So you’ve decided to get a new Shark vacuum cleaner, but where to start?
With so many models available, it’s hard to know which one is the right choice for you.
Shark is a well-loved brand that has something to suit every household. From nimble handhelds to uprights, Shark vacuums are packed with extras to make cleaning your home an easier task.
We’ll cover the different types you can get and what you should look out for before buying one. So, let’s dive into our list of the best Shark vacuums.
Our Top Picks
The HouseWire earns a commission through the following independently chosen links at no additional cost to you.| Best Shark Vacuums of 2023 | ||||
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 | Best Overall Shark Apex Vacuum |
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 | Best Budget Shark NV360 Navigator |
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 | Best for Pet Hair Shark Anti-Allergen Pet Power |
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 | Best Upright Shark NV356E Pro |
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 | Best Handheld Shark Wandvac |
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 | Best Stick Shark IX141 |
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 | Best Cordless Shark IONFlex DuoClean |
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 | Best Robot Shark IQ Robot |
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 | Best Multi-Purpose Shark WANDVAC System |
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Reviews
For a busy home that needs a lot of cleaning, this Shark Apex upright vacuum is packed with extras to make your life easier.
And there’s plenty of pet features for your furry friends, too. It includes the pet power brush, so you can tidy up pet hair wherever you find it.
And the powered Lift-Away canister makes it even easier to get hard-to-reach places.
As well as high-up cleaning, you can cover all kinds of floors, too. The DuoClean brush roll manages everything from high pile carpet to wooden floors.
This Shark model has everything you need to tackle everyday dirt.
What We Like
It Copes Well With Pet Hair
This Shark upright vacuum makes light work of picking up pet hair from a variety of surfaces. It’s just as effective on hard floors as it is on area rugs.It Has a Long Power Cord
Users love the long 30-foot power cord on this upright vacuum. You can clean large areas without needing to stop and swap plug sockets.Great Features
There are plenty of tools and accessories on this cleaner. The pet hair removal tool comes in handy for a range of tasks, and the crevice tool extends the reach even further.What We Don’t Like
Issues With Hair Wrapping
Even with the self-cleaning brush roll, some users still found bits of hair got wrapped around. So you may have to remove the brush roll and give it a clean.Technical Specs
| Weight | 16 pounds |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 1 liter |
| Cleaning Path Width | 12.2 inches |
| Cord Length | 30 feet |
| Filter Type | HEPA |
| Surface Type | Hard floors, carpet, upholstery |
Read Full Review: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum Review
This Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe upright vacuum proves you don’t need to break the bank to get yourself a good cleaner.
With powerful suction and some handy added extras, it makes light work of cleaning any home.
The swivel steering means it’s easy to weave around furniture on any floor type. You can even switch the brush roll off to move from carpets to hardwood floors in seconds.
Despite being a budget model, you still get the Lift-Away capability to tackle above-floor cleaning as well.
And if pet hair is an issue, the upholstery tool and HEPA filter will take care of that too.
Shark Navigator Lift-Away on: vinyl, tile, hardwood and laminate floors.
What We Like
It Pivots
This upright vacuum is easy to maneuver thanks to the swivel steering. You can turn it wherever you want it to go and it responds quickly.Adjustable Suction
You can change the suction setting to suit the floor type you’re cleaning. So if it’s grabbing onto carpeted surfaces, you can lower the suction power.It Handles Larger Debris
The powerful suction removes cat litter and cereal as well as fine debris. Some vacuums just push big pieces around, but not the Navigator Lift-Away!What We Don’t Like
It’s Quite Bulky
This upright vacuum is quite bulky, so some users found it hard to get into tight spaces. Reaching under furniture seems to be a problem in particular.Technical Specs
| Weight | 13 pounds |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 1 liter |
| Cleaning Path Width | 9.5 inches |
| Cord Length | 25 feet |
| Filter Type | HEPA |
| Surface Type | Carpet and hard floor |
The vacuum head has anti-hair wrap technology, so you can pick up pet hair without getting any blockages. It also comes with a special pet tool with rubber fins that are easy to clean and control odors.
You can even convert it into a handheld vacuum to clean up any pet hair in the car and other awkward areas.
And with a HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal, it keeps the air clean too. So you can relax and breathe easily once again.
What We Like
Bright LED Headlights
The headlights on the floorhead are bright and help you to see more dust and dirt for a deeper clean on any surface.Sleek Design
This cordless stick vacuum is sleek and compact. It means you can nip it around in small spaces and it’s easier to store when you’re finished.It’s Versatile
The crevice tool, dusting brush, and different setup options make this a super versatile vacuum. You can carry out a range of cleaning tasks all around your home.What We Don’t Like
There Are Bristles and Powerfins
The motorized brush doesn’t just use Powerfins, it also has bristles. It’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking to use this vacuum on bare floors.Technical Specs
| Weight | 7.17 pounds |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 0.5 liter |
| Cleaning Path Width | 10.35 inches |
| Cord Length | Cordless |
| Filter Type | HEPA |
| Surface Type | Carpets, hard floors, above-floor |
4. Best Upright - Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright Vacuum
The strong suction power works on all surfaces around your home, especially since you can detach the Lift-Away pod to cover high spaces. And for floor cleaning, you can turn the rotating brush roll off and glide from area rugs to wood floors.
You won’t need to stop often thanks to the large 2.5 liter dust cup and whopping 35-foot power cord!
The motorized pet brush has got you covered if fur is a problem, too. Cleaning just got a whole lot easier.
What We Like
Large Dirt Container
The bagless dust cup is a great size if you clean often. Not only does it hold a lot, but it’s satisfying to see it filling with the dirt and debris you’ve collected.It’s Durable
Users love how much cleaning this Shark can handle. The suction stays strong and the vacuum keeps going even after years of daily use.It Isn’t Heavy to Use
The Shark Navigator isn’t one of the lightest Shark models, but the weight is well-balanced. It’s light enough for users of all ages to push around without any hassle.What We Don’t Like
Narrow Cleaning Path
The floor nozzle doesn’t have the widest cleaning path, so it takes a bit longer to cover large areas. You’ll need to do a few more sweeps than you would using one with a wider floorhead.Technical Specs
| Weight | 13.7 pounds |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 2.5 liter |
| Cleaning Path Width | 9.5 inches |
| Cord Length | 35 feet |
| Filter Type | HEPA |
| Surface Type | Carpets, bare floors, above-floor |
This Shark vacuum cleaner is a compact wand-shaped handheld vac that’s small but mighty. Despite its size, it has powerful suction that can handle debris of all sizes.
And at just 1.4 pounds, it’s ultra light and simple to use anywhere. As it’s cordless, it only takes a few seconds to grab it from the cradle and start cleaning.
This chic little hand vac makes light work of the inevitable accidents that happen in a busy home.
What We Like
Easy to Charge
It’s simple to pop this handheld vacuum into the cradle to charge it up. That way, it’s always ready to go when you need it.You Can Use it Anywhere
This Shark hand vac is small enough that you can use it anywhere. From the kitchen countertops to car seats, or even cleaning cobwebs off the ceiling.It Looks Good
Users love the way this handheld vacuum looks. It’s so sleek and elegant that people are choosing to leave it on display in their homes!What We Don’t Like
Short Battery Life
The battery doesn’t last very long on this Shark, so it’s best to save it for quick bursts of spot cleaning. And make sure you pop it on charge between uses.Technical Specs
| Weight | 1.4 pounds |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 0.1 liter |
| Cleaning Path Width | N/A |
| Cord Length | Cordless |
| Filter Type | Standard washable |
| Surface Type | Spot cleaning |
The Hypervelocity suction power offers a strong performance on any floor type, even deep pile carpet. So it’s ideal if you’ve got a mixture of surfaces.
And the powerful Lithium-Ion battery gives up to 40 minutes of run time, so you don’t need to worry about it cutting out. There’s even time to convert it into a hand vac and give the blinds a clean with the crevice tool.
When you’re finished, you can hide it out of sight with the handy compact storage mode.
What We Like
It’s Quiet
This is a quiet stick vacuum, even when using the extra suction power in Boost mode. So you can whizz it around whenever you want!It’s Lightweight
This lightweight Shark vacuum weighs less than 5 pounds, so you won’t get arm or backache after a long cleaning session.It Feels Sturdy
Despite being ultra-light, the Shark Impact still feels sturdy and good quality. It can handle regular use without feeling like it’s going to fall apart.What We Don’t Like
The Suction Struggles on Hard Floors
Some users found this cordless vacuum couldn’t manage deep cleaning on hard flooring without keeping the motorized brush roll spinning. But beware of causing any damage this way.Technical Specs
| Weight | 4.7 pounds |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 0.45 liter |
| Cleaning Path Width | N/A |
| Cord Length | Cordless |
| Filter Type | Standard washable |
| Surface Type | Carpets, hard floors, above-floor |
7. Best Cordless - Shark IONFlex 2X DuoClean Ultra-Light Cordless Vacuum
You can always have a spare battery on charge to extend the run time. So you can clean for longer without needing to stop and wait for it to recharge.
And for super convenient cleaning, the wand has a folding hinge to make it easier to clean under furniture. Just click the button and bend the vacuum to where you want it.
This system also comes in handy for storage. It’s freestanding when it’s folded, so you don’t have to find anywhere to prop it up against.
What We Like
It Picks up a Lot of Dirt
Users love how the DuoClean Ultra-Light picks up loads of dirt, even when the carpet looks clean. One reviewer found it much more effective than their Dyson vacuum.It Doesn’t Scatter
Rather than sending debris flying across the room, this Shark picks it up and locks it into the dust cup. No more kitty litter scattered across the vinyl!It’s Powerful
Considering it’s such a lightweight stick vacuum, it offers powerful cleaning. You might need to change the settings around on thick carpets to make sure you can push it around.What We Don’t Like
You Can’t Adjust the Wand Length
You can’t change the length of the wand to suit different users. So you might find it an awkward fit, depending on your height.Technical Specs
| Weight | 3.8 pounds |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 0.34 liter |
| Cleaning Path Width | 10.4 inches |
| Cord Length | Cordless |
| Filter Type | Foam and felt washable |
| Surface Type | Carpets, hard floors, above-floor |
Simply program it to clean the areas you want, then sit back and relax while it gets to work. It will even return to the docking station to recharge, then carry on with what it was doing.
This nifty little robot vacuum also has a self-emptying base, so you don’t need to worry about emptying the dirt.
In fact, you can forget about cleaning altogether for weeks on end. Just leave your new best friend to sort it all out for you!
What We Like
Hair Doesn’t Get Tangled
This robot vacuum has a self-cleaning brush roll. So it can pick up both pet hair and long hair without it getting tangled.Links to a Smart Phone
Loads of users love the smart device features. You can link the cleaner to your phone and set up a cleaning schedule, so it starts vacuuming even if you’re not there.It Learns to Map Your Home
The IQ Robot learns the layout of your home, making it more efficient. It will plan the best routes to ensure all the dirt is picked up.What We Don’t Like
It Does Get Stuck
Even with the mapping system, this vacuum does get stuck now and again. It will beep and send a notification to your phone so you can free it again.Technical Specs
| Weight | 13.23 pounds |
| Dust Bin Capacity | N/A |
| Cleaning Path Width | 14.75 inches |
| Cord Length | Cordless |
| Filter Type | Dry cleaning only |
| Surface Type | Hard floor |
It uses the HyperVelocity suction of the Wandvac while attaching to a wand to make a super light stick vac. And it has Powerfins to help with deeper cleaning on carpeted areas.
If you want to use it as a handheld, simply detach the top portion and you’re ready to go. It’s super easy to clean anywhere around your home.
And it’s available in a range of colors, you can match your vacuum to your decor. It’s a great addition to any cleaning arsenal.
What We Like
There’s a Boost Mode
For stubborn dirt, you can increase the power with the Boost mode. But it drains the battery quicker, so use it sparingly.Perfect for Quick Spills
This vac is convenient to grab when you need cleaning power in a hurry, so it’s ideal for when that bowl of cereal gets spilled.It’s Compact
If you’re short on space, this is a great solution. You can take it apart to make it easier to store and it’s super simple to put it back together again.What We Don’t Like
Small Dust Cup
At just 0.25 liters, the dust cup is on the small side. This means you’ll have to empty it more frequently, so try carrying a bag with you to save you walking to the bin all the time.Technical Specs
| Weight | 2.1 pounds |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 0.25 liters |
| Cleaning Path Width | Approx 9.5 inches |
| Cord Length | Cordless |
| Filter Type | Mesh filter |
| Surface Type | Bare floors, carpet, above-floor |
What to Look for in a Shark Vacuum
Let’s run through some of the main features to factor in when choosing the best vacuum for you.
Types of Shark Vacuum Cleaners
- Upright vacuums have all the components in the same tall body. So you’ve got the motor, dust canister, floorhead, and handle altogether. Shark mainly focuses on upright vacuums, so there are plenty to choose from. Some models have Lift-Away technology, where you can remove the canister part of the vac and use it as a handheld.
- Stick vacuums are streamlined versions of an upright with a much slimmer and lighter design. They’re a great option if you’ve got a smaller home and are tight on space.
- Robot vacuums run around by themselves, cleaning floors without you needing to push them around. You can program different schedules thanks to their technological features. A robot vacuum is more suited to light cleaning on hard surfaces.
- Handheld vacuums are smaller versions of Shark stick vacuums and are convenient to grab and go. The dirt capacity is much less, so they’re best for quick spills and spot cleaning.
Corded or Cordless
Since corded models are plugged in, you don’t need to worry about running out of battery. This makes them a good option for larger homes that require longer cleaning sessions.
The downside is the power cord. You’ll have to work around it when cleaning as well as swapping plugs as you move around your home.
Cordless vacuums are super convenient as you don’t need to worry about unraveling the power cord and plugging it in. You just take it to wherever it’s needed and start cleaning.
But they are limited by their battery life, and some have much better batteries than others. Run times are as short as seven minutes on some cheaper cordless vacuums, but the best ones last as long as 40 minutes.
If you decide to get a cordless stick vacuum, then look out for a high-voltage Lithium-Ion battery.
This Shark Vertex Pro Cordless Vacuum has multiple batteries to give it a longer run time.
Attachments
You’d normally expect to have these tools included as standard:
- Crevice tool: A narrow nozzle for cleaning tight spaces, like between couch cushions, car seats, or under the fridge.
- Dusting brush: It has small bristles for gentle dusting on areas like blinds and curtains.
- Extension tube: You attach this to the main wand for extra reach. It’s ideal when you need to clean higher areas, like walls and ceilings.
You can also find extra accessories, like a mini motorized pet power brush or a soft roller for hardwood floors.
Special Shark Features
- Lift-Away Capability: This is a detachable canister you can lift out of the main vacuum body to make it like a handheld. You tend to find it on an upright vacuum and it makes cleaning tight spaces more convenient.
- HEPA Washable Filters: All vacuum cleaners use filters. But Shark vacuums come with washable HEPA filters. These filters are the best ones you can get as they trap 99.97% of microparticles, like pollen and mold (1). They’re a good choice if you suffer from allergies, as they help to purify the air. And since they’re washable, you can clean and reuse them instead of spending money on buying replacements.
- Anti-Allergen: Combined with HEPA filters, this sealed-air system on some Shark vacuums removes and captures 99.9% of fine dust and allergens. It’s one to look out for if you’ve got pets.
- Self-cleaning brush roll: This nifty gadget removes hair from the brush roll as you clean, so it doesn’t tangle and block the vacuum. It also saves you time having to cut the hair away yourself.
- LED Light: You can find this as an LED indicator light to let you know info about battery life and performance. Or as LED headlights on the floorhead to help you see dirt and debris in dark corners.
- DuoClean floorhead: This is when there are two brush rolls in one floorhead for multi-surface cleaning. There’s a soft roller as well as a bristle brush, so it’s suited to carpets and bare floors
- Self-empty base: You’ll find this feature on robot vacuums. It allows them to empty the dust cup into a bag, so you don’t need to touch any of the dirt.
Shark Vacuums Comparison Chart
| Product | Weight | Dust Bin Capacity | Cleaning Path Width | Filter Type | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Apex Upright Vacuum | 16 pounds | 1 liter | 12.2 inches | HEPA | N/A |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Vacuum | 13 pounds | 1 liter | 9.5 inches | HEPA | |
| Shark Cordless Anti-Allergen Pet Power | 7.17 pounds | 0.5 liter | 10.35 inches | HEPA | N/A |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional | 13.7 pounds | 2.5 liters | 9.5 inches | HEPA | N/A |
| Shark Wandvac Handheld Vacuum | 1.4 pounds | 0.1 liter | N/A | Standard washable | N/A |
| Shark IX141 Impact Stick Vacuum | 4.7 pounds | 0.45 liter | N/A | Standard washable | N/A |
| Shark IONFlex DuoClean Vacuum | 3.8 pounds | 0.34 liter | 10.4 inches | Foam and felt washable | N/A |
| Shark IQ Robot Vacuum | 13.23 pounds | N/A | 14.75 inches | Dry cleaning only | N/A |
| Shark WANDVAC System Cordless Stick Vacuum | 2.1 pounds | 0.25 liter | Approx 9.5 inches | Mesh filter | N/A |
Related Topics
- How to Clean a Shark Vacuum
- Why is Your Shark Vacuum Brush Not Spinning?
- How to Change the Belt on a Shark Vacuum Cleaner
- Shark vs. Dyson Vacuum: What’s the Difference?
FAQs
How Do You Take a Shark Vacuum Apart?
Most Shark vacuums need a bit of maintenance, so it’s worth knowing how to take yours apart.
For a canister vacuum or anything else with a hose, detach the hose first. Then you can take the wand off.
Remove the base plate on the floorhead to access the brush roll. You might need a screwdriver or a coin to do this.
When these components are all separate, you can check your vacuum for blockages or to clean it. Then repeat this in reverse to put it back together.
How Long Do Shark Vacuums Last?
The average lifespan of a vacuum cleaner is around 8 years. But different factors could make it more, or less, than that.
Shark is a reliable brand and the warranties last up to seven years, which should give you some peace of mind.
If you use your vacuum every day, it might not last as long as one that only gets used once a week. But if you look after your vacuum and carry out the basic maintenance, it will help to extend the lifespan.
So keep an eye on those filters and make sure you give them a clean every now and again!
