Best Shark Vacuum Cleaners

One brand like Shark offers a wide selection of vacuum cleaners when shopping for a new vacuum cleaner.

With a variety of styles and accessories, Shark vacuum cleaners offer effective cleaning at an affordable price.

In order to make our decision, we tested several models and rated them based on our overall impressions, the efficiency of the machines in picking up debris, and their ease of maneuverability, among other factors.

Choosing the right Shark vacuum depends on the size of the area you intend to clean, the type of surface you will be cleaning, and whether you require a full-sized vacuum or something smaller.

Based on their effectiveness, vacuum type, and overall value, the Shark vacuums below represent the best models in their respective categories.

• BEST OVERALL: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional
• BEST FOR PET HAIR: Shark Rotator Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum
• BEST FOR CARPET: Shark Vertex Upright Vacuum with TruePet Upgrade
• BEST FOR HARDWOOD FLOORS: Shark Rotator Professional Upright Vacuum
• BEST CORDLESS: Shark Vertex Cordless Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins
• BEST ROBOTIC: Shark AI Robot Self-Empty XL
• BEST STICK: Shark Vertex Ultralight Corded Stick DuoClean Vacuum
• BEST HANDHELD: Shark WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum

Shark vacuum cleaner types

There are four main types of vacuums that Shark manufactures: upright, stick, robotic, and handheld.

Discover the characteristics of each type of cleaning agent, as well as the tasks they can be used for, by reading on.

Affirmative

Upright Shark vacuums are the most powerful, making them ideal for deep cleaning carpet fibers that are clogged with dust and debris.

It is common for these vacuums to come with a large bag or canister to store dirt, and their wide heads allow them to clean large surfaces in a short period of time.

Shark upright vacuums are available in both corded and cordless versions. 

Corded vacuum cleaners offer greater power and performance, while cordless vacuum cleaners are more versatile and easier to maneuver.

However, this vacuum type requires a sufficient amount of storage space due to its larger size.

The stick

Stick Shark vacuums are smaller versions of upright Shark vacuums.

A stick vacuum can be either corded or cordless; however, their main advantage is their light weight compared to upright vacuums.

Lifting them over carpet transition bars or carrying them up and down stairs is much easier.

An upright Shark vacuum usually has a stronger motor, a wider vacuum head, and a larger collection bin, but a stick vacuum has a less powerful motor.

Due to their maneuverability, stick Shark vacuums are well suited to apartment living, narrow rooms, and hallways in houses.

These reductions may seem like a disadvantage at first, but they are actually a benefit due to their maneuverability.

A robotic system

The robotic Shark vacuums are not powerful, but their autonomy more than makes up for it.

If you use one of these vacuum cleaners on a timer, it will clean the floor it is positioned on once a day.

The front of the device has sensors that prevent the user from falling down the stairs while they cannot go up the stairs.

This type of vacuum cleaner is ideal for apartments or small houses that have hardwood floors or tile floors.

In addition, the dust-collection bin of these vacuum cleaners is so small that they are not suitable for larger homes because they take a long time to cover every part of the floor.

It is also not possible to effectively clean pet hair or carpets that are very deep with these devices.

A handheld device

Handheld Shark vacuums are ideal for cleaning cars, stairs, and other hard to reach areas around the house.

In contrast to stick, upright, and robotic vacuums, these models tend to be lighter and have greater power, and they may be equipped with features specific to pet hair.

There are several types of handheld vacuum cleaners, and some upright Shark vacuum cleaners are equipped with one as an option for cleaning.

It is possible to clean upholstery, drapes, furniture, and mattresses with these handheld vacuum cleaners.

When choosing a shark vacuum, consider the following factors:

Shark vacuums differ from one another in many ways beyond their type. Keep these factors in mind when shopping for a Shark vacuum cleaner.

Size of the home

A stick, robotic, or handheld Shark vacuum is an ideal solution for a one-floor apartment or condo.

The robotic vacuum could be used for ongoing cleaning in large bungalow houses while the upright Shark vacuum could be used for concentrated cleaning.

Considering the weight of the machine is necessary when there is more than one floor in a home since it must climb and descend stairs.

Even in larger homes, a combination of upright and handheld vacuums may still be useful, as the usefulness of robotic vacuums diminishes when stairs are involved.

Stick Shark vacuums are easier to transport up multiple flights of stairs in homes with more than two or three stories, as opposed to upright models.

Types of floors

Which vacuum is most appropriate for a home depends on the type of floor it must clean.

Among the most common types of flooring are solid, non-fibrous flooring and fibrous flooring, such as rugs and carpets.

• The power of an upright Shark vacuum may not be necessary for cleaning nonfibrous floors such as tile, linoleum, hardwood, and other nonfibrous materials. For nonfibrous flooring and some light area rugs, robotic Shark vacuums are an ideal choice.
• Due to the suction power required to clean the fibers, area rugs can be more difficult to vacuum. When dealing with multiple area rugs, you may want to consider a Shark stick vacuum, robot vacuum, or handheld vacuum.
• There are two types of carpet fibers: long and short. In order for the vacuum to be effective, the suction power must also be increased as the length of the carpet fibers increases. In this regard, Shark upright and stick vacuums are most effective on carpeted floors.

Flooring types

There is a wide variety of vacuums available for different types of floors in a home. Solid, non-fiberous flooring is the most common type of flooring, while fibrous flooring, such as carpets and rugs, is among the most common types of flooring.

• For nonfibrous floors such as tile, linoleum, hardwood, and other nonfibrous materials, the power of an upright Shark vacuum may not be necessary.
• It is recommended to use a robotic Shark vacuum for nonfibrous flooring and light area rugs.
• Since area rugs require more suction power to clean the fibers, vacuuming them can be challenging.
• Shark stick vacuums, robot vacuums, or handheld vacuums may be ideal when dealing with multiple area rugs.
• The carpet fibers can be classified into two types: long and short. With increasing carpet fiber length, the suction power of the vacuum must also be increased in order to be effective.
• The Shark upright and stick vacuums are most effective in this regard when used on carpeted floors.

The motor

A Shark vacuum is typically measured in watts (W) of motor power output.

• In general, Shark upright vacuum cleaners have the strongest motors, with capacities ranging from 500 watts to 1,300 watts, making them ideal for thick carpeting.
  
• Stick Shark vacuums are suitable for light carpets, area rugs, and nonfibrous flooring due to their medium power rating.
• Their power output typically ranges from 200 watts to 600 watts.
• Shark handheld vacuums are ideal for cleaning corners, behind furniture, upholstery, or vehicles on a short-term basis at a low power output.
• Their power range is typically between 100 and 200 watts, making them an excellent option for area rugs as well.
• The least powerful Shark vacuum is a robotic vacuum. Designed for continuous use on nonfibrous floors, these vacuums have a very low power range of only 25W to 100W.
• Despite its low power output, the vacuum is able to operate autonomously throughout the home for a long period of time.

Filtration of air

It is noticeable that filters with allergy seals trap pollen, dander, and pet hair differently than those without. This is especially true for individuals with allergies or dust sensitivity.

It is difficult to breathe when one suffers from asthma and there is excess household dust and debris present in the home.

You should ensure that your vacuum has a HEPA-rated filter if filtration is important to your household.

HEPA-rated filters are capable of removing at least 99.97 percent of particles from the air that passes through the filter.

Additionally, it is important to consider whether the filter can be washed or if it must be replaced when it becomes ineffective.

Its maneuverability

Shark vacuums have a number of components and features that affect their maneuverability. These components and features include the weight, handle, wheels, and head.

• Due to the fact that more weight makes it harder to maneuver, weight directly affects maneuverability. In small homes, apartments, and narrow rooms, heavy Shark vacuums can be very difficult to lift, carry, or turn. They are not recommended for people who are uncomfortable pushing and carrying heavy equipment. The lighter the vacuum, the easier it will be to maneuver.
• An easy way to twist and turn the vacuum head of a stick Shark vacuum is through its long and narrow handle. The handle of upright vacuums is usually heavier than that of upright vacuums, making it easier for the vacuum to be pushed, but more difficult to turn.
• On Shark vacuums, the wheels can be small, single-direction wheels that are difficult to turn, or they can be swivel wheels that can move in any direction. If you are looking for wheels that can turn in any direction, look for those that are omnidirectional.
• There are several sizes of vacuum heads available for Shark vacuum cleaners, some of which may be difficult to fit into tight corners. Swivel features on vacuum cleaners allow the head to be angled at a sharper angle than the handle, making it easier to maneuver around tight corners. To ensure optimal maneuverability, choose a vacuum with a narrow swivel head.

Noise Level

A typical vacuum produces approximately 70 decibels of noise, which is not enough to harm anyone’s hearing, especially when vacuuming for only an hour at a time.

It may be preferable, however, to use a quieter machine in neighborhoods or apartment buildings with noise restrictions, or in households where members are sleeping or working.

As vacuum power increases, so does the potential for increased noise levels, unless noise-buffering materials are used to mitigate the effect.

• Robotic Shark vacuum cleaners operate at a low decibel level, although they lack power and are less effective in homes with stairs.
• Because Shark vacuums have a compact body with little sound-absorbing material, they can produce noise levels between 60 and 70 decibels despite their low power.
• The power of a Shark stick vacuum is normally twice that of a handheld vacuum, which results in a louder vacuum. Although these vacuums are relatively quiet, their decibel ratings range from 65 to 75.
• With their larger motors and powerful suction, upright Shark vacuums produce the most noise, so they are not suitable for homes with a low level of noise.

Accessories

Among the many accessories that can be purchased with Shark vacuum cleaners are pet-hair brushes, dusting brushes, under-appliance wands, crevice tools, and upholstery tools.

• There are a variety of pet-hair tools available for cleaning up pet hair, which include simple attachments with thick fibers that capture pet hair, powered rotating brushes that collect pet hair while a vacuum provides suction, or upholstery tools that remove pet hair from furniture.
• In order to collect and trap dust, dusting brushes are covered with a thin layer of fabric around the outside. Window sills, baseboards, and picture frames can all be cleaned with these attachments.
• Under-appliance wands are designed for vacuuming under large appliances, such as stoves and refrigerators, that are hard to remove for cleaning.
• It is common to use crevice tools for cleaning cracks between floor and baseboard, seams in stairs, and other crevices that can otherwise pose a challenge.
• In order to maintain the cleanliness of the furniture in a home with pets, upholstery tools are required. Mattresses, curtains, and blinds can also be cleaned with them.

The Top Picks

In order to help you find the best Shark vacuum for your home, we have selected the top-of-the-line vacuums based on their quality, effectiveness, and price.

As well as testing them on hard flooring, we also tested them on carpet.

1. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional

With its powerful, versatile, and maneuverable upright vacuum, this Shark vacuum comes with a swivel head to improve mobility.

Depending on whether it is cleaning carpet or hard surfaces, turn the motorized brush roll on or off.

Also included is a pet power brush, a motorized handheld brush roll, and a crevice tool that can be used for cleaning areas that are difficult to reach.

In addition to its 30-foot cord, the Shark vacuum has a 1,200W power rating for deep cleaning thick carpets.

Even though the vacuum has a powerful motor, it weighs only 13.7 pounds.

To enable better access under furniture, the dust collection canister can be lifted off the vacuum base.

There is a HEPA filter in the canister, which captures 99.9 percent of dust and allergens.

This vacuum produced an impressive amount of suction. The machine sucked in an object that was inches away from it while we were using it.

The price and features of this product make it an excellent choice for households with pets, even though it is not one of Shark’s renowned “pet” models.

The only thing we did not like about this vacuum is that, while it was great on large carpets, it may not be suitable for homes that have delicate or multiple area rugs.

There was also a difficulty in refastening the canister.

Product Specs

• Form factor: Upright
• Cordless: No
• Weight: 13.7 pounds

2 Shark Rotator Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum

A mini motorized rotating power brush is included with this upright Shark vacuum, which is designed specifically to collect pet hair.

The TruePet vacuum cleaner features a two-in-one pet multi-tool that includes both a bristle brush and upholstery brush in order to collect even small hairs, which are easy to see with the LED lights.

Aside from the upholstery tool and pet power brush, we also appreciated the crevice tool.

A crevice tool can be used for a variety of purposes, including cleaning floor trim, cleaning underneath appliances, and cleaning in cracks in couches.

With a powerful 1,150 Watt output, the TruePet vacuum features a sealed dust collection canister that uses a HEPA filter to capture 99.9 percent of dust and allergens.

The controls on the handle allow the vacuum to be switched between carpet and floor modes for greater versatility while cleaning.

I found the device to be a bit heavy after using it for a few minutes, particularly since it comes with a 25-foot power cord.

Product Specs

• Form factor: Upright, handheld
• Cord: Yes
• Weight: 15.4 pounds

3 Shark Vertex Upright Vacuum with TruePet Upgrade

Shark’s Vertex Upright Vacuum with TruePet Upgrade is designed specifically for households with pets, with a powerful motor that captures every bit of pet hair and debris.

A rose-gold-accented vacuum boasts features such as the DuoClean Powerfins, a self-cleaning brush roll, a dusting brush, an under-appliance wand, and a pet crevice tool.

When moving from room to room, it is convenient to unplug the 30-foot cord.

Although this model vacuum is capable of cleaning thick carpets, area rugs, and hard floors, it self-propels when cleaning carpets and low pile rugs.

Even though this makes vacuuming easier, avoiding furniture can be challenging.

Additionally, turning this vacuum on is not intuitive. It is necessary to turn on both the top and bottom buttons.

It took us a few minutes to figure out how to use the device after feeling frustrated for a while.

Product Specs

• Form factor: Upright, handheld
• Cord: Yes
• Weight: 16 pounds

4 Shark Rotator Professional Upright Vacuum

Shark vacuums have strong 1,200W motors and LED lighting systems on the floor nozzle to effectively remove dust, dirt, debris, pet hair, and other allergens from hardwood floors.

Due to its low profile, it is ideal for cleaning hardwood floors and other non-fibrous surfaces, and the swivel steering head makes it easy to maneuver on carpets or across hardwood floors.

It is equipped with a dust collection bin that is removable from the base and is designed to be used with the upholstery tool or crevice tool that is included with the Shark Rotator Professional vacuum.

In order to keep allergens and dust from escaping, the dust collection bin is equipped with a HEPA-rated filter.

A 25-foot power cord is provided with this model, which weighs 15.5 pounds.

Although the vacuum was a touch heavier than we had hoped, it truly lived up to the name “Rotator”.

With ease, it can be swiveled around corners and edges.

The vacuum cleaner was especially useful for vacuuming around the edges of our round dining table.

In addition to feeling very comfortable in the hand, this product performed well.

Product Specs

• Form factor: Upright, handheld
• Cord: Yes
• Weight: 15.5 pounds

5 Shark Vertex Cordless Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins

There are a number of reasons why the Shark Vertex Ultra Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins would be ideal for those with small spaces to clean.

In addition, there are mobility issues such as a bad back that make using a heavy upright inconvenient.

One of the greatest advantages of this product is that it comes with an additional battery, which allows the vacuum to run for up to 80 minutes.

In case the house is larger, the battery can be swapped out and the system will continue to function.

A unique feature of this model is its ability to fold over to offer a more compact and convenient storage solution.

Before you click “add to cart,” there is one thing you should keep in mind.

The vacuum’s motor isn’t the most powerful (which is to be expected with most stick vacuums anyway), but the Turbo Mode more than compensates.

Product Specs

• Form factor: Stick
• Cord: No
• Weight: 9.04 pounds

6 Shark AI Robot Self-Empty XL

Shark AI Robot Self-Empty XL may impress those who are looking for a powerful robot vacuum that does everything.

Besides pet hair, it also picks up smaller pieces of food such as oatmeal and larger pieces such as kibble.

The vacuum also features a HEPA filter, which makes it perfect for those who do not enjoy vacuuming.

This robot has the advantage of self-emptying at the base, which is one of its most appealing features.

By pressing a button, the vacuum can be cleaned within seconds. As the base can hold quite a bit of debris, it does not require emptying after each use.

In spite of this, AI is not as perfect as all robot vacuums.

At least the first and second times we used it, it was unable to avoid all the furniture in the room, so there may be a learning curve associated with this one.

Product Specs

• Form factor: Robotic
• Cord: No
• Weight: 20.9 pounds

7 Shark Vertex Ultralight Corded Stick DuoClean Vacuum

It might be worth considering the Shark Vertex Ultralight Corded Stick DuoClean Vacuum if you have pets and a variety of flooring types in your home.

The 30-foot cord of this vacuum allows you to move from room to room without having to constantly unplug it.

In spite of this, one of the shortcomings of this vacuum is its small dirt cup, especially since Shark advertises it as being extra-large.

It was necessary to empty the container after one use in a one-bedroom apartment with two pets. It may become an inconvenience if used frequently.

Still, this vacuum is an excellent choice for a variety of surfaces, including hardwood, laminate, tile, carpet, and upholstery.

For vacuuming stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas, a handheld vacuum can be removed from the base and used independently.

As well as the vacuum cleaner, it comes with a dusting brush, a crevice tool, a self-cleaning pet power brush, and an onboard storage clip.

Product Specs

• Form factor: Stick, upright, handheld
• Cord: Yes
• Weight: 9.05 pounds

8 Shark WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum

In addition to a main vacuum cleaner, this handheld Shark model is convenient and effective.

A 115W motor powers the 1.4-pound device, which can be used to clean vehicles, furniture, upholstery, as well as ceilings and other areas of the home that may collect dirt and cobwebs.

With a lithium-ion battery, WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum delivers short bursts of strong suction for small cleaning jobs, which depletes the battery within ten minutes.

Upon completion of cleaning, place the Shark handheld vacuum on the included charging dock so that it will be ready for use again when needed.

In addition to the washable filter and crevice tool, the vacuum also comes with a pet hair tool for removing pet hair from the house.

In my opinion, this vacuum is both sleek and easy to use. Lightweight and powerful, it meets all our requirements for a handheld vacuum.

In particular, the pet hair tool was incredibly helpful in removing pet hair from the fabric sofa.

In addition to removing dust from floor moldings, the dust crevice tool is also useful for cleaning crevices in walls.

In addition, it can be emptied by pressing a button.

Product Specs

• Form factor: Handheld
• Cord: No
• Weight: 1.4 pounds

The Verdict

It has a powerful motor and is easy to use, so it’s a good choice for cleaning both hard and fibrous floors in a typical home.

The Shark Vertex Cordless Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins is an excellent choice if you prefer a lightweight, mobile, and cordless vacuum.

Our test of the best Shark vacuum cleaners

Shark vacuums were tested in a 1-bedroom apartment measuring less than 800 square feet with a variety of flooring types.

These included laminate hardwood floors, tile flooring, regular carpeting, and a rug.

As part of our testing, every product was subjected to the same standard of picking up oatmeal, dog kibble, and lots of pet hair from both an English bulldog and a Chihuahua mix.

The eight hands-on tests included picking up all of these things on the different types of flooring, trying each accessory, and cleaning out the canister of the vacuum cleaner.

FAQs

Read on to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Shark vacuum cleaners.

How do you clean the vacuum filter on a Shark vacuum?

The type of filter determines the effectiveness.

It is recommended not to wash some disposable filters, but to replace them once they have lost their effectiveness.

Take note of the order in which the washable filters should be removed from the Shark vacuum because they must be replaced in the same order.

You should hand wash the filters in a sink filled with warm, soapy water without being too zealous as to damage them.

It is recommended that you rinse them thoroughly and allow them to air dry before replacing them as instructed.

What is the proper way to empty a Shark vacuum cleaner?

Here are the steps you need to follow in order to empty a Shark vacuum:

1. You should unplug the vacuum or remove the battery to ensure that the vacuum is off.
2. On the Shark vacuum dustbin, hold the handle.
3. The dustbin can be removed from the vacuum by pressing the button on the front of the bin and pulling it up.
4. The dustbin should be opened and emptied into a trash can.
5. Ensure that the dustbin is repositioned on the vacuum.

Can you tell me how to replace the power cord on a Shark vacuum?

If you have never worked with electric equipment before, do not attempt to replace the power cord on a Shark vacuum.

Follow these steps in order to replace a Shark vacuum’s power cord:

1. The Shark vacuum should be unplugged and placed at a comfortable height.
2. Make sure to sort each piece and the corresponding screws before assembling the vacuum head again. This includes the brush, belt, and motor housing.
3. Remove the old power cord by loosening the fasteners.
4. Make sure that enough metal is visible on the new power cord so that it can be properly connected.
5. Reattach the motor housing, belt, and brush using the corresponding screws and connect the new power cord in the same position and configuration as the old power cord.
6. The Shark vacuum should be tested to ensure that the power is working properly.