The best Shark vacuums

So, you’re in the market for a new vacuum? You’ve come to the right place. Shark has been smashing the vacuum cleaner game in the UK since 2014 with decades of success in the US and some of the best handheld, heavy-duty, and cordless vacuum cleaners available to buy today.

Engineered in-house and developed through real consumer testing to make sure they combat all the cleaning challenges we face day-to-day; Shark’s vacuums are packed with incredible technologies to make sure you can clean every nook and cranny of your home with ease. From compact storage solution, tangle-free vacuuming, and seamless carpet to hard-floor cleaning, there’s going to be a Shark vacuum with your name on it.

We’ve explored the whole range and found the best, newest, and most advanced Shark vacuums you can buy for your home in 2022.

Best Shark vacuum 2022 shortlist:

Best cordless vacuum: Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner IZ320UKT

Best handheld vacuum: Shark WandVac 2.0 Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner WV270UK

Best upright vacuum: Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner NZ850UK

Best cylinder vacuum: Shark Bagless Cylinder Pet Vacuum Cleaner CZ500UKT

Best for smaller homes: Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner IZ201UK

Best for large homes: Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner XL PZ1000UKT

Best grab-and-go vacuum: Shark WandVac System 2-in-1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner WV362UKT

What to look for in your Shark vacuum:

Shark technology

Across Shark’s range of vacuums, you can find different technologies to help make cleaning a breeze. On selected models you can find:

• Anti-Hair Wrap Technology: Actively removes hair from the bristle brush-roll as you clean.

• DuoClean Technology: Two brush-roll floorhead that work together to clean all floor types.

• Lift-Away Technology: Allows you to lift the pod away from the floorhead for portable cleaning.

• Powered Lift-Away Technology: Allows you to lift the pod away to transform your upright vacuum into a stick vacuum.

• PowerFins: Brush-roll is designed to agitate and pick up more dirt in one pass. Ideal for carpets.

• Flexology: With one click, the flexible wand bends so you don’t have to. Folds down for compact storage and easily cleans beneath furniture.

• TruePet: Purposefully designed to removed embedded pet hair.

• Anti-Allergen Complete Seal: Captures and traps 99.9 per cent of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.

Shark accessories

Shark vacuums have an impressive range of accessories to help make the chore of cleaning seriously lightwork. The different attachments will depend on which model you choose, so if any of these peak your interest make sure to pick a Shark vacuum that’s compatible. Some attachments include a crevice tool, upholstery tool, pet tool, dusting brush, and car detail kit but those provided vary from model to model.

Battery runtime

If you’d prefer to vacuum cable-free, Shark has plenty of cordless vacuums available with varying runtimes. Depending on the size of your home, you can opt for vacuums with a battery runtime of up to 60 minutes, or even choose models that come with two swappable, rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries that double the runtime so you’re never caught short.

Weight and size

Shark vacuums come in a competitive range of weights and sizes for manoeuvrability, perfectly suited for every kind of home. Upright vacuums are typically larger and heavier weighing up to 7.5kg, whilst cordless stick vacuums weigh as little as 3kg. Only have limited storage space? Check for the cordless vacuums with Flexology.

Dust cup capacity

All of Shark’s vacuums are bagless and made to be easy to empty, but they can vary in dust cup capacity. Corded upright vacuums can have a capacity up to 1.65L, cordless vacuums up to 0.7L, and handheld vacuums up to 0.45L. However, this can vary from model to model so make sure to check the capacity if you’re looking to empty the tank less frequently.

The best Shark vacuums 2022 in detail:

Promising 50% more suction compared to the highly-rated cordless IZ201UK model, this vacuum has been designed to tackle both carpets and hard floor, enhanced with PowerFins to pick up even more hair and without it getting tangled.

With an impressive 120 minutes of battery life thanks to the interchangeable twin batteries, this vacuum is packed with versatile cleaning options; transform into a cordless handheld, use the LED screen to toggle between Eco, Deep Clean, and Boost suction, and bend the vacuum with Flexology to clean under low-lying furniture. All, at the touch of a button.

Review: "I love it. The suction is great. If you think your last Hoover 'hoovered', think again! After a few vacuums, as I use mine, every day the carpet pile was looking great. It definitely collects the pet hair. Easy to use. No cord to trip on. Compact and easy to put away. This is my 2nd Shark and I wouldn’t use anything else."

Just looking for a handy quick access handheld vacuum for cleaning out the car or picking up crumbs in the kitchen? This next-generation Shark WandVac has more suction and more power than its earlier model and yet, with a similar, sleek design you'd be proud to display in your home. And just as well, as it's designed to be displayed as it charges on its base.

Weighing just 650g, you can enjoy up to 15 minutes of runtime with two suction modes available including Boost to customise your clean, and the dust cup is super easy to empty with just the touch of a button. This is the perfect companion vacuum for busy homes with children and pets.

Review: "I absolutely love this handheld hoover; so much so that this was bought as a present for my daughter as I already bought myself one a few weeks earlier. I find this more lightweight and ergonomic (which surprised me due to the shape) than other handhelds, and with the double battery, it lasts a good 20 mins. Even copes with my constantly shedding Labrador!"

If a corded, upright vacuum is more your jam, this Shark vacuum has to be your top pick. Not only does it have reportedly more suction power compared to the UK upright market as of Dec 2020, but it has also been designed to make cleaning every nook and cranny of your home a breeze. And with an 8m long power cord and no battery to worry about, it won't hold you back.

This powerful vacuum has been designed to tackle all floors and glides easily between each thanks to the DuoClean floorhead and Anti-Hair Wrap. The easy to use controls allow you to switch between three floor settings, and with Powered Lift-Away you have the freedom to transform it into a lightweight, portable vacuum for comfortable cleaning.

Review: "This is the third vacuum cleaner I have bought in the last year. My problem was always my long hair and my sewing and knitting threads. Even when I bought a vac with no rotating brush the insides got all wrapped with long hair. So far I love this one with no trouble with tangled brushes. The lift-off section was easy to use on the stairs. The small head was a bit noisy echoing on the stairs but cleaned really well. I think I have found the one that is right for me and I'm very pleased."

The Shark Bagless Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner CZ500UKT may give off a more retro aesthetic with the pull-along cylinder, but it is actually as far from that as it can get. Sleek, stylish, and modern, with Shark's innovative Dynamic Technology this vacuum combines powerful suction, an extra-lightweight 4kg pod-design, and smooth gliding wheels for an effortless clean.

With DuoClean and Anti-Hair Wrap it can clean all floor types and the Flexology wand bends under furniture so you don't have to. Not to mention a long 9m cable and automatic rewind - much appreciated when cable winding often feels like half the chore.

Review: "At first glance, I thought this Shark vacuum looked a bit old-fashioned. Not only is not cordless, but the main vacuum is on wheels like something from the 90s, and the head looks massive. Unlike a 90s hoover though, it is bagless.

"However, once you start using the thing you realise it is super modern. The thing looks heavy, but it isn't at all. And while it has a cord, it is nine metres long, so you don't really notice it as it never restricts you. The wheels are very smooth too, so there are no problems with movement. Most importantly, suction power is high and it comes with a range of heads. As a cat owner, I can testify to the anti-hair wrap technology being true to its name. My favourite feature is the bending arm, which allows you to hoover under beds or sofas much more easily.

"Overall, I think this actually offers far more oomph and functionality than my wireless Dyson, with the added bonus of not running out of charge halfway around the house."

While it may not have as much suction as the IZ320UKT model, this best-selling cordless vacuum cleaner is a fantastic choice for smaller homes. It's easy to use, can transform into a handheld, and has DuoClean and Anti-Hair Wrap for seamless cleaning on all floors of your home.

This model only has one battery but with an amazing runtime of up to 40 minutes, that'll do just the job in apartments and small homes with time to spare. Perfect for quick clean-ups and deep cleans alike, the Flexology technology means this vacuum can reach under furniture and be stored anywhere. The battery pack can be charged too off the vacuum so if you're limited on space, the two don't need to be together to charge. Pop that vacuum in a cupboard and the battery pack can charge at an available plug.

Review: "Bought this last week and it's a dream to use. It goes beautifully from hard floor to rugs and back again. The anti-hair wrap works brilliantly. It is a bit heavy when you want to use it for ceilings or as a handheld but its performance makes up for that."

The name says it all! The PZ1000UKT model is not just a powerful machine - it comes with an extra-large dust cup capacity so you can clean more between empties. A great choice for pet homes too, this TruePet model will easily remove pet hair from floors and furnishings with Pet Tool for targeting specific spots.

Cover more area in one clean with the wide floorhead enhanced with DuoClean and Anti-Hair Wrap, a must for modern homes where you're likely to have hard floors and carpets. Much like the NZ850UK, this model has Powered Lift-Away so you can instantly transform from a powerful upright into a portable vacuum cleaner and even in this mode the brush-rolls will continue to rotate for a deep clean every time.

Reviews: "No longer a chore - the anti-hair wrap technology means that my carpets are left looking like new. Clear cylinder means it's easy to see how much is being picked up and when to empty, and the removable components make it easy to clean stairs too."

Available in a stylish choice of navy, rose gold, and blue, this ultra-lightweight 2-in-1 cordless cleaner is the ultimate grab-and-go vacuum for floor and handheld cleaning that you'd be proud to show off in your home. Trust us, we've seen these in person and they are beautiful - something we never thought we'd say of a vacuum.

With up to 32 minutes of runtime in the twin battery model, this vacuum incorporates the handheld Shark WandVac into a complete cordless system so you can not only tackle the crumbs and debris on surfaces but you can also take it to the floor for an ultra-light clean-up without whipping out your regular full-size vacuum. It also one-ups the handheld on Shark technology as you can enjoy Anti-Hair Wrap Technology in floor mode, ideal for briskly picking up pet and human hair around the house.

Review: "Viewed this in another large high street shop before ordering online. Very impressed. The suction is nothing to write home about however if you don't have a very dirty home and need something for a quick whip around this is highly recommended. It's lightweight, easy to manoeuvre. Looks nice, comes with 2 x 16-minute batteries which is plenty of time for a 2 up 2 down. Works well on both laminate and medium pile rugs and carpet. Don't give up your Henry though just in case."

What is better Shark or Dyson?

As the market leaders in the UK, you may be trying to work out whether you should opt for a Shark or Dyson vacuum cleaner. Dyson typically has vacuums with a larger dust capacity that are even lighter than Shark’s vacuum, but Shark has a much larger offering for vacuum cleaners, especially cordless vacuums, so you’re much more likely to find one that meets your specific needs.

Both Dyson and Shark are well-matched when it comes to battery runtime and suction power so you can expect fantastic performance from either brand.

Shark vacuums are however a more affordable option and unlike Dyson, often have special offers and more deals available come Black Friday and Cyber Monday if you’re looking to snap up a bargain.

If you’re still not sure which is the best Shark vacuum for your home, Shark has a quiz online that’ll help you find your perfect match.

Eleanor Weaver is a Commercial Content Writer for titles such as Yours, What’s The Best Modern Gardens, and Mother&Baby.

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