Top 5 Shark Vacuum Cleaners Buyer’s Guide

For over a decade, Shark has been a leading brand when it comes to powerful, innovative vacuum cleaners. With expertise across upright, stick, robotic, and handheld vacuums, Shark offers convenient cleaning solutions for whole-home coverage.

But with the wide range of Shark vacuums available, it can be overwhelming to determine which model is right for your household needs and floors.

That’s why we researched the top Shark vacuum cleaners and compiled this comprehensive 2022 buyer’s guide covering the 5 best options across categories. You’ll get detailed reviews on each vacuum’s features, performance, pros and cons, and ideal usage situations.

Let’s dive in to find your perfect Shark vacuum match!

Reviews of the Top 5 Shark Vacuum Cleaners

Shark NV501 Navigator Lift-Away – Best Upright

The Shark NV501 Navigator stands out as the best Shark upright vacuum cleaner for its powerful deep cleaning abilities thanks to the lift-away canister mode and HEPA filtration.

Key Features:

• Lift-Away Canister – Portable cleaning mode tackles stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach spots.
• HEPA Filter – Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
• XL Dust Cup – Extra-large 1.5 quart capacity requires less frequent emptying.
• Pet Multi-Tool – Designed to remove embedded pet hair from upholstery.

This Navigator upright excels at deep cleaning carpets and rugs while also offering versatile above floor cleaning through the lift-away canister. The advanced brushroll avoids tangles when vacuuming up pet hair.

Weighing only 15 pounds, the NV501 manages to be lightweight yet powerful. It’s the ideal upright for whole-home cleaning.

Ideal for: Homes with lots of carpeting seeking robust lift-away abilities to clean floors, stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach spots. Great for pet hair.

Our Take: The best Shark upright vacuum that delivers professional-grade cleaning versatility for carpets and above floor areas.

Shark Rocket Pet Pro Cordless HV292N – Best Stick

The ultra-versatile Shark Rocket Pet Pro Cordless HV292N takes our top spot for stick vacuums thanks to its self-cleaning bristle brushroll and cordless convenience. Excellent for quick daily cleanups.

Key Features:

• Self-Cleaning Brushroll – Removes wrapped hair with the push of a button.
• Cordless Power – Up to 40 minutes of fade-free runtime per charge.
• DuoClean Head – Soft roller head excels at collecting large debris and small particles.
• Pet Multi-Tool – Specially designed rubber fins grip pet hair.

This convertible stick vacuum easily switches between powered floor cleaning and a lightweight hand vacuum to tackle pet hair on stairs, upholstery, and in vehicles.

At just under 10 pounds, the Rocket Pet Pro HV292N is agile and easy to maneuver. It makes daily tidy-ups a breeze and excels at controlling pet hair and dander.

Ideal for: Homes with pets looking for convenient cordless power and specialized pet hair cleaning tools. Lightweight and versatile.

Our Take: The best Shark stick vacuum that packs professional-grade pet hair cleaning innovations into a lightweight, cordless package.

Shark Vertex AZ2002 – Best for Carpets

The powerful Shark Vertex AZ2002 upright vacuum is engineered for deep carpet and rug cleaning in large homes thanks to its XL dust cup, duoactive head, and self-cleaning brushroll.

Key Features:

• DuoActive Head – Extended reach and wide cleaning path tackle large carpeted areas.
• Powered Lift-Away – Continues brushroll cleaning in portable canister mode.
• Self-Cleaning Brushroll – Removes tangled hair with the touch of a button.
• HEPA Filtration – Traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum.

With constant powerful suction and a large cleaning path width, this Vertex easily refreshes carpets and excels at removing pet hair. The bright LED headlights illuminate debris under furniture.

Weighing 16 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than other Shark uprights but worth it for unbeatable carpet cleaning abilities. This Vertex model is Shark’s new premium upright.

Ideal for: Large homes with primarily wall-to-wall carpeting needing deep cleaning suction power. Excellent for pet hair removal across big areas.

Our Take: The ultimate carpet cleaning upright vacuum thanks to Shark’s latest innovations like the duoactive head and XL dust cup.

Shark IQ Robot® RV1000 – Best Robotic

For convenient whole-home cleaning without pushing a vacuum, the self-emptying Shark IQ Robot® RV1000 is our top pick for a robotic vacuum. With its logical navigation, WiFi connectivity, and voice control integration, this technologically advanced bot tackles dirt, dust, and debris.

Key Features:

• Self-Empty Base – Holds up to 30 days of dirt and debris.
• Row-by-Row Mapping – Methodically cleans in efficient paths room by room.
• WiFi and Voice Control – Manage cleaning and monitor performance with the app.
• Powerful Suction + Multi-Surface Brushroll – Deep cleans carpets and hard floors.

With intelligent navigation guided by lidar and a home mapping algorithm, the RV1000 cleans floors thoroughly in neat rows. Scheduling and monitoring happens right from your phone.

For a hands-free approach to daily vacuuming of hard floors and low-pile carpets, the RV1000 robotic vacuum delivers convenience and results. Let this bot do the work!

Ideal for: Busy households who want automated daily floor cleaning. Smart sensors and suction tackle dirt, dust, and debris in an organized path.

Our Take: Shark’s smartest and most advanced robotic vacuum that empties itself and deep cleans floors automatically.

Shark Wandvac System WS621 – Best Handheld

The versatile Shark Wandvac System WS621 stands out as our pick for best handheld vacuum thanks to its lightweight versatility, removable batteries, and ability to clean floors as well as surfaces.

Key Features:

• Removable Batteries – Extend runtime by replacing with charged battery packs.
• Powerful Suction + Multi-Surface Pet Tool – Tackles dirt on floors, stairs, furniture, vehicle interiors.
• Duster Crevice Tool + Upholstery Tool – Clean hard-to-reach areas and remove pet hair.
• Charging Dock – Conveniently stores and recharges wandvac.

This wand-style vacuum quickly converts to a hand vacuum configuration, allowing you to clean a variety of areas. The specialized pet hair cleaning tools are perfect for removing fur.

Weighing just 3.1 pounds, the lightweight WS621 excels at detailed cleaning needs like ceiling corners, blinds, stairs, and car interiors. It’s ultra portable cleaning power!

Ideal for: Quick cleanups and detail cleaning needs between deeper floor vacuuming. Lightweight, versatile, and wireless.

Our Take: Shark’s best handheld vacuum that offers cordless convenience and specialized tools to tackle dirt and pet hair anywhere.

How to Choose the Right Shark Vacuum

Now that you’re familiar with the top Shark vacuum models, let’s go over the buying considerations to select the best vacuum for your home:

Assess Floor Surfaces in Your Home

Do you have mostly carpets and rugs or a mix of hard floors? Vacuums with soft brushrolls or extended reach are ideal for wall-to-wall carpeting. For homes with hardwood, tile, and delicate surfaces, look for adjustable suction levels.

Consider flooring in all rooms, not just main living spaces. This helps identify the right vacuum cleaning path width and head type.

Determine Square Footage to be Cleaned

For larger homes, you may want an upright vacuum with a wide cleaning path to cover more ground efficiently. Robotic vacuums can methodically clean large areas by mapping rooms.

For apartments or smaller spaces, compact stick or handheld vacuums provide portability between rooms and storage areas.

Evaluate Specialized Cleaning Needs

Do you need to deep clean pet hair from carpets and upholstery? Look for vacuums with specialized tools and self-cleaning technology to handle hair wrap.

For allergy relief, HEPA filtration is critical to capture fine dust and dander. High suction power tackles ground-in dirt.

Assess Convenience Requirements

If dealing with cords is difficult, cordless stick or hand vacuums allow full mobility. Robotic models provide hands-free, automated floor cleaning via app control.

For whole-home needs, lift-away uprights allow portable cleaning of floors, stairs, and surfaces. Removable batteries extend runtime for cordless models.

Determine Ongoing Maintenance Needs

To maintain performance, vacuums require periodic filter cleaning, brushroll maintenance, and emptying dust bins. Robotic and self-emptying models reduce daily maintenance requirements.

Also consider your ability to carry and empty heavier debris bins like those on uprights. Maintenance needs impact convenience.

Set a Budget

Shark vacuums range from $100 – $600+ depending on type, features, and configurations. Stick vacuums and handhelds sit on the lower end while uprights, robotics, and self-empty models are pricier but higher-end.

Determine what you can reasonably invest based on your needs and how frequently the vacuum will get used. This helps narrow options.

By weighing these key factors, you can zero in on the ideal Shark vacuum for your household and budget. Next we’ll cover some frequently asked questions.

FAQs About Shark Vacuums

New vacuum shoppers often have questions about Shark’s product line. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:

How often do filters need to be changed?

Most filters should be rinsed and replaced every 12-24 months depending on use. But HEPA filters capture smaller particulates so may need annual replacing. Follow each model’s recommendations.

What’s the difference between upright, stick, and robotic vacuums?

Uprights provide whole-home cleaning with larger dust bins and powered brushrolls. Sticks are lightweight with portable configurations. Robotics automatically clean floors via app control.

Are Shark vacuums good for pet hair removal?

Yes, many Shark vacuums have specialized tools and self-cleaning technology designed specifically for homes with shedding pets. The powered lift-away, DuoClean, and self-cleaning brushrolls excel at tackling pet hair.

How long do Shark vacuum batteries last?

It depends on the model but average runtime is 20-40 minutes for stick vacuums and 15-30 minutes for handhelds. Having spare removable batteries or corded power extends cleaning time further.

Where are Shark vacuums manufactured?

While Shark is a US company, most Shark vacuums are made in China to allow for more budget-friendly pricing. Shark does enforce strict quality control standards at their factories.

What is DuoClean or DuoActive technology?

These patented Shark technologies utilize two specialized brushrolls in one powerhead to optimize cleaning on different floor types using both a soft roller and a bristle brushroll.

Can Shark vacuums be used on hardwood floors?

Yes, Shark vacuums have settings to safely clean bare floors. The soft brushrolls and adjustable suction levels prevent scattering of debris or damage to delicate floors.

How do Shark vacuums compare to Dyson models?

Sharks offer comparable cleaning innovations and technologies at more affordable price points in many cases. Dysons boast sleeker aesthetic design but lower ROI.

What is included in Shark’s vacuum warranty?

Shark provides a standard 5-year limited warranty covering original defects. Batteries, filters, and wear parts like brushrolls are excluded beyond initial warranty periods.

Do Shark vacuums come with attachments?

Yes, all new Sharks include at least a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool. Higher-end models provide more specialized pet hair tools, under-appliance wands, and accessory bags.

Find the Perfect Shark Vacuum for Your Home

We hope this 2022 buyer’s guide gave you a helpful overview of Shark’s top vacuums across multiple categories. Take time to evaluate your flooring, portability needs, special cleaning requirements, and budget to determine which of these five models fits your household best.

Shark’s vacuums provide innovative cleaning technologies, conveniences, and value worth considering before making this important home investment. Visit SharkClean.com to find your ideal vacuum match and keep your floors fresh!