If you want the most bang for your buck while shopping for a quality vacuum cleaner, youâll definitely want to consider a Shark. The best Shark vacuums are powerful and well-priced, and the brand offers several different types of vacuums to suit any home.
To figure out which Shark vacuums are worth buying, we spent hundreds of hours testing dozens of models from the brand, including upright, stick, canister, handheld, and even robot vacuums. We evaluated them on suction power, maneuverability, noise level, value, and more. These are the best Shark vacuums weâve tried at home and in the lab, with picks starting under $100.
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Great value for powerful upright
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Swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver
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Excels at picking up pet hair
Most upright vacuums are heavy and cumbersome, but not the Shark Navigator Freestyle â a cord-free version of the regular Shark Navigator. This affordable upright vacuum has a battery-powered design, making it quick and easy to move between rooms, and it weighs less than 8 pounds. In our testing, we loved its swivel steering and easy-to-empty dustbin, and we found that it does a superior job picking up pet hair from both carpeting and hard floors.Â
The Navigator Freestyle has a two-speed brushroll, and it comes with a convenient charging stand for docking when itâs not in use. We think this lightweight upright is ideal for small-to-medium-sized homes, and if youâre looking for a vacuum under $200, you canât beat its reasonable price.
Type: Cordless upright | Dimensions: 9.6 x 10.5 x 46 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds | Runtime: Not listed, but we were able to clean for 15 minutes | Dustbin Capacity: 0.64 quarts
The PowerDetect, Sharkâs newest upright vacuum, offers some of the most powerful suction youâll find â while we were cleaning, it was able to pull hair into its floorhead from several inches away! Even on thick carpeting, the vacuum only needed two or three passes to pick up debris of all sizes.
While it is hefty, we found the PowerDetect was balanced and easy to drive, especially thanks to its self-propelled design. Plus, unlike the Stratos, this model also automatically detects the floor type and amount of debris and adjusts its suction power accordingly for a deeper clean. Our only major complaint is that several long hairs did get wrapped around the brushroll and needed to be cut off.
Type: Corded upright | Dimensions: 12 x 15.12 x 46.18 inches | Weight: 17.57 pounds | Runtime: Unlimited | Dustbin Capacity: 2.02 quarts
Shark vs. Dyson
Itâs hard to directly compare the power of Shark vs. Dyson vacuums, as Shark doesnât list the suction of its vacuums. However, in general, most people agree that Dyson vacuums tend to have slightly more powerful suction â which, in part, results in a higher price. In our testing, we found that certain Shark models do deliver quite powerful suction and are more than sufficient for everyday cleaning needs.
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Easy to maneuver thanks to self-propelled design
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Picks up debris of all sizes
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Bends to clean under low-profile furniture
Cordless stick vacuums are popular cleaning tools for smaller homes or supplemental cleaning, and while Shark offers a few different models, our favorite was the Shark Vertex DuoClean. This battery-powered vacuum excelled in our testing, picking up a wide range of debris with ease thanks to its powerful suction. Plus, we found that the vacuum was extremely easy to maneuver, practically driving itself across the floor.
This battery-powered vacuum can run for up to 50 minutes on its lowest setting, and it has a handy flexible wand that makes it easy to clean under furniture. You can remove the wand portion of the vacuum to transform it into a handheld model, and it comes with a crevice tool, pet multi-tool, and dusting brush for increased versatility.
Type: Cordless stick | Dimensions: 15.35 x 10.24 x 47.05 inches | Weight: 8.93 pounds | Runtime: 50 minutes | Dustbin Capacity: 0.34 quarts
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Powerful suction picks up debris quickly
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Effective self-cleaning brushroll
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Well-balanced and easy to maneuver
Upright vacuums are one of the most popular styles for deep cleaning, and if you donât mind its higher price, the Shark Stratos offers powerful suction that can pick up any type of debris in just one or two passes. While this was one of the heavier vacuums we tested, it was still easy to maneuver thanks to its balanced design and swiveling floorhead.
The Stratos was able to tackle all types of debris across both hard floors and carpeting, and its self-cleaning brushroll never got tangled with long strands of hair. It also stands apart from other upright models thanks to its âPowered Lift-Awayâ mode, which lets you detach the canister while still operating the floorhead, making it easy to clean under low-profile furniture.Â
Type: Corded upright | Dimensions: 12.2 x 11.02 x 46.46 inches | Weight: 17.2 pounds | Runtime: Unlimited | Dustbin Capacity: 1.48 quarts
If you want a slightly more affordable upright option, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away was another top-performing model in our testing. As its name suggests, the body can be removed from the brush head, making it easier to carry if you need to vacuum stairs or other hard-to-reach areas.
While testing, we found that the Navigator is effective at picking up debris of all sizes on both hard floors and carpeting, and we liked that you can turn the brushroll on or off, depending on the surface youâre cleaning. However, unlike many other Shark vacuums, the Navigator doesnât have a self-cleaning brushroll, and pet hair did get wrapped up in it during our tests.
Type: Corded upright | Dimensions: 45.5 x 11.4 x 14.9 inches | Weight: 15.9 pounds | Runtime: Unlimited | Dustbin Capacity: 0.9 quarts
Pro Tip!
For maximum effectiveness while vacuuming carpets, work in long, overlapping paths, pushing the vacuum slowly to allow it to agitate dirt from deep in the fibers.
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Effective on a variety of debris
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Removes stains while mopping
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Low-maintenance self-emptying design
You can embrace hands-free cleaning with the Shark 2-in-1 Vacuum and Mop Robot. While it is fairly expensive, this robot vacuum is extremely effective â it creates a map of your home, allowing you to label each specific room and create no-go zones, as well. In testing, the vacuum was able to pick up all sorts of debris with no problems, and its convenient self-empty base means that thereâs very little maintenance needed.Â
However, this robot doesnât just vacuum â it also has a mopping ability, which was surprisingly effective in our tests. The robot actually vacuums and mops simultaneously, and we found that after mopping, our floor looked just as clean as if we had used a steam mop. The only downside is that the vacuum must be manually emptied when using the mopping attachment â it isnât able to self-empty into the base.
Type: Robot vacuum and mop | Dimensions: 21.4 x 14.96 x 5.69 inches | Weight: 14.5 pounds | Runtime: 120 minutes | Dustbin Capacity: 0.26 gallons
For cleaning up quick spills or vacuuming out your car, the UltraCyclone Pro was the best-performing handheld vacuum we tested from the brand. We were really impressed by this vacuumâs strong suction, which was able to pick up even large debris like raisins, and one of the best features was its extra-large dustbin, which didnât need to be emptied as often as other handheld vacuums.
While the brand doesnât specifically list a runtime for this vacuum, we found that it generally lasts between 12-18 minutes per charge. We particularly liked this vacuumâs crevice tool, which was ideal for cleaning out tight cracks between car seats, but the nozzle did occasionally get stuck to the fabric when we tried to clean the seat upholstery.
Type: Cordless handheld | Dimensions: 4.3 x 3.8 Inches x 20.8 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Runtime: Not listed | Dustbin Capacity: 0.45 quarts
If youâre tired of dragging out a full-size vacuum to suck up pet hair every few days, the Shark Pet Pro is a great option for your home. The battery-powered model has an impressive runtime of 50 minutes, and in our testing, we found that it could often last more than an hour without losing suction. Its main cleaner head has a self-cleaning brushroll that prevents pet hair from getting tangled.
In testing, we found that this pet hair vacuum is extremely easy to maneuver around carpeting and hard floors, and its light weight makes it easy to carry around, too. The Pet Proâs dustbin offers no-touch emptying, and the cleaner head has LED headlights to help illuminate hidden dust and debris for a more thorough clean.
Type: Cordless stick | Dimensions: 7.09 x 10.24 x 46.09 inches | Weight: 6.92 pounds | Runtime: 50 minutes | Dustbin Capacity: Not listed
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Sucks up small debris while mopping
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Lightweight and easy to maneuver
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Fresh-smelling cleaning solution
If youâre looking for a good wet-dry vacuum, the Shark Vacmop Pro is a versatile tool to add to your cleaning arsenal. This lightweight cordless vacuum doubles as a spray mop, allowing you to pick up debris and scrub stains at the same time.
The beauty of this vacuum is that itâs only 3 pounds, making it easy to carry around your house. You do have to hold a button to activate the vacuumâs suction, but itâs mostly designed for supplementary cleaning. When youâre finished cleaning, the mopping pads can be ejected without you having to touch the dirt and grime.
Type: Cordless wet-dry | Dimensions: 5.4 x 9.5 x 28.3 inches | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Runtime: 20 minutes | Dustbin Capacity: Not listed
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Display monitors floor cleanliness
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Swivel head navigates around obstacles easily
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Fairly quiet, even on highest setting
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Folds for freestanding storage
The Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum is packed with unique features that make it easier and more convenient to use. During testing, we loved that its âClean Sense IQâ automatically detected dirt and adjusted the suction level accordingly, and it also has a light that lets you know when your floors are fully clean â this feature worked best on hardwood floors.Â
The vacuumâs cordless design is lightweight and quiet during operation, even on its highest suction setting, and its swivel head and bending wand make it easy to clean around obstacles and under furniture. However, debris did get stuck in the dustbin, so make sure not to overfill it while youâre cleaning.
Type: Cordless stick | Dimensions: 13.78 x 10.24 x 51.18 inches | Weight: 8.9 pounds | Runtime: 60 minutes | Dustbin Capacity: 0.72 quarts
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Impressive suction and battery life
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Convenient auto-empty dock
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Lightweight and comfortable to use
The new Shark Clean and Empty comes with a special docking station that automatically sucks debris out of the vacuumâs dustbin, saving you from having to empty it after use. This cordless vacuum is fairly light and comfortable to operate for long periods, and even after several minutes of cleaning, its battery was still at 100 percent. We used it to clean medium-pile carpeting, hard floors, and a pet bed, and it typically picked up the vast majority of debris in just one pass.
This cordless model offers three suction settings, and itâs quiet to use on the lowest option. However, we did notice that the baseâs debris collection bin isnât very large, and youâd likely need to empty it every four or five uses.
Type: Cordless stick | Dimensions: 14.69 x 10.43 x 43.5 inches | Weight: 12.3 pounds | Runtime: 40 minutes | Dustbin Capacity: Not listed
Of all the Shark models we tested, the Vertex Pro was a top performer on hard flooring. It was able to pick up all the debris with just one pass, sucking up all the particles without pushing them around the floor thanks to its soft brush roller. It also performs well on thinner carpeting, and we love that the vacuum can stand upright on its own.Â
The Vertex Pro offers several other features that make cleaning easy. Its wand bends in the middle to reach under low-profile furniture. It has LED headlights and multiple suction settings, but unfortunately, the brushroll got extremely tangled with long hair, so it may not be the best choice for homes with pets.Â
Type: Cordless stick | Dimensions: 10.24 x 14.7 x 46.5 inches | Weight: 8.82 pounds | Runtime: 60 minutes | Dustbin Capacity: 1 quart
Other Shark Vacuums We Tried
- Shark Rocket Pro DLX Corded Stick Vacuum: While this corded stick vacuum offers powerful suction that can handle any type of debris, itâs not as convenient to use as other models. Not only are you tethered by a power cord, but the vacuum is top-heavy and its brushroll gets wrapped up in long hair. However, if you donât have any pets and are shopping on a budget, it might be worth considering.
- Shark Cordless Pro Vacuum: This cordless vacuum didnât impress us as much as other models from the brand. Itâs loud during use, especially on Boost mode, and its brushroll got tangled with long hair. It also required more passes to pick up debris than other cordless vacuums, but we did like that it has a comfortable handle and can be stored freestanding.
What We Think Now
In our latest round of testing, we tried out seven additional Shark vacuums, including newly released models like the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum and Shark Clean and Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum. These vacuums both earned spots among our top picks â the PowerDetect is our most powerful pick, and the Clean and Empty replaced our previous pick for the best self-emptying vacuum. We will continue to test new Shark vacuums as theyâre released and update this article accordingly.
What to Know About Shark Vacuums
Vacuum Type
Shark currently offers a variety of different vacuum styles, including upright, canister, cordless stick, handheld, and robot models. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks, so youâll want to consider which type will work best for your lifestyle.Â
- Upright: One of the most popular vacuum styles for heavy-duty cleaning, upright vacuums are powerful, easy to maneuver, and easy to store. Most of Sharkâs upright models have a bagless design, and they deliver the suction power needed to clean thick rugs and heavy-traffic areas.Â
- Stick: Stick vacuums can be battery-powered or corded, and they have a lightweight design thatâs easier to wield than upright models. Â
- Canister: These vacuums have a body thatâs attached to a separate hose and wand, and the vacuum rolls along behind you as you clean. This makes them well-suited for anyone who struggles to wield a heavy upright vacuum, but they are a bit trickier to store.Â
- Handheld: For small spills and cleaning items like pet beds, handheld vacuums are lightweight, cordless, and convenient to use. However, theyâre only able to clean small areas at a time and typically have small dustbins.
- Robot: Robot vacuums are autonomous, offering hands-free cleaning on a set schedule, but they donât deliver the same level of cleaning as a full-size vacuum.
Corded vs. Cordless
Selecting a corded vs. cordless model is another important consideration as you shop. âCorded vacuums are better for those who need stronger suction, an unlimited runtime, and are cleaning multiple floor surfaces,â explains Julien Levesque, senior vice president of Global Product Development at SharkNinja. âWhereas cordless vacuums are a great fit for someone who is looking for a lightweight, portable vacuum that does not take up a ton of storage space.â
Flooring Type
Some vacuums perform better on certain types of flooring, so this is something to consider as you select a model for your home. For instance, the Shark Navigator Freestyle Upright Stick Vacuum performs well on both hard floors and carpeting, making it ideal for homes with a combination of both. On the other hand, the Shark 2-in-1 Vacuum and Mop Robot can only be used to mop hard floors, so it might not be the best option if you have lots of carpeting in your house.
Features
Shark offers a wide range of vacuums, from basic models to options with all the bells and whistles. Here are a few common features you may want to look for as you shop:Â
- Headlights: Many Shark vacuums have built-in LED headlights on the floorhead, which can help illuminate dirt and debris as you clean, ensuring you donât miss a spot.
- Dirt Detection: Some newer models have the brandâs âClean Sense IQâ technology, which automatically detects dirt on your floors and increases suction accordingly. We found that this feature works best on hard flooring, but itâs handy if you want to know when your home is truly dirt-free.Â
- HEPA Filter: If you have allergies, a vacuum with a HEPA filtration system will ensure dust and other fine particles arenât released back into your home.Â
- Self-Cleaning Brushrolls: For households with pets, youâll likely want to look for a Shark vacuum with a self-cleaning brushroll, which wonât get wrapped up in long strands of hair. Models like the Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum excelled in this area during testing.
Price Range
Shark is known for selling high-quality vacuums at reasonable prices, but its models can still range in cost. On the low end, you have options like the Shark Navigator Freestyle, a cordless upright model that retails for around $130, and the Shark Rocket Pro DLX, a corded stick option that costs around $150. Vacuums like the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum tend to be the most expensive, retailing for around $500, but there are plenty of options between $200 and $400 that perform well, too.
Behind the Scenes
We put more than 50 different Shark vacuums to the test throughout several testing sessions over the years, evaluating their performance both in our lab and in the homes of our testers. Hereâs everything that we tested:
- Setup: We timed the setup of each vacuum, noting whether we needed the manual to put it together and if any of the instructions were unclear.
- Performance: We used each vacuum to clean up several different types of debris, including large particles like dog kibble and cereal, as well as dirt and pet hair. We also used them on different flooring types, including hard floors and carpeting, and tested handheld vacuums on car upholstery, as well.
- Ease of Use: The best vacuums are easy to operate, so we evaluated each model on its weight, runtime (where applicable), and maneuverability. We vacuumed around obstacles like furniture, as well as on hard-to-reach areas like stairs, to test each productâs versatility.
- Noise Level: While using each vacuum, we made note of its noise level. We took a decibel reading on each setting and also noted whether it was possible to hold a conversation over the vacuum while in use.
We rated each vacuum according to its scores and used this data to sort them into categories, and all the models we tested scored between 4.2 to 4.65. So really, you canât go wrong with a Shark vacuum. Taking all these factors into account, our top pick for an upright vacuum is the Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum and a cordless stick model is the Shark Vertex DuoClean Cordless Stick.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Camryn Rabideau is a freelance writer and product reviewer specializing in home, kitchen, and pet products. In her over six years of experience as a product tester, sheâs reviewed dozens of vacuums firsthand, as well as many other cleaning products. Her work appears in publications such as PEOPLE, The Spruce, and Homes & Gardens. Based on our testersâ input, she compared some of the most popular Shark vacuums based on factors like price, accessories, weight, ease of use, versatility, and performance.
Our Expert Panel
Julien Levesque is the senior vice president of Global Product Development at SharkNinja.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?Â
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we donât stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which weâve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval â because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust â every day, every purchase.
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