9 Best Shark Stick Vacuums of 2025

If you’re battling pet hair on a daily basis, the Shark IZ163H Pet Plus is a game-changer. With its PowerFins brushroll delivering uninterrupted cleaning contact and self-cleaning technology that prevents hair wrap, this vacuum tackles one of the most frustrating pain points for pet owners. The HEPA filtration and anti-allergen complete seal are standout features for allergy sufferers, capturing dust, dander, and allergens with clinical precision—making it a powerhouse for homes where air quality matters.

In real-world testing, the IZ163H proves its mettle across both carpets and hard floors. The 40-minute runtime is solid for medium-sized homes, though heavy-duty cleans may push it to the limit. The flexible MultiFLEX wand bends to clean under sofas and beds with ease, while LED headlights expose dust bunnies hiding in dark corners. However, suction power in standard mode is strong but not class-leading—Boost mode is needed for deep carpet cleaning, which cuts runtime significantly. It handles everyday spills and tracked-in dirt well, but dense pet hair mats may require multiple passes.

Compared to the more advanced Shark IP3253, the IZ163H lacks smart dirt detection and auto-emptying, but it’s far more accessible for budget-conscious pet owners. It’s the ideal pick for those who need reliable, lightweight performance without smart extras. While it doesn’t match the longevity of higher-end models, its perfect balance of pet-specific features, portability, and filtration makes it a top contender among mid-tier cordless stick vacuums—especially when value and simplicity are priorities.

The Shark IP3253 PowerDetect Pet Plus isn’t just a vacuum—it’s a self-sustaining cleaning ecosystem that redefines convenience. Boasting Shark’s most advanced cordless suction and 4X intelligent detection technologies, it automatically boosts power when it senses dirt, edges, or carpet transitions. The auto-empty system locks away debris for up to 45 days, eliminating the dreaded dust cloud and dirty hands—making it a holy grail for pet owners and allergy sufferers who hate post-clean maintenance.

During extended use, the 70-minute runtime in Eco mode stands out, allowing full-home deep cleans without battery anxiety. The DuoClean Detect nozzle with dual brushrolls delivers faster cleaning thanks to DirectionDetect, picking up debris on both forward and reverse strokes—a rare feature that shaves real time off your routine. It transitions smoothly from plush rugs to tile, with sensors adjusting brushroll speed seamlessly. That said, the unit feels slightly top-heavy when cleaning under low furniture, and the base station requires significant floor space.

When stacked against the Shark BU3523, the IP3253 offers superior suction, longer runtime, and smarter floor adaptation, justifying its premium positioning. It’s best suited for larger homes with multiple pets and high cleanliness standards. While it’s the most expensive model here, its combination of automation, power, and intelligent design delivers unmatched hands-off performance—making it the best overall cordless stick vacuum in Shark’s lineup for those who want it all.

For budget-focused buyers who refuse to compromise on performance, the Shark IZ377H PowerPro Plus delivers an exceptional bang for the buck. Its FloorDetect Technology automatically adjusts brushroll speed across surfaces—no manual switching needed—making it a smart, seamless choice for homes with mixed flooring. The HyperVelocity suction punches above its weight class, especially for pet hair, while the no hair wrap brushroll ensures tangle-free operation, a major win for long-haired pet owners.

In practice, the 50-minute runtime is generous for its tier, easily covering apartments or small homes on a single charge. The HEPA filtration system traps 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, making it surprisingly effective for allergy control despite its low price. LED headlights help spot debris in dim corners, and the convertible hand vac mode is handy for quick cleanups on stairs or upholstery. However, suction in ECO mode is modest, and Boost mode drains the battery quickly—plus, the build feels slightly less rugged than premium models.

Compared to the IZ163H, the PowerPro Plus offers longer runtime and smarter floor detection at a lower price, making it the clear choice for budget-conscious buyers. It lacks some premium touches like a self-standing design or advanced nozzle tech, but it excels where it counts: core performance, pet hair pickup, and filtration. For those who want smart features without overspending, this model strikes the best balance in Shark’s affordable segment.

The Shark SV1106 Navigator Freestyle is a compact, ultra-lightweight cordless workhorse that punches above its weight for quick daily cleanups. Weighing just 7.5 pounds, it’s one of the most portable uprights on the market, making it perfect for users who need hassle-free cleaning without heavy lifting. The 2-speed brushroll automatically adapts to carpet and hard floors, offering decent versatility, while the XL dust cup (0.64 quarts) reduces emptying frequency—ideal for pet owners dealing with daily shedding.

In testing, the vacuum shines in short bursts: stairs, under tables, or spot-cleaning messes. The 125W motor provides adequate suction for light debris, but struggles with embedded pet hair or deep carpet grime. Runtime is limited—battery life caps at around 20 minutes under load—so it’s not suited for whole-home cleans. It lacks advanced features like LED lights or filtration systems, but for its price, it’s surprisingly agile. The precision charger doubles as a storage block, saving space in tight closets.

Compared to the HV322, the SV1106 offers true cordless freedom but less power and runtime. It’s best for small apartments, dorms, or as a secondary vacuum for touch-ups. While it can’t compete with premium models in suction or features, its lightweight design and affordability make it the best entry-level upright for those who value convenience over deep-cleaning muscle.

The Shark HV322 Rocket Pet Plus is a budget corded beast that delivers serious cleaning power without draining your wallet. With unlimited runtime and powerful suction, it dives deep into carpets to extract pet hair, dust, and debris—making it a go-to for pet owners on a tight budget. The XL 0.68-quart dust cup means fewer trips to empty, and the LED headlights on both nozzle and hand vac reveal hidden messes under furniture and along baseboards.

In real use, the HV322 excels at stair cleaning, furniture detailing, and whole-room deep cleans thanks to its lightweight design and easy conversion to handheld mode. The included pet multi-tool and crevice tool are effective at pulling hair from upholstery and tight corners. However, the cord is not retractable, requiring manual winding, and the vacuum lacks modern upgrades like HEPA filtration or smart sensors. It’s loud in operation, and the hose can kink during use.

Against the SV1106, the HV322 wins with stronger suction, better accessories, and superior pet tool integration. It’s the best budget corded option for those who want reliable, no-nonsense performance. While it misses high-end features, its combination of power, pet-specific tools, and low cost makes it a smart buy for practical cleaners who prioritize results over bells and whistles.

The Shark BU3523 Clean & Empty is a lightweight marvel of automation, designed for users who hate touching dirty dust bins. Its auto-empty system seals away 500X less dust than manual emptying, ensuring allergens stay locked in the base—making it a top pick for allergy sufferers and pet owners. At 30% lighter than the Vertex Pro, it’s incredibly easy to maneuver, even for users with limited strength, and the exclusive motorized hand tool delivers serious pet hair pickup on furniture and car interiors.

In daily use, the 40-minute runtime is sufficient for most homes, and the HEPA filtration captures 99.97% of allergens, maintaining clean indoor air. The auto-adjusting brushroll handles carpet and hard floors well, though it lacks the intelligence of PowerDetect models. LED headlights help spot debris, and the quiet mode lets you dock without noise disruption at night. However, suction isn’t the strongest in boost mode, and the base doesn’t charge while emptying—requiring a full cycle.

Compared to the IP3253, the BU3523 offers similar auto-empty performance at a lower price, but with less suction and no directional cleaning. It’s ideal for small to medium homes where convenience trumps raw power. For those who want a truly hands-off cleaning experience with strong pet tools, this model delivers exceptional value and hygiene-focused design—making it the best auto-empty system under $250.

The Shark IZ662H Vertex Pro is a sleek, high-performance cordless vacuum that blends full-size power with lightweight agility. Its DuoClean PowerFins technology ensures nonstop contact with floors, pulling in fine dust and large debris in a single pass—outperforming older DuoClean models. With a 60-minute runtime in ECO mode, it’s built for deep-cleaning entire homes on one charge, and the IQ display gives real-time feedback on battery and performance, adding a premium touch rarely seen at this level.

During testing, the removable hand vac and MultiFLEX wand made above-floor cleaning effortless, while LED headlights exposed hidden debris under beds. The self-cleaning brushroll handled pet hair with ease, and the HEPA filtration system kept allergens contained—ideal for sensitive households. However, Boost mode reduces runtime to under 20 minutes, and the vacuum struggles slightly on high-pile rugs. The bin capacity is average, requiring frequent emptying during large jobs.

Compared to the IZ363HT, the Vertex Pro offers longer runtime, smarter feedback, and better floor engagement. It’s best for homes with mixed flooring and pet owners who want lasting power and modern features. While not the most automated, its balance of runtime, suction, and usability makes it the best all-around performer for carpets and hard floors—offering premium tech without the top-tier price tag.

The Shark IZ363HT is a runtime champion, delivering 50 minutes of continuous cleaning in standard mode—making it one of the longest-lasting cordless stick vacuums in its class. For homes where battery anxiety is a dealbreaker, this model shines, offering uninterrupted deep cleaning across multiple rooms without recharging. The PowerFins brushroll maintains constant floor contact, digging deep into carpets while effectively engaging hard floors, and the self-cleaning brushroll eliminates hair wrap, a critical win for pet owners.

In real-world use, the low-profile design slips effortlessly under furniture, and the removable handheld unit with CleanTouch Dirt Ejector makes emptying mess-free. LED headlights reveal dust in dark corners, and the HEPA filtration traps allergens effectively. However, suction, while strong, doesn’t match the Vertex Pro in Boost mode, and the vacuum lacks smart sensors or floor detection. It’s also slightly heavier than newer models, which can cause fatigue during extended use.

Compared to the IZ662H, the IZ363HT offers similar runtime but less intelligent cleaning feedback and design refinement. It’s ideal for users who prioritize endurance over smart features. For those who need a reliable, long-running vacuum for large homes with pets, this model delivers exceptional runtime and solid core performance—making it the best choice when battery life is non-negotiable.