The best Shark vacuums, tried and tested in the lab, from £75

Score: 96/100

Our favourite Shark vacuum is one of the brand’s latest launches, and it combines an upright, stick vacuum, and handheld model in one design. To switch between them, just remove the large dust canister from the main body and use the smaller motor and dust compartment.

In the lab, the PowerDetect Transformer aced our short pile carpet test and gobbled up 98% of crumbs we laid down. The brush head was excellent at removing pet hair too, removing it all in one sweep.

We recommend using the main vacuum for carpets and then switching to the corded stick vacuum for hard floors or light touch-ups. The handheld mode makes cleaning stairs and hard-to-reach areas effortless too.

It's pricier than some other Shark models but we think this one is worth the investment thanks to its versatility and great performance on a variety of floor types.

Key specifications

Score: 94/100

This is one of the best handheld models our testers have ever tried. It has a dedicated pet tool, which means fur vanished with one pass. It also lifted every last crumb from all floor types and banished 99% of dust laid. Talk about an overachiever.

As you’d expect for a compact vacuum, the battery doesn’t last that long, but we found the 10 minutes run-time ample opportunity to clean a small car. It will recharge in four hours, and while it’s not the lightest handheld we’ve ever tried, given its overall performance, we’d make room for it in our cupboards in a flash.

For quick cleans or for removing pet hair from hotspots, this is our top choice. Its variable power, excellent suction, and the specific pet tool make this Shark handheld worth adding to your cleaning routine.

Key specifications

Score: 93/100

This is an excellent two-in-one robot vacuum from Shark. It picked up biscuit crumbs and cereal with ease, only flicking the occasional crumb aside with the side brush. It struggled more with sucking up dust, though, only picking up 81% on hard floors – the brush seemed to push it along rather than sucking it up – so it’s best used for picking up everyday messes between deeper cleans with a standard vacuum.

When we mopped the lab’s floor, it cleared all the mud away in one sweep, working methodically and returning to patches with stubborn grime. A small smudge of red wine was left behind, but for everyday cleans, this is a well-equipped robot thanks to its great mapping skills, self-emptying dust bin, and good cleaning performance.

Key specifications

Score: 92/100

We couldn’t wait to get our hands on this innovative vacuum from Shark and it didn’t disappoint. It solves a hidden problem, picking up dust and dirt when moving backwards as well as forwards. As a result, our experts found it lifted everything they laid quickly and effectively on all floor types, ultimately collecting 99.9 percent on average!

It automatically adjusted suction as it moved over dirtier areas and impressed our testers as a great handheld vacuum too (although that brush head doesn’t have the backwards vacuuming design). Even pet owners will be pleased, as it collected most fluff.

You can buy it as a standalone vacuum, or with a docking station, which charges the vacuum when not in use, and automatically empties the bin, so you’ll only need to deal with it around every 45 days.

Sadly, we've yet to find a perfect vacuum – this one had mixed battery life performance, lasting an impressive 60 minutes on eco but timing out after 15 minutes when we used it on max to clean the car. Sometimes the vacuum head refused to move in the desired direction too. But, it's our worthy winner – which is no mean feat in a market full of innovative, powerful vacuums.

Key specifications

Score 92/100

Another handheld model that our team really rated, this one stood out for the ease with which it cleaned hard flooring, earning full marks. It was also one of the best handheld vacuums for car cleaning, as it’s lightweight and comes with an effective crevice tool.

It struggled a bit on carpet, but the upholstery tool did a good job at clearing up pet hair. It has a small capacity, and the battery runs out quickly on max power, lasting about seven and a half minutes, as opposed to the 15 when used on standard. However, it recharges in a quick three hours.

Key specifications

Score: 92/100

This corded Shark vacuum is designed to clean as you push forward and pull back, for even faster pick up (many vacuums only clean up on the backwards pull). It combines two brushrolls with multiple smart sensors that react and adapt to the floor type to automatically increase speed and suction as needed for better cleaning.

The intelligent features paid off in the lab, too. The vacuum scored full marks in all our dust pick-up tests and larger crumbs were no issue; it collected most in a single sweep. Edge cleaning was one of its weaknesses: its suction was lacking slightly along the sides and front, leaving an average of 5.7mm of dust behind on our skirting board test. A quick follow-up with the crevice tool did the trick though.

For those who hate (or forget) to charge their appliances, this corded option is a smart choice. Our only gripe is that the cord can’t be wrapped around the storage hooks while you’re using the flexible shaft (e.g. when reaching under furniture), so you’ll need to unravel the whole 10 metres before you start.

Key specifications

Score: 88/100

Vacuuming can create a musty smell but not with this Shark, which has built-in air-freshening tech to leave your home smelling sweet.

It's a top cleaner too, leaving our surfaces free from debris, including pet and biscuit crumbs. Testers enjoyed the intuitive design, and the “Clean Sense IQ” tech, which will ramp up the suction if the vacuum passes over a notably dirty area.

Turbo mode ate up the battery life quickly – in about 12 minutes – but it ran for 35 minutes on standard, and it comes with a second battery if you need extra oomph for longer.

It wasn’t the best vacuum we’ve tried for cleaning cars, and the strong suction makes it feel less smooth on hard flooring, but these are small misgivings for an otherwise stellar cleaner.

Key specifications

Score: 84/100

Shark’s first robot vacuum with mop was a hit with our testers. It whizzed round our test room in just 15 minutes, picking up nearly everything in its path. Crumbs and pet fur were no trouble (bar the odd stray hair or clump), but it brushed some finer dust particles to the side rather into its path. So, it’s always worth doing periodic deeper cleans with your main vacuum as well.

Testers praised the mopping function and its intuitive design. The app is clear, and it maps, recharges and avoids stairs automatically. It self-empties too, but some dirt clung to the canister so you may need to tip the rest out from time to time. But, as is often the case with Shark products, it's great value for the technology and functionality it offers.

Key specifications

Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?

In the 100 years since we first opened our doors, we’ve tested more vacuums than we could possibly count. This means we know exactly what to look for when it comes to powerful cleaning products.

All the testing is conducted by our homes testing manager, Blossom Boothroyd and vacuum expert, Marcus Strong. Our senior homes and lifestyle writer, Megan Geall, then takes the results and transforms them into easy-read reviews and genuinely useful recommendations. She stays up to date on the latest launches and vacuum technology so that we're always bringing you the best of the best.

Why does my Shark vacuum keep stopping?

Shark vacuums typically have a safety shut-off that stops the machine if the motor gets too hot or the airflow is blocked. If this happens, try the following steps to get it working again.

• Switch off and unplug your Shark vacuum
• Empty the dust canister or replace the bag (and don’t reuse it)
• Check the hose, tube, and floor head and clear out any blockages
• Remove any hair from the brush head
• Check the filters and remove any clumps of dust. If the filter is washable, run it under cool water and let it dry for at least 24 hours. It should be dry before putting it back in the vacuum
• Leave the vacuum to cool for up to an hour before switching it back on

These steps should cover off all the main issues that might stop your Shark vacuum working. It’s also worth double checking the battery isn’t low if it’s a cordless model.

Is Shark actually good or is it just cheap Dyson?

Both Shark and Dyson consistently perform well in our vacuuming tests. Across all the models we’ve tried, we’ve found that Shark vacuums offer great cleaning and smart features without the premium price tag. Dyson’s vacuums combine impressive suction and innovative tech, which is usually worth the investment.

For a closer look at which brand comes out on top, head to our full breakdown on the Shark vs Dyson debate, including which models to shop from each brand.

How long does a Shark vacuum last?

Shark vacuums will typically last between five and eight years. However, this also depends on the model, whether it’s cordless or not, and how well it’s cleaned and maintained.

Cordless models don’t often last as well as corded Shark vacuums as the battery can deteriorate. Make sure to regularly empty the dust canister, wash the filter, and check the vacuum for blockages to keep it working at its best for longer.