10 Best Stick Vacuums

The Shark Stratos Cordless Pet Pro stick vacuum is a solid choice for pet owners and those with mixed floor types. Its suction power is enhanced by Clean Sense IQ technology, which automatically boosts cleaning when more dirt is detected, helping to pick up about 50% more dirt compared to its ECO mode. The vacuum features DuoClean with two motorised brush-rolls that work well on both carpets and hard floors, plus LED headlights to spot hidden dust.

Battery life is quite generous, offering up to 60 minutes of run-time in ECO mode, and the removable battery adds convenience for charging flexibility. Weighing just over 5 kg, it's manageable but not the lightest stick vacuum on the market, so it might feel a bit heavy during extended use. The dustbin capacity of 0.7 litres is decent, meaning fewer interruptions to empty it during cleaning sessions. Filtration is strong with a HEPA filter and an anti-allergen complete seal that helps trap fine dust and pet allergens, making it a good pick for allergy sufferers.

In terms of attachments, it comes with a useful bundle including a duster crevice tool, multi-surface tool, anti-allergen brush, and a pet tool designed to tackle fur, covering most cleaning needs around the home and in the car. One unique feature is the Anti Hair Wrap Plus, which actively removes hair from the brush-roll as you clean, saving you from frequent hair tangles. This vacuum effectively balances power, useful features, and pet-friendly tools, though the weight might be a consideration if you prefer something ultra-light for quick or frequent use.

The Shark PowerPro Cordless Stick Vacuum is designed to offer powerful and adaptable cleaning for various floor types. Its FloorDetect technology automatically adjusts the brush-roll speed, making it effective on carpets and hard floors without needing manual changes. This model weighs about 3.45 kg, which is reasonably light for a stick vacuum but might feel a bit heavy for extended handheld use. The 50-minute battery life in eco mode allows for thorough cleaning sessions, and the removable battery adds convenience for charging. With a dustbin capacity of 0.7 liters, it holds a decent amount of dirt before needing to be emptied, suitable for regular household use but not ideal for very large homes without multiple empties.

The HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal trap dust and allergens well, helping to keep the air cleaner. A standout feature is the Anti-Hair Wrap technology, which helps prevent hair tangling on the brush-roll, saving you time on maintenance. The vacuum also folds easily for storage and converts into a handheld model with useful attachments like a crevice tool and upholstery brush, making it flexible for cleaning furniture, tight spaces, and even ceilings.

While the vacuum packs strong suction at 181 watts, it might be less effective on very thick carpets compared to more powerful models. This makes it a solid choice for those needing a multi-floor, allergy-friendly cordless vacuum with smart features and decent runtime, particularly in medium-sized homes.

The Shark PowerDetect Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner is a strong choice if you want powerful and consistent cleaning without worrying about battery life since it plugs into the mains. Its DuoClean Detect technology uses two brush rolls and sensors that adjust to different floor types for better suction, which helps pick up dirt quickly both forwards and backwards. Weighing about 6.9 kg, it’s a bit heavier than some cordless models, but it’s still manageable and can convert into a handheld vacuum for cleaning tricky spots or upholstery. The 0.3-litre dustbin is on the smaller side, so you might need to empty it often if you have a lot of debris or pet hair. Speaking of pet hair, the included pet power brush and anti-hair wrap feature make it easier to clean fur without tangles.

Its HEPA-type filter and anti-allergen seal capture dust and allergens well, which is great if anyone in your home has allergies. The 10-metre cord offers good reach without needing to change sockets frequently. On the downside, being corded means less freedom to move around compared to cordless models, and the vacuum’s weight might be a bit much for some users during longer cleaning sessions. The attachments included are practical for typical household cleaning needs but don’t cover very specialised tasks.

If you want a reliable stick vacuum that excels at deep cleaning hard floors and carpets and don’t mind the cord or slightly heavier design, this Shark model is worth considering, especially with its 5-year guarantee.