Best Shark vacuum of 2024 in the UK: tried and tested

It goes without saying that the best Shark vacuums easily possess the suction power, innovative design, and sturdy build quality to rival even top brands like Dyson. Often times, Shark even offer these features at a more competitive price point, so it’s no wonder they’ve become such a popular addition to many homes – including my own.

If you’re considering a Shark vacuum, the options are extensive; covering everything from lightweight cordless models for day-to-day spruce ups, uprights for heavy-duty jobs, and even handheld vacs for tackling quick messes or spot-cleaning when you’re in a time crunch. That said, it’s no surprise that the best Shark vacuums often frequent stellar spots in our guide to the best vacuum cleaners across the board.

Not only that, but brand-exclusive design perks such as the DuoClean brush head, which toggles between carpet and hard floors with the touch of a button, and the Flexology feature, that bends to reach tricky spots under furniture, also promise to make an instant difference in your cleaning routine. While price points can vary massively, I’m a big fan of the quality and innovation you’ll get with a Shark vacuum.

However, as with deliberating any investment, choosing the best Shark vacuum for your home isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. That’s why I’ve created this list to help you narrow things down. Our team of expert reviewers (including myself) have put many of the top Shark vacuum picks through their paces, assessing everything from suction power, debris and hair pick-up, ease of use, included attachments, and more to help you decide on the best choice for your needs.

Below, you can find links to the specific Shark vacuum reviews for models myself and the Ideal Home team have tried and tested. You can read more on how they fared on different floor types, the effectiveness of their respective tools, and whether we think they’re value for money before you make your final decision.

Quick list

Short on time but looking for the best Shark vacuum around? Take a look at our quick list below to find the one you’re looking for quickly.

Best Shark vacuum 2024

Best Shark vacuum overall

The Shark PowerDetect Clean and Empty System is the newest addition to the brand’s roster of vacuum cleaners, claiming to be their strongest with the most powerful suction yet. Knowing all these high claims, I was eager to dive straight into testing and see what it had to offer – namely, if it could be crowned as the best Shark vac amongst all the others that we’ve tested over the years in this guide. Spoiler alert: it absolutely delivered.

But, what was it that instantly made the Shark PowerDetect jump to the top spot? It’s because it combines many of the features we have loved and raved about in past models, all in one fantastic piece of kit. Namely, it’s got the four-detection technology that was introduced with the release of the Shark Detect Pro, the anti-odour technology from the Shark Stratos, and an all-new technology dubbed Direction Detect. This means that the vacuum has been designed to pick up debris, dust, and hair in both forward and reverse, ensuring nothing gets left behind. This makes for precise pick-up with less effort exerted. Paired with the auto-empty dock, which cleans out and charges your vacuum for you so it’s always ready to go, there really is little to criticise about this new launch.

Our only main gripes are while the auto-empty dock is brilliant, it’s not perfect. During testing, there were circumstances where hair would sometimes get stuck and the suction couldn’t clean it out entirely, in this case I had to just manually dislodge it myself. Not to mention, it can get a little top-heavy when you’re using it in handheld as it’s almost 3kg in weight, but these are just me being extremely picky. All in all, it’s still a 5-star buy across the board.

Features we loved during testing

While I was testing this vacuum, it’s true that I’ve never really experienced pick-up of deep-rooted dust, debris, and hair like I had with the Shark PowerDetect. The Detect technology was easily one of the best I had ever come across, and as I navigated through different areas in my house, I found that the vacuum quickly switched gears and adapted as was necessary. I even found that on the areas where the maximum suction was needed, it almost felt as though the vacuum was propelling you forward, which made for super easy cleaning and manoeuvring of the appliance.

After I was done, I was shocked with just how much dust had accumulated in the dustbin, as it wasn’t even that long ago that I had last vacuumed. I would’ve been none the wiser had it not been for the PowerDetect. Typically, I would veer away from stick vacuums because I find them more of a hassle than anything with storing and manoeuvring, but the smooth movement and auto-empty dock instantly answered these concerns.

Read our Shark PowerDetect Clean and Empty cordless vacuum review for more details.

Best Shark vacuum for battery life

The Shark Stratos goes further than other vacuums from the brand to make debris and dust pick-up as easy, and nice-smelling as possible. It showed unbelievable suction power during testing, and left carpets visibly cleaner, with no issues with pet hair or human hair. We suspect this advanced cleaning is made possible because of the Clean Sense IQ Technology, which works to detect and then act upon the identified dirt and debris on your floors.

There’s no doubt that our testing process proved that this vacuum is worth the large price tag that it carries. Even if you don’t have to deal with shedding pets, the ease with which this vacuum does away with hair is astounding, and our Kitchen Appliances Editor, Molly Cleary, found that it was unmatched when it came to suction. Similar to the Shark IZ300UK Anti Hair Wrap cordless vacuum, it has a two-battery option, resulting in exceptional battery life for a whole house clean without the need for a charging break.

However, as much as we loved the Shark Stratos during testing, we really do wish it had a little charging stand that it could sit on when it’s not in use rather than needing to find a dedicated space to house it in. This would also make storing its many accessories far easier – but this really is just a small gripe.

Features we loved during testing

The capacity of this vacuum to transform into a smaller handheld model is phenomenal, and you’ll be reaching for the smaller attachments all the time to quickly resolve smaller messes all over your home. Another highlight during testing were the new Anti-Odour capsules that you can pick up with this vacuum, which make that horrible dusty smell a thing of the past. These come with a dial so you can choose how strong you want the scent to be, and then you simply pop it into the dustbin and go on your merry way.

You can fork out more for the two-battery Shark Stratos model if you think you need a spare pack on charge while the other is in use, but it’s not a necessity if you live in a small or medium-sized home. All in all, this is admittedly a pricier vacuum, but if you can afford to fork out, it will impress you time and time again.

Read our Shark Stratos IZ420UKT cordless vacuum review for more details.

Best lightweight Shark vacuum

When we first got our hands on the Shark Detect Pro last year, we were very excited for a handful of reasons. The first is that it’s unbelievably lightweight, at just 2.76kg, so your days of lugging around a heavy vacuum are behind you. The second was the wealth of new technologies that Shark boasted about with this vacuum when we got a first glimpse of it at IFA 2023, which introduced that the vacuum would be equipped with four all-new detection technologies. It’s safe to say, these claims really did live up to our high expectations during testing and it’s since become a favourite of ours.

When we were testing, we found dealing with high-traffic areas much easier thanks to the amped up suction, and the FloorDetect technology made transitioning into different rooms throughout the home much easier too rather than having to manually switch modes as you would with other models. We did notice that its cleaning power particularly excelled on hard flooring; however, rest assured that it performed just as effectively on carpet too, which can sometimes be a feature that’s hard to come by.

Of course, its lightweight and slim build was for sure what made this vacuum a winner for us overall. Something that definitely sets apart one of the best cordless vacuums apart from their competitors is being able to take advantage of its portable, convenient build without skimping on suction power; and the Shark Detect Pro ticks those boxes fully. However, do be mindful that with its lighter build, its dustbin capacity is only 0.4, which is a lot smaller than other Shark models we’ve tested, such as the new Shark PowerDetect or Shark Stratos which both have a 0.8 litre capacity.

Features we loved

The RRP of £349.99 is steep, yes, but the cleaning performance of this vacuum very much impressed us during testing. You gain design points too with this new release, which is available in a swish white colour scheme and has a stripped-back LED control panel that even lets you in on remaining battery life and the levels of dirt being detected. Not to mention, with its true to claims run-time of 60 minutes, it’s the ideal companion for whole home cleans.

It performed excellently in our at-home tests, and the new detection features go a long way to improve day-to-day vacuuming sessions. Our tester, Molly, was a huge fan of the stand system too, even though it comes at an additional price, and would be keen to try out the self-emptying bin system next, which seems like a lifesaver.

Read our Shark Detect Pro cordless vacuum cleaner IW1511UK review for more details.

Best value Shark vacuum

The Shark IZ300UK Anti Hair Wrap cordless stick vacuum is one of Shark’s trademark exports, and boy did it wow us when we took it for a spin. Firstly, it feels incredibly sturdy and well-made, with a separate charger for up to two batteries at a time, meaning you can double your runtime for larger homes.

Switching between carpet and hard floors is very easy thanks to the DuoClean brushrolls, which switch over with the touch of a button. It’s also possible to go between three power levels, although we found the lowest level perfectly strong enough for the majority of tasks, meaning you can also preserve your battery life for longer as a result.

At under 5kg it’s a sturdy but not too hefty model, and if you struggle with storage, you’ll enjoy the fact that this cordless stick vacuum hinges forwards to fold when stored. However, on the topic of storage, it’s worth noting that it isn’t freestanding and will need support to hold it up. Additional features include a smart touchpad at the top of the vacuum that shows the battery level very clearly, which will definitely come in handy for managing battery life.

Yes, it’s not one of the latest Shark models; however, we think the fact that it still sits as our top pick overall speaks volumes for its suction power, compact design, and value for money after all this time and despite the newer products that have since launched.

Features we loved during testing

The newer feature that Shark added to this cordless model is its PowerFins tech. These are essentially flexible silicone paddles that dig deep into carpets and effectively pick up dirt from right down at the base of rugs and carpets. This was immensely successful at picking up pet hair and dust that we didn’t even know was there during our tests. We recommend opting for the Shark IZ300UKT Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner for a double-battery model that’ll last longer between charges; however, the regular Shark IZ300UK is just as effective if you’re happy with just one battery.

Read our Shark IZ300UK Anti Hair Wrap cordless stick vacuum cleaner review for more details.

Best Shark vacuum for pet hair

To put it plainly, the Shark ICZ300UKT Anti Hair Wrap cordless upright vacuum has everything you need to stay on top of the busiest of homes, whether you’re dealing with pet hair, cleaning across multiple floor types, or have a larger household. It boasts all the perks of a traditional upright vacuum, but in a cordless design to allow you more freedom to clean as and where you please.

Shark even claim that it has all the power of a corded vacuum cleaner but in cordless form, and after testing we couldn’t agree more. In fact, if you had to really ask us, we’d even dub it the best Shark vacuum for carpet overall. This is in part thanks to the carpet roll that features Shark’s innovative PowerFins technology, which is a rubberised fin that sits between the brushes to prevent hair from building up on the roller. It also helps with digging in deep into carpet fibres to pick up even the most stubborn of pet hair.

The Shark ICZ300UKT upright vacuum also comes with DuoClean, which makes switching modes immensely straightforward, and the controls make it easy to see how much battery you have left. To charge, simply lift out the battery on the side of the dust tank and pop it into its charging port.

Features we loved during testing

The vacuum has lights that illuminate its path, and it left a visible path of clean carpet when we took it through the floor around the bed of a fluffy black Labrador. Needless to say, its suction power for pet hair pick-up was very impressive, so prepare to remember what colour your carpet was when you moved in.

It is worth noting that coming in at over 6kg, this cordless upright vacuum is quite heavy compared to the lighter cordless stick models you’re probably more familiar with; but it does have the Powered Lift-Away feature to make it easier to tackle stairs and upholstery without having to break your back to do so. Another minor gripe during the testing period was the small dust tank, which fills up very quickly when you’re dealing with pet hair. We can confirm the battery life does extend to around one hour though, so this Shark cordless can tackle your entire home in one go.

Read our Shark ICZ300UKT Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Upright vacuum cleaner review for more details.

Best corded Shark vacuum

While cordless vacuums are increasingly becoming the favoured choice for many, there are still a lot of people who prefer corded models above all. So, for those who still find comfort in being plugged into the mains as we vacuum our homes, our reviewer Jen has established that this Shark vacuum could well be the best option for you. It’s a good combination of where a stick vacuum meets an 8-metre-length cord which ultimately means no charging, whilst still being lightweight enough for portability.

During testing, this vacuum delivered epic power and suction for both everyday cleaning and regular deep cleans. Better yet, the vacuum itself makes it easy to switch modes to best accommodate both hard floor and carpet at just the flick of a switch and we found that it was super easy to move around through different areas of the home. Additionally, the handy LEDs in the floorhead work a treat for helping you spot any hidden dust and debris in low light areas like under furniture.

Despite its name, we decided to categorise this upright Shark vacuum as our top pick as our favourite corded variant rather than as the prime option for pet hair because there are some features it lacks that we’ve come to really appreciate and value in some of the newer Shark vacuums. This includes the Anti Hair Wrap technology that’s quickly become industry standard for brush head maintenance and Powered Lift-Away floorhead combability. Don’t get us wrong, it still does a fantastic job at picking up deep-rooted pet hair from furniture and carpet without these features, but if you’re choosing between uprights, we think the Shark ICZ300UKT Anti Hair Wrap upright cordless vacuum may be better value for money in this case so you can really revel in Shark’s cleaning technology.

Features we loved during testing

During testing, Jen found that this vacuum was well equipped to deal with daily cleaning issues, with a versatile robust design that saw her through various challenges. The enhanced swivel steering came in handy across Jen’s entire home, and the debris pickup across the board was good. The huge 1.1-litre dust cup was also great for a whole house clean, meaning Jen didn’t have to backtrack at any point to empty the bin.

She also loved the portable vacuum cleaner element that is accessible with just the push of a button. This is thanks to Powered Lift-Away which is super handy for using the suite of attachments to refresh upholstery or vacuum skirting boards.

One of the attachments which comes with this Shark vacuum is the pet tool. As with many of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair, it was excellent at drawing out embedded hair from rugs, blankets and anywhere else your four-legged friend likes to reside. Overall, this is a strong contender for those looking for a large-capacity Shark vacuum that they can rely on.

Read our Shark DuoClean Upright Pet vacuum NV702UKT review for more details.

Best handheld Shark vacuum

This handheld vacuum from Shark is a must-have handy for those quick tidy-ups that don’t require the need to lug out a whole full-size vacuum cleaner. It’s cordless which always helps with moving around the home (and car) quickly since you’re not tethered to a plug, offering that extra convenience.

The (up to) 8 minutes battery life is sufficient enough for sweeping up dust, and crumbs and taming those stray hairs which seem to get anywhere and everywhere. After use, it can be neatly stored away in its little charging dock that is compact enough to keep tucked away to a corner of a room or inside a storage cupboard, ideal for those who are already pressed for space in a small home.

All of these features combined with strong suction power and a decent noise level is what has earned the Shark WandVac a spot in our round-up of the best handheld vacuum cleaners. However, we do think that it’s quite expensive for a handheld vacuum and considering its short run-time, it’s possible that some may find it hard to justify its price tag as a result.

Features we loved during testing

Our expert tester Helen loved how this vacuum empties at the touch of a button, flipping the dirt directly into the bin. She thought it made emptying quick and mess-free. When using it to clean her car, Helen was very impressed with the overall performance, with the vac effectively removing dirt from her car. It did struggle a little more to collect hairs from the carpet, but overall the suction was strong.

Overall, we love this vacuum for its performance and how it looks, as it’s pretty enough to keep out on your worktop. It’s almost full marks from us on this one.

How we test Shark vacuums

We really like to get a hands-on experience with the products which we feature across Ideal Home, in line with our testing protocol. It means that we get to understand more about what you are getting for your money.

Each time we hear of a new vacuum cleaner that’s been added to the brand’s portfolio, or we see one with outstanding user reviews, we just have to try it out. You can read what we really thought about each model in the descriptions in this guide where you’ll also see our marks out of five.

Each one with descriptions like these has been tested for a number of weeks (sometimes months) so they’ve been faced with some real-life challenges. In some instances, we’re even fortunate enough to be able to keep the vacuum cleaners so the test is always ongoing, if you like.

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Each vacuum is tested on three different floor types – hardwood, carpet, and linoleum – to pick up cereals (crushed and whole), a mix of flour and sugar, and hair in individual tests. To achieve a perfect pick-up score, we expect a vacuum to pick up both fine and heavy debris across these surfaces with a single pass. These tests allow us to see how well the vacuum lives up to manufacturer claims, including their ability to tackle large amounts of debris and the effectiveness of hair-repelling features.

Everything has been considered during our in-depth reviews, starting from unboxing and assembly right off the bat. Factors such as manoeuvrability, run-time, emptying of the canister (or bag), included accessories, and general controls also play a huge factor in determining the ratings we award each vacuum we test.

FAQs

What is the best Shark vacuum for the money?

Among the ones we’ve tested, we think the best Shark vacuum overall is the Shark IZ300UK Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner. While it’s not the most recent model, it has proven reliable through rigorous testing and its suction power, compact design, and fairly affordable pricing make it, in our opinion, the best-value Shark vacuum out there.

When is the best time to buy a Shark vacuum cleaner?

It’s possible to find pretty good deals on Shark vacuums year-round over on our cordless vacuum deals page, but there is one time of the year that’s undoubtedly better than any other to take the plunge on this brand. Yep, we’re talking about Black Friday deals, which start cropping up in November.

In previous years we’ve seen discounts of up to 50% on Shark vacuums, meaning that this pre-Christmas rush is most definitely the time to shop for essentials for your home, including vacuums. If you miss out on Black Friday, then there’s plenty of cash to be saved with Boxing Day deals too.

How can I choose the best Shark vacuum?

The first thing you’ll need to decide is whether you want to opt for a cordless or corded Shark. Each type will suit different homes, and our feature on corded vs cordless Shark vacuums can answer every conundrum you might have.

Another thing specific to shopping Shark vacuums is all the lingo that the brand uses to market their vacs. To untangle some of the meanings, we’ve listed a few of them below but we also have a full explainer on the extensive list of Shark terms if you want to learn more.

Are Shark vacuums better than Dyson?

Shark’s value for money, with RRPs often near to half of what Dyson’s vacuums are, means that there is constantly a comparison raised between the brands. Our explainer on Shark vs Dyson has the full lowdown on the technical differences, but we think that if you’re looking for a budget vacuum, you can’t go wrong with investing in a Shark.

After reading through our guide, we hope that we’ve helped clear the mist surrounding choosing the best Shark vacuum for your needs.

Although there are so many to choose from – which at times can get overwhelming – gaining a better understanding of their specific functions and respective strengths is a step in the right direction to securing an investment that’ll last you years to come.