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The Stratos launched in fall 2022. you might read about them individually in ourShark PowerDetect Cordless Stick vacuum reviewandShark Stratos Cordless Stick vacuum review.
It’s potentially a little more powerful than the Stratos, too, and packs more advanced automation features.
Both the Stratos and PowerDetect have a wand that can bend forwards
If you spot a great deal, it’s well worth considering.
That’s the short version.
Read on for a more in-depth evaluation of the differences between the Shark Stratos vs PowerDetect vacuums.
Both the Stratos and PowerDetect have a wand that can bend forwards
Deals also crop up regularly.
Shark PowerDetect range
Let’s start with thecordless stick vacuum.
In the US, the PowerDetect Cordless Stick Vacuum on its own (IP1251) costs $429.99.
Alongside the cordless stick option, there’s also acorded upright.
In the US, the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum with DuoClean Detect Technology (AZ4002) costs $499.99.
In Australia, this model is sold as the Shark PowerDetect Corded Upright (AZ3900).
It comes with a list price of AU$699.
Finally, in the US and UK, you also have a robovac option.
Shark Stratos range
In the UK, Shark’s main offering is thecordless stick vacuum.
It’s also available in an XL version (AZ3000UKT), for 399.99.
The Stratos is almost 1lb heavier than the PowerDetect, and over 5 inches taller, too.
Both the Stratos and PowerDetect have a DuoClean floorhead with two rollers, and anti-hair wrap features.
I’ll get into these in more detail in the Performance section.
So if you don’t go for that option, there won’t be a puck.
The auto-empty base is an optional extra (and costs more).
Both the Stratos and PowerDetect have a wand that can bend forwards
There’s no compatible auto-empty base to go with the Stratos Cordless Stick vacuum.
Shark PowerDetect vs Stratos: performance
Let’s take a look at cleaning power.
The Stratos has three suction modes.
The PowerDetect has an optional auto-empty dock
The lowest-powered is Eco mode, and there’s a Boost for maximum power.
If you want your vacuum to auto-adjust based on dirt levels, you use the Clean Sense IQ mode.
The PowerDetect has the same options, except the auto mode is called DirtDetect.
Floorhead on Shark Stratos cordless (left) and PowerDetect (right) stick vacuums
The PowerDetect also offers longer battery life.
However, battery life in auto and Boost modes will be lower for both.
The PowerDetect also features more advanced automation options over the Stratos.
The Stratos can adjust suction based on how dirty the floor is
The Stratos is able to detect dirt, and increase suction to clear it.
More advanced automation means a more effective, low-effort and battery-efficient clean.
Theoretically, this could save you significant amounts of time.
Shark PowerDetect vs Stratos: which should I buy?
You want a simpler vacuumNot everyone wants all the bells and whistles.
