Shark Vacuum Models: Cordless, Robot and Handheld Compared

Within Shark's range, the lowest listed weight is 1.4 lb (0.64 kg), for the WandVac handheld, and the highest listed maximum runtime is 180 minutes, for the PowerDetect UV Reveal robot vacuum and mop. The brand's median model weighs 8.40 lb (3.81 kg) and lists 50 minutes of maximum runtime, so those two extremes show how wide a Shark vacuum lineup can be. We currently list 5 Shark models, grouped below by type so you can pick a family before opening individual model pages.

Which Shark vacuum types are in the lineup?

The models fall into four groups:

• Cordless stick vacuums, including PowerDetect, PowerLite and Pet versions, several sold as a "Clean & Empty System" with a dock that empties the dust cup.
• Corded stick vacuums, such as the Rocket Pro, Detect and PowerDetect corded sticks.
• Cordless handheld vacuums, from the small WandVac to the PowerBoost and UltraCyclone Pet Pro.
• Robot vacuums, from the Navigator and Matrix to the PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro and ThermaCharged mop-and-vacuum models.

Uprights, which many shoppers associate with the brand, are not part of the roster used for this page; the Shark upright vacuum cleaner page covers them.

Cordless sticks and handhelds: runtime and weight

If you are browsing Shark cordless vacuum models, the main differences are runtime, weight and dust cup size. A sample:

Model	Max runtime	Weight	Dust cup
PowerDetect Cordless Stick (IP1251)	70 min	8.1 lb (3.68 kg)	0.68 L
PowerDetect Speed Cordless (IA1241)	60 min	7.1 lb (3.22 kg)	0.47 L
PowerLite Cordless Stick (BU1621)	40 min	6.2 lb (2.8 kg)	not listed
Pet Cordless Vacuum (IY143H)	40 min	7.1 lb (3.21 kg)	0.66 L

The PowerDetect sticks add dirt and floor detection; the IP1251 pairs it with a DuoClean Detect nozzle with two brushrolls, and the IA1241 uses a MultiFLEX bendable wand. The Clean & Empty versions, such as the PowerDetect Cordless Clean & Empty System (IP3251), add a dock that, per its listing, holds up to 45 days of debris. Runtimes are maximums; actual time depends on power mode and floor type. See cordless vacuum battery life.

Handhelds trade runtime for size. The WandVac, at 1.41 lb (0.64 kg), lists a 10-minute maximum runtime, while the PowerBoost Cordless Handheld lists up to 40 minutes in ECO mode and 2-in-1 car and home cleaning. For broader context, see our cordless vacuum cleaners category, or compare against a Dyson cordless model.

The Shark handheld range and UltraCyclone vs WandVac cover the handhelds.

Robot vacuums: what the base adds

Shark robot models range from the basic Navigator to mop-equipped models with large bases. The 180-minute runtime belongs to the PowerDetect UV Reveal and the ThermaCharged model, while the Navigator, NeverTouch Pro and Navigator 2-in-1 list 120 minutes and the Matrix lists 90. The key split is the base:

• Navigator and Matrix models: the Navigator lists a bagless self-empty base holding up to 60 days of debris, and the Matrix uses 360 degree LiDAR mapping.
• Matrix Plus and Stratos: 2-in-1 models with sonic mopping; the Matrix Plus lists a HEPA self-empty base.
• PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro: a self-emptying base with a 60-day bin, automatic water refill for up to 30 days, and mop pad washing and drying.
• PowerDetect ThermaCharged: heated mop-pad washing and drying, with the same 60-day bin.

Mop-capable bases are large and heavy. The NeverTouch Pro setup is listed at 24.8 lb (11.26 kg) and the ThermaCharged at 26.9 lb (12.21 kg), so check the space you have. If you are still deciding between formats, our robotic vacuum category explains the trade-offs.

Choosing between Shark models

1. Start with floor type and home size. Larger homes benefit from longer runtimes; a 40-minute stick may need a mid-clean recharge.
2. Decide whether you want a dock. Clean & Empty and self-empty bases reduce how often you touch dust, but take floor or wall space.
3. Weigh weight against capacity. Larger dust cups usually come with heavier units, as the table shows.
4. Mind the spec quality. Some figures come from retailer listings rather than the manufacturer, and some (like the PowerDetect Reveal's) are incomplete, so confirm details on the model page and the manufacturer's listing.

Other brands are worth a look too; the vacuum cleaner brands page lists them.

Corded uprights: Stratos against Detect Pro and Stratos vs Rotator Lift-Away.

See our vacuum buying guide or Shark vs Tineco.

What the specs leave out

Specs do not show suction on your floors, noise in your home, filter upkeep costs or how reliably navigation handles your layout. Warranty terms also vary by model and seller, so read the model page rather than assuming one term for the brand. This roster covers sticks, handhelds and robots; if you want an upright or a wet/dry model, see Shark wet and dry vacuum and check whether our catalog lists one before assuming Shark offers it in that form.