It is a 2-in-1 vac, though bear in mind it’s designed to be a handheld-to-stick model, not the other way around. If you only have a small home and you want something lightweight, cheap, and reliable to make cleaning super easy, this could definitely be your next vacuum. Our verdict
When using this vacuum to clean up after a renovation period at home, Jaclyn found that it suctioned everything in its wake with minimal repeat passes. It never wrapped around the self-cleaning brush roll or clogged the vacuum shaft, so it’s safe to say this vacuum is pet parent-approved. The LiftAway feature also made cleaning the stairs during testing significantly easier, though the vacuum definitely felt bulky and a little tiring to operate after a while. It also boasts Hypervelocity Accelerated Suction technology, so it practically walks itself around your home.
The returned item must be in its original packaging and in new, unused condition, with all original accessories and manuals included. Shark offers a five-year limited warranty, so we’d expect it to last at least that amount of time, but if you care for it right, it could last for up to a decade or more. We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life.
When testing this pet hair vacuum, our team determined that the Samsung Jet 75 is the ultimate rival to pet hair. We found it easy to unpack and assemble, and appreciated the three power modes — “min, mid, and max” (a.k.a. low, medium, high). The vacuum worked effectively on hardwood floors, carpets, and even stairs, getting up most of the test debris (cheerios, coffee grounds, and, of course, pet hair). If you’re looking for an advanced Shark vacuum that makes pet hair cleanup a breeze, then the Shark APEX Upright Vacuum Cleaner with Zero-M Technology will be a great choice. With Zero-M technology, the brush proactively removes and self-cleans hair wrap from the brush roll.
The motor is also a slow starter, meaning that it gradually revs up to maximum power over a few seconds, rather than turning on at full blast. You might be able to get away with vacuuming while somebody is sleeping nearby, something we can’t say about many other vacuum cleaners. Owners also generally think that the Navigator Lift-Away is relatively quiet compared with other vacuum cleaners.
And they’re particularly ideal for vacuuming upholstery, notes Ledoux, who suggests using small brush attachments for this purpose. They’ll also help agitate and lift up pet hair that may otherwise get stuck on couches, beds, or curtains, adds Michael Barnett, cleaning product manager at Black +Decker. Besides picking up pet hair, strong suction is necessary for helping remove pet dander from your space. Look for models with multiple suction levels, or better yet, a “max mode” that will send your vacuum into overdrive while it sucks up every last strand of fur and speck of dander. Our best overall pick, the Samsung Jet 75 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, has a max mode that’s highly effective at grabbing debris.
A corded vacuum offers an unlimited runtime and is a good choice for whole-house cleaning. Pay attention to the length of the cord to minimize how often you’ll need to stop and switch outlets, though. For context, our Best Upright pick, the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum, has a 25-foot cord.
Cordless sticks and robot vacuums are convenient, but the best plug-in uprights and canisters clean better and last longer. We’ve tested dozens of plug-in vacuums over the years, and the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 has been our favorite since 2014. Most Shark vacuums we’ve reviewed can effectively clean a variety of floors, but some models may work better or worse for certain flooring types. On the first day of testing, Jaclyn found the separate dust bin in the base was relatively full after covering around 1,000 square feet of floor space. On day two, there was significantly less, a sign that it had picked up most of the debris on day one, and everything else was routine upkeep. She loved that it empties itself once it has finished cleaning, but there are a few ways it could’ve been better.
The effective cleaner makes it easy to clean up messes and has a long battery life as well. With a run time of only 16 minutes, the WandVac works best for smaller jobs such as sucking up spilled cereal or vacuuming the car. A helpful LED indicator displays the charging status and the remaining battery life, and the always-charging design shark canister vacuum of the sleek charging dock allows for neat storage and quick access. This vacuum comes with a variety of the best Shark accessories, too, such as a multi-surface pet tool and duster crevice tool. Cleaning characteristics for each upright vacuum cleaner including its filter, cyclonic action and if it is rated for use in homes with pets.
Additionally, it transforms into a handheld model to reach high places and get into small corners. If you’re looking for a vacuum that can deliver impressive cleaning power in a large home, this model is it. Billed as Shark’s most powerful vacuum, this is also Shark’s most premium upright design. Good to know
The 10.8 V battery provides similar cleaning power to a regular vacuum, although you only get 15 minutes on a charge and a recharge takes about six hours. The dust compartment is pretty small, but it’s easy to empty and large enough for spot cleaning.
While the Shark Navigator Lift-Away has plenty of features, it’s suction power isn’t as strong as some other Shark vacuums. You’ll likely have to vacuum an area two or three times before it’s fully clean. But with that being said, the versatility and ease-of-use of this vacuum is hard to beat, especially at its lower price point. With the push of a button, the canister can be emptied directly into a trash can. Some of the wet hair got stuck inside, so we did have to reach in and wipe it away to fully clean out this section of the petite vacuum. With a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and a washable filter, this small but mighty vacuum from Shark will help you clean up after your pet from a variety of spaces, including the inside of a car.