8 Best Shark Vacuums for Hardwood & Carpet 2026

This beast of a vacuum doesn’t just clean—it dominates. With DuoClean PowerFins Technology, the Shark LA502 delivers relentless contact across both hardwood floors and plush carpets, thanks to its dual brushrolls: a soft roller for delicate surfaces and a PowerFin roll that digs deep into carpet fibers. The self-cleaning brushroll is a game-changer, virtually eliminating hair wrap—a common headache for pet owners—and combined with LED headlights, it exposes hidden dust bunnies and pet hair lurking under furniture. If you’ve ever felt like your vacuum barely scratches the surface, this one answers with deep, consistent pickup and powerful suction that actually makes a difference.

In real-world testing, the 2.4-liter dust cup held up impressively during whole-home cleanings, reducing the need to stop and empty mid-session. On hardwood, the soft roller glided smoothly without scattering debris, while on medium-pile carpet, the PowerFins agitated embedded dirt with visible results. The Lift-Away pod proved invaluable for cleaning stairs and under low-clearance furniture—just press the pedal, detach, and go. However, the cord rewind isn’t automatic, and the unit can feel slightly top-heavy when maneuvering overhead. Still, its swivel steering makes tight corners and furniture navigation effortless, even in cluttered rooms.

Compared to the NV360 and ZU503AMZ, the LA502 strikes a balance between premium performance and practical versatility, outperforming budget models with superior filtration and build quality. It’s ideal for pet-heavy homes and allergy sufferers who demand a do-it-all upright without sacrificing reach or cleaning power. While heavier than stick models like the HZ4002, it delivers more sustained suction and deeper carpet penetration—a worthy trade-off for whole-home cleaning.

Step into the future of vacuuming with the intelligent, responsive Shark HZ4002, a vacuum that thinks as you clean. Its POWERDETECT system uses ultrasonic Floor Detect and directional sensors to automatically adjust brushroll speed based on surface type and cleaning direction—delivering optimized performance whether you’re gliding over gleaming hardwood or tackling high-traffic carpet. Weighing under 10 pounds, it’s featherlight yet fiercely effective, making it perfect for quick daily cleanups without sacrificing power. For anyone tired of manually switching modes or wrestling with clunky vacuums, this one adapts on the fly, eliminating friction from the cleaning routine.

During testing, the self-standing design was a small but brilliant touch—no more leaning it against furniture or worrying about it toppling over. On hardwood, the vacuum floated effortlessly, capturing fine dust and pet hair with precision, while on low-pile rugs, the dual-sensor system ramped up agitation just enough to lift debris without resistance. The Odor Neutralizer Technology subtly reduced stale smells after cleaning pet areas, a rare perk in its class. That said, the cord management could be tighter, and the suction, while strong, doesn’t match the deep-pile penetration of heavier uprights like the ZU102.

Positioned between the basic Vertex and premium cordless models, the HZ4002 offers smart tech in a corded package, making it a standout for apartment dwellers and tech-savvy users who want automation without battery anxiety. It’s not built for marathon cleaning sessions on thick carpet, but for daily maintenance across mixed flooring, it’s hard to beat. Compared to the IZ376H, it delivers similar intelligence but with unlimited runtime, trading cordless freedom for consistent, no-recharge-needed performance.

Meet the nimble powerhouse that redefines lightweight cleaning—the Shark HZ2002 Vertex Ultralight. With DuoClean PowerFins, it maintains continuous contact across transitions from hardwood to carpet, lifting debris that lesser stick vacuums leave behind. What sets it apart is its transformative design: the pod detaches into a handheld vacuum under 3 lbs, making it effortless to clean stairs, car interiors, or tight corners without lugging around a full-sized machine. The intuitive LED display lets you toggle between floor modes at a glance, while LED headlights reveal dust in shadowy spots—perfect for homes where messes hide in plain sight.

In practice, the advanced swivel steering made navigating around coffee tables and baseboards a breeze, and the strong suction handled everything from cereal spills to tracked-in dirt. The self-cleaning Pet Power Brush removed hair from upholstery without tangling, a consistent win for pet owners. However, the cord length (18 feet) can feel limiting in larger homes, and the dust cup, while easy to empty, fills quickly during intensive sessions. It’s not the most powerful option for thick carpet, but for mixed flooring in small to mid-sized spaces, it’s impressively agile.

Pitted against the LA502, the HZ2002 sacrifices some suction and dust capacity for unmatched portability and convenience. It’s ideal for renters, pet owners, and anyone who values speed and storage efficiency in a vacuum. While the IZ376H offers cordless freedom, the HZ2002 delivers more consistent power and lower cost, making it a smarter pick for those who don’t want to wait for recharges.

This cordless dynamo brings true convenience to deep cleaning without compromising on smarts. The Dirt-Reveal Technology is nothing short of revelatory—its illuminating LEDs expose invisible dust trails on hardwood and carpet alike, ensuring no spot escapes notice. Paired with FloorDetect, which automatically adjusts brushroll speed across surfaces, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it solution for homes with mixed flooring. With up to 40 minutes of runtime, it handles most homes on a single charge, and the hypervelocity suction pulverizes pet hair, crumbs, and fine debris with authority.

In real-world use, the handheld conversion was seamless—perfect for quick cleanups on countertops or car seats. On hardwood, the soft roller preserved shine while grabbing fine dust; on carpet, the self-cleaning brushroll lifted embedded fur without tangles. The HEPA filtration kept the air noticeably cleaner, a plus for allergy sufferers. However, suction dips slightly in max mode, and the battery isn’t user-replaceable, which could limit long-term use. It also lacks onboard tool storage, so accessories must be kept separately.

Stacked against the HZ4002, the IZ376H wins on mobility and modern features, but the corded model offers uninterrupted power and odor control. It’s best for tech-forward users and cordless enthusiasts who prioritize freedom of movement and smart feedback over runtime endurance. Compared to other cordless options, it delivers better floor adaptation and visibility than most, making it the top-tier choice for precision cleaning.

Don’t underestimate this compact workhorse—the Shark V2700Z is the secret weapon for quick cleanups. With a motorized brushroll and 10-inch cleaning path, it tackles dust, crumbs, and pet hair on all floor types with surprising efficiency for its size. Its ultra-compact swivel design lets it dart under sofas and into tight corners where full-sized vacuums can’t reach, making it perfect for spot cleaning and daily maintenance. At just $43.88, it’s an unbeatable value for renters, pet owners, or anyone who needs a no-fuss, cordless sweeper on standby.

In testing, it handled dry messes like cereal, sand, and fur with ease, though it struggled with larger debris like popcorn kernels. The easy-empty dust cup minimized mess during disposal, and the lightweight build made it simple to carry between rooms. However, battery life is short (around 15 minutes), and suction is modest—this isn’t a replacement for a full vacuum. It’s best used as a supplement, not a primary cleaner.

Compared to the HZ2002 or IZ376H, the V2700Z lacks advanced features and power, but it excels as a secondary tool for fast touch-ups. It’s ideal for dorm rooms, kitchens, or laundry areas where messes happen daily. While the NV360 offers more power for only a bit more, the V2700Z wins on price and portability, making it the smartest budget buy for light-duty cleaning.

This is the undisputed champion of pet-focused cleaning—the Shark ZU102 earns its “Best Overall” title with no compromises. Equipped with PowerFins HairPro, it actively grips and removes long, short, and pet hair from both carpet and hardwood, outperforming rivals in hair pickup tests. The 3XL dust cup allows for marathon cleaning without constant emptying, while the 12-foot extendable hose reaches deep into crevices, car interiors, and high furniture. Odor Neutralizer Technology combats pet smells at the source, a rare and welcome feature in uprights.

Performance-wise, the self-cleaning brushroll lived up to its promise—zero hair wrap after weeks of testing on long-haired dogs. On thick carpet, it lifted embedded fur and dirt; on hardwood, it captured fine dust without scratching. The swivel steering made room-to-room transitions smooth, and the 5-year warranty underscores its durability. However, it’s one of the heaviest models, which could deter users with mobility issues.

When compared to the LA502, the ZU102 offers larger capacity, better odor control, and stronger hair pickup, making it the superior choice for multi-pet households and deep-clean enthusiasts. It’s overkill for small spaces, but for those who want maximum power, reach, and pet-specific features, it’s unmatched. It delivers more value per feature than the NV360, even at a higher cost.

A no-nonsense performer at a wallet-friendly price, the Shark ZU503AMZ delivers core cleaning power without fluff. Its self-cleaning brushroll excels at pet hair pickup on both carpet and hardwood, and the Lift-Away pod makes it easy to clean under beds or carry upstairs. With HEPA filtration and an anti-allergen seal, it’s a solid pick for allergy sufferers, capturing dust and dander that cheaper models miss. At 1200 watts, it generates strong suction for its class, making it a reliable workhorse for daily messes.

In testing, it handled pet hair and tracked-in dirt well, though it required more passes on high-pile carpet than premium models. The swivel steering was responsive, and the included Pet Crevice Tool was effective for tight spots. However, the dust cup is smaller than competitors, and the cord is shorter (16 feet), limiting range. It lacks LED lights and smart features, but it gets the job done.

Pitted against the NV360, it offers similar core features at the same price, but with better pet tool inclusion. It’s ideal for first-time buyers and pet owners on a budget who want proven Shark performance without extras. While not as advanced as the LA502, it offers better value than the V2700Z for those needing a full upright.

The Shark NV360 is the value king—a no-frills, high-capacity upright that punches above its weight. With a 0.9-quart dust cup, it outclasses many in its price range, allowing for longer cleaning sessions without emptying. The brushroll shutoff is a standout—switch instantly from aggressive carpet cleaning to gentle bare-floor mode, protecting delicate surfaces. Its Lift-Away functionality and swivel steering make it versatile and agile, perfect for homes with stairs and tight spaces.

In real use, it handled everyday messes with ease, though it struggled slightly with fine dust on hardwood compared to DuoClean models. The HEPA filter captured allergens effectively, and the easy-rinse filters simplified maintenance. However, it lacks LED lights and self-cleaning brushroll indicators, and the build feels slightly less durable than pricier models.

Compared to the ZU503AMZ, it offers larger capacity and brushroll shutoff, making it better for mixed flooring and longer cleanups. It’s ideal for budget-conscious families and allergy sufferers who want reliable, multi-surface performance. While not as high-tech as the HZ4002, it delivers more suction and capacity than the V2700Z, making it the best bang-for-buck upright in the lineup.