Shark PowerDetect Speed Review: Lighter, Cheaper Cordless Vacuum Takes Top Pick

The Shark PowerDetect Speed, a new cordless vacuum from Shark, has been reviewed by WIRED and is now the top pick for best cordless vacuum. It is lighter, slimmer, and cheaper than the original PowerDetect, and offers an optional base station that self-empties and charges. In testing, the PowerDetect Speed scored 15 out of 20, outperforming several Dyson models including the Dyson V10 Konical, V15 Detect, and V8 Cyclone, but trailing the pricier Dyson Gen5Detect and Dyson V16 Piston Animal. It excelled in sand and Cheerios tests on rugs, and performed well on thick carpets, though it required more passes on hard floors compared to some Dysons. The vacuum features a 350-watt motor, a bendable wand, and a head that senses floor type and dirt level to adjust speed. The Clean & Empty version includes a base station with self-emptying, charging, and built-in lights (blue laser for hard floors, headlight for carpets), and comes in five colors, while the standard version is available in one color. The PowerDetect Speed is priced around $500 or less, with the Clean & Empty version currently on sale for $400, and the vacuum alone seen as low as $280. The review notes minor differences from the original PowerDetect, such as slightly less power, shorter run time, smaller dust cap, and lack of edge detection, but overall recommends the Speed for its performance and value.