The 6 best Shark vacuum cleaners to buy right now – tried and tested by a Vacuum Expert

The most difficult part of buying a Shark vacuum cleaner isn't finding one; it's navigating the overwhelming choice. The brand's success as a market leader means you have to choose between the legendary Stratos, Lift-Away, Pet Pro, a dozen different model numbers, and decide whether you want corded power or cordless convenience.

So, that's where I come in. As Ideal Home's Certified Expert in Vacuums, it's my job to test the best vacuums out there - including Shark's inclusions to the market. And I spend my days assessing everything from their suction power to their debris pickup, run-time, and overall usefulness in real homes.

After months of testing, I've narrowed down my favourites below depending on your home, your needs and your budget. As a result, I'm confident that these are the best Shark vacuum cleaners on the market right now.

Quick list

Short on time but looking for the best Shark vacuum around? Take a look at our quick list below to find the one you're looking for quickly.

Best Shark vacuum cleaners 2026

Best Shark vacuum cleaner overall

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The Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro is the newest addition to the brand's roster of vacuum cleaners, and it combines many of the features we have loved and raved about in past models - including the Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, which previously held this top spot.

It takes the crown as Shark's ‘best cleaning cordless under 3.5kg,' but during testing, it proved that it offers so much more than that. Offering four cleaning technologies and an auto-empty dock that keeps it charged and ready to go, it does most of the hard work for you. And while you'd expect something with so much to offer to be huge, Shark has worked hard to make everything as lightweight and compact as possible.

Features we loved during testing

As I live in a small house, I was a little sceptical when the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro arrived on my doorstep. I assumed that the auto-empty dock would automatically result in a giant appliance I'd struggle to store, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Sure, you do need a little corner to keep it safe, but it's smaller than Shark's older auto-empty models - and even the tools have their own place on the dock, so you never lose them. So, it's extremely streamlined and efficient.

In terms of suction power, this model has 150 AW (Air Watts), which is the exact same as the Dyson V8 Cyclone - and during testing, the four PowerDetect cleaning technologies (Floor Detect, Edge Detect, Dirt Detect, and Direction Detect) proved themselves to be extremely effective in picking up both small and large debris.

It's worth noting that this is a pet model, too - something I was eager to test as I live with a fluffy dog that sheds. The Motorised Pet Tool worked hard to tackle hairy, muddy dog beds and sofas, and the combi crevice tool also comes in handy for smaller jobs.

Alongside this, the 60-minute runtime was more than enough for me to vacuum my entire three-bedroom house, and the 45 days' worth of onboard dust capacity makes it extremely hands-off for maintenance. My only gripe is the 6-hour charging time, which is a little higher than average. But despite this, I'm confident in calling this the best Shark vacuum cleaner I've tested so far.

Read our Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro cordless vacuum review for more details.

Best budget Shark vacuum cleaner

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The Shark PowerPro is one of Shark's newest vacuums, but it's also one of the cheapest. Perfect for those looking for their first Shark vacuum or a second vacuum on a budget, it doesn't have too many bells and whistles, but it still thoroughly impressed me during testing.

Offering impressive Floor Detect Technology, this budget Shark vacuum cleaner has a multi-surface floorhead that will adjust its suction power and the brush roll speed to suit your floors - whether that be carpets, rugs, or hard flooring. I found the suction power to be more than enough for everyday debris and quick cleans, although you might want to opt for something like the Shark PowerDetect if you're looking for big bursts of power due to pets that shed a lot or messy family members.

Features we loved

During testing, I loved how lightweight and easy the Shark PowerPro was to use around the house. I didn't have to faff around with changing the floorhead (which I do with my Dyson), and it quickly transformed into a handheld vacuum for more targeted cleaning. The XL dust capacity meant that I could vacuum my whole house without having to stop and empty it.

I also tested the pet model, which came with a motorised pet tool that was perfect for sucking up hair and pet dander in my home. However, you can also buy the non-pet version for £30 cheaper if you don't want this extra tool. But the one thing I will always love about Shark vacuums is the Flexology wand, which allowed me to vacuum under chairs and furniture without having to move them out of the way. This is found on most Shark vacuums, excluding the upright model in this guide.

Read our Shark PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum review for more details.

Best cordless Shark vacuum cleaner

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The Shark Stratos goes further than other cordless vacuums from the brand to make debris and dust pick-up as easy, and nice-smelling as possible. It showed unbelievable suction power during testing, and left carpets visibly cleaner, with no issues with pet hair or human hair. We suspect this advanced cleaning is made possible because of the Clean Sense IQ Technology, which works to detect and then act upon the identified dirt and debris on your floors.

There's no doubt that our testing process proved that this vacuum is worth the large price tag that it carries. Even if you don't have to deal with shedding pets, the ease with which this vacuum does away with hair is astounding, and our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Molly Cleary, found that its cleaning power to be more than enough to tackle everyday debris and hair - and I retested it 18 months later to the same results. Similar to the Shark IZ300UK Anti Hair Wrap cordless vacuum, it has a two-battery option, resulting in exceptional battery life for a whole house clean without the need for a charging break.

Features we loved during testing

The capacity of this vacuum to transform into a smaller handheld model is phenomenal, and you'll be reaching for the smaller attachments all the time to quickly resolve smaller messes all over your home. Another highlight during testing was the new Anti-Odour capsules that you can pick up with this vacuum, which make that horrible dusty smell a thing of the past. These come with a dial so you can choose how strong you want the scent to be, and then you simply pop it into the dustbin and go on your merry way.

During re-testing of this model 18 months after it was originally tested, the Shark Stratos proved that while it may be an oldie, it's a goodie. Its suction power is more than enough for everyday whip-arounds and more dedicated cleaning sessions, and the tools included allow you to have it as your sole vacuum cleaner. Being able to flex under furniture and fold down for easy storage are also major plus points.

You can fork out more for the two-battery Shark Stratos model if you think you need a spare pack on charge while the other is in use, but it's not a necessity if you live in a small or medium-sized home. All in all, this is admittedly a pricier vacuum, but if you can afford to fork out, it will impress you time and time again.

Read our Shark Stratos IZ420UKT cordless vacuum review for more details.

Best corded Shark vacuum cleaner

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Although corded vacuums have typically been less popular than cordless models, the Shark PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner AZ3900UKT has recently become one of the brand's bestselling models. It follows the success of the Shark PowerDetect Clean and Empty above and features many of the same technologies, but in a corded, upright form.

This means that it offers unlimited run time and more power than any other Shark vacuum cleaner we've tested so far. And with the DirectionDetect and FloorDetect features, there's limited input required as it'll automatically adjust suction power according to the debris it faces and the floor type. However, it is big and heavy at 7.6kg, which means it won't suit smaller homes or those with limited mobility.

Features we loved during testing

I tested the Shark PowerDetect Lift-Away in my home, and found the suction power was so impressive it sucked in pet hair before the rollers even touched it. And while it doesn't necessarily need it, the fact that it cleans on both the forward and reverse stroke (even though upright models typically struggle on the latter) is ideal for all floor types.

The 1.3L dust bin meant that I could vacuum my home multiple times before needing to empty it, and the Lift-Away pod did help to alleviate the negatives associated with such a big and heavy vacuum. Of course, corded vacuums aren't for everyone and it's worth understanding that you'll need strong arms and a place to store it, but if you value cleaning power over cord-free convenience, it'll win you over.

Read our full Shark PowerDetect Lift-Away vacuum review for more details.

Best handheld Shark vacuum cleaner

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While all of the above Shark vacuum cleaners can be used in handheld form, it can often be helpful to have one of the best handheld vacuums to hand for those much smaller, targeted jobs, too. And so far, the Shark Handheld Cordless Pet Vacuum Cleaner CH950UKT is the best model from this brand that we've tested.

Offering up to 10 minutes of run time and a deceptively large 0.45 litre dust tank, this lightweight model is ideal for grab-and-go cleaning - especially if you have pets. It not only comes with a dusting brush and crevice tool, but it also comes with a dedicated Motorised Pet Tool for pesky pet hair.

Features we loved during testing

While 10 minutes of runtime isn't the longest out there, our tester found it was the perfect amount of time to clean up mud and stray hairs left on carpets and rugs by her dog - especially with the dedicated pet tool at her disposal. It's also handy for quick pickups in cars and smaller spaces, but if you're looking for a longer run-time, I'd suggest the Dyson Car+Boat, which offers up to 50 minutes.

At 1.39kg, it's also incredibly lightweight, and its under-£100 price point makes it one of the cheapest models we've tested. But if you're after a Shark handheld that isn't pet specific, we have also tested the Shark Cordless Handheld Vacuum WV200UK (£129.99 at Shark). This one comes with two attachments.

Best Shark robot vacuum cleaner

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The best robot vacuum cleaners come in many shapes and forms, and Shark has invested quite heavily in this hands-free branch of floorcare over the years. The Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop impressed me during testing thanks its user-friendly nature and its effective cleaning power - and it's one of the most attractive models on the market, too.

With an auto-empty and auto-refilling function, this Shark robot vacuum will also clean and dry the roller after use so it's always ready to go. It also has great obstacle avoidance and I found it incredibly easy to configure my own cleaning requirements in the app. However, it does only allow for one map - which is a downside for those with multiple floors.

Features we loved during testing

During the debris test, the Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch robot vacuum proved that it had what it took to tackle all manner of debris in one pass - including my dog's hair. The DirtDetect technology also adjusts its suction power in vacuum mode depending on the floor type and the debris present, and it has the ability to lift itself - and its mop pad - over rugs to stop them getting wet.

And while the docking station comes with all kinds of cleaning and maintenance features that ensure you rarely have to get involved, the fact that you can only save one map is a downside. It shouldn't put you off completely, but just be warned that you will only be able to take advantage of saved navigation on one floor.

Read our full Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop review for more details.

Shark vacuum comparison chart

We've also tested

Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum Cleaner (★★★★★)

Previously our number one Shark vacuum cleaner, this was just pipped to the post by the PowerDetect Speed. But it's still a worthy contender and ideal if you need slightly more run time.

Read our full review here

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Shark VacMop Cordless 2-in-1 Vacuum Mop VM200UK (★★★★★)

With the ability to vacuum up small debris and mop your floors afterwards, this 2-in-1 floorcare appliance is a must-have. It's not a replacement for a Shark vacuum, but it's a game-changing addition.

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Shark Wandvac WV200UK(★★★★½)

If you just want a Shark vacuum for smaller jobs, this handheld vacuum is more than up for the task. All in all, it offers one-touch emptying and up to 8 minutes of battery life.

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Shark EveryMess Portable 3 in 1 Carpet Cleaner (★★★★½)

It may technically be a carpet cleaner, but the Shark EveryMess also doubles up as a wet and dry vacuum cleaner. I've tested it out myself, and can vouch for its impressive cleaning power.

View Deal

How we test Shark vacuums

At Ideal Home, we take how we test products very seriously. We believe that the only way to give our honest verdict (and feel confident recommending them to you) on the best Shark vacuum cleaners is to test them in a home environment while diligently following our vacuum cleaner testing protocol. If it’s not possible to test in a home, we instead follow these steps in our dedicated testing facility, which has been set up to mimic an average UK house.

To create this guide, members of the Ideal Home team reviewed every Shark vacuum on this list, and we all followed the same testing process to ensure validity across the board. For every review, we aim to test and explore every inch of the product - from the overall look of the Shark vacuum to the cleaning features it offers - for at least two weeks and sometimes even months. This allows us to face real-life challenges and use the product as any other customer would.

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During this process, each vacuum is also tested on different floor types – hard flooring and carpet – to pick up cereals (crushed and whole), a mix of flour and sugar, and hair in individual tests. To achieve a perfect pick-up score, we expect a vacuum to pick up both fine and heavy debris across these surfaces with a single pass. These tests allow us to see how well the vacuum lives up to manufacturer claims, including its ability to tackle large amounts of debris and the effectiveness of hair-repelling features.

Everything has been considered during our in-depth reviews, starting from unboxing and assembly right off the bat. Factors such as manoeuvrability, run-time, emptying of the canister (or bag), included accessories and general controls also play a huge factor in determining the ratings we award each vacuum we test.

Where possible, we also try to compare the Shark vacuum with other vacuums on the market. These may be different Shark models (for example, we may compare them with older or newer models with different functionalities that may suit you better) or models with similar functionalities and different price points from other brands on the market.

Meet our testing team

Lauren Bradbury

Lauren is Ideal Home's Content Editor and Certified Expert for Vacuums. She's spent over 400 hours testing the best vacuums on the market, speaking to industry experts, and even going behind the scenes to see how big brands design and test their vacuum cleaners.

Lauren has tested every single Shark vacuum cleaner in this guide, allowing her to compare them and rank them accordingly.

Molly Cleary

Molly is currently Ideal Home's Kitchen Appliances Editor, but she was previously our Ecommerce Editor and regularly tested the best vacuum cleaners on the market.

In this role, she countless vacuums - including the best Shark vacuums - both in her home and at Future's dedicated test facility. She also visited Shark's HQ to get a behind-the-scenes peek at how they design and build Shark vacuum cleaners.

Millie Fender

Millie is Ideal Home's former Head of Reviews, and during her time in this role she thoroughly tested a wide range of products - from cookware to vacuum cleaners.

Before that, she was the Small Appliance and Cookware Editor, so she's no stranger to reviewing essential home appliances like vacuum cleaners.

How to choose a Shark vacuum cleaner

Knowing how to choose a vacuum cleaner can be tough, and this isn’t made any easier if you already know that you want to buy a Shark vacuum cleaner. Although you may have settled on the brand, there are many other things you need to consider. These include:

The type of vacuum cleaner: Shark is a brand that offers a wide range of vacuum cleaners, from upright corded options to slimline cordless stick vacuums. It’s worth reading up on our guide of Shark corded vs cordless vacuum cleaners to determine which one suits you best, as they all differ in terms of run-time, suction power, dust bin capacity, ease of use, and affordability.

Features on offer: Like many other vacuum brands, Shark is constantly evolving and coming up with new, innovative features that aim to make cleaning easier. So, you need to decide whether you want a simple Shark vacuum that gets the job done without too many bells and whistles or opt for something that comes with impressive cleansing features such as Anti-Hair Wrap technology, Anti-Odour Capsules, Duo-Clean technology, DirectionDetect technology, or even Auto-Emptying capabilities. Our full guide on Shark terms will help you decode what these mean.

Accessories: If you want to vacuum pet hair or use your Shark vacuum cleaner to clean your car, it’s also a good idea to choose a Shark vacuum cleaner that comes with accessories. Just make sure that you check out our guide on what vacuum tool is right for each job so you use them as effectively as possible.

Maintenance: Maintenance is key if you want to extend the life expectancy of your vacuum. And while modern Shark vacuums are now offering auto-emptying systems and becoming simpler to use, you still need to know how to clean a Shark vacuum cleaner to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible for the next few years. Alongside this, you also need to know how to clean a Shark vacuum filter.

By taking all of the above into account, you should feel confident enough to make your purchase and start using your new Shark vacuum cleaner. Just ensure you don’t forget the places you're probably forgetting to vacuum - otherwise, you won’t get value for money.

FAQs

After reading through our guide, we hope that we've helped clear the mist surrounding choosing the best Shark vacuum for your needs. But if you're still not convinced, it's well worth reading my guide on the things I wish I knew before buying a Shark vacuum cleaner.