Business

Best Shark Vacuums 2024

March 20, 2024

Over the years, Shark has consistently impressed the Forbes Vetted editorial team with its wide range of powerful and reliable offerings—from upright vacuums to cordless models—and often, at more accessible prices than its competitors. Based on a combination of our expertise, thorough research and advice from cleaning pros, we deemed the Navigator Lift-Away NV356E the best Shark vacuum overall: It delivers powerful suction, features a high-capacity canister and excels at tackling dander and allergens. For an equally reliable performer at a slightly lower price tag, we also vouch for the Navigator Lift-Away NV36o.

The best Shark vacuums of 2024 are powerful and reliable, with prices that won’t break the bank.

ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTOS: RETAILER

In addition to our experienced team of home editors—who are well-versed in cleaning products across the board—we consulted with four cleaning professionals to help us select the 10 best Shark vacuums for various needs. Whether you’re looking for a model designed for a specific type of flooring, the best Shark vacuum for pet hair or a robot vacuum that does the dirty work for you, we’ve got you covered. And if you still can’t find what you’re looking for, see our list of the best vacuum cleaners overall, which includes multiple brands.

Amazon

Shark Navigator Professional Lift-Away NV356E

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV3560 tops our list of the best Shark vacuums for pet hair for both its power and pet-focused design. We also awarded it the best Shark vacuum overall thanks to its versatility, reasonable price point and overall performance. The first thing you’ll notice is this model has options, and you have a lot of them. Upright mode lets you clean both carpets and floors and the detachable pod offers portable cleaning power for varied surfaces like stairs or shelves. It also comes with an extender for those hard-to-reach areas behind furniture or in high corners. “Crevice tools and upholstery attachments are essential for every home, especially if you have pets, small kids or live in a dusty environment,” points out Katie Berry, cleaning expert and author of 30 Days To A Clean And Organized House.

This vacuum’s superpower, however, is its completely sealed HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) system that traps 99.9% of pet dander, allergens and more inside. It also includes attachments that pet owners in particular will appreciate, like the Pet Power turbine brush that helps loosen and remove stray hair. Adding to its overall appeal is its high capacity, bagless XL canister of 0.9 liters that holds a lot of debris, causing less interruption.

What the reviews say: One verified Amazon buyer shares, “Great suction for the size, easy to use with swivel base [and] great for getting pet fur out of rugs/carpet. A bit challenging using it for extended tasks because the house attachment isn’t long enough. Has a little weight to it, but not a deal breaker—the suction and ease of usage/emptying are well worth it.”

Pros:

Able to get into hard-to-reach areas
High-capacity tank holds lots of dirt
Includes features helpful for pet owners (HEPA filter, Pet Power brush)

Cons:

Heavier than other models
Some reviewers say power cord and attachment hose are a bit short

Amazon

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 Deluxe

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 has many of the same features as our top pick, the NV356 Navigator, but this model has a lower sticker price. That may be because it comes with fewer accessories, however it does include the upholstery and crevice tool and it also has the Lift-Away detachable pod for reaching above the floor areas. Though this bagless option has a slightly smaller dust cup than the NV356 (0.85 liters), it’s still a decent size, and reviews say that it offers the same great suction of the pricier version. It has two options for upright cleaning: switch to Bare Floor for hardwoods or Brushroll On for carpet cleaning.

What the reviews say: One Best Buy reviewer says, “We have a Berber carpet with long fibers [that] tends to trap dirt, so I needed good, dependable suction that would stand the test of time. … This one did the job and then some. I use it on our tile in the front and on our linoleum in the kitchen. It works wonderfully on all surfaces. It has adjustable suction in case you need to turn it down or up. … It’s also very easy to dump the canister out and do a quick rinse, dry it off and go for more.”

Pros:

Two unique upright cleaning options
Reliably powerful suction
Works well across multiple surfaces

Cons:

Not as many accessories
Relatively small dust cup

Amazon

Shark AZ3002 Stratos Upright Vacuum

Shark has touted the AZ3002 for its innovation, and that comes at a price as one of the brand’s most expensive models. But, it’s worth the money by offering appealing functions that pet owners in particular will appreciate, like DuoClean PowerFins, HairPro, Powered Lift-Away, a self-cleaning brush roll and odor neutralizer technology. (You can even upgrade the machine with TruePet features.)

The detachable pod and extendable stick will help you reach beyond rugs and carpet. The brush roll inside the floor piece targets the annoying issue of pet hair wrapping around the brush and reviews say it does a great job of preventing clogs. The machine cleans thick carpet, hardwoods and pet hair with powerful suction (the strongest of any Shark vacuum, says the brand) and traps debris inside the large dustbin where it’s completely sealed with a HEPA filter. The anti-wrap dust cup allows you to empty the dustbin without your hands touching any of the dirt and there’s a lot to like about that. Weighing in at nearly 17 pounds, the Stratos is certainly on the heavier side. Customers describe it as a bulky machine, therefore it’s best for people who have the space to store it.

What the reviews say: An Amazon reviewer notes: “This vacuum is great with suction power, with both the brushless roller and when using the wand. Easy to dump the canister. I’ve been most impressed by the amount of pet hair picked up! Easy to use for rugs, hard floor and thick carpet.”

Pros:

Strong suction
Has many helpful features, especially ones for pet owners
Large dust cup

Cons:

Heavy at nearly 17 pounds
Pricier than other upright models

Amazon

Shark Navigator 2-In-1 Lift-Away NV352

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away is a powerful upright vacuum that tackled even the most stubborn hair during our testing, yet it’s still moderately priced, making it a great value busy households. It has settings for both hard floors and carpeting, and thanks to its strong brush roll and suction, it’s able to lift pet hair out of high-pile rugs. Plus, it has a HEPA filter and sealed airway, helping to trap dander and other allergens and prevent them from escaping back into your home.

This upright vacuum has a lift-away design, which makes it much easier to use on stairs, and it navigates around obstacles thanks to swivel steering. It comes with an upholstery tool and crevice tool, but the one downside is the brush roll isn’t self-cleaning. This means long pet hair may get tangled around it over time, and you’ll have to cut it off to keep the vacuum working at its best. (To get into the details of how well this model performs, read our product tester’s full Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away review.)

What our experts say: Chief product officer Nina Gould, who says this model is her third Shark vacuum and calls it an excellent value vacuum for the money, says: “We have two 60-plus-pound doggos, so the hair situation will come to critical mass by the weekend cleaning time. That, coupled with constantly dragging in wood for our wood stove (and the dirt and wood chips it accumulates) make for a monumental challenge for most vacuums—but this Shark sucks it all up without complaint. … [It’s] light and maneuverable and handles corners and tight spots like a champ. I love the detachable handle for spot messes and crevice cleans, like under cushions and furniture.”

Pros:

Powerful suction grabs stubborn pet hair
Swivel steering makes it easy to drive
Lift-away design is handy for cleaning stairs

Cons:

Brush roll isn’t self cleaning and may get tangled with hair

Walmart

Shark Stratos IZ862H Cordless Vacuum

For quick touch-ups or daily maintenance cleanings, you can’t beat the combination of convenience and power the Shark Stratos Cordless offers. At just under 9 pounds, this model has a lightweight design, and it can run for up to 60 minutes per charge (note that that’s on Eco mode, however). It’s also one of Shark’s most powerful and effective cordless options when it comes to lifting dirt, thanks to both its dirt-detecting Clean Sense IQ infrared sensor and its dual brush rolls that do a thorough job with dirt, debris and hair.

Plus, the vacuum features a HEPA filter, anti-allergen seal, odor-neutralizing technology and—a highlight—a flexible cleaning wand that lets you get into hard-to-reach places, plus you can fold it over the vacuum for more compact storage. The Stratos also has a larger-than-average dust bin at 0.7 liters.

What our experts say: Product tester Margaret Eby, who tested 16 models for our roundup of the best vacuum cleaners, shares: “This vacuum is clearly a competitor to the Dyson empire, with a flexible frame and Clean Sense IQ technology, meaning that the vacuum automatically adjusts the power of its suction to whatever dirt it’s detecting. It has up to 60 minutes of battery life, which ranked among the longest of the stick models I tried, and I liked the flexible design.”

Pros:

Lightweight design is easy to carry around
Vacuum runs for up to 60 minutes per charge (on Eco mode)
Vacuum stands on its own for storage

Cons:

Quite pricey
Battery charge runs out quite quickly on the highest setting

Amazon

Shark Wandvac WV201 Handheld

Shark Wandvac comes in two different versions: standard and Power Pet (a Shark bestseller). It’s featherlight and sports a compact profile that people with limited space will appreciate. The design isn’t all show because it does a pretty good job sucking up dirt and empties easily, to boot. But with the small size also comes small capacity; the dust bin’s diminutive 2.6-ounce size fills up quickly with debris. The battery also takes 2.5 hours to charge and runs for less than 10 minutes. Bottom line: The Wandvac is a quick-fix vacuum that stows away easily, but for big messes you’ll need something larger with more power.

What the reviews say: Says one verified Best Buy customer, “I was looking for a vac small and portable enough to do quick upkeep in my car and that could also be used around the house for countertop/tabletop maintenance. This one was powerful enough, with enough capacity and sufficient battery life, to handle these smaller tasks.”

Pros:

Incredibly lightweight
Easy-to-empty dust bin
Compact but powerful enough for small tasks

Cons:

Small dust bin

Best Buy

Shark AI Ultra RV2502AE

If your cleaning habits resemble scenes from “Groundhog Day,” this will make a handy addition to your routine. Instead of just roaming aimlessly, you can program the Shark Robot to tackle the same spots you clean every single day. It does this by mapping out your domain on its first few runs. Simply select which room you want it to clean and the Shark then makes its move, vacuuming in a meticulous row-by-row pattern. Using Wi-Fi you can tell the unit where to go via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.

The Shark AI Ultra also made our list of the best robot vacuums for pet hair, particularly for furry friends with extra-lengthy fur. That’s because its brush roll features silicone fins as opposed to bristles, minimizing the likelihood of tangles while making it easier to clean hair from hardwood floors. Plus, the HEPA filter in its self-emptying base helps trap pet dander and other allergens.

What the reviews say: According to a Best Buy buyer, the Shark AI Ultra “works great ([although] a little louder than I would like but I just scheduled it to go while I’m at work), gets all the cat hair off the floor and keeps my apartment clean. The brush also has little cutters on the back of the brush so it doesn’t clog up with pet hair. Wish I could schedule specific rooms to happen more often, but other than that, the app is great.”

Pros:

Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Programmable to clean where you want
Has a self-cleaning brush and allergen filter

Cons:

Filter is not washable

Amazon reviewers appreciate the strong suction of this corded vac, which converts to a handheld unit and needs no charging thanks to its extensive 25-foot power cord. It’s a cinch to switch from hardwood to carpet mode and the way it swivels at the base makes it easy to steer. It comes with a bevy of attachments that send this stick into overdrive, like a powerful upholstery tool (you can also opt for a pet multi-tool for an additional cost). Although some may find it bothersome that it can’t stand by itself, there is a hook on the bottom of the wand for hanging inside of a closet.

What the reviews say: An Amazon buyer notes, “I love how easy this vacuum is to move around and get under furniture, and it can suck dust right off the baseboards. The suction is really good … and even though the dust cup is quite a bit smaller than what I’ve used in the past, it still holds quite a bit. … It’s so lightweight you can go around corners and crown molding easily without your arms getting tired. It can also transition between hard floors to rugs easily, and I feel like the switch is in the perfect spot to do so. … Long hair and fibers do get wrapped around the roller, so just check it periodically and cut it out when needed.”

Pros:

Powerful suction
Several accessories
Long power cord

Cons:

Can’t stand up by itself

Amazon

Shark Vertex Pro IZ662H

There’s nothing worse than hitting hardwoods with a vacuum that doesn’t do the job right the first time. Customer reviews tout the Shark Vertex’s ability to suck up debris and make hardwoods instantly clean, to the point where they look like they’ve been dusted. It does this with DuoClean PowerFins technology, a dual brush roll system that promises to pick up more dirt with every pass and leave floors with what the brand calls a “polished look.” This vacuum is lightweight—something that’s definitely needed when you’re whizzing around on a hard surface—and slender, yet it is said to perform like a full-sized upright machine. Plus, it’s cordless and has a removable battery that powers the hand vac for up to 60 minutes. There’s a display at the top of the stick that clues you in on remaining runtime so you can make sure you’re never left without juice to get the job done.

What our experts say: Consumer tech editor and cat owner Rebecca Isaacs tells us, “I have this one in my house and it sucks up three cats’ worth of pet hair really well. I like that the battery life lasts a good while for an 850-square foot apartment, so I can get all the nooks and crannies where dust and pet hair build up. It’s lightweight enough to carry around, and I cannot enthuse enough about how space-saving the folding design is, especially for smaller living spaces.”

Pros:

Lightweight
Cordless
Performs like a full-sized upright

Cons:

Battery needs charging

Editor’s Pick

Best Buy

Shark IW3511 Detect Pro

If you’re looking for a powerful vacuum in a more compact construction, the sleek Shark IW3511 Detect Pro Auto-Empty System is a strong contender. This rechargeable cordless vac’s standout feature is its auto-emptying base that also functions as a charging dock. That, plus the HEPA filtration technology and the dust bin holding up to 30 days’ worth of debris, also makes this a great pick for those with allergies. Plus, it has a two-speed brush roll that’s effective on both hard floors and carpeting.

It’s also a clever gadget in several ways, from its dirt- and floor-detecting technology to being able to easily transition into a nimble hand vac. Where the Shark IW3511 falters, though, is in its short battery life when used at maximum power, according to some reviewers. But for quick jobs and smaller spaces, as well for those with dust sensitivities, this particular Shark excels due to its slim build, power and auto-emptying base.

What our experts say: Jessica Weisman, senior manager of e-commerce partnerships, says, “I love the self-empty feature on this cordless vacuum. It’s great for quick messes or for vacuuming the entire downstairs of my home. It has an Eco mode for everyday vacuuming and a Power mode for tougher messes. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver.”

Pros:

Convenient auto-emptying base that also charges
Comes with anti-allergen, HEPA seal
Slim build makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces

Cons:

Short battery life, according to several reviews
No extra batteries included

Why Trust Forbes Vetted

The Forbes Vetted home editorial team has published dozens of product roundups and reviews on home cleaning products and appliances, as well as vacuum cleaners, in particular. Their expertise is based on firsthand product testing, expert interviews and hours of thorough research.
We received firsthand recommendations from our staff members, which include the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away, the Shark Stratos Cordless, the Shark AI Ultra Self-Empty Robot Vacuum, the Shark Vertex Pro IZ662H and the Shark IW3511 Detect Pro.
We tapped four cleaning experts to inform our selection process: Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi; Katie Berry, cleaning expert and author of “30 Days to a Clean and Organized House”; Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of Canada-based AspenClean; and Aaron Wilson, home appliance expert at JustAnswer.
We frequently review this piece to ensure our Shark vacuum recommendations and shopping guidance are as up to date as possible. It was last refreshed in March 2024 by home and updates writer Fran Sales.

How We Chose The Best Shark Vacuums

We researched highly rated vacuums from Shark, taking into account our own product-testing experiences with many of the brand’s vacuums, as well as models members of our staff have tried themselves.
We assessed each model based on its ease of use, features, performance and value, making sure we included picks for lifestyles and budgets across the board.
We considered user reviews from top retailer sites, prioritizing models with an average rating of at least 4 stars to ensure each vacuum is also a customer favorite.
We consulted with four different cleaning experts while putting together these recommendations; they offered tips on how to select the best Shark vacuum for your particular home.

How To Find The Shark Vacuum For Your Home

Type

As a brand, Shark does a good job of giving you options to choose from when selecting the type of vacuum you want:

Upright vacuums like the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away stand up on their own and feature a floorhead that tackles carpet and hardwood. “If you have lots of carpeting, a big floor area, and are looking for a lot of suction power, upright vacuums are the form factor for you,” says Alicia Sokolowski, cleaning expert and president and co-CEO of AspenClean. Just keep in mind that these vacuums are on the bigger side, meaning they require a decent amount of storage space.
Cordless vacuums like the Shark Stratos IZ862H Cordless run on battery power, and each charge tends to last between 15 and 40 minutes. Therefore, they’re best for people who don’t have a lot of space to vacuum. “A cordless is handy for daily touch-ups, stairs and high-traffic areas,” adds Berry, “but they don’t do very well around the base of walls.”
Robot vacuums like the Shark AI Ultra save you time and energy by vacuuming your space on their own. That said, some are smarter than others. Some robots clean spaces haphazardly while others can be programmed to hit hot spots, and even the best models sometimes struggle to clean corners and navigate furniture. In terms of convenience, though, they can’t be beat.
Corded stick vacuums like the Shark HV302 Rocket are tall and slender machines that are typically more lightweight than upright vacuums. “If you have a smaller home, don’t have too many carpets and rugs, prefer quick and regular cleanups instead of regular deep cleans, need to clean your car or have multiple floors in your home, then stick cleaners are the way to go,” says Sokolowski.
Handheld vacuums like the Shark Wandvac WV201 are ideal for cleaning hard-to-reach corners, furniture and upholstery. These vacuums come in both corded and cordless styles.

Corded Vs. Cordless

Each of these types of machines have their own pros and cons to mull over. “You need to first decide your budget and what it is you’re looking for in a vacuum,” says Aaron Wilson, home appliance expert at JustAnswer. “A cordless vacuum is powered by a battery and has a lot of mobility and versatility. They are great for small household chores as well as great for cleaning out your car.” But corded vacuums “are typically more powerful and have more capacity,” he says.

Angi home expert Mallory Micetich recommends that you consider a cordless vacuum if you live in a smaller home and want something for daily maintenance. “They’re easier to store and typically have multi-functional configurations so you can easily switch from surface to surface,” she says. “On the downside, cordless vacuum cleaners usually have a smaller bag, less suction power and limited battery life.” While corded vacuums tend to be larger, making them “clunky to store,” they also “have better suction power, longer battery life and a bigger bag for dust and debris,” Micetich says.

Included Accessories

Accessories for any vacuum will typically run up the cost of the model, and Shark is no exception. With that said, it’s a good idea to think about if you really need them. “Many vacuum models come with different attachments, but they might not all be necessary,” says Micetich. “For example, if you don’t have a pet, you won’t need to focus on a vacuum with attachments for pet cleaning.”

When you’re considering a vacuum for your home, Micetich suggests thinking about the areas where you plan to use the machine. If you have carpeted stairs, it’s worth considering if you’d benefit from a stair tool. And, if you plan to use your vacuum on your couch and curtains, an upholstery tool is likely a good option. “From there, you’ll have a good idea of which attachments and accessories you’ll want to come with your vacuum,” she says.

Which One Of The Shark Vacuums Is Best?

The best Shark vacuum for you is one that meets your needs. Shark offers the full range of vacuums, including corded, cordless, robot and handheld, giving you plenty of options to choose from. If you’re looking for a great overall vacuum, consider the Shark Navigator Professional Lift-Away NV356E. It seamlessly cruises around carpet and hard floors thanks to its swivel steering, and it has a lift-away design for portable cleaning. If you want hands-free cleaning, the Shark AI Ultra Robot is a great option—it’s controlled by an app on your phone and even empties itself. Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with a Shark vacuum.

Is A Shark As Good As A Dyson Vacuum?

Dyson has been a powerhouse name in vacuums for decades, and it’s only natural to compare Shark vacuums to Dyson vacuums. While Dyson models typically have more power than Sharks, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should opt for a Dyson. After all, these vacuums come with noticeably higher price tags. It’s also a good idea to think about how much you need to pick up from your floors. If you’re looking for a vacuum to reliably tackle dirt, pet hair and typical debris, a Shark vacuum is up for the task. If power is a concern, opt for a corded over a cordless model—plug-ins have more reliable power and pickup than their cord-free counterparts.

Are Shark Vacuums Good For Carpets?

As a whole, Shark vacuums are great for carpets. However, it’s important to consider that there’s a range with these vacuums. If you will mainly be cleaning carpets, choose a corded vacuum like the Shark AZ3002 Stratos Upright—it’s a powerhouse with a large dustbin and specialized brush roll to prevent tangles from hair and strings. But some Shark options are better for hard floors, like Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away Cordless. This vacuum can be used on carpets but ultimately will perform better on hard floors.