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Shark WANDVAC System [WS620, WS632, WS642] Vacuum Review

Tested using Methodology v1.3
Reviewed Feb 04, 2021 at 07:58 am
Latest change: Retest Aug 26, 2024 at 04:09 pm
Shark WANDVAC System [WS620, WS632, WS642] Picture
6.5
Bare Floor
6.4
Low-Pile Carpet
6.1
High-Pile Carpet
5.9
Pets
7.7
Stairs
6.9
Cars
3.6
Workshop

The Shark WANDVAC System is a simple upright/handheld vacuum. It's essentially an upgraded version of the Shark WANDVAC with a wand and a floorhead. Being based on a handheld vacuum comes with a few compromises; while it's lighter and more maneuverable than most conventional cordless stick vacuums, it's also stuck with a tiny dirt compartment, weak suction motor, and low-capacity battery that can be depleted in less than 10 minutes depending on what setting you use. Still, it's a fairly easy vacuum to maintain and incurs virtually no recurring costs.

It's worth noting that there are multiple variants of this vacuum, though they only really differ in terms of color and included attachments Further details on the differences between models are outlined in the Differences Between Variants section of the review.

Our Verdict

6.5 Bare Floor

The Shark WANDVAC System is okay for bare floors. It's fairly effective at dealing with large debris like cereal, but medium-sized and fine debris can be flung outwards by the rotation of the brushroll, and some debris can fall out of its dustbin if it's overfilled. It's maneuverable thanks to its rotating head and configurable design, and it incurs virtually no recurring costs.

Pros
  • Virtually no recurring costs.
  • Lightweight construction.
Cons
  • Small dirt compartment.
  • Brushroll can fling debris outwards on hard floors.
6.4 Low-Pile Carpet

The Shark WANDVAC System is very good on low-pile carpets. It's okay at dealing with large material on this surface type, but its floorhead does little to dislodge medium-sized and fine debris embedded within carpet fibers. It also has a tiny dirt compartment, but on the plus side, it incurs virtually no recurring costs and is fairly easy to maintain.

Pros
  • Virtually no recurring costs.
  • Lightweight construction.
Cons
  • Small dirt compartment.
  • Struggles somewhat with fine debris embedded within carpet fibers.
6.1 High-Pile Carpet

The Shark WANDVAC System's performance on high-pile carpets is mediocre. It struggles with most kinds of debris on this surface type. Its tiny dirt compartment needs emptying often, but on the plus side, it incurs practically no recurring costs.

Pros
  • Virtually no recurring costs.
  • Lightweight construction.
Cons
  • Small dirt compartment.
  • Struggles somewhat with fine debris embedded within carpet fibers.
5.9 Pets

The Shark WANDVAC System is a middling option for pet hair. It has no problem clearing pet hair on bare floors, but its floorhead does almost nothing to clear away hair on carpeted floors. It also doesn't have an allergen-trapping HEPA filter, but thankfully, it incurs practically no recurring costs and is fairly well-built and easy to maintain.

Pros
  • Upholstery nozzle is effective on fabric surfaces.
Cons
  • Small dirt compartment.
  • No allergen-trapping HEPA filter.
  • Struggles with pet hair on carpets.
7.7 Stairs

The Shark WANDVAC System is a good choice for cleaning stairs. It's portable and easy to switch into a handheld, which helps clean tight or awkward areas. It's cordless, so you don't need to worry about swapping outlets halfway through cleaning your stairs, and it delivers very good performance across surface types. However, its dirt compartment is tiny and needs frequent emptying.

Pros
  • Easy to reconfigure as a handheld.
  • Lightweight construction.
Cons
  • Small dirt compartment.
6.9 Cars

The Shark WANDVAC System is an okay choice for cleaning your car's interior. It's cordless, so it's suitable for cleaning far-off areas and can be reconfigured as a handheld vacuum. It comes with an upholstery tool that can help dislodge dirt from car seats, as well as a crevice tool for cleaning tight spots.

Pros
  • Easy to reconfigure as a handheld.
  • Lightweight construction.
Cons
  • Small dirt compartment.
3.6 Workshop

The Shark WANDVAC System isn't designed for workshop cleaning. It isn't designed to clear away liquid spills, and using it to clear away workshop material like wood or metal shavings will damage its internals.

Pros
Cons
  • Small dirt compartment.
  • Brushroll can fling debris outwards on hard floors.
  • 6.5 Bare Floor
  • 6.4 Low-Pile Carpet
  • 6.1 High-Pile Carpet
  • 5.9 Pets
  • 7.7 Stairs
  • 6.9 Cars
  • 3.6 Workshop
  1. Updated Aug 26, 2024: We've updated the scores in the Hard Floor Pick-Up, High-Pile Carpet Pick-Up, Low-Pile Carpet Pick-Up, and Pet-Hair Pick-Up tests to align with a broader data set. For more information about the reasoning for this update, you can look at our forum post.
  2. Updated Apr 09, 2024: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in Test Bench 1.0, Test Bench 1.2, and Test Bench 1.3.
  3. Updated Apr 09, 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.
  4. Updated Dec 14, 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..
  5. Updated Mar 03, 2023: We've changed the product name to Shark WANDVAC System [WS620, WS632, WS642] in order for the review to encompass all model variants. We've also added the WS633 and WS642/WS642AE models to the 'Differences Between Variants' section.
  6. Updated Jan 25, 2023: We've linked the Xiaomi Mi Vacuum Cleaner Light in the 'Dirt Compartment' section of this review to prove an alternative with a bigger dustbin.
  7. Updated Aug 22, 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.
  8. Updated Aug 03, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.1.
  9. Updated Apr 07, 2022: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
  10. Updated Feb 04, 2021: Review published.
  11. Updated Jan 28, 2021: Early access published.
  12. Updated Jan 22, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  13. Updated Jan 21, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  14. Updated Jan 14, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Shark WANDVAC System has a couple of different variants. We tested the WS620 model, and you can see its label here.

Model Name Parts Included Color Notes
WS620 Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi Tool Slate  
WS630 Crevice tool Blue  
WS632BLBRN Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool Cove  
WS632GDBRN Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool Gold  
WS632GNBRN Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool Sage Green  
WS632PKBRN Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool Thistle  
WS632RGBRN Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool Rose Gold  
WS633 Motorized Turbo brush, Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool Navy  
WS642 Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool Steel Grey Suction power isn't adjustable
WS642BL Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool Pure Water Suction power isn't adjustable
WS642GN Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool Sage Green Suction power isn't adjustable
WS642RG Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool Rose Gold Suction power isn't adjustable
WS642AE Self-emptying base station, Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool White Suction power isn't adjustable 

If your vacuum is different from those above, or if you come across another variant, please let us know in the discussions so we can update our review.

Compared To Other Vacuums

The Shark WANDVAC System is a cordless upright/handheld vacuum. It's great at sucking up pet hair from all surface types, and while it struggles a bit with fine debris like baking soda on carpets, it has a very good overall performance on both carpets and bare floors. It has a particularly small dirt compartment for an upright/handheld vacuum and a mediocre battery life, but it's easy to maintain and incurs virtually no recurring costs.

If you're looking for more options, check out our lists of the best cordless vacuums, the best handheld vacuums, and the best car vacuums.

Dyson V8

The Dyson V8 is a better vacuum than the Shark WANDVAC System for most uses. The Dyson has a bigger dirt compartment and an allergen-trapping HEPA filter. It also has a significantly better performance on almost all surface types. That said, the Shark is lighter.

Shark Rocket Pet Pro

The Shark Rocket Pet Pro is a better vacuum than the Shark WANDVAC System. The Rocket Pet Pro has a much better performance on bare floors, a bigger dirt compartment, and a better battery life. On the other hand, the Wandvac System is lighter and does a somewhat better job of cleaning high-pile carpets.

Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless [IZ440H, IZ462H, IZ483H]

The Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless is a better vacuum for most uses than the Shark WANDVAC System. The Vertex Lightweight Cordless has a much better battery life and a significantly bigger dirt compartment. It also delivers better performance on bare floors. On the other hand, the Wandvac System does a better job of cleaning carpets and is more portable.

BISSELL Adapt Ion Pet/XRT

The Shark WANDVAC System is a better vacuum for most uses than the BISSELL Adapt Ion. The Shark does a much better job of clearing debris from all surface types and comes with more tools and brushes. On the other hand, the BISSELL picks up marginally more pet hair from carpets and has a more spacious dirt compartment.

JASHEN V16

The Shark WANDVAC System is a better vacuum than the JASHEN V16. The Shark is more portable and does a much better job clearing debris from all surface types. On the other hand, the JASHEN V16 has a better battery life and a bigger dirt compartment.

Samsung Jet 90 Complete

The Samsung Jet 90 Complete and the Shark WANDVAC System have different strengths, and you may prefer either one depending on your needs. The Samsung is the more powerful, versatile vacuum, with better overall debris pickup performance on most surfaces. It also has a bigger dirt compartment and a better battery life. On the other hand, the Shark is more portable, and its storage rack takes up less space.

Dyson Omni-glide

The Shark WANDVAC System is a better vacuum than the Dyson Omni-glide. The Shark delivers significantly better performance on bare floors and does a very good job of cleaning carpets. It also comes with an upholstery tool for cleaning fabric-covered furniture. The Dyson isn't intended for cleaning carpets and delivers a mediocre performance on bare floors, but it has a uniquely designed rotating head that helps make it much more maneuverable.

Samsung Jet 70

The Samsung Jet 70 is more versatile than the Shark WANDVAC System. The Samsung has a significantly larger dirt compartment, a longer maximum battery life, makes less noise, and performs better across all surface types. It also has fewer parts that need regular cleaning, takes up less room when stored, and comes with a miniature turbo brush attachment, not to mention a five-stage filtration system that includes a HEPA filter. However, the Shark's handheld configuration is noticeably lighter.

Xiaomi Mi Vacuum Cleaner Light

The Shark WANDVAC System and Xiaomi Mi Vacuum Cleaner Light each have their strengths. The Shark comes with an upholstery tool and a hard-bristle brush, making it a better option for dealing with messes on furniture, and it delivers considerably better debris pickup performance on carpeted floors. Meanwhile, the Xiaomi is lighter, more maneuverable, better built, and offers much better battery life. It also has a larger dustbin.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
6.5
Design
Build Quality
Vacuum Type
Upright/Handheld

The Shark WANDVAC System has an alright build quality. It's entirely made of sturdy plastic, but its wheels feel a bit flimsy. The clear-plastic dirt compartment feels like it could break if dropped. Luckily, its simple design makes it easy to assemble, and you can remove many of the parts with the push of a button.

6.5
Design
User Maintenance

The Shark WANDVAC System is fairly easy to maintain. It has some parts that need routine maintenance, but the vacuum's simple design means that it's not too complicated.

  • Dirt Compartment: The dirt compartment can't be removed on its own, only as a unit with the filters. It's very small and needs frequent emptying. If needed, you can wipe it with a dry cloth. Be sure to make sure the cover is closed afterward, or debris could fall out as it fills up again.
  • Lint Filter Screen: This is located inside the dustbin and should be cleaned after each use. You can pull it out and tap it on the side of a garbage can or wash it with warm water if necessary.
  • Dust Cup Cyclone Filter: Located at one end of the dirt compartment. You should pull it out after each use, which can be tricky because it requires a lot of force, and clean it by tapping against the side of a garbage can. If needed, you can wash it with water.
  • Post-Motor Fabric Filter: This is located near the dirt compartment. The manufacturer doesn't specify how often you should clean it, but you can tap it on the side of a garbage can to get rid of any debris. You can also wash it with water.
  • Brushroll: To access, you need to use a coin to unscrew and open the brushroll lid on the bottom of the vacuum. The manufacturer doesn't say how often you should clean it, but whenever you notice any hair tangles or caught debris, you should clean or cut it off.

If you wash any part with water, it should be allowed 24 hours to dry before going back in the vacuum

.

10
Design
Recurring Cost
Bag Part Number No bag
Filter Part Number XFFWV360/ 717FFJ360
HEPA Filter Part Number No HEPA Filter

The Shark WANDVAC System has virtually no recurring costs as long as it's well-maintained. If a part gets lost or needs replacing, the manufacturer sells dust cups, cyclone filters, and fabric filters on its website.

5.0
Design
Storing
Height
27.56" (70.0 cm)
Width
11.42" (29.0 cm)
Depth
10.24" (26.0 cm)
Cord Storing
No
On-Board Tool Storage
No
Vacuum Rack/Station
Yes

The Shark WANDVAC System has poor storage capabilities. It has a charging and storage station with a slightly smaller footprint than some other upright/handheld models, like the Shark APEX Upright. It's stored with its wand and body in two pieces, so it doesn't take up too much vertical space. However, it has no onboard storage for its tools or room for them on the storage rack. Also, while there are grooves on the back of the station that you can put part of the power cord through, it doesn't have a way to stow or manage the rest of the cord. The WS642AE variant has a self-emptying charging base that further increases its footprint.

4.9
Design
Dirt Compartment
Bagless
Yes
Volume
0.03 gal (0.10 L)
Full Indicator
No
Bag Included
No Bag Needed

The Shark WANDVAC System has a poor dirt compartment. It's tiny and won't hold a lot of debris before needing to be emptied. On the plus side, it's made of clear plastic, so you can see when it's full, and you can push a button under the handle to release the cover and empty it. Check out the Xiaomi Mi Vacuum Cleaner Light if you want a similarly compact cordless stick vacuum with a bigger dustbin. Alternatively, you could also check out the WS642AE variant of this vacuum, which comes with a self-emptying base station, similar to the Samsung Bespoke Jet's Clean Station accessory, that transfers material from the vacuum's dustbin into an external dirt compartment that's advertised to hold 30 days worth of debris.

Design
In The Box

  • Vacuum body
  • Vacuum head
  • Docking station
  • Dirt compartment with cyclone filter
  • Post-motor fabric filter
  • Extension wand
  • Pet Multi-Tool (not included with WS630 model)
  • Crevice tool with flip-out soft-bristle brush
  • A/C cable
  • User guide

The following attachment is exclusive to the WS633 model:

  • Pet Power miniature turbo brush

The following attachment is exclusive to the WS642AE model:

  • Self-Emptying charging base

10
Design
Range
Cordless
Yes
Cord Length
N/A
Hose Length
N/A
Minimum Wand Length
1.38 ft (0.42 m)
Maximum Wand Length
3.12 ft (0.95 m)
Total Range
N/A

The Shark WANDVAC System is a cordless vacuum that has an unlimited range as long as there's room left in the dirt compartment and battery life remains.

8.6
Design
Portability
Total Weight
6.00 lbs (2.72 kg)
Weight In Hand
1.87 lbs (0.85 kg)
Carrying handle
Yes

The Shark WANDVAC System is amazingly portable. It's not very heavy overall and feels fairly light in your hand in its upright configuration. A carrying handle built into the body makes it a bit easier to carry between rooms or from floor to floor.

6.4
Design
Battery
Minimum Battery Life
8 min
Maximum Battery Life
17 min
Recharge Time
180 min
Recharge Dock
Yes
Battery Life Indicator
Yes
Removable Batteries
Yes

The Shark WANDVAC System's battery performance is mediocre. If configured as an upright vacuum and set to 'Boost' mode, it only provides roughly eight minutes of continuous use. That stretches to about 17 minutes if you use it as a handheld vacuum with no tools attached. It takes about three hours to recharge completely.

Design
Quality Of Life Features
Rotating Head
Yes
Power Adjustment
Yes
Self-Propelled
No
Headlights
No
Easy On/Off
Yes
Head Surface Type Adjustment
None

The Shark WANDVAC System has a few extra features. The main head rotates, making it easier to navigate around obstacles and tight spaces. There are buttons on top of the handle to turn the vacuum on and off and to release the dirt compartment cover so you can empty it more easily. There's also a button underneath to turn on 'Boost' mode, which is the more powerful suction setting. However, WS642 variants don't have this 'Boost' function.

Design
Tools And Brushes
Brushroll
Yes
Brushroll On/Off
No
Removable Brushroll
No
Turbo Brush
No
Crevice Tool
Yes
Upholstery Tool
Yes
Soft Bristle Brush
Yes
Hard Bristle Brush
No
Extension Wand
Yes
Ceiling Fan Tool
No
Pet Grooming Tool
No

The Shark WANDVAC System comes with a few tools and brushes that can be attached to the vacuum in its handheld mode. There's an upholstery tool with a removable soft bristle brush that you can use for cleaning fabric-covered furniture or with the brush for dusting delicate objects like curtains. There's also a crevice tool with a small brush on one side for getting into tight corners and narrow spaces.

The WS630 version doesn't come with this combination upholstery tool/hard-bristle brush, whereas the more expensive WS633 model comes with a motorized turbo brush for cleaning upholstered surfaces.

Design
Alternative Configuration
Blower Mode
No

You can reconfigure the Shark WANDVAC System into a handheld vacuum with or without the extension wand attached.

Performance
6.0
Performance
Hard Floor Pick-Up

This vacuum's performance on bare floors is mediocre. It's reasonably good at dealing with larger debris like cereal, but smaller debris like rice and finer material like sand can be caught and projected backward by the motion of the brushroll. In addition, shaking the vacuum slightly when the vacuum is off can cause debris to spill out of the tiny dustbin and fall out the wand, as seen here.

6.0
Performance
High-Pile Carpet Pick-Up

This vacuum does a middling job of dealing with messes on high-pile carpet. You'll need to make an extra pass or two to fully clear away most kinds of debris. It also has a habit of pushing larger debris forward.

5.0
Performance
Low-Pile Carpet Pick-Up

This vacuum's performance on low-pile carpet is poor. It tends to leave behind fine debris like sand as well as medium-sized material like rice on this surface type, though it does a passable job of dealing with larger material like cereal.

5.0
Performance
Pet-Hair Pick-Up

Pet hair pickup performance on low-pile carpeting is disappointing. The Shark has a really hard time lifting away hair that's been pressed deep into carpet fibers.

1.1
Performance
Suction
Maximum Hose Suction
12.2 inH₂O (3.03 kPa)
Maximum Head Suction
0.5 inH₂O (0.12 kPa)
Normal Head Suction
0.3 inH₂O (0.08 kPa)
Setting Used For Normal Default
Hose Diameter
0.8" (2.0 cm)

The suction performance is poor. Even at its 'BOOST' setting, this vacuum doesn't exert nearly as much force as more conventional cordless stick vacuums.

4.6
Performance
Airflow
Maximum Hose Airflow
26.4 CFM (0.7 m³/min)

This vacuum's airflow performance is poor. It'll struggle with lifting away large amounts of heavier debris.

8.4
Performance
Noise
Bare Floor
72.0 dBA
Low-Pile Carpet
73.6 dBA

This vacuum is fairly quiet. It's just about loud enough to mask the sound of nearby conversation, but using it in an enclosed room does help block out most of the noise.

7.0
Performance
Maneuverability

This vacuum is decently maneuverable. When used as an upright vacuum, the rotating head helps it move around furniture and other objects. You may need to crouch down to clean under low-lying furniture, though, and it tends to suck up shaggy carpets and rug tassels. You may also need to lift the vacuum over electrical cords, which is slightly inconvenient because it's somewhat heavy.

However, it's easy to switch into a handheld configuration if you want to clean your couch or a tabletop, and the power button is easy to reach and press. To activate 'Boost' mode, you need to push and hold the button under the handle, which can be a bit tiring after a while.

8.0
Performance
Pet Hair Furniture Performance
Sofa Pickup Post Test

This vacuum does a great job of dealing with pet hair on fabric surfaces in its 'BOOST' mode. While its battery life is short in this configuration, it does have a noticeable positive impact on pet hair pickup. That said, the angle at which you hold the vacuum is crucial, and the nozzle's narrow width makes it tedious to clean bigger areas.

Performance
Air Quality
Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)
No

This vacuum does a good job of sealing in fine particles despite lacking a HEPA filter or even a dirtbag. That said, you'll need to be careful when emptying its dustbin, which can release some finer debris.

5.0
Performance
Cracks
Wood Cracks Post Test

The Shark WANDVAC System does a poor job of dealing with debris in cracks. It doesn't exert enough suction power to pull debris from crevices, while its brushroll does little to sweep it free. It does a little better when used as a handheld, but you'll also need to be careful when using it to clean finer debris like baking soda, which can spill outwards onto the filter, causing a loss in suction performance, as seen here.

1.0
Performance
Stains
Stain Pickup Post Test

This vacuum has no impact on stains.

0
Performance
Water
Wet Compatible
No
Water Pickup Post Test

The vacuum isn't rated to pick up water.