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Shark PowerDetect Lineup Compared

Updated: Nov 09, 2025

The Shark PowerDetect is the newest premium lineup. The series uses Shark's famous DuoClean, which is two brushrolls, one for deep carpet cleaning and the other for picking up even the smallest particles on hard floors. The upgraded DuoClean technology is equipped with sensors that identify cleaning tasks, adjusting power for better performance.

The PowerDetect lineup is one of the smartest series 

Shark PowerDetect Lineup

Specs/Models PowerDetect Upright PowerDetect Auto-empty PowerDetect Cordless PowerDetect Corded
Price $599.95 $399.95 $299.99 $199.95
Specs
Model number AZ4002   IP3253 IP1255 HZ4002
Digital motor power (Max) 1,416 watts 380 watts 380 watts 600 watts
Bin capacity 1,910 ml 700 ml 700 ml N/A
Run time - 70 min 70 min -
Weight 17.6 lbs 7.96 lbs 7.96 lbs 9.3 lbs
Cleaning Mechanics
Storage Folded Charging Base Folded Self-Stand
Multiflex Technology yes yes yes no
Powered Lift-away yes no no no
Self-Emptying Feature no yes no no
Brush Type DuoClean Detect DuoClean Detect DuoClean Detect DuoClean Detect
Headlights yes yes yes yes
Self-Cleaning Brushroll yes yes yes yes
Filtration
HEPA + Anti-Allergen Complete Seal yes yes yes yes
Odor Neutralizer yes yes no yes
Smart Features
Display no no no no
Edge Sence yes yes yes no
Floor Sense yes yes yes yes
Dirt Sense yes yes yes no
Direction Sense yes yes yes yes

The PowerDetect lineup shares:

  • DuoClean Detect brushroll system
  • PowerDetect intelligence: senses dirt, floor type, edge, and direction
  • Multiflex technology

Shark's Multiflex technology folds the vacuum, which helps to reach areas under furniture and minimize storage.

What is PowerDetect Intelligence?

The vacuum features a few sensors that react to the cleaning situation, adjusting power due to it.

The POWERDETECT technology adapts power settings on dirt, floor type, edges, and direction

DIRECTION DETECT: automatically directs powerful suction to whatever direction is needed, for both forward and reverse.


Because of lots of power and a large dustbin, the upright is the heaviest, with most of the weight located on the bottom, so it doesn't tire your hand as much.

Best uprights compared: Shark POWERDETECT vs. Detect Pro

The vacuum is powerful, has a large dust cup, stands on its own, and performs amazingly well on carpets.

Powered Lift-Away allows cleaning above-the-floors without losing suction

With a powered lift-away, it is much more convenient to use the cleaner compared to the corded and cordless models.

The most powerful. For carpets and hard floors

While the cordless modification has the mobility the corded cleaners lack, with the upright, it doesn't tire your arm to vacuum above the floor.

The Upright POWERDETECT is the best for deep carpet cleaning.

Auto-Empty Cordless

The cordless vacuum has enough power to vacuum hard floors, and the PowerDetect can do deep carpet cleaning. You have the mobility of a cordless device, but are limited by its battery life and power.

The PowerDetect IP3251 makes the cleaning experience smooth because of the auto-empty station.

No emptying for up to 45 days

It is one of the few cordless cleaners with a self-emptying base on the market so far.

Cordless

Cordless edition: Shark PowerDetect232 vs. Detect Pro

It is the same cordless vacuum without a self-emptying station.

The vacuum lacks odor-neutralizer cartridges. However, a long-lasting battery covers a large area, which makes the IP1251 ideal for big homes.

PowerDetect Intelligence

Detects hidden dirt, edges, floor type, and cleaning direction

Corded

The corded PowerDetect has more power and works for as long as you need. It is the cheapest and lacks dirt and edge detection, which might be a bummer to someone, but the cleaner is a great choice for the price.

The Shark's corded vacuum is a cheaper alternative to the cordless model. It is not as powerful as the upright, so it is something in between the four. An affordable option for those who need power and smart functions in one device.

If you need more power, the Upright Shark is a better buy since it is easier to use for above-the-floor cleaning and stores more dust, even tho has a higher price tag.

Compared to the cordless version, this one has more power yet lacks dirt detection and multiflex.


To sum up

For deep carpet cleaning, take a look at the upright Shark POWERDETECT AZ4002. It might be a bit more expensive compared to other upright models; however, the AZ4002 features smart extras that the others don't.

A new cleaning experience with a self-emptying base gives the Shark PowerDetect IP3251. The Shark PowerDetect IP1251 is cheaper. It is the same IP3251 without a self-emptying base.

Compared to the cordless vacuum, the corded Shark POWERDETECT HZ4002 has more power, yet lacks the cordless advantages and doesn't bend to clean under furniture.


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