Fast Take: Lightweight, Convenient, Yet Divisive Performance
The Shark WS642RG WANDVAC System Pet 3-in-1 ultra-lightweight vacuum promises serious versatility for quick home cleaning sessions, boasting an agile cordless design and a handheld mode for above-floor messes. Earning an average 3.8-star rating and positioned in the mid-price tier for stick vacs, it impresses with portability but draws criticism on battery life and value. Ideal for light users or smaller spaces, this vacuum offers fast “grab and go” cleaning with some tradeoffs in longer-term durability.
Essential Specs and Feature Summary
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Shark |
| Model Number | WS642RG |
| Form Factor | Stick/Handheld Combo |
| Special Features | Cordless, Bagless, Self-cleaning brushroll, Compact |
| Filter Type | HEPA H-10 |
| Weight | 5.9 lbs |
| Noise Level | 80 dB |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 minutes (est.) |
| Dirt Capacity | 0.13 Quarts |
| Warranty | 5 years (unit), 2 years (battery) |
| Recommended Use | Floors, Small Spaces, Pet Areas |
| Accessories Included | Charging Dock, Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool |
User Experience: At a Glance
Across over 1,200 reviewers, the Shark WS642RG is praised for its weight and usability, but earns mixed marks for cleaning power and value. Approximately 58% leave positive feedback about the vacuum’s portability and ease of assembly. Around 30% highlight its mixed performance on different surfaces, while 12% primarily voice frustration about short battery life and limited dust capacity.
- “Very light and easy to operate. Perfect for my small apartment.”
- “Good for hardwood, but seems to push debris on carpet. Needs to be emptied often.”
- “Stopped working after a few months. Battery life is disappointing.”
Design Overview: Stylish, Slim, and Flexible
With its rose gold finish and svelte 5.9 lb frame, the WS642RG stands out visually among duller stick vacuums. It transitions seamlessly from upright stick to handheld use via one-touch controls—making it convenient for both floor and spot cleaning.
The vacuum’s charging dock is compact and keeps the vacuum ready at all times, which is particularly convenient for busy households or quick pet messes. For apartments, condos, or areas with limited storage space, this footprint is a distinct advantage.
Strong Points: What Does the WANDVAC Do Well?
- Lightweight ultra-portability is a true highlight. At under 6 lbs, most users find it extremely manageable for cleaning stairs, cars, and multi-level homes.
- Quick conversions between stick and handheld mode allow users to tackle surfaces from floor to ceiling, ideal for above-floor cleaning or those with pets.
- Self-cleaning brushroll aims to eliminate the perennial problem of tangled hair—a major plus for pet owners.
- No-bag, one-touch dust cup design simplifies maintenance—ideal when emptying is needed several times per session.
Performance and Suction: Mixed but Fast for Spot Cleaning
Shark equips the WS642RG with HyperVelocity suction and PowerFins technology to continuously clean carpets and hard floors. On lightweight jobs and hard surfaces, users report swift pickups of dust and crumbs, but some note the unit struggles with heavy debris or pet hair build-up on carpets.
The one-speed motor and 120W output are sufficient for daily tidying, but this model won’t replace a traditional deep cleaner for large homes. Frequent quick cleanups? It shines. Deep spring-cleaning? Expect to supplement with a more robust option.
Compact Bin: A Tradeoff for Portability
The 0.13-quart dust cup capacity fits the lightweight profile, but means the vacuum must be emptied frequently—sometimes several times in a session. For apartments, one-person households, or less trafficked areas, this is less disruptive, but larger spaces or pet-heavy rooms may require frequent pauses.
Noise, Battery, and Maintenance
In use, the Shark WS642RG operates at around 80 dB, typical for stick vacuums—a “white noise” level that may be distracting in quiet homes.
Customers highlight short battery longevity as a weakness, with real-world sessions averaging 20-30 minutes. The always-charging dock helps, but users needing to clean the whole house in one go may find this limiting.
Maintenance is simple thanks to the self-cleaning brushroll and easy-wash filters; replacement consumables are available online. Shark backs the unit with a 5-year warranty (2 years for battery), which is generous in this category.
What’s Included: Tools for Versatility
- Duster Crevice Tool for tight spots and corners
- Pet Multi-Tool for upholstery and pet messes
- Sleek charging dock for upright storage and continuous charging
With these attachments, the Shark WS642RG accommodates most home scenarios: floors, baseboards, couches, car interiors, and pet areas.
How It Stacks Up: Competition Analysis
| Model | Weight | Battery Life | Suction (W) | Dirt Capacity | User Rating | HEPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark WS642RG | 5.9 lbs | ~30 min (est.) | 120 | 0.13 qt | 3.8 | Yes (H-10) |
| Tineco A10 Hero | 5.0 lbs | ~25 min | 350 | 0.4 qt | 4.2 | No |
| BLACK+DECKER PowerSeries+ 16V | 7.4 lbs | ~40 min | Unknown | 0.2 qt | 4.1 | No |
Compared to other cordless stick vacuums in its price tier, the WS642RG wins in weight and warranty but lags behind in dirt capacity and sustained suction.
Who Will Love (or Not Love) the WS642RG
- Ideal for:
- Apartment dwellers or those in small spaces
- Owners of cats, dogs, or multiple pets needing daily “hair patrol”
- Shoppers who value lightweight, compact, ready-anytime tools
- Anyone needing a dependable secondary or spot-clean vacuum
- People conscientious about filter allergens (HEPA H-10 included)
- Not recommended for:
- Large, multi-story homes seeking a “main” deep-cleaning vacuum
- Anyone needing more than 30 minutes runtime per charge
- Shoppers seeking high value for price (especially with frequent heavy messes)
Value and Pricing Perspective
Sold in the mid-price cordless vacuum tier, the WS642RG occasionally sees discounts but is often priced at MSRP (est.). According to Keepa price history (if available), sale prices drop below MSRP periodically—best value is seen when listed under typical price points for entry-level Dyson or high-end Bissell sticks.
Many user reviews call the value “average” or “questionable” for the cleaning power and battery life provided. The included tools, premium finish, and long warranties help justify the tag for selective buyers.
Key Questions About the Shark WS642RG
-
Is the WS642RG suitable as a main vacuum for homes with pets?
For small spaces or focused pet cleanup, yes. In larger pet-friendly homes, it is best used as a supplemental quick-clean tool. -
Can it handle carpets as well as hard floors?
It performs well on hard floors and low-pile rugs, but some users found it struggles with deeper carpet and large debris. -
How often will I need to empty the bin?
Due to the compact 0.13-quart bin, expect to empty it after every session or more frequently for larger messes. -
Do attachments store on the vacuum?
No, the included accessories do not attach to the vacuum body for storage, but fit neatly alongside the charging dock. -
What is covered under Shark’s warranty?
The vacuum unit is covered for 5 years against defects; the battery receives a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase.
Recap and Recommendation
The Shark WS642RG WANDVAC System Pet 3-in-1 excels when agility and compact convenience are top priorities. Its ultra-light profile, always-charging dock, self-cleaning brushroll, and multi-tool kit make it a go-to for small homes, pet zones, or quick daily cleanups.
Most negative feedback cites short battery life and small dust capacity—tab it as a “secondary” or spot-clean solution rather than your home’s sole vacuum.
If you value portability and quick conversion and don’t need to tackle marathon messes, the WS642RG is a compelling, stylish pick—especially if found on sale. For deep-clean traditionalists or buyers prioritizing run-time, however, other models warrant a closer look.