Updated Sep. 04, 2024
After comparing the top cordless Shark vacuums in our testing lab, we named the Shark Stratos as our favorite. Here's why this dirt-sucking machine is worth every penny.
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While you can scour Amazon for reviews on the best cordless vacuums, very few consumers have had the luxury of comparing each model side by side—until now.
Our Product Testing Team recently evaluated the performance of five Shark cordless vacuums in our testing lab and narrowed our favorites down to just three models (and for those interested in how Shark compares to Dyson, our team put the top-performing Dyson cordless vacuums to the test, as well).
While some models were better suited for those on a budget or with limited space, the vote was unanimous among our Testing Team: The Shark Stratos cordless vacuum was not only the top performer but was well worth forking over a little extra cash.
The Shark Stratos combines everything you could possibly want in a cordless vacuum—strong suctioning power, exceptional maneuverability and an incredible battery life. But that’s not all. It features smart cleaning technology—Clean Sense IQ—to detect dirt and automatically adjust its power, combining efficiency with effectiveness.
Featuring HyperVelocity Plus suctioning power and performance, DuoClean PowerFins and a self-cleaning brush roll, the Shark Stratos is well-equipped to tackle dirt, debris and hair on tile and carpet.
For added convenience and maneuverability, the MultiFlex wand bends to reach under narrow furniture and folds over for compact storage. The Stratos also converts to a handheld vacuum, with two handy attachments for tackling dust and allergens on upholstery and shelving.
Lastly, LED lights guide the way in low-lit closets or under beds and couches, and odor-neutralizing technology absorbs bad odors, leaving behind a fresh, clean smell.
TMB STUDIO
Featuring Clean Sense IQ and Odor Neutralizer Technology for ultra-powerful cordless suction and hair pickup.
Our Product Testing Team put the Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum through 15 tests, sucking up handfuls of various types of debris in our lab. We observed the machine’s performance vacuuming up cornflakes and glitter after three passes on tile, high-pile and low-pile carpet, as well as its efficiency at pulling hair out of carpet. We also collected data points on battery runtime, maneuverability and clearance around and under furniture.
Our team was incredibly impressed with the performance of the Stratos. Glitter, cornflakes and hair were no match for its easy glide wheels and Clean Sense IQ’s auto-adjusting suction.
Compared to the other Shark models, our team boasted that the Stratos was “one of the top performers overall” on carpet. It wowed us during the cornflakes test and only left negligible amounts of glitter and hair. “I could feel the Clean IQ adjusting the vacuum’s suction level as I rolled it over the carpet,” remarked Product Tester, Annamarie Higley.
Our team was happy to report that, thanks to its wheels, the Stratos was easier to push on higher-pile carpet than any of the pricier Dyson models we tested. But we were equally impressed with its performance on higher-pile carpet, which other machines often struggled with. “This did an excellent job snatching up all the hair,” says Annamarie, adding that it also “gobbled up all the cornflakes readily in three passes.” As for glitter, she adds, “A few specks were left behind, but this did an insanely good job.”
On tile, Annamarie reported similar findings: “Another stellar performance. It vacuumed up 99% of debris in just one pass, so the second and third passes were for extra insurance.”
The clearance of the Stratos is by far the most impressive out of the entire Shark cordless vacuum lineup, being just shy of three inches. This makes it great for getting under couches and maneuvering around table legs. In addition, we found that its agility didn’t dampen the suction, which easily picked up large debris on both high- and low-pile carpets.
Apart from the impressive suction, the Testing Team notes that the wheels help it readily glide over higher-pile carpet, making it easier to navigate than many other brands we’ve tried. Intuitive cleaning instructions and a robust battery that lasts over 40 minutes bolster this winner’s performance. No need to rush to clean in less than an hour, either—the removable battery means opting for a second one doubles the cleaning time.
Whether by design or by coincidence, the crevice tool—which features a built-in brush—appeared to have a mind of its own. The power mode automatically adjusted depending on the circumstance (and hey, we didn’t mind!).
We used the anti-allergen brush to clean dusty shelves, and it worked very well! Not only did it get all the dust, but you can adjust the angle to prevent it from scratching the shelves’ surface.
Our long-term tester and Associate Creative Director, Jami Geittmann, has been using the Shark Stratos in her own home for the past few months:
“The Shark Stratos vacuum is pretty awesome!” Jami says. “One standout is its bendy arm (my official term) that slides under furniture like a champ. No more struggling to reach those dusty spots—it’s like the vacuum does the limbo effortlessly!”
Jami adds, “The LED light is a game-changer for spotting crumbs or pet hair lurking in dark corners. You’ll never miss a speck of dirt again!”
As for performance, Jami reports that it “sucks up everything from fine dust to stubborn pet hair with ease. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver around the house.”
When it comes to cleaning products, our Product Testing Team aren’t just testers—they’re users, too! We all have homes to keep tidy, and when a product impresses us, we bring it home and make it a part of our regular cleaning routine.
Our Product Testing Team has three years of combined experience testing and evaluating everything from the best toasters to the best grill brushes for backyard barbequing. For each test, our product testing experts spend over 40 hours conducting firsthand research in our Testing Lab, including researching and sourcing products. We recommend the best products using honest and fair testing practices.
TMB STUDIO
Featuring Clean Sense IQ and Odor Neutralizer Technology for ultra-powerful cordless suction and hair pickup.
You can purchase the Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum directly from the Shark website or its sister site, Ninja Kitchen. You can also find it on Amazon and Walmart.
Originally Published: July 26, 2024
