Shark WANDVAC Cordless Handheld Vacuum Review

SharkNinja has made a massive name for itself by taking on premium rivals like Dyson and Black+Decker. When it comes to handheld vacuum cleaners, Shark essentially reshaped the market by ditching the bulky "power-tool" aesthetic of older dustbusters in favor of sleek, desk-worthy designs. The Shark WANDVAC (WV201) is the flagship result of that design pivot. 

Here is a closer look at what this lightweight handheld brings to the table and where its limits lie.

5.1 Performance

The Shark WandVac was somewhat overwhelmed by our tests and the amount of work it was facing. Although the vacuum picked up sizable debris such as crushed cornflakes quite well, results from both suction tests revealed the vacuum’s limited cleaning power when it comes to dealing with dust, fine residues, and short pet hair that often settle deep into fabric or porous upholstery and carpets. Stamina isn’t its strong suit either as its compact build can only accommodate a humble amount of battery cells.

4.0 Fabric Chair Cleaning

Compared to the others we’ve tested, the vacuum has the worst record in time and cleanliness. It was able to pick up most of the flour dust, cornflakes, and pet hair on the seat’s surface, but was struggling to pull up anything that had settled into the weave of the fabric. When we deliberately pushed the vacuum into the seat in the second minute, it managed to clear up more of the flour, but still couldn’t clean the whole thing by the time the second minute ended.

7.0 Car Cleaning

The vacuum performed a little better in this test than it did with the fabric chair. The tight opening of the crevice tool helped with navigating the details of the seat and seemingly created a more focused pull that could suck up some of the flour that settled into the pores of the leather upholstery. It performed similarly down in the footwell when cleaning up the carpet. However, it still left behind a noticeable amount of residue on the seat and footwell carpet, specifically in the pores of the leather and under the fiber of the carpet.

4.6 Battery Performance

When you factor in its lengthy recharge time, this vacuum sits at the bottom of our list for overall battery performance. However, its 9-minute and 20-second runtime still manages to hold its own in raw cleaning endurance against key rivals like the Black+Decker Pivot Vac and the popular Black+Decker AdvancedClean Swivel.

8.7 Design

The slim, lightweight design of the Shark WandVAC, when paired with the included crevice tool, easily reaches narrow gaps between chairs or desks to clear away small debris like crumbs and lint. The vacuum features two-level filtration with an easy to remove filter assembly that effectively protects the motor from dust and fine residues.

Because of its compact design, the dirt compartment is somewhat tight in capacity, but in reality it hardly feels limited thanks to the quick release feature that allows for easy emptying. Everything feels well-made with noticeable precision and attention, from the sleek-looking, futuristic overall build to the ridges, grooves, and fasteners that join the different modules.

In the Box

• Shark WandVAC WV201 
• Charger Base
• Add-ons Extensions
• Documents

In the box, you’ll find the vacuum along with a starter guide and a number of accessories, including the charge base that doubles as add-on holder, a crevice/duster extension, and an upholstery tool.

Dimensions

Out of all the handheld vacuums we’ve examined, this vacuum has the most versatile design. Not just because it’s portable and light, but also because it doesn’t feel limited despite its space-saving details. Moreover, the tiny footprint easily stows away, whether it’s your home, office, or car for quick, on-the-go cleanups. 

9.0 Utility Features

One of the best features of the WANDVAC is its multi-functional charging dock. It keeps the vacuum stored upright and securely in place while charging the battery in one smooth motion, all while storing the utility attachments neatly onboard. It also features a sleek LED light right below the power button, which gently pulses in and out to indicate when the unit is charging. 

9.0 Filtration Quality

The vacuum utilizes a two-layer filtration to protect its motor. Unlike most handheld vacuums we’ve seen, here the pre-filter mask is made of stainless steel. It entirely protects the pleated paper filter underneath from tough, sizable debris, only letting through dust and fine residues. The pleated filter in turns holds anything that passes through the stainless steel mask, making sure nothing gets to the motor.

8.5 Build Quality

Most of the construction is of thin, lightweight plastic material and that helps keep the vacuum portable. It does make the whole setup feel less rugged than similarly priced Black+Decker models and lighter plastics can be more prone to scuffs and wear over time, but this featherlight profile makes it remarkably easy to handle, reducing the risk of accidental drops or impacts.

Motor Module

The vacuum features a sleek, streamlined body where the motor housing merges directly with the nozzle. The handle is shaped like a smooth, ergonomic wand (hence the name "WANDVAC") making it remarkably comfortable to hold. Inside, its compact 10.8-volt motor delivers 20 air watts of suction, which is plenty for quick surface messes and light debris. As an added bonus, it runs noticeably quieter than heftier competitors like the Black+Decker Pivot Vac. 

Dirt Compartment

The dust bin is easily one of the most compact we’ve seen on a handheld vacuum. This fits right in with its space-saving philosophy, keeping the body trim from nozzle to handle. While its tiny capacity means you'll need to dump it after just a few quick messes, the spring-loaded quick release lets you empty debris at the press of a button. For more thorough cleaning, the entire bin detaches effortlessly so you can rinse it under the tap.

Nozzle

The WANDVAC includes a duster crevice tool and an upholstery attachment, allowing you to easily adapt the vacuum for different surfaces and tight spaces. Because the nozzle is built directly into the main body, it cannot be detached for washing. Rinsing it under water risks damaging the internal motor, so it's best to wipe it clean with a damp cloth instead.

Filter Module

The filter assembly can be slid out of its slot to remove and rinse with water. It’s situated between the dust cup and the intake airway of the motor. For the best performance, replacing the pleated filter every 6 to 9 months is recommended.

Charging Adaptor

The included charging dock doubles as an organized holder for the vacuum’s accessories. The power adapter supports dual-voltage (120–240V), making it compatible with international outlets if you travel. Additionally, its generous 70-inch cord gives you plenty of reach, while built-in cord management under the base lets you tuck away excess wire for a clean, clutter-free setup. 

Accessories

The vacuum includes two add-ons for different cleaning needs. One is the duster crevice tool which is basically a crevice tool with a built-in duster brush that can be flipped out, saving the needs for two different holding slots on the base. The second one is the upholstery head that allows the vacuums to deal with sofas, office chairs, or cushions more effectively.

8.6 Usability

With its ergonomic grip and lightweight build, the Shark WANDVAC WV201 is remarkably comfortable to handle and arguably the easiest to maneuver of any model we tested. Its sleek, cordless profile glides and maneuvers effortlessly into tight corners and narrow gaps even in tight spaces like your cars or office cubicle.

Maintenance is just as straightforward: the dirt cup and filter module pop off easily and can be rinsed under water. Disposal is equally hassle-free thanks to the quick-release button, which snaps the trapdoor open to drop debris straight into the trash without making a mess.

8.5 Ease of Use

Simply put, the WANDVAC is a reliable, straightforward cleaner that is effortless to use and store. It delivers ample power for daily spot-cleans and comes with practical attachments for tight spaces. Thanks to its ultra-compact footprint, it tucks away neatly anywhere, from a desk or bedroom shelf. While its 9-minute runtime might sound brief, it is more than enough for quick touch-ups and easily stretches across several days of light, intermittent use. 

9.0 Handling

As one of the lightest handheld vacuums on the market, the vacuum is a pleasure to use thanks to its well-balanced weight distribution. While the handle design sticks to a simple approach, its ergonomic grip feels natural in the hand and significantly reduces wrist fatigue during repeated spot-cleaning sessions. 

8.0 Maintenance

You can quickly open up the dirt cup by pressing the quick release button to the side. Here you can swiftly empty out most of the content, then push it back in. Remove the dirt cup by simply switching the fastener to the side when you want to remove and clean it better. The pre-filter and pleated filter pieces separate effortlessly with a simple pull, allowing for a quick and thorough rinse under running water in seconds.

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