6 Best Shark Handheld Vacuums of 2025

This game-changing cordless vacuum delivers whole-home dominance with its HyperVelocity suction and seamless transition from stick to handheld. The standout feature? Its 40-minute runtime—one of the longest in Shark’s handheld lineup—making it ideal for deep-cleaning multi-surface homes without constant recharging. With a low-profile design and LED headlights, it obliterates hidden dust bunnies under furniture and in dark corners, directly tackling the frustration of incomplete cleanups.

In real-world testing, the bristle brushroll proved remarkably effective on both low-pile carpets and hardwood, lifting tracked-in grime and pet hair with ease. The removable handheld unit is well-balanced, and the CleanTouch Dirt Ejector ensures mess-free disposal—no shaking or touching debris. However, while the dual-mode versatility excels on floors, the handheld mode lacks the concentrated power of dedicated compact models when attacking car seat crumbs or sofa crevices.

Compared to the Shark WV410BL WANDVAC, this model trades some portability for broader whole-home coverage and floor-cleaning muscle. It’s the clear choice for pet owners who need one system to handle both carpets and above-floor messes, especially in homes where quick transitions between vacuum types are essential. It offers more comprehensive performance than budget handhelds, with better dust containment and runtime than the CH701 or CH901, even if it’s less pocket-sized.

Don’t let its pocket-rocket size fool you—the Shark CH701 punches far above its weight class with HyperVelocity suction that tackles pet hair and fine dust on upholstery, stairs, and car interiors. At just 1.6 lbs, it’s one of the most effortless grab-and-go vacuums in the lineup, perfect for quick cleanups where lugging out a full-sized vacuum feels like overkill. Its USB charging adds serious convenience, letting you juice it up from a laptop or power bank—ideal for RVs, dorm rooms, or glove-compartment storage.

During testing, the XL dust cup handled multiple couch cleanings before needing emptying, a rare win in this price bracket. The washable filter simplifies maintenance, and the 8-inch crevice tool reaches deep into car vents and between cushions. That said, while the suction is impressive for its size, it struggles with embedded pet hair on thick fabrics and can’t match the sustained power of models with larger batteries. Runtime is decent but not quantified—expect about 15–20 minutes of intermittent use.

Stacked against the Shark CH901, the CH701 wins on ultra-portability and charging flexibility, but lacks accessories like a dedicated pet brush or scrubber. It’s the ultimate budget warrior for spot cleaning, especially for renters or minimalists who prioritize lightweight convenience over deep-cleaning power. It delivers far more value than its $50 tag suggests, though it’s not meant to replace a full vacuum system.

The Shark CH901 UltraCyclone Pro is a budget-savvy powerhouse that brings serious cyclonic suction to messes in cars, kitchens, and pet zones—without breaking the bank. Its dual cyclonic air streams generate impressive airflow for a $70 vacuum, effectively separating debris from the filter and extending motor life. The 2.2-lb frame feels solid yet nimble, and the XL dust cup outperforms many pricier models, reducing the need for mid-clean emptying.

In daily use, it handles cereal spills, sand, and pet hair with confidence, especially when paired with the included scrubbing brush for set-in crumbs on car mats or upholstery. The CleanTouch dirt ejector is a standout—press the button, and debris launches out cleanly. However, while suction is strong initially, it tapers slightly on longer jobs, and the filter housing is trickier to disassemble than on newer models like the WV410BL.

When compared to the Shark CH951 Pet Pro Plus, the CH901 lacks the self-cleaning pet brush and 4-in-1 flexibility, but it’s a smarter pick for general home and car use. It’s the best entry-level cyclonic performer—ideal for those who want real cleaning power without premium pricing. It offers better suction and build quality than the CH701, making it a sweet spot for value-focused buyers who still want durability.

Meet the undisputed king of handheld performance—the Shark WV410BL WANDVAC sets a new standard with the most suction of any cordless hand vacuum under 1.5 lbs, certified by ASTM F558 testing. Its boost mode unleashes intense bursts of power for gravel, coffee grounds, or wet cereal, making it the go-to for stubborn, high-impact messes. The ergonomic Pet Tool with bristles lifts matted pet hair from sofas and car seats like magic, solving one of the most persistent pain points for pet owners.

Real-world use confirms its dominance: 50% more runtime than the original WANDVAC means it can handle a full car interior, stairs, and kitchen spills on one charge. The ion charging dock is a game-changer—charging is fast, and the dual onboard tool storage keeps accessories always within reach. The one-touch dust cup empty is satisfyingly clean, though fine dust can cling to the bin walls. It’s not designed for whole-home cleaning, but as a specialist spot cleaner, it’s unmatched.

Against the WV201, the WV410BL delivers noticeably stronger suction and longer runtime, while keeping the same featherlight profile. It’s the best all-rounder for pet owners, commuters, and parents who need maximum power in a minimalist form. It outperforms every other handheld in its class in suction, runtime, and accessory utility, making it the top choice for those who demand no-compromise performance.

For pet parents drowning in fur, the Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus is a targeted fur-fighting machine with a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush that grabs embedded hair without tangling. Its 4-in-1 design lets you go from bare handheld to crevice tool to scrubber to pet brush in seconds, making it incredibly versatile for cars, stairs, and furniture. The 2.8-lb weight is slightly heavier than others, but the trade-off is robust suction and tool integration that feels premium.

In testing, the self-cleaning brush lived up to its name—no pulling out strands with tweezers. The scrubbing brush worked wonders on sticky spills in car cup holders, while the XL dust cup handled a week’s worth of pet hair cleanups before needing a dump. However, the battery life is unremarkable, and it lacks a boost mode or runtime stats, suggesting it’s best for short, focused jobs rather than marathon cleaning.

Compared to the CH901, the CH951 is clearly the pet-focused evolution—same cyclonic power, but with smarter accessories and better hair management. It’s not as portable as the WV410BL, but for pet-specific deep cleaning, it’s more specialized. It delivers superior hair removal and tool versatility over the base UltraCyclone, justifying its place as the best handheld for pet owners who want no-fuss, high-efficiency cleanup.

The Shark WV201 WANDVAC is the lightest warrior in the lineup, tipping the scales at just 1.4 pounds—making it the most effortless handheld for quick grabs and overhead cleaning. Its high-speed brushless motor generates surprising suction for such a tiny frame, easily lifting cereal, sand, and pet hair from car seats and countertops. The ergonomic handle and LED battery indicator add thoughtful touches, giving users real-time feedback so you never get caught mid-clean with a dead battery.

Real-world use shows it excels at daily spot cleaning—think spilled coffee beans, kitty litter scatter, or crumbs in the car. The one-touch empty is hygienic and effective, and the detachable dust cup makes rinsing simple. However, the 0.08-quart capacity fills up fast during larger jobs, and the 10.6A motor, while powerful, can’t sustain peak performance as long as bulkier models. It’s not meant for deep cleans, but as a lightning-fast responder, it’s unmatched.

When stacked against the WV410BL, the WV201 loses out on runtime, boost mode, and pet tool quality, but wins on sheer lightness and simplicity. It’s the ideal minimalist’s vacuum—perfect for small apartments, RVs, or as a secondary cleaner in the garage or car. It offers less overall power than the WV410BL, but maximizes portability and ease of use, making it the best pick for those who value effortless handling over heavy-duty cleaning.