Shark Vertex Cordless Stick Vacuum

Shark Vertex Cordless Stick Vacuum Review

Brand: Shark
Released: September 13, 2020
Updated: 6 days ago
4.0
Consolidated expert score
144
Review insights
52
Scored features
9
Expert reviews

Bottom Line

Choose the Shark Vertex Cordless for strong hair pickup, flexible storage, and solid value. Skip it if you want a lighter, quieter stick vacuum or Dyson-like fine-detail polish.

Best for

Best for pet owners and mixed-floor homes that need strong hair pickup, carpet agitation, sealed filtration, and a foldable cordless design without paying premium Dyson prices.

Not for

Not ideal for users who prioritize the lightest handling, quiet operation, elegant docked charging, or flawless fine-grit and edge pickup on hard floors.

Verdict

The Shark Vertex Cordless earns its strongest praise for PowerFins hair control, multi-surface pickup, under-furniture reach, and value compared with premium cordless rivals. Reviewers repeatedly liked the folding Multi-Flex wand, sealed filtration, easy emptying, and ability to handle pet messes without much hair wrap. The tradeoff is refinement: several reviews called it heavy, noisy, less elegant to charge or store than a docked Dyson, and less consistent with fine grit or edge pickup. Test results generally support strong everyday and carpet performance, but it is not uniformly top-tier in airflow, fine dust, or small-room handling.

Compared in Reviews

Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.

  • Worse: cleaning performance The reviewer says the Vertex beats the Dyson V11 Outsize for hard-floor and carpet cleaning.
  • Worse: long-hair pickup The PowerFins helped the Vertex pick up long hair better than the more expensive V11 Outsize.

Feature Scorecards

Summary

52 reviewed features
  • Very positive 4.5-5.0 33% 17 features
  • Positive 3.5-4.4 52% 27 features
  • Neutral 2.5-3.4 13% 7 features
  • Negative 1.5-2.4 2% 1 feature
  • Very negative below 1.5 0% 0 features

Pros

  • 5.0
    based on 1 review
    Assembly and Setup: 5.0, based on 1 review
    Setup and configuration changes were considered simple, with snapping parts and flex transitions described as easy.
  • 5.0
    based on 1 review
    Hair Pickup — Hard Floors: 5.0, based on 1 review
    Hair pickup on hard floors was excellent in tests, with little hair left on the brush.
  • 5.0
    based on 1 review
    Low-profile design: 5.0, based on 1 review
    Low-clearance cleaning was a strength where the flex body or under-appliance tool could reach beneath shallow furniture.
  • 4.8
    based on 2 reviews
    Carpet — Medium-Pile Pickup: 4.8, based on 2 reviews
    Medium-pile carpet evidence was strongly positive, including perfect or broadly strong pickup in testing.
  • 4.8
    based on 2 reviews
    Hair Pickup — Carpets: 4.8, based on 2 reviews
    Hair pickup on carpets was consistently strong, with most hair reaching the bin in tests.
  • 4.8
    based on 2 reviews
    Tool-change simplicity: 4.8, based on 2 reviews
    Tool changes were praised as simple, with one-button attachments and easy disassembly.
  • 4.7
    based on 5 reviews
    Storage footprint and upright-stand stability: 4.7, based on 5 reviews
    Storage was a strength thanks to the folding Multi-Flex wand and self-standing compact mode, though one reviewer disliked the lack of mount.
  • 4.7
    based on 5 reviews
    Under-Furniture Pickup: 4.7, based on 5 reviews
    Under-furniture pickup was a major strength because the Multi-Flex wand and under-appliance tool reached low areas easily.
  • 4.7
    based on 3 reviews
    Filtration / Dust Containment: 4.7, based on 3 reviews
    Filtration was strongly reviewed, with sealed systems, HEPA filtration, and fog or dust tests supporting good containment.
  • 4.6
    based on 4 reviews
    Hair‑Wrap / Tangle Resistance: 4.6, based on 4 reviews
    Hair-wrap resistance was one of the strongest themes, with PowerFins and anti-tangle design repeatedly praised.
  • 4.5
    based on 5 reviews
    Hard Floor — Large Debris Intake: 4.5, based on 5 reviews
    Large-debris intake was strong overall, with several tests showing excellent or perfect cereal, rice, and large-mess pickup.
  • 4.5
    based on 3 reviews
    Versatility: 4.5, based on 3 reviews
    Versatility was a strong theme, spanning hard floors, carpets, handheld mode, tools, and compact storage.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    Cordless convenience: 4.5, based on 1 review
    Cordless convenience was praised for maneuverability and whole-home use without a cord.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    Headlight and LED lights: 4.5, based on 1 review
    The LED headlights were praised for making dark or under-furniture areas easier to see.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    Reverse cleaning performance: 4.5, based on 1 review
    Reverse-pass performance was positive, with rice and debris pickup working well in forward and backward sweeps.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    Suitability for heavy-duty use: 4.5, based on 1 review
    Heavy-duty suitability was supported by strong deep-cleaning sand results, though compromises remain versus premium models.
  • 4.5
    based on 1 review
    Surface safety with attachments: 4.5, based on 1 review
    Surface safety was positive where the DuoClean roller was described as gentle on hardwoods.
  • 4.4
    based on 5 reviews
    Pet-Ready Features: 4.4, based on 5 reviews
    Pet-ready performance was a clear strength, especially hair pickup and anti-wrap behavior for pet messes.
  • 4.4
    based on 4 reviews
    Comparative performance: 4.4, based on 4 reviews
    Comparative performance was strong overall, often positioned as a capable value alternative to pricier Dyson models, with some feature tradeoffs.
  • 4.3
    based on 3 reviews
    Carpet — Low-Pile Pickup: 4.3, based on 3 reviews
    Low-pile carpet performance was usually praised, with some caveats around fine debris in one test.
  • 4.3
    based on 4 reviews
    Accessories and Tools: 4.3, based on 4 reviews
    Reviewers liked the useful attachment mix, especially the under-appliance wand, crevice tool, and pet brush for specialty cleaning and cars.
  • 4.3
    based on 2 reviews
    Crevice / Groove Pickup (Hard Floors): 4.3, based on 2 reviews
    Hard-floor groove and crevice pickup was solid to very good in tests, though not always category-leading.
  • 4.3
    based on 2 reviews
    Ease of use: 4.3, based on 2 reviews
    Ease of use was a strength, with reviewers calling the vacuum user-friendly and flexible.
  • 4.2
    based on 7 reviews
    Suction and Airflow: 4.2, based on 7 reviews
    Suction and airflow were generally strong, although some objective tests found lower airflow than certain rivals.
  • 4.2
    based on 6 reviews
    Overall opinion: 4.2, based on 6 reviews
    Overall opinion leaned positive: reviewers liked the performance and value, but the strongest caveats were weight, noise, and Dyson-level refinement.
  • 4.2
    based on 6 reviews
    Price and Value: 4.2, based on 6 reviews
    Value was a consistent strength because reviewers saw strong performance at a lower price than premium rivals, though one review questioned the sale price.
  • 4.2
    based on 3 reviews
    Battery and Charging: 4.2, based on 3 reviews
    Battery comments were mostly positive because the pack is removable or swappable and can be charged separately, though charging logistics are less elegant than a dock.
  • 4.2
    based on 3 reviews
    Convertible handheld design: 4.2, based on 3 reviews
    The handheld conversion was useful and convenient, though one reviewer found the handheld body too chunky for ideal use.
  • 4.2
    based on 3 reviews
    Emptying and Mess Control: 4.2, based on 3 reviews
    Emptying was generally easy and low-contact, with point-and-shoot or one-button mechanisms praised.
  • 4.2
    based on 3 reviews
    Floorhead Seal on Hard Floors: 4.2, based on 3 reviews
    Floorhead seal was viewed positively, helping the vacuum keep contact with hard floors and carpets.
  • 4.1
    based on 6 reviews
    Runtime: 4.1, based on 6 reviews
    Runtime was mostly good for a cordless stick, but real high-power or powered-head runtime was more limited than headline claims.
  • 4.0
    based on 4 reviews
    Floorhead design: 4.0, based on 4 reviews
    The floorhead and PowerFins were usually praised for agitation and versatility, though one reviewer disliked how the large head handled grit.
  • 4.0
    based on 3 reviews
    Innovation compared to competitors: 4.0, based on 3 reviews
    Innovation evidence centered on PowerFins and Anti Hair Wrap, which reviewers generally found practical, although Dyson still won on refinement.
  • 4.0
    based on 2 reviews
    Carpet — High-Pile Pickup: 4.0, based on 2 reviews
    High-pile and deeper carpet pickup was generally strong, though one test called the result good rather than top-tier for finer debris.
  • 4.0
    based on 1 review
    Onboard tool storage: 4.0, based on 1 review
    Onboard tool storage was a minor positive, with the storage clip called a nice accessory.
  • 4.0
    based on 1 review
    Overall durability/longevity: 4.0, based on 1 review
    Reliability evidence was positive but limited, mainly tied to Shark reputation and warranty discussion.
  • 4.0
    based on 1 review
    Self-propel feature: 4.0, based on 1 review
    The self-propel effect was present and useful, especially on hard floors and low-pile carpet.
  • 3.9
    based on 4 reviews
    Bin and Bag: 3.9, based on 4 reviews
    The bin drew mostly positive notes for capacity and easy emptying, balanced by concerns about smaller capacity versus uprights and hair around internal parts.
  • 3.8
    based on 5 reviews
    Hard Floor — Fine Dust Pickup: 3.8, based on 5 reviews
    Fine-dust hard-floor pickup was mixed: lab-style tests were strong, but one home-use review found fine grit pushed around.
  • 3.7
    based on 3 reviews
    Maintenance requirements: 3.7, based on 3 reviews
    Maintenance was mixed: washable filters and easy cleaning helped, but roller hair and clog checks still required attention.
  • 3.5
    based on 4 reviews
    Maneuverability and Handling: 3.5, based on 4 reviews
    Handling was mixed to positive; most praised maneuverability, while some found the weight and bulky head harder in small rooms.
  • 3.5
    based on 2 reviews
    Support and Reliability: 3.5, based on 2 reviews
    Support and reliability were mixed: the warranty was praised, but one reviewer found parts and batteries harder to locate.
  • 3.5
    based on 1 review
    Clogging and debris prevention: 3.5, based on 1 review
    Clogging feedback was mixed: the vacuum pushed through some debris but could clog during heavy pet or bedding cleanup.
  • 3.5
    based on 1 review
    Upholstery / Above-Floor Pickup: 3.5, based on 1 review
    Above-floor and upholstery use was useful but not perfect because handheld mode could feel chunky.

Cons

  • 3.1
    based on 4 reviews
    Noise level: 3.1, based on 4 reviews
    Noise opinions were mixed, ranging from quiet in one owner review to loud or apartment-unfriendly in test reviews.
  • 3.0
    based on 2 reviews
    Edge and Baseboard Cleaning (Hard Floors): 3.0, based on 2 reviews
    Edge cleaning was split: one reviewer found edges weak, while another found edge pickup proficient after extra passes.
  • 3.0
    based on 1 review
    Hair-removal channel issues: 3.0, based on 1 review
    Hair-removal issues were limited but present, mainly around side wheels or compacted hair in the front roller corners.
  • 2.8
    based on 2 reviews
    Controls and UI: 2.8, based on 2 reviews
    Controls were mixed: users liked battery indicators and max-trigger behavior, but reviewers criticized the lack of a dedicated max setting or display.
  • 2.5
    based on 1 review
    Aesthetic design and finish: 2.5, based on 1 review
    Design impressions were mixed: one reviewer called it less attractive than Dyson, while another described the Shark as simple and stylish.
  • 2.5
    based on 1 review
    Cord management: 2.5, based on 1 review
    Cord management for charging was weak because the lack of a dock left the reviewer searching for the cord.
  • 2.5
    based on 1 review
    Ongoing ownership costs (bags, filters, batteries): 2.5, based on 1 review
    Ownership-cost evidence was mixed to negative because replacement batteries and parts could be harder to source outside Shark.
  • 2.4
    based on 4 reviews
    Weight: 2.4, based on 4 reviews
    Weight was a repeated concern; several reviews called it heavy for a cordless stick.

Compared With Category Average

Compared with other Stick Vacuums & Electric Brooms, this product is above average in Reverse cleaning performance, Suitability for heavy-duty use, Storage footprint and upright-stand stability, below average in Weight, Aesthetic design and finish, Cord management.

Summary

8 compared features
  • Above average 0.4+ pts higher 38% 3 features
  • Same as average within 0.3 pts 0% 0 features
  • Below average 0.4+ pts lower 63% 5 features
Attribute This product Category average Difference
Reverse cleaning performance 4.5 2.3 +2.3
Weight 2.4 4.2 -1.8
Aesthetic design and finish 2.5 4.3 -1.8
Cord management 2.5 4.0 -1.5
Suitability for heavy-duty use 4.5 3.1 +1.4
Controls and UI 2.8 4.0 -1.3
Ongoing ownership costs (bags, filters, batteries) 2.5 3.6 -1.1
Storage footprint and upright-stand stability 4.7 3.7 +1.0

FAQ

Is the Shark Vertex Cordless good for pet hair?

Yes. Multiple reviews praised its hair pickup and anti-wrap behavior, with PowerFins and combs keeping most hair out of the brushroll.

How does it perform on carpets?

Carpet performance is generally strong across low, medium, and high pile, especially for larger debris and hair. Fine debris on carpet was the main caveat in one test.

Is it good on hard floors?

Most tests found strong hard-floor pickup, especially for sand, rice, cereal, and larger debris. One home-use review found fine gritty messes and edges less impressive.

Is the Shark Vertex Cordless heavy?

Yes, weight is one of the clearest complaints. Reviewers repeatedly noted that it is heavy for a cordless stick and can be harder to maneuver in small rooms.

Does it store easily?

Yes. The Multi-Flex wand folds down so the vacuum can sit upright in a compact storage mode, though one reviewer disliked the lack of a mounted charging dock.

Is it noisy?

Noise feedback is mixed. Some reviewers measured or described it as loud, especially on max power, while one owner found it quieter than their robot vacuum.

Is it worth the money?

Most reviewers considered it a good value because it offers strong cleaning, sealed filtration, and flexible features below many premium rivals, though one review questioned the price versus discounted Dyson models.

Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed

These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.

Video Reviews

Article Reviews

Consider This Instead

If you want better Ongoing ownership costs (bags, filters, batteries)

Choose Dyson V10 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner. It scores 5.0 vs 2.5 for Ongoing ownership costs (bags, filters, batteries), with a 4.1 overall score.

Compare

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