Shark Stratos Cordless Review

"The Stratos is one of the easiest-to-use cordless vacuums I tested," noted another tester. “I liked the versatility of the DuoClean double brush roll system, which let me transition between carpet and hardwood without needing to change cleaner heads.” We also appreciated the excellent anti-allergen filtration, but we removed the Shark odor neutralizer cartridges, which smelled like cheap deodorant.

Carpet Performance

In many homes, vacuums are expected to clean up a wide variety of debris, so in our tests, we utilize multiple types to fully evaluate each model's performance. On carpet, we spread out 1/2 cup each of sand, rice, and Cheerios over a 27-square-foot area and measured how much each vacuum was able to suck up in a 24-second stress test. We repeat each run 2-3 times to ensure consistent results. This is a very difficult stress test that no other reviewers are attempting with such rigor.

We run our multi-debris tests on both low pile and high pile carpets to help us tease out differences and help you match the right performance characteristics to the carpet styles in your own home. For instance, some vacuums are better at collecting large, lightweight debris like popcorn or potato chips. In contrast, others excel at deeply embedded sand or dirt — and our tests reveal how these abilities can change depending on the surface type.

Low Pile

This cordless stick sucked up 82% of debris on low pile carpet, partially because it back plowed rice and Cheerios, which left some behind in 24 seconds.

In the first test run, this vacuum seemed to crush material easily; however, a pile of sand and rice fell out of the bottom when I lifted the vacuum. So, it clogged under the heavy load, but gravity was enough to free it. In these difficult challenges, intermittent clogs happen, but we don't worry until it becomes a definitive pattern, which we report.

I appreciated how well this vacuum did going forward, but it tended to backplow on the reverse, which pushed the rice and Cheerios away from the suction intake and left a pile of debris. When I had time, I turned around and got the little piles with head-on passes, which explains the higher collection rates in two of my tests.

While I was impressed by this model's ability to collect large debris moving forward, I still saw sand left over in the test runs. Even on its best runs, it was missing about 10% of the material, indicating that this vacuum has less intense suction for deeper, heavier debris. With just a little bit more time, I think this vacuum wouldn't have a problem finishing the job.

High Pile

This model sucked up an average of 53% of sand, rice, and Cheerios over three trials in just 24 seconds, an above-average performance.

We were surprised by this result, partially because most vacuums have a harder time with high pile carpet versus low pile carpet — and this one has less suction power than some of its higher-priced competitors. We believe the dual-powered brush roll, with a relatively tall head opening, is key to its success.

Before Testing After Testing

Some vacuums with carpet-specific heads, like the Dyson V15 Detect, have lower head gates in an attempt to create greater suction on the carpet. The problem is that large debris on tall, wavy, high pile carpet can float on top of the fibers, which lets the cleaner head push them around.

I was delighted to watch this vacuum roll right over the top of high-floating Cheerios. For those who get tracked in leaves in the fall or yard debris dropped by their kids or dogs, this DuoClean head design does well with larger, lightweight debris.

Overall Carpet Cleaning Performance

In my timed stress test trials, the Stratos earned an average rating on low pile carpet and an above-average rating on high pile carpet. However, when I weighed and measured the material collected, it became clear that it collected lightweight debris very well but left some heavier sand.

This model works quickly on larger debris, but for sand lurking deep within the weave, I needed extra time to effectively grab the dirt that lurked deep below.

Hardwood Performance

We use the same 1.5 cups of sand, rice, and Cheerios to test vacuums on hard floors. We spread the mixture over a 9' x 3' test section, then give each machine just 24 seconds to collect as much material as possible. We repeat this test 2-3 times to generate an accurate average collection rate.

The Stratos Cordless was a standout in our hardwood floor tests, easily outperforming all but the Dyson Gen5detect, which scored the same but costs twice as much and requires the use of its hard floor-specific cleaner head. In contrast, the Stratos does it with its versatile single dual-purpose head.

Cleaning Performance

I only needed two trials in our hardwood test to see that this vacuum is a beast on hardwood. It easily sucked up a 97% average of material, which is an outstanding performance.

We're big fans of Shark's dual-powered brushrolls. The relatively large diameter soft front roll is one of the most versatile brush rolls we've ever tested. It easily overwhelms cereal while also whisking away small rice and nearly all sand.

I loved how even big piles couldn't stand up to this vacuum with a head-on attack! Still, while the Stratos was fantastic with large debris, it sometimes left a tiny bit of sand that the Dyson vacuums, with their hard floor-specific Fluffy Optic cleaner heads, were able to nab every time.

When both brush rollers run, this vacuum feels alive, as if it wants to run forward and eat, eat, eat.

Crevice

To conduct the crevice test, we place sand between the bamboo mat slats. After performing four forward and backward passes, we weighed any remaining sand to evaluate the capture percentage.

For those who have tile or crevices in their home, they'll be happy to learn that this vacuum was powerful enough to suck 96% of the sand we scattered in between slats of our bamboo test mat. Those who live in a sandy area or hit the beach often will likely be happy with this option. However, if sand is their constant nemesis at home, the Dyson Gen5detect sucked up a near-perfect 99% of the sand in our crevice test and has the power to extract sand deeply embedded in carpet fibers.

Edges

In the final phase of assessing hardwood performance, we positioned coffee grounds along the floor's edge near the wall, running the vacuum head-on and parallel to the wall to see how much it could capture.

Before Testing After Testing

Regardless of the household debris accumulating around potential trouble spots, the Stratos Cordless proves more than capable. Whether it's dust bunnies lurking in corners or crumbs scattered under furniture, this vacuum effortlessly tackles them all, making it easy for us to recommend to anyone with a home filled with hard floors.

Overall Hardwood Cleaning Performance

This vacuum easily blew past our average hardwood ratings, earning a spot near the top. Better yet, I loved how well its soft front brushroller seemed to polish our hard floors.

The key to effectively using this model is to hit everything head-on and give it a little more time for heavier debris like sand. The versatile dual-purpose head design delivered outstanding results for surface cleaning, beckoning a beneficial cleaning tool for hardwood floors.

Pet Hair

To test pet hair performance, we use 4 grams of pet hair, wiping 3 grams back and forth across 13 square feet of carpet and then scattering the remaining over the top. Then we toss 1 gram of long hair extensions over the top and press it all down with a heavy linoleum roller. If you're not sure what 4 grams of hair looks like, it's basically a big overflowing fistful of hair. We weigh it to ensure consistency and the ability to accurately identify how much hair each vacuum can deliver to its dustbin.

The Stratos visually sucked up the majority of the hair I could see except for a couple of lingering small clumps at either the end or beginning of my strides with the vacuum. The percentage capture tells the story of where the hair went, getting caught around the PowerFins roller.

Filtration & Suction

Our filtration tests reveal how well you can expect your vacuum to keep tiny particles contained and out of the air you breathe, while our suction tests give you an idea of how powerful the motor is. Sometimes, vacuums that perform well in filtration underperform due to poor suction, so seeing these metrics can help people choose the right balance they need in their own home environment.

Filtration

In our rigorous clean room test, we monitored air quality with two separate Dylos air quality monitors before, during, and after vacuuming up flour. This vacuum managed to filter and contain nearly all the particles, resulting in a particulate spike of less than 75 particles counted by the meter, which Dylos considers excellent and rivals any high-end stick vacuum on the market.

What does this mean to most people? For those concerned about potentially harmful sources of indoor particulate matter or are sensitive to dust or allergens in the air, this vacuum is unlikely to increase anyone's sniffly agitations.

Suction

The suction test reveals the vacuum's practical suction capability, factoring in the brush roll head's design and the motor's power.

Unfortunately, the Stratos didn't demonstrate much power in this aspect, which is somewhat disappointing. However, this limitation didn't appear to hinder its performance in our previous metrics. This lower-than-average suction power, combined with the results of stress tests on carpet and hardwood, tells us that this vacuum cleaner head design is very effective in moving debris into its intake suction tube.

Ease of Use

While this model effortlessly glides across multiple surfaces with minimal effort, transitioning between carpet and hardwood may require a bit more effort due to its relatively large dual-purpose head design.

One feature I particularly appreciated was its MultiFLEX hinge because it requires less bending to clean under furniture. Plus, the hinge system makes free-standing storage simple.

Maneuverability

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed using this stick vacuum. While the decent suction occasionally made it a bit challenging to push and pivot on carpeted surfaces, the flexible shaft added a significant level of versatility that was hard to overlook—even if it wasn't entirely flawless.

When bending in half to glide under furniture, it was a little hard for me to maneuver on carpet because it doesn't lock into a fixed position. Like riding a bike for the first time, you need some practice to get the vacuum head where you want it to go. After a few wild rides pushing it around, I could gain control and use it to this day unconsciously in my routine.

Maintenance

Removing the dustbin provides access to both the pre-motor and post-motor filters. To clean all the filters, rinse them with water until the water runs clear, and then let them dry for at least 48 hours before reinstalling.

On the side of the vacuum, there is a small blue button that can be pushed to release the soft brush for cleaning and to remove hairs from the comb. We're big fans of how simple it is to remove this roller. However, the other brush roller cannot be removed, so any caught hair has to be cut away with it attached to the cleaner head.

Uphostery & Attachments

To round out our Ease of Use test metric, we test a number of attachments on everyday household items like coffee tables, furniture, and throw pillows.

I loved the anti-allergen tool for dusting on hard surfaces like tables or window blinds — it's basically a flat wand with soft bristles. It took me more than one pass to suck up coffee grounds on a pillow during one test, but a couple of extra passes cleaned it in a jiffy!

One drawback to the included accessories is the lack of a mini motorized brush roller. We like, for example, the mini motorized Hair Screw roller accessory that comes with Dyson products because it works so well at agitating upholstery on couches and pet beds.

Battery

In our tests, this model's battery delivered 55.1 minutes on its lowest setting and 11.4 minutes on its high.

Those who have a large house with heavy-duty vacuuming needs might need to vacuum over multiple sessions with this model, particularly because it took us 4.3 hours to recharge it.

It was easy to store when we finished using the Stratos Cordless. We simply folded it in half, making it even more compact. It was ready to be stowed in a closet without needing a wall-mount system installed.

Should You Buy the Shark Stratos Cordless?

If your budget permits, investing in the Shark Stratos Cordless is a wise choice, as it stands out as an excellent stick vacuum for a wide variety of circumstances — with truly great hard floor performance. While it may not be considered budget-friendly for everyone, you'll acquire one of the top stick vacuums we evaluated. Moreover, it's even more affordable than some of its high-ranking competitors. Whether you're dealing with messes under your child's high chair on the kitchen or dining room floor or dirt tracked onto a carpeted area of your home, you'll be delighted with the exceptional performance of this powerful and convenient vacuum.

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