Is the Shark Stratos Cordless Vacuum Worth It? We Put It to the Test
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When it comes to the best vacuum cleaners, it can be hard to find one that checks off all the boxes. There are slim, cordless vacuums; tried-and-true bagged vacuums; classic upright vacuums; and new-age robot vacuums that can help keep your floors clean. Each has its pros and cons, but not every vacuum is for every household. Families with multiple kids and pets running around might find large bin capacities and intense suction power a necessity, while single studio apartment dwellers might need something that won’t take up space, but still gets the job done. The other challenge outside of the array of options is that so many models are being touted as the best-of-the-best. But the one that kept sticking out to me was the Shark Stratos cordless vacuum. I wanted to see if it really lived up to the hype, so I decided to test it and find out for myself.
What makes the Shark Stratos different from other cordless vacuums—and the big selling point—is all in its tech. The ControlSense IQ feature actually increases suction power to pick up heavier amounts of dust and debris, as well as the minuscule particles you can’t see. In combination with the LED head, it’s supposed to make cleaning your floors feel more efficient. Over the course of two months, I tested it in every room in my house multiple times a day to see if it really stood up to it’s claims. Here are my honest thoughts.
How I Tested It
My husband and I live in a two-story row home in Philadelphia with hardwood floors throughout, a couple low-pile area rugs, and tile in the bathroom. We also have one long-haired cat. On top of her fur and my long hair, we cook and host friends pretty frequently too, so there’s a lot of foot traffic in our place. Many people have told me I’m a clean freak (I take it as a compliment at this point) and I admit, I do take the cleanliness of my space seriously. I vacuum at least once per day (but more often twice), stay on top of weekly dusting and deep cleans, and make sure we’re always ready for company at a moment’s notice. All that to say, I definitely put the Shark Stratos to work.
I tested the Stratos for two and a half months so I could get a good idea at how it cleans not just at first, but over time, as well as noting any issues that popped up. I used it in every room for multiple purposes, from cleaning the floor to vacuuming the curtains, bed, and even as a dusting tool before going in with my spray cleaners, testing both of the included attachments (a brush head and a duster/crevice tool).
My Overall Review
It picked up everything from dust and debris to dirt, cat litter, hair, fur, glitter (we had a New Year’s Eve party…), and crumbs with unbelievable ease. I found the battery run time to be impressive as well, lasting the promised true hour (sometimes more) with each run. The DuoClean PowerFins two-brush roll system definitely caught debris that would have otherwise been left behind or spat out the other end in a single-brush roll vacuum, which made the overall dirt pickup feel much more thorough. On carpet, tile, and hardwood alike, the Stratos provided a really powerful suction. Combined with the CleanSense IQ technology, I left each vacuum session feeling like my floors were truly clean.
The one thing the Stratos had a hard time dealing with fully was ice melt salt from our winter boots. Of course, this is notoriously difficult for a vacuum to pick up, so I was surprised it got any of the melted crystals at all, to be honest. But because this substance tends to stick onto floors, with a quick mop, the salt was completely gone. So it’s safe to say the Stratos at least retrieved all of the crystalline particles.
Overall, I think this is a fantastic vacuum. I’ll be using it going forward (might even have to retire my Dyson…) for both everyday cleans as well as deep cleans and dusting duties. It’s 100% worth it, in my opinion.
Top Features
- Maneuverability: Can collapse in half with the plush of a button while in use, which is super helpful to get under the sofa, cabinets, and bed.
- Powerful suction: Great suction, plus it boosts power when it comes into contact with unseen debris.
- Dual rollers: Helps pick up more dust and debris even when you’re going backwards.
- Odor neutralizer: An awesome addition, particularly for use on carpets and area rugs.
Official Specs
Vacuum Type: Cordless Stick
Cleaning Path Width: 10 inches
Bin Capacity: 0.68L/0.72 qts
Weight: 8.9 lbs
Noise Level: 80 Decibels
Maximum Run Time: 60 minutes
Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
Removable/Chargeable Battery: Yes
Converts to Handheld: Yes
Headlight: Yes
Warranty: 5-year limited
What I Loved
- The CleanSense IQ tech is amazing. I love that it increases power to pick up the bits of debris I can’t see.
- I love the HEPA filtration feature. It makes the room truly feel cleaner after vacuuming.
- The collapsable arm is a total game changer once you get the hang of it. I could go under furniture, couches, heavy buffet tables, and more without any effort.
- The suction power is fantastic. I never felt like I had to go over an area multiple times in order to get the area clean. The floors felt truly spotless.
What Could Be Improved
- There are only two included attachments—I wish there were a couple more accessories to help with specific jobs.
- The vacuum head isn’t very heavy, so it can lift off the floor sometimes during cleaning, which can be annoying.
Overall Review
If you want a cordless vacuum that’s easy to maneuver, with odor-control features, and powerful suction, then yes, the Shark Stratos is absolutely worth it. It’s a high-quality cordless vacuum that’ll pivot into hard-to-reach areas in a cinch, and the CleanSense IQ tech is something I can no longer live without. And oftentimes, you can even find it on sale. (At time of publishing, it’s $299 on Amazon.)
Bree Pulver O'Hagan
Bree is the Senior Digital Editor at DrewandJonathan.com. In the past, she’s worked for publications focused on home improvement and sustainable living. Bree’s Pinterest board is filled with cozy textures; vintage patterns; sculptural furniture; and moody, warm-toned colors. She has a degree concentrated in the intersection of writing and architecture, which influences her passion for exploring creative solutions to unusual home layouts and stylish renter-friendly decor. She’s a self-proclaimed pro at finding the best antique furniture in the most unlikely of places (but her cat Blue can certainly back these claims).
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