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The Shark Rocket series is well-known for its lightweight design, powerful suction, and versatility. But if you’re deciding between the Shark Rocket and the Shark Rocket Pro, you may be wondering which model better suits your needs. In this detailed comparison, we’ll break down their performance, ease of use, and cleaning abilities, giving you a clearer picture of which one stands out for your specific situation. Our Shark Rocket vs Shark Rocket Pro review will help you decide which is right for you.
| Feature | Shark Rocket | Shark Rocket Pro |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Weight | Lightweight | Slightly heavier but portable |
| Suction Power | Standard suction | Enhanced suction for deeper cleaning |
| Brush Roll | Standard, may tangle with hair | Self-cleaning, tangle-free |
| Filtration System | Basic filtration | HEPA filtration, ideal for allergies |
| Pet Hair Cleaning | Fair performance | Excellent, thanks to self-cleaning brush |
| Best For | Everyday cleaning on hard floors and low-pile carpets | Pet owners and homes with deep carpets |
| Allergen Control | Basic dust capture | Advanced HEPA for allergens |
| Price |  | |
Key Takeaways
- Shark Rocket is ideal for users who need a lightweight and simple vacuum for regular home use.
- Shark Rocket Pro offers additional features like better filtration and more powerful suction, making it perfect for homes with pets and multiple floor types.
- Both models have similar designs, but the Shark Rocket Pro includes more advanced features like a self-cleaning brush roll and HEPA filtration.
Design and Build Quality
The design of both the Shark Rocket and Shark Rocket Pro leans heavily into portability and versatility. They both share a similar lightweight frame, making them easy to carry around the house and convenient for overhead cleaning.
- Shark Rocket: This model boasts a more straightforward design that’s easy to maneuver and store. With a relatively compact size, it fits comfortably in small storage spaces.
- Shark Rocket Pro: The Pro version, while still portable, adds a touch of premium build quality. The design includes more ergonomic features, such as improved handles and a streamlined look, giving it an edge in comfort and durability.
Cleaning Performance
When it comes to cleaning capabilities, both vacuums perform well, but they shine in different ways.
- Shark Rocket: This vacuum is perfect for daily cleaning of hard floors and low-pile carpets. It effectively picks up dirt and debris, though it may struggle with deeper carpets or large amounts of pet hair.
- Shark Rocket Pro: The Pro version is equipped with a more powerful motor, which allows it to tackle high-pile carpets, pet hair, and even dust embedded deep in fabric. Its self-cleaning brush roll ensures minimal hair tangling, making it better suited for homes with pets.
Filtration System
Filtration is key when considering a vacuum, especially if you suffer from allergies or have pets. Both models come with different filtration systems designed to meet varying needs.
- Shark Rocket: It features a basic filtration system, which may not capture all allergens or fine dust particles. It works well for general cleaning but might leave behind finer particles.
- Shark Rocket Pro: This model includes an advanced HEPA filtration system, which captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it an excellent option for those with sensitivities. Additionally, the sealed system ensures no dust escapes back into the air.
Hair Test Results
Both the Shark Rocket and Shark Rocket Pro perform well when picking up hair, but their brush roll designs make a significant difference in how effectively they handle pet hair and longer human hair.
- Shark Rocket: The standard brush roll on this model works well on hard floors and carpets, but it has a tendency to get tangled when faced with longer strands of hair. This means you may need to manually clean the brush roll after each use, especially in homes with pets.
- Shark Rocket Pro: Equipped with a self-cleaning brush roll, the Pro version excels in picking up long hair and pet fur without getting tangled. Its design features rubberized fins, which continuously remove hair from the brush roll as it spins, reducing maintenance and making it an ideal choice for pet owners. While not flawless, the self-cleaning feature significantly reduces the need for manual hair removal, making it a standout in this regard.
Attachments and Tools
Both vacuums come with basic but effective attachments, although the Shark Rocket Pro offers more versatility for users with specific cleaning needs.
- Shark Rocket: This model typically includes a crevice tool and a dusting brush, which are suitable for basic cleaning tasks around the house. However, it lacks specialized pet tools or more advanced accessories, limiting its utility for pet owners or those needing more targeted cleaning options.
- Shark Rocket Pro: In addition to the crevice tool and dusting brush, the Pro version includes an upholstery tool and, in some configurations, a pet multi-tool. These attachments make it easier to clean fabric surfaces and pet-related messes, giving the Pro a clear advantage for those with more demanding cleaning needs. The Shark Rocket Pro’s broader array of attachments also enhances its versatility for multi-surface cleaning, including stairs, furniture, and even car interiors.
Weight and Maneuverability
Weight and ease of movement are essential considerations for stick vacuums, especially for users with mobility concerns or those needing to clean large areas frequently.
- Shark Rocket: Weighing around 8 pounds, this model is lightweight and easy to carry around the house. Its slim design makes it highly maneuverable, especially in tight spaces or for overhead cleaning. However, some users report that its weight distribution can be top-heavy, making extended use for overhead cleaning tasks like ceiling corners more tiring on the wrist and arm.
- Shark Rocket Pro: The Pro version, while only slightly heavier at around 9 pounds, is still highly maneuverable but feels more balanced. This weight increase is due to its more powerful motor and larger dust bin. Users will find it easier to control, particularly when navigating around furniture or cleaning multiple surfaces, thanks to its swivel steering.
Corded vs. Cordless
Although both vacuums come in corded models, the Shark Rocket Pro offers a cordless version that provides additional flexibility for users with larger homes or those seeking convenience.
- Shark Rocket (Corded): This vacuum includes a corded design, which ensures constant suction power throughout your cleaning session. The 25-foot cord provides enough length for most rooms but may require re-plugging when moving between larger areas. Some users prefer the consistent power of a corded vacuum, especially when dealing with more demanding tasks like deep carpet cleaning.
- Shark Rocket Pro (Cordless): The cordless version of the Pro model eliminates the need to deal with cords, making it highly portable and convenient for quick cleanups or moving between rooms without stopping. It offers up to 40 minutes of run time, depending on the mode used, and features a removable battery, which can be swapped for extended cleaning sessions. This makes the cordless Pro ideal for homes with larger square footage or multiple floors. However, users will need to monitor the battery life, and it can take a few hours to recharge fully.
Battery Life and Charging Time (For Cordless Models)
The cordless Shark Rocket Pro stands out in terms of mobility, but users must also consider its battery life and charging time when compared to corded alternatives.
- Shark Rocket (Corded): Since this model is corded, you won’t need to worry about the battery running out during cleaning. The trade-off is the inconvenience of managing a power cord, especially in larger spaces or when cleaning multiple rooms.
- Shark Rocket Pro (Cordless): The cordless Pro version has a maximum run time of around 40 minutes on a full charge, which is ideal for quick cleaning sessions. However, in higher suction modes (like carpet mode), the run time can drop to about 20 minutes. Recharging the battery takes around 3.5 hours, and having a removable battery allows users to buy extras if they need extended cleaning sessions. For users looking for ultimate convenience, the cordless option is a great solution, but those requiring longer cleaning times may prefer the corded model.
| Feature | Shark Rocket | Shark Rocket Pro |
|---|---|---|
| | |
| Weight | Lightweight | Slightly heavier but portable |
| Suction Power | Standard suction | Enhanced suction for deeper cleaning |
| Brush Roll | Standard, may tangle with hair | Self-cleaning, tangle-free |
| Filtration System | Basic filtration | HEPA filtration, ideal for allergies |
| Pet Hair Cleaning | Fair performance | Excellent, thanks to self-cleaning brush |
| Best For | Everyday cleaning on hard floors and low-pile carpets | Pet owners and homes with deep carpets |
| Allergen Control | Basic dust capture | Advanced HEPA for allergens |
| Price | | |
Pros and Cons: Shark Rocket vs Shark Rocket Pro
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Effective on hard floors and low-pile carpets
- Affordable
- Slim design makes it easy to store
Cons:
- Struggles with deep carpets and pet hair
- Lacks advanced filtration
Pros and Cons of Shark Rocket Pro
Pros:
- Stronger suction for deep cleaning
- Self-cleaning brush roll for pet hair
- HEPA filtration for better air quality
- Suitable for multiple floor types
Cons:
- Heavier than the standard Shark Rocket
- Slightly more expensive
Major Differences Between Shark Rocket and Shark Rocket Pro
While both models share the same brand and core functionality, there are distinct differences that can influence your buying decision:
- Suction Power: The Shark Rocket Pro has more powerful suction, making it better suited for deep carpet cleaning and handling pet hair.
- Brush Roll: The Pro version includes a self-cleaning brush roll, which is ideal for homes with pets, while the standard Rocket may require manual hair removal.
- Filtration: The Shark Rocket Pro features HEPA filtration, which captures more allergens and dust, making it a better option for allergy sufferers.
- Weight: Although both are lightweight, the Shark Rocket is slightly lighter and easier to carry, especially for those looking for an ultra-portable vacuum.
Recent Developments in the Vacuum Industry
As of September 2024, Shark has been focusing on innovation in vacuum technology, particularly in the area of pet-friendly vacuums and cordless models. The Shark Rocket Pro is part of this wave of new products designed to handle pet hair and allergens with more efficiency. Shark has also recently updated its product lines with improved battery life for cordless models, which is an essential consideration if you’re looking at a cordless vacuum.
Additionally, Shark has been expanding its product lineup to compete with more premium brands, offering features that were previously only available on high-end vacuums.
Top Experts and Entities in the Field
Leading experts in the vacuum industry like Consumer Reports and Good Housekeeping frequently evaluate and rank vacuums based on performance, durability, and ease of use. Consumer Reports praised the Shark Rocket Pro for its powerful suction and HEPA filtration, particularly for allergy sufferers. Meanwhile, Good Housekeeping highlighted the self-cleaning brush roll feature as one of the standout elements for homes with pets.
External sources:
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Authorship: Shark Rocket Pro vs Shark Rocket
This article was written by VacuumsPal, a trusted source in vacuum reviews. Find more in-depth reviews and comparisons at VacuumsPal.