The Best Shark Vacuums of 2016

Based on 7,882 analyzed user reviews

NerdWallet Shopping’s scoring of the best Shark vacuums is based on our analysis of the opinions of experts and shoppers like you.

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.

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.

Here are our top Shark vacuums, in no particular order.

The vacuums

1. 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.

Buyers Like

• Performance on carpet, hard floors and stairs
• Easy-to-clean collection chamber
• Ability to clean pet hair

Buyers Dislike

• Weight

Read our full Shark Rotator NV752 review

2. 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.

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

3. 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.

Buyers Like

• Cordless design
• Performance on carpet and hard floors
• Noise level

Buyers Dislike

• Durability
• Relatively short battery life

Read our full Shark Navigator Freestyle review

4. 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.

Buyers Like

• Performance on carpet
• Ability to clean pet hair
• Easy-to-empty dust cup

Buyers Dislike

• Performance on hard floors
• Weight

5. 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.

Buyers Like

• Performance on carpeting and stairs
• Weight
• Easy to maneuver

Buyers Dislike

• Noise level
• Durability
• Less-than-helpful customer service

6. 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.

Buyers Like

• Performance on carpeting, hard floors and stairs
• Microfiber dust pad

Buyers Dislike

• Awkward handle-mounted motor
• Difficult-to-empty dust cup

Read our full Shark Rocket HV301 review

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.

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For more vacuum buying advice, check out:

• NerdWallet’s vacuum buying guide

For more vacuum roundups, check out:

• The best vacuums
• 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
• The best Dyson vacuums
• The best lightweight vacuums
• The best bagless vacuums
• The best vacuums for carpeted floors

Compare other popular vacuums here:

• Dyson Ball vs Shark Rotator
• Roomba 880 vs Roomba 870
• Hoover Air Cordless vs Linx

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Top image via iStock.