Shark is known for its affordable yet powerful upright vacuums. Even the classic $200 models don't have competitors on the market. The Stratos and PowerDetect are premium series with lots of power and some extras.
Shark AZ3002 Stratos vs. POWERDETECT AZ4002
| Specs/Model | AZ3002 Stratos | POWERDETECT AZ4002 |
| Price | $457.99 | $599.95 |
| Specs | ||
| Power (W) | 1,416 | 1,416 |
| Bin capacity (ml) | 1,400 | 1,910 |
| Cord length (inch) | 30 | 30 |
| Weight (lbs) | 17.2 | 17.6 |
| Cleaning mechanics | ||
| Powered Lift-Away | yes | yes |
| Brushroll system | DuoClean PowerFins HairPro | DuoClean Detect |
| Self-cleaning brushroll | yes | yes |
| Filtration | Anti-Allergen Complete Seal | Anti-Allergen Complete Seal |
| LED lights | yes | yes |
| Display | no | no |
| Smart features | ||
| Edge Detect | no | yes |
| Floor Detect | no | yes |
| Dirt Detect | no | yes |
| Direction Detect | no | yes |
| Accessory kit | ||
| Odor Neutralizer Technology Cartridge | yes | yes |
| HairPro Self-cleaning Pet Power Brush | yes | yes |
| Upholstery Tool | yes | no |
| Crevice Tool | yes | no |
| Duster Crevice Tool | no | yes |
| Pet-Multi Tool | no | yes |
The difference:
Both cleaners have the same cleaning mechanics, except for the brushroll technology and smart sensors.
The POWERDETECT automatically adjusts suction on carpets, dirty areas, along the edges, and doesn't lose power on a reverse movement. It also has a bigger dustbin.
Cleaning mechanics
The powered lift-away function cleans above the floors without tiring your hands. Most of the weight is located on the bottom, so even if the PowerDetect is heavier, you won't notice it.
The Shark's famous Duo roller system makes vacuuming much more efficient since one roller is made for picking up things (even large debris), and the second one is designed for deep carpet cleaning.
The DuoClean PowerFins HairPro is a previous generation designed to resist hair tangles, while the DuoClean Detect is equipped with sensors that react to cleaning tasks.
The accessory kit is different; both vacuums come with four items.
Smart features
Both uprights have lots of power for deep carpet cleaning.
Same power, more intelligence
The Shark PowerDetect adjusts suction on carpets, along the walls and edges, or when detecting dirty areas. With the Shark Stratos, you have to switch the mode manually.
DIRECTION DETECT: Shark’s direction Intelli-Sense sensor recognizes which direction you are vacuuming, and automatically directs powerful suction to whatever direction is needed, for maximum cleaning in both forward and reverse.
Stratos
The Shark Stratos is one of the most powerful uprights in the lineup, made for deep carpet cleaning and picking up all kinds of debris.
A classic, powerful vacuum for big homes with lots of carpets that can handle debris and has zero-tangle technology.
A powerful machine ideal for homes with carpets and pet owners
Compared to the PowerDetect, the Stratos upright lacks:
- Smart suction adjustment
- The newest brushroll system
- A large dustbin
- A motorized power brush
The Straros is a cheaper alternative to the PowerDetect.
Shark POWERDETECT
Editor's choice
Upgrades over the Stratos:
- Bigger dustbin
- Smart adjustment on carpets, edges, and dirt
- Doesn't lose suction on a reverse movement
- Has a different brushroll system
The AZ4002 is the smartest model, equipped with all the sensors that adapt suction to the floor type and dirty areas.
The powerful, smart vacuum cleaner for carpets and hard floors with the new brushroll system and sensing technology.
The vacuum is powerful, has a large dust cup, stands on its own, and performs amazingly well on carpets.
Cleaning performance:
- A large cup doesn't require emptying after every cleaning.
- Strong suction suits deep carpet cleaning.
- The dual roller system is ideal for both surface pick up and deep cleaning.
- Powered lift-away allows using motorised tools without losing suction for above-the-floor cleaning.
- Easily reaches under furniture.
- Neutralizes bad odors.
- Lights up the floors.
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 intelligence:
- Boosts suction on dirty areas.
- Recognizes floor types.
- Doesn't lose suction on a reverse movement.
- Adjusts suction along the edges.
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 when vacuuming above the floor.
The Upright POWERDETECT is the best for deep carpet cleaning.
Pross:
- Lots of power for deep carpet cleaning
- Convenient usage with powered lift-away
- Stores lots of dust
Cons:
- You are limited by the cord.
Which one to get?
With its latest brushroll system, smart detection, and ample power, the POWERDETECT is a great buy in 2025.
However, the Stratos has the same power and a lower price tag, so if you don't mind the lack of smart sensors, the Stratos is still a valid upright that doesn't have competitors for its price.
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