Experience powerful, innovative suction built for real homes. Let’s face it, you need a vacuum that can handle pet hair, crumbs, and the general chaos of daily life. That’s where a shark vacuum truly shines. It’s designed to tackle the messes you actually make, not just a perfectly clean showroom floor.
We put one to the test in a busy household to see if it lives up to the hype. From its clever attachments to it’s surprisingly easy-empty bin, we’re breaking down everything you need to know. Get ready to see if this popular cleaner is the solution you’ve been searching for.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Shark Vacuum
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe with Large Dust…
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9.8 |
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Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away |…
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9.6 |
Read Review |
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Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter,…
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9.5 |
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Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum with PowerFins HairPro…
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9.3 |
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Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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Shark | Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | LED Headlights…
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8.9 |
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Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away with Self-Cleaning Brushroll, HEPA…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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Shark HV322 Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum with…
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8.6 |
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Shark Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with HEPA Filter, Lightweight, Portable,…
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8.4 |
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Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus Cordless Hand Vacuum, Powerful…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
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Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum, with Matrix Clean,…
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8.1 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Shark Vacuum
Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe with Large Dust Cup Capacity, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Crevice Tool, Blue, NV360
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 is an upright vacuum designed for versatility and deep cleaning in your home. Its core strength is multi-surface powerful suction. This means it can transition from deep-cleaning carpets to tackling bare floors effectively, pulling up embedded dirt and debris from various surfaces.
A key feature is the lift-away functionality. The main pod detaches from the vacuum’s body with a simple release.
This lets you carry a lightweight, portable unit for cleaning under low furniture like beds or sofas. You can also detach the nozzle to clean above-floor areas such as stairs, upholstery, curtains, and car interiors, making it a highly adaptable tool.
For households with allergy concerns or pets, this model includes important technology.
The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal works with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from escaping back into the air you breathe. Combined with the specialized upholstery tool, it’s perfect for pets, as it powerfully lifts pet hair from furniture, stairs, and carpets.
Maneuverability is a highlight thanks to swivel steering.
Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away | Swivel Steering | HEPA Filter | Vacuum for Pet Hair | Crevice Tool & Dusting Brush Included | For Carpets & Hard Floors | White/Silver | NV356E
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E upright vacuum cleaner is designed to be a versatile and powerful cleaning partner for your home. Its core feature is the Lift-Away functionality, which lets you detach the pod from the main body. This means you can easily carry a lightweight, powerful vacuum upstairs or use it to clean furniture, curtains, and other above-floor areas without lugging the whole unit.
Maneuverability is a key focus.
The swivel steering makes navigating around chair legs, under tables, and into tight corners surprisingly easy. You can steer it with a flick of the wrist, which really reduces the effort needed to clean an entire room. For different floor types, the brushroll shutoff is essential. Simply flip the switch to turn off the brushroll when you move from carpets to hard floors like wood or tile.
This protects your floors from scratches while still providing strong suction.
If you have pets, this model addresses common concerns. It’s built to pick up pet hair from both carpets and hard surfaces. The included Pet Power Brush works with the vacuum’s strong suction to pull embedded pet hair and dander out of upholstery on sofas, pet beds, and car interiors. This is paired with an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal system and a HEPA filter.
Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter, Anti-Allergen Technology, Swivel Steering, Ideal for Carpet, Stairs, & Bare Floors, with Wide Upholstery & Crevice Tools, Lavender
The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is designed to be a versatile and effective cleaning partner for your home. Its core feature is the Lift-Away functionality, which lets you detach the main pod from the upright body. This means you can easily carry a powerful, self-contained vacuum unit to tackle stairs, upholstery, or even the inside of your car without dragging the whole machine behind you. It’s a game-changer for multi-level homes and those tricky above-floor cleaning tasks.
This model is particularly thoughtful for households with allergy concerns. Its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology works in tandem with a HEPA filter to ensure that dust, dander, and pollen it picks up are trapped inside the vacuum, not released back into the air you breathe. You get a deep clean without compromising your indoor air quality, which is a significant benefit for pet owners or anyone with sensitivities. Maneuverability is a strong point.
The Swivel Steering makes navigating around chair legs, under tables, and through cluttered rooms surprisingly easy. The vacuum pivots smoothly, reducing the effort you need to push and pull. Plus, the Brushroll Shutoff feature gives you instant control; engage it for a deep carpet clean, and shut it off for a gentle, effective sweep on bare floors or delicate area rugs. You won’t have to worry about scattering debris or scratching surfaces. Speaking of pets, this vacuum is well-equipped.
Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum with PowerFins HairPro & Odor Neutralizer Technology, Charcoal, 2.9 L Dust Cup
The Shark ZU102 Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum is designed for homes with pets, tackling the specific messes they leave behind. Its core feature is the PowerFins HairPro brushroll. This technology actively grips and captures stubborn long hair, short hair, and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors.
A major benefit is the self-cleaning brushroll, which is engineered to prevent hair from tangling and wrapping around it, saving you the frustrating task of cutting hair free after every use.
Beyond hair, pet odors are a common concern. This model includes Odor Neutralizer Technology, which works to guard against bad odors inside the vacuum itself. This helps ensure that the air in your home smells fresher during and after cleaning, a notable upgrade from models without this feature.
For air quality, the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology combines with a HEPA filter to trap 99.99% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, keeping them out of the air you breathe. This is certified for particles 0.3 microns and larger.
Practicality is key in the design. The large 2.9 L, 3XL capacity dust cup means you can have longer cleaning sessions without frequent interruptions to empty it.
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning with Swivel Steering (HV301), Gray/Orange
The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum (HV301) is designed for those who want a powerful clean without the heavy lifting. Weighing in at under nine pounds, its ultra-lightweight frame is a game-changer for carrying up stairs or using overhead. It’s a corded vacuum, which means you never have to worry about a battery dying mid-clean or a loss of suction power. You get consistent, strong performance everytime you plug it in. This stick vacuum isn’t just for floors.
It quickly converts into a handheld vacuum, unlocking versatile floor-to-ceiling cleaning. The included Upholstery Tool and Crevice Tool make it simple to tackle stairs, furniture, car interiors, and those tricky corners. When you’re done, storage is a snap. You can hang the hand vacuum from the hook on the bottom of the wand, keeping all the peices together in a closet. Maneuverability is a standout feature.
The Swivel Steering gives you excellent control, letting you glide around furniture legs and into tight spaces with minimal effort. Fingertip controls on the handle allow you to easily toggle between cleaning carpets and hard floors. This ensures it picks up large debris on tile while also providing a deep clean for carpets, all with a simple switch. Cleaning the vacuum itself is straightforward. The bagless, easy-empty dust cup gets you back to work in seconds—no messy bags to buy or replace.
Shark | Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | LED Headlights | Removable Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair | Crevice Tool & Pet Multi-Tool Included | 40min Runtime | For Carpet & Hard Floors | Grey | IX141
The Shark IX141 Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is designed to tackle the specific challenges of a home with pets. Its core promise is powerful, convenient cleaning without the hassle of a cord, making it a practical tool for daily upkeep.
At its heart is the HYPERVELOCITY SUCTION system. This provides strong, consistent power for picking up everything from tracked-in litter to scattered pet kibble and, of course, pet hair.
It’s built for high-traffic areas where messes accumulate quickly. You get up to 40 minutes of runtime on a single charge, which is measured in standard mode at the hand vac. That should be plenty of time to cover main living areas without needing to pause and recharge.
This vacuum adapts to your floors. It transitions seamlesly from hard floors to carpets. The brushroll and suction work together to grab debris from both surfaces, so you don’t need to switch modes manually.
Its low-profile design is a key feature, allowing you to slide it deep under sofas, beds, and other furniture where dust and hair love to collect. To help in those dark spots, LED headlights on the cleaner head illuminate hidden debris, ensuring you don’t miss anything.
When you need to clean above the floor, the vacuum transforms. You can detach the main body from the wand, leaving you with a removable, lightweight handheld vacuum.
Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away with Self-Cleaning Brushroll, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Pet Crevice Tool, Perfect for Pets & Multi-Surface, Teal, ZU503AMZ
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ is an upright vacuum designed to tackle the common headaches of home cleaning, especially if you have pets. Its core feature is the self-cleaning brushroll. It’s engineered to pick up more pet hair while actively preventing hair from wrapping around the roller. This means you spend less time cutting hair off the brush and more time actually cleaning. The vacuum operates at 1200 watts, providing strong suction for a thorough clean across various surfaces.
A standout aspect of this model is its Lift-Away functionality. With a simple release, the pod detaches from the vacuum’s base. This lets you easily clean under low furniture like beds or sofas. Or, you can detach just the nozzle and wand to clean above-floor areas like stairs, upholstery, and shelves without having to lug the whole machine around. This versatility makes it feel like two cleaners in one.
Combined with swivel steering, maneuvering around tight corners, furniture legs, and clutter becomes a simple, one-handed task. You can navigate your home smoothly without constantly bumping into things. For air quality, this Shark utilizes Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology. It works in conjunction with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from being released back into the air you breathe.
Shark HV322 Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum with LED Headlights, XL Dust Cup, Lightweight, Perfect for Pet Hair Pickup, Converts to a Hand Vacuum, with (2) Pet Attachments, Bordeaux/Silver
The Shark HV322 Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum is designed for homes with pets, focusing on powerful cleaning without the heavy lifting. Its core strength is the powerful suction system, which tackles deep carpet cleaning and pulls up stubborn pet hair from all sorts of surfaces. You can use it effectively on hard floors, area rugs, and even for quick cleanups on your furniture and stairs. It’s built to handle the messes that pets leave behind, from scattered litter to clumps of shed fur.
A major benefit of this model is its lightweight versatility. The main stick vacuum is surprisingly easy to carry and push around, which makes cleaning upper floors or larger rooms much less of a chore. When you need to clean your car interior, upholstery, or ceiling corners, it quickly converts into a handheld vacuum. This detachable pod gives you the same strong suction in a compact form, perfect for floor-to-ceiling tasks.
The two included pet attachments—a Pet Multi-Tool and a Pet Crevice Tool—are specifically designed to capture embedded hair from fabrics and extend your reach into tight spaces like under cabinets or between couch cushions. Practical features make the cleaning process more efficient. The XL dust cup has a 0.68-quart capacity, letting you clean for longer periods without having to stop and empty it constantly. This is a real time-saver during a whole-house clean.
Shark Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with HEPA Filter, Lightweight, Portable, Rechargeable, Powerful Pet Hair Pickup, Removable Handheld, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, 50-min Runtime, Blue, IZ363HT
The Shark Cordless Vacuum Cleaner IZ363HT is designed to make cleaning less of a chore. Its core promise is powerful suction in a package that’s easy to carry and maneuver around your home. The HyperVelocity technology ensures it picks up dirt effectively, while the whole unit remains ultra-lightweight, so you won’t feel fatigued pushing it around during longer sessions. A major highlight is it’s flexibility. The main body detaches from the stick to become a removable hand vac.
This is perfect for quick cleanups on stairs, in the car, or on upholstery. It comes with two handy attachments right in the box: a crevice tool for tight spots and a dusting brush for delicate surfaces. With up to 50 minutes of runtime on a single charge in standard mode, you can typically cover a lot of ground without interuption. The battery is also removable, which makes it easy to swap if you ever need a spare. For households with pets, this model addresses common frustrations.
The PowerFins brushroll is engineered for no hair wrap, meaning you spend less time cutting hair off the roller and more time actually cleaning. Combined with the strong suction, it provides powerful pet hair pickup from both carpets and hard floors. The cleaning head has a low-profile design too, so it slides easily under sofas and beds where dust bunnies like to hide. LED headlights on the front illuminate those dark areas, so you can see exactly what your picking up.
Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus Cordless Hand Vacuum, Powerful Suction, Handheld Vacuum for Car & Home, Pet Power Brush, Crevice Tool, Scrubbing Brush, XL Dust Cup, Black, CH951
The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus Cordless Hand Vacuum is designed for the kind of cleaning that happens in the moment. It’s for pet hair on the couch, crumbs in the car, or tracked-in dirt on the kitchen floor. This handheld vacuum combines cordless freedom with serious suction, making it a practical tool for maintaining your spaces without the hassle of dragging out a full-sized vacuum.
At its core, this model is built around Shark’s ultra-powerful suction technology.
It uses two cyclonic air streams to maintain strong pickup power, which also helps keep the filter cleaner for longer motor life. It’s not just about initial power; it’s about consistent performance over time. And since it’s completely cordless, you can grab it and go spot clean anywhere in your home or vehicle without searching for an outlet.
The lightweight design, at just 2.8 pounds, means it’s easy to carry up stairs or hold at an angle for longer periods without fatigue.
Versatility is a key feature here. The vacuum comes as a complete 4-in-1 system. You can use it by itself for quick bare-floor or surface pickups. For more targeted jobs, three accessories are included.
Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum, with Matrix Clean, Home Mapping, 30-Day Capacity HEPA Bagless Self Empty Base, Perfect for Pet Hair, Wifi, Dark Grey
The Shark AV2501S AI Ultra Robot Vacuum is designed to handle the daily mess of a lived-in home, especially if you have pets. Its core promise is a thorough clean with minimal effort from you, combining advanced navigation with powerful suction in a dark grey unit that includes a self-emptying base.
At its heart is the Matrix Clean Navigation. Instead of random patterns, it moves in a precise grid, making multiple passes over areas.
This method aims to ensure no spots are missed, giving you consistent, whole-home coverage on carpets and hard floors. It’s powered by 360-degree LiDAR for Precision Home Mapping. This system quickly learns your home’s layout, allowing the robot to clean methodically.
It detects and avoids objects, adapting to moved chairs or new toys, and it operates just as effectively in low light.
Cleaning power comes from its incredible suction, which Shark engineers to tackle embedded dirt and larger debris. This is key for homes with pets. The system uses a self-cleaning brushroll to resist hair wrap and a true HEPA filtration that captures 99.97% of dust and allergens as small as 0.3 microns.
Shark Vacuum Buying Guide
Shark vacuums are popular; choose based on your specific floor types. Do you have mostly carpet, hard floors, or a tricky mix of both? Getting this right means a cleaner home with less effort. Let’s look at the key things to consider so you can find your perfect match.
Floor Type Compatibility
This is the most important choice. For plush carpets, you need strong suction and a motorized brush roll. For hard floors like wood or tile, look for a setting that turns the brush roll off to prevent scattering debris. Many Shark models handle both brilliantly, but always check the specs for your primary surface.
Weight & Maneuverability
You’ll be carrying and pushing this thing around. A lighter, swivel-steer model is a lifesaver for stairs and quick clean-ups. If you have a large, single-level home, a heavier but more powerful upright might be worth it. Think about your storage space too—where will it live when not in use?
Corded vs. Cordless Power
Corded vacuums offer unlimited runtime, which is great for big jobs. Cordless models provide ultimate convenience for daily spills and speed-cleaning. But remember, cordless power fades. If you choose cordless, consider your home’s size and opt for the highest voltage you can to ensure it lasts for the whole clean.
Dust Bin Capacity & Filtration
Emptying a tiny bin after every room gets old fast. A larger capacity is better for homes with pets or lots of foot traffic. Also, a good sealed HEPA filter is essential if anyone in your home has allergies. It traps dust and pollen inside the vacuum, so your aren’t just recirculating it into the air.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shark Vacuum
What makes Shark vacuums different from other brands?
Shark is known for its strong suction and innovative designs. Many of their models feature a “DuoClean” brush roll that picks up both large debris and fine dust in one pass. They also popularized the lift-away style, which lets you detach the canister for easy above-floor cleaning.
Are Shark vacuums good for pet hair?
Yes, many are excellent for pet hair. Look for models specifically labeled as “Pet” versions. These usually include a motorized brush roll and special attachments, like an upholstery tool, to lift hair from carpets and furniture. The anti-allergen complete seal is also a great feature if you have allergies.
How often do I need to empty the dust cup?
You should empty it after each major cleaning session, or when it reaches the “max” fill line. For homes with lots of shedding or debris, this might be every time you vacuum. Keeping it empty helps maintain the best suction power.
Do Shark vacuums work well on both carpets and hard floors?
Most modern Shark models are designed for multiple surfaces. The DuoClean brush roll we mentioned earlier is specifically made to transition between carpets and hard floors without you needing to switch settings manually. It’s a very handy feature to have.
What’s the warranty like?
Warranties vary by model, but they typically offer a 5-year warranty on the motor and a 1-year warranty on the whole vacuum. Always check the specific product details and keep your reciept. Registering your vacuum online is a good idea to make any future claims smoother.
Are the filters washable?
In most cases, yes! The foam and felt filters are usually washable. You just rinse them with cold water and let them air dry completely for 24 hours before putting them back. This saves you money on replacements and helps the vacuum run efficiently.
Where can I buy replacement parts and accessories?
You can find them directly on the Shark website, through major online retailers, and in some appliance stores. It’s best to use genuine Shark parts to ensure they fit and work correctly with your specific model number.
Final Take
Navigate your cleaning tasks with proven, powerful technology. It makes a real difference in your daily routine. You get a cleaner home with less effort. That means more time for you and your family. It’s a smart choice for tackling pet hair, crumbs, and all teh messes life brings. You’ll notice the results right away.
When you choose a shark vacuum, you’re getting a tool built to last. It’s designed to handle the tough jobs without any fuss. You can trust it to perform well year after year. So, make the decision to simplify your cleaning. You won’t regret investing in that kind of reliable help for your home.