The Shark CH950 and CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro cordless handheld vacuums are designed for quick cleanups, especially for pet owners dealing with shedding. Both models offer cordless convenience and cyclonic suction, making them ideal for tackling messes in cars, on furniture, and in tight spaces. These vacuums compete with other handheld models from brands like Dyson and Bissell, offering a balance of power, portability, and specialized pet hair removal features at a more accessible price point. Consumers often weigh these Shark models against each other when looking for a convenient and effective solution for managing pet hair and other small messes without the hassle of a full-sized vacuum.
Choosing between the Shark CH950 and CH951 can be tricky since they share many core features. Both are designed for pet owners and offer cordless convenience for quick cleanups. However, the subtle differences in included accessories and color can sway a buyer depending on their specific needs and preferences. Ultimately, the decision hinges on whether the additional cost of the CH951’s self-cleaning brush and scrubbing brush is justified compared to the CH950’s motorized hand tool.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of the Shark CH950
- Short Review of the Shark CH951
- 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 CH950?
- Who Should Buy the Shark CH951?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For most pet owners: The Shark CH951 is the better choice due to its self-cleaning motorized brush, which prevents hair wrap and makes cleaning pet hair from upholstery and carpets easier. The included scrubbing brush is a bonus for tackling stubborn messes.
- For budget-conscious buyers: The Shark CH950 offers excellent value, providing strong suction and a motorized hand tool for effective pet hair removal at a lower price. If you don’t mind manually removing hair from the brush roll, the CH950 is a solid option.
Short Review of the Shark CH950
The Shark CH950 UltraCyclone Pet Pro is a cordless handheld vacuum designed for homes with pets. It’s known for its strong suction, which effectively picks up pet hair, crumbs, and other debris from various surfaces. The CH950 comes with a motorized hand tool and a crevice tool, enhancing its versatility for cleaning upholstery, car interiors, and tight spaces.
This model is praised for its lightweight design and ease of use, making it convenient for quick cleanups. The CH950 features a bagless design with a CleanTouch dirt ejector, simplifying emptying the dust cup. Its lithium-ion battery provides a decent runtime for small tasks, and the compact size allows for easy storage. The CH950 is an excellent option for pet owners seeking a powerful and portable cleaning solution without breaking the bank.
Short Review of the Shark CH951
The Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ is a step up from the CH950, offering enhanced features for pet owners. Like the CH950, it boasts strong cyclonic suction to tackle pet hair and other messes on various surfaces. However, the CH951 distinguishes itself with a self-cleaning motorized brush, which prevents hair from wrapping around the brush roll, making it more efficient for pet hair removal.
In addition to the self-cleaning brush, the CH951 includes a crevice tool and a scrubbing brush for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and stubborn messes. Its larger dust cup reduces the frequency of emptying, and the lightweight design ensures easy maneuverability. The CH951 is ideal for those who want a hassle-free pet hair cleaning experience with advanced features that simplify maintenance.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Brush Roll Technology: The CH951 features a self-cleaning brush roll, while the CH950 has a standard motorized brush roll.
- Included Accessories: The CH951 includes a crevice tool and a scrubbing brush, while the CH950 includes a crevice tool and a motorized hand tool.
- Color: The CH951 comes in black, while the CH950 is burgundy.
- Price: The CH951 is typically more expensive than the CH950.
- Pet Hair Cleaning: The CH951’s self-cleaning brush roll provides an advantage in preventing hair wrap, making it more efficient for homes with heavy shedding pets.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark CH950 | Shark CH951 |
|---|---|---|
| Model Name | UltraCyclone Pet Pro | UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ |
| Cordless | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs | 2.8 lbs |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.45 quarts | 0.45 quarts |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Lithium-ion |
| Runtime | ~10 minutes | ~10 minutes |
| Charging Time | ~4 hours | ~4 hours |
| Accessories | Crevice Tool, Motorized Hand Tool | Crevice Tool, Scrubbing Brush, Self-Cleaning Motorized Pet Power Brush |
| Technology | UltraCyclone | UltraCyclone |
| Filter Type | Washable | Washable |
| Color | Burgundy | Black |
| Dirt Ejector | CleanTouch | CleanTouch |
| Voltage | 10.8V | 10.8V |
Price Comparison
The Shark CH950 typically retails for around $60-$80, while the CH951 is priced slightly higher, ranging from $70-$90. Prices can vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. Considering the additional self-cleaning brush feature of the CH951, the slight price increase may be worth it for users who prioritize hassle-free pet hair removal. However, the CH950 offers a strong value proposition for those on a tighter budget, providing comparable suction power and essential tools for pet cleanups.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Shark CH950 and CH951 share a similar design, featuring a compact and lightweight handheld form factor. They are constructed with durable plastic materials that can withstand regular use. The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, and the easy-to-reach power button enhances usability. The dust cup is transparent, allowing users to monitor the fill level, and the CleanTouch dirt ejector simplifies emptying without direct contact with the debris.
The primary difference in design lies in the included brush heads. The CH951’s self-cleaning brush has a unique design that prevents hair from wrapping around the brush roll, while the CH950’s motorized hand tool features a standard brush roll. Both models are well-built for their price range, offering a balance of durability and portability.
Performance Face-Off
Suction Power
Both the CH950 and CH951 utilize Shark’s UltraCyclone technology to deliver strong and consistent suction. User reviews and tests indicate that both models effectively pick up pet hair, crumbs, and fine debris from various surfaces.
Pet Hair Removal
Both vacuums are designed with pet hair removal in mind. The CH950 uses a motorized hand tool to agitate and lift pet hair from upholstery and carpets. The CH951 steps it up with a self-cleaning brush roll that actively prevents hair from wrapping around the brush, maintaining consistent cleaning performance. In tests, the CH951’s self-cleaning brush typically requires less maintenance and provides more efficient pet hair removal, especially for long-haired pets.
Cleaning on Different Surfaces
Both models perform well on hard floors, carpets, and upholstery. The crevice tool is useful for reaching tight spaces and edges, while the specialized brushes effectively remove debris from various surfaces. The CH951’s scrubbing brush provides an extra edge when dealing with sticky or ground-in messes.
Battery Life and Charging
Both the CH950 and CH951 offer a runtime of approximately 10 minutes on a full charge. While this may be sufficient for quick cleanups, it might be limiting for larger tasks. Both models require about 4 hours to fully charge. Users should consider the short runtime when deciding if these handheld vacuums meet their cleaning needs.
Special Features Comparison
- Shark CH950: The main special feature is the motorized hand tool, which helps agitate and lift pet hair from upholstery and carpets.
- Shark CH951: The standout feature is the self-cleaning brush roll, which prevents hair wrap and maintains consistent cleaning performance. The included scrubbing brush is also a unique addition for tackling stubborn messes.
Usability and User Experience
Both the Shark CH950 and CH951 are designed for ease of use. Their lightweight design and ergonomic handle make them comfortable to hold and maneuver. The one-touch power button and simple attachment system further enhance usability. The CleanTouch dirt ejector simplifies emptying the dust cup, reducing the need for direct contact with dirt and debris.
The CH951 offers a slightly better user experience due to its self-cleaning brush roll, which reduces maintenance and ensures consistent cleaning performance. However, both models are straightforward to use, even for novice users.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both the CH950 and CH951 require minimal maintenance. The washable filter should be cleaned regularly to maintain optimal suction power. The dust cup is easy to empty, and the brush rolls can be removed for cleaning. The CH951’s self-cleaning brush roll reduces the need for manual hair removal, simplifying maintenance.
The longevity of both models depends on usage and maintenance. With proper care, both the CH950 and CH951 should provide several years of reliable performance.
Who Should Buy the Shark CH950?
The Shark CH950 is ideal for:
- Budget-conscious buyers seeking a powerful and portable handheld vacuum for pet hair removal.
- Users who don’t mind manually removing hair from the brush roll.
- Individuals living in smaller homes or apartments where quick cleanups are frequent.
- Those needing a convenient vacuum for car interiors and upholstery.
Who Should Buy the Shark CH951?
The Shark CH951 is ideal for:
- Pet owners who want a hassle-free pet hair cleaning experience with minimal maintenance.
- Users who value the self-cleaning brush roll feature for preventing hair wrap.
- Those willing to spend a bit more for enhanced features and convenience.
- Households with heavy-shedding pets where frequent vacuuming is necessary.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark CH950 and CH951 are excellent cordless handheld vacuums for pet owners. The CH951 offers a slight edge with its self-cleaning brush roll and scrubbing brush, making it the better choice for those who prioritize convenience and ease of maintenance. However, the CH950 provides exceptional value for budget-conscious buyers, delivering strong suction and essential tools for effective pet hair removal. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual needs and preferences.
