Shark offers top-of-the-line cleaning with patented technology and a lightweight design thanks to the Shark Ultra-light Rocket range. These uprights offer the ability to clean both hardwood and carpets, and they’re designed to be sleek yet powerful.
From those hard-to-reach corners to the ceiling, you can clean everything with the right upright from Shark.
We’re going to compare and contrast three main models: Hv301, Hv302 and the Hv322 – all great upright vacuums from Shark.
Shark Hv301, Hv302 and Hv322 Feature Breakdown
The Hv301 and Hv302 are very similar in design, while the Hv302 is slightly different and more “advanced.” The Hv322 is another series of uprights offering advanced features and technology which may be needed, depending on your home and cleaning needs.
Let’s take a look at each model’s features at-a-glance before diving deeper into the power of each model and what we recommend.
Shark Rocket Hv301
The Hv301 is a must-have for both carpets and hard flooring. Shark offers superior features and functionality while also providing:
- A light weight of less than 8 pounds
- Hand vacuum conversion tool
- Dust-away attachment for hard floors
- Washable microfiber pads
- Fingertip controls
- Swivel steering
- Dual storing options
- Carpet deep cleaning
Shark’s Rocket Hv301 is a great upright for the smaller space and offers swivel steering to get into those hard-to-reach places, such as under furniture or in corners. You’ll also find that the fingertip controls allow for an easy transition between flooring.
Microfiber, highly recommended by Wellness Mama as a green alternative, is used as the debris-attracting pad, which can be cleaned and reused.
Pros
- Lightweight design makes it easy to move and use
- Swivel cleaning allows you to get into hard-to-reach corners
- Dual storage options and handheld tool
Cons
- Requires frequent dumping
I’m not even sure this can be considered a “con,” but this upright is so powerful that you’ll need to dump the debris often. It’s recommended that you bring a garbage can with you if you plan on cleaning multiple rooms at once.
A great model for smaller spaces, the Hv301 is a great compromise between power, price and functionality. And it offers some of the best features in an upright.
Shark Rocket Hv302
Shark’s Hv302 is a slight upgrade over the Hv301, but it’s also slightly more expensive – a great tradeoff if you ask me. This model can be used on hard flooring and carpeting, and it’s also rated at under 8 pounds in weight.
Perfect for the quick cleaning job, this model offers:
- Under 8 pounds in weight
- Hand vacuum conversion tool
- Home and car detailing kit
- Fingertip controls
- Swivel steering
- Dust storage options
- Carpet cleaning
- Washable microfiber pads
If you’re looking for the main difference between these two models, you’ll want to change your focus to the home and car detail kit. This kit allows you to detail your car, and if you’re like me, this is a must-have feature.
Car detailing has never been more affordable.
The wide upholstery tool, also featured in the Hv322, helps eliminate the time-intensive cleaning of upholstery, which can be seen on RealSimple.
Both models are a great choice for smaller homes, but when it comes to the little extra detailing that you need, the Hv302 excels.
Pros
- Powerful cleaning with washable microfiber pads
- Home and car detailing kit that makes cleaning a breeze
- Picks up far more dust than a regular vacuum
Cons
- Cord is so long, it often gets tangled
The Hv302’s only major fault (if you can call it that) is that the power cord is so long that it tangles easily. Aside from this minor complaint, this model is a powerful addition to any home. You’ll even be able to clean multiple rooms with relative ease.
Shark Rocket TruePet Hv322
Shark’s TruePet Hv322 is designed for carpet, bare floors and pets. More powerful than the previous models, the Hv322 is slightly heavier at under 9 pounds, and it can also convert to a handheld vacuum to allow for easy corner and ceiling cleaning.
Designed for deep cleaning, this upright features:
- Under 9 pound weight
- Floor-to-ceiling cleaning
- Dust-away floor attachment
- Motorized brush for deep cleaning
- LED lights
- 2X dust cap
- Upholstery tool
- Pet multi tool
The Hv322 is powerful, and while you will have to lift a slightly heavier weight with this model, the advanced features are well worth the sacrifice. This model is the ideal choice for pet owners thanks to the multi-tool and motorized brush.
A true motorized brush allows for deep cleaning on carpets and floors.
There’s also a neat upholstery tool and LED lights, which make it easier to see under furniture and in corners.
Pros
- Motorized brush picks up more hair and debris
- Pet multi tool allows for the best pet cleaning
- LED lights make it easy to see under furniture or in dark spaces
Cons
- Parts get dirty fast and need to be cleaned
The bag-less vacuum requires the parts to be cleaned a little more often, but you’ll also be saving on waste and choosing a vacuum that’s a little more “green.”
Top Functionality Comparison
Lightweight Design and Weights
The Hv322 is the heaviest model on the list, but they’re all rather lightweight and easy to lift. If cleaning a larger space, the Hv322’s slightly heavier weight may weigh on the muscles.
Each model’s weight is:
- Hv301 – 7.6 pounds; 3.01 pounds (handheld)
- Hv302 – 7.6 pounds; 3.01 pounds (handheld)
- Hv322 – 8.6 pounds; 3.25 pounds (handheld)
While the AAOS explains the shoulder pain, there’s one thing missing: soreness or pain from vacuuming. The addition of even one pound puts strain on the shoulders, which can making usage uncomfortable.
If you plan on cleaning the ceiling often, you may want to choose a lightweight model.
Maneuverability and Easy Reach
Swivel function is provided in all three models, and it doesn’t get much easier than this to get into corners or under furniture. The Hv322’s LED lighting makes this model the ideal choice for under-furniture cleaning simply because you’ll be able to see what you’re cleaning.
Overall Cleaning Power and Versatility
Cleaning power is a difficult metric to compare, and each model offers its own benefits. The most power of all three models has to go to the Hv322. This model is designed to help you clean everything – even upholstery.
The motorized brush also gets much deeper into the carpet – a major bonus.
And if you need to clean your upholstery because it’s covered in cat or dog hair, you’ll find that the Hv322 is the right tool for the job.
The second most powerful model is the Hv302 because it offers a detailing tool that can be used in the home or car. Powerful, this detailing tool is a great overall choice despite the Hv301 offering deep carpet cleaning technology.
Situational Cleaning
There are situational cleanings that require just the right vacuum to get the job done. You can probably piece together which models work best based on their names and the features above. But let’s talk about some of the cleaning circumstances we experience most often.
What’s the Best Upright for Upholstery?
The ability to use a hand vacuum is offered with all three models, and they can all be used to some degree for cleaning your upholstery. If you have a lot of hair embedded in your upholstery, you may want to consider the Hv322 or the Hv302.
Why?
The Hv322 is undeniably the most advanced Shark on this list. You’ll find that this model also comes with an upholstery cleaner and a true motorized brush to pull hair out from the upholstery.
If your main concern is your home’s upholstery, there’s only one choice: Hv322.
But the Hv302 also includes the wide upholstery tool. In terms of pure pricing, the Hv302 is often a little more cost effective, while the Hv322 offers the edge in power and deep cleaning.
What’s the Best Upright for Pets?
Again, the Hv322 wins this category because it’s been specifically designed for pets. This model also includes a multi tool that will make cleaning up after pets a breeze. Minor pet hair will be able to be cleaned with all uprights on this list.
The Hv302’s upholstery tool does allow it to be a very adaptable and versatile upright that can clean pet hair with great ease.
What’s the Best Upright for Car Detailing?
Car detailing is a niche feature, but it’s a great option for anyone who has a newer car. The Hv302 comes with a home and car detailing kit, so it’s the clear choice if you have a newer vehicle that needs a little extra love every week.
The home detailing kit is also a major bonus and gets those minor spots that other vacuums miss.
In terms of pure power, the Hv322 is the leader, but every model on the list has its own benefits and works best in different situations.
