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Shark Uprights Buying Guide 2026

Updated: Dec 17, 2025

The Shark upright vacuums are the most powerful in the lineup. Those are designed for vacuuming carpets. Unlike the cordless alternative, these are heavier and ideal for all types of surfaces.

Powerful uprights [Shark] compared

Specs/Models AZ4002 POWERDETECT Stratos AZ3002 AZ2002 Vertex ZU102 Rotator Pet
Price $599.95 $457.99 $398.99 $249.99
Specs
Power (W) 1,416 1,416 1,344 1,150
Bin capacity (ml) 1,910 1,400 950 2,900
Cord length (ft) 30 30 30 30
Anti-Allergen complete seal yes yes yes yes
LED lights yes yes yes yes
Cleaning mechanics
Powered Lift-Away yes yes yes yes
Brushroll technology DuoClean Detect DuoClean PowerFins HairPro DuoClean PowerFins PowerFins HairPro
Self-cleaning brushroll yes yes yes yes
Smart Features
Dirt Detect yes no no no
Floor Detect yes no no no
Edge Detect yes no no no
Direction Detect yes no no no
Odor Neutralizer yes yes no yes
         
Accessory kit & Weight
In the box
  • duster crevice tool
  • pet multi-tool
  • hairpro self-cleaning pet power brush
  • upholstery tool
  • hairpro self-cleaning pet power brush
  • crevice tool
  • dusting brush
  • crevice tool
  • self-cleaning pet power brush
  • pet multi-tool
  • crevice tool
Weight (lbs) 17.5 16.7 16.4 15.18

Powered Lift-Away

A function that helps to clean above the floor without tiring your hands.

Puts the most weight on the floor without tiring your arm

Compared to the cordless cleaners that contain more weight at the top part, the uprights locate it at the bottom.


The Stratos AZ3002 has the same power as the POWERDETECT, yet lacks intelligent suction adjustment and has the smallest price tag.

The ZU102 Rotator Pet lacks power; however, it comes with the largest dust cup in the industry.

The best overall

The Shark POWERDETECT AZ4002 has advanced cleaning rollers and is a pro at dealing with long hair. 

Smart suction adjust:

  • On different floor types
  • On messy areas
  • Along the edges
  • On reverse movement

The latest bruishroll system has sensors that react to different cleaning environments.

To date, the Shark POWERDETECT AZ4002 is the best vacuum cleaner in the lineup
 

The balance

AZ2002 Vertex DuoClean vs. AZ2001AMZ Vertex

The two have the same specifications, except that the AZ2002 includes a self-cleaning motorized tool.

Compared to others, the Vertex lacks smart features and odor-neutralizer technologies.

The Vertex is something between the performance and the largest dustbin.

The Shark Vertex AZ2002 is an ideal balance between power and performance, and the price

Sum up

Editor's choice: Shark POWERDETECT AZ4002

The most powerful and smart upright to buy in 2026.


Shark's Detect Upright Vacuums Specs

The Detect is a lineup with intelligent suction adjustment, but lacks the POWERDETECT and Vertex power.

Specs LA492 Detect LA742 Detect Pro LA802 Detect Pro
Price $379.99 $299.99 $279.97
Specs
Dust capacity (quarts/ml) 0.74 / 700 0.74 / 700 0.79 / 757
Wattage 960 960 960
Cord length (ft) 30 30 30
Product weight (lbs/kg) 13.2 / 5.98 13.2 / 5.98 14.99 / 6.7
Cleaning mechanics
Anti-Allergen Complete Seal yes yes yes
Filter type HEPA + Foam Filters HEPA + Foam Filters HEPA + Foam Filters
Brushroll technology PowerFins Detect DuoClean Detect DuoClean Detect
Self-Cleaning Brushroll yes yes yes
Lift-Away yes yes yes
LED yes yes yes
Smart features
Floor Detect yes yes yes
Direction Detect yes yes yes
Edge Detect no yes yes
Dirt Detect no yes yes
Package
Crevice Tool yes yes yes
Dust Brush yes no yes
Pet-Multi Tool yes no yes
Upholstery Tool no yes no
Odor Neutralizer yes yes yes

The Detect Pro is more intelligent. Except for a lack of additional accessories, there are no other differences.

LA492 Detect vs. LA742 Detect Pro:

The Detect Pro additionally boosts suction on a reverse movement and along the edges.

With the minor price difference, the editor's recommendation between the two is the LA742 Detect Pro.

The best balance of smart and performance

Has one of the latest brushroll systems that resists hair tangles & does a perfect job on both carpet and hard floor.

Performance & smart features:

  • Adjusts suction on carpet, dirty areas, and along the edges.
  • Doesn't lose suction on a reverse movement.
  • Neutralizes odors.
  • Includes a pet multi-tool for upholstery cleaning.

A cheaper alternative to the best PowerDetect.

The Detect Pro LA802 and Detect Pro LA742 have the same specs and cleaning mechanics. The only difference between the two is an extra multi-tool that the LA802 includes.


Summing up

The Shark Detect Pro LA802 includes more accessories

If you don't need a tool that cleans upholstery and the price difference is huge, get the Detect Pro LA742.


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