Best Shark Vacuum: Quick Menu
1. Shark vacuum deals
2. Quick list
3. Shark vacuum types
4. Best vacuum: Shark Stratos Cordless IZ862H
5. Best value: Shark Vertex HZ2002
6. Best handheld: Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+
7. Best for large homes: Shark Vertex Upright AZ2002
8. Best robot vac: Shark IQ Robot Self-Empty XL RV1001AE
9. Best vacuum for small spaces: Shark WandVac System
10. Best for cars: Shark MessMaster
11. Best 2-in-1: Shark Rocket HV301
12. Best wet-and-dry: Shark HydroVac Pro XL WD201
13. Best for carpets: Shark StainStriker PX201
14. Best affordable vacuum: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum NV352
15. Comparisons
16. Shark terminology explainer
17. FAQs
18. How we review Shark vacuum cleaners
The best Shark vacuums are hot commodities. They're reliable, long-lasting, and guaranteed to sweep up even the grossest of messes, so they're enticing all-year around, let alone in the lead-up to festive hosting. But given there are quite a few to choose from, which is best for your abode? We'll help you figure it out.
Whether you need to clean your four-legged child's hair from the rug on the reg or you've set up shop in a small place that doesn't require much in the way of vacuuming (lucky you), there's a model that's dying to make its way into your hallway closet — trust us. Though all of the models are different, the common denominator of these gadgets is their performance.
We've plugged the best vacuum models the brand has to offer, and we'll give you some guidance on how to sweep up a good deal ahead of the New Year. And for the newly initiated, we also have a rundown of Shark terminology for you to sink your teeth into. Every household has different wants and needs, so this guide has a mix of cordless vacuums we're convinced are the best, premium handheld vacuums for quick mid-week cleans, plus the best vacuum for pet hair if you've had enough of the fluff!
The best Shark vacuums: everything you need to know
Why you can trust Real Homes Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
The best Shark vacuum deals
With such tempting offers, you're probably going to want to move up your spring cleaning ahead of schedule — and we can't blame you.
The quick list
Want the TLDR version? We've got the basics covered for you right here, and we have a feeling you'll be swept up by all of these enticing features.
One of the newer Shark releases happens to be its most beloved. Not only is the Shark Stratos one of the best vacuums for pet hair, but it’s easy to use thanks to its Clean Sense IQ technology, which automatically controls the suction depending on how dirty (or clean) your floors are.
Although the Shark Vertex HZ2002 isn’t cordless, the lightweight design boasts great value for your money if cordless options are slightly out of budget. Plus, it does transform into a handheld vacuum that will spruce up your space in no time.
Coined the ultimate handheld vacuum cleaner, the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ is ideal for those who need to do frequent quick cleanups after their furry friends. The mini motorized attachment does a particularly tough job on rugs.
Billed as Shark's most powerful vacuum, Shark Vertex Upright Vacuum AZ2002 is also the brand’s most premium upright design. Though it’s likely to catch everything in its path, do note it’s on the heavier side.
With powerful suction and the same anti-hair wrap feature involved with full-size vacuums, this robot is a winner for pet-friendly homes and will cut your cleaning time down tremendously. You will have to pay extra attention to the edges between the area rugs and hard floors and need a space for its charging base.
Calling all small-space dwellers: we’ve found your next vacuum, and it’s the Shark WandVac System. Keep in mind that the 2-in-1 vac is designed to be a handheld-to-stick model, not the other way around, so its suction is considerably better as a handheld vacuum. This means that if you’re in a studio or perhaps a dorm, this is all you’ll need.
If you have a smaller home and don’t want to store a full-size wet-dry vac, the Shark MessMaster is 100% a worthwhile investment. Our reviewer Camryn loved its powerful suction and said that she found it incredibly useful that you can use any type of plastic bag inside the vacuum’s dust cup. She said it worked extremely well for cleaning her car, thanks to the long cord and crevice tool.
Powerful and reliable, the Shark HV301 Rocket Ultra-Light Vacuum is a welcome tool for those who particularly need help getting rid of dirt and hair on carpets. It comes with a variety of add-ons and can be transformed into a handheld vacuum when tough-to-reach places present themselves. However, it's not quite as maneuverable as it may seem and it's not as light, either.
For those with hard floors and who clean regularly, this Hydrovac is a great option for refreshing your space. Our staff writer Eve Smallman loved its ability to clean hard floors, as well as how lightweight it was. She said it’s perfect for freshening up the space in place of a heavy, cumbersome mop.
If your home has lots of carpet or area rugs and is prone to getting messy, the Shark StainStriker is a brilliant option. Our contributing editor and former deputy editor Camille said it was so easy to unpack and uncomplicated to use. She tried it on dried out stains and found that it removed them all pretty much instantly. The only negatives that she had were that it didn’t clean up dried bike oil stains and was a little loud.
A staple in Shark’s ever-growing collection, the Shark Navigator NV352 is a model you can trust. This reliable upright offers incredible value, suction power, and even HEPA filtration. Though it might appear a bit bulky, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s rather easy to transport and fairly lightweight.
Types of Shark vacuums
Curious what's available? A little bit of everything, actually. We told you all different types of homes would have a suitable pick.
- Stick — great for apartments and smaller homes, even if you have pets. These usually transform to become a handheld vacuum too. You'll have to empty your stick vacuum more frequently than larger models. These can be corded or cordless, with the latter being more expensive.
- Upright — corded or cordless, these are bulkier to store but are great for busy homes or larger homes as they usually have a larger dust cup to store more dirt.
- Robot — handy to have as a secondary vacuum, but you might find it a bit difficult if this is your main vacuum. A robot vacuum makes keeping up with cleaning easy, but it can't really be used to deep clean as they struggle to get into corners, and you can't use them on furniture.
- Handheld — handy to have as a secondary vacuum, especially if your main vacuum can't transform into a handheld. These are usually super lightweight and they make easy work of cleaning corners, upholstery, and also your car. They're usually super affordable at around $100.
The best Shark vacuums to buy in 2023
Now is the time to consider whether you'd prefer the convenience of a cordless vacuum or if you're happy to go corded and save some money. Do you foresee using the item regularly, or perhaps just once a week? Be sure to set a price limit, too, and then consider what type of features you'll need:
The best Shark vacuum you can buy
Buy if
💕 You need to clean up after your pet: The PowerFins HairPro and Anti-Hair-Wrap features can help.
💕 You want something easy: The Flexology tech allows the vacuum to bend instead of you.
💕 You have a small space: The stick folds, making storage easy after your cleaning sesh.
Don't buy if
❌ You're on a budget: The price tag is hefty.
❌ You're uncertain: This is an investment piece that you'll likely have for a long time.
❌ You don't have a pet: You might not need the extra components if you're not cleaning up after a dog or cat.
The bottom line
✨ Shark Stratos Cordless IZ862H This is the crème de la crème from the brand, and the new release has anything and everything you could possibly need from a vacuum — all while being easy to use and store. However, it'll cost ya.
Shark Stratos is the latest line of vacuum cleaners from the brand. It has all the features we love and more. It's one of the best vacuums for pet hair, and it's undoubtedly the best Shark vacuum you can buy. It excels at picking up dust, debris, and pet hair as both a stick cordless vacuum and a handheld vacuum.
This vacuum includes the following types of technology: CleanSenseIQ, Multi-Flex, DuoClean, PowerFins HairPro, Anti-Hair-Wrap, Odor Neutralizer, HyperVelocity Plus, and a Self-Cleaning brush roll.
Tried, tested, and very much loved by our head ecommerce editor Annie, this vacuum is super easy to use thanks to Clean Sense IQ technology, which automatically controls the suction depending on how dirty (or clean) your floors are. She found it more than capable of cleaning her spacious two-bedroom apartment, and it easily picked up the hair her pug leaves behind without getting stuck in the brush roll. Another feature we love is that it works with recyclable pods to emit a lovely smell as you clean (ideal for dealing with lingering pet odors). It comes equipped with Flexology tech so the vac bends instead of you, and it glides across floor types like a dream.
Another incredible thing about this vacuum is that the stick folds, so it can stand upright and out of the way. This makes it great for apartments and smaller homes. This particular model comes with a pet hair removal tool and a bag for keeping all the tools together.
Read our full review of the Shark Stratos IZ862H, which we wrote in the UK. The only difference between these models is that in the US it comes with different tools.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Sleek, easy to use, and easy to store | ★★★★★ |
| Price | $449+ | ★★★ |
| Testing | Worked seamlessly with many convenient features | ★★★★★ |
| Features | CleanSenseIQ, Multi-Flex, DuoClean, PowerFins HairPro, and more | ★★★★★ |
The best value Shark vacuum
Buy if
💕 You're in a small space: It's lightweight and easy to store
💕 You're budgeting: The vacuum is one of the less expensive picks from the brand
💕 It's efficient: The hypervelocity suction feature made things easier
Don't buy if
❌ You want something cordless: Though the chord can reach up to 30 feet, it can be somewhat constraining.
❌ You have small furniture: Our reviewer found it difficult to maneuver under smaller pieces
❌ You're a techie: While the performance is great, our reviewer found that the Multi-Flex technology did not match up to the same level.
The bottom line
✨ Shark Vertex HZ2002 A great and convenient buy that's a wallet-friendly option, as well as being great for pet parents and those in a small space. The price is more manageable than the Shark Stratos Cordless IZ862H.
With a lightweight design, this particular vacuum is great value for money if our first pick is slightly out of budget. Yes, it is corded, but at 30 feet long, you can wander and never run out of power in the middle of a job. It's nice and easy to store for small space dwellers and it picks up pet hair well.
This vacuum features: DuoClean Powerfins, Multi-Flex, Anti-Allergen Seal, Hypervelocity Suction, and a Self-Cleaning brush roll.
Our reviewer Jaclyn loved the Hypervelocity Suction feature (yes, it's actually called that). It's noticeably effective with this vac, and Jaclyn felt as if propelled her along while she cleaned. Emptying this vacuum was made simpler by the max fill marking line. Though she noted would be better if there was a bigger capacity for dust. It did manage to pick up after her pup, though, and when she transformed it into a handheld vacuum it excelled at cleaning her rug.
While Jaclyn had no complaints performance-wise, she did find the Multi-Flex technology to be underwhelming. It was tougher to control when maneuvering under low furniture. However, the flexible frame allows the vac to fold over into one piece for storage.
Read our full Shark Vertex HZ2002 review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight, easy to store, but tough under some furniture pieces | ★★★★ |
| Price | $299+ | ★★★★ |
| Testing | The performance was excellent, but the Multi-Flex technology was satisfactory | ★★★★ |
| Features | DuoClean Powerfins, Multi-Flex, Anti-Allergen Seal, Hypervelocity Suction, and a Self-Cleaning brush roll | ★★★★★ |
The best handheld Shark vacuum
Buy if
💕 You need something powerful: It gets the job done, even though it's handheld.
💕 You're budgeting: This is the most affordable handheld model in the Shark collection.
💕 You're working with a lot of space: This portable find makes handling messes, wherever they are, a lot easier.
Don't buy if
❌ You need to clean in a hurry: There's a long charge time and the battery life isn't terribly long.
❌ You need something full-sized: This probably works best as a complement to your full-sized vacuum.
❌ You have a big mess: The dust compartment is fairly small.
The bottom line
✨ Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ This baby is the perfect accompaniment to a full-sized vacuum. When you don't feel like going through a whole production, this handheld product will get the mess sorted stat.
For sucking up small messes, tackling dirt in your car, or cleaning your couch, the Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ is the ultimate handheld vacuum cleaner. Even better? It's Shark's most affordable handheld model, and it's designed for households with pets. If you’re regularly reaching for your main vacuum to clean little messes, then this lightweight model could very well become your go-to for smaller jobs. It comes with a handful of useful accessories, too.
This vacuum features a Self-cleaning brush roll and CleanTouch dirt eject.
As with all of Shark’s full-size cleaners, the UltraCyclone also utilizes a self-cleaning brush to prevent hair from getting wrapped around the roller. Our reviewer Jen found that the mini motorized attachment did an incredible job of lifting dirt from one of her rugs, filling up the 0.45-liter dust canister with its sheer power, and collecting pet hair with ease. Jen also found that the level of power remained consistent throughout using this vacuum, even though there were only 15 minutes of power available to her.
The 10.8 V battery provides similar cleaning power to a regular vacuum, although you only get 15 minutes on a charge and a recharge takes about six hours. The dust compartment is pretty small, but it’s easy to empty and large enough for spot cleaning.
Read our full Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Handheld, lightweight, and portable | ★★★★★ |
| Price | $99 | ★★★★★ |
| Testing | Quick, easy to use, but not a long battery life | ★★★★ |
| Features | Pet-friendly, includes a self-cleaning brush roll and CleanTouch dirt eject | ★★★★ |
The best Shark vacuum for large homes
Buy if
💕 You need something powerful: The suction cup is strong and the dust bin is ample in size.
💕 You're remodeling: Our reviewer found it to be powerful enough to work well after a renovation.
💕 You have a large space: It's heavy-duty
Don't buy if
❌ You have a small space: It can feel too large and overpowering.
❌ You need something simple: It's large, heavy, and isn't easy to maneuver or store without ample room.
❌ You want something without a chord: You will be restricted.
The bottom line
✨ Shark Vertex Upright Vacuum AZ2002 A durable and powerful selection, this has you covered with a variety of features, but it's probably one to skip if you're working with a small space.
If you're looking for a vacuum that can deliver impressive cleaning power in a large home, this model is it. Billed as Shark's most powerful vacuum, this is also Shark's most premium upright design. This vacuum features the following technology: LiftAway, DuoClean Powerfins, Self-Cleaning brush roll, Hypervelocity Accelerated Suction, and Anti-Allergen.
When using this vacuum to clean up after a renovation period at home, Jaclyn found that it suctioned everything in its wake with minimal repeat passes. And hair? It never wrapped around the self-cleaning brush roll or clogged the vacuum shaft, so it's safe to say this vacuum is pet parent-approved. The LiftAway feature also made cleaning the stairs during testing significantly easier, though the vacuum definitely felt bulky and a little tiring to operate after a while. Remember it's corded, but it does have a 30-foot wire to work with. It also boasts Hypervelocity Accelerated Suction technology, so it practically walks itself around your home.
The one-quart capacity got Jaclyn through all our tests before needing to be emptied. One disadvantage is that this is the heaviest Shark vacuum out there, a feature we sadly felt in our tests, so one to avoid if you need a more maneuverable pick. Its motor also emits a lot of airflow while in use, leading to extra noise. Additionally, it transforms into a handheld model to reach high places and get into small corners.
Read our full Shark AZ2002 vacuum review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Upright, chord, and heavy | ★★★ |
| Price | $449.99 | ★★★ |
| Testing | Gets tough messes with minimal repeats | ★★★★★ |
| Features | LiftAway, DuoClean Powerfins, Self-Cleaning brush roll, Hypervelocity Accelerated Suction, and Anti-Allergen | ★★★★★ |
The best Shark robot vacuum
Buy if
💕 You feel like relaxing: It's app-controlled and has a self-emptying space.
💕 Space is limited: It's easy to store.
💕 You have roommates: It's quiet and won't be too disruptive.
Don't buy if
❌ You're budgeting: It's one of the pricier Shark picks.
❌ You're in a hurry: It could take a while before the gadget maps out your home.
❌ You have a big mess: It has difficulty with larger debris.
The bottom line
✨ Shark's IQ Robot is great for when you're feeling lazy and will certainly get the job done, but you might have to do a once over here and there.
Shark's IQ Robot is here to help you reclaim your time, so instead of vacuuming your home every day, you can do it just three times a week and program your robot vacuum to do the job on the other four days. With powerful suction and the same anti-hair wrap feature involved with full-size vacuums, this robot is a winner for pet-friendly homes, too.
This vacuum includes Matrix Clean Navigation and CleanEdge.
This vacuum was tested in an environment with plenty of pet traffic thanks to our reviewer Jaclyn's dog, Reese. By replacing her usual cordless vacuum with this robot version, Jaclyn found that there was a true luxury in no longer having to empty a dustbin every five minutes. She also loved that she could control it from anywhere thanks to the app. It works intuitively with wheels that help it seamlessly go between hard floors and area rugs. It moves in methodical back-and-forth patterns and doesn't get caught off-guard by any furniture in its wake.
On the first day of testing, Jaclyn found the separate dust bin in the base was relatively full after covering around 1,000 square feet of floor space. On day two, there was significantly less, a sign that it had picked up most of the debris on day one, and everything else was routine upkeep. She loved that it empties itself once it has finished cleaning, but there are a few ways it could've been better. She noted that it wasn't the best at cleaning the edges between her hard floor and area rug, nor was it great at collecting larger pieces of debris, like cereal or paper scraps.
It can take several cycles for the robot to "map" your home, according to many reviewers, though it only took two run-throughs for us to get a relatively accurate reading. Even if you don't use the no-go strips, you can add boundaries in the app for future cycles, it avoids that area. Due to the mapping technology, if you move the base, the robot vacuum will have to recreate the map of your space from scratch. There is only support for one map at a time, so it's not possible to move it between floors or in spaces separated by a step. Just remember that you'll need space for its charging base to sit, and this will need to be nearby a plug.
Jaclyn reviewed the Shark RV1001AE vacuum over on our sister site, Homes & Gardens.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $599 | ★★★ |
| Design | App-controlled robot vacuum | ★★★★★ |
| Testing | It could take a while before the gadget maps out your home, and has difficulty with larger debris. | ★★★★ |
| Features | Matrix Clean Navigation and CleanEdge | ★★★★★ |
The best Shark vacuum for small spaces
Buy if
💕 You're budgeting: It's one of the more affordable products in the collection.
💕 You want flexibility: Works well as a handheld vacuum, too.
💕 You want style: Several color options are available.
Don't buy if
❌ You have a lot of mess: There's a small dustbin, and you'll likely have to empty it frequently.
❌ You have a large home: It's meant to cater to smaller spaces.
❌ You want something longterm: This might not transition well if you move to a larger space.
The bottom line
✨ Shark WandVac System Studio dwellers, rejoice! This the ultimate small-space cleaning appliance, but you probably won't find it useful if you're working with a large space.
This Shark Wandvac is an affordable buy for small homes and apartments. It is a 2-in-1 vac, though bear in mind it's designed to be a handheld-to-stick model, not the other way around. So its suction is considerably better as a handheld vacuum. If you only have a small home and you want something lightweight, cheap, and reliable to make cleaning super easy, this could definitely be your next vacuum. This vacuum includes a self-cleaning brush roll, Hypervelocity, and PowerFins.
During testing, our reviewer Annie concluded that the suction was more impressive as a handheld unit. It works as a stick vacuum, but she wouldn't recommend it as a main vacuum cleaner for busy homes or homes with pets. It can definitely cope with apartments with wooden flooring, though. She didn't notice a huge difference between the normal and boost modes but the easy storage element made this vacuum a real winner. It comes with a stand where the stick frame lives, which can be placed in a corner or closet. All that needs charging is the handheld unit. It's definitely not the most powerful Shark vacuum on this list, but it proves itself to be a winner in smaller homes.
Annie loved the accessories that came with this vacuum cleaner system. Particularly, the multi-surface tool, which has removable bristles for different messes. It made cleaning her sofa, kitchen countertops, and corners a total breeze.
Read our full Shark Wandvac review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight, sleek, one-touch release dustbin | ★★★★★ |
| Price | $239.99 | ★★★★★ |
| Testing | The suction was more impressive as a handheld unit | ★★★ |
| Features | Self-Cleaning brush roll, Hypervelocity, and PowerFins | ★★★★ |
The best Shark vacuum for cars
Buy it if
💕 You live in a small home: It’s a compact wet-dry vac option.
💕 You don’t like mess: The option of adding a plastic bag made it easy to clean out.
💕 Your pet often has accidents: If you have a puppy or older dog, it’s quick to pull out and use on wet messes.
Don't buy it if
❌ Your pet sheds lots of hair: It isn’t the best on pet hair, especially long ones.
❌ You live in a large home: Our reviewer did find it heavy it to carry.
❌ You want just one vacuum: It’s a great wet-dry model, but won’t replace a full vacuum.
The bottom line
✨ Shark MessMaster VS101 For those who regularly have wet messes to clean thanks to their pets or regularly travel with their furry friend, this is a useful, small space friendly option to have.
If you have a smaller home and don’t want to store a full-size wet-dry vac, the Shark MessMaster is 100% a worthwhile investment. Our reviewer Camryn was blown away by its powerful suction, which worked well on all types and sizes of grime. She also said that she found it incredibly useful that you can use any type of plastic bag inside the vacuum’s dust cup, which makes clean-up infinitely easier.
She tested it out in a variety of locations, but said it worked best for cleaning her car. The extra-long power cord gave her the flexibility to work all around it, the crevice tool easily got debris out of the cracks between the seats and around the doors, and its powerful suction had no problem picking up dirt, dust, and even bigger debris like straw wrappers, leaves, and small rocks.
In terms of wet messes, she recommends switching to the squeegee tool rather the carpet attachment. She tested it out on deep wet messes and found that it suctioned up moisture quickly. The only downside to this machine was that she said while it cleaned up wet pet messes well, it wasn’t the best on pet hair.
Read our full Shark MessMaster VS101 review.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99. | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Easy to use, but a little heavy. | ★★★★ |
| Testing | Worked well on cars and wet messes. | ★★★★★ |
| Features | Self-cleaning and AnyBag technology. | ★★★★★ |
The best 2-in-1 Shark vacuum
Buy it if
💕 You need multiple cleaning options: This Shark model can change into a handheld vacuum and comes with three add-on brushes and tools.
💕 You need something reliable: There isn't much that the suction tool won't grab.
💕 You need an upgrade: Don't let small spaces fool you — plenty of debris accumulates and a tiny appliance might not be enough to clean things up.
Don't buy it if
❌ You're in a large space: This corded vacuum could feel cumbersome to carry from room to room.
❌ You're living in a dorm: You might be better off with a handheld vacuum for quick cleans
❌ You want something in-depth: Opt for the Shark Stratos IZ862H Cordless, which comes with Clean Sense IQ technology, or the Shark - Matrix Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum RV2320S
The bottom line
✨ Shark Rocket HV301 A versatile and reliable vacuum that will rid your (multiple) surfaces of debris — but it's not necessarily the lightweight, easy-to-maneuver product you might've expected.
We have to hand it to the Shark HV301 — it's definitely a hard worker. Whether you're giving your carpets a once over or removing pet hair from hardwood floors, our content editor Danielle found that model's powerful suction capabilities ensured a thorough clean. She said that the vacuum was especially appreciated when multiple chores are on the to-do list, as its specialized tools allow customers to work with a handheld vac and switch to an upholstery brush, crevice tool, and dusting brush.
Although the model boasts a lightweight feel, she added that she felt it was still on the bulky side and a tad cumbersome, particularly when maneuvering around difficult spots under your furniture. It's always possible to switch to a handheld vac in those situations, however, it can feel a little tiresome when all you want to do is a quick clean.
Full review coming soon.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | ★★★★ |
| Design | Not as lightweight as it advertises. | ★★★★ |
| Testing | Maneuvered well on all floor types. | ★★★★ |
| Features | Upholstery tool, crevice tool, dusting brush, handheld option. | ★★★★★ |
The best wet-and-dry Shark vacuum
Buy it if
💕 You primarily have hardwood floors: It works best on these over carpets or rugs.
💕 You live in a large home: It’s incredibly lightweight and easy to maneuver.
💕 You have lots of lifted furniture: It fits well under couches and tables.
Don't buy it if
❌ You want just one vacuum: It won’t replace an entire vacuum, but it works as a quick space refresher.
❌ You don’t enjoy cleaning: It is messy to clean, as debris does get wet in it.
❌ You have a lot of carpet in your home: It isn’t specifically made for these.
The bottom line
✨ Shark HydroVac Pro XL WD201 If you live in a home that mostly has hardwood floors that regularly need freshening up, this is a great Shark to have. It won’t replace your vacuum, but you’ll never need to buy another mop.
For those with hard floors and who clean regularly, this Hydrovac is a great option for refreshing your space. It’s easy to use thanks to its lightweightness, which our staff writer Eve found made it easy to carry around her small rental home. As well as this, she found it a breeze to clean under couches and furniture with it. She loved how well it cleans hard floors, removing dirt and debris of all different kinds.
It isn’t made specifically for carpets, but she did try it on her small entryway carpet and found it freshened it up well. It is however made for cleaning area rugs. While she does also use it to freshen up her large area rug (her beloved Ruggable), she did find it didn’t deep clean it as well as she would have liked.
The vacuum cleaner comes with an odor-neutralizing liquid, which completely freshened up Eve’s kitchen and small living room. She did note that while the self-cleaning mode is useful, she did have to clean it manually each time in order for it to not smell. When cleaning it manually, she found it time-consuming and uncomfortable to clean the wet debris out of it. That being said, if you’re used to cleaning messy pet hairs or after children, this isn’t too much of an issue.
Full review coming soon. We tested the UK model in the UK (HWD210UK), but apart from the blue and white exterior, the models are exactly the same.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Lightweight to use, but messy to empty. | ★★★★ |
| Price | Reasonably priced, but you will need to buy a regular vacuum, too. | ★★★★ |
| Testing | The performance was brilliant for what it does. | ★★★★★ |
| Features | Antimicrobial brush roll, self-cleaning, multi-surface concentrate, charging dock. | ★★★★ |
The best Shark vacuum for carpets
Buy it if
💕 You have carpeted flooring: It lifts stains off these really efficiently.
💕 You have pets: It has a pet stain trapping tool.
💕 You have deep-set stains: Our reviewer found it completely removed an old, deep-set stain.
Don't buy it if
❌ You only have hardwood flooring: It works best on carpet stains.
❌ You don’t like noise: It is loud to use.
❌ You have oily stains: It didn’t work very well on old oil stains.
The bottom line
✨ Shark StainStriker PX201 For those who have old and tough carpet stains that just won’t budget, this Shark StainStriker will work very well for you. It’s incredibly simple to put together, to use, and even to clean.
If your home has lots of carpet or area rugs and is prone to getting messy, the Shark StainStriker is a brilliant option. Our reviewer and former deputy editor Camille said it was so easy to unpack and uncomplicated to use. The instructions came with simple diagrams and a QR code with videos that made getting going a breeze — and once she did, she was seriously impressed.
She tried it on dried out stains and found that it removed them all pretty much instantly. What impressed her most was its ability to clean a two-year-old wine stain after using the wide tough stain tool, scrubbing, and then going over it again the next day. As well as this, Camille tested it on fresh yoghurt stains and was amazed at how clean and odor free it left her carpet.
Cleaning the machine is as breezy as using it. With the tank you just empty the water into the sink and rinse it, for the crevice tool you just run it through the hose-cleaning tool, and the filter can be rinsed, too. The only negatives that she had were that it didn’t clean up dried bike oil stains and was a little loud — which may be a deterrent for renters and pet owners.
Read our full Shark StainStriker PX201 review.
| Attributes | Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $139.99 | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Easy to use and clean, but slightly noisy. | ★★★★ |
| Testing | Worked brilliantly on old, dry stains. | ★★★★ |
| Features | Pet Stain Trapping Tool, a Hose-Cleaning Tool, Shark CarpetXpert & Stain Striker cleaning solutions | ★★★★★ |