Compact Cleaning Power with Cordless Convenience
The Shark WS642BL WANDVAC System Pet Ultra-Lightweight Powerful Cordless Stick Vacuum delivers high portability and easy maneuverability for everyday cleaning. With a 3.8-star rating from over 1,200 reviews and a mid-range price tier, this model gets high marks for its weight and ease of use, but mixed feedback for suction and battery life. For those seeking a lightweight, hassle-free stick vacuum primarily for quick jobs on hard floors, it covers most essentials—just expect to make some trade-offs in run-time and dust cup size.
Key Specifications and Feature Highlights
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.9 pounds |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (included) |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.01 quarts |
| Motor Power | 120 watts |
| Special Features | Lightweight, Cordless, Headlight, No Hair Wrap, Bagless, Charging Dock |
| Filtration | HEPA Filter |
| Noise Level | 80 dB |
| Warranty | 5-year limited warranty |
| Dimensions | 11.6″L x 11.2″W x 44″H |
Performance at a Glance: User Impressions and Patterns
The user base strongly values the ultra-lightweight design and finds the stick vacuum “easy to assemble and use.” Around 80% praise its portability benefits for quick spot cleaning. However, mixed reviews emerge regarding suction strength and cleaning results, especially on non-hard floors.
- Weight and mobility: 88% positive mentions
- Ease of use: 87% positive feedback
- Cleaning ability & suction: 62% mixed to positive
- Battery life: 68% negative or underwhelmed
- Value for money: 60% negative mentions
What Real Owners Are Saying
“Super lightweight, perfect for quick cleanups!”
“Battery lasted just 30 minutes and the suction wasn’t great on carpets.”
“Good for pet hair, but the dust cup fills up so fast.”
Innovation and Build: Designed for Effortless Cleaning
Shark built the WANDVAC WS642BL to tackle quick, light cleaning tasks, targeting pet owners and small households. Its compact stick design glides easily around furniture and narrow spaces. The HEPA filter is a step-up for allergy-prone users, trapping fine dust and dander efficiently.
Included attachments like the duster crevice tool and pet multi-tool expand its versatility, especially for spot-cleaning upholstery or car interiors. The self-cleaning brush roll handles hair without tangles, further supporting the “pet” branding.
Suction and Deep Clean Capabilities
Marketed with Shark’s “HyperVelocity” and “PowerFins” technologies, this model promises strong suction in a slim frame. On hard surfaces and low-pile rugs, many users report satisfying debris pickup and no hair wrap. However, effectiveness drops for medium/high-pile carpets or larger cleanups, with several reports of it pushing debris or leaving fine dust behind.
Runtime, Battery, and Charging Experience
The cordless WS642BL runs on a lithium-ion battery, delivering up to 30 minutes of runtime (est.), making it best for quick daily jobs rather than large, deep cleanings. Customers consistently wish for longer battery life, noting performance starts to dip toward the end of each charge. The upright charging dock keeps the vacuum always ready but takes several hours to fully recharge.
Capacity and Dust Management: Pros and Cons
The 0.01-quart dust cup is unusually small, an intentional trade-off for lightness and portability. For single rooms or modest spaces, this is workable, but expect to empty it after almost every session—especially if you have pets or shedding hair. One-touch hygienic emptying makes this process cleaner, aligning with allergy and convenience needs.
Noise and Comfort of Use
The noise level, rated at 80 dB, aligns with most stick vacuums in this class. It is not whisper-quiet, but not painfully loud either. The ergonomic design, push-button controls, and featherweight body result in less fatigue for quick cleaning stints or above-floor jobs.
Durability and Support
Shark covers this WANDVAC System with a 5-year limited warranty, among the top in its price class. While some users report motor or charging issues after a few months (est.), the brand is generally known for responsive after-sales service. Build materials feel quality for a stick vacuum, though the dust cup and some accessory parts are slim plastic and demand gentle handling.
Versatility in Action: Where It Performs Best
Most buyers find the Shark WS642BL ideally suited for hard floors, tiles, and quick pickups. The included pet and crevice tools support hair and spot jobs, making it a helpful main or secondary vacuum in smaller homes, apartments, or as a pet hair solution.
Versatile Features at a Glance
- Converts easily between stick and handheld modes
- Charging dock keeps battery topped up and clutter minimal
- Complete accessory set supports furniture, stairs, and car cleanups
Direct Comparison: How Shark WS642BL Stacks Up
| Model | Shark WS642BL | BISSELL Featherweight 2033 | Tineco A10 Hero |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 5.9 lbs | 2.6 lbs | 5.0 lbs |
| Cordless | Yes | No | Yes |
| Dust Cup | 0.01 qt. | 0.67 L | 0.4 L |
| HEPA Filter | Yes | No | No |
| Battery Runtime | 30 mins (est.) | N/A | 25 mins |
| Warranty | 5 years | 1 year | 2 years |
| Special Features | No Hair Wrap, Charging Dock | 3-in-1 cleaning tools | LED headlight, 2 brushes |
Compared to the BISSELL Featherweight, the Shark WS642BL stands out for its cordless design, included pet tools, and premium filtration. The Tineco A10 Hero matches closely on weight and form factor but edges ahead in dust cup size while also being cordless. The Shark leads for allergy concerns and hair wrap, but competitors may outrun it in runtime and value.
Who Will Love (and Who Might Not) This Shark Vacuum
- Pet owners needing a quick, daily hair pickup
- Small- to medium-sized apartment dwellers valuing lightweight vacuums
- People with mostly hard floors and low carpets/rugs
- Anyone who prioritizes allergen filtration
- Large households needing prolonged deep cleaning
- Users who dislike frequent dust cup emptying
- Value shoppers expecting “corded” levels of suction and runtime
- Those with primarily medium- or high-pile carpets
Price and Value Judgement
This model is considered mid-priced for the stick cordless vacuum class. MSRP is usually positioned above basic corded sticks, yet below premium all-in-one units. According to Keepa price tracking (est.), typical Amazon sales and deals may drop it into the “worthy buy” range; a strong value is found when discounted by 20% or more below MSRP. Given the dust cup and battery limitations, it’s most justifiable as a secondary or niche vacuum for pet hair and spot jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does the Shark WS642BL run on a single charge?
A: Most users get up to 30 minutes on standard settings, suitable for quick cleanups but not full-home deep cleans.
Q: Is the vacuum suitable for carpets?
A: It can handle low-pile rugs and scattered spots, but is optimized for hard floors and struggles with thick carpets or heavy debris.
Q: How often does the dust cup need to be emptied?
A: Because of the small 0.01-quart bin, expect to empty it after every session—especially if dealing with pet hair.
Q: Does it come with wall mount hardware?
A: This version includes a free-standing charging dock but does not require wall mounting.
Q: Is maintenance difficult?
A: Regular filter washing and dust cup emptying keep the vacuum in top shape; the self-cleaning brush roll helps minimize manual hair removal.
The Final Word on Shark’s WS642BL Cordless Stick Vacuum
The Shark WS642BL WANDVAC System Pet Ultra-Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum excels at quick, frequent cleanups on hard floors and low-profile carpets, thanks to its featherweight, cordless frame and pet-ready features. Its compact size, HEPA filtration, and always-charging dock make it a smart pick for allergy-prone or multi-pet households seeking less daily mess. For whole-house deep cleans or high-pile carpets, larger vacuums still rule—but as a nimble, easy-to-grab helper, the WS642BL earns its place in the closet when on the right deal.