Having a solid vacuum cleaner can make all the difference in how you clean your home. Let’s face it, no one enjoys having to pick up messes around the house. Depending on the equipment you’re working with, the process can feel like a huge hassle. Luckily, vacuum cleaner manufacturers are continuing to make advancements that make your life easier.
Modern vacuum cleaners have come a long way since the first model was patented back in 1908. These machines are stronger than ever and are equipped with advanced technology that homeowners from the past could only dream of.
One of the leaders in the vacuum industry is Shark. The Shark vacuums brand is owned by the company SharkNinja, which was formally known as Euro-Pro. Euro-Pro has long roots that date back over a hundred years. However, the vacuum and household cleaner division wasn’t started until 1998. In just two decades, the company became synonymous with quality and value. The vacuum cleaners grew so much in popularity around the world that the company eventually adopted the name.
Today, Shark’s line of vacuuming products is quite vast. There’s something for every budget, lifestyle, and cleaning preference. In this guide, we’re going to break down 10 of the best Shark vacuums on the market. We’ll provide you with all the information you need to choose a machine that’s right for your home and needs.
Comparing the 10 Best Shark Vacuums
Looking for some quick information about the Top Shark vacuums? We have you covered. In our comparison chart, you’ll find our recommended picks. We’ve also included some key features and crucial details so that you can easily compare and contrast what they have to offer. All of the products in the chart are reviewed in greater detail in the review section below.
Best Shark Vacuums 2020 | Corded/Cordless | Weight | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Shark AZ1002 (Editor’s Choice) | 30 ft. | 17.1 lbs | Check Price |
Shark Ninja NV752 | 30 ft. | 15.4 lbs. | Check Price |
Shark Navigator NV352 | 25 ft. | 12.5 lbs. | Check Price |
Shark Navigator NV356E | 25 ft. | 13.7 lbs. | Check Price |
Shark ION RV850 | cordless | 5.51 lbs. | Check Price |
Shark NV803 | 30 ft. | 15 lbs. | Check Price |
Shark Rocket HV382 | 30 ft. | 9.9 lbs. | Check Price |
Shark V2700Z | - | 3.15 lbs. | Check Price |
Shark Rocket HV292 | 15 ft. | 3.7 lbs. | Check Price |
Shark Navigator SV1106 | cordless | 7.5 lbs. | Check Price |
Types of Shark Models Available on the Market
Vacuum cleaners are not a one-size-fits-all kind of product. All homes are different. Thus, Shark offers several different types of vacuum cleaners. While they all serve the same end goal, each model gets the job done differently.
1. Upright
Upright shark vacuums are some of the most popular. In fact, they make up almost half of all vacuums sold in the United States. The reason for this? Well, uprights are generally more powerful than the alternatives. Due to their larger size, manufacturers can equip these machines with a robust motor and plenty of great extras.
Many models have motorized brushes, which can make deep cleaning a breeze. When you factor in the wider cleaning area, upright vacuums are great for cleaning your entire home. Plus, all the equipment you need is stored right on the device. Just pop the entire thing into storage to keep it out of sight and mind.
The downsides of an upright are that they tend to be a bit more difficult to move around. They can be heavier than other types of vacuums. Luckily, Shark has developed some great technology to improve maneuverability. These include swiveling vacuum heads and an overall weight balance.
2. Canister
Shark wasn’t the first company to release a canister vacuum. However, they did do a lot to invigorate the market. Canister vacuums are vastly different than uprights in terms of design. Rather than keeping all of the mechanics in one singular unit, canister vacuums have a separate want. The want is attached to the collection unit and motor, making it easier to use.
The biggest advantage of using canister shark vacuums is that you’re not limited to where you can go. While you still have to lug a hefty piece of equipment around, the long wand lets you reach tight spots with ease.
You can vacuum under furniture, reach awkward parts of the room, and even clean walls. Not only that, but canisters usually come with a collection of attachments to add loads of versatility.
3. Stick
Stick vacuums are quickly growing in popularity. Approximately 9 percent of global vacuum revenue came from cordless stick models. It’s expected that these types of vacuums are going to drive growth in the coming years because of their versatility.
Like uprights, all of the components of stick shark vacuums are built into one unit. However, the primary difference is size and portability. The motor and dirt container are all engineered to be as compact as possible. In most cases, these parts are all built into the handle for easy maneuverability.
As the name would suggest, the motor and fans are attached to a long stick. This design lets you access all the same spots that a canister vacuum would. But, you can also use a wide floor attachment to take care of your floors as well. Ultimately, these are some of the most versatile models you’ll encounter. On top of that, Shark offers plenty of battery-powered products. So, no more dealing with tangled wires as you clean.
4. Handheld
Handheld shark vacuums work on the same basic principles and technologies as stick vacuums. The only difference is that everything is shrunken down. This does come with a sacrifice of power and efficiency. However, you can use handheld models in places that you could never fit a standard upright or canister. For example, they’re a popular option for cleaning up cars, vacuuming up dust from office tables, and cleaning up furniture. They’re also incredibly lightweight and often come with an affordable price tag.
5. Robot
As you might have guessed, these shark vacuums use some pretty advanced technology. They can connect to your wireless network and be controlled right from your smartphone. The great thing about robot vacuums is that they’re meant to be used daily.
They don’t have the biggest capacity available. However, when you put it on a regular cleaning schedule, a robot vacuum is fully capable of picking up dust debris to keep your home spotless. Newer models even use artificial intelligence to map out your home and steer clear of obstacles. Everything is automatic for simplicity as well.
Best Shark Vacuums 2020 Reviews – (Updated List)
Finding the right vacuum for your needs in today’s market is no easy task. Luckily, we’ve taken care of all the hard work for you. In this section, we’re going to go over all of our top picks. We detail the pros and cons that each model has to offer so that you can get a better understanding of how the product will fit into your life. Our goal is to provide you with information about the latest and greatest this industry has to offer. Our review section changes regularly to reflect Shark’s product line, so check back often!
1. Best Overall: Shark AZ1002 APEX Upright Vacuum Zero-M
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: The vacuum that deep-cleans now cleans itself. Engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap (vs. Shark bristle nozzles).
Quick Features:
- Dual brush heads
- Zero-M cleaning feature
- Powered Lift-Away
- Attachment wand
- Anti-Allergen seal and HEPA filter
- 30-foot cord
- Weighs 17.1 pounds
The APEX upright vacuum cleaner is our number one pick. It’s currently the top-of-the-line option from Shark in terms of performance. While it may cost a bit more than some of the brand’s other models, it’s still only a fraction of the cost of some of Shark’s competitors. Yet, you’re getting impressive performance capabilities.
This shark vacuum is one of the best on the market because of its flexibility and efficiency. The machine uses a very powerful motor to suck up dirt and debris without missing a beat. Plus, it has Shark’s DuoClean technology. The dual-brush system does a fantastic job at loosening dirt between carpet piles. As if that weren’t enough, the vacuum also has the Zero-M feature, which removes hair from the rollers automatically and keeps things clean.
One of the coolest things about this device is that it instantly transforms into a canister vacuum. You can lift away the motor and dust bin, use the attachment wand, and clean hard-to-reach spots with ease. The vacuum does come with a selection of great attachments. It has a crevice tool, pet multi-tool, and a motorized tool that’s designed to pick up stray hairs. Overall, the APEX is a solid machine that does very well across the board. Thanks to its flexible design, it’s a great option for anyone.
- Swivel base
- Two LED lights
- Self-cleaning brush
- Can be used as a canister vacuum
- Suitable for carpets and smooth floors
- Clear dust bin
- Comes with several attachments
- May be too heavy for some users
- No retractable cord
- More expensive
2. Best for Pets: Shark Ninja NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away
- 2-IN-1 POWERED LIFT-AWAY TECHNOLOGY: Allows you to lift the pod away to deep-clean hard-to-reach areas, like under furniture, while the powered brushroll keeps spinning.
Quick Features:
- 3-quart dust bin
- Lift-Away design
- Anti-Allergen seal and HEPA filter
- Detachable wand
- Handle controls
- 30-foot cord
- Weighs 16.7 pounds
If you have pets, the Rotator Power Lift-Away is a must-have. It’s specifically designed to tackle pet hair. Usually, standard vacuums aren’t capable of getting rid of fur that’s stuck within the fibers of your carpet. This model, however, is. It’s an upright machine. Though, you can easily turn it into a canister to take care of stairs and furniture.
Despite all of the great features this unit has, it wasn’t able to knab our top spot. There are some notable differences between his model and the APEX. If you take a look at the cleaning mechanisms in the head, you’ll notice that this shark vacuum is lacking the dual-brush setup. This diminishes its capabilities a bit. Plus, there’s no self-cleaning feature to keep the roller in good condition. Because these features weren’t included, this vacuum fell short when compared to our number one pick.
With that being said, this option is still a great investment. It performs well in most situations. Thanks to the Lift-Away design, you can use it to get rid of pet hair from your entire home without any issues.
- Dynamic swivel base
- LED guide lights
- Can be used as a canister vacuum
- Includes motorized attachment for stairs
- Purpose-built with pet hair in mind
- Comes with several attachments
- May be too heavy for some users
- No self-cleaning rollers
- Single cleaning crush
3. Best for Carpet & Hard floors: Shark Navigator NV352
- Lift-Away: Lift Away the detachable pod and easily clean, above-floor areas like stairs and furniture.
Quick Features:
- Lift-Away design
- Anti-Allergen seal and HEPA filter
- Suction release feature
- Detachable wand and hose
- 25-foot cord
- Weighs 12.5 pounds
Next up, we have this Navigator Lift-Away model. What makes this shark vacuum so great is that it’s designed to serve homes with many different types of flooring surfaces. When you’re cleaning on carpet floors, the rollers are powerful enough to get rid of dirt that’s deep within the fibers. If you have a surface that’s susceptible to damage, such as high-pile rugs or soft hardwood floors, you can turn off the motorized roller with a switch of a button. There’s even a suction release function for accidents. It’s a nice touch that will keep your floors protected.
Like the previous models, this is an upright with the Lift-Away feature. Shark’s iconic design provides you with plenty of versatility to clean furniture, stairs, and any other awkward places. Of course, the company has also included several useful accessories to help you tackle any cleaning job.
- Versatile performance on carpet and hardwood floors
- Ability to turn off roller
- Swivel steering
- Comes with several attachments
- Attractive lavender color
- Lightweight build
- Canister is a bit awkward to remove
- Power button in odd place
- No lights
- No dual-brush system
4. Runner Up, Carpet & Hardwood floors: Shark Navigator NV356E
- Dust cup capacity 2.2 quarts; Lift away; Press a button to lift the canister away and easily clean hard to reach areas
Quick Features:
- Lift-Away design
- Anti-Allergen seal and HEPA filter
- Controllable brush roller
- Detachable wand and hose
- 25-foot cord
- Weighs 13.7 pounds
If you’re looking for a no-frills machine that offers a professional cleaning experience, this model may be for you. It’s a lightweight vacuum cleaner that performs well on virtually any flooring surface. Like the previous unit, you can switch between carpets and hardwood floors in an instant.
There’s a handy button to turn off the rollers as you clean. You don’t even need to stop the motor to make the switch, which can help you finish your clean-up job in no time. Overall, Shark has gone above and beyond to make this device as user-friendly as possible.
First, it has a swivel base for easy cleaning. Even with its sizable dust bin, the vacuum isn’t hard to move at all. Secondly, Shark used a touchless dust bin. You can empty the debris out of the storage compartment without ever having to touch it with your hands. Just hold it over a trash bin, unlatch the door, and you’re good to go.
- Includes motorized attachment
- Swivel steering
- Easy to switch between carpet and hard floors
- Includes form pre-motor filter
- Lightweight
- Touchless empty system
- No lights
- No DuoClean feature
5. Best Robot: Shark ION RV850 Robot Vacuum
- Shark has built upon a high performing Robot vacuum to deliver powerful suction, XL capacity, and advanced sensor technology for an incredible solution to everyday cleaning
Quick Features:
- Robot vacuum
- Wireless connectivity
- Works on carpet and hardwood
- Smart Sensor Navigation
- Dual-brush cleaner
With this robot vacuum from Shark, you can forget about having to do daily cleaning sessions. The machine will take care of everything for you. Just set your schedule once and the vacuum will navigate your home whenever you want it to. You can set a regular routine every single day. If you need the machine to pick up sudden messes, you can also control it with the sound of your voice.
If you’re worried about performance, you’ll be happy to know that Shark didn’t skimp on quality. There are two brushes to ensure that a large surface area is covered. The brushes also work wonders in the corners of a room, which is a notoriously sour spot for circular robot cleaners. When it comes to navigation, the vacuum uses advanced sensors to avoid obstacles. It constantly learns about your home, which improves its performance over time.
- Self-cleaning brush rolls
- Multiple power modes
- Does a good job at cleaning corners
- 7-day scheduling
- Includes base station
- Not capable of doing a deep clean
- Dust bin only holds 0.7 quarts
- Short battery life
6. Best Splurge: Shark NV803 Duo Clean Powered Lift-Away
- Dust cup capacity 0.9 quarts
Quick Features:
- Upright vacuum
- Lift-Away design
- Deep cleans carpets
- DuoClean brush
- Anti-Allergen seal and HEPA filter
- Weighs 14.5 pounds
- 30-foot cord
The DuoClean Lift-Away vacuum does well across the board. It’s a great universal machine that can be used for virtually any cleaning job. The thing we like most about this vacuum is its brushes. There are two brushes to provide a deep clean on carpets. Plus, the bristles are very soft to the touch. As a result, you can use the vacuum on hardwood floors without having to worry about any scratches.
This elegant looking model also transforms into a canister vacuum. Just lift up the dust bin and motor and take care of any areas that the upright can’t reach. Shark includes a long wand and several attachments to make quick work out of any mess.
- Can pick up large debris
- Soft bristles are safe on hardwood floors
- Swivel movement
- LED lights
- Can be used as canister vacuum
- Long wand
- Comes with many attachments
- May be too heavy for some
- Doesn’t perform the best on edges
- No self-cleaning brush
Alternative Product:
The original product is out of stock, check out this closest alternative:
- Lift-Away: Lift Away the detachable pod and easily clean, above-floor areas like stairs and furniture.
7. Best Convertible 2-in-1 Vac: Shark Rocket HV382 DuoClean Ultra-Light
- Duoclean technology: Dual brushroll system deep cleans carpets and directly engages floors for a polished look.
Quick Features:
- Stick vacuum
- DuoClean brush
- Simple controls
- One-handed operation
- Weighs 9.9 pounds
- 30-foot cord
If you’re looking for a high-performance stick vacuum, this model might be for you. It’s a very compact machine that weighs less than 10 pounds. There is a cord, so it’s not as flexible as some other stick vacuums. But, if that’s not a dealbreaker, you can take advantage of the device’s impressive cleaning capabilities.
The Rocket DuoClean is a jack of all trades. You can use it on your high-pile carpets to achieve a deep restorative clean. Or, you can sweep up messes on your tile or hardwood floors. The dual brush system picks up large debris and big messes easily. So, no more taking out the broom and a dustpan. Just whip out this lightweight machine and take care of all your messes in one powerful pass.
- Safe for carpets and smooth floors
- Power buttons on handle
- LED lights
- Very lightweight
- Interchangeable attachments
- Can be used as a handheld vacuum cleaner
- Not cordless
- Small dust bin
- No self-cleaning brush
8. Best for Little Use: Shark V2700Z Floor & Carpet Sweeper
- EASE-OF-USE: 10-inch wide sweeper provides ample surface area coverage with a motorized brush roll for ease of use and consistent clean on all floor types
Quick Features:
- Stick carpet sweeper
- Rotating brush
- Simple operation
- Compact size
- Weighs 3.15 pounds
- Cordless
This is a unique offering from Shark. It’s not like a traditional vacuum. You won’t find a powerful motor or achieve strong suction power as you would on high-end models. The device is meant to sweep up carpets to get rid of large debris. You can use it in lieu of heavy-duty vacuums whenever you need a quick clean. It beats using a traditional broom.
A small motor is used to power up the rotating brush. The brush helps to redirect dirt and debris into the small dust bin. Problems start to pop up if you attempt to clean up set-in stains or a lot of dust. The machine simply isn’t made to act like a powerful vacuum. As a result, you might have to perform multiple passes to achieve any noticeable results in particularly dirty areas. The good news is that you can use the device on virtually any surface. The bristles are relatively soft. Plus, the motor isn’t powerful enough to do any significant damage.
- Sweeps carpet and smooth floors
- Foot power switch
- Rechargeable battery
- Low-profile design
- Collapsible handle
- Weak suction
- Small and stubborn dust bin
- May require multiple passes to pick up large debris
Alternative Product:
The original product is out of stock, check out this closest alternative:
- POWERFUL SUCTION: For everyday messes and high-traffic areas.
9. Best Ultralight Handheld: Shark Rocket HV292
- Portable and ultra-lightweight. Less than 4 pounds in total
Quick Features:
- Handheld vacuum
- Simple finger controls
- Weighs 3.7 pounds
- Cordless
- Comes with 15-foot charging cord
If portability is a top priority for you, this Shark Rocket vacuum is worth considering. Don’t let the small size of this model fool you. It’s perfectly capable of getting rid of stubborn pet hair and dust. While it may not have the most powerful motor of all of Shark’s devices, the included motorized attachment is great for picking up messes.
The thing we like most about this vacuum is its portability. The unit is powered by a rechargeable battery. Thus, you don’t have to worry about finding a nearby plug to use it. It’s a great model for keeping your car clean or taking care of quick messes.
- Affordable
- Comes with motorized attachment
- Includes extendable hose
- Very lightweight
- Battery-powered
- Dust bin is easy to empty
- Not as powerful as other models
- Dust bin doesn’t hold much
10. Best Budget: Shark Navigator SV1106 Freestyle Upright Stick
- LIGHTWEIGHT CORDLESS CONVENIENCE: Portable, powerful and versatile, at only 7.5 lbs.
Quick Features:
- Upright vacuum
- Cordless
- Motorized brush
- Bagless dust collection
- Adjustable brush speeds
- Weighs 7.5 pounds
You don’t have to spend a fortune to invest in a Shark product. The Navigator Freestyle vacuum is a great entry-level option. It’s completely cordless, ensuring that you can clean your home without being tied down. Plus, it’s quite compact. Unlike other uprights, this one is relatively slim and lightweight. As such, getting beneath furniture or around tight spots is not a problem at all.
Don’t expect to get high-end performance from this model. With the lower price tag comes a weaker motor. It can certainly get the job done, but you won’t achieve that same deep clean as our top pick. If that’s not an issue for you, this model makes a great quick-clean machine. When you consider the fact that you can use it on virtually any surface, it’s a great device to have on hand.
- Swivel steering
- Only takes four hours to charge
- Sizable dust bin
- Lightweight construction
- Charger doubles as storage rack
- Works on carpet and smooth floors
- Won’t provide a deep clean
- Can’t handle large objects
A Complete Buying Guide for Shark Vacuums
While we’re only looking at Shark vacuums in this guide, you still have plenty of tough decisions to make! Shark has a large product line filled with devices that can suit anyone’s lifestyle. If you’ve never purchased a Shark before, you might find the buying process a bit overwhelming. To make things easier for you, we’ve compiled this buying guide and included some crucial information that will help you out during your search.
The Most Important Factors to Consider When Buying Shark Vacuums
Shark has several different machines. Each one has its own unique features and design. Before you pull the trigger, consider the following factors.
-
Style
The first thing you should be thinking about is the style of the vacuum. No, we’re not talking about color and design. Style refers to the type of vacuum cleaner you prefer. Do you have a large home that could benefit from the power of an upright? Or, do you think your cleaning habits would fair better with a cordless stick vacuum?
Shark offers most styles of vacuums, so you shouldn’t have an issue finding one that you like. The company has even developed a brand-new hybrid vacuum. Dubbed the “Lift-Away”, these vacuums go from a standard upright vacuum to a portable canister model in just a few seconds.
-
Ergonomics/Ease of Use
You might not think that ergonomics is important when it comes to vacuuming. However, several studies have shown that vacuuming can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. It’s most common among those who work with vacuums regularly. Often times, these problems are all caused by poor design.
Vacuum cleaners should be easy to use. Cleaning your home shouldn’t be a painful process. Shark has many vacuums that are built with ease of use in mind. The company offers lightweight vacuums, which are great for those with arthritis or mobility issues. Shark even has a specific line that’s designed for better maneuverability. The “Rotator” line features a swivel base to make getting around corners and furniture a breeze.
-
Cleaning Effectiveness
Of course, you’re going to want a vacuum cleaner that can get the job done right! If you want the most powerful suction possible, stick with a large motor that has high fan speeds. Also, pay attention to specifications about airflow and horsepower if they’re available.
It’s good to consider other cleaning features as well. Motorized brush heads and powered attachments can make all the difference.
-
Dust Bin
The dust bin is where all that debris is going to collect. These days, all Shark vacuums have a bagless design for efficiency. There’s no need to worry about dealing with bag replacements. However, you need to pay attention to two key factors of the dust bin. These include the capacity and how it empties.
The capacity of the bin will determine how much you can clean before you need to take a break and remove the dust you collected. Shark vacuums vary quite a bit when it comes to capacity. Usually, uprights can hold the most debris.
If you suffer from allergies, you need to be careful about the emptying process. Vacuuming is considered to be the best form of cleaning for allergy sufferers. However, there’s always a risk of making contact with the dust if the bin is not designed for hands-free emptying. Shark offers some models that empty out with a touch of a button. All you have to do is hold the bin over a trash can, press the button, and get back to vacuuming.
-
Weight
Pushing and pulling a heavy vacuum around your house is not a great idea. Heavier models can cause repetitive strain injuries because of how hard they are to move around. If you want to make cleaning as easy as possible, stick with lightweight options. Aside from handheld models, stick vacuums tend to be the lightest of them all. On the other side of the spectrum, you have uprights. They can get quite hefty depending on the features included.
Benefits of Owing a Shark Vacuum Cleaner
-
Maneuverability
Perhaps the biggest benefit you can take advantage of maneuverability. We’re happy to say that most of Shark’s products are built with swivel bases. The company has done away with clunky two-wheel models of yesteryear. This all started with the “Rotator” and “Navigator” lines, which are still offered today.
-
Upright vs. Stick
When it comes to choices, Shark doesn’t disappoint. You’ll find both upright and stick models. Uprights typically have more power than sticks due to their large size.
Stick vacuums offer portability. The bulk is built into the handle, so they’re also lightweight and compact. No matter which type of vacuum you choose, Shark has implemented its cleaning technology to ensure that the vacuums can clean your home efficiently.
-
Corded vs. Cordless Power
There have always been arguments about whether or not corded or cordless vacuums are best. Cordless vacuums are praised for their versatility but criticized for power and operating time. Meanwhile, corded vacuums are known for being the most efficient. Yet, some people hate them because they’re limited to where you can use them.
Shark has a great reputation for producing great corded and cordless machines. You can easily find a device for you, no matter where you sit on the fence of that argument. It’s also worth noting that Shark has been instrumental in popularizing cordless vacuums. Some of the company’s most well-known machines are the cordless stick vacuums, which come with powerful rechargeable batteries.
-
Air Filtering
Vacuuming has the potential to kick up debris and make allergens airborne. This can be very problematic for allergy sufferers. Shark aims to get rid of this issue by implementing a great air filtration system. Most of the company’s machines work with HEPA air filters. They can get rid of dust particles and allergens as you clean, ensuring that you don’t inhale them.
-
Dust Catching
Another great perk of going with a Shark vacuum is the dust catching system. As we mentioned earlier, Shark no longer produces vacuums that use bags. The collection system is easy, efficient, and safe.
What Makes Shark so Special
Shark has managed to become of the most popular names in the vacuum industry because of what they bring to the market. The company manages to include many great features that homeowners need without the ridiculous price tag.
Vacuum cleaners can vary dramatically in cost. On the lower end, you can find a substandard machine for around 50 bucks. However, high-end machines with all the bells and whistles can cost upwards of a thousand dollars. Shark offers a nice middle ground. One of the reasons that the brand has become a household name is because they cater to a larger market. The products appeal to those who are looking for advanced features without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Shark vacuums are the new American classic. While the company hasn’t been around that long compared to some other big-name players in the industry, Shark has already made a great impact on homeowners around the world. Whether you choose to invest in an upright vacuum cleaner or a modern stick model, you won’t be disappointed with the cleaning abilities you can achieve. Thanks to all that a Shark vacuum can do, you may even find yourself wanting to tidy up more often.