The Shark Rocket Corded is an entry-level corded stick vacuum. Compared to pricier models like the Shark APEX UpLight or newer alternatives like the Shark Stratos UltraLight, it's pretty bare-bones in overall design, with relatively few convenience features, a fairly rudimentary single-roller floorhead, and a somewhat cheap-feeling plastic construction. That said, it's highly affordable and very maneuverable.
Our Verdict
The Shark Rocket performs satisfactorily on bare floors. It does a decent job of cleaning most kinds of debris, though it might struggle slightly with larger ones. It's reasonably easy to maintain and has few recurring costs, which is nice. Unfortunately, it has sub-par build quality, with plastic elements that feel a little fragile.
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Good maneuverability.
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Virtually no recurring costs.
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Mediocre build quality.
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Struggles with larger debris.
The Shark Rocket is okay for low-pile carpet use. It does a poor job of tackling pet hair as well as fine and large debris. Moreover, smaller material can easily get caught in its floorhead's wheels, making it difficult to roll around smoothly. On the upside, its overall maneuverability is good, and the vacuum has few recurring costs.
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Good maneuverability.
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Virtually no recurring costs.
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Mediocre build quality.
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Struggles with some debris.
The Shark Rocket is not bad for use on high-pile carpets. It has a dedicated setting for high-pile carpets, though this doesn't change its height, so it can still get stuck on plusher rugs. It also struggles to suck up some particles on this surface. That said, it's still reasonably easy to maintain and doesn't have many recurring costs.
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Good maneuverability.
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Virtually no recurring costs.
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Dedicated high-pile setting.
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Mediocre build quality.
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Struggles with some debris.
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No brushroll height adjustment.
The Shark Rocket is okay for handling pet hair. It does an alright job of sucking up pet hair on low-pile carpets, but it leaves some pet hair around the two brush roll guards. It does a better job on bare floors, though. There's an indicator light to warn you when your brush head becomes clogged, which can be handy when you have a heavily shedding pet. However, there's no pet grooming brush or a HEPA filter to seal in allergens.
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Virtually no recurring costs.
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Mediocre build quality.
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No HEPA filter.
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Pet hair can get missed around the two brushroll guards.
The Shark Rocket is decent for use on stairs. It's portable, and you can quickly reconfigure it as a handheld vacuum. It also has good performance on bare floors, which is great if you have hardwood stairs. Unfortunately, its power cord is somewhat short, making it challenging to clean taller staircases.
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Can configure it into handheld vacuum.
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Limited cord range.
The Shark Rocket is okay for cleaning cars. The HV302 variant comes with a Home & Car Detail kit to clean tight spots; you can also use it as a handheld vacuum by detaching the extension wand. Unfortunately, it has sub-par performance on low-pile carpets, as it can miss some debris of various sizes. Also, its power cord is short, so you'll probably need an extension cord to reach every part of your car's interior.
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Can configure it into handheld vacuum.
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Limited cord range.
The Shark Rocket is poor for workshop cleaning, though that isn't its intended use. It can't deal with liquid spills, and heavy-duty debris like wood or metal shavings could damage its internals.
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Mediocre build quality.
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Can't use it for liquid spills.
- 7.2 Bare Floor
- 6.6 Low-Pile Carpet
- 6.0 High-Pile Carpet
- 6.6 Pets
- 7.1 Stairs
- 6.6 Cars
- 3.9 Workshop
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Updated Oct 28, 2024:
We've added text to this review for the new tests added in Test Bench 1.3.
- Updated Jun 12, 2024: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3. We've overhauled our floor performance tests and added new 'Hard Floor Pick-Up,' 'High-Pile Carpet Pick-Up,' 'Low-Pile Carpet Pick-Up,' and 'Pet-Hair Pick-Up' tests. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Feb 26, 2024: We've made minor in-text adjustments to further clarify product details.
- Updated Dec 18, 2023: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in Test Bench 1.2.
- Updated Nov 07, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update builds on our previous 'Suction' test with a new 'Airflow' test that more accurately measures a vacuum's ability to generate air movement. If you'd like to see an in-depth look at the reasoning and methodology behind this change, you can see our full changelog here..
- Updated May 29, 2023: Added link to the Shark Pet/Rocket Pro Cordless in the 'Range' section to provide a similarly-performing cordless alternative.
- Updated Feb 20, 2023: We've updated the text in the review to account for the new tests and scoring methodology in Vacuum Test Bench 1.0 and Vacuum Test Bench 1.1. We've also changed the product name to Shark Rocket Corded in order for the review to encompass all model variants.
- Updated Feb 10, 2023: Added a link to the Shark Stratos UltraLight in the 'Range' section to provide an alternative with a longer power cord.
- Updated Nov 08, 2022: This vacuum's suction force has been retested with a more accurate manometer. The test results for the 'Maximum Suction' and 'Normal Suction' fields have been updated. All relevant scores and text have been updated.
- Updated Aug 03, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
- Updated Mar 31, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Jul 06, 2020: Updated the scoring for build quality.
- Updated Jul 06, 2020: Review published.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Shark Rocket Corded, sometimes referred to as the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light, is available in a few different models.
| Model Number | Color | Included Brushes and Tools | Notes |
| HV300/HV300C | Blue | Wide upholstery tool, crevice tool, soft-bristle dusting brush | HV300C is the Canadian designation for this model |
| HV301 | Orange | Upholstery tool/Hard bristle brush, crevice tool | |
| HV302 | Orange | Upholstery tool/Hard bristle brush, crevice tool, Home & Car Detail Kit | |
| CS110/CS110GN | Red, Green | Crevice tool | CS110GN is exclusive to Amazon |
Let us know in the discussions if you encounter another variant of this vacuum.
Compared To Other Vacuums
The Shark Rocket Corded is a corded stick/handheld vacuum. It has a lightweight, easy-to-use design and has excellent performance on bare floors. However, its build quality is unimpressive compared to the other vacuums in Shark's lineup, especially newer models like the Shark Stratos UltraLight, and is lacking in terms of convenience features.
If you're shopping for an alternative, take a look at our list of recommendations for the best corded vacuums, the best bagless vacuums, and the best vacuums for tile floors.
The Dyson V11 is a better overall vacuum than the Shark Rocket Corded. The Dyson stores easier, has a bigger dirt compartment, and is cordless, so you can go anywhere with it. It can also adjust its power level to better suit the mess, and it comes with several tools that help to clean more specific objects like blinds, which is nice. On the other hand, the Shark is corded, so you never have to worry about running out of battery life or recharging it.
The Shark APEX Upright is a better performing vacuum than the Shark Rocket Corded. The APEX Upright feels slightly better built, it has a bigger dirt compartment, and it comes with a turbo brush for helping you clean fabric-covered furniture. It cleans a mix of surfaces in a more efficient way than the Rocket. On the other hand, the Rocket Corded weighs less, it's easier to maintain, and it has fewer recurring costs. However, its cable is a little bit shorter than the APEX Upright.
Both the Shark Rocket Pet Pro and Shark Rocket Corded vacuums have advantages; one may suit you better than the other, depending on your needs. The Pet Pro is a cordless stick vacuum that allows you to clean far away from any electrical outlets. It's also better built, easier to store, and more maneuverable, and it delivers slightly better performance on all surface types. Meanwhile, the Rocket is a corded vacuum with a virtually indefinite runtime and practically no recurring costs. There are also fewer parts that need regular cleaning.
The Shark Vertex UltraLight Corded and Shark Rocket Corded have different advantages, so depending on your needs, one might suit you better than the other. The Vertex feels better built and has a longer overall range. However, the Rocket is a little bit easier to maintain.
The Dyson V8 is a better stick/handheld vacuum for cleaning low- and high-pile carpets than the Shark Rocket Corded. The Dyson has a HEPA filter, is easier to store, and, most importantly, is cordless, so its range is limited only by the remaining charge. You can also adjust its power level, which is nice. However, the Shark performs a bit better on bare floors, and it's easier to maintain.
The Shark Stratos UltraLight is better than the Shark Rocket Corded. The Stratos feels sturdier, takes up less room when not in use, is fitted with an onboard HEPA filter, has a longer range, and has a more powerful suction motor, resulting in better performance on most surfaces. However, the Rocket is a little lighter.
The Shark ION F80 Cord-Free MultiFLEX is a better overall vacuum than the Shark Rocket Corded. As a cordless vacuum, the ION F80 has an unlimited range, and it's only just a bit heavier than the Rocket. It also feels slightly better built, and there are even variants of this vacuum with more included tools, which is nice too. However, you'll need to replace the post-motor filter of the ION F80 every six months.
The Shark APEX UpLight is better overall than the Shark Rocket Corded. It has a better build quality, a bigger dirt compartment, and a longer range. The Rocket, instead, is easier to maintain and lighter to hold.
Test Results
Build quality is mediocre. While the vacuum itself doesn't flex or creak while in use, the plastic used in its construction feels cheap. It's especially problematic since this vacuum doesn't stay upright on its own and is prone to falling over when you try to lean it on something. The wheels under the main head also don't always roll very smoothly. Fortunately, an indicator light lets you know if there's a blockage in the brush head or if the vacuum is overheating. If you want a corded stick/handheld vacuum that feels better built, consider the Shark Vertex UltraLight Corded.
This vacuum has a couple of parts that need periodic cleaning.
- Dirt compartment: The dirt compartment is quite small, so it needs frequent emptying, but it's not much of a hassle. The latch that opens the dirt compartment can be a bit tricky to access when the vacuum is upright in stick mode, though.
- Brushroll: You can't remove the brushroll, which makes cleaning it a bit more difficult. You can remove the brush guard underneath the head by unscrewing it with a flathead screwdriver or a coin and then attempt to remove any tangled hair.
- Pre-motor filters: The foam and felt pre-motor filters are very easy to access and wash from the top of the vacuum. Shark suggests you wash both pre-motor filters once a month. However, depending on your usage, they may need to be cleaned more frequently.
- Post-motor filter: The post-motor filter is located just below the vacuum's handle. The manufacturer recommends cleaning it once yearly, though it appears to dirty considerably faster than the pre-motor filters.
This vacuum incurs virtually no recurring costs. As per the manufacturer, the filters will last the vacuum's lifetime. However, you can buy a full replacement set of filters to maintain performance and extend the lifespan of the vacuum.
This vacuum is a little tricky to store. To keep the vacuum upright, you'll have to detach the main compartment from the wand and rest it on the vacuum head. This helps keep it from tipping over, but it's not very intuitive, and the vacuum still takes up quite a bit of space. You also can't store any of the included brushes or tools on the vacuum, but it does come with a bag for carrying around its accessories.
The dirt compartment is acceptable. It's small, so it needs emptying fairly often. Thankfully, it's easy to see through the clear plastic, and there's a clearly marked max fill line to let you know when you need to empty it.
- Shark Rocket Corded vacuum
- Main wand
- Vacuum head
- Upholstery tool and dusting brush
- Under-appliance wand
- Crevice tool
- User guide and manual
The HV302 variant of this vacuum comes with all of the above components, along with:
- Narrow hose
- 3x Small crevice tools
- 2x Detailing brushes
- 2x Detailing brush nozzle adapters
- Accessory carrying bag
The range is somewhat short. The cord extends up to just over 25 feet, which likely isn't long enough for you to go from room to room without swapping outlets. You could consider the Shark Stratos UltraLight if you want a corded stick vacuum with a longer range. Alternatively, if you don't want to worry about staying close to a power outlet, the Shark Pet/Rocket Pro Cordless is a good option that delivers similar overall performance in a cordless package.
The hose included in the detail kit also only has a reach of 2.5 feet, which may not be enough when trying to access hard-to-reach spots in your home or car.
This vacuum is quite portable. It's heavier than many cordless stick vacuums but still weighs less than other corded stick vacuums like the Shark APEX UpLight. However, you may want to consider the upright/handheld BISSELL Featherweight Stick if you want something lighter.
This is a corded vacuum without a battery.
This vacuum has a few additional features to make it easier to use. While you can't adjust the vacuum's power level, you can toggle between two surface type settings manually: setting 'I' is for bare floor and area rugs, while setting 'II' is for high-pile carpets. This only changes the brushroll speed, though, not its height.
This vacuum comes with several different tools, brushes, and accessories. There's a hard-bristle brush that clips onto the upholstery tool. The main crevice tool and the under-appliance wand can be used directly with the vacuum or attached to the main wand.
Note: The "Home & Car Detail Kit" of the HV302 model we tested includes a small hose, a miniature crevice tool, and a handful of differently-shaped adapters. If you lose or damage one of these parts, then some of the detailing accessories are no longer usable.
You can use the Shark Rocket Corded as a handheld vacuum by detaching the wand.
This vacuum delivers pretty good performance on hard floors, effectively handling most particles, though it may struggle slightly with larger debris like cereal.
The Shark Rocket Corded struggles on high-pile carpets, with disappointing performance when dealing with various types of debris commonly encountered on these surfaces.
This vacuum's performance on low-pile carpets is sub-par. It often leaves behind debris, making it less reliable for thorough cleaning on this type of surface. You'll likely need to do several passes to pick up everything, and even then, there might be some remnants on the carpet.
This vacuum performs adequately at picking up pet hair on low-pile carpets, handling most of it effectively. However, it tends to leave behind more hair around the two supports for the brush roll guard, where debris can get missed, especially with finer strands.
Real-world suction performance is poor. This vacuum's suction inlet is positioned too high above the ground to get a tight seal.
This vacuum has decent airflow performance, though it might not offer the same power level as a corded upright like the Shark Rotator Lift-Away ADV. Still, it's similar to mid-range cordless models like the Dyson V8 in its ability to generate air movement. As such, it won't have too much trouble dealing with heavy debris.
This vacuum is a little on the louder end of the scale. It makes more noise than a comparably priced cordless model like the JASHEN V16; that being said, it won't be too disruptive for people nearby if you're vacuuming a room away.
This vacuum has good maneuverability. The under-appliance wand makes cleaning underneath couches and low tables a breeze—you don't have to crouch, so you can maintain full mobility even when cleaning under very large pieces of furniture. The upholstery tool is also easy to use and maneuver around. However, this vacuum tends to suck up rug tassels due to the lack of height adjustment. The main head also can't make very sharp turns either, meaning you need to watch out for obstructions like chair or table legs and coat racks.
This vacuum does an excellent job of cleaning pet hair on furniture. Even when compared to other vacuums that come with a turbo brush attachment like the Dyson V8, the Shark's simple pure-suction upholstery nozzle is remarkably effective for this kind of task. That said, the dustbin's vertical orientation and protruding shape make using the vacuum in a handheld configuration somewhat cumbersome.
This vacuum is reasonably effective in trapping small particles, though it doesn't have a HEPA-rated post-motor filter.
This vacuum does a mediocre job of handling debris in cracks and crevices. Compared to newer Shark vacuums, like the Shark Stratos UltraLight, it doesn't have a secondary soft roller to help lift debris from cracks on hard floors.
