Based on 7,882 analyzed reviews
Table of contents
NerdWallet Shopping’s scoring of the best Shark vacuums are based on our analysis of the opinions of experts and shoppers like you.
Picking a vacuum isn’t easy. We researched some of the most popular Shark models on the market to make your decision less confusing. To narrow down the field, we looked at expert opinions from review sites such as The Sweethome, CNET and Good Housekeeping. Next, we analyzed user reviews to see what shoppers were saying about the various attributes of each vacuum.
We recognize that consumers look for different qualities in vacuums, so we scored users’ observations on multiple features of top models, including their performance on carpet and hard surfaces.
Our analysis
Our scores range from a low of 1 to a high of 10. Here’s how we devised them:
Overall score: The overall score reflects reviewers’ satisfaction with each vacuum in 10 categories, including how well it cleans across various surfaces, ease of use, durability and noise.
How well it cleans: This score reflects reviewers’ satisfaction with the vacuum’s performance on carpet and hard floors, including hardwood, bare, tile and vinyl. It also considers their satisfaction with the vacuum’s ability to clean up pet hair and debris.
Ease of use: This score reflects reviewers’ satisfaction with the vacuum’s ability to maneuver, including its weight and cord length; the process of emptying or cleaning it out; and whether it was considered easy to operate.
Here are our top Shark vacuums, in no particular order.
The vacuums
Shark Rotator NV752
With its easy maneuverability, powered lift-away function — which allows you to snap off the wand and use the Rotator more like a canister vac — and pet upholstery tool, this reasonably priced powerhouse came in second in our roundup of best upright vacuum cleaners, beating out models that cost hundreds more.
| Overall score | How well it cleans hardwood | Ease of use |
| 9.5 | 9.6 | 8.8 |
Buyers Like
- Performance on carpet, hard floors and stairs
- Easy-to-clean collection chamber
- Ability to clean pet hair
Buyers Dislike
- Weight
Shark NV501
The versatile upright Shark NV501 is like three vacuums in one. You can use it as an upright, detach the lift-away pod for the portability of a hand vac, or employ the hose and turn it into a canister vac.
| Overall score | How well it cleans hardwood | Ease of use |
| 8.7 | 8.8 | 8.8 |
Buyers Like
- Performance on both hard floors and low-pile carpeting
- Ability to clean pet hair
- Noise level
Buyers Dislike
- Performance on thick-pile carpeting
- Durability
Shark Navigator Freestyle SV1106 Cordless
The Shark Navigator Freestyle SV1106 Cordless is rated No. 1 in our ranking of vacuums that cost under $100, and it came in third behind two high-priced Dysons in our roundup of best stick vacs. Its quiet motor, powerful suction, and performance on both carpeted and hard flooring give it an edge.
| Overall score | How well it cleans hardwood | Ease of use |
| 8.7 | 9.3 | 9.2 |
Buyers Like
- Cordless design
- Performance on carpet and hard floors
- Noise level
Buyers Dislike
- Durability
- Relatively short battery life
Shark NV356
The powerful, easy-to-maneuver upright Shark NV356 is a whiz on carpets and picks up pet hair like a champ. Its advanced cyclonic technology filters fine dust from the air, preventing clogs, so its suction doesn’t lose power.
| Overall score | How well it cleans hardwood | Ease of use |
| 8.6 | 9.5 | 8.7 |
Buyers Like
- Performance on carpet
- Ability to clean pet hair
- Easy-to-empty dust cup
Buyers Dislike
- Performance on hard floors
- Weight
Shark NV22L
The lightweight upright Shark NV22L features a detachable hose to clean stairs and other hard-to-reach spots, powerful suction, and a large, easy-to-clean dust container.
| Overall score | How well it cleans hardwood | Ease of use |
| 8.6 | 8.8 | 9 |
Buyers Like
- Performance on carpeting and stairs
- Weight
- Easy to maneuver
Buyers Dislike
- Noise level
- Durability
- Less-than-helpful customer service
Shark Rocket HV301
The lightweight, corded Shark Rocket HV301 transitions from a powerful stick vacuum to a hand vac with the push of a button, making it the perfect cleaning tool for many surfaces, including floors, car interiors and stairs.
| Overall score | How well it cleans hardwood | Ease of use |
| 8.6 | 8.7 | 8.0 |
Buyers Like
- Performance on carpeting, hard floors and stairs
- Microfiber dust pad
Buyers Dislike
- Awkward handle-mounted motor
- Difficult-to-empty dust cup
Shark vacuum buying guide
Major appliances, including vacuums, shouldn’t be impulse purchases. Make sure the model you choose meets your budget and needs by considering the following categories:
Surfaces
Although some vacuums clean hard flooring and carpeting equally well, most are better at one or the other. As our research bears out, upright vacuums, like the Shark Rotator NV752, tend to transition from hard floors to carpeting better than other models. If your house has mostly wood or tile flooring, though, you might be better off with a stick, like the Shark Navigator Freestyle SV1106 Cordless.
Special uses
If your house has lots of ornate moldings, prioritize a model that easily cleans nooks and crannies, like the Shark NV22L. Have a pet? Choose one that does a good job on fur, such as the Shark NV356.
Weight
You can buy the best vacuum ever made, but if you aren’t able to lift it comfortably, it’s not going to do you much good. Models can weigh as little as 5 pounds or as much as 20. And total weight isn’t the only consideration. Some stick vacuums are lightweight, but have handle-mounted motors that can be awkward to lift, as is the case with the Shark Rocket HV301. If this is a concern, try out models at a bricks-and-mortar store before you buy.
Noise
Quiet can be a commodity in our busy world. So if loud noises make you — or your neighbors — crazy, factor the vacuum’s noise level into your decision. It’s less important if the occasional dull roar doesn’t bother you.
Corded or cordless
You don’t have to worry about battery life with a corded vacuum — but your cleaning area is limited by the length of the cord. Cordless vacuums are limited by battery life.
If you live in a small home, you might be able to clean the entire thing on one cordless charge. Likewise, if you live in a large house and prefer to keep cleaning supplies on every floor, a cordless stick vacuum is great for quick pickups. But if you prefer to get all your cleaning done in one fell swoop, a corded upright or canister is probably the best choice.
Cleaning
All Shark vacuums are bagless, but their dust containers aren’t equally easy to dump. If a speedy, mess-free bin emptying is a must for you, factor that in to your decision.
Compare other popular vacuums here:
For more vacuum buying advice, check out:
- The best canister vacuums
- The best robot vacuums
- The best upright vacuums
- The best stick vacuums
- The best vacuums for pet hair
- The best vacuums for hardwood floors
- How to get the best deal on a vacuum
- 5 things you should know before buying a vacuum
- 3 best vacuums for pet owners
Top image via iStock.
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