Cordless Vacuums

Shark IP3251

#1 · Best Overall
7.7 /10 Our score
Lowest verified price $349.99 Amazon
Our verdict
The best all-round choice for pet owners with mixed floors. It is not the lab leader on every test, but its carpet results, dock and warranty add up to the strongest overall package at a price well below the premium Dysons.

Pros

  • Best high-pile pet hair result in TechGearLab's test
  • Auto-empty dock with HEPA filtration
  • Detachable battery
  • 5-year limited warranty
  • Excellent emitted air quality in TechGearLab testing

Cons

  • Hair and fur wrap around the rollers
  • Front bumper limits head-on edge cleaning
  • Motorized upholstery tool sold separately
  • Charge time is about 4.7 hours

Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial rankings.

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Last reviewed October 25, 2026
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Review

What to know about Shark IP3251

Shark's dual-brushroll PowerDetect stick with a MultiFlex wand and an auto-empty base. In TechGearLab's 20-model test it posted the best high-pile pet hair result (74%) and 84% on low pile. It's for pet owners with rugs who want hands-free emptying.
Editorial notes

Why it stands out

Why we like it

In TechGearLab's 20-model test, the IP3251 posted the best high-pile pet hair result at 74% and 84% on low pile. That makes it a good fit for homes with rugs and carpet as well as hard floors.

The auto-empty dock is the other draw. Shark says it holds up to 45 days of debris, so you rarely touch the fur. TechGearLab rated its emitted air quality Excellent, the battery is detachable, and the warranty is five years.

What to know

Skip it if you have long-haired pets and hate cutting hair off rollers, or want the lowest price. Fur still wraps the rollers.
Performance

Score breakdown

Pet hair pickup

Measured removal of embedded pet hair from low- and high-pile carpet, rugs and upholstery in independent tests (TechGearLab %, RTINGS scores, TechRadar and CNN hands-on tests).

8.5
Best high-pile result (74%) and 84% low pile in TechGearLab testing; RTINGS gives the IP1251 sibling 7.5
Hair-tangle resistance

How well the brushroll avoids hair wrap in testing, plus how easy it is to clear (removable or tool-free brushroll).

6.0
TechGearLab: hair and fur wrap around the rollers
Versatility & pet tools

Hard-floor and edge cleaning, upholstery/stair tools (motorized pet tool or hair screw), and handheld conversion.

7.0
MultiFlex wand, but the motorized pet tool costs extra and the bumper limits edge cleaning
Battery & runtime

Tested runtime at max and low power, swappable battery, and charge time.

7.0
47 min low / 12 min max in testing, detachable battery, slow 4.7 h charge
Ease of use & maintenance

Handheld weight, balance, bin size and hygienic emptying (auto-empty docks), and how often filters need washing.

8.5
Dock holds up to 45 days of debris; 3.9 lb handheld
Filtration, safety & repairability

Sealed or HEPA filtration that keeps dander and fine dust in, battery safety and recall history, availability of genuine batteries and parts, and warranty length.

8.5
Post-motor HEPA, 'Excellent' emissions per TechGearLab, 5-year warranty, no cordless recalls
Value

Pet-hair performance per dollar at typical street price.

7.5
$549 from Amazon, dock included
Specifications

Shark IP3251 specs

Tested performance

Pet hair removed, low-pile carpet (TechGearLab test)
84 %
Pet hair removed, high-pile carpet (TechGearLab test)
74 %

Battery

Runtime at max power (TechGearLab)
12 min
Claimed max runtime (eco mode)
70 min
Swappable/click-in battery
Yes

Design

Handheld unit weight (TechGearLab measured)
3.9 lbs
Dustbin capacity
0.7 L

Pet features

Anti-tangle/de-tangling floorhead (claimed)
Yes
Auto-empty dock included
Yes

Health & materials

HEPA filtration (manufacturer claim)
Yes
Manufacturer warranty
5 years
Shopping

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Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. This does not affect our editorial rankings.

Prices and availability may change. The retailer's price and availability at checkout govern the transaction.

RetailerPriceAvailability
AmazonLowest $349.99 $549.99 In Stock View deal
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Lowest verified price $349.99
30-day low $349.99
90-day average $482.66
90-day low $349.99

Based on 3 retailer price observations captured during the last 90 days.

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