8 Best Shark Vacuums of 2025

This beast of a vacuum redefines what you expect from an upright cleaner, especially if you’re tired of stopping mid-clean to empty a tiny bin. With its 0.9-quart dust cup, one of the largest in its class, it powers through whole-home sessions without constant interruptions—perfect for pet owners or households with sprawling square footage. The HEPA filter paired with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology makes it a lifesaver for allergy sufferers, trapping 99.97% of dust and allergens before they escape back into the air. And when you add in swivel steering and Lift-Away functionality, this Shark NV360 becomes shockingly agile for a full-sized upright, gliding into tight corners and transforming into a portable cleaner with surgical precision.

In real-world testing, the NV360 shines on both carpets and hard floors thanks to the brushroll shutoff feature, which instantly switches from aggressive carpet agitation to gentle bare-floor cleaning—no flipping levers or changing heads. Its multi-surface suction digs deep into low-pile rugs while avoiding scratches on hardwood, though it can struggle slightly on high-pile carpets when fully extended. The detachable pod is where this model truly flexes: use it handheld to attack couch crevices, stairs, or ceiling cobwebs with the included upholstery and crevice tools. That said, the cord length (25 feet) limits room-to-room mobility, forcing frequent outlet changes in larger homes.

Compared to the budget-focused ZU503AMZ, the NV360 offers superior dust capacity and more thoughtful tool integration, making it better suited for deep, uninterrupted cleaning. While it lacks the self-cleaning brushroll of higher-end models like the AZ4002, it delivers outstanding value for mid-tier buyers who want power, versatility, and allergen control without stepping into premium pricing. It’s not the smartest or lightest option, but for those prioritizing large-bin convenience and whole-home reach, this Shark stands tall.

Meet the game-changing hybrid that eliminates the back-and-forth between vacuuming and mopping—Shark’s HydroVac MessMaster is a true wet/dry powerhouse built for homes that deal with spills, sticky footprints, and pet messes daily. What sets it apart isn’t just its dual-tank system that separates clean and dirty water, but the continuous self-cleaning brushroll that resists grime redeposit, ensuring every pass leaves floors genuinely cleaner. The Stain Boost mode is a standout, doubling the cleaning solution flow for stubborn spills, delivering a streak-free shine on hardwood, tile, and vinyl without requiring multiple passes.

During hands-on use, the cordless freedom transforms cleaning from a chore into a seamless glide from room to room. With LED display feedback, you’re always aware of battery life, tank levels, and cleaning mode—no guessing. It handles wet messes like knocked-over juice or muddy paw prints with impressive efficiency, while the odor-control concentrate actively neutralizes pet-related smells instead of masking them. However, it’s not designed for deep carpet cleaning; area rugs get refreshed, not deep-cleaned, and the unit can feel slightly top-heavy when maneuvering around tight corners.

When stacked against the IZ362H cordless stick, the AW261 trades portability for functionality, offering true mopping performance you simply can’t get with a dry-only model. It’s heavier and pricier than basic vacuums, but for those who want a single machine that vacuums, mops, and self-cleans, this is a no-compromise solution. If your priority is sealed-floor maintenance and wet mess readiness, the HydroVac outclasses every other Shark in this category—delivering smart engineering and real-world convenience in one sleek package.

Step into the future of cleaning with the brilliantly autonomous Shark Matrix Plus AV2610WA—a robot that doesn’t just vacuum, but thinks, maps, and scrubs like no other. Its 360° LiDAR navigation creates precise home maps in minutes, allowing it to methodically clean room-by-room while avoiding furniture, toys, and pet bowls with uncanny accuracy. The Matrix Clean grid pattern ensures no spot is missed, delivering 30% better carpet cleaning than single-pass robots, while CleanEdge Detect uses air bursts and corner recognition to pull debris from edges with 50% more efficiency.

In real-world performance, this robot excels in pet-heavy homes, where daily shedding and tracked-in dirt demand constant attention. The sonic mopping system vibrates 100 times per minute, breaking down dried spills and sticky footprints on hard floors, and the Matrix Mop mode in the app intensifies scrubbing in high-traffic zones for deeper results. Its bagless self-empty base holds up to 60 days of debris, far surpassing competitors like the Roomba j7+—and because it’s bagless, there’s no recurring cost. That said, it struggles on very dark flooring where LiDAR can lose tracking, and mopping requires manual pad installation and post-clean washing.

Compared to the IP3253 cordless stick, this robot offers hands-free consistency but lacks immediate spot-cleaning control. It’s not ideal for quick pickups—this is a set-it-and-forget-it machine built for daily maintenance, not emergency messes. Yet, for tech-savvy households wanting true smart home integration, long-term convenience, and pet-ready performance, the AV2610WA is unmatched. With HEPA-grade filtration, sonic mopping, and self-emptying, it delivers more automation and intelligence than any other Shark vacuum in this lineup.

Don’t let the budget label fool you—the Shark ZU503AMZ punches way above its weight, especially for pet owners seeking affordable, no-nonsense cleaning power. Its self-cleaning brushroll is the star here, engineered to pull up pet hair without tangling, a common pain point in lower-tier vacuums. Combined with 1200 watts of suction, it digs deep into carpets and lifts debris from hard floors with ease, while the HEPA filter and complete seal system ensure dander and dust stay trapped inside—not in your air.

In daily use, the Lift-Away pod transforms it into a portable unit, letting you clean stairs, car interiors, or ceiling fans without lugging the whole machine. The included Pet Crevice Tool is perfect for digging hair out of couch seams, and the upholstery tool handles curtains and lampshades with care. However, the dust cup is smaller than the NV360’s, requiring more frequent emptying, and the build feels slightly less durable—especially in the hose connection, which can loosen over time.

When compared to the premium AZ4002, it lacks intelligent floor detection and automatic power adjustment, meaning you manually switch between surfaces. But for those who want core Shark performance at a fraction of the cost, the ZU503AMZ is a steal. It’s not packed with smart tech, but it delivers reliable, pet-focused cleaning with the signature Shark agility—making it the best bang-for-buck upright in the lineup, especially if you’re upgrading from an old, clogged machine.

This is Shark’s flagship beast—the AZ4002 doesn’t just clean; it dominates every surface with intelligent precision. Dubbed the “Best Overall,” it earns that title with DuoClean Detect technology, a dual-brushroll system backed by four Intelli-Sense sensors that auto-adjust suction and brush speed based on hidden dirt, floor type, direction, and proximity to edges. The Floor Detect sensor instantly shifts from carpet to hardwood mode, while Edge Detect ramps up power within two inches of walls, eliminating the need for manual edge cleaning.

In rigorous testing, the POWERDETECT system proved its worth: it cleans both forward and reverse, thanks to Direction Detect, cutting cleaning time by nearly half compared to traditional vacuums. On thick carpets, it pulled up embedded pet hair and fine dust with surgical efficiency, and on marble tiles, it glided smoothly without scattering debris. The Odor Neutralizer Technology keeps the vacuum smelling fresh, even after picking up muddy paws. However, its heft and premium price make it overkill for small apartments or light-duty users.

Stacked against the NV360, the AZ4002 is smarter, stronger, and more responsive, but you pay for that sophistication. It’s the ultimate choice for large homes with mixed flooring and pets, where automation and deep cleaning matter most. While the IP3253 cordless model offers convenience, the AZ4002 delivers raw, adaptive power and unmatched floor-to-floor intelligence, making it the pinnacle of Shark’s upright engineering—a true all-in-one powerhouse.

For those who want lightning-fast cleanups without battery anxiety, the Shark HV322 Rocket Pet Plus is a corded gem that blends power with portability. At just 8.5 pounds, it’s one of the lightest full-sized stick vacuums Shark makes, yet it delivers serious suction for embedded pet hair on stairs, furniture, and hardwood. The XL 0.68-quart dust cup reduces emptying frequency, and the LED headlights are game-changers—revealing dust bunnies and pet hair lurking under sofas and baseboards that you never knew were there.

In use, its convertible design lets it snap into a handheld unit in seconds, making it ideal for quick spot cleans after meals or between full vacuum sessions. The dual pet tools—a crevice and multi-tool—make short work of hair in car seats or along baseboards. But the corded design, while ensuring endless runtime, limits mobility; you’ll be constantly switching outlets in larger homes. And while it’s great on hard floors and low-pile rugs, it lacks brushroll control, so it can scatter lightweight debris on bare floors if not handled carefully.

Compared to the IZ362H cordless model, the HV322 wins on suction consistency and cost, but loses on convenience. It’s not for those who hate cords, but for pet owners who want a lightweight, no-fail tool for daily messes, it’s hard to beat. With stellar reach, LED visibility, and pet-specific tools, it’s the best stick vacuum for targeted cleaning—offering speed, simplicity, and real results without the need to charge.

The Shark IZ362H is a sleek, agile performer that brings cordless freedom to everyday cleaning, making it perfect for quick sweeps and pet messes without the hassle of cords or heavy lifting. Weighing under 9 pounds and featuring a low-profile design, it slips effortlessly under beds and sofas, while the PowerFins brushroll maintains constant contact with floors, digging deep into carpets and grabbing pet hair with zero wrap. The 40-minute runtime in standard mode is solid for small to medium homes, and the removable handheld unit lets you tackle car interiors or ceiling cobwebs with ease.

Real-world testing shows it handles hard floors and low-pile rugs brilliantly, but begins to struggle on thick carpets in Boost mode, where battery drains faster. The CleanTouch Dirt Ejector makes emptying hygienic and mess-free—just press a button and debris drops into the trash. However, the HEPA filter requires frequent cleaning, and the dust cup is smaller than competitors like the IP3253, meaning more frequent emptying during large jobs.

Against the HV322, it trades endless corded power for portability, offering true room-to-room freedom. While the IP3253 delivers longer runtime and auto-emptying, the IZ362H wins on value and simplicity, packing HEPA filtration, LED lights, and pet-ready tools at a mid-tier price. For renters, pet owners, or anyone who hates cords, this Shark delivers lightweight performance with smart touches—balancing power, portability, and pet-focused design without overcomplicating things.

This is Shark’s cordless crown jewel—the IP3253 isn’t just powerful, it’s intelligently relentless. With 4X PowerDetect sensors, it automatically adjusts suction based on floor type, hidden dirt, edges, and cleaning direction, ensuring maximum pickup in both forward and reverse passes. The redesigned DuoClean Detect nozzle features double brushrolls for superior debris capture, and the FurFins Tool is a revelation for pet owners, lifting matted hair from upholstery with ease.

In real use, the 70-minute runtime in Eco mode is best-in-class, letting you deep-clean a 2,000 sq ft home on a single charge. The Auto-Empty System is where it truly shines: dock it, and it seals away 45 days of dust, allergens, and odors without you ever touching debris. The MultiFLEX wand bends to clean under furniture, and the odor-neutralizing puck keeps the base smelling fresh. However, the unit feels front-heavy when extended, and the app can be slow to connect.

Compared to the AV2610WA robot, the IP3253 offers immediate, powerful cleaning with automation, while the robot provides daily maintenance. Against the IZ362H, it’s a quantum leap in convenience and performance. For those who want the strongest cordless suction, longest runtime, and hands-free emptying, this is the ultimate Shark vacuum—delivering pro-level results with consumer-friendly ease.