Best picks

10 Best Shark Vacuum Cleaners by Type (November 2026)

Updated on · By the Vacuum Critic team

The best best Shark vacuums include the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 for mixed floors, the Shark Stratos AZ3002 for pet hair and deep cleaning, and the Shark Vertex Lift-Away AZ2002 for above-floor reach.

On this page (5 sections)
  1. Best Shark vacuums by type and cleaning job
  2. How should you choose a Shark vacuum type?
  3. Which Shark vacuum features matter most?
  4. Are Shark cordless vacuums a good fit for your home?
  5. What is the best Shark vacuum for your needs?

The best Shark vacuum for most homes is the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360, an upright with brushroll shutoff, a detachable pod and a sealed HEPA filter. If you want more pet-focused tools, consider the Stratos; for a lighter corded option, look at a Shark Rocket.

Your floors and cleaning routine matter as much as the brand. Start with our guide to choosing the right vacuum cleaner type if you're unsure whether an upright, stick or robot fits your home.

Our picks at a glance

  1. 1 Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360
    Best for mixed floors

    Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360

    8.9/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Shark Stratos AZ3002
    Best for pet hair and deep cleaning

    Shark Stratos AZ3002

    8.8/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Shark Vertex Lift-Away AZ2002
    Best for above-floor reach

    Shark Vertex Lift-Away AZ2002

    8.5/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  1. 4Shark Rocket Pet Plus HV322

    Shark Rocket Pet Plus HV322

    Best for corded stick cleaning
    Check it
  2. 5Shark Rocket Corded Stick HV301

    Shark Rocket Corded Stick HV301

    Best for light corded cleanup
    Check it
  3. 6Shark PowerPro Reveal Plus IZ376H

    Shark PowerPro Reveal Plus IZ376H

    Best for cordless floor changes
    Check it
  4. 7Shark Cordless Pet IY143H

    Shark Cordless Pet IY143H

    Best for cordless pet cleanup
    Check it
  5. 8Shark PowerDetect Corded HZ4002

    Shark PowerDetect Corded HZ4002

    Best for automatic floor response
    Check it
  6. 9Shark AI Robot AV2501AE

    Shark AI Robot AV2501AE

    Best for scheduled floor cleaning
    Check it
  7. 10Shark WANDVAC WV201BK

    Shark WANDVAC WV201BK

    Best for quick handheld jobs
    Check it

Best Shark vacuums by type and cleaning job

The Navigator is the broadest fit for mixed floors, while the Stratos adds pet-focused tools and the other picks serve lighter, cordless or automated routines. We compared the available features and formats with the needs behind each use case.

1

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360: Best for mixed floors

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360, best Shark vacuums
8.9/10Our score
  • Brushroll shutoff
  • Detachable Lift-Away pod
  • HEPA filter with sealed system
  • 0.9-quart dust cup

Brushroll shutoff lets you switch between carpet and hard floors, while the detachable pod and included tools handle stairs and furniture.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Brushroll shutoff for mixed floors
  • Detachable pod for above-floor cleaning
  • HEPA filter and sealed system

Cons

  • Corded upright design
  • Weighs 16 lb

The Navigator Lift-Away NV360 is the leading all-round pick because it combines brushroll shutoff and a detachable pod. Shut off the brushroll for hard floors, then use the upright setup on carpet; detach the pod when you need to reach stairs, furniture or other above-floor areas.

Its HEPA filter works with a sealed system to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum. The included upholstery and crevice tools extend its use to furniture, curtains, blinds and tight spaces.

The 0.9-quart dust cup holds more than the stick options here, which can mean fewer stops to empty during a session. At 16 lb, though, it's heavier to carry up stairs than the corded Rocket sticks.

Choose the NV360 for mixed floors and regular whole-home cleaning. If you need a lighter machine for stairs or frequent carrying, compare it with our lightweight vacuum picks.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360Check it on Amazon
2

Shark Stratos AZ3002: Best for pet hair and deep cleaning

Shark Stratos AZ3002, best Shark vacuums
8.8/10Our score
  • DuoClean PowerFins HairPro
  • Self-cleaning brushroll
  • Powered Lift-Away pod
  • Pet Power Brush and LED headlights

This upright combines two brushrolls with a self-cleaning brushroll and Pet Power Brush. Its powered pod can clean under furniture.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Pet Power Brush included
  • Powered Lift-Away pod
  • LED headlights

Cons

  • Weighs 16.7 lb
  • Corded upright design

The Stratos AZ3002 is the strongest match for homes with pets and mixed surfaces. Its DuoClean PowerFins HairPro system uses two brushrolls, and the self-cleaning brushroll is designed to reduce hair wrap; Shark also includes a Pet Power Brush for stairs, furniture and upholstery.

Powered Lift-Away lets you detach the pod for motorized cleaning under furniture. Detach the nozzle for stairs and other above-floor work, then use the included crevice or upholstery tool for smaller areas.

A sealed HEPA system, odor neutralizer cartridge and LED headlights add features for pet homes. The Stratos weighs 16.7 lb, so its added tools and functions come in a full-size upright format.

Read our Shark Stratos AZ3002 review for a closer look at its design and use. For a broader pet-focused shortlist, see vacuum cleaners for pet hair.

Shark Stratos AZ3002Check it on Amazon
3

Shark Vertex Lift-Away AZ2002: Best for above-floor reach

Shark Vertex Lift-Away AZ2002, best Shark vacuums
8.5/10Our score
  • DuoClean PowerFins
  • Powered Lift-Away pod
  • Self-cleaning brushroll
  • Pet Crevice Tool and Dusting Brush

The detachable pod and two included tools help with stairs, upholstery and furniture, while the self-cleaning brushroll suits homes with pets or long hair.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Powered Lift-Away cleaning
  • Pet Crevice Tool included
  • LED headlights

Cons

  • Weighs 16.4 lb
  • Corded upright design

The Vertex AZ2002 is another Lift-Away upright, with a self-cleaning brushroll and Powered Lift-Away pod. Its Pet Crevice Tool targets hair in corners, between couch cushions and on stairs, while the Dusting Brush is suited to delicate surfaces.

DuoClean PowerFins combine a PowerFins brushroll with a soft roller for hard floors and carpet. The 1-quart dust cup supports longer sessions than the smaller cups in the stick picks, and LED headlights help reveal dust under furniture.

The Vertex weighs 16.4 lb, close to the NV360 and Stratos. Choose it when you want the Lift-Away format with pet tools and a dusting attachment; compare the Stratos and PowerDetect if you're weighing Shark's feature-heavy designs.

Shark Vertex Lift-Away AZ2002Check it on Amazon
4

Shark Rocket Pet Plus HV322: Best for corded stick cleaning

Shark Rocket Pet Plus HV322, best Shark vacuums
8.5/10Our score
  • Converts to a handheld vacuum
  • Pet Multi-Tool included
  • LED headlights
  • 0.68-quart dust cup

This lighter corded stick converts to a hand vacuum for stairs, furniture and tight spaces. Its Pet Multi-Tool is made for embedded pet hair on surfaces.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Converts to handheld use
  • Pet Multi-Tool included
  • Corded power

Cons

  • Small dust cup compared with the upright picks
  • Cord limits reach

The Rocket Pet Plus HV322 is the best fit here if you want a corded stick that converts to a hand vacuum. At 8.6 lb, it's easier to carry than the uprights, and the included Pet Multi-Tool and crevice tool support cleaning furniture, stairs and narrow spaces.

Its cord provides power without charging breaks, and the LED headlights help reveal debris under furniture. The 0.68-quart dust cup is smaller than the cups on the upright picks, so expect to empty it more often during larger jobs.

Choose it for a lighter cleaner that can handle both floors and above-floor touchups. Our Shark Rocket Pet Plus HV322 review covers the model in more detail.

Shark Rocket Pet Plus HV322Check it on Amazon
5

Shark Rocket Corded Stick HV301: Best for light corded cleanup

Shark Rocket Corded Stick HV301, best Shark vacuums
8.1/10Our score
  • Converts to a handheld vacuum
  • Under 9 lb
  • Swivel steering
  • Crevice and upholstery tools

At 7.6 lb, this stick is easier to carry between rooms and converts for furniture or car interiors. Its compact dust cup means more frequent emptying.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Lightest corded stick here
  • Converts to handheld use
  • Includes two tools

Cons

  • 0.31 qt dust cup
  • Cord limits reach

The Rocket HV301 is a 7.6 lb corded stick that converts to a handheld vacuum for stairs, upholstery and car interiors. Its swivel steering and low-profile floor nozzle help it move around furniture and reach under beds or tables.

It includes a crevice tool and upholstery tool, but its 0.31-quart dust cup is the smallest here. That compact size makes it more suited to quick cleanups or smaller homes than long sessions across a large floor area.

Pick it when carrying weight matters and you want corded operation. If pet hair is the main issue, the Rocket Pet Plus adds a Pet Multi-Tool and a larger dust cup.

Shark Rocket Corded Stick HV301Check it on Amazon
6

Shark PowerPro Reveal Plus IZ376H: Best for cordless floor changes

Shark PowerPro Reveal Plus IZ376H, best Shark vacuums
8.1/10Our score
  • Up to 40 minutes runtime at handheld mode
  • FloorDetect and Dirt-Reveal
  • HEPA filtration with sealed system
  • Converts to hand vacuum

FloorDetect adjusts brushroll speed for carpet or hard floor, and the removable hand vacuum works above the floor. The stated runtime is measured in handheld mode.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Cordless design
  • FloorDetect and Dirt-Reveal features
  • HEPA filtration

Cons

  • Runtime varies by use; stated figure is handheld mode
  • Needs charging

The PowerPro Reveal Plus IZ376H suits buyers who want a cordless stick with floor sensing and a removable hand vacuum. FloorDetect adjusts brushroll speed for carpet or hard floors, while Dirt-Reveal and LED headlights help show hidden dust.

Shark states up to 40 minutes of runtime, measured at the handheld vacuum in standard mode. Treat that as a reference for the stated mode, and plan for charging between longer sessions.

Its HEPA filtration works with a sealed system, and the included crevice and upholstery tools support above-floor cleaning. Choose it when cordless movement matters and you're comfortable planning around battery time.

Shark PowerPro Reveal Plus IZ376HCheck it on Amazon
7

Shark Cordless Pet IY143H: Best for cordless pet cleanup

Shark Cordless Pet IY143H, best Shark vacuums
8.0/10Our score
  • Up to 40 minutes runtime
  • FloorDetect
  • Self-cleaning brushroll
  • HEPA filtration with sealed system

A self-cleaning brushroll and Pet Multi-Tool make this cordless stick a fit for pet hair on floors and soft surfaces. It converts to a hand vacuum for stairs and furniture.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Pet Multi-Tool included
  • FloorDetect adjusts brushroll speed
  • Converts to handheld use

Cons

  • Needs charging
  • 0.7 qt dust cup

The Cordless Pet IY143H is made for everyday pet cleanup without a cord. Its self-cleaning brushroll and Pet Multi-Tool target pet hair on floors and soft surfaces, and FloorDetect adjusts brushroll speed for carpet or hard floors.

It converts to a handheld vacuum for countertops, furniture and stairs. The stated runtime is up to 40 minutes, and the HEPA filter with Complete Seal captures and traps dust and allergens.

At 7.1 lb, it is lighter than the full-size uprights. Choose it for shorter cordless sessions, quick touchups and pet-prone areas; check whether its 0.7-quart dust cup fits how much you clean at a time.

Shark Cordless Pet IY143HCheck it on Amazon
8

Shark PowerDetect Corded HZ4002: Best for automatic floor response

Shark PowerDetect Corded HZ4002, best Shark vacuums
8.0/10Our score
  • DuoClean Detect brushrolls
  • Floor and direction sensors
  • Self-cleaning brushroll
  • HEPA filter with sealed system

Floor and directional sensors adjust brushroll speed and suction direction. The stick weighs 9.3 lb and stands on its own for storage.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Sensors respond to floor type and direction
  • Self-cleaning brushroll
  • Pet Power Brush included

Cons

  • Corded design
  • Single listed power level

The PowerDetect HZ4002 is a corded stick for buyers who want automatic floor and direction response. Its sensors adjust brushroll speed for floor type and direct suction forward or in reverse based on vacuuming direction.

The self-cleaning brushroll is designed to reduce hair wrap, and the included Pet Power Brush handles above-floor pet hair. It weighs 9.3 lb, stands upright for storage and has a 0.87-quart dust cup.

Its corded design avoids charging intervals, while the sensors add more automatic adjustments than a basic stick. Choose it if those features suit your cleaning habits, and compare it with the Shark Stratos review for an upright alternative.

Shark PowerDetect Corded HZ4002Check it on Amazon
9

Shark AI Robot AV2501AE: Best for scheduled floor cleaning

Shark AI Robot AV2501AE, best Shark vacuums
7.8/10Our score
  • LiDAR home mapping
  • Matrix Clean navigation
  • Self-empty base with up to 60-day capacity
  • Up to 120 minutes runtime

LiDAR mapping and scheduled cleaning support routine floor upkeep, while the self-empty base holds up to 60 days of debris. It can recharge and resume a cleaning run.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Self-empty base
  • LiDAR mapping
  • Recharge and Resume

Cons

  • Robot format does not replace above-floor cleaning
  • Needs a clear route around obstacles

The AI Robot AV2501AE suits homes that want scheduled floor cleaning with a self-empty base. LiDAR maps the home, and Matrix Clean navigation follows a grid pattern; the robot can also recharge and resume a cleaning run.

The base holds up to 60 days of debris, and the robot offers up to 120 minutes of runtime. You can set schedules or start a cleaning through voice control with Alexa or Google Assistant.

A robot handles accessible floors, but it won't clean stairs, upholstery or furniture. Pair it with a handheld or stick if those surfaces need regular attention.

Shark AI Robot AV2501AECheck it on Amazon
10

Shark WANDVAC WV201BK: Best for quick handheld jobs

Shark WANDVAC WV201BK, best Shark vacuums
7.6/10Our score
  • 1.4 lb handheld design
  • Charging dock
  • One-touch emptying
  • Mattress and Duster Crevice tools

This 1.4 lb hand vac suits quick jobs on upholstery, carpets and in cars. Its dock keeps it ready to charge between short cleanups.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Very light handheld design
  • Charging dock included
  • Two tools for upholstery and tight spaces

Cons

  • Handheld format is for smaller jobs
  • Needs charging

The WANDVAC WV201BK is a 1.4 lb cordless hand vacuum for quick jobs on upholstery, carpets and in cars. Its dock keeps it charging between uses, and one-touch emptying makes small cleanup jobs simple to finish.

The included Mattress Tool and Duster Crevice Tool cover soft surfaces and tight spaces. This is a spot cleaner, not a replacement for a floor vacuum, so choose it to complement a larger machine or handle small daily messes.

Shark WANDVAC WV201BKCheck it on Amazon

How should you choose a Shark vacuum type?

Choose an upright for regular whole-home cleaning and above-floor reach, a stick for lighter handling, a robot for scheduled floor upkeep, or a handheld for small messes. The best format is the one you'll use for your most common cleaning jobs.

An upright like the NV360 has a larger dust cup and a detachable pod, but weighs more than the stick models. A corded stick trades capacity for easier carrying and avoids battery runtime limits.

Cordless sticks move freely between rooms, though their runtime and dust cup set practical limits. Robots help maintain accessible floors on a schedule, while handhelds work best for brief cleanups on upholstery, stairs or in cars.

For a broader comparison of formats, read about what each type of vacuum does best. If you're choosing by floor surface, our guides to hardwood floor vacuums and carpet vacuums explain the tradeoffs.

Which Shark vacuum features matter most?

The most useful features depend on the surfaces and messes you clean. For mixed floors, look for a brushroll shutoff or floor sensing; for pet hair, consider the tools and brushroll design.

A detachable pod helps with stairs, upholstery and furniture. The Navigator, Stratos and Vertex all offer Lift-Away designs, while the Rocket and cordless sticks convert to handheld vacuums.

For pet hair, the Stratos and Vertex have self-cleaning brushrolls, and the Stratos includes a Pet Power Brush. The Cordless Pet and PowerPro Reveal Plus also have self-cleaning brushrolls, with pet or upholstery tools for above-floor jobs.

If you want allergen filtration, the NV360, Stratos, Vertex, PowerPro Reveal Plus, Cordless Pet and PowerDetect have HEPA filtration paired with a sealed system. Review the specific vacuum's care instructions before washing filters; our vacuum filter cleaning guide explains why washable filters need to dry fully before reinstalling.

Are Shark cordless vacuums a good fit for your home?

A Shark cordless vacuum can fit if you value moving freely and your cleaning sessions fit its runtime. The PowerPro Reveal Plus states up to 40 minutes in handheld standard mode, and the Cordless Pet states up to 40 minutes.

Those figures don't mean every cleaning mode or surface gets the same runtime. Consider the size of your home, whether you clean all rooms at once and how often you want to charge the battery.

Corded sticks like the Rocket HV301 and PowerDetect avoid battery planning, but the cord limits where you can clean before changing outlets. For more on Shark's strengths and tradeoffs, read are Shark vacuums good?.

What is the best Shark vacuum for your needs?

The Navigator Lift-Away NV360 is the strongest all-round pick for mixed floors and above-floor cleaning. Choose the Stratos if pet-focused features matter most, the Rocket Pet Plus for a lighter corded stick, or the AI Robot for mapped floor cleaning.

Pick a cordless model when freedom from the cord matters and its runtime fits your routine. For direct brand comparisons, see Dyson vs Shark vacuums, then compare the models by floor type, weight and the tools you'll use.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

  1. 1 Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360
    Best for mixed floors

    Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360

    8.9/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Shark Stratos AZ3002
    Best for pet hair and deep cleaning

    Shark Stratos AZ3002

    8.8/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 Shark Vertex Lift-Away AZ2002
    Best for above-floor reach

    Shark Vertex Lift-Away AZ2002

    8.5/10 our score

    See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Which Shark vacuum is best for most homes?

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 is a strong fit for mixed floors because it has brushroll shutoff, a detachable pod and a HEPA filter with a sealed system.

Choose an upright if you want one corded vacuum for floors and above-floor jobs. A cordless stick or robot may fit better if your routine depends on quick pickups or scheduled maintenance.

Which Shark vacuum is best for pet hair?

The Shark Stratos AZ3002 is the pet-focused upright pick here, with a self-cleaning brushroll and Pet Power Brush. The Vertex AZ2002 also includes a self-cleaning brushroll and Pet Crevice Tool.

For a lighter format, the Rocket Pet Plus includes a Pet Multi-Tool for furniture and stairs.

Are Shark cordless vacuums good for whole-home cleaning?

They can suit whole-home cleaning when the runtime and dust cup fit your floor area and routine. The PowerPro Reveal Plus states up to 40 minutes at handheld mode, while the Cordless Pet states up to 40 minutes.

Runtime can vary with use, so plan around charging and the size of each cleaning session.

Should you choose a Shark robot or a stick vacuum?

Choose the AI Robot AV2501AE if you want mapped, scheduled floor cleaning and a self-empty base. Choose a stick if you need to clean stairs, furniture or tight spaces by hand.

A robot can maintain accessible floors, but it cannot replace an upright or handheld for above-floor work.

How do you choose between Shark uprights and sticks?

A Shark upright is the better match when you want a larger dust cup and a detachable pod for stairs or furniture. A stick is easier to carry, and several picks here convert to handheld use.

For more on format tradeoffs, see our guide to types of vacuum cleaners.