“Powerful Suction”: Shark Freestyle Pro Cordless Vacuum Review

We purchased Shark's Freestyle Pro Cordless Vacuum so our writer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

For spot cleaning and quick spruce ups, a cordless stick vacuum is a great alternative to a full-size vacuum. Without the hassle of a cord, you can move easily from room to room. While most cordless stick vacuums are less powerful than upright or canister vacuums, the manufacturers of the Shark Freestyle Pro Cordless Vacuum say it can pick us as much as a full-size model. I used this vacuum on various surfaces throughout my home. Read on to see if it delivered on the hype.   

Right out of the box, the Shark Freestyle Pro was straightforward to assemble. The instructions were clear and easy to follow. All but one of the parts snap into place. You need a screwdriver for the bolt that secures the handle to the main body. I had the vacuum put together in less than two minutes.

The Shark Freestyle Pro's two-speed brush roll is gentle enough for hardwood floors with powerful suction for high-pile carpets. I was very impressed with its performance. The vacuum picked up dry dog food and cereal that had spilled on my hardwood kitchen floor. I used it on the high-traffic rug in my entryway, which collects leaves and other debris. The vacuum sucked up everything, even ground-in dirt and pet hair. It also worked well on the high-pile rugs in my living room and dining room. 

The vacuum has a fairly short runtime. On the high-speed carpet setting, it will last for about 12 minutes. The lower bare floor setting gives you a little more time—17 minutes or so. I have a large, two-story home. I was able to vacuum the entire house in one pass. However, I would have liked to go over the high-pile rugs more thoroughly. Once the battery is exhausted, it can take four to seven hours to recharge fully. 

At 7.5 pounds, the Shark Freestyle Pro is heavier than other cordless stick vacuums on the market, but it’s still far more convenient than lugging a full-size vacuum around. It has a compact floor nozzle and a reclining handle so that it can go under low furniture. The handle swivels nicely, but the floor head is a bit clunky. It doesn’t have a great turning radius. Overall, I was still pleased with the vacuum’s maneuverability. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the vacuum have any noteworthy features? 

I like that the vacuum can stand on its own in its full upright position, whether in the charging base or during use. This makes it easy to store and far less likely to tip over when it’s out in the open. The vacuum has an extra-large dustbin, which can be lifted out and emptied easily. After vacuuming my entire house, the dustbin wasn’t even half full. The LED headlights, which illuminate dark corners and hard-to-see areas, are another nice perk.  

How does it work on pet hair? 

I have two small dogs, but they are hypoallergenic and don’t shed very much. That said, I still find some pet hair on the carpets, and the Shark Freestyle was able to remove it in one pass. Other vacuums come with attachments intended for upholstered items such as dog beds and couch cushions, but the Shark doesn’t have any specialized tools. The vacuum is light enough to lift and run over the dog bed, but it didn’t hit all of the nooks and crannies. 

Does the vacuum come with any attachments? 

I was disappointed that the Shark Freestyle Pro doesn’t come with any attachments or accessories. Without these extra tools, the Shark Freestyle is limited to floor-cleaning. I tested another cordless stick vacuum in the same price range, which had attachments that allowed for more thorough cleaning. I would have appreciated some tools to tackle upholstery, windowsills, and shelves.  

How could the design be improved? 

Unlike some cordless stick vacuums, which have the ability to convert to a handheld vacuum, the Shark Freestyle Pro can only operate in one configuration. Like most upright vacuums, I found it a bit cumbersome to use on the stairs. While it’s great for basic floor cleaning, the Freestyle Pro isn’t the best option for all surfaces in my home. 

The battery indicator light is confusing. Even after charging overnight, the battery light continued flashing. I assumed it would stop blinking when it was fully charged. The owner’s manual states that the entire blue oval around the power button flashes while it is charging, and only half of it will flash when the unit is fully charged.  

Shark Freestyle Pro Cordless Vacuum vs. the Competition 

The MOOSOO Cordless Vacuum has a comparable price tag, and it offers more bells and whistles. This model converts from a stick into a handheld vacuum. I liked that I was able to clean more than just floors with this vacuum. While the Shark Freestyle doesn’t come with any extras, the MOOSOO has two useful attachments—a crevice nozzle and an oval brush. It isn’t quite as powerful as the Shark, but its 2-in-1 design makes it much more versatile. 

Retailing for $85, the Dirt Devil Versa 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum is a more affordable option. It can be used on a variety of surfaces, including hardwood floors, rugs, and carpets. The Versa converts to a handheld vacuum for smaller jobs, adding to its versatility. Both lightweight and powerful, reviewers say it’s a good choice for spot cleanings throughout the week.