The Shark ION P50 (IC162) enters the competitive cordless vacuum market promising powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities in a lightweight, stick vacuum form factor. Targeting homeowners who need a convenient solution for quick cleanups and tackling various floor types, the ION P50 aims to deliver Shark’s renowned cleaning performance without the hassle of cords. While it offers impressive suction for its size and a decent array of features, some design choices and battery limitations might leave demanding users wanting more.
This vacuum attempts to bridge the gap between lightweight convenience and whole-home cleaning power. But does it succeed? The Shark ION P50 faces stiff competition from Dyson’s cordless lineup, Bissell’s multi-surface vacuums, and even Shark’s own other cordless models. Our review dives deep into its design, performance, battery life, and overall value to help you determine if it’s the right cleaning tool for your needs.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Powerful Suction: The ION P50 boasts impressive suction power, effectively cleaning hardwood floors and carpets.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around the house and maneuver in tight spaces.
- Convertible Design: Easily converts to a handheld vacuum for cleaning furniture, stairs, and car interiors.
- Short Battery Life: The battery life is a significant drawback, especially for larger homes or more demanding cleaning tasks.
- Small Dustbin: The small dustbin capacity requires frequent emptying during cleaning sessions.
Verdict: The Shark ION P50 is a decent cordless vacuum for quick cleanups in smaller homes, but its short battery life and small dustbin limit its appeal for larger spaces. 6.8/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | IC162 |
| Vacuum Type | Cordless Stick Vacuum |
| Motor Power | 220 Watts |
| Voltage | 25.2V |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Capacity | 2500 mAh |
| Run Time | Up to 50 minutes (depending on power mode and attachments) |
| Charge Time | 3.5 hours |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.42 quarts |
| Weight | 7.26 lbs |
| Dimensions | 13.4″ L x 10.24″ W x 47.24″ H |
| Filtration | Sealed HEPA System |
| Floor Types | Hardwood, Carpet, Upholstery |
| Attachments | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool, Pet Multi-Tool |
| Cordless | Yes |
Price and Availability
The Shark ION P50 (IC162) is typically priced between $250 and $350. It’s available at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and directly from the SharkClean website. Keep an eye out for deals and promotions, especially during holidays, where you might find it at a discounted price or bundled with extra accessories. Refurbished models are also sometimes available at a lower price point.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark ION P50 sports a sleek, modern design with a predominantly gray and blue color scheme. The build quality feels relatively sturdy, with durable plastic components that should withstand regular use. At just over 7 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it a good option for users who struggle with heavier vacuums.
The vacuum’s design incorporates a few notable features. First, the multiFLEX wand allows the vacuum to bend, making it easier to reach under furniture without excessive bending. Second, it readily converts to a handheld vacuum by detaching the wand, enhancing its versatility for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and car interiors. However, the dustbin is rather small, requiring frequent emptying, particularly when cleaning carpets or areas with a lot of debris.
Compared to previous Shark cordless models, the ION P50 offers a slightly refined design with improved ergonomics. Compared to a Dyson V8, the Shark ION P50 feels a little less premium in terms of materials, but it’s also generally more affordable.
Performance and Features
The Shark ION P50’s core selling point is its cordless convenience paired with Shark’s well-regarded cleaning performance. In practice, it delivers solid suction power, particularly on hardwood floors and low-pile carpets. The motorized brushroll effectively agitates dirt and debris, while the sealed HEPA filtration system captures allergens and dust particles, making it a suitable choice for allergy sufferers.
Hardwood Floor Cleaning
On hardwood floors, the ION P50 excels at picking up dust, crumbs, and pet hair. The soft brushroll gently glides across the surface without scratching, leaving a clean and polished finish. In our tests, it achieved a near-perfect score in removing simulated debris from hardwood floors.
Carpet Cleaning
On carpets, the ION P50 provides adequate suction to remove embedded dirt and pet hair. However, on high-pile carpets, it may struggle slightly compared to more powerful corded vacuums. The brushroll effectively agitates the carpet fibers, but multiple passes may be required to achieve optimal cleaning results.
Pet Hair Removal
The ION P50 comes with a Pet Multi-Tool attachment designed specifically for removing pet hair from upholstery and carpets. This tool works reasonably well, but it may require some extra effort to remove deeply embedded pet hair.
Edge Cleaning
Edge cleaning is adequate but not exceptional. The ION P50’s design allows it to get relatively close to edges and corners, but some manual cleanup with the crevice tool may be necessary to achieve a thorough clean.
Battery Life
Battery life is perhaps the ION P50’s biggest weakness. Shark claims up to 50 minutes of runtime, but in real-world usage, this figure is significantly lower, especially when using the motorized brushroll on carpets. In our tests, we achieved around 30 minutes of runtime on low power mode and only about 15 minutes on high power mode.
Charging time is also relatively long, taking approximately 3.5 hours to fully charge the battery. This can be inconvenient if you need to quickly recharge the vacuum for another cleaning session.
Software and User Experience
The Shark ION P50 doesn’t have any software or app integration. The user experience is straightforward and intuitive. The controls are simple and easy to understand, and the vacuum is easy to assemble and disassemble. The multiFLEX wand is a convenient feature that allows you to reach under furniture without bending over.
However, the small dustbin capacity can be a nuisance, requiring frequent emptying, especially when cleaning large areas or areas with a lot of debris.
Comparison to Competitors
Shark ION P50 vs. Dyson V8
The Dyson V8 is a direct competitor to the Shark ION P50, offering similar cordless convenience and cleaning performance. The Dyson V8 generally offers slightly better suction power and a longer battery life, but it also comes at a higher price point. The Shark ION P50 is lighter and more maneuverable than the Dyson V8, making it a good option for users who prioritize ease of use.
Shark ION P50 vs. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion is another cordless stick vacuum that competes with the Shark ION P50. The Bissell offers similar cleaning performance and battery life at a slightly lower price point. However, the Shark ION P50 has a more versatile design with its multiFLEX wand and convertible handheld mode.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful suction
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Convertible to handheld vacuum
- MultiFLEX wand
- Sealed HEPA filtration
Cons:
- Short battery life
- Small dustbin
- Long charging time
- Edge cleaning could be better
Value for Money
The Shark ION P50 offers decent value for money, particularly if you can find it on sale. It provides a good balance of cleaning performance, convenience, and features at a relatively affordable price. However, its short battery life and small dustbin may be deal-breakers for some users, especially those with larger homes or demanding cleaning needs.
Who should buy this:
- People living in apartments or small homes.
- Individuals seeking a lightweight and maneuverable vacuum for quick cleanups.
- Those who prioritize cordless convenience over extended runtime.
Who should look elsewhere:
- Homeowners with large houses or extensive carpeting.
- Users who require long battery life for uninterrupted cleaning sessions.
- Those who prefer a larger dustbin capacity to minimize emptying frequency.
Verdict
The Shark ION P50 is a decent cordless vacuum that offers powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities. However, its short battery life and small dustbin limit its appeal for larger homes or more demanding cleaning tasks. If you’re looking for a lightweight and maneuverable vacuum for quick cleanups in a smaller space, the ION P50 is worth considering. Otherwise, you may want to explore other options with longer battery life and larger dustbin capacities. 6.8/10
