Shark vacuum cleaners handle various cleaning tasks, including pet hair, dust bunnies, and food crumbs. They are dependable cleaners with cutting-edge technology for easy and convenient cleaning.
In this guide, I reviewed the best Shark vacuums on the Australian market to help you find a suitable model for your home cleaning needs. But before I deep-dive, I’ll share my top three picks of the lot.
My Top Picks
Here are my top three recommendations if you're pressed for time:
Shark Detect PRO
Best for whole-home cleaning with 0.42 L bag capacity, 60 minutes battery runtime, LED display for device monitoring, and deep-cleaning technology.
Shark Navigator PRO
Best for corded electric Shark vacuum for multiple cleaning tasks with a 3 L bag capacity, 1.6 L dust cup, HEPA filtration, and a swivel steering feature.
Shark IZ102 Vacuum Cleaner
Best value vacuum for standard cleaning tasks. It has a 40-minute runtime, 0.4 L dust bag capacity, three cleaning modes, a washable HEPA filter, and LED headlights.
Now, let’s deep dive.
Top 8 Shark Vacuum Cleaners for Australians — Reviews & Comparisons
Below, I compare each vacuum cleaner’s suction power, ease of use, filtration system, noise level, and battery life. I also make general recommendations based on my research and expert opinions to help you make a more informed purchasing decision.
#1 - Shark Detect Pro
Best for whole-home cleaning
Power source: Rechargeable battery
Runtime: Up to 60 minutes
Weight: 2.68 kg
The Shark Detect Pro has the highest battery runtime, followed by the Sense IQ Vacuum. Its detachable Li-ion battery gives you up to 60 minutes of fade-free power to clean your home in one go. Unfortunately, Shark pairs the extensive runtime with a 0.42 L bin, which requires frequent trips to empty if you’re cleaning larger areas or picking up more debris.
The vacuum cleaner also features deep-cleaning technology that detects and reacts to floor and debris types, edges, and low-light areas. Depending on its sensors, it can automatically boost power for better pickup, double suction on edges, optimise performance for a floor type, or find hidden debris in dark spaces. You also get an LED display that delivers real-time performance feedback, including battery life during your cleaning session.
Shark Detect Pro’s accessories include a floorhead, a pocket tool, a pet multi-tool, and a charging dock. The cleaner has a two-year warranty and features a self-cleaning brush roll and a flexible wand. However, the small wheels tend to wrap fur around them quickly, making pushing difficult.
Pros
- Automatically adjusts suction
- HEPA filter improves air quality
- Extensive battery life
Cons
- Wheels are liable to hair wrap
- Relatively pricey
#2 - Shark ZU62 Navigator Pro
Best for multiple cleaning tasks
Power source: Corded electric
Bag capacity: 3 litres
Warranty: 2 years
The Shark Navigator PRO with Self-Cleaning Brushroll has a 1.6 L dust cup that enables continuous cleaning. It features a self-cleaning brush roll that prevents hair wrap when picking up fur and dander. The vacuum's self-cleaning brush is particularly beneficial for households with pets, as it reduces the need for manual brush roll cleaning.
Shark’s Navigator PRO is a corded vacuum with up to 3.6 metres of extendable hose length and 7.6 metres of cord length to easily vacuum above-floor areas like stairs, furniture, and confined areas. It weighs 7.3 kg, which, while not lightweight, is easy to manoeuvre around the house, making it suitable for extensive cleaning tasks without causing fatigue. This is thanks to its swivel steering feature, which enhances movement around obstacles.
For filtration, the vacuum cleaner has a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology that collects and holds 99.9% of dust and allergens. Its upholstery and duster crevice tools provide cleaning options for various surfaces and spaces. To maintain suction power and ensure thorough cleaning, I recommend regularly emptying the dust cup and cleaning the filters.
Pros
- HEPA filtration
- Self-cleaning brush roll
- Large dust cup for longer cleaning
- Anti-allergen complete seal
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Heavier design
- Difficult to manoeuvre on carpet
#3 - Shark IZ102 Vacuum Cleaner
Best for standard cleaning tasks
Dust bag capacity: 0.4 L
Noise level: 85 dBA
Runtime: Up to 40 minutes
I recommend the Shark IZ102 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner for standard and everyday cleaning tasks because of its 40-minute runtime, suction power, and 0.4l dust capacity. It's not the flashiest or most feature-rich, but it does the job. With its three cleaning modes—hard floor mode, carpet mode, and boost mode—you can easily adjust and optimise for different cleaning needs.
The vacuum features a high-efficiency brushless motor that delivers consistent suction power to clean carpets and hard floors. It is compact and has a removable handheld option. The bagless vacuum cleaner also uses the anti-allergen complete seal, washable HEPA, and foam filters to trap dust and allergens, ensuring cleaner air in your home.
Shark’s IZ102 ships with a vacuum tool and dusting brush. For ease of movement, it also has the advanced swivel steering of the Shark Navigator PRO. Unlike the latter, the IZ102 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner includes LED headlights to help you find and clean in a low-light or dim environment.
Pros
- Easy to carry and handle
- Offers three cleaning modes
- 40-minute runtime
Cons
- Limited dustbin capacity
- Noisy operation
#4 - Shark WandVac 2.0 Wireless Mini
Best for light cleaning tasks
Power source: Battery powered
Runtime: Up to 15 minutes
Weight: 0.66 kg
The Shark WandVac 2.0 is the second-lightest Shark vacuum. It weighs only 660 grams, making it ideal for fast clean-ups in a busy home. Its battery lasts 15 minutes on a single charge and fully recharges in two and a half hours. The appliance handles spills on countertops and has a 0.1 L dust container that empties easily with a one-touch debris-emptying feature.
On purchase, the Shark WandVac 2.0 vacuum cleaner has two attachments: the multi-surface pet hair attachment to pick up fur and the crevice tool to reach tight spaces and corners. It also has two modes that provide enough suction for regular cleaning. Thanks to its elegant design and handy charging station, it looks great on the kitchen shelf.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable design
- Good suction for quick clean-ups
- Convenient charging station
- Easy-to-empty dust tank
Cons
- Low runtime of up to 15 minutes
- Not suitable for large cleaning tasks
- Limited accessories
#5 - Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro
Best for homes with pets
Dust tank capacity: 0.45L
Runtime: Up to 12 minutes
Weight: 1.4 kg
The Shark CH950 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Vacuum adapts to many debris types and surfaces. It includes two accessories—a motorised pet attachment and a crevice nozzle—that make cleaning worktops, upholstered furniture, cracks, and automobile interiors easy.
I recommend the cleaner for pet-owning households because of its motorised pet attachment. It efficiently collects pet hair from various surfaces to maintain a fur-free home. The vacuum also runs on a lithium-ion battery that powers it for up to 12 minutes and fully recharges in four hours. Unfortunately, this is often not enough for long cleaning tasks.
On the bright side, the vacuum has a CleanTouch Dirt Eject feature that allows you to empty its 0.45 L dust tank with a single button. You also get a washable filter for optimal suction and a charging cord. I found Shark's HandVac Cleaner most effective in cleaning tiny spaces and picking up pet hair.
Pros
- Lightweight build
- Effective at picking up pet hair
- Easy-to-empty dust tank
- Washable filter
Cons
- 12 minutes runtime per charge
- Not suitable for large cleaning tasks
- No stand or dock
#6 - Shark Stratos XL Pet Pro
Best anti-odour cleaning vacuum
Power source: Corded electric
Dust cup capacity: 1.3 L
Weight: 7.3 kg
The Shark Stratos XL Pet Pro Powered Lift-Away has odour-neutralising technology to keep your home smelling fresh while you clean. It also protects against foul odours in the vacuum. This is its differentiating factor against all other vacuums on my list. It has three cleaning modes similar to the Shark IZ102 but with different optimisations: hard floor mode, low pile carpet mode, and thick pile carpet or area rug mode.
Shark’s DuoClean PowerFins technology makes cleaning hard surfaces and carpets easy. And thanks to its Powered Lift-Away feature, you can remove the vacuum pod to clean above-floor areas like stairs and draperies or behind furniture. The vacuum cleaner weighs 7.3 kg, the same as the Shark Navigator PRO with Brushroll ZU62, another upright vacuum on the list.
For filtration, you get the same anti-allergen complete seal, washable HEPA, and foam filters as most Shark models. You also get a multi-surface tool, a 30 cm crevice tool, and LED headlights on the floorheads to identify and clean debris in low-light or dim areas.
Pros
- Suitable for most floor types
- Detachable main unit for easy cleaning
- Anti-odour technology
Cons
- Relatively pricey
- Limited hose length
#7 - Shark Cord-Free Ion Vacuum
Best lightweight Shark vacuum
Dust capacity: 0.08 L
Runtime: Up to 10 minutes
Weight: 0.64 kg
The Shark Cord-Free Ion Handheld Vacuum isn't much different from the Shark WandVac 2.0 Handheld Vacuum Cleaner.
- Both are lightweight, handheld vacuums. Shark’s WandVac 2.0 is 660 grams, while the Cord-Free Ion weighs 640 grams.
- The Cord-Free Ion can clean for up to 10 minutes on a single charge, while the WandVac 2.0 only lasts 15 minutes.
- Shark’s Cord-Free Ion handheld vacuum has a 0.08-litre dust cup capacity, whereas the WandVac 2.0 has a 0.1-litre capacity.
Like other Shark vacuums on this list, the Shark Cord-Free Ion Handheld Vacuum has one-touch debris emptying, simplifying the disposal of collected dirt and debris. It’s also suitable for quick clean-ups in homes with pets, as it efficiently handles pet hair and small messes.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Perfect for fast cleanups of spills and pet hair
- Easy-to-empty dust cup
Cons
- 10-minute battery life
#8 - Shark Cordless With Sense IQ
Best for debris pickup
Dust capacity: 0.72 L
Runtime: Up to 40 minutes
Warranty: 2 years
The Clean Sense IQ technology adapts its suction power based on the amount of dirt detected, making it my top pick for debris pickup. Plus, like the Shark Detect Pro IW1611, it has infrared sensors that identify and pick up hidden dirt unseen by standard vacuum sensors.
The cleaner has an easy-to-read LED display that monitors your cleaning session in real time, checks battery life, sets vacuum levels, and uses the Clean Sense IQ feature. It also has a removable battery that delivers up to 40 minutes of runtime for continuous cleaning sessions, high suction, and a PowerFins Plus brush roll that catches particles, dirt, and pet hair.
Shark's IR300 is a bagless vacuum, which means you won't need to purchase or replace vacuum bags, making it more convenient and cost-effective. You also get the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which traps 99.9% of allergens and dust particles with HEPA filtration.
Pros
- Clean Sense IQ feature
- Easy to handle and manoeuvre
- Accelerated suction lifts dirt effectively
- 40-minute battery runtime
Cons
- Relatively pricey
How to Choose the Best Shark Vacuum?
To choose the best Shark vacuum cleaner, follow these three steps:
Step #1: Establish your budget first
Determine how much you're willing to spend. Shark has a range of models at various price points, so a clear budget will help narrow down your options. Consider whether you want refurbished models for better deals or a brand-new vacuum with the latest features.
Step #2: Choose your features
Next, evaluate the key features that matter most to you. Consider your cleaning needs, such as whether you have pets that shed hair or require a vacuum with a HEPA filter for allergy management.
Additionally, consider the types of flooring in your home—some Shark vacuum cleaners are better suited for carpets, while others excel on hard floors. Similarly, cleaning and efficiency features like suction power, ease of use, and portability should influence your decision.
Step #3: Make a decision
Finally, personalise your choice based on design and functionality. Decide whether you prefer an upright, canister, or cordless model and additional features that may enhance your cleaning experience. Align your preferences with your needs to make the appropriate Shark vacuum pick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is the Shark vacuum noisy?
Shark vacuums can be noisy for several reasons, often indicating an issue that needs attention. Common causes include a clogged filter or hose, which can restrict airflow and lead to loud suction noises. Additionally, if the brush roll is tangled with hair or debris, it may struggle to turn, causing high-pitched sounds. The vacuum may also produce noise from a bypass valve opening due to blockages or from an aging motor.
When does the Shark warranty expire?
For most models, the Shark vacuum cleaner warranty expires two years from the original purchase date. However, some Shark vacuums have a 5-year warranty. If a replacement unit is issued under warranty, the coverage ends six months after receiving the replacement or the remainder of the existing warranty, whichever is later.
Is Shark a trustworthy company?
Shark is a reputable home appliance brand that offers vacuums and related products, including mops and irons. But while most of its customers are satisfied, you’d find complaints about product quality and customer service issues. I recommend weighing the pros and cons of each product before making a purchase decision.
Laura Kemp
Summary
Shark has some of the best vacuum cleaners in Australia, competing against Samsung and Dyson. The manufacturer offers diverse features and capabilities to meet various cleaning needs, surfaces, and requirements.
From the deep-cleaning technologies of the Shark Detect Pro to the super lightweight Shark Cord-Free Ion, these models are efficient cleaning solutions for your home, whether you need good suction for pet hair, convenient cordless options, or specialised cleaning modes.
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