Shark Stratos MultiFLEX Cordless Stick Vacuum

Should you buy the Shark Stratos MultiFLEX Cordless Stick Vacuum?

The Shark Stratos MultiFLEX Cordless Stick Vacuum is for the household that wants a premium cordless with the widest safety net in the category. Shark backs it with a warranty that scores 88, its bendable wand gets under couches and lets the vacuum stand upright on its own, and the Clean Sense IQ system adjusts suction automatically. At $399.99 it splits the difference between the Dreame Z30 and the Dyson V8. Runtime is the trade-off.

Where it earns its score

• Warranty leads the card at 88. Tied with Features, and the highest Warranty score of any stick vacuum we rank.
• MultiFLEX wand. Bends to reach under furniture without you crouching, then folds so the vacuum stands on its own for storage.
• Clean Sense IQ. Auto-adjusts suction based on debris, so you spend less time on power buttons.
• Odor neutralizer and sealed HEPA. A cartridge in the floor nozzle tackles pet smells, and the anti-allergen seal keeps fine dust inside.

What to know first

• Runtime depends on mode. Shark rates it at up to 60 minutes on the lowest setting, matching the Dyson V15 but well behind the Dreame Z30's 90, and boost mode drains it much faster.
• Priced against strong rivals. The Dreame Z30 offers more suction for $100 more, and the Dyson V8 is $200 less.
• Satisfaction of 82. Solid but not the highest here; some owners find it heavier than expected.
• Odor cartridges are consumable. Replacements are an ongoing cost.

Questions buyers ask