I’ve always been on the hunt for tools that make cleaning less of a chore, especially when life gets hectic. Enter the Shark WANDVAC and UltraCyclone—two handheld vacuums promising power and convenience in compact packages.
My goal here is to unpack their features, weigh their strengths and weaknesses, and help you decide which one fits your needs. Whether you’re tackling pet hair or quick spills, I’ve tested these devices in real-world scenarios to give you the full scoop.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Shark WANDVAC | Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs | 2.8 lbs |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.08 quarts | 0.45 quarts |
| Battery Life | ~9 minutes | ~12 minutes |
| Charging Time | ~2.5 hours | ~2.75 hours |
| Attachments | Crevice tool, upholstery tool | Pet Power Brush, crevice tool, dusting brush |
| Filter Type | Washable fabric filter | Washable HEPA filter |
| Suction Power | Moderate | Strong |
| Price (Approx.) | $100–$130 | $80–$100 |
| Best For | Quick cleanups, small spaces | Pet hair, larger messes |
My Journey With Handheld Vacuums
Let me set the scene: a toddler spilling cereal, a dog shedding like it’s a full-time job, and a car interior that looks like a snack graveyard. I needed a vacuum that could keep up without dragging out a bulky upright.
Handheld vacuums seemed like the answer, and Shark’s WANDVAC and UltraCyclone caught my eye for their sleek designs and bold claims. I decided to put them through their paces in my home and car, testing everything from suction to storage. Here’s what I found.
- Unboxing The Shark WANDVAC
Opening the WANDVAC box felt like unwrapping a futuristic gadget.
At just 1.4 pounds, it’s so light I could hold it one-handed while chasing my kid.
The slate-gray finish gave it a stylish edge, almost like it belonged in a sci-fi movie.
It comes with a charging dock, a crevice tool, and an upholstery tool with a flip-out bristle brush for delicate surfaces. The dust cup is tiny—0.08 quarts—but the CleanTouch dirt ejector promised hassle-free emptying. I charged it up, eager to see if this featherweight could punch above its class.
- Unboxing The Shark UltraCyclone
The UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ arrived with a bit more heft, weighing 2.8 pounds. It’s still portable, but you feel the difference holding it longer. The black-and-gold design screamed durability, and the box revealed a Pet Power Brush with a self-cleaning brushroll, a crevice tool, and a dusting brush.
Its 0.45-quart dust cup looked massive compared to the WANDVAC’s, and the HEPA filter hinted at better allergen control. After a quick charge, I was ready to tackle my dog’s fur-covered couch.
Key Features of The Shark WANDVAC
The WANDVAC is built for speed and simplicity.
Its brushless high-speed motor delivers decent suction for its size, making it ideal for small messes like crumbs or dust.
The crevice tool extends your reach into tight spots—think car seats or window tracks.
The upholstery tool’s bristle brush handled my curtains without snagging, which I appreciated.
The charging dock doubles as a storage unit, keeping everything tidy.
Its washable filter means no ongoing costs, and the lightweight design makes it a breeze to carry around.
Key Features of The Shark UltraCyclone
The UltraCyclone is a beast for pet owners. Its dual cyclonic air streams boost suction, and the Pet Power Brush is a game-changer—it grabs hair without tangling, thanks to the self-cleaning brushroll.
The larger dust cup means fewer trips to the trash, and the HEPA filter traps fine particles, a plus for allergy sufferers. The crevice tool and dusting brush add versatility, letting you switch from car interiors to shelves.
At 2.8 pounds, it’s heavier but feels sturdy, built for tougher jobs.
- Testing The WANDVAC in Action
I started with the WANDVAC in my kitchen, where cereal bits littered the floor. It sucked up the mess in seconds, though I had to empty the dust cup after one go—annoying but quick with the CleanTouch system.
Next, I hit my car’s floor mats, covered in dirt and pet hair. The crevice tool got into crevices, but stubborn hair needed multiple passes. On my couch, the upholstery tool lifted light dust well, but deeper pet hair clung tight. Battery life clocked in at about nine minutes, fine for quick tasks but limiting for bigger jobs.
- Testing The UltraCyclone in Action
The UltraCyclone faced the same gauntlet, starting with my dog’s favorite couch spot. The Pet Power Brush devoured hair in one pass, leaving no stragglers—a huge win. In the car, it powered through gravel and crumbs, and the larger dust cup handled multiple areas without needing a dump.
The HEPA filter kept dust from puffing back out, which I noticed less with the WANDVAC. Battery life stretched to around 12 minutes, giving me more flexibility. The dusting brush cleaned my bookshelves gently, though the weight made my arm tire after a bit.
- Pros of The Shark WANDVAC
The WANDVAC’s biggest strength is its portability.
At 1.4 pounds, I barely felt it in my hand, perfect for quick grabs during chaos.
Its sleek design fits small spaces—I tucked it into a drawer effortlessly.
The charging dock is a lifesaver, keeping it ready without cluttering my counter.
No recurring filter costs is a budget-friendly perk, and the upholstery tool’s bristle brush tackled delicate surfaces like my lampshades with ease.
For small apartments or spot-cleaning, it’s a reliable sidekick.
- Cons of The Shark WANDVAC
But it’s not perfect. The tiny dust cup filled up fast—sometimes mid-task, which broke my flow. Battery life is short, around nine minutes, so forget about cleaning your whole car in one go. Suction is solid for light debris but struggles with embedded hair or heavier messes like sand.
The lack of a motorized brushroll limits its pet-hair prowess, and I wished for more attachments to boost versatility. If you’ve got pets or big spills, it might leave you wanting.
- Pros of The Shark UltraCyclone
The UltraCyclone shines for tougher jobs. Its suction power impressed me, pulling up everything from pet hair to small pebbles. The Pet Power Brush is a standout, clearing fur without clogging, and the self-cleaning brushroll saved me from messy maintenance.
The 0.45-quart dust cup let me clean longer before emptying, and the HEPA filter kept the air cleaner—a noticeable difference. With 12 minutes of runtime, I had enough juice for most tasks, and the extra attachments made it adaptable to various surfaces.
- Cons of The Shark UltraCyclone
On the flip side, the UltraCyclone’s 2.8 pounds felt heavy after extended use, especially overhead. It’s bulkier, so storage isn’t as seamless—my closet shelf was a tight fit. While the HEPA filter is great, it’s pricier to replace if damaged.
I also noticed it’s louder than the WANDVAC, which startled my dog during use. The lack of adjustable suction meant it was sometimes overkill for delicate tasks, like cleaning my keyboard. For small spaces, it’s less convenient than its lighter rival.
How They Stack Up Head-to-Head?
Comparing these two is like choosing between a sprinter and a marathon runner.
The WANDVAC is fast and nimble, ideal for quick cleanups in tight spaces.
I loved grabbing it for countertop spills or car seats without breaking a sweat.
But its small dust cup and short battery life frustrated me during bigger tasks.
The UltraCyclone, meanwhile, is a workhorse. It powered through pet hair and larger debris, and the longer runtime gave me confidence for whole-room cleanups.
Yet, its weight and noise were drawbacks in smaller, quieter settings.
Suction-wise, the UltraCyclone takes the crown. I tested both on a rug with ground-in dirt, and the UltraCyclone lifted more with fewer passes. The WANDVAC’s crevice tool matched the UltraCyclone’s for tight spots, but the latter’s Pet Power Brush outshined it for upholstery.
Dust cup capacity is a no-brainer—the UltraCyclone’s 0.45 quarts dwarfed the WANDVAC’s 0.08, meaning less downtime. Battery life leans toward the UltraCyclone too, though neither lasts long enough for deep cleans.
Real-World Scenarios: Which One Wins?
Picture this: you spill coffee grounds on your counter. The WANDVAC’s lightweight design lets you grab it, suck up the mess, and stow it away in seconds. Now imagine your dog sheds a fur-tornado on your couch.
The UltraCyclone’s Pet Power Brush tackles it without hesitation, leaving the WANDVAC scrambling to keep up. For car cleaning, both shine—the WANDVAC for quick touch-ups, the UltraCyclone for thorough detailing.
In a small apartment, the WANDVAC’s storage ease wins; in a pet-filled home, the UltraCyclone’s power rules.
- Maintenance and Longevity
Maintaining these vacuums is straightforward. The WANDVAC’s washable filter pops out easily, and I rinsed it under the tap with no fuss. The dust cup’s CleanTouch system kept my hands clean, though I emptied it often.
The UltraCyclone’s HEPA filter is also washable, but I was careful not to damage it, as replacements aren’t cheap. Its larger dust cup was a breeze to empty, and the self-cleaning brushroll meant no hair-pulling sessions.
Both feel durable, with Shark’s two-year warranty adding peace of mind.
- Price and Value for Money
Price tags matter. The WANDVAC typically runs $100–$130, while the UltraCyclone is slightly cheaper at $80–$100. For the WANDVAC, you’re paying for portability and style, but the limited runtime and dust capacity make it feel steep for some.
The UltraCyclone offers more bang for your buck—stronger suction, better attachments, and a larger dust cup make it a steal for pet owners or heavier users. If budget’s tight, the UltraCyclone stretches further; if convenience is king, the WANDVAC justifies its cost.
My Personal Take: Which One’s for Me?
After weeks of testing, I lean toward the UltraCyclone. My dog’s shedding habits demand the Pet Power Brush and larger dust cup, and the extra runtime handles my car’s chaos.
But I can’t deny the WANDVAC’s charm—its featherlight build and sleek dock suit my small kitchen perfectly. If I lived in a pet-free studio, the WANDVAC would be my go-to.
Your choice depends on your lifestyle: light messes and tight spaces scream WANDVAC; pets and bigger jobs call for the UltraCyclone.
Tips For Getting the Most Out of Your Vacuum
Whichever you pick, a few tricks maximize performance. Empty the dust cup after every use—trust me, it prevents clogs. Rinse filters monthly to keep suction strong, and let them dry fully before reinserting.
For the WANDVAC, use the crevice tool for precision; for the UltraCyclone, lean on the Pet Power Brush for upholstery. Store them charged to avoid mid-clean letdowns. And don’t overfill—both perform best when the dust cup’s got breathing room.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, especially for pet owners or those tackling larger messes, thanks to its strong suction and Pet Power Brush.
The UltraCyclone Pet Pro+ often tops handheld rankings for its power and versatility, but ratings vary by need.
About nine minutes per charge, best for quick cleanups, with a two-year warranty for durability.
The UltraCyclone outperforms the WANDVAC in suction, making it the stronger choice for tough debris.
Wrapping It Up: Your Call To Make
I’ve thrown both the Shark WANDVAC and UltraCyclone into the ring, and they’ve each shown their strengths. The WANDVAC’s your buddy for fast, light cleanups—perfect if you’re dodging crumbs in a small space.
The UltraCyclone’s your heavy-hitter, ready to battle pet hair and bigger messes with ease. You’ve got to weigh what matters most: portability or power? Quick grabs or thorough cleans? I’ve laid out the pros, cons, and real-world tests to guide you.
Now it’s your turn—pick the one that fits your life and start tackling those messes with confidence.