When Shark announced the release of its new cordless vacuum cleaner at IFA 2024, a surge of curiosity and anticipation was instantly ignited. After the release of the reputable Shark Detect Pro last year, fans were eager to see where the brand would take its new model, and I was one them. I personally loved the Detect Pro, and was concerned that the features I had come to rely on might be altered or discontinued. However, after a first glance at the Shark PowerDetect Cordless Pet, I was confident that my expectations would be met.
Not to be confused with the slightly older PowerDetect Powered Lift-Away Upright Pet, the Shark PowerDetect Cordless Pet is equipped with five advanced deep cleaning technologies designed to detect and react to dirt. It combines the intelligent detection capabilities of the Detect Pro series with the powerful suction of the Stratos line, positioning it as one of the best cordless vacuums available on the market.
I've been using the Shark PowerDetect Cordless Pet for a few months now, and below you'll find my detailed review of why I think it's one of the most impressive models released all year.
Shark PowerDetect Cordless Pet review: price and availability
The Shark PowerDetect (which I will call it from now on) has an RRP of £500/$500 and can be purchased at Shark's online store and selected retailers, including John Lewis, Currys and Amazon.
Whilst it’s certainly one of the more expensive vacuums Shark has released, I genuinely believe it’s worth every penny – and as I share more, you'll see exactly why.
Shark PowerDetect Cordless Pet review: unboxing and set up
When unboxing the Shark PowerDetect, I came across the main body, MultiFLEX wand, floor nozzle, charging post and the Auto-Empty Base first. These were all packaged nicely, and it was pretty obvious what went where.
I also discovered the power cord, odour cartridge and accessory floor dock, followed by the remaining accessories. These include a duster crevice tool, multi-surface tool and motorised pet tool.
To get the vacuum cleaner up and running, I attached the wand to the main body and floor nozzle. I then just had to slide the charging post onto the front of the Auto-Empty Base until it clicked, connect the cord to the back of the charging post and plug it in.
The odour cartridge just has to be placed inside the odour dial, which can be found on the top base of the Auto-Empty Base. You can then rotate the odour dial to adjust the odour neutraliser technology intensity, or to unlock it for cartridge access. The PowerDetect only comes with one cartridge, but a two-pack can be purchased online for £14.99/$15.
To finish setting up, I placed the accessories on the floor dock, ready to go when needed.
Shark PowerDetect Cordless Pet review: design and features
The PowerDetect combines the best features of Shark's most popular models, but its innovative new MultiFLEX wand sets it apart. Whilst Shark has experimented with flex technology in the past, this is one of the first times it's been fully integrated as a flagship feature.
Not only does it make it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas, it also allows the vacuum to fold over for convenient, compact storage. Whilst I've personally been storing the PowerDetect with the assembled dock in a cupboard, I can see it being a game-changer for those with limited storage space.
The PowerDetect comes equipped with all the advanced detection features found in the Shark Detect Pro. The DirtDetect system identifies hidden dirt and automatically increases suction power to handle tougher messes. EdgeDetect allows the vacuum to sense edges and double the suction power along the sides of the floor nozzle when moving along walls. FloorDetect seamlessly adjusts suction based on the surface, and LightDetect enhances visibility by increasing the vacuum's LED lights when cleaning in dark spaces.
However, the PowerDetect also introduces two impressive new features: DuoClean Detect and DirectionDetect. DuoClean Detect combines two brush rolls with advanced sensors that automatically adapt to deliver optimal cleaning performance across different surfaces. DirectionDetect enhances efficiency by enabling the vacuum to suction whilst being pulled backward, reducing the need for multiple passes. Most people are unaware that a lot of traditional models don't do this, so this really sets the PowerDetect apart from competitors.
The PowerDetect is easy to operate with a simple one-press power button, and there's a trigger under the handle that allows you to switch between three cleaning modes. Eco mode provides energy-efficient cleaning, Boost delivers maximum power for tougher messes, and Detect automatically adjusts suction based on the level of dirt detected.
When powered on, the PowerDetect features a circular LED display that clearly indicates the current cleaning mode and remaining battery life. The updated design is a significant improvement over screens on previous models, and its full utilisation of the top surface's circumference makes it both functional and visually appealing.
Another new feature is that the PowerDetect's floor nozzle now mirrors the LED screen to visually reflect the cleaning status. For instance, when the DirtDetect system senses a high concentration of hair on the carpet and boosts suction, both the LED screen and the nozzle light glow red. Once the debris is cleared and the surface is clean, the lights transition to purple or white, signalling that the area is now dirt-free. This synchronised lighting system provides real-time feedback, making it easy to monitor cleaning progress at a glance, and I love it.
The dust cup can hold around 0.7 litres, which isn't that big for a cordless vacuum cleaner. However, the Auto-Empty Base automatically empties the vacuum when docked, holding dirt and debris for up to 45 days. This a revolutionary amount of time, so the smaller dust cup doesn't really matter.
Shark PowerDetect Cordless Pet review: performance
The PowerDetect stands out as one of the best vacuum cleaners of 2024 – and quite frankly, one of the best I've ever used. I've come to know and love the cleaning technologies that Shark vacuum cleaners offer, and this model is an outstanding example of how powerful they can be.
Each of the advanced detection features work exceptionally well, and the DirtDetect has continued to be a firm favourite of mine. However, the true standout feature of this model is the DirectionDetect, and it's one of those innovations you don’t realise you’ve been missing until you experience it firsthand. With just two simple passes, every speck of dust and debris is effectively suctioned up, saving valuable time and ensuring the satisfaction of a truly thorough clean.
Another feature I love is is how the vacuum charges whilst docked on the Auto-Empty Base. I’ve reviewed vacuums with self-emptying stations before, and they’re incredibly convenient for avoiding the hassle of emptying the bin after every use. However, this is the first time I’ve encountered a model that also charges directly from the base.
This dual functionality is a game-changer, especially as it ensures the vacuum is always fully charged and ready to go whenever you need it. It also means you’ll never have to worry about running out of battery mid-clean again. The PowerDetect's battery life is pretty standard, providing around 70 minutes in Eco mode, or 40 in Detect mode. However, as it's always full charged before use, this isn't something you'll necessarily have to worry about.
In terms of accessories, the PowerDetect comes with everything you need. The duster crevice tool, multi-surface tool and motorised pet tool allow it to seamlessly convert to a handheld vacuum, making it easy to clean stairs, furnishings and skirting boards. I was also thrilled to see Shark’s Anti Hair Wrap technology integrated into the brush roll of the floor nozzle, meaning almost no hair gets caught during cleaning.
It's also great to see Shark fully embracing flex technology in this model, making it a lot easier to tackle hard to reach areas. Flex wands are becoming more and more common within the industry, so I'm sure we'll see it again in the not too distant future.
One minor drawback is the occasional issue of the vacuum getting caught on certain surfaces. The DirtDetect feature can sometimes cause the floor nozzle to get stuck on rugs or carpet due to the powerful suction. In some cases, this may cause the vacuum to stop and require being placed back on the floor to resume operation. Whilst this isn’t a significant problem, it’s something to keep in mind before making a purchase.
Shark PowerDetect Cordless Pet review: verdict
The Shark PowerDetect Cordless Pet goes above and beyond expectations, blending the best of Shark’s proven features with exciting new innovations that make it a standout in the industry. Its two new detection features and the dual-function Auto-Empty Base are particularly noteworthy, offering unmatched convenience and performance.
Whilst it occasionally catches on certain surfaces, this is a minor drawback in an otherwise exceptional vacuum cleaner. If you’re seeking a model that delivers intelligence, efficiency and a user-friendly design, this is the one I’d recommend without hesitation.
Shark PowerDetect Cordless Pet review: alternatives to consider
If you want a similar model in terms of quality, I have to recommend the Dyson Gen5Detect. It's Dyson's most powerful cordless vacuum to date, featuring a fifth-generation Hyperdymium motor that delivers up to 280 air watts of suction power. It's twice as expensive as the Shark PowerDetect, but it truly is the best of the best.
Another alternative I'd suggest is the Shark DetectPro. As the predecessor of the PowerDetect, both models share a lot of features, and it's also a good option if don't think you'd find yourself using the flex technology.
