Shark Vacuums Buying Guide 2022: Best Overall, Budget and Cordless

Shark makes many vacuums, and it's challenging to choose the one that would be right for your needs. To make it a bit easier, let's put the Shark vacuums in two categories that include the oldest yet budget and decent vacuums that are the best in their price range:

There are budget options such as old Rotator and Navigator models. Those have been produced for about 10 years, and have the decent build quality, some of them have a sealed filtration system with HEPA which is rare even for high-end models.

The biggest category is upright vacuums. Those include cleaners in a different price range from budget options (such as) and up to the most expensive (and also the best), the Shark Stratos AZ3002.

Then there are a few models that are corded yet lightweight (stick). Those also mostly budget models but they lack some bells and whistles of the expensive upright models and also are not as heavy as the upright models.

Last, but not least would be the cordless Shark cleaners. Those are not as powerful as upright cleaners but because of lacking a cord, are convenient to use.

---

Shark Navigator vs. Rotator versions:

It is hard to understand the difference between those lines: they have the same cyclonic technology and motor type. Also the same brushroll and filtration system.

• The Navigator comes with a flat filter, the Rotator has a round filter. 
• Mostly the differences are in a cleaning path size, cord length, warranty, different dustbin size, and included attachments. 
• Also, Rotator models are slightly heavier and tend to have more extra tools.

---

Budget Shark vacuums & classic models

Budget options: NV42, NV105 are about the same models. The NV105 is more lightweight, and has less power but also is $20 cheaper.

Budget models look almost the same as the lift-away but have a more rounded shape. Those cleaners are made of cheaper materials and will not last as long as the new Sharks, but the budget category is better than other cleaners in this price range. These cleaners also have a shorter extension wand and are the lightest vacuums the Shark makes coming at 11 to 15 lbs weight.

Classics

The three Navigator and one Rotator vacuums are more expensive than the budget series. There is not much of a difference in cleaning abilities among those cleaners. They have the same motor and basic features. 

How are these models are different? Mostly it would be the warranty length, bin size, weight, and accessories included.

Classics: NV352, NV356E, NV360 (Navigator Series), NV501 (Rotator). The Rotator is the most expensive.

---

Newer Lift-Away Cleaners

The build quality is much better than the classics. These machines have a sleeker look, more features, and attachment options. Not better performance except for those that have duo clean technology. It is a mix of a regular cleaning head and a soft roller that provides the best pickup on both carpet and hard floors.

---

What is Shark's Anti-Allergen system?

Shark's anti-allergen technology includes a HEPA filter with a sealed filtration system. This means the dust stays inside the vacuums as you clean which is essential for everyone, not only for people with allergies.

Normally, a sealed filtration system is only presented in high-end models but Shark produces even budget vacuums that have anti-allergen technology.

Self-Cleaning brushroll (Zero-M)

The self-cleaning brushroll (the models with Zero-M technology) has a yellow nozzle. This unique design of the brushroll is made to prevent hair from wrapping around the roll. This is an essential feature for pet owners and people with long hair.

What is DuoClean technology?

This is so far the best feature of the Shark vacuums and should be invented in the other cleaners as well. The DuoClean technology is a double brushroll, one is a soft roller and the other one has stiff bristles. Such a brushroll design is ideal for picking up all kinds and sizes of debris on any surface.

You don't have to switch between the soft roller and the one made for carpet, you have it all in one vacuum. Moreover, you also don't need to buy a soft roller separately.

The latest models (AZ2002, HZ2002 (corded stick), and LA502) have DuoClean PowerFins technology. This is a different design of the cleaning brushes. It includes a soft roller and a PowerFins roll that has a different design and provides better cleaning performance on carpet and hard floors.

The LA502 has a Lift-Away instead of a Powered Lift-Away and also has less power than the AZ2002. In addition, the AZ2002 is 2 lbs heavier.

What is Powered Lift-Away technology?

You can detach the canister, and now you have the same power as a canister Shark but with some flexible ways to get where you want without stopping the brush spin. You can connect the wand to the floor nozzle and get hard-to-reach places without losing suction power. In this mode, you can use your upright vacuum as a stick without losing power.

What is the difference between Powered Lift-Away Technology and Lift-Away?

In Lift-Away mode, you can detach the hose and use the vacuum for cleaning above-floor areas. In this scenario, you will get less power compared to the cleaners that have Powered Lift-Away technology.

The Apex and Vertex Series are the Shark's top line. Those vacuums have more suction power than any other Shark cleaner, noise reduction technology, upgraded sealing, and filtration system.

The Apex vacuums include two stick corded models and one upright. The Vertex has one for each category and is probably the best among cordless, corded, and upright cleaners.

The Vertex cleaners have DuoClean PowerFins technology while the Apex line has DuoClean.

---

Shark Vertex vs. Apex

Firstly let's compare two of the best Shark cleaners, the Vertex AZ2002 and Apex AZ1002.

Shark Vertex AZ2002 vs. Apex AZ1002

The main difference between the two would be DuoClean and DuoClean PowerFins technology. This leads to the AZ2002 performing better on carpets (especially deep clean) and picking up more debris than the Apex AZ1002. The Vertex also has a little bit more power (105 CFM vs. 90 CFM) at the hose.

Because of the PowerFins technology, the Vertex resists hair tangles better than any other vacuum on the market. At the deep clean test, the Vertex scored 98% with the Apex having 96%.

To conclude: the Vertex is a good upgrade over the Apex AZ1002 with better suction, cleaning abilities, and an anti-tangle system. The Apex is a bit cheaper so if you don't want to pay more for the Vertex, the AZ1002 is still one of the best options on the market for the price.

Shark Vertex HZ2002 vs. Apex ZS362 vs. LZ601

The same as with all Vertex models, the HZ2002 has DuoClean PowerFins. The Vertex HZ2002 is the most lightweight (9.05 lbs vs. 10 lbs vs. 10.7 lbs) with the Apex LZ601 being the heaviest. It also has more power than the Apex ZS362 (608 W vs. 600 W) but less than the LZ601 (700 W).

Keeping in mind that the Vertex is the same price as the Apex ZS362, the Vertex is a better option to get.

---

Now let's get into the best of the best Shark vacuums. Confusing about all these Shark models and don't know which one to get? Here are some results of the best Shark vacuums after testing them on carpets and bare floors.

To make it easier, let's break it into three categories

1. Cordless vacuums: ICZ362H Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away, IZ682H Vertex Pro, IZ363HT Anti-Allergen Pet Power, WS632 WANDVAC, Ion F80, IZ462H Vertex DuoClean PowerFins, IZ163H Rocket Pet Pro.
2. Corded stick vacuums: HZ2002 Vertex Corded Ultralight DuoClean PowerFins, APEX LZ602 UpLight (vs. LZ601), HZ602 Ultralight Pet Pro, ZS362 APEX DuoClean, ZS351 Rocket, Rocket HV302, Rocket DeluxePro HV322.
3. Upright vacuums (not including budget and classic models): Stratos AZ3002, AZ2002 Vertex DuoClean PowerFins, APEX DuoClean Zero M AZ1002, LA502 Rotator Lift-Away ADV DuoClean PowerFins, Rotator Powered Lift-Away ZU632, Rotator Lift-Away ZU782, LA322 Navigator Lift-Away, Navigator Lift-Away ZU561, Navigator Zero-M ZU62.

Cordless Vacuums

The Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away ICZ362H has both PowerFins and DuoClean technology which means the cleaner resits hair tangles the best way. It also has the biggest dustbin and is suitable for pet owners or those who need to deal with lots of debris on a daily basis. The cleaner stands on its own which makes it easy to store. The Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away ICZ362H is safe for allergy sufferers as it has a sealed HEPA filtration system which means dust stays inside as you vacuum. The downside of this model is weight, although the majority of the weight is mounted near the base which makes it easier for the arm. The display allows seeing how much battery life is left, changing brush speed for carpets and hard floor as well as setting power modes between low, medium, and high.

So the Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away ICZ362H is a powerful premium machine with a reasonable price tag, safe for allergy sufferers, lasts for up to 60 minutes, is able to clean hard-to-reach areas above the floor, and on top has a large dustbin. Good for mostly hard floors but can be used on carpets too except for high-pile ones.

The Shark IZ682H Vertex Pro, on the other hand, has the majority of the weight on its handle so it's tiring for the arm on a long-term cleaning. It does not have a lift-away yet MultiFlex helps to reach some areas under furniture which is not possible with most cordless vacuums. The Shark Vertex Pro has a big dustbin and is less heavy compared to the ICZ362H. It also has a display but compared to the previous model, two batteries are included in the box which helps to extend battery life for up to 120 minutes.

The Shark IZ682H Vertex Pro is a lightweight vacuum although most of the weight is concentrated on top, not as powerful as the previous one but still very flexible for daily tasks. Thanks to two batteries, the vacuum is suitable for big houses.

The Shark IZ363HT Anti-Allergen Pet Power is a more affordable model for hard floors mostly. It has one battery that lasts for up to 40 minutes. The lack of multiflex and lift-away makes it not very convenient to use on an above-floor cleaning. Tho its sealed HEPA filtration is suitable for allergy sufferers. It is also the only model in the lineup with one brushroll. The good thing is the roller resists hair tangles. A relatively big dustbin is good for pet owners. The vacuum is a good buy for homes with mostly hard floors and pet owners.

The Shark WS362 WANDVAC is the lightest cordless vacuum on the market with the lightest handle as well so it's very easy to use. It has a good swivel and also the vacuum itself is very responsive, with a smooth transition from hard floor to carpet without losing power. The vacuum does not have a double brushroll system but it does a very good job resisting hair tangles. The downside of its size is its small battery, dustbin, and less power. The WANDVAC is more of a spot-clean vacuum for quick cleanups.

The Shark ION F80 (IF281) has two batteries in the box and lasts the longest, up to 80 minutes. It does not have sealed filtration and is not recommended for allergy sufferers.

The Shark IZ462H Vertex DuoClean PowerFins also does not have two brushroll, multiflex technology helps to store the vacuum and get a hard-to-reach place. It has enough power yet its dustbin is small, and the vacuum is not suitable for big homes.

The versatile Shark WD201 HydroVac Cordless Pro XL vacuums, mops, and cleans itself at the same time to deep clean hard floors and clean area rugs. The cordless design combines powerful suction with an extra-large 2-tank water system for streak-free mopping and automatic self-cleaning. The XL Clean Tank maximizes cleaning efficiency with smart suction and flow control. The big pros of this vacuum are the seamless transition between suction for various floor types with push button controls.

Best Shark cordless vacuum

The best in the cordless vacuum category would be the Shark ICZ362H Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away. It has sealed filtration, long battery life, and a lot of power for a cordless cleaner. Compared to the others, it has advanced DuoClean PowerFins and Zero-M technology that provides the best cleaning performance as well as hair tangles resistance.

---

Corded Stick Vacuums

We have already talked about the difference between the Vertex and Apex models. There is also a Rocket lineup. Let's talk about those

Shark Apex vs. Vertex vs. Rocket

As we said before, the Apex and Vertex are top-line vacuums. They have more power than the Rocket models and most of them have LED lights, the Rocket cleaners lack.

The Shark HZ2002 Vertex DuoClean PowerFins is one of the best corded vacuums in the lineup. It is powerful, resists hair tangles but has a small dustbin. Lots of power makes it suitable for hard floor and carpet cleaning but not for the high-pile ones.

The Shark APEX LZ602 UpLight compared to the previous model has Lift-Away and is safe for allergy sufferers. Also has a bigger dustbin and more power but is a bit heavier. Suitable for floor-to-ceiling cleaning and homes with mostly hard floors and thin carpets.

Shark Apex LZ602 vs. LZ601

There is a minor difference between the two: a color option and an accessory kit. The LZ602 includes a Self-Cleaning Pet Power Brush, an 8 in Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, and Accessory Holder. The LZ601 comes with a Pet Multi-Tool, Duster Crevice Tool, and Accessory Holder.

The Shark HZ602 Ultralight Pet Pro does not have a second roller, mo lift-away feature, or sealed filtration. It is the most lightweight and as a result, has a small dustbin. It is an affordable vacuum cleaner for those who have a pet and no allergy as its filtration is not HEPA. 

The Shark ZS362 APEX DuoClean has less power yet a duoclean technology so it picks up everything from fine to large debris on hard floor. With a bigger dustbin, it can hold more debris but filtration is not HEPA which does not make it suitable for allergy sufferers.

The Shark ZS351 Rocket Zero-M does not have duoclean nor does powerfins but Zero-M technology prevents the brushroll from hair tangles just it is not as good as the other two. The cleaner has less power compared to the previous one and is not suitable for most carpets. However, its big dustbin is good for those who have to deal with lots of debris.

The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light HV302 is the cheapest on the list with no advanced functions like powerfins or a sealed filtration system. A small dustbin does not make it suitable for big cleanups.

The Shark Rocket DeluxePro HV322 is an upgraded version of the HV302 with more weight and a bigger dustbin.

The Shark WD101 HydroVac XL offers a 3-in-1 home cleaning tool. Powerful suction combines with an anti-microbial head that helps reduce odors, an extra-large 2-tank water system, and automatic self-cleaning. The continuous self-cleaning system helps prevent dirt from being redeposited back on your floor and the antimicrobial brushroll helps prevent odors and bacteria on the brushroll. Brushroll was treated with an antimicrobial substance to preserve the roller and resist bacterial odors on the brushroll.

Best Shark corded stick vacuum

Best for the price would be the Shark APEX LZ602 UpLight. Lots of power and additional technologies like a sealed HEPA filter, and a big dustbin.

---

Upright Vacuums

Upright vacuums (not including budget and classic models): Vertex AZ2002, APEX Zero M AZ1002, LA502, Rotator Powered Lift-Away ZU632, Rotator Lift-Away ZU782, LA322, Navigator Lift-Away ZU561, Navigator Zero-M ZU62.

Shark Vertex AZ2002 vs. APEX AZ1002 vs. Rotator Lift-Away LA502

Vertex and Apex are the most expensive and powerful Shark vacuums. All three have anti-tangle technology and are great at handling pet hair and are safe for allergy sufferers. The Vertex AZ2002 filtration system is the most advanced and includes washable HEPA + Foam and Felt Filters.

The Vertex has advanced DuoClean PowerFins but the Vertex has more power. Vertex AZ2002 and APEX AZ1002 are similar high-end devices. Both are powerful and have a good filtration system yet the Vertex is the best at resisting hair tangles and does a better job at deep cleaning carpets.

Shark LA Series: LA502 vs. LA322 

The Shark LA502 Rotator Lift-Away DuoClean PowerFins is the upgraded version of the Shark LA322 Navigator Lift-Away, it has PowerFins which makes it ideal for cleaning hard floors and picking up any kind of debris. Also thanks to Lift-Away is better to use for above floor cleaning. The LA is heavier and has more power. On the other side, the LA322 is the most lightweight among other upright vacuums in the lineup.

ZU Series: ZU62 vs. ZU561 vs. Rotator Powered Lift-Away ZU632 vs. Rotator Lift-Away ZU782

All of them come with a self-cleaning brush and have a sealed filtration system.

All Shark upright vacuums are safe for allergy sufferers

The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away ZU632 is one of the most powerful, has a powered lift-away so made for easy above floor cleaning. It does not have duoclean nor powerfins but still comes with an anti-tangle brush which is not as good but still does the job. Suitable for hard floors and carpet cleaning but since it does not come with two brushes might not be the best choice for mostly hard floor surfaces. 

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU561 is not as powerful as the ZU62 and also lacks a double brushroll but is lighter. Lift-away makes cleaning above the floor easier but is not as convenient to use as powered lift-away. Not suitable for mostly carpeted surface.  

The Shark Rotator Lift-Away ZU782 is the heaviest but also has the most power. It has duoclean which makes it perfect for hard floors. A large dustbin collects lots of debris and is ideal for those who have to deal with pet hair. Suitable for homes with hard floors and carpets.

The Shark Navigator Zero-M ZU62 does not have LED lights, duoclean or lift-away but it is a powerful machine that can be used on carpets and hard floors. Better to use on thin carpets, one of the most affordable.

The Shark DuoClean Lift-Away ZU881 is powerful, has two brushrolls, powered lift-away yet not the biggest dustbin. Ideal for pet owners and dealing with long hair as well as picking up any kinds of debris on hard floors. Does not include many extra accessories. It is also the heaviest among all.

The Shark Rotator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ is the cheapest as it does not include many accessories.

---

Let's break this down into four categories:

• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best cordless version
• Best corded stick model

The best overall would be the brand new Shark AZ3002 Stratos.

The Stratos has advanced cleaning rollers and is a pro at dealing with long hair. It has more power than the previous Vertex and does slightly better at deep carpet cleaning even tho the Vertex already was good at it.

To date, the Shark Stratos is the best vacuum cleaner in the lineup

The second option on our list would be the brand new Shark Apex Zero-M (AZ1002) and Shark Vertex AZ2002.

It is one of the most powerful bagless vacuum among all the Shark vacuums, it handles pet hair like a pro. It has DuoClean that is known for its great pickup ability because of two cleaning heads, one is a regular brush for carpet, and the other one is great on bare floors. This kind of brush is not only great at picking up things but also does a decent job at deep carpet cleaning.

The cleaner performs well on carpet and has a good pickup ability

Hands down, Sharks with duo clean are the best vacuums in the model line.

The new Shark Apex also has Zero M technology that reduces hair tangles on the brushroll.

However, this is the most expensive and heaviest (17 pounds) Shark cleaner. But because of the lift away feature, you can use the vacuum as a stick by removing the heavy part of the construction and still get all the power the Shark has.

Shark AZ2002 Vertex DuoClean PowerFins

As we said before, the Vertex has DuoClean PowerFins, the strongest suction in the lineup, and the best hair-resiting ability.

The Shark AZ2002 Vertex DuoClean is the best at resisting hair tangling in the industry

Hands down, the Shark AZ2002 Vertex DuoClean PowerFins is the best Shark upright vacuum cleaner.

---

What about the best budget vacuum?

Here are the old-style Navigator 300 Series, which we mentioned earlier as one of the best budget cleaners, plus a new Navigator with Zero M, the Shark ZU561 Navigator Lift-Away

and Shark NV803 DuoClean Powered Lift-Away with DuoClean.

Because of the dual clean, some of these vacuums that don't have it are out of the other two, so the clear winner here is the NV803, which is extremely powerful nevertheless, it's cheap and has a good build quality than the NV200. Another thing - the NV803 is a Powered Lift-Away which means you can use it as a stick. Having that in mind, we would call the Shark NV803 DuoClean Powered Lift-Away the best vacuum in the budget category.

---

To Conclude

Premium Vacuum: the best for carpet, pet hair, and allergy would be the Shark Stratos AZ3002. It is an absolute winner and the best value among all Shark cleaners. It is also the best to use on carpet.

If you don't need that extra power and are okay with not having Powered Lift-Away technology, go with the Shark LA502 Rotator Lift-Away ADV DuoClean PowerFins.

Budget: the Shark ZU561 Navigator Lift-Away and Shark NV803 DuoClean Powered Lift-Away with DuoClean are great at picking up things and resisting hair-tangling. These are the best among budget cleaners in the industry.

Cordless: if you want one of the most powerful cleaners with the latest DuoClean PowerFins technology which would work best on carpets and hard floors as well as handing hair, go with the Shark IZ462H Vertex DuoClean PowerFins. If you want a powerful stick cleaner with a big dustbin as well as a HEPA filter meaning it is better for pet owners, get the Shark Ion P50. Both are good for pet hair.

Corded: if you are looking for a powerful vacuum cleaner that would handle pet or human hair, has a good filtration system, performs better than average vacuum on carpet and bare floor, the Shark APEX Uplight Lift-Away Duo Clean (LZ601) is for you. This is the best cleaner for hard floors and allergy sufferers. For a lightweight option with better carpet cleaning performance, consider getting the Shark HZ2002 Vertex Corded Ultralight DuoClean PowerFins.

• corded vacuum cleaner
• cordless vacuum
• shark
• comparison
• upright vacuum