Updated on Oct. 18, 2024
Our expert Product Testing Team tested five popular Shark vacuum models in order to find the best Shark cordless vacuum cleaners for every budget and space. Two didn't make the cut, but these three are the standouts.
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When it’s time to look for a new vacuum, the options are almost overwhelming. Dozens of different models, price bands and brands mean sifting through almost endless options. Probably the most important aspect to consider is the brand you choose, which impacts both the performance and the longevity of the machine. When it comes to trusted names, Shark steals the show.
With nearly 10 different models, Shark’s cordless vacuum cleaner lineup offers options for every type of household. In order to find the top performers, our expert Product Testing Team put five of their most popular models to the test. They worked over 40 hours in our Product Testing Lab, gathering over 300 data points and sucking up gallons of debris in order to find the best Shark cordless vacuum cleaner for every home and price point. Two models didn’t make the cut, but the three that did offer show-stopping performance and dust-busting abilities that wowed.
Pros:
Cons:
Weight: 8.55 lbs. | Run Time: 42 min | Bin Size: 0.72 qt. | Attachments: Duster Crevice Tool, Anti-Allergen Brush | Converts to Handheld: Yes
After flawlessly eliminating debris on both carpet and tile with nary a crumb left behind, the Product Testing Team recommends the Shark Stratos as the overall best Shark cordless vacuum cleaner. Not only does it handle big messes like pet hair and cereal spills like a champ, but the Shark Stratos also gets deep into corners with excellent edge-to-edge coverage, never missing a single spot.
This cordless vacuum comes with two handy attachments that tackle dust and allergens on upholstery and shelving, plus myriad features that flawlessly tackle dirt on both tile and carpet. Glitter, cornflakes and real human hair are no match for the easy glide wheels and CleanIQ’s auto-adjusting suction.
LED lights guide the way in low light spaces like closets and under furniture, and the clearance of the Stratos is by far the most impressive out of the entire Shark cordless vacuum lineup, being just shy of three inches. This makes it a great pick for getting under couches and maneuvering around table legs. In addition, we found that its agility didn’t dampen the suction, which easily picked up large debris on both high- and low-pile carpets.
Apart from the impressive suction, the Testing Team notes that the wheels help it readily glides over higher-pile carpet, making it easier to navigate than many of the other brands we’ve tried. Intuitive cleaning instructions and a robust battery that lasts over 40 minutes bolster this winner’s performance. No need to rush to clean in less than an hour, either—the removable battery means opting for a second one doubles the cleaning time.
Those looking for equally impressive performance without the bells and whistles should snag the Shark Vertex instead, which offers similar features and price without the additional attachments.
Pros:
Cons:
Weight: 7.25 lbs. | Run Time: 29 min | Bin Size: 0.72 qt. | Attachments: Crevice Tool, Brush Combo Tool, Pet Brush-Tool | Converts to Handheld:Â Yes
While the Shark Stratos performed the best overall, it also comes at the highest price point. For a budget pick, we prefer the Shark Cordless Pro. The Cordless Pro isn’t as robust as the Stratos, but it comes with similarly show-stopping features. Plus, at a full $100 cheaper, it’s also much more affordable.
Sense IQ automatically adjusts suction to tackle bigger messes, and a lit control panel indicates power level and simplifies switching between hard surface and carpet modes. On tile, this pick offered solid performance—it doesn’t push around larger debris like cornflakes as do other brands we tested. It’s also passable on carpet, though we recommend springing for the Stratos or the Pet Plus if you have more carpet than tile or hardwood in your house.
We appreciate the inclusion of the multi-purpose pet tool, which impressed with its wide-head brush and the flat head options. Both sucked so much dust from our dusty dining chair that it actually changed the color of the upholstery to a whiter white. Overall, this was our favorite of all the Shark attachments.
Just like the Stratos, the Shark Cordless Pro easily converts to a handheld vacuum. This is super handy for tackling shelving and eliminating debris from couches and crevices. A manual boost function bolsters its performance when faced with especially high carpet or big pieces of debris. Overall, it’s a bit of a bust on extremely hairy floors (hair tends to collect and wrap in the brush roll), but for households without pets its a solid pick.
Pros:
Cons:
Weight: 7.45 lbs. | Run Time: 19 min | Bin Size: 0.34 qt. | Attachments: Upholstery tool, Anti-Allergen Dust Brush, Crevice Tool | Converts to Handheld:Â Yes
At a full $150 less than the price of the Shark Stratos, the Shark Pet Plus makes up for its more modest performance with its fleet of pet-centric features. An upholstery tool de-furs furniture, while an anti-allergen dust brush and crevice tool pull up dander with ease. Like the other best Shark cordless vacuum cleaners on this list, it also boasts two handy LED headlights that highlight errant hair.
A pull-trigger boost mode gives a little more control over extra dirty digs, especially when used in conjunction with the upholstery tool. One area the Pet Plus struggles is on tile. Instead of picking up debris, it pushed most of it around. That said, it operates near flawlessly on both high- and low-pile carpet and kitchen rugs, snatching up hair and debris without clogging the brush roll.
Despite having smaller wheels than its pricier cousins, this pick glides readily over most carpet and easily maneuvers around furniture and under tables. It’s similarly easy to clean, with all filters coming clean with plain running water.
Given the lower price point, we’d say this is a solid choice for anyone expecting a vacuum that works incredibly well on pet hair, carpets and upholstery. Those looking for a machine that operates equally well on tile should spring for the more luxurious Shark Stratos or utilitarian Cordless Pro.
Apart from intuitive features, myriad attachments and powerful suction, the best Shark cordless vacuum cleaners are easier to handle than traditional upright vacuums. According to cleaning professional and Director of the Indoor Health Council Allen Rathey, cordless vacuums “are more portable than corded models, with less trip hazard, and potentially enable more cleaning, although not always better cleaning as they are usually less powerful than corded models. Cordless vacuums excel on stairs, though caution is needed as you are toting some weight.”
According to Allen, you should first consider your flooring type. “Carpeting and tile require different toolsets and capabilities,” he says. “Carpet in homes needs both suction and powered agitation, while tile mainly needs powerful suction directed through a static brush tool having a narrow opening to increase air velocity.”
He also says that attachments should play a large role in your final choice. “For general carpet care, a powered brush roll attachment or beater-brush head is important to loosen soils for removal from cut pile carpet, and a powered hand-held brush-roll attachment helps with pet hair.”
Other important aspects to consider include whether your family suffers with allergies, pet hair or other health-related needs and—of course—your budget. “Read reviews and test the vac you are considering before you buy it. If you can’t borrow the vacuum to test, then buy one from a retailer with a good return policy,” he says.
Not sure where you fall in the Shark vs. Dyson debate? One place where Shark vacuums shine is their value. While Dyson vacuums offer scientifically-backed machines with an excellent reputation for quality, their products often tip towards four figure price points. Shark, on the other hand, tops out at around $499 for even their luxe models—which is closer to the price of Dyson’s budget line.
Our testing team has three years of combined experience testing and evaluating everything from the best toasters to the best flower delivery services. Our product testing experts spend around 40 hours conducting firsthand research in our Testing Lab, including sourcing and researching products. We strive to recommend the very best products using honest and fair testing practices and never recommend a product we don’t love, regardless of how popular it is or how big the brand is.
In order to inform this article, we spoke to Allen Rathey, an educator specializing in Healthy Facilities. He has assembled an advisory group of scientists, PhDs, facility and public health experts who share his passion for helping people everywhere create and maintain safe, healthy indoor environments. He is past-president of The Housekeeping Channel (HC), The Healthy House Institute (HHI), The Healthy Facilities Institute (HFI), and current Director of the Indoor Health Council (IHC). He is the principal of Winning Environments, LLC, promoting best practices that enhance the living, working, and learning environment.
Our expert Product Testing Team tested five popular models of Shark vacuums in our Product Testing Lab. We looked at the following considerations, creating a detailed profile for each, ranking each product a total numbered score out of 30. Points accumulate in the following areas:
To begin, we looked at what arrived in the box and the condition of the packaging. From there, we took note of assembly time and observed the time it takes to charge each battery. Then, we looked at the weight of each vacuum and the decibels of each while running on different modes.
We noted extras like lights, HEPA filters, LED screens and whether it converts to a handheld. Visual considerations like attractiveness and color selection also weigh into our overall score. We also considered accessories and their performance, like between cushions and on dusty shelving.
In order to assess overall performance, we opted to test a handful of different debris. These include cornflakes, glitter and real human hair (yes—really!). We tested each on tile, high- and low-pile carpet (aside from hair, which was only tested on carpet). Lastly, we followed the manufacturer’s cleaning and emptying instructions, noting any difficulties in the cleaning process and the effectiveness of the suggested cleaning methods.
Looking at each vacuum’s performance, we then decided if its worth the price, which determined its value rating. From there, we looked at the total scores of each and picked the best options for this piece.
To remove the dust cup from the handheld vacuum, press the release button near the handheld vacuum nozzle. Rinse filters with water only and allow to air-dry completely for up to 48 hours before reinstalling. The number of filters and their location depends on the model.
Plug the charger into the port on vacuum, usually located at the top near the handle.
Some rollers on Shark vacuums come fixed in place, so they’re not able to come out for cleaning. It’s best to check the user manual for your model in order to properly remove and clean the brush roll.
