We then tried each vacuum on different types of rugs and on bare floors strewn with Cheerios, fur, baking soda, birdseed, and glitter. We also checked each model’s anti-tangling technology by vacuuming up colorful dyson robot vacuum hair extensions. We then ran the top performers in a multi-person, multi-pet, multi-rug home for several weeks to see how they handled a variety of surfaces and messes (cat and bunny litter included).
If you prefer a cordless model, they also come with long-lasting batteries too. Handheld vacuums are great tools for cleaning up areas that traditional vacuums may not be able to reach, and this cordless Shark model is a top-notch pick. It’s an extremely lightweight device that features two air streams for strong suction, as well as two helpful tools (a crevice tool and a scrubbing brush) to ensure a deep, thorough cleaning in each use. This vacuum comes with a 25-foot extendable hose that’s long enough to tackle most rooms without issue, and maneuvering it around different areas is easy thanks to its swivel steering. Setting up the vacuum takes minimal time, and you can use it either as a regular upright vacuum or a hand vacuum, if you choose to detach the handle. No mop vac is fun to clean, and unlike robovacs, there isn’t a pricey model that has an auto-empty feature… yet.
We test vacuums on all kinds of messes, and we test everything from how long their batteries last to whether they’ll make your arms tired. Black + Decker’s Powerseries Extreme vacuum cleaner features an angled floorhead and 3-speed control to deep clean all types of surfaces. “Shark vacuums have a few awesome features that Dyson vacuums do not,” White says. For instance, many Shark vacuums feature helpful LED lights on their heads to help you see in darker-lit corners, and “Shark vacuum batteries typically run longer than Dyson’s,” she adds. Shark vacuums are also typically less expensive than Dyson models, although Dyson vacuums tend to have stronger suction power.
And because every home is different, we’ve produced this guide to show you the best cleaners for every type of home, every kind of decor and every kind of lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a state-of-the-art cordless dyson robot vacuum that feels like it’s come from the future or something considerably cheaper and cuter, you’ll find it right here. The V8 Absolute is less powerful than the V12 Detect Slim and the V15 Detect, but it’s still a good value.
After months of use, we found it to be best at deep cleaning carpets (it’s great with pet hair!), as long as you have a smaller handheld vacuum to get into tight crevices. Simple to use, during testing it collected fine dust from hard floors and carpets with ease, although for larger debris, we found it required several sweeps to scoop up all of the mess. The dust canister is smaller than average, so will need to be emptied more frequently, but we found it was easy to empty. It has a decent warranty, and its battery and many of its parts are replaceable.
Based on these insights, we determined the best Shark vacuums for every cleaning need and budget. To find the best Shark vacuums around, we tested 38 different models over a span of several months, evaluating them on factors like effectiveness, ease of use, noise, and more. We also got expert insight from White on how to maintain these types of vacuums so that they can last for year after year. A vacuum is one of the most useful cleaning devices you can own, and so it’s important that you choose one that you feel confident will do the job well for years on end.
The V15 also comes with an LCD screen that displays the remaining runtime, and when used on Auto mode the cleaner conserves the battery by adjusting the suction power to suit the floor type and the amount of dust automatically. Over a span of several months, we have tested 38 Shark vacuums in a variety of settings. We’ve tested every vacuum for its effectiveness on hard floors and carpeting, maneuverability, ease of setting shark cordless up and emptying, noise level, and overall value. Of all the Shark vacuums we tested, the Shark IZ462H Vertex Ultra Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum really stood out for its smooth maneuverability, helpful features, and powerful suction. For a lower-budget alternative, though, the Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro Complete Upright Vacuum offers strong suction and a larger-than-average dust cap, making it another solid pick.
As the Stratos is the successor to the Vertex model, we will be referencing it throughout this review. Below we have included it aside the Stratos Cordless and the average score of all stick vacuums we have tested in the past. Attachments 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. After two months of usage the battery life has also held up, and the compact design proves to be great for storing it. All in all, if you need a handheld vacuum with suction that rivals a larger machine, it’s a great choice with the reliability and consistency that Shark’s known for.
It also has a powerful battery that rarely runs out during cleaning sessions, and will undoubtedly become your go-to vacuum like it has for us. If you’re looking to keep costs low but still want a high-quality vacuum, check out this lower-priced model from Shark. The upright vacuum is great at picking up debris quickly, as we found during testing, and is effective not just on floors and furniture but also on stairs and in tight corners. After months of use, it’s stayed just as impressive, especially when it comes to picking up pet hair on higher pile rugs. The Shark Vertex Pro is a thoughtfully designed, versatile cordless vacuum that not only cleans well but also solves the major design challenges inherent in most cordless stick vacuums. As they are more compact and lightweight, stick vacuums are great for quick cleanups.
It features an anti-allergen seal to trap dust and dander, as well as helpful LED lights to illuminate areas that might be hard to see. You can also choose between multiple cleaning modes and suction levels with the LED smart display, making the device even simpler to control. We found it simple to put together, taking only a few minutes’ time, and extremely easy to maneuver once you get it going. The vacuum picked up every piece of debris on the first run thanks to its strong suction and dual brush heads, and its design makes it feel like it’s leading you, not the other way around.