When you’re dealing with long hair, a vacuum cleaner with powerful suction and a tangle-free brush roll is essential. Look for models with motorized brush heads or specialized long hair attachments that capture hair from various surfaces. Our rigorous analysis included evaluating over 99 vacuum cleaners, with 6 models standing out for their superior performance on long hair.
We assessed 152,257 reviews to ensure accuracy, filtering out untrustworthy sources. Our unique approach combines verifying products as tested and filtering fake reviews using our proprietary True score system. The winning products excelled in suction power, brush roll design, and ease of maintenance, making them ideal vacuums for households with long-haired residents.
How Did We Rank the Best Vacuums for Long Hair?
To determine the best vacuums for long hair, we meticulously analyzed over 200 sites, focusing on both expert reviews and customer feedback. Our thorough evaluation covered essential testing methodologies, identifying 2 required test results. We pinpointed critical pain points like hair tangling and suction power, ensuring our guide highlights only the top performers. The result is a clear, concise buying guide that helps you make an informed decision without the hassle.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
? Test Criteria
- Carpet Performance: The vacuum sucks up 75% of debris when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.
- Pet Hair Performance: The vacuum sucks up 95% of pet hair from any surface.
Latest Updates
- 06/22/2024: Republished the list to include the best vacuum cleaners for long hair based on our True Score system.
Top Vacuums for Long Hair For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dyson V15 Detect
Best Cordless For Pet Hair
The Dyson V15 Detect captures long hair & pet fur with exceptional cleaning performance on all surfaces, albeit with a smaller dustbin.
True Score
929119Experts
932kCustomers
Cosmic Wonder
SAVE $200$799.99$599.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Laser illumination technology
- Incredible performance on both carpets and hard floors
- Lightweight design
- Decent battery life
- Anti-allergenic HEPA filter
Reasons to Avoid
- Complicated maneuvrability on deep carpets
- Relatively low-capacity 0.45L dust cup
- Plastic construction
Specifications
Bagless Yes 
Bin Capacity 0.2 gal 
Brush Roll Shut-Off No 
Carpet Height Adjustments Yes 
Cleaning Path Width 10″ 
Compatible Floor Type All floors 
Cord Length Cordless 
Corded/Cordless Cordless 
Filter Type Other 
Hypoallergenic Yes 
Pet Yes 
Product Weight 6.7 lbs 
Vacuum Type Handheld vacuums 
Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 92 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 73 All Retailers
$599.99$800Save $200
$631.95$750Save $118
$631.95$750Save $118
Our Verdict
The Dyson V15 Detect is an exceptional vacuum cleaner, particularly effective for managing long hair. It is 100% effective in capturing pet hair and has a strong carpet cleaning performance of 91.77%, efficiently tackling hair entanglement and fiber trapping, common issues in homes with residents with long hair.
The vacuum performs impressively on bare floors, achieving 98.59% cleaning effectiveness, thoroughly cleaning various floor types, and effectively capturing even fine strands. With an operating noise level of just 72.54 dB, the Dyson V15 Detect is conducive to maintaining a peaceful environment during cleaning sessions. However, it does have a smaller bin capacity of 0.2 gallons, which may require frequent emptying in high-traffic areas or during extensive cleaning sessions. The cheaper Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away has a much larger bin capacity at 0.34 gallons, and while they offer similar cleaning capabilities, the Shark is louder at 77 dB.
As a cordless and handheld device, the Dyson V15 Detect weighs only 6.7 lbs, offering exceptional maneuverability. This allows you to easily clean across multiple rooms without the limitation of a cord, making it especially suitable for quickly addressing hair on various types of flooring. The hypoallergenic and bagless design also benefits allergy sufferers, reducing exposure to allergens while simplifying maintenance. Despite its higher cost, the Dyson V15 Detect justifies the investment with its versatile, high-performance features, making it ideal for efficiently handling long hair in various domestic environments.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung Bespoke Jet
Best Cordless Stick
For a lightweight and quiet cleaning experience, the Samsung Bespoke Jet has excellent long hair removal and efficient bare floor performance.
True Score
88867Experts
90567Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $150$699.99$549.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- The cleaning station simplifies emptying the dust cup
- Two battery packs
- Lightweight design
- Turbo brush accessory
- Excellent performance on carpets and hard floors
Reasons to Avoid
- Doesn’t support wet cleaning
- Bulk two-in-one floor head
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.2 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 9.8″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type 5-stage, Cyclonic, HEPA Hypoallergenic Unknown Pet Yes Product Weight 6 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 92 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 71 All Retailers
- $549.99$700Save $150
- $661.60$700Save $38
- $699.00$899Save $200
Our Verdict
If you want a vacuum cleaner with the lightest weight and prefer a quieter cleaning experience, the Samsung Bespoke Jet is an ideal choice. Its best-in-class noise level of 70.525 dB and lowest product weight of 6 lbs ensures quiet operation and effortless maneuverability. The Samsung Bespoke Jet also excels in pet hair performance, with a near-perfect score of 99.50%, ensuring the effective removal of pet hair and long strands from various surfaces, which is essential when dealing with long hair.
This vacuum cleaner efficiently deals with long hair and has a very good bare floor performance of 97.71%, making it a reliable choice for cleaning non-carpeted surfaces. The Samsung Bespoke Jet has a slightly lower bare floor performance than the Dyson V15 Detect’s 98.59%. However, its excellent noise level and cheaper cost compensate for this, ensuring a quieter cleaning experience.
The Samsung Bespoke Jet’s carpet performance is great at 91.7%, indicating its strong cleaning capabilities on carpeted areas. However, this vacuum’s bin capacity is 0.2 gallons, so it will require regular emptying. The Samsung Bespoke Jet also features a HEPA filter, making it suitable for allergy sufferers.
The Samsung Bespoke Jet provides a remarkable balance between performance and usability. Despite its slight shortcomings in bin capacity, it offers great value, especially for those prioritizing efficiency and ease of use. Its lightweight and cordless design enhances user-friendliness, allowing you to move freely around your home without a cord. This makes the Samsung Bespoke Jet an excellent choice for anyone seeking a powerful yet manageable cleaning tool.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Stratos Cordless
Best Carpets
The Shark Stratos Cordless excels in bare floor cleaning and hair removal, offering exceptional versatility and performance for various cleaning needs.
True Score
86876Experts
86664Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $71$399.99$329.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive suction power
- Great bare floor performance
- Great Carpet cleaning performance
- Excellent pet hair cleaning performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Attachments are very limited
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.18 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Yes Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.9 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 89 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $329.00$400Save $71
- $332.50$500Save $167
Our Verdict
If you prioritize hard surface cleaning, the Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum cleaner is a fantastic choice, thanks to its best-in-class bare floor cleaning performance of 98.83%. This high performance and its ability to deliver 100% pet hair performance sets it apart, making it particularly effective for pet owners who struggle with fur shedding on bare floors.
Weighing just 8.9 lbs, this vacuum is lightweight and cordless, offering the flexibility to move freely around the house without being tethered to an outlet, making it easier to manage and clean up long hair across various rooms and floor types. It also boasts compatibility with all types of flooring, further enhancing its versatility. In comparison, the cheaper Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away, while similar in cleaning performance on bare floors (98.565% versus 98.825%), is heavier at 12.4 lbs, which might make it less convenient for frequent movement and quick clean-ups.
While the Shark Stratos Cordless has a noise level of 76.65 dB, which is slightly higher than some other models, it compensates with robust cleaning capabilities. Its bin capacity is 0.18 gallons, a bit smaller than average, which may require more frequent emptying but is a minor inconvenience compared to its overall performance.
However, despite these constraints, the Shark Stratos Cordless offers excellent performance and versatility. Its superior performance on bare floors and pet hair and good carpet performance make it a great choice for a wide range of cleaning needs. Whether you’re dealing with long hair, pet fur, or bare floor messes, the Shark Stratos Cordless delivers a remarkable cleaning experience.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away
Best Lightweight
The Shark Cordless Vertex Pro is ideal for larger homes. It excels in long hair management with its ample bin capacity and powerful cleaning performance.
True Score
85842Experts
87340Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $80$399.99$319.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent performance on all floor types
- Good battery life
- Outstanding pet hair pick-up rate
- Low on-going costs
- LED headlights
Reasons to Avoid
- The brush roll is not removable
- Poor stain-removal performance
- Lacks a turbo brush
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.34 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type Carpet, Hardwoods Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 12.4 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 89 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $319.99$400Save $80
- $399.00$400Save $1
- $525.00$599Save $74
Our Verdict
If you need a vacuum for a larger home, the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away is an exceptional choice for managing long hair thanks to its ample bin capacity of 0.34 gallons. This sizeable capacity allows for extended cleaning sessions without the need for frequent emptying, making it particularly effective in homes where long hair is a common issue.
This model boasts a remarkable ability to clean 100% of pet hair from surfaces, paired with an impressive 98.57% cleaning efficacy on bare floors. These features make the Vertex Pro ideal for homes with hard-surface flooring, which can often challenge lesser vacuums when dealing with tangled or scattered strands of long hair. While it is designed with hardwood floors in mind, it also delivers a respectable carpet cleaning performance at 89.36%, although its versatility may be slightly limited on plush carpets.
Operating at a noise level of 77 dB—similar to running a garbage disposal—the Vertex Pro offers powerful cleaning capabilities that can offset concerns about its noise for many users. It weighs 12.4 lbs, which could affect its portability and ease of use during extended clean-ups, particularly in larger homes. If you’re looking for a lighter option, the slightly pricier Shark Stratos Cordless matches its cleaning performance but is more manageable at 8.9 lbs.
Equipped with a HEPA filter, the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away effectively captures fine particles and allergens, making it a great option for maintaining air quality while managing long hair. Its superior performance on bare floors, significant bin capacity, and allergy-friendly features make it an excellent choice if you want a powerful, versatile solution for managing long hair in expansive living spaces.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Stratos Ultralight
Best Multi Surface
The Shark Stratos Ultralight offers continuous power with its corded design, ideal for managing long hair on hard floors with efficient cleaning performance.
True Score
83811Experts
861kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $100$299.99$199.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good bare floor cleaning performance
- Decent carpet cleaning performance
- Great pet hair performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Below average suction power rating
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.2 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 8.25″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length 30 ft Corded/Cordless Corded Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.6 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 82 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $199.99$300Save $100
- $219.00$400Save $181
- $299.99
Our Verdict
If you prefer not to recharge your vacuum, the Shark Stratos Ultralight is ideal for managing long hair, especially in homes with a lot of hard flooring. Its corded design includes a 30-foot cord for uninterrupted cleaning power, essential for thorough cleaning sessions needed to collect long strands of hair over large areas. Although this limits mobility compared to cordless models, the continuous power ensures consistent performance during extensive clean-ups.
The Shark Stratos Ultralight effectively cleans 97.50% of debris on hard surfaces, efficiently picking up long hair where it’s most noticeable. While its carpet cleaning performance at 82.25% is slightly lower than some models, it still performs well on lighter carpets that require hair removal. Weighing just 8.6 lbs, it’s easy to maneuver, making navigating around furniture and rooms less cumbersome. However, its 0.2-gallon bin capacity may need frequent emptying in areas where long hair accumulates quickly.
The Shark Vertex Pro’s noise level of 76.8 dB is moderate and, while not the quietest, is acceptable given its cleaning capabilities. Its 8.25-inch cleaning path is narrower than some alternatives, potentially requiring more passes to cover the same area. The Shark Vertex Pro, slightly more expensive, provides similar cleaning performance with a wider 10-inch path but is louder at 82.4 dB, which might be inconvenient for some.
The Shark Stratos Ultralight features a HEPA filter, perfect for capturing fine particles and long hair strands. This makes it a great option if you suffer from allergies or have respiratory sensitivities. Its strong performance on hard surfaces and user-friendly design also make it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a vacuum that balances performance, value, and convenience for managing long hair.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Vertex Pro
Best Pet Hair
The Shark Vertex Pro excels at managing long hair on hard floors despite its loud operation, offering exceptional cleaning performance and versatility.
True Score
81813Experts
82355Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $80$479.99$399.91Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Has an anti-allergen HEPA filter
- Low noise output
- LED screen for status display
- Large dirt canister
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Reasons to Avoid
- High maintenance requirements
- Struggles with fine debris on low pile carpet
- Long charge time
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.25 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Unknown Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type Carpet, Hardwoods Cord Length Unknown Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.82 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 83 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 82 All Retailers
- $399.91$480Save $80
- $434.99
- $449.99
Our Verdict
If you don’t mind a loud vacuum. the Shark Vertex Pro stands out for managing long hair, especially suitable for homes with mostly hard flooring. Despite its noise level of 82.35 dB, which is the highest in our lineup, it delivers an exceptional cleaning performance. With a 99.66% effectiveness rate for pet hair, this vacuum excels at picking up long hair, ensuring your floors remain clean and clear of hair accumulations.
The Vertex Pro boasts a bare floor performance of 98.50% and a carpet cleaning performance of 82.61%, making it ideal for homes with long hair on carpeted surfaces. Its cordless design allows easy movement, enhancing usability for cleaning large spaces or multiple rooms without a cord. In contrast, the cheaper Shark Stratos Ultralight performs well with an 82.25% cleaning rate on carpets but is corded, potentially restricting movement during extensive clean-ups.
The Vertex Pro’s bin capacity of 0.25 gallons is sufficient but might require frequent emptying in larger homes or during significant cleaning sessions, particularly where long hair is shed regularly. Weighing 8.82 lbs, the Vertex Pro is moderately heavy, which could impact maneuverability, but its design and performance may outweigh this concern for many users.
The Vertex Pro includes a HEPA filter, which captures fine particles, including small fragments of long hair, thus aiding in maintaining a clean and allergen-reduced environment. Overall, this vacuum offers an excellent balance of efficiency and versatility, making it an outstanding choice for those needing a powerful tool to manage long hair on hard floors despite its louder operation and moderate weight.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Vacuums for Long Hair?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required), anyone can quickly and easily compare these vacuum cleaners and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a vacuum cleaner that will meet your needs.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpet Performance | > 75% | Yes | How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile. |
| Pet Hair Performance | > 95% | Yes | How much pet hair the vacuum sucks up from any surface. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 120+ vacuum cleaner reviewers and found that 27 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for vacuum cleaner.
- Dagobiet Morales Alfaro – RTings, LinkedIn
- Derek Hales – Modern Castle, LinkedIn
- Sabine Heinlein – Wirecutter, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every vacuum cleaner review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Vacuum Cleaner Test Data & Results
1. Carpet Performance Test Results
Carpet Performance
> 75%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.
Units of Measurement: % (percentage)
Tools to Measure: Scale
Why It’s Important:
If you have carpet, how well a vacuum cleans directly impacts how your carpet feels to walk on, and prevents pests from moving in.
Carpet cleaning ability is another important part of how your vacuum performs. Whether you have low-pile, high-pile, or rugs, how effectively a vacuum cleans up the dirt and debris left behind on the carpet is enormously important to keeping your carpet comfortable.
Generally speaking, we recommend a carpet cleaning performance of at least 75%. You might notice this is much lower than bare floors, and that’s because carpet is harder to clean. Short of devoting the time to actually shampoo and dry out a carpet, thoroughly cleaning out a carpet is very difficult, and good vacuums will reach deep between fibers and pull out long-forgotten crumbs.
Carpet Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)
2. Pet Hair Performance Test Results
If you own pets, the ability of a vacuum to suck up pet hair, be it with attachments or the brush itself is extremely important. Pet hair can stick to furniture, dig itself into the carpet, and clump together under beds and in corners. If you have allergies and need to keep pet hair out of your home as best as you can, you’ll need a vacuum that gets rid of as much pet hair a possible when cleaning.
We recommend that a vacuum has a pet hair cleaning performance of at least 95%. Higher is always better, but if you can get rid of most of the pet hair, you’ll have an easier time breathing and less dander flying away and sticking to clothes and furniture. Poor pet hair cleaning performance can invite repeated vacuuming and more annoyance for anyone who suffers from allergies.
Pet Hair Performance
> 95%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much pet hair the vacuum sucks up from any surface.
Units of Measurement: % (percentage)
Tools to Measure: Speed-checking software
Why It’s Important:
If you have pets and want to keep your home free of pet hair, you need good pet hair cleanup performance.
Pet Hair Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)
Best Vacuums for Long Hair: Mistakes To Avoid
- Neglecting Tangle-Free Features: Overlooking vacuums with specialized tangle-free brush rolls or anti-tangle technology can lead to frequent clogs and inefficient cleaning. Ensure the vacuum is equipped to handle long hair without getting tangled in the brush rolls.
- Ignoring Suction Power: Underestimating the importance of strong suction can result in ineffective removal of long hair from carpets and floors. Choose a vacuum with powerful suction to effectively lift and remove long hair without leaving behind strands.
- Overlooking Filtration Systems: Ignoring high-efficiency filtration systems can lead to poor air quality and exacerbate allergies caused by trapped long hair and debris. Opt for vacuums with HEPA filters or similar systems to capture fine particles and improve indoor air quality.
- Not Considering Maintenance: Failing to consider the ease of cleaning and maintenance can result in clogged filters and decreased suction power over time. Select a vacuum with easy-to-clean components to ensure hassle-free maintenance and prolonged performance. When comparing cleaning tools, consider the pros and cons of a broom vs vacuum for different types of debris and surfaces. For detailed insights, our Bissell Aeroslim review highlights a model that offers both powerful performance and easy maintenance features.
ADDITIONAL Vacuum TIPS
Maintaining your vacuum can extend its lifespan and improve performance. Regular maintenance is key; learn how to remove hair from a vacuum roller, unclog a vacuum hose, and clean a bagless vacuum.
Robot vacuums are convenient but sometimes problematic. Our robot vacuum troubleshooting guide can help you resolve common issues, such as how to keep a robot vacuum from getting stuck under furniture. Additionally, discover how robot vacuums find their charger and how to install and replace robot vacuum bumpers.
If you’re thinking about steam cleaning, learn how to use a steam vac effectively and explore our comparison of steam cleaners vs. vacuum cleaners. For those who love comparisons, we have detailed comparisons like Roomba 960 vs. 980 and stick vs. upright vacuum.
Understanding technical details can help you maximize your vacuum’s performance. Learn about airflow in vacuum cleaners, air watts, and how many amps a vacuum uses. Also, find out the best time to buy a vacuum to get the best deals. If you need to register your vacuum, see our guides on registering a Shark vacuum and registering a Dyson vacuum.
The Best Vacuums for Long Hair Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Bare Floor Performance
|
Carpet Performance
|
Pet Hair Performance
|
Noise Level
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 92 |
|
|
|
|  $599.99 $800 $200 |
| 88 |
|
|
|
| $549.99 $700 $150 |
| 86 |
|
|
|
|  $329.00 $400 $71 |
Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away
| 85 |
|
|
|
| $319.99 $400 $80 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
|  $199.99 $300 $100 |
| 81 |
|
|
|
| $399.91 $480 $80 |
