6 Best Budget Shark Vacuums of 2025

The Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away is a game-changer for budget-conscious pet owners who refuse to compromise on power or versatility. With Swivel Steering and a 0.87-quart dust cup, it glides around furniture and tackles large messes without constant emptying—perfect for homes with multiple pets or high-traffic areas. Its standout LIFT-AWAY functionality lets you detach the pod and clean stairs, upholstery, or car interiors like a pro, all while the HEPA filter traps 99.9% of allergens, making it a breath-of-fresh-air for allergy sufferers.

In real-world testing, the NV356E excels on both carpets and hard floors, thanks to the brushroll shutoff that transitions seamlessly between surfaces. The Pet Power Brush digs deep into shag rugs to extract embedded fur, while the included crevice tool and dusting brush handle baseboards and ceiling fans with precision. Though it’s not cordless, the long 25-foot cord reduces outlet hopping, and the large dust cup minimizes mid-clean interruptions—though fine dust can cling to the bin walls, requiring occasional wiping.

Compared to the Shark NV151, the NV356E offers more included accessories and superior above-floor reach, making it ideal for full-home deep cleaning. It’s bulkier than stick vacuums like the HV322, but that trade-off delivers more suction power and capacity. For those seeking a high-performance upright without breaking the bank, this model delivers more features per dollar than nearly any other in the Shark lineup—especially if you need serious pet hair removal and allergen control.

The Shark HydroVac MessMaster AW261 is a revolutionary all-in-one solution for hard floor owners who dread the back-and-forth of vacuuming and mopping. With 3-in-1 functionality—vacuum, mop, and self-clean—it tackles spills, crumbs, and sticky messes in a single pass, powered by dual brushrolls and a 2x Stain Boost mode that lifts grime most mops leave behind. Its continuous self-cleaning system ensures the brushes stay clean during use, while the antimicrobial brushroll fights mold and odors—a dream for pet households where accidents are frequent.

During real-world testing, the AW261 handled cereal spills, muddy paw prints, and coffee stains with impressive efficiency, leaving floors streak-free and dry in under 10 minutes. The cordless freedom lets you clean entire kitchens and hallways without tripping over cords, and the LED display keeps you informed of battery life and tank levels. However, it struggles on thick area rugs, where the mopping function can oversaturate fibers, and the dirty water tank requires careful handling to avoid leaks during disposal.

When stacked against the Shark NV151, the AW261 isn’t a replacement for carpet cleaning—but for sealed hardwood, tile, or laminate, it’s in a class of its own. It’s more specialized than uprights, but for daily hard floor maintenance, it saves time and effort in ways traditional vacuums simply can’t. If your home is mostly hard surfaces and you want a true clean—not just a sweep, this model outperforms even pricier competitors in efficiency and convenience.

The Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro is a nimble powerhouse built for speed and spot cleaning, making it a top pick for homes that need quick, frequent pickups. Weighing just under 10 pounds and featuring LED headlights that expose hidden pet hair under sofas, this convertible stick vacuum transforms into a handheld unit in seconds—ideal for tackling car seats, stairs, or post-meal crumbs. The 0.68-quart XL dust cup holds more than most stick vacs, and the dual pet tools dig fur out of upholstery with surgical precision.

In everyday use, the HV322 shines in short bursts: cleaning up after dinner, spot-treating tracked-in dirt, or vacuuming a small apartment. The corded design ensures uninterrupted suction, unlike battery-limited cordless models, and the LED lights reveal dust bunnies most vacuums miss. However, its suction power dips on high-pile carpets, and the wand joint can feel slightly wobbly during extended use. It’s not built for whole-home deep cleans, but for targeted, fast jobs, it’s unbeatable in its class.

Compared to the HV371, the HV322 offers nearly identical performance at a lower price, though it lacks the fuchsia finish and anti-allergen dust brush. For renters, pet owners, or anyone who hates hauling out a full-sized vacuum, this model delivers maximum convenience with minimal fuss. While it doesn’t replace an upright, it complements one perfectly—offering speed, agility, and pet-focused tools in a compact form.

The Shark HV371 Rocket Pro DLX is a refined evolution of the corded stick vacuum, blending ultra-lightweight design with pro-level cleaning reach. At under 10 lbs, it’s effortless to carry up stairs or use overhead, while the Advanced Swivel Steering and low-profile nozzle glide under beds and sofas with surgical precision. The removable hand vacuum snaps off instantly for ceiling cobwebs or car interiors, and the XL dust cup holds enough debris for multiple rooms—a rare combo of power and portability in this price range.

Real-world testing revealed strong performance on low-pile carpets and hard floors, with the anti-allergen dust brush effectively capturing fine dust on blinds and shelves. The easy-release foot pedal makes detaching the wand intuitive, and the included upholstery and crevice tools handle tight spaces without clogging. However, like most stick vacuums, it struggles with deeply embedded pet hair in plush rugs, and the cord is shorter than ideal—just over 15 feet—requiring frequent outlet changes in larger homes.

When compared to the HV322, the HV371 offers slightly better ergonomics and a more complete tool set, including the anti-allergen brush that’s missing on the Deluxe Pro. It’s pricier but more versatile, making it a better fit for allergy sufferers or multi-surface homes. For those who want a corded stick that performs like a full vacuum without the bulk, the HV371 strikes a near-perfect balance of features, weight, and reach—outclassing many cordless models at twice the cost.

The Shark NV151 Navigator Swivel Pro is a no-nonsense upright that punches above its weight, delivering deep-cleaning power and pet-focused tools at a wallet-friendly price. With Swivel Steering and a 11-foot reach, it navigates tight corners and cleans ceiling-to-floor with ease, while the HEPA filter traps 99.9% of allergens—a lifesaver for asthma or allergy-prone households. The Pet Power Brush is exceptionally effective on couches and carpets, lifting fur that other vacuums leave behind, and the lightweight build makes it easy to lug from room to room.

In practice, the NV151 handles daily debris, pet hair, and fine dust with consistent reliability. The extended hose is perfect for quick stair cleanups, and the crevice and upholstery tools snap on securely without air leaks. While it lacks the lift-away pod of the NV356E, it compensates with better maneuverability and a slimmer profile. However, the dust cup is smaller than competitors, requiring more frequent emptying during whole-home cleans, and the cord rewind is manual, which feels outdated at this price point.

Against the NV356E, the NV151 is lighter and more agile, but less versatile for above-floor cleaning due to the fixed pod. It’s ideal for small to medium homes where quick, efficient cleaning matters more than detachable convenience. For those who want a reliable, no-frills upright with strong pet performance and allergen control, the NV151 offers exceptional value—delivering core Shark strengths without the premium price tag.

The Shark LA401 Navigator Lift Away ADV (Renewed) is a hidden gem for bargain hunters who want premium features at a fraction of the cost. Refurbished to full working condition, it boasts the PowerFins brush roll—a tangle-free, no-bristle system that outperforms traditional rollers by lifting more debris per pass while resisting hair wrap. LED headlights illuminate dust under furniture, and Advanced Swivel Steering makes it astonishingly agile for an upright, gliding into corners with zero effort. The complete seal with HEPA-level filtration ensures allergens stay trapped, not recirculated.

In real-world use, the LA401 feels like a new high-end model, with strong suction across carpets and hard floors and a smooth lift-away function for cleaning car interiors or drapes. The renewed status means minor cosmetic blemishes, but performance is indistinguishable from new—ideal for students, renters, or second-home owners. However, replacement parts can be harder to find, and the renewed warranty is shorter than retail models, which may concern long-term users.

Compared to the NV356E, the LA401 offers similar lift-away convenience and better brushroll tech, but with fewer included tools—no dusting brush or crevice tool. For those who prioritize deep-cleaning power and tangle-free performance over accessories, this renewed model delivers near-top-tier functionality at a budget price. If you’re comfortable buying refurbished, it’s one of the smartest vacuum deals available—offering innovation and efficiency without the premium markup.