Shark PowerDetect Speed: A Lighter, Cheaper Powerhouse or a Cut-Corner Compromise?
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Shark claims its new 'Speed' iteration is more affordable and portable, but does the drop in motor wattage actually impact your living room?
When a company promises a product that is both 'lighter' and 'more affordable' than its predecessor, my immediate instinct is to look for where they cut the corners. Shark is making those exact claims with the new PowerDetect Speed, and after digging into the performance data, the trade-offs are surprisingly slim.
According to reporting from Wired, as Wired first reported, the PowerDetect Speed does feature a slightly downgraded motor. While the original PowerDetect boasted 380 watts, the Speed model drops to 350 watts. However, Wired's Nena Farrell found that this didn't translate to a noticeable loss in real-world efficacy. In head-to-head testing, the Speed model actually performed the best on a thin rug and sand test, and matched the efficiency of more expensive Dyson models when tackling Cheerios on thick rugs.
In terms of raw power and value, Wired notes that the PowerDetect Speed outperformed several pricier competitors. In five cleanup tests—covering litter, stairs, general carpet, sand, and Cheerios—the Shark scored 15 out of 20. It only trailed the high-end Dyson Gen5Detect ($800) and Dyson V16 Piston Animal ($980), while scoring higher than the Dyson V15 Detect and the V8 Cyclone.
There are, however, some tangible differences between this and the original model. Wired reports that the original PowerDetect is a full pound heavier, has a larger dust cap, offers edge detection, and provides an additional 10 minutes of runtime. Additionally, Farrell noted that the Speed model initially struggled with the head locking in an upright position during stair vacuuming, though this improved as the machine was broken in.
From a gadget perspective, the 'Clean & Empty' version is the standout. Wired highlights that this version includes a base station for charging and self-emptying, as well as two motor bar lights: a headlight for carpets and a blue laser for hard floors.
**Opinion:** If you aren't looking to drop nearly a thousand dollars on a top-tier Dyson, the PowerDetect Speed looks like the first time this line has hit a genuine sweet spot for the average home. The slight dip in wattage is a spec-sheet detail that doesn't seem to hinder the actual suction, making the weight reduction a net win for anyone tired of wrestling with a heavy cordless unit.
Pricing varies by retailer: the vacuum alone is available for $430 on Shark's website, while the Clean & Empty version is listed at $400 via Amazon and $500 via Shark.