Shark WandVac Handheld Vacuum review

The lowdown on the Shark WandVac Handheld Vacuum

It can be tough to know how to clean up small messes effectively. Wiping up dry spills with cloths can end up making even more of a mess, while getting a full-size vacuum cleaner on the case is overkill. The Shark WandVac Handheld Vacuum is a conveniently compact option for everything from pet hair on the couch to spilled cereal on the counter. 

Shark claims that its WandVac provides exceptional suction power in a compact package. It says it's perfect for quick cleaning due to its lightweight design. It also claims to do a thorough job removing pet hair from furniture. 

To verify these claims, the BestReviews Testing Lab took the Shark WandVac Handheld Vacuum for a spin. 

A newer version of this product exists. Check it out here.

Testing the Shark WandVac Handheld Vacuum

The BestReviews Testing Lab trials products over long periods in real-world conditions. This lets them find any issues that wouldn't come to light with less thorough testing. For this article, the Testing Lab evaluated a range of factors, such as the battery life, responsiveness, noise level, setup and overall quality and performance. 

What is the Shark WandVac Handheld Vacuum?

The WandVac is an exceptionally small and lightweight handheld vacuum. It's slim and weighs just 1.4 pounds, so it's easy to wield. It's cordless and comes with a charging dock and two attachments: one for pet hair and one for crevices. You can buy it in graphite, gold, rose gold or cove blue.

See how it compares to other products in its space — check out our reviews for the best Shark handheld vacuums.

Shark WandVac Handheld Vacuum price and where to buy

It costs $120 to $130 depending on the color and is available at Amazon.

How to use the Shark WandVac Handheld Vacuum 

The Shark WandVac is simple to use. When you receive it, setup is easy. The charging dock arrives in two parts, which you just slot together and plug into the outlet. You can also store the two attachments in the dock. Then you put the vacuum in the dock and wait for it to charge. 

As soon as it's charged, it's ready to use. To activate the suction, you simply press a button. Then, direct it to whatever mess you want to clean up. Once the dirt container is full, it's simple to empty it by flicking a release switch. When you're done vacuuming, replace the WandVac on the dock to keep its battery topped up for when you need it next. 

Shark WandVac Handheld Vacuum benefits

Light and compact

This handheld vacuum is extremely light and small. It weighs 1.4 pounds and measures roughly 16.5 inches long, 2.5 inches wide and 2.5 inches deep. This is significantly smaller and lighter than average handheld vacuum cleaners. You can find some similarly slim models, but it's rare to find any quite as light. 

Ergonomically designed

The ergonomic design makes this hand vac easy and comfortable to hold. It also gives you more control over the vacuum for precise spot cleaning. Not all hand vacuums are equally ergonomic. Some feel less balanced and are less comfortable to hold onto for long periods. 

Useful attachments

The WandVac comes with two attachments: a multisurface pet tool and a duster crevice tool. Both come in handy in a range of conditions. 

The multisurface pet tool is mostly designed for removing pet hair from upholstery, fabrics and carpets. It does an excellent job at this, but you can also use it to quickly vacuum other, non-pet-related messes off upholstery and carpets. 

The duster crevice tool is handy for dusting baseboards and other flat surfaces and for vacuuming in tight spaces. For instance, it can easily fit between couch cushions to vacuum up crumbs and other debris. 

It's not uncommon for hand vacuums to come with attachments, but you won't often find ones that come with specific pet-related tools. 

Includes filtration system

This handheld vacuum comes with an integrated filtration system. The filter traps fine dust and other particles so it doesn't just get blown back into the room through the exhaust. Not all hand vacs have filters, so this is a welcome addition. It's especially good for homes with pets or people with allergies. 

Cordless

You can clean anywhere with the WandVac thanks to its cordless design. This lets you clean up messes even where you don't have access to power outlets, such as in cars or garden sheds. Most hand vacuums available today are cordless, so it isn't unusual, even though it's a useful feature. You can also find a range of other cordless vacuums for cleaning up larger messes and for everyday vacuuming. 

Shark WandVac Handheld Vacuum drawbacks

Small dirt container

The dirt container of this hand vacuum is small. This means you have to empty it frequently. Although this is annoying, it's a tradeoff you need to deal with if you want such a compact vacuum. While you can find hand vacs with larger dustbins, they're bigger and bulkier all over. 

Poor battery life

You can only expect to get around 8 to 10 minutes of runtime from the WandVac. This isn't long, but it's comparable to other vacuums of a similar size and power. However, when you consider that you'll only be using this vacuum for spot cleaning, it doesn't seem too bad. It's unlikely that you'll need to use it for more than 10 continuous minutes. It also comes with a docking station, which is convenient for keeping it fully charged. 

Suction could be better

Although it's equipped for dusting, pet hair and crumbs, it can struggle with larger debris. The suction could be better overall and some similar models offer more impressive suction power. 

Should you get the Shark WandVac Handheld Vacuum?

If you're looking for a slim handheld vacuum for spot cleaning, the Shark WandVac Handheld Vacuum is a robust choice. It's suitable for most small spills and messes, as well as for dusting and cleaning upholstery and car interiors. The pet tool makes it an especially good choice for homes with dogs and cats. 

However, it can fall down on more serious messes and it can't be used as an alternative to a full-size vacuum cleaner.