Quick Verdict: Compact Convenience, But Some Notable Trade-Offs
The Shark WS642GN WANDVAC System aims for ultra-lightweight versatility and pet-focused cleaning in a cordless stick vacuum. Earning an average rating of 3.8 stars from over 1,200 reviews, it garners praise for portability and simplicity, yet draws criticism for its limited runtime and small dust cup. Priced firmly in the mid-tier range, it fits best for quick cleanups in smaller homes or apartments—but pet-heavy, high-traffic households may find themselves wanting more power and capacity.
Shark WS642GN WANDVAC System Key Specifications at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.9 lbs |
| Run Time (Max) | 20 minutes |
| Charging Time | 3.5 hours |
| Capacity | 0.01 quarts |
| Filter Type | HEPA |
| Special Features | Lightweight, Cordless, Headlight, Bagless, Self-cleaning brushroll |
| Warranty | 5-year limited |
| Form Factor | Stick |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion (included) |
| Noise Level | 80 dB (est.) |
First Impressions: Where Portability Meets Pet-Centric Cleaning
Designed for pet owners who value both lightweight convenience and quick cleaning, the Shark WS642GN WANDVAC System distinguishes itself with one-handed portability and a notably compact profile. The system includes a duster crevice tool and pet multi-tool, meeting the demands of multi-surface homes where shedding is a constant battle.
Performance and Day-to-Day Usability
The WANDVAC’s HyperVelocity suction technology claims to provide strong cleaning performance in a petite, cordless frame. On hard floors and low-pile carpets, the vacuum delivers efficiently for short bursts, excelling at quick pickups of dust and hair but straining with heavier debris or deep-pile rugs.
This stick vacuum transitions easily between floors and above-floor cleaning with the included attachments. Pet hair removal is enhanced by a self-cleaning brushroll, reducing tangles and maintenance on a daily basis.
The handful of control options—just a push-button start and single speed—reflect the vacuum’s basic yet accessible approach. Ease of use is central, especially for users prioritizing grab-and-go performance over granular control settings.
Handling, Size, and Storage: Built for Small Spaces
At just under six pounds, this vacuum is one of the lighter options on the market, making maneuverability a highlight for apartment dwellers, seniors, or those managing multi-level homes. Its compact dimensions allow easy storage, with the vertical charging dock doubling as a tidy corner stand.
However, the 0.01-quart dust cup capacity is extremely limited. Larger cleaning jobs require frequent trips to empty the container, which may become cumbersome for users with ample square footage or heavy shedding pets.
Battery Life, Charging, and Maintenance
Battery performance is where the WANDVAC shows clear limitations. Users report real-world runtimes closer to 15-20 minutes per full charge, with a lengthy charging cycle of 3.5 hours. For whole-home cleaning, this short operational window may prove frustrating.
On the maintenance side, the vacuum’s one-touch hygienic dust cup ejector stands out, providing mess-free disposal with a single press. The HEPA filter offers reassurance to allergy-prone households, though regular filter cleaning is required for sustained performance.
What Buyers Are Saying: User Feedback Snapshot
Overall, lightweight design and ease of use earn consistent praise in Shark WS642GN reviews, but significant trade-offs are clear in user sentiment data:
- Weight, Assembly, and Portability: 84% positive
- Cleaning Ability, Suction, and Functionality: Only 54% positive; nearly half dissatisfied
- Battery Life and Value: 68% negative, with most complaints centering on short runtime and price
- Size and Dust Cup Capacity: Mixed—favored by small-space users, criticized by those who clean large areas
A trio of notable reviews:
- “Super light and easy to use, but I wish the battery lasted longer for bigger messes.”
- “Works incredibly well for pet hair on hardwood, but the cup fills up almost instantly.”
- “After a few months, my Shark stopped holding charge and suction had dropped. Not worth it.”
Comparing the Shark WS642GN to Its Top Competitors
| Model | Weight | Max Runtime | Dust Cup Capacity | Battery Charging | Pet Brush | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark WS642GN | 5.9 lbs | 20 min | 0.01 qts | Dock, 3.5h | Yes | Mid-tier |
| Dirt Devil Power Swerve BD22052 (est.) | 5 lbs | 30 min | 0.07 qts | Plug-in, 4h | No | Budget |
| Bissell ICONpet Cordless 22889 (est.) | 7 lbs | 50 min | 0.10 qts | Wall mount, 4h | Yes | Mid-tier/High |
The Shark WANDVAC excels in portability and quick charging dock storage, but faces stiff competition for capacity and runtime—particularly from Bissell’s ICONpet, which targets pet owners with a larger dust bin and near triple the battery duration.
Ideal Buyers and Scenarios: Who Should Choose the Shark WS642GN?
- Apartment dwellers with mostly hard floors and occasional spills
- Pet owners in small homes who need daily spot cleaning for hair and dander
- Users prioritizing ultra-light, one-handed vacuums for quick jobs or above-floor cleaning
- Anyone with limited storage seeking a compact solution
When to Skip This Model: Red Flags for Some Shoppers
- Whole-home deep clean seekers (larger spaces, multiple pets)
- Buyers wanting long battery life or the ability to vacuum entire homes in a single session
- Consumers on a strict budget looking for maximum value per dollar
- Anyone frustrated by frequent emptying due to a small dust cup
Price and Long-Term Value: Consider the Total Package
The Shark WS642GN typically sits in the mid-tier price bracket for cordless stick vacuums. While identical models have seen sale prices below MSRP (est.), its value diminishes if intended as a primary home solution rather than a supplemental, quick-clean tool.
Keepa price history (est.) suggests periodic deals, with an ideal buy-under price being at least 20% below list to truly match its feature set. Shoppers should consider the investment alongside reliable alternatives with bigger dust cups and longer battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions: What to Know Before You Buy
-
Does the Shark WS642GN work well on carpets?
It can pick up surface debris and pet hair on low-pile carpets, thanks to PowerFins technology, but struggles with deep-pile rugs or ground-in dirt due to its limited power and runtime. -
How often will the dust cup need to be emptied?
The 0.01-quart capacity is exceptionally small; users will need to empty it after each cleaning, particularly in pet-heavy or high-traffic areas. -
Is the battery replaceable?
The lithium-ion battery is integrated. Contact Shark customer service for battery issues, especially within the 5-year warranty period. -
How loud is the vacuum?
With a noise level around 80 dB, it is moderately loud but not disruptive compared to full upright vacuums. -
Does it come with all needed accessories?
The system includes the vacuum, charging dock, duster crevice tool, and pet multi-tool—no need for separate purchases out of the box.
What Distinguishes the Shark WS642GN? Reviewing Its Key Features
- HyperVelocity suction: Aims for strong cleaning in an ultra-lightweight design
- Self-cleaning brushroll: Helps tackle pet hair without hair wrap issues
- One-touch dust cup emptying: Quick, hygienic disposal after every use
- Docking station: Keeps it upright, fully charged, and always ready to go
- HEPA filtration: Captures fine allergens and dust—critical in pet-heavy homes
Final Thoughts: The Bottom Line on the Shark WANDVAC System
The Shark WS642GN WANDVAC System delivers on promises of portability, ease of use, and above-average pet hair removal in small spaces. However, its exceptionally small dust cup and short battery life mean it functions best as a supplemental vacuum for spot-cleaning, rather than a primary cleaning system for larger homes. If your needs focus on frequent, lightweight cleanups in apartments or studios—and you value easy maintenance—the WANDVAC remains a contender. Otherwise, look to sturdier competitors for higher capacity and longer runtime if your cleaning expectations are more demanding.