QBK (Black)
  • HZ3002 (Navy)
  • HZ3000 (Red Plum)

Check Price

Black
QU601QBK
Amazon.com
Navy
HZ3002
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
QU603QBK
Amazon.com
Red Plum
HZ3000
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Blue
LZ601
Amazon.com
 
Burgundy
QU601QPR
Amazon.com
 
Burgundy
QU603QPK
Amazon.com
 
Light Green
QU601QBL
Amazon.com
 
Light Green
QU603QBL
Amazon.com
 
Orange
LZ602
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
 
Orange
QU603QRW
Amazon.com
 
Purple
LZ600
Amazon.com
 
Read more

Main Differences for
Bare Floor

Threshold 

0.10

Bare Floor 
 

0.0
0.0
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Full Comparison

Design

Build Quality 
 

N/A
N/A

Build Quality Picture 
 

Shark APEX UpLight Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Build Quality Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Vacuum Type 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

User Maintenance 
 

N/A
N/A

Maintenance Picture 
 

Shark APEX UpLight Maintenance Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Maintenance Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Brushroll Cleaning Video  

Shark APEX UpLight Brushroll Cleaning Video Sample

SAMPLE

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for videos & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Brushroll Cleaning Video Sample

SAMPLE

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for videos & test results

Show Text 

Recurring Cost 
 

N/A
N/A

Recurring Cost Picture 
 

Shark APEX UpLight Recurring Cost Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Recurring Cost Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bag Part Number  

Locked
Locked

Filter Part Number  

Locked
Locked

HEPA Filter Part Number  

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Storing 
 

N/A
N/A

Storing Picture 
 

Shark APEX UpLight Storing Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Storing Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Height 
 

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Width 
 

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Depth 
 

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)

Cord Storing 
 

Locked
Locked

On-Board Tool Storage 
 

Locked
Locked

Vacuum Rack/Station 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Dirt Compartment 
 

N/A
N/A

Dirt Compartment Picture 
 

Shark APEX UpLight Dirt Compartment Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Dirt Compartment Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Bagless 
 

Locked
Locked

Volume 
 

Lock gal (Lock L)
Lock gal (Lock L)

Full Indicator 
 

Locked
Locked

Bag Included 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

In The Box 
 

In The Box Picture 
 

Shark APEX UpLight In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 In The Box Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Range 
 

N/A
N/A

Cordless 
 

Locked
Locked

Cord Length 
 

Lock ft (Lock m)
Lock ft (Lock m)

Hose Length 
 

Lock ft (Lock m)
N/A

Minimum Wand Length 
 

Lock ft (Lock m)
Lock ft (Lock m)

Maximum Wand Length 
 

Lock ft (Lock m)
Lock ft (Lock m)

Total Range 
 

Lock ft (Lock m)
Lock ft (Lock m)
Show Text 

Portability 
 

N/A
N/A

Total Weight 
 

Lock lbs (Lock kg)
Lock lbs (Lock kg)

Weight In Hand 
 

Lock lbs (Lock kg)
Lock lbs (Lock kg)

Carrying handle 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Battery 
 

N/A
N/A

Minimum Battery Life 
 

N/A
N/A

Maximum Battery Life 
 

N/A
N/A

Recharge Time 
 

N/A
N/A

Recharge Dock 
 

Locked
Locked

Battery Life Indicator 
 

Locked
Locked

Removable Batteries 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Quality Of Life Features 
 

Picture Of Controls 
 

Shark APEX UpLight Picture Of Controls Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Picture Of Controls Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Rotating Head 
 

Locked
Locked

Power Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked

Self-Propelled 
 

Locked
Locked

Headlights 
 

Locked
Locked

Easy On/Off 
 

Locked
Locked

Head Surface Type Adjustment 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Tools And Brushes 
 

Tools And Brush Picture 
 

Shark APEX UpLight Tools And Brush Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Tools And Brush Picture Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Brushroll 
 

Locked
Locked

Brushroll On/Off 
 

Locked
Locked

Removable Brushroll 
 

Locked
Locked

Turbo Brush 
 

Locked
Locked

Crevice Tool 
 

Locked
Locked

Upholstery Tool 
 

Locked
Locked

Soft Bristle Brush 
 

Locked
Locked

Hard Bristle Brush 
 

Locked
Locked

Extension Wand 
 

Locked
Locked

Ceiling Fan Tool 
 

Locked
Locked

Pet Grooming Tool 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Alternative Configuration 
 

Alternative Configuration Photo 1 
 

Shark APEX UpLight Alternative Configuration Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Alternative Configuration Photo 1 Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Alternative Configuration Photo 2 
 

Shark APEX UpLight Alternative Configuration Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Alternative Configuration Photo 2 Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Blower Mode 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 
Performance

Bare Floor Performance (Hardwood, Laminate, Tiles) 
 

N/A
N/A

Setting Used  

Locked

Bare Floor Large Debris Graph  

Shark APEX UpLight Bare Floor Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Bare Floor Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Large Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%

Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

Lock%

Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A

Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A

Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A

Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A

Bare Floor Small Debris Graph  

Shark APEX UpLight Bare Floor Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Bare Floor Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Small Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%

Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

Lock%

Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A

Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A

Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A

Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
Show Text 

Hard Floor Pickup 
 

N/A
N/A

Hard Floor Pickup video  

Shark APEX UpLight Hard Floor Pickup video Sample

SAMPLE

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for videos & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Hard Floor Pickup video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Hard Floor Pickup Post Test  

Shark APEX UpLight Hard Floor Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

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for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Hard Floor Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

High-Pile Carpet Pickup 
 

N/A
N/A

High-Pile Carpet Pickup Video  

Shark APEX UpLight High-Pile Carpet Pickup Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 High-Pile Carpet Pickup Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

High-Pile Carpet Pickup Post Test  

Shark APEX UpLight High-Pile Carpet Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 High-Pile Carpet Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Low-Pile Carpet Pickup 
 

N/A
N/A

Low-Pile Carpet Pickup Video  

Shark APEX UpLight Low-Pile Carpet Pickup Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Low-Pile Carpet Pickup Video Sample

SAMPLE

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for videos & test results

Low-Pile Carpet Pickup Post Test  

Shark APEX UpLight Low-Pile Carpet Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Low-Pile Carpet Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Pet Hair Pickup 
 

N/A
N/A

Pet Hair Pickup Video  

Shark APEX UpLight Pet Hair Pickup Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Pet Hair Pickup Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Pet Hair Pickup Post Test  

Shark APEX UpLight Pet Hair Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Pet Hair Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Low-Pile Carpet Performance 
 

N/A
N/A

Setting Used  

Locked

Low Carpet Large Debris Graph  

Shark APEX UpLight Low Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Low Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Large Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%

Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

Lock%

Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A

Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A

Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A

Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A

Low Carpet Small Debris Graph  

Shark APEX UpLight Low Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Low Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Small Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%

Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

Lock%

Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A

Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A

Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A

Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
Show Text 

High-Pile Carpet Performance 
 

N/A
N/A

Setting Used  

Locked

High Carpet Large Debris Graph  

Shark APEX UpLight High Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 High Carpet Large Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Large Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%

Large Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

Lock%

Large Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A

Large Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A

Large Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A

Large Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A

High Carpet Small Debris Graph  

Shark APEX UpLight High Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 High Carpet Small Debris Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Small Debris at 0 gal (0L)  

Lock%

Small Debris at 0.07 gal (0.25L)  

Lock%

Small Debris at 0.2 gal (0.75L)  

N/A

Small Debris at 0.4 gal (1.5L)  

N/A

Small Debris at 0.8 gal (3L)  

N/A

Small Debris at 1.6 gal (6L)  

N/A
Show Text 

Pet Hair Floor Performance 
 

N/A
N/A

Pet Hair Graph  

Shark APEX UpLight Pet Hair Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Pet Hair Graph Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Bare Floor 
 

Lock%

Low-Pile Carpet 
 

Lock%

High-Pile Carpet 
 

Lock%

Suction 
 

N/A
N/A

Suction Video  

Shark APEX UpLight Suction Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Suction Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Maximum Hose Suction 
 

Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)
Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)

Maximum Head Suction 
 

Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)
Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)

Normal Head Suction 
 

Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)
Lock inH₂O (Lock kPa)

Setting Used For Normal  

Locked
Locked

Hose Diameter 
 

Lock" (Lock cm)
Lock" (Lock cm)
Show Text 

Airflow 
 

N/A
N/A

Maximum Airflow Video  

Shark APEX UpLight Maximum Airflow Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Maximum Airflow Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Maximum Hose Airflow 
 

Lock CFM (Lock m³/min)
Lock CFM (Lock m³/min)

Noise 
 

N/A
N/A

Noise Video 
 

Shark APEX UpLight Noise Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Noise Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Bare Floor 
 

Lock dBA
Lock dBA

Low-Pile Carpet 
 

Lock dBA
Lock dBA
Show Text 

Maneuverability 
 

N/A
N/A

Maneuverability Video  

Shark APEX UpLight Maneuverability Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

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Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Maneuverability Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Show Text 

Pet Hair Furniture Performance 
 

N/A
N/A

Sofa Pickup Video  

Shark APEX UpLight Sofa Pickup Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Sofa Pickup Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Sofa Pickup Post Test 
 

Shark APEX UpLight Sofa Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Sofa Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Air Quality 
 

Sealing Quality Video  

Shark APEX UpLight Sealing Quality Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Sealing Quality Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA) 
 

Locked
Locked
Show Text 

Cracks 
 

N/A
N/A

Cracks Video  

Shark APEX UpLight Cracks Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Cracks Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Wood Cracks Post Test 
 

Shark APEX UpLight Wood Cracks Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Wood Cracks Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Stains 
 

N/A
N/A

Stain Video  

Shark APEX UpLight Stain Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Stain Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Stain Pickup Post Test 
 

Shark APEX UpLight Stain Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Stain Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Show Text 

Water 
 

N/A
N/A

Wet Compatible 
 

Locked
Locked

Water Video  

Shark APEX UpLight Water Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Water Video Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for videos & test results

Water Pickup Post Test 
 

Shark APEX UpLight Water Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Water Pickup Post Test Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Automation

Physical Automation 
 

N/A
N/A

Automatic Recharging 
 

Locked

Automatic Bag Emptying 
 

Locked

Pathing Algorithm 
 

Locked

Physical Boundary Markers 
 

Locked

Scheduled Start Buttons 
 

Locked

Cycle Control Buttons 
 

Locked

Navigation Control Buttons 
 

Locked
Show Text 

Companion App Automation 
 

N/A
N/A

Companion App Screen Grabs  

Shark APEX UpLight Companion App Screen Grabs Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002 Companion App Screen Grabs Sample

SAMPLE

JOIN NOW

for pictures & test results

App Name 
 

Locked

iOS Availability 
 

Locked

Android Availability 
 

Locked

Software Boundary Markers (No Go Zones) 
 

Locked

App Scheduled Start 
 

Locked

App Cycle Control 
 

Locked

Navigation Control within App 
 

Locked

Check Price

Black
QU601QBK
Amazon.com
Navy
HZ3002
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Black
QU603QBK
Amazon.com
Red Plum
HZ3000
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
Blue
LZ601
Amazon.com
 
Burgundy
QU601QPR
Amazon.com
 
Burgundy
QU603QPK
Amazon.com
 
Light Green
QU601QBL
Amazon.com
 
Light Green
QU603QBL
Amazon.com
 
Orange
LZ602
SEE PRICE
Amazon.com
 
Orange
QU603QRW
Amazon.com
 
Purple
LZ600
Amazon.com
 

Shark APEX UpLight

Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002

Comments

  1. Comparison

Shark APEX UpLight vs Shark Stratos UltraLight HZ3002: Main Discussion

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