6 Best Small Shark Vacuums of 2025

small shark vacuum

Finding the best small Shark vacuum can feel overwhelming with so many options available. Whether you’re dealing with pet hair, tight spaces, or the hassle of frequent emptying, choosing the right vacuum is essential for efficient cleaning. Small Shark vacuums are designed to tackle these challenges with powerful suction, lightweight designs, and versatile features that make cleaning less of a chore.

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After analyzing over six popular models, we’ve identified key factors like suction power, weight, dust cup capacity, and pet-specific tools to help you make an informed decision. Our recommendations are based on performance, user reviews, and real-world testing to ensure you get the most value for your needs. Below, you’ll find our top picks for the best small Shark vacuums to simplify your cleaning routine. Keep reading to discover which model is perfect for your home.

Our Top Picks

Preview Product Best Price Review
Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro Best Lightweight View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum Best Overall View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Shark WV410BL WANDVAC Cordless Hand Shark WV410BL WANDVAC Cordless Hand Best Upgrade View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Best Budget Friendly View on Amazon Go to Reviews
SHARK CH900WM UltraCyclone Pro SHARK CH900WM UltraCyclone Pro Best Compact View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Shark CH963AMZ 2-in-1 Pet Pro Shark CH963AMZ 2-in-1 Pet Pro Best Versatile View on Amazon Go to Reviews

Best Small Shark Vacuum Review

Best Lightweight

Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro

Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro
Suction Power
Powerful deep cleaning
Weight
Ultra-lightweight
Dust Cup
0.68 quarts
Pet Hair
Specialized tools
Headlights
Powerful LED
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Powerful suction
Lightweight design
XL dust cup
Effective pet tools
LED headlights

LIMITATIONS

×
Corded operation
×
Can feel top-heavy
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No freestanding storage

The Shark Rocket Deluxe Pro HV322 distinguishes itself as an exceptionally lightweight yet powerful corded stick vacuum, ideal for users seeking consistent cleaning performance without the worry of battery life. Its design prioritizes thorough deep carpet cleaning and excels at pet hair pickup across all surfaces, making it a strong contender for homes with furry companions. The conversion to a handheld vacuum further enhances its versatility, allowing for easy floor-to-ceiling cleaning. This model is engineered for users who need robust suction in a maneuverable package.

Key features that contribute to its effectiveness include the LED headlights on the nozzle, which are invaluable for spotting hidden debris and pet hair that might otherwise be missed. The XL dust cup, with a 0.68-quart capacity, is a significant advantage, permitting longer cleaning sessions without frequent interruptions for emptying. This capacity is particularly useful for tackling larger areas or homes with substantial cleaning needs. The inclusion of specialized pet tools further solidifies its reputation for handling pet-related messes efficiently.

While corded, its ultra-lightweight nature ensures it doesn’t become cumbersome during extended use, and the provided pet multi-tool and crevice tool extend its reach into hard-to-access areas. Maintenance is straightforward, contributing to a positive user experience over time. Compared to the cordless Shark WANDVAC WV201, the Rocket Deluxe Pro offers uninterrupted power and a larger dust capacity, though it sacrifices the grab-and-go convenience of a battery-operated handheld.

Best Overall

Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum

Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum
Weight
1.4 lbs
Suction Power
High-speed motor
Dust Cup Capacity
0.08 quarts
Charging
Charging dock
Filtration
Dust & debris
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Extremely lightweight
Powerful suction
Convenient charging dock
Easy one-touch empty
Useful attachments

LIMITATIONS

×
Small dust cup
×
Limited battery life
×
Noisy for size

The Shark WANDVAC WV201 earns its “Best Overall” title by offering a compelling combination of powerful cordless suction and an incredibly lightweight design, tipping the scales at just 1.4 pounds. Its high-speed brushless motor delivers impressive performance for quick cleanups on various surfaces, including carpets and upholstery. This handheld vacuum is designed for maneuverability, making it easy to tackle messes in tight spaces, cars, or anywhere immediate attention is needed. The sleek form factor and ergonomic handle contribute to a comfortable cleaning experience.

Maintenance of the WANDVAC WV201 is notably simple, featuring a detachable dust cup and an easily removable filter housing, ensuring the vacuum remains in optimal condition with minimal effort. The inclusion of filtration technology helps capture dust and larger debris effectively. A key convenience is the sleek charging dock, designed for quick access and fast charging, ensuring the vacuum is always ready for use. The LED indicator on the control panel keeps users informed about charging status and remaining battery life.

Emptying the dust cup is a hygienic, one-touch affair, preventing direct contact with debris. The package includes a Multi-Surface Pet Tool and a Duster Crevice Tool, enhancing its versatility for pet hair and tight spaces. While its dust cup capacity is modest at 0.08 quarts, it offers superior portability and quick-use convenience compared to the larger, more traditionally designed Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus.

Best Upgrade

Shark WV410BL WANDVAC Cordless Hand

Shark WV410BL WANDVAC Cordless Hand
Weight
1.5 lbs
Suction Power
Powerful suction
Runtime
50% more
Dust Cup Empty
One-touch
Accessories
Pet & Crevice tools
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Very strong suction
Boost mode
Excellent pet tool
Longer runtime
Onboard tool storage

LIMITATIONS

×
Higher price point
×
Small dustbin
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Boost drains battery

The Shark WANDVAC WV410BL positions itself as a significant upgrade, particularly for pet owners, boasting the most suction of any cordless hand vacuum under 1.5 pounds. This model introduces a ‘Boost’ mode, providing extra bursts of strong suction for tackling larger particles and heavy debris, a feature that proves invaluable for stubborn messes. Its design is specifically tailored for homes with pets, featuring a dedicated Pet Tool with a bristle brush that excels at removing stubborn pet hair and stuck-on debris from delicate fabrics and furniture. The compact and ergonomic design ensures it remains easy to handle.

A standout improvement in this iteration is the 50% increase in runtime compared to the original Shark WANDVAC, allowing for more extensive cleaning sessions on a single charge when used in standard deep-clean mode. The sleek charging dock not only facilitates fast charging but also provides convenient onboard accessory storage, ensuring tools are always at hand. Maintenance remains straightforward with a detachable dust cup and an easily removable filter housing.

The WANDVAC Power Pet is also adept at car cleaning, with the Duster Crevice tool effectively reaching into tight spaces, corners, and crevices. The one-touch dust cup empty system continues to offer a hygienic and convenient way to dispose of debris. Compared to the standard Shark WANDVAC WV201, this model offers noticeably enhanced suction power and longer runtime, justifying its upgrade status for users needing more robust performance.

Best Budget Friendly

Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro

Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro
Weight
2.8 lbs
Technology
Lithium-ion
Dust Cup
XL size
Filtration
Washable filter
Brush Type
Pet Power Brush
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Great value
Self-cleaning brushroll
XL dust cup
Strong cyclonic suction
Lightweight

LIMITATIONS

×
Bulkier than WandVacs
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Can be loud
×
Average battery life

The Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus stands out as a budget-friendly yet powerful cordless handheld vacuum, particularly effective for pet owners. It utilizes two ultra-powerful cyclonic air streams to deliver incredible suction and maintain long-lasting filter and motor life. A key feature is the detachable self-cleaning Pet Power Brush, which is highly effective at eliminating hair wrap from upholstery and the brushroll itself. This makes it a practical choice for dealing with persistent pet hair.

This model features an XL dust cup, a significant advantage for tackling big jobs without constant emptying, especially when compared to sleeker, smaller handhelds. Despite its larger capacity, it remains relatively lightweight and portable at only 2.8 lbs, ensuring comfortable use. The inclusion of a washable filter simplifies maintenance and helps keep running costs down. The CleanTouch dirt ejector allows for easy, hands-free debris disposal.

Equipped with lithium-ion technology for reliable performance, the CH951 also comes with a crevice tool and scrubbing brush to clean hard-to-reach places and remove stuck-on dirt. While offering a larger dust capacity and a specialized pet power brush, it presents a more accessible option than the premium Shark WANDVAC Power Pet WV410BL, which focuses on maximum suction in a smaller frame.

Best Compact

SHARK CH900WM UltraCyclone Pro

SHARK CH900WM UltraCyclone Pro
Weight
2.2 lbs
Technology
Lithium-ion
Dust Cup
XL size
Suction
Ultra-powerful
Filter
Washable filter
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Very lightweight
XL dust cup
Cyclonic suction
Easy empty
More affordable

LIMITATIONS

×
Renewed product
×
Fewer accessories
×
Basic design

The SHARK CH900WM UltraCyclone Pro, offered as a renewed product, provides a compact and economical solution for quick cleanups. It features two ultra-powerful cyclonic air streams, ensuring strong suction performance and contributing to the longevity of the filter and motor. Despite its compact nature, this model incorporates an XL dust cup, allowing it to handle substantial messes before needing to be emptied. This is a notable feature for such a streamlined device.

Weighing only 2.2 lbs, this handheld vacuum is exceptionally lightweight and portable, making it easy to maneuver around the home or for cleaning car interiors. Maintenance is simplified with a washable filter, which is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The CleanTouch dirt ejector system allows for hygienic, hands-free debris disposal, adding to its user-friendly design. Lithium-ion technology ensures reliable and consistent power output during use.

The unit comes with a crevice tool to assist in cleaning hard-to-reach places, enhancing its versatility for detailed cleaning tasks. As a renewed product, it offers a more attractive entry point into Shark’s handheld vacuum lineup. Compared to the new Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus, this renewed CH900WM model is even lighter and may offer better value, though it typically lacks the specialized pet power brush found with the CH951.

Best Versatile

Shark CH963AMZ 2-in-1 Pet Pro

Shark CH963AMZ 2-in-1 Pet Pro
Weight
2.8 lbs
Power Source
Lithium-ion
Dust Cup
XL Dust Cup
Filtration
Washable filter
Usage
Car & Home
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

2-in-1 versatility
Powerful suction
XL dust cup
Docking station
Lightweight hand vac

LIMITATIONS

×
Floor nozzle basic
×
Average battery
×
Handheld slightly bulky

The Shark CH963AMZ 2-in-1 Pet Pro offers impressive versatility, functioning as both a powerful cordless handheld vacuum and a quick bare floor cleaner thanks to its included floor nozzle. It utilizes two cyclonic air streams to deliver robust suction, ensuring long-lasting filter and motor life for effective cleaning performance. The detachable handheld unit weighs just 2.8 lbs, making it lightweight and portable for above-floor messes, car interiors, and upholstery. This dual functionality makes it a practical tool for varied cleaning needs.

A convenient docking station is provided, offering upright storage and ensuring the vacuum is always charged and accessible when needed. The CleanTouch dirt ejector system allows for easy, hands-free disposal of debris, enhancing the hygienic aspect of its maintenance. An XL dust cup means it can tackle substantial cleaning tasks without frequent emptying, adding to its convenience for larger jobs or homes with pets.

The package includes a crevice tool for hard-to-reach places and a scrubbing brush for stuck-on dirt, further extending its deep-cleaning capabilities. Powered by lithium-ion battery technology, it ensures reliable power and performance. This model’s 2-in-1 design provides significantly more cleaning flexibility for quick floor touch-ups than the purely handheld Shark WANDVAC Power Pet WV410BL, which is more specialized for spot cleaning.

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How to Choose the Right Small Shark Vacuum

Choosing the right small Shark vacuum depends heavily on your specific cleaning needs and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of key features to consider:

Suction Power & Motor Type

This is arguably the most important factor. More suction means a more thorough clean, especially for homes with carpets or pets. Models like the Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro and Shark WV410BL WANDVAC Cordless Hand boast “powerful suction” and utilize different technologies to achieve it. Cordless models (like the WANDVAC series) are incredibly convenient but traditionally offered less suction than corded options; however, advancements in brushless motor technology (found in the WV201 WANDVAC) are closing that gap. A brushless motor is more efficient and generally provides stronger, more consistent suction. If you have thick carpets or a lot of pet hair, prioritize a model with demonstrably high suction power.

Weight and Versatility

Small vacuums are meant to be convenient, and weight plays a huge role. The Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld is exceptionally light at 1.4 lbs, making it great for quick cleanups and reaching awkward spaces. Other models, like the CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro (2.8 lbs) and Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro, offer a balance of power and manageable weight. Consider whether you need a 2-in-1 design (like the CH963AMZ) that converts to a handheld for above-floor cleaning. This versatility is excellent for tackling stairs, upholstery, and car interiors.

Dust Cup Capacity & Emptying

Frequent emptying can be annoying. Look for a vacuum with a larger dust cup if you have a large home or pets. The Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro has a 0.68-quart dust cup, the largest among those listed, offering extended cleaning without interruption. Convenient emptying mechanisms are also vital. Many Shark vacuums feature “One-Touch Empty” (WV201, WV410BL) or “CleanTouch Dirt Eject” (CH951, CH900WM, CH963AMZ) systems, minimizing mess and contact with collected debris. Smaller models like the WV201 have smaller dust cups (0.08 quarts) which may need more frequent emptying.

Battery Life & Charging (Cordless Models)

For cordless vacuums, runtime is crucial. The Shark WV410BL WANDVAC Cordless Hand offers 50% more runtime than the original WANDVAC, making it suitable for larger cleaning tasks. Consider how long it takes to charge the vacuum and whether the charging dock is convenient for your space. Features like LED indicators showing battery life (WV201, WV410BL) are helpful.

Pet-Specific Features

If you have pets, dedicated pet tools are a must. Many Shark vacuums (HV322, CH951, CH963AMZ, WV410BL) include pet multi-tools or specialized brushes designed to lift embedded pet hair from carpets and upholstery. Self-cleaning brushrolls (CH951) are particularly useful, preventing hair from wrapping around the brush and reducing maintenance.

Shark Small Vacuum Comparison

Product Suction Power Weight (lbs) Dust Cup Capacity Cordless? Pet Tools Included Runtime/Charging Special Features
Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro Powerful Ultra-lightweight 0.68 quarts No Pet Multi-Tool & Pet Crevice Tool Corded LED Headlights
Shark WV201 WANDVAC Handheld Vacuum High-speed, Brushless 1.4 0.08 quarts Yes Multi-Surface Pet Tool, Duster Crevice Tool Always Charging Dock One-Touch Empty, LED Indicator
Shark WV410BL WANDVAC Cordless Hand Most Powerful (under 1.5lbs) N/A N/A Yes Pet Tool, Duster Crevice Tool 50% More Runtime, Always Ready Boost Mode
Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro Two Ultra-Powerful Cyclonic 2.8 XL Yes Pet Power Brush Lithium-ion Self-Cleaning Brushroll, CleanTouch Dirt Ejector
SHARK CH900WM UltraCyclone Pro Two Ultra-Powerful Cyclonic 2.2 XL Yes Crevice Tool Lithium-ion CleanTouch Dirt Ejector
Shark CH963AMZ 2-in-1 Pet Pro Two Cyclonic Air Streams 2.8 XL Yes Crevice Tool, Scrubbing Brush Lithium-ion Detachable Hand Vacuum, Docking Station

Data-Driven Evaluation & Performance Analysis

Choosing the “best” small Shark vacuum requires moving beyond marketing claims. We analyzed specifications across popular models (HV322, WV201, WV410BL, CH951, CH963AMZ) focusing on suction power indicators (Air Watts where available, motor type – brushless vs. standard), user reviews regarding actual cleaning performance on various surfaces (carpet, hardwood, pet hair), and reported runtime for cordless options.

Comparative analysis of online retailer data (Amazon, Shark’s website) revealed a correlation between brushless motor technology and consistently higher user ratings for suction, particularly in cordless models. We examined review sentiment analysis to quantify user satisfaction with specific features like dust cup emptying mechanisms and pet hair removal effectiveness.

Furthermore, we cross-referenced independent review sites (e.g., Consumer Reports, Wirecutter – where available) and YouTube video demonstrations to assess real-world performance and identify common user pain points. This data informed our assessment of value, considering price relative to features and reported longevity. Runtime claims were validated against user reports to establish realistic expectations for cordless vacuum performance.

FAQs

What Shark vacuum is best for pet hair?

Models like the Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro, Shark CH951 UltraCyclone Pet Pro, and Shark WV410BL WANDVAC Cordless Hand are excellent choices for pet hair. They often include specialized pet tools and features like self-cleaning brushrolls designed to lift and remove embedded pet hair.

Are cordless Shark vacuums as powerful as corded ones?

Traditionally, cordless vacuums had less suction power than corded models. However, advancements in brushless motor technology (like in the Shark WV201 WANDVAC) are significantly closing the gap, offering strong suction in a cordless design.

How often will I need to empty the dust cup?

The frequency of emptying depends on the dust cup capacity and how much debris you’re collecting. Models with larger dust cups (like the Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro with 0.68 quarts) will require less frequent emptying than smaller handhelds (like the WV201 at 0.08 quarts).

What is the benefit of a brushless motor in a Shark vacuum?

Brushless motors are more efficient, providing stronger and more consistent suction power. They also tend to be more durable and require less maintenance compared to traditional motors.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best small Shark vacuum is the one that best aligns with your cleaning habits and home environment. Consider your floor types, the presence of pets, and your preference for corded versus cordless convenience when making your decision.

Investing in a Shark small vacuum means prioritizing powerful suction and versatile features in a compact package. By carefully evaluating your needs against the models discussed – and utilizing the comparison chart as a guide – you can confidently choose a vacuum that will simplify your cleaning routine and keep your home spotless.

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