How do you clean a Shark vacuum?

To clean a Shark vacuum, empty the dust bin after each use. Additionally, you may choose to lightly tap excess dirt and debris from the filters into a garbage can. Re-install the filters and dustbin once you're done. Also, regularly inspect the brush roll for wrapped hair, string, or lodged debris and carefully remove any obstructions using scissors. According to Danielle Lessing, VP of Global Product Development at SharkNinja, owners of Shark vacuums equipped with DuoClean Technology should “hand wash the soft roller as needed (using only water) and let it air dry for 24 hours before use.”

How do I clean a Shark vacuum filter?

Most Shark vacuums have reusable filters that you can rinse under water (without soap). They'll need at least 24 hours to air dry completely, but afterward you can re-install them. You'll know the filters are due for a cleaning when the airflow or suction decreases. All that said, read your Shark vacuum's user manual beforehand, to make sure your particular model has a rinsable filter. For Shark vacuums with washable filters, you will need to rinse the pre-motor filters every 30 days. Any household with pets or heavy dirt accumulation might need to rinse the filters more often. Washable HEPA filters only need to be rinsed every 12 months.

How do you take apart a Shark vacuum?

The specific instructions for disassembling a Shark vacuum will vary by model, but most models have a canister, floor head, hose, and wand. To efficiently take apart a Shark vacuum, consult the owner’s manual for the specific model to determine the best way to do so. Always make sure the vacuum is unplugged or removed from its charging stand before disassembly. To disassemble a Shark vacuum cleaner, you typically start by unhooking the hose from the body of the vacuum. Then, you remove the wand assembly. Next, lay the vacuum on its back and use a screwdriver (or other tool as indicated in the owner’s manual) to open the floor head compartment and remove the brush roll. Once you have completed these steps, you can then inspect the pieces or deep clean your vacuum before reassembling it as indicated.

How long do Shark vacuums last?

Most Shark vacuums have a five-year warranty, which shows you about how long they're built to last. However, use and care factors will have a large impact on how long a vacuum sticks around in your home. Consumer Reports cites the average lifespan of a vacuum cleaner as being eight years. Lessing suggests the following tips for extending the life of your vacuum: “If you don’t have our Anti-Hair Wrap Technology, we suggest removing hair from brush rolls at least once a month or sooner if you notice some jamming. Cleaning your filter frequently can also help extend your vacuum’s lifespan.”

The 9 Best Shark Vacuums of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

A side-by-side selection of seven stick Shark vacuum cleaners on rug in front of couch. — The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

There's a reason Shark vacuums are a top buy—the brand's offerings come with powerful suction, fully-sealed HEPA filtration systems, and comprehensive warranties, all at affordable prices. Plus, in recent years, the brand has come toe-to-toe with its more expensive rival, Dyson, to release innovative designs for robot vacuums and handheld models.

We stay up to date on Shark's inventory and test new vacuum models as often as possible. We've tested over 30 Shark vacuums in The Lab and at home, evaluating them on the same attributes as the rest of the vacuums we test. Each model went through rigorous testing for setup, maneuverability, noise level, effectiveness, and ease of emptying. We then compared all of the Shark vacuums to provide a variety—including handheld, stick, upright, and robot options—that will perform well in any home.

Testing Stats
Products Tested	33
Hours Spent Testing	46
Tests Performed	15
Unique Testers	27

October Prime Day Deal

During Amazon Prime's Big Deal Days, you can save big on a few of our top products:

Our best robot pick, Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop, is 31% off today. ($480, orig. $700)
Our best upright pick, the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum, is 32% off today. ($150, orig. $220)
Our best budget pick, Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro Complete Upright Vacuum, is 25% off today. ($150, orig. $200)
One of our tested picks, the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Stick Vacuum, is now 40% off today. ($150, orig. $250)

The Sales Aren't Over Yet! Save Up To 80% Off With These Extended Deals

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Shark Vertex Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Shark Navigator Swivel Pro Complete Vacuum at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Upright:

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Stick:

Shark Wandvac Cordless Stick Vacuum at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Wet-Dry:

Shark Vacmop Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Robot:

Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Handheld:

Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ Handheld Vacuum at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Carpet:

Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away Vacuum at Amazon

Jump to Review

We Still Like:

Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Stick Vacuum at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Other Options We Tested
How We Tested
What to Look For
Standout Features
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Effectiveness

5/5
Maneuverability

5/5
Ease of Emptying

5/5
Noise Level

4.5/5
Value

5/5

What We Like

Very long battery life
Folds in half for easy storage
Powerful suction on all surfaces
Vacuum basically moves itself

What We Don't Like

Collection canister could be bigger
No attachment storage
Handheld model is a bit heavy

The Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Cordless Stick Vacuum was the clear winner in our search for the best Shark vacuum—and best vacuum in general. Although we recently tested the Shark Cordless Pro with Clean Sense IQ, the newest model in this specific line, it did not compare in suction capability or ease of use to the older PowerFins model. The Shark Vertex PowerFins Vacuum features powerful suction on all surfaces, a storage-friendly handle, and generally quiet operation. As we discovered in The Lab, it has the power you need to leave your carpets deeply clean and your hardwood floors sparkling. This model earned a perfect rating for its effectiveness and didn't cause any debris to scatter in the process. In fact, it cleaned up every material in just a pass or two, regardless of flooring type. We found that the 1.4-quart dust bin empties easily, but given the vacuum’s powerful suction and long-lasting battery, we do wish it had more capacity.

However, the Shark vacuum does feature a flexible wand that is a real game changer for reaching under furniture. You can stop ignoring the dust bunnies under your sofa because Shark designed this vac with a hinge that gives the floor head greater reach. Plus, the Vertex series from Shark includes dual rollers in the floor head and one is equipped with grippy rubber fins to maintain contact with the floor. While making use of the 60-minute battery life, which is significant compared to many other cordless models, you can feel this technology working. We noted the vac essentially pulls itself, and we gave it a perfect rating for maneuverability.

Notably, you can also make this vacuum more compact for storage; the handle can fold in half. Its canister converts into a handheld vacuum you can use, too, but we found the handheld vac to be decently heavy. It may be fine for grabbing a few cobwebs, but don’t expect to use it overhead for a long time. There's also not a designated spot for attachments, which was disappointing, so you'll need to repurpose a box or bin to keep the attachments together in your home.

If you're looking for the powerful suction of an upright vacuum but the convenience of a cordless stick vacuum, this is the one for you. And with such a long battery life, you could vacuum your apartment multiple times or clean an entire two-story house before having to charge it. For all of these reasons, plus the easy three-minute assembly time, this is our top pick.

Price at time of publish: $430

_{Dimensions: 46.46 x 9.65 x 10.24 inches | Weight: 9.04 pounds | Cord Length: Cordless | Battery Life: 60 minutes | Bin Volume: 1.4 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 10.63 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Carpet, multi-surface, and hardwood}

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Lowe's

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Our Ratings

Effectiveness

4.5/5
Maneuverability

3.5/5
Ease of Emptying

4/5
Portability

4/5
Noise Level

5/5

What We Like

Multiple surface settings
Easy to assemble and empty
Has an 11-foot extension hose

What We Don't Like

Difficult to reach under furniture
Lacks a self-cleaning brush roll

For an upright vacuum that works well on carpets and bare floors, look no further than the Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro Complete Upright Vacuum, which is one of the most affordable models offered by Shark. This vacuum has adjustable suction levels and brush roll speeds to maximize your cleaning efforts. Just don’t expect it to be as light or nimble as a stick vacuum, but know you'll be pleased with its maneuverability and effectiveness. This model impressed us during testing with how easy it was to push across hardwood floors and carpets of all pile heights. We only docked it for its bulkier design, which made it difficult to reach under lower furniture. It also had poor transfer from a flat surface to a rugged one. In terms of effectiveness, it captured all the hair and debris in our testing area in fewer than five passes.

While the Navigator series is now one of Shark's more basic lines in terms of advanced features, this model still has a removable dust bin and plenty of cord length for cleaning average-sized rooms. An 11-foot-long extension hose also makes it easy to clean drapes or steps without lugging the entire unit with you. Plus, accessories like the motorized brush, upholstery tool, and crevice nozzle can be used to deep clean specific areas of your home. The fully sealed system has a HEPA filter that locks in dander and allergens. The dust bin is also quick and easy to empty. We gave the process of emptying the machine a perfect score, and we'll also noted that it's pretty quiet for a powerful pick. While there are definitely less expensive upright vacuums on the market, this model from Shark is a great choice if your home has a mixture of flooring surfaces, and you're hoping to stay in the $200 price range.

Price at time of publish: $200

_{Dimensions: 45.66 x 12 x 9.64 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume: 0.4 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 12 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Carpet, laminate, and hardwood}

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Target

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Our Ratings

Effectiveness

5/5
Maneuverability

5/5
Ease of Emptying

4/5
Portability

4.8/5
Noise Level

2.5/5

What We Like

Swivel steering for easy mobility
Brush roll shut-off for bare floors
Dust bin is easy to empty

What We Don't Like

No self-cleaning brush roll
Hair gets caught and tangled

The Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum blew us away with its performance, earning it high marks and the upright spot among other models. While this pick still has fewer vacuum features than others from Shark, the lift-away pod is a favorite among our testers and powerful suction will make it a go-to in any home. We gave it the highest possible marks for its simple setup—assembled and ready for use in less than five minutes. We found it difficult to move around on high-pile carpets and slightly docked its maneuverability rating for this reason, but we did note that the vacuum is not too heavy overall.

As a corded, upright model, you won’t have to worry about running out of battery power with this pick by your side. The 25-foot cord gives plenty of reach and the lift-away canister is useful for accessing hard-to-reach areas. We did find the canister was best used from the ground, rather than trying to carry it while also maneuvering the extension wand. This vacuum easily collected hair on every surface we tested it on, but we did have to cut it out of the brush roll after each use. We also really enjoyed this vacuum's brush roll shut-off feature, which made it easier to clean slick surfaces like hardwood and grouted floors. It helped minimize the amount of debris kicked out while suctioning, but you do have to move the vacuum directly over any mess when the brush roll is turned off.

This vacuum's anti-allergen seal and HEPA filter effectively trap dust—a major win for families with pets and allergies. You'll also enjoy the clear dust bin that allows you to see what you're capturing in real time, and it releases very easily with the help of built-in latches. At this price point, you can't beat the performance and easy-to-use design that makes this vacuum a favorite among our team.

Price at time of publish: $220

_{Dimensions: 45.5 x 11.4 x 14.9 inches | Weight: 15.96 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume: 0.9 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 11 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hardwood, carpet, and grouted foors}

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Setup

4.9/5
Effectiveness

4.6/5
Noise Level

4.2/5
Maneuverability

5/5
Ease of Emptying

4.7/5

What We Like

Self-emptying base
Self-cleaning brush roll
Easy to maneuver

What We Don't Like

Finicky initial results
Not best for whole-house cleaning

If you live in an apartment with a small dog or cat and you don’t have room to store a large upright vacuum, this convertible hand-and-stick vacuum from Shark is a great option. While we initially had a few issues when first testing this model, it did impress us with new technology like a self-emptying base and a self-cleaning brush roll. The setup process is a little complicated for this model, as the individual vacuum pieces are not labeled, which makes the directions slightly confusing. However, we still managed to assemble this vacuum in just 10 minutes. When it came time for testing, our first two rounds of testing on carpet and hard flooring did not go smoothly. The vacuum shut off repeatedly and alerted us that it needed to be emptied, despite having no debris in the dust bin, and it spit larger debris across the floor. However, it suddenly started performing flawlessly when we moved to cleaning our set of testing stairs. We ended up re-testing the vacuum on the other flooring surfaces and it then began performing very well.

We’re not sure what the cause for this initial poor performance was, we did note that we weren’t completely confident in our assembly as the directions did not offer great detail on how to ensure all parts were clicked into place. Nevertheless, once this vacuum was performing well, we found it excelled at picking up all types of debris and no hair was caught in the brush roller. The swivel head makes it easy to maneuver under lower pieces of furniture and it’s lightweight enough to easily transcend a flight of steps. Because of the small dust bin size, we think this vacuum is more suited for apartments or townhomes, but it could also serve as a quick mess-cleaning tool in busy households.

How It Performed Long-Term

Because of this vacuum’s initial quirks, we wanted to use it in one of our homes for a longer period of time to ensure that it was actually just a fluke start, rather than a long-term performance concern. We are thrilled to say that this vacuum has performed well because we started using it in one of our homes over a two-month period. The self-emptying dock is a game changer and we’ve even managed to squeeze six weeks' worth of debris before emptying the dock (Shark notes that it can hold up to 30 days worth of dust). While we’ve noticed that it has a tendency to pull pet hair behind it, requiring several passes on carpet, we really appreciate the speedy clean it offers and fast charging time.

Price at time of publish: $330

_{Dimensions: 43.5 x 8.73 x 11 inches | Weight: 13.85 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: Not listed | Bin Volume: 0.13 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 8.35 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hardwood, carpet, and grouted floor}

The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Dera Burreson

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Effectiveness

5/5
Maneuverability

5/5
Ease of Emptying

5/5
Noise Level

5/5
Value

5/5

What We Like

Very easy to assemble
Lightweight design
Has a light on the floor head

What We Don't Like

Must purchase more refill pads and cleaner
Must continuously hold the power button

Capture dry debris and spiff up your hard floors with a multi-purpose vacuum like the Shark VACMOP—one of our favorite cheap vacuum cleaners. It is designed for use on sealed hardwood, tile, or laminate floors, and glides effortlessly on them all. A tank for Shark cleaning solution, which is included in your purchase, is built into its body. The floor head uses replaceable mop pads that include a unique chamber for collecting debris, and it features an easy-release button so you don't have to touch the dirty pad when your cleaning session is done, too.

In our testing, the VACMOP earned a perfect score across every category. We found it to be very lightweight, and a great option for small spaces or those with limited mobility. While it offers an easier way to mop floors, keep in mind that you’ll need to hold the power button down to trigger the vacuum function of this wet-dry vac. It's also easy to spray cleaning solution onto your floor, thanks to a well-placed button on the handle, but you may also need to refill the solution often if you're cleaning a larger space frequently. However, the light on the floor head allows you to see into the nooks and crannies of your home and catch debris hiding under furniture. Overall, this vacuum mop combination is an affordable and easy-to-use option for apartment dwellers or busy households that need a quick cleaning tool for daily use.

Price at time of publish: $100

_{Dimensions: 47.87 x 9.5 x 5.3 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 20 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.03 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 10 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hardwood, tile, laminate, and vinyl}

Person using Shark VM252 Vacmop Pro Cordless Wet/Dry Stick Vacuum to clean wood flooring — The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

The 8 Best Cordless Stick Vacuums of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Setup

4/5
Effectiveness

5/5
Noise Level

5/5
Maneuverability

4.9/5
Ease of Emptying

4.5/5

What We Like

Effective at cleaning pet hair
Cleans in multiple passes
Spot cleaning feature

What We Don't Like

Does not self-empty in mop mode
Setting up zones can be tedious

This 2-in-1 vacuum and mop robot from Shark is by far one of our favorite models from the brand. We’ve had the opportunity to test it in a variety of real-world settings to understand its performance completely. While our initial setup experience was a bit confusing because there is not much guidance given on setting up the home base and emptying station, we found the actual programming of the vacuum to be a breeze. The Shark app leads you through a series of programming settings and the robot maps out your home. You can also tweak the map to get it exactly how you want and establish no-go zones and carpeted zones and name different rooms. This part was the most tedious of using this vacuum as you can go into as much or as little detail as you want.

The actual performance of the vacuum was also impressive. We noted in multiple settings that it’s incredibly effective at picking up debris and pet hair. We also love that it can function as a vacuum and mop simultaneously. You can set a schedule for this robot to run regularly in your home and it will automatically return to the base once the cleaning session is complete. We were disappointed to learn that this robot only self-empties when in vacuum mode, so we did manually empty it after using it in mop mode (a favorite feature among our team). One of the main appeals of this vacuum is its Matrix Clean technology, which moves across floors in a grid pattern, effectively passing every spot multiple times so no debris is left behind. You can also notify the robot for spot cleanings, which is great if a sudden mess occurs or if you have a high-traffic area in your home that you’d like to pay special attention to.

While we recognize that an over $500 price tag definitely places this robot vacuum in a splurge category, we think it’s well worth the investment. For busy families and homes with lots of hard flooring, it can be a time saver and offer peace of mind by removing one chore from your weekly routine.

How It Performed Long-Term

In our long-term testing, we’ve found this robot vacuum to be consistent at effectively cleaning hard flooring. We have found that labeling certain areas of a home is key because the robot did mop a carpeted area, but thankfully it was not soaked too much. Despite this hiccup, we still used this mop daily for two months and are continuing to use it. Tufts of cat hair and mud are no match for this vacuum mop’s cleaning capabilities!

Price at time of publish: $700

_{Dimensions: 5.69 x 14.96 x 21.4 inches | Weight: 14.5 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 120 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.24 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 5.72 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hardwood, carpet, and grout floor}

The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Dera Burreson

The 9 Best Robot Vacuums of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Effectiveness

5/5
Maneuverability

5/5
Ease of Emptying

3/5
Portability

5/5
Noise Level

5/5

What We Like

Pet hair brush tool
Large dust bin
No hair wrap on brush tool

What We Don't Like

Difficult to empty
Lack of attachment storage

The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ Handheld Vacuum excelled in all of our lab tests, but it really stood out when it came to sucking up pet hair. If you constantly find yourself reaching for a vacuum to zap pet hair off of your couches or rugs, this is the vacuum for you. In addition to brush and crevice tools, this handheld vacuum comes with a pet power brush tool that's specifically designed to loosen and suck up pet hair. This attachment will work well on furniture, linens, and even your car seats and floor mats. We were also impressed by this vacuum's ability to suck up pet hair without any becoming tangled in the pet hair brush tool.

In addition to sucking up pet hair quickly, we love this vacuum's large dust bin because you won't have to worry about emptying it mid-clean. When it is time to empty the dust bin, keep in mind that it's a little tricky to pull apart. We found that if we didn't properly place the two pieces together, the vacuum lost suction power once restarted. We also had to pull some hair out of the dust cup from crevices that did not initially empty. This Shark model is a little bulky for a handheld vacuum, but we think the extra-large dust bin makes it worth it. The attachments are what make this vacuum really shine, but there's no included storage for them, so you'll need to repurpose a box or bin to make sure you don't lose them. Overall, we said this vacuum's performance was very impressive given its size and single suction setting.

Price at time of publish: $100

_{Dimensions: 4.3 x 20.8 x 3.8 inches | Weight: 2.8 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 15 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.45 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 2.55 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hardwood, carpet, and grouted floors}

The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek
The Spruce / Rachel Marek

Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum

Amazon

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Our Ratings

Effectiveness

4.8/5
Maneuverability

4/5
Ease of Emptying

5/5
Portability

4.5/5
Noise Level

5/5

What We Like

Adjustable suction power
Easy to maneuver around corners
Brush roller turns off for hard flooring

What We Don't Like

Lift-away feature is slightly difficult

Similar to the Navigator series, this early Rotator design from Shark is a great option if your home has lots of carpeted areas. We found the adjustable suction power to be a game changer for effectively cleaning all types of carpet. This model was simple to set up and it also had an average noise level equivalent to a hair dryer. We really enjoyed using the hard flooring mode, which turns off the brush roller to prevent debris from being spit in every direction. When using this mode, we found it’s best to vacuum directly over debris, as it does not easily suck up debris that may be tangential to the motor head without the extra help from the brush roll.

We experimented with the three attachments when cleaning stairs and found the crevice tool to be the most helpful, as the other two attachments are really designed with upholstery and drapes in mind. While cleaning the stairs was a bit time-consuming, since we opted to use the extension hose, rather than the motor head, the vacuum’s suction was still plenty powerful through this alternative mode. We also appreciated using the lift-away pod to carry around while cleaning curtains or reaching light fixtures. However, this pod was a bit sticky to release and required more force than we expected. All in all, we don’t think you can go wrong investing in this upright vacuum with a powerful motor and adjustable cleaning modes to tackle all of the floorings in your home.

Price at time of publish: $300

_{Dimensions: 46.06 x 11.93 x 13.98 inches | Weight: 15.5 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume: 0.88 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: Not listed | Compatible Floor Type: Hardwood, carpet, and grouted floor}

The Spruce / Henry Wortock
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Dera Burreson
The Spruce / Dera Burreson

The 11 Best Commercial Vacuums of 2023

Walmart

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Our Ratings

Effectiveness

4.5/5
Maneuverability

4/5
Ease of Emptying

5/5
Noise Level

3/5
Setup

5/5

What We Like

Good suction on all surfaces
Converts to a handheld model
Very flexible and nimble

What We Don't Like

On the noisier side
Doesn’t stand up on its own

A good stick vacuum should be lightweight, but not necessarily light-duty. The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Stick Vacuum used to be our Best Stick pick, and we think it's still a great option even if it doesn't have the latest technology or slimmest design. This model impressed us with its maneuverability and effective suction on all types of flooring. It needed help transitioning from a hard surface to a rug. However, it was nimble and flexible when navigating our living room obstacle course. We found that it seamlessly reached under the couch. It even twisted and turned around the coffee table, too.

All in all, the vac turned out to be a great cleaning partner that never quits on you because it's not powered by a battery. It was able to easily pick up all of the debris on a low-pile carpet, but we docked a bit off its effectiveness score for slightly struggling on a high-pile rug and not easily navigating the hardwood floor. Notably, at nearly 4 feet, this vacuum is much taller than expected. Because it doesn’t stand up on its own, either, you’ll have to lean it against your furniture or gently rest it on the floor if you need to pause your vacuuming session. However, like many other stick vacs, you can use the Shark Rocket in handheld mode, with or without an extension, to clean furniture, ceilings, stairs, and more.

Price at time of publish: $200

_{Dimensions: 46 x 9.8 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 8.2 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume: 0.31 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 8.5 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hardwood, carpet, and grouted floor}

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong
The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

		Effectiveness	Maneuverability	Ease of Emptying	Noise Level	Value
Best Overall: Shark Vertex Cordless Stick Vacuum	Amazon	5	5	5	4.5	5
Best Budget: Shark Navigator Swivel Pro Complete Vacuum	Amazon	4.5	3.5	4	5	4
Best Upright: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum	Amazon	5	5	4	2.5	5
Best Stick: Shark Wandvac Cordless Stick Vacuum	Amazon	4.6	5	4.7	4.2	4.7
Best Wet-Dry: Shark Vacmop Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum	Amazon	5	5	5	5	5
Best Robot: Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop	Amazon	5	4.9	4.5	5	4.5
Best Handheld: Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ Handheld Vacuum	Amazon	5	5	3	5	4
Best for Carpet: Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away Vacuum	Amazon	4.8	4	5	5	4.5
We Still Like: Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Stick Vacuum	Amazon	4.5	4	5	3	4.5

Final Verdict

Our Best Overall pick for a Shark vacuum is the Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Cordless Stick Vacuum, since this cordless model has long battery life, a flexible handle for storing it in your home, and powerful suction on all types of flooring. The Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum, our Best Upright pick, is a great choice, too. This more basic Shark vacuum lacks features like a self-cleaning brush roll, but still qualifies as a quality upright vacuum, thanks to its fully-sealed system with HEPA filtration and a lift-away canister option.

Shark HydroVac Cordless Pro XL 3-in-1 Vacuum, Mop & Self-Cleaning System: As excited as we were for this vacuum's design, we had to terminate our testing of this vacuum due to severe leakage from the clean solution tank. This vacuum is advertised as a mopping option for sealed hard floors and a vacuum for area rugs, and it has a separate switch that alternates between the mop and vacuum setting. We could not keep the "vacuum" setting engaged on this unit, as it would independently switch to the mop setting and release cleaning solution, wetting the testing floor and nearby rug.

Shark Cordless Pro with Clean Sense IQ: As we noted above, this model is the newest version of the Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum, our Best Overall pick. But, it doesn't have the same cleaning capabilities as its older counterpart. While we were pretty impressed with this vacuum's effectiveness on carpet and hard flooring, we noted that the vacuum struggled to pick up pet hair off of upholstery with any attachment. Debris also fell out of the vacuum whenever we changed attachments. Even with its initial cleaning power, we think the debris falling out doesn't make this model worth its price point, especially given the overall mediocre performance.

Shark Stratos Cordless with Clean Sense IQ: Despite Shark's claim that this vacuum has the strongest suction power of any of its models, thanks to HyperVelocity, it has a few major design flaws that left us feeling frustrated during testing. Rather than picking up more debris when pulling backward on carpet, this vacuum dragged debris behind it, which resulted in more effort on our part. In our experience, the top-heavy design, although common in most cordless stick vacuums, combined with the suction can leave arms feeling fatigued and sore after just 10 minutes of testing. Overall, we expected more from a model that's claiming to be one of the best designs yet, especially at a price point comparable to Dyson's vacuums.

We've tested well over 100 vacuums side-by-side in The Lab and at home—several of which come from Shark. During our tests in The Lab, our testers completed the setup of each model first, timing how long it took to complete this process and how thorough the instructions were. From there, we put each pick through its paces, and evaluated its effectiveness on hardwood and three types of carpet. The vacuums were tasked with cleaning up measured amounts of hair, popcorn kernels, and a parent's constant companion: Cheerios. While testing, we noted how many passes were needed to clean up the materials, if any hair was tangled in the brush roll, and the vacuums' weight, noise level, and portability.

In addition, we gathered insights on how well each pick transitioned from smooth floors to a carpet, while testing its maneuverability in our living room-inspired obstacle course. We also noted how long cordless models stayed charged. Our testers tested the ease of emptying the dust bins, noting if the process was messy, as expected, or thrillingly simple. At home, additional vacuums were rated on the same attributes in real-world environments and situations. Lastly, when determining the overall value of each product, we considered our entire experience with the product in comparison to the price. Our editors took all of the consistently applied testing data that was gathered at The Lab and at home, and boiled it down to the Shark vacuums we believe are the very best.

Type

Shark makes a variety of vacuum types including upright, stick, and handheld models, all of which appear on our list. Choose the type of vacuum that fits your cleaning objectives and preferences—do you prefer to spot clean in short bursts, or do you lean toward deep cleaning sessions of your entire home? Do you want to do as little hands-on cleaning as possible, or do you like the satisfaction of a job well done? These answers can inform your choice.

Upright vacuums typically offer the most suction and dust bin capacity, but stick vacuums (like our Best Overall pick, the Shark Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum) are super convenient for daily cleaning and maintenance of floors. A Shark handheld vacuum is ideal for small cleaning tasks in the house or car, and takes up minimal storage space.

Corded vs. Cordless

When shopping for a vacuum, the decision between a corded and cordless model depends on your specific needs and priorities. A corded vacuum offers an unlimited runtime and is a good choice for whole-house cleaning. Pay attention to the length of the cord to minimize how often you’ll need to stop and switch outlets, though. Most upright vacuums have 25 to 30-foot-long cords. For context, our Best Upright pick, the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum, has a 25-foot cord.

Cordless Shark vacuum cleaners offer convenience, but are limited to shorter cleaning jobs since runtime is dependent on battery life. Most models will last between 10 and 40 minutes. But, take note: if you plan to use the vacuum cleaner on plush, high-pile carpet or use a higher setting, you’ll have a shorter runtime. The award for longest runtime among our standard picks goes to our Best Overall, the Shark Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum, at 60 minutes. This is not counting our Best Robot, the Shark AI Ultra 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop, which is a different type of vacuum and can run on its own for up to 120 minutes.

Included Accessories

Accessories shouldn’t be an afterthought when shopping for a Shark vacuum, because the right tools can help you complete your cleaning tasks more quickly and easily. Accessories typically include a crevice tool for cleaning tighter spots around appliances, behind furniture, or in the car; a duster to gently grab dust from soft surfaces like lampshades and curtains; and a wand extension tool that'll help you reach spots above the floor.

The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ Handheld Vacuum, our choice for Best Handheld, surprised us not only with its effective performance but also with its number of accessories, including a motorized pet brush attachment. This vacuum proved to be a great tool for refreshing upholstery and clearing pet beds of extra hair. If sleek accessories are a priority for you, you'll want to take a close look at it.

Washable Filter

While some vacuums have filters that need regular replacement, a washable filter is both easy to maintain and minimizes the recurring expense of buying new filters. By regularly cleaning a Shark vacuum's filter, you can keep your vacuum operating at peak levels of suction and particle capture. Plus, you'll know that it's not being overworked. This feature is very handy for any household, but particularly one that's conscious of their environmental impact or sticking to a budget. Washable filters come with many Shark vacuums, including the model We Still Like, the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Stick Vacuum.

Self-Cleaning Brush Roll

Anyone with long hair or substantial levels of pet hair understands the struggle that comes from a tangled brush roll. Instead of using scissors to clear stuck-on hair, some new Shark vacuums are equipped with a self-cleaning brush roll designed to clear accumulated hair and fur as it cleans, thanks to silicone fins that automatically grab hair from the bristles. Our Best Stick pick, the Shark WANDVAC with Self-Empty Base, has a self-cleaning brush roll that's also detachable, so the vacuum can easily convert into a compact handheld tool. Speaking of vacuums with a self-empty base, this feature is also a game changer for users with allergies who don't enjoy the cloud of debris that puffs out when emptying standard vacuum bins.

Detachable Canister

Some Shark vacuums are equipped with a detachable canister that adds "lift-away" functionality to the machine. This is useful if you want to do a lot of above-floor cleaning, such as removing dust or debris from stairs, ceilings, and upholstery. Our Best Upright pick, the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum, has a detachable canister that we enjoyed using while cleaning stairs and upholstery. To make use of this feature, just remove the detachable pod, and carry the canister with you. Use the hose of the vacuum and the appropriate attachment to reach elevated areas of your home and clean them thoroughly.

You should keep in mind when shopping that Shark vacuums offer both powered and non-powered lift-away canisters. When it comes to powered lift-away canisters, you're able to use the motorized floor head with its spinning brush roll while in lift-away mode.

Three Shark Navigator vacuums attempt to suck up Cheerios on a high-pile carpet during The Spruce's vacuum test at The Lab. — The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

FAQ

How do you clean a Shark vacuum?

To clean a Shark vacuum, empty the dust bin after each use. Additionally, you may choose to lightly tap excess dirt and debris from the filters into a garbage can. Re-install the filters and dustbin once you're done.
Also, regularly inspect the brush roll for wrapped hair, string, or lodged debris and carefully remove any obstructions using scissors. According to Danielle Lessing, VP of Global Product Development at SharkNinja, owners of Shark vacuums equipped with DuoClean Technology should “hand wash the soft roller as needed (using only water) and let it air dry for 24 hours before use.”
How do I clean a Shark vacuum filter?

Most Shark vacuums have reusable filters that you can rinse under water (without soap). They'll need at least 24 hours to air dry completely, but afterward you can re-install them. You'll know the filters are due for a cleaning when the airflow or suction decreases.
All that said, read your Shark vacuum's user manual beforehand, to make sure your particular model has a rinsable filter. For Shark vacuums with washable filters, you will need to rinse the pre-motor filters every 30 days. Any household with pets or heavy dirt accumulation might need to rinse the filters more often. Washable HEPA filters only need to be rinsed every 12 months.
How do you take apart a Shark vacuum?

The specific instructions for disassembling a Shark vacuum will vary by model, but most models have a canister, floor head, hose, and wand. To efficiently take apart a Shark vacuum, consult the owner’s manual for the specific model to determine the best way to do so. Always make sure the vacuum is unplugged or removed from its charging stand before disassembly.
To disassemble a Shark vacuum cleaner, you typically start by unhooking the hose from the body of the vacuum. Then, you remove the wand assembly. Next, lay the vacuum on its back and use a screwdriver (or other tool as indicated in the owner’s manual) to open the floor head compartment and remove the brush roll. Once you have completed these steps, you can then inspect the pieces or deep clean your vacuum before reassembling it as indicated.
How long do Shark vacuums last?

Most Shark vacuums have a five-year warranty, which shows you about how long they're built to last. However, use and care factors will have a large impact on how long a vacuum sticks around in your home. Consumer Reports cites the average lifespan of a vacuum cleaner as being eight years.
Lessing suggests the following tips for extending the life of your vacuum: “If you don’t have our Anti-Hair Wrap Technology, we suggest removing hair from brush rolls at least once a month or sooner if you notice some jamming. Cleaning your filter frequently can also help extend your vacuum’s lifespan.”

Cordless Vacuum Testers — The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Erica Puisis has been a writer for The Spruce since 2017. She's an experienced product researcher with years of experience in covering large and small appliances. For this piece, she used in-depth research and evaluations on features, cleaning modes, and accessories, in addition to the firsthand insights from our product testers at home and in The Lab, to inform her writing. Puisis also conducted an interview with Danielle Lessing, VP of Global Product Development at SharkNinja, to learn more about the features of Shark vacuums.

Marisa Viglione is a senior commerce editor for The Spruce and has been in The Lab for our vacuum tests. She has firsthand knowledge of how our vacuum tests were both developed and performed, as well as where each product excelled or fell short. Before conducting lab testing, Casciano scoured brand and retailer websites, and considered price, verified customer reviews, features, and design when selecting the vacuums to test. She also considered the latest technology, practicality, and real-life cleaning situations. Emma Phelps, an associate editor for The Spruce, also assisted in updating this roundup with new product picks based on our latest testing. Phelps also previously updated this roundup to note the latest Shark vacuums we tested that didn't quite make our final list.

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