7 Best Shark Vacuum Cleaners to Buy in 2025

This is not just another cordless vacuum—it’s a game-changer. The Shark IP3251 redefines what’s possible in cordless cleaning with 4X intelligent detection technologies, including PowerDetect that senses hidden dirt and automatically ramps up suction. Its DuoClean Detect nozzle features dual brushrolls with reverse debris pickup, making it the first cordless model to clean effectively on both forward and backward passes. For pet owners and allergy sufferers, the HEPA filter and odor-neutralizing puck team up to lock away allergens and smells, solving the common pain point of lingering odors and airborne dust.

In real-world testing, the IP3251 dominates on mixed flooring, transitioning seamlessly from plush carpet to hardwood without losing suction. The 70-minute runtime in Eco mode is among the longest in its class, and the Auto-Empty Base doesn’t just dump dust—it seals it away for up to 45 days, minimizing exposure to grime. On high-pile rugs or in Boost mode, battery life drops significantly, and the full-size base station demands floor space, but these are minor trade-offs for the deep-clean capability and hands-free convenience. It struggles slightly in tight corners due to the wide nozzle, but DirectionDetect helps mitigate that by cleaning in both directions.

Compared to the Shark IX141, this model delivers far superior automation and whole-home coverage, making it ideal for busy households that want set-and-forget cleaning. While the IX141 is lighter and more affordable, the IP3251 justifies its position as the best overall Shark vacuum with relentless performance, self-emptying intelligence, and advanced floor adaptation. It outclasses the budget CS110EM in every metric, offering a premium, no-compromise experience that balances power, convenience, and long-term hygiene.

If pet hair is your arch-nemesis, the Shark AZ3002 obliterates it with surgical precision. Equipped with DuoClean PowerFins HairPro technology, this upright digs deep into carpets with one brushroll while a second finned roller grabs debris on hard floors—no more missed particles between surface transitions. The Self-Cleaning Brushroll is a revelation, preventing hair wrap with every pass, so you’re not constantly cutting tangled fur from the roller. For homes with shedding pets, this vacuum solves the daily frustration of clogged brushes and incomplete pickups.

In performance tests, the AZ3002 excels in deep carpet cleaning, lifting embedded fur and dust with ultra-powerful suction that outperforms most stick vacuums. The Powered Lift-Away feature lets you detach the pod for lightweight cleaning under sofas or stairs, adding surprising versatility for an upright. LED headlights reveal dust bunnies in dark corners, and the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with HEPA traps 99.9% of allergens—ideal for sensitive households. However, its corded design limits range, and while the dust cup is easy to empty, it fills quickly during whole-home cleans.

Against the NV151, the AZ3002 offers stronger suction and superior pet hair handling, but sacrifices some portability. It’s heavier and less maneuverable than stick models like the CS110EM, but that’s the trade-off for maximum cleaning power and pet-specific engineering. This is the go-to for pet owners who prioritize hair pickup and deep clean performance over lightweight agility. It outmuscles the IX141 in suction and coverage, making it the undisputed best for pet hair in the Shark lineup.

This robot isn’t just smart—it’s obsessively thorough. The Shark AI robot with Matrix Clean Navigation doesn’t wander randomly; it maps your home with 360° LiDAR vision and cleans in precise grid patterns, ensuring no spot is missed. Its self-emptying base holds 60 days of debris, making it the most hands-free Shark vacuum for busy pet owners who hate constant maintenance. With Recharge and Resume, it tackles large homes by returning to dock, recharging, and picking up where it left off—no mid-clean failures.

In real-world use, the robot transitions smoothly between carpet and hardwood, adjusting suction on the fly. The self-cleaning brushroll resists hair wrap, a major win for homes with shedding dogs or cats. It detects obstacles like cords and furniture legs with impressive accuracy, though it occasionally gets stuck on dark rugs or thresholds. On thick carpets, it sometimes struggles to fully extract deep debris compared to uprights like the AZ3002. Still, its 60-day dust capacity and app-based scheduling make it ideal for consistent, low-effort maintenance.

Compared to the corded CS110EM, this robot offers zero daily effort, but lacks the immediacy of manual control. It’s not designed for spot cleaning spills or quick pickups—those tasks still need a handheld or stick vacuum. But for set-it-and-forget-it pet owners, it outperforms budget models in navigation and autonomy. It matches the IX141 in pet hair handling over time but with far less user involvement, making it the best robot vacuum in the Shark ecosystem for long-term convenience.

Don’t let the price fool you—the Shark CS110EM is a sleeper hit that punches way above its weight. At under $100, it delivers nonstop corded power with zero battery anxiety, making it perfect for whole-home cleans without runtime drops. Weighing under 9 lbs, its ultra-lightweight design and swivel steering let you glide around furniture with ease, while the convertible handheld mode extends its reach from baseboards to ceilings. For renters or small-space dwellers, it solves the pain of bulky vacuums and limited storage.

In testing, the CS110EM handles both carpets and hard floors competently, though it lacks the deep-cleaning intensity of premium models like the HV371. The slim nozzle fits under sofas effortlessly, and the continuous power means no suction loss over time. However, it has no HEPA filter, so it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers, and the lack of accessories limits its versatility. It’s a no-frills workhorse—great for daily maintenance, but not for deep carpet cleans or pet hair warfare.

Versus the IX141, this model wins on cost and uninterrupted power, but loses on battery freedom and convenience. It’s heavier when used as a handheld and lacks LED lights, making it harder to spot debris. Still, for those who want reliable, corded performance without breaking the bank, the CS110EM is unmatched. It undercuts the IP3251 by hundreds but delivers essential functionality with zero compromise on runtime, making it the best budget-friendly Shark vacuum.

The Shark IX141 is a nimble powerhouse built for pet parents who need speed and agility. With HyperVelocity suction and a removable handheld unit, it transitions from floor to furniture in seconds—perfect for chasing after accidents or cleaning car interiors. The 40-minute runtime is solid for spot cleans, and the LED headlights expose pet hair lurking under the couch, solving the all-too-common “I didn’t see it until it was too late” problem. Its low-profile design slips under beds and radiators with ease, making it ideal for quick, targeted cleanups.

In use, the IX141 shines in handheld mode, where the Pet Multi-Tool lifts fur from upholstery with minimal passes. On carpets, it performs well but can’t match the deep extraction of uprights like the AZ3002. The XL dust cup with CleanTouch ejector makes disposal mess-free, a big win for hygiene. However, runtime drops fast in Boost mode, and the lack of self-emptying means you’ll empty it after every use. It’s not built for whole-home cleans, but that’s not its purpose.

Compared to the IP3251, the IX141 is lighter and more affordable, but lacks automation and long-term convenience. It’s the go-to when you need fast, cordless action without the bulk. Against the HV371, it’s less powerful on carpets but far more portable. For pet owners who value quick response and above-floor versatility, this is the best cordless handheld Shark vacuum, blending portability with purpose-built pet tools.

When allergens are the enemy, the Shark NV151 fights back with military-grade filtration. Its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal paired with a HEPA filter captures 99.9% of dust and allergens as small as 0.3 microns—making it a lifesaver for asthma and allergy sufferers. The Swivel Steering delivers unmatched maneuverability, letting you pivot around coffee tables and baseboards with one hand. With an 11-foot hose and included Pet Power Brush, it reaches deep into crevices, stairs, and upholstery, solving the problem of inaccessible allergen traps.

In real-world use, the NV151 handles carpets and hard floors well, though suction isn’t as intense as the AZ3002. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry between floors, and the upholstery and crevice tools are genuinely useful for detailed cleaning. However, it lacks a self-cleaning brushroll, so pet hair can wrap more easily. It also doesn’t have a self-empty feature, requiring frequent cup emptying—a drawback compared to premium models.

Against the HV371, the NV151 is lighter and better for allergens, but less powerful on deep carpet dirt. It’s not as specialized for embedded debris, but wins in all-around versatility and health-focused filtration. For families with allergies and pets, it outperforms the CS110EM in filtration and tool inclusion. It’s the best Shark vacuum for allergens, offering medical-grade air sealing at a mid-tier price, making it a smart health investment.

The Shark HV371 is a carpet-crushing beast engineered for homes where deep cleaning isn’t optional. With 500 watts of power, it delivers intense agitation and suction that pulls embedded dirt from thick rugs, outperforming most stick vacuums in carpet depth. The XL 0.68-quart dust cup means fewer interruptions during large cleans, and the removable handheld vacuum lets you tackle stairs and furniture without lugging the whole unit. For homes with wall-to-wall carpeting, it solves the frustration of surface-only cleaning.

In testing, the HV371 excels on high-pile and textured carpets, where its Advanced Swivel Steering and low-profile nozzle maintain contact and lift debris effectively. LED headlights reveal hidden pet hair, and the Anti-Allergen Dust Brush helps capture fine dust on surfaces. However, on hard floors, it can scatter lightweight debris due to high suction, and the cord limits mobility compared to cordless models. It’s heavier than the CS110EM, making it tiring for extended use.

Compared to the NV151, the HV371 offers superior carpet penetration and larger capacity, but is less agile on hard floors. It lacks HEPA-level sealing, so it’s not ideal for severe allergies. Against the AZ3002, it’s less automated but more focused on deep carpet extraction. For homeowners with thick carpets and pets, it’s the best Shark vacuum for deep carpet cleaning, delivering raw power and targeted reach where it matters most.