The Shark CH901 UltraCyclone Pro and the Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ are both cordless handheld vacuums designed for quick cleanups around the home, in the car, or on boats. They offer the convenience of portability and bagless operation, making them attractive alternatives to larger, more cumbersome vacuums for tackling smaller messes. Consumers often weigh these two models when seeking a lightweight and versatile cleaning solution, particularly those dealing with pet hair or tight spaces.
Both vacuums fall into the category of affordable and readily available handheld cleaners, designed for spot cleaning and quick pickups. Pet owners, apartment dwellers, and anyone seeking a convenient tool for maintaining a tidy car interior are prime candidates for considering these Shark models. The critical question is: which one offers the best combination of features, performance, and value for your specific cleaning needs?
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of the Shark CH901 UltraCyclone Pro
- Short Review of the Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro+
- Key Differences at a Glance
- Specifications Comparison
- Price Comparison
- Design and Build Quality
- Performance Face-Off
- Special Features Comparison
- Usability and User Experience
- Maintenance and Longevity
- Who Should Buy the Shark CH901?
- Who Should Buy the Shark CH951?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For pet owners: The Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ is the better choice due to its self-cleaning pet power brush, which is designed to efficiently remove pet hair from various surfaces.
- For budget-conscious buyers: The Shark CH901 UltraCyclone Pro offers a more affordable option, providing essential cleaning power for everyday messes.
- For those needing extended reach: Neither model includes an extension wand, so consider other models or accessories if reach is a primary concern.
Short Review of the Shark CH901 UltraCyclone Pro
The Shark CH901 UltraCyclone Pro is a lightweight and portable handheld vacuum designed for tackling small messes with ease. It boasts two cyclonic air streams for strong suction, a CleanTouch dirt ejector for hands-free emptying, and comes with a crevice tool and scrubbing brush for versatile cleaning. Its compact size and cordless design make it ideal for quick cleanups around the house, in the car, or on boats.
This model stands out for its ease of use and maneuverability, weighing only 2.2 lbs. It’s particularly useful for cleaning kitchens and tight spaces like car floors. The lithium-ion battery provides reliable power, and the washable filter ensures easy maintenance. Though some users find the battery life could be longer, it generally suffices for smaller cleaning tasks.
Short Review of the Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro+
The Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ is designed specifically for pet owners, featuring a detachable self-cleaning pet power brush that eliminates hair wrap from floors, upholstery, and the brushroll itself. Like the CH901, it offers powerful suction through two cyclonic air streams and a CleanTouch dirt ejector. It also includes a crevice tool and scrubbing brush for added versatility.
This model excels at removing pet hair from various surfaces, thanks to its motorized brush that provides strong agitation. While slightly heavier than the CH901 at 2.8 lbs, it remains portable and easy to handle. The larger dust cup is beneficial for handling pet hair and other debris. While the battery life is around 10 minutes, it’s generally sufficient for targeted cleaning of pet beds, couches, and carpets.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Pet Hair Removal: The CH951 includes a self-cleaning pet power brush, while the CH901 does not.
- Weight: The CH901 is lighter at 2.2 lbs, compared to the CH951’s 2.8 lbs.
- Accessories: The CH951 comes with a self-cleaning motorized pet power brush, a crevice tool, and a scrubbing brush, while the CH901 includes a crevice tool and scrubbing brush.
- Voltage: The CH901 operates at 7.2V, while the CH951 operates at 10.8V, potentially affecting suction power.
- Price: The CH901 is generally more affordable than the CH951.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark CH901 UltraCyclone Pro | Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 2.2 lbs | 2.8 lbs |
| Voltage | 7.2V | 10.8V |
| Dust Cup Capacity | XL Dust Cup (0.45 quarts) | XL Dust Cup (0.45 quarts) |
| Cordless | Yes | Yes |
| Bagless | Yes | Yes |
| Filter Type | Washable | Washable |
| Accessories | Crevice Tool, Scrubbing Brush | Crevice Tool, Scrubbing Brush, Self-Cleaning Pet Power Brush |
| Technology | UltraCyclone | UltraCyclone |
| Dirt Ejector | CleanTouch | CleanTouch |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion | Lithium-Ion |
| Dimensions | 17 x 3.8 x 4.3 inches | 20.8 x 3.8 x 4.3 inches |
Price Comparison
The Shark CH901 UltraCyclone Pro is typically priced lower than the Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro+. The CH901 is often seen as a more budget-friendly option for basic handheld cleaning needs. The CH951, while more expensive, justifies its cost with the inclusion of the self-cleaning pet power brush, making it a better value for pet owners struggling with hair cleanup. Checking current prices from major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart is recommended to find the best deals.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Shark CH901 and CH951 share a similar design aesthetic, featuring a sleek, handheld form factor. The CH951 is slightly larger and bulkier due to the inclusion of the pet power brush. Both models are constructed with durable plastics, providing a solid feel. The CH901 is available in green, while the CH951 comes in black, making it easy to distinguish between the two. The ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip during use, and the controls are intuitively placed.
Performance Face-Off
Suction Power
Both models utilize Shark’s UltraCyclone technology, which employs two cyclonic air streams to deliver strong suction. While specific suction power metrics (like Air Watts) are not readily available for direct comparison, customer reviews suggest that both vacuums offer sufficient suction for their intended use. The CH951, with its higher voltage (10.8V vs. 7.2V), may provide slightly more powerful suction, particularly when using the pet power brush.
Pet Hair Removal
The CH951 excels in this category due to its self-cleaning pet power brush. This motorized brush agitates and lifts pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces, effectively removing embedded hair. The self-cleaning feature prevents hair from wrapping around the brushroll, maintaining optimal performance. The CH901 can still pick up pet hair with its standard attachments, but it requires more effort and may not be as effective on deeply embedded hair.
Hard Floor Cleaning
Both models perform adequately on hard floors, picking up loose dirt and debris. The included scrubbing brush is useful for tackling stuck-on messes. However, neither vacuum is specifically designed for hard floor cleaning, lacking features like a dedicated soft brushroll.
Upholstery Cleaning
The CH951’s pet power brush makes it the superior choice for upholstery cleaning. The motorized brush effectively removes pet hair, dust, and other debris from couches, chairs, and other upholstered surfaces. The CH901 can still be used on upholstery, but it may require more passes to achieve the same level of cleanliness.
Special Features Comparison
The most significant special feature differentiating these models is the self-cleaning pet power brush included with the CH951. This brush is designed to prevent hair from wrapping around the brushroll, a common issue with vacuums used to clean pet hair. The self-cleaning feature translates to hassle-free maintenance and consistent performance.
Usability and User Experience
Both models are designed for ease of use, featuring simple controls and lightweight construction. The CleanTouch dirt ejector allows for hands-free emptying of the dust cup, minimizing contact with dirt and debris. The cordless design provides freedom of movement, making it easy to clean hard-to-reach areas.
The CH901’s lighter weight may make it slightly more comfortable to use for extended periods, while the CH951’s added pet power brush enhances its cleaning capabilities for pet owners.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both the CH901 and CH951 require minimal maintenance. The washable filter should be cleaned regularly to maintain optimal performance. The self-cleaning brushroll on the CH951 reduces the need for manual hair removal. The overall build quality of both models is decent, though some users have reported issues with the fragility of certain components.
Shark typically offers a limited warranty on its handheld vacuums, covering defects in materials and workmanship. The expected lifespan of these vacuums depends on usage frequency and maintenance, but with proper care, they can provide several years of reliable service.
Who Should Buy the Shark CH901?
The Shark CH901 UltraCyclone Pro is the ideal choice for:
- Budget-conscious consumers: Those seeking an affordable handheld vacuum for basic cleaning tasks.
- Users with minimal pet hair concerns: Individuals who don’t have pets or only need to clean up small amounts of pet hair occasionally.
- Those prioritizing lightweight design: Users who value a lightweight and easy-to-maneuver vacuum for quick cleanups.
Who Should Buy the Shark CH951?
The Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ is the best option for:
- Pet owners: Those who need a dedicated tool for removing pet hair from various surfaces.
- Users with a need for deep cleaning: Individuals who require a vacuum with strong agitation for lifting embedded dirt and debris.
- Those willing to invest in a specialized tool: Consumers who are willing to pay more for the added convenience of a self-cleaning pet power brush.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark CH901 and CH951 are capable handheld vacuums that offer cordless convenience and bagless operation. The Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ emerges as the better overall value for pet owners due to its self-cleaning pet power brush, which significantly enhances its ability to remove pet hair from various surfaces. However, for users without significant pet hair concerns, the Shark CH901 UltraCyclone Pro provides a more affordable option for tackling everyday messes.
