
I’ve spent countless hours cleaning up after my shedding Labrador, so I know the struggle of finding a handheld vacuum that can keep up.
The Shark UltraCyclone Pro and Pet Pro are two popular choices for tackling pet hair and everyday messes.
In this article, I’ll compare these models, sharing their key features, pros, cons, and my personal experiences to help you decide which one suits your needs.
From suction power to battery life, I’ll break it all down in a conversational, real-user style, with maintenance tips and a FAQ to guide you.
Comparison Table: Shark Ultracyclone Pro Vs Pet Pro
Feature | Shark UltraCyclone Pro | Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro |
---|---|---|
Weight | 2.2 lbs | 2.8 lbs |
Dust Cup Capacity | 0.34 L | 0.45 L |
Battery Life | Up to 12 minutes | Up to 15 minutes |
Attachments | Crevice tool, scrubbing brush | Crevice tool, scrubbing brush, self-cleaning pet power brush |
Suction Power | Moderate, dual cyclonic air streams | Stronger, dual cyclonic air streams |
Filter | Washable | Washable |
Price (USD) | ~$69.99 | ~$89.99 |
Noise Level | 78 dB | 88 dB |
Charging Time | 6 hours | 6 hours |
Best For | General light cleaning | Pet hair and tougher messes |
Pros Of Shark Ultracyclone Pro
- Lightweight Design: At just 2.2 pounds, this vacuum feels like a feather in my hand. I can carry it around the house or car without my arm tiring out, which is a big win for quick cleanups.
- Affordable Price Point: Priced around $69.99, it’s a budget-friendly option for anyone needing a reliable handheld vacuum without breaking the bank. It’s a great value for basic cleaning tasks.
- Effective for Light Debris: The dual cyclonic air streams provide decent suction for dust, crumbs, and small debris. I found it worked well on hardwood floors and car interiors for surface-level messes.
- Easy to Empty: The CleanTouch dirt ejector makes emptying the dust bin a breeze. I just press a button over the trash can, and it pops open without getting my hands dirty.
- Compact Storage: Its slim profile fits easily in a closet or under a car seat. I appreciate how it doesn’t take up much space in my small apartment.
- Washable Filter: The filter is reusable and easy to clean under running water. This saves money on replacements and keeps maintenance simple.
- Quiet Operation: At 78 dB, it’s quieter than many handheld vacuums. I can use it without startling my dog or waking up the neighbors.
The UltraCyclone Pro shines for quick, everyday tasks. Its lightweight build and affordability make it appealing for those who don’t need heavy-duty pet hair removal. I found it particularly handy for cleaning up crumbs on my kitchen counter or dust on bookshelves. The suction isn’t the strongest, but it gets the job done for light messes, and the quiet operation is a nice bonus when cleaning late at night.
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Cons Of Shark Ultracyclone Pro
- Short Battery Life: The 12-minute runtime feels limiting. I often have to rush to finish cleaning my car before it dies, which can be frustrating.
- Small Dust Cup: The 0.34-liter capacity fills up quickly, especially when tackling larger messes. I found myself emptying it multiple times during a single car clean.
- No Pet-Specific Attachment: Unlike the Pet Pro, it lacks a motorized pet brush. This makes it less effective for pet hair, which is a dealbreaker for pet owners like me.
- Limited Suction for Tough Messes: It struggles with embedded dirt or wiry pet hair on carpets. I noticed it couldn’t handle my dog’s hair stuck in the car’s trunk fabric.
- Short Crevice Tool: The crevice tool is a bit stubby, making it hard to reach deep under furniture or car seats. I had to stretch awkwardly to get into tight spots.
- No Power Settings: There’s only one suction level, so you can’t adjust for different tasks. I wished for more power when dealing with stubborn debris.
- Plastic Build Quality: The plastic feels a bit cheap, and I worry about durability over time. I’ve read reviews mentioning cracks in the nozzle, which makes me cautious.
The UltraCyclone Pro’s limitations become apparent when you push it beyond basic tasks. The short battery life and small dust cup were annoying during longer cleaning sessions, and the lack of a pet-specific tool was a letdown for my furry household. It’s a solid choice for light use, but don’t expect it to handle heavy-duty jobs or pet hair with ease.
Maintenance Tips For Shark Ultracyclone Pro

- Empty Dust Bin After Each Use: To keep suction strong, I empty the 0.34-liter dust bin after every session. This prevents clogs and ensures the vacuum performs at its best.
- Rinse Filter Monthly: I detach the washable filter and rinse it under lukewarm water until clear. Letting it air dry for 24 hours before reattaching prevents mold and maintains airflow.
- Check for Blockages: I inspect the crevice tool and scrubbing brush for debris buildup. A quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps them clear and ready for use.
- Clean Exterior Regularly: Dust and pet hair can stick to the vacuum’s body. I wipe it down with a microfiber cloth weekly to keep it looking new.
- Store in a Dry Place: To protect the battery and filter, I store the vacuum in a cool, dry closet. This prevents moisture damage and extends its lifespan.
- Check Charging Cable: I ensure the cable isn’t frayed or bent, as this can affect charging. A quick inspection every few months keeps it reliable.
- Avoid Overloading Dust Bin: I don’t let the bin overfill, as it can strain the motor. Emptying it when it’s two-thirds full has worked well for me.
Maintaining the UltraCyclone Pro is straightforward, but it requires consistency. The washable filter is a money-saver, but I learned the hard way that letting it get too dirty weakens suction. Regularly checking for blockages and keeping the bin empty makes a big difference. These steps take just a few minutes and keep the vacuum running smoothly for daily tasks.
My Experience With Shark Ultracyclone Pro
Using the Shark UltraCyclone Pro felt like a breath of fresh air for quick cleanups. Its lightweight design made it easy to grab and go, whether I was tackling crumbs on my couch or dust in my car. The suction was impressive for small debris, like cereal bits my nephew spilled, but it struggled with pet hair on my rug. The 12-minute battery life forced me to plan my cleaning carefully, and I often found myself wishing for just a few more minutes. Emptying the dust bin was a highlight—super simple and mess-free.
I loved how quiet it was compared to other vacuums I’ve tried. I could clean while my dog napped without him bolting upright. However, the small dust cup meant pausing to empty it during bigger jobs, which broke my flow. The attachments were handy, but the crevice tool’s short length made it tricky to reach under my car seats. Overall, it’s a great budget-friendly option for light tasks, but pet owners or those with heavier messes might need something more robust.
Pros Of Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro
- Powerful Suction: The dual cyclonic air streams deliver strong suction, easily picking up pet hair and tougher debris. It handled my dog’s fur on furniture like a champ.
- Self-Cleaning Pet Power Brush: The motorized brush with fins prevents hair wrap, a lifesaver for pet owners. I didn’t have to spend time untangling my Lab’s hair from it.
- Larger Dust Cup: With a 0.45-liter capacity, it holds more than the Pro, reducing the need for frequent emptying. I could clean my entire car without stopping.
- Versatile Attachments: The pet power brush, crevice tool, and scrubbing brush make it adaptable for various surfaces. I used the scrubbing brush for dried mud in my car’s footwells.
- Lightweight Yet Sturdy: At 2.8 pounds, it’s still easy to handle but feels more durable than the Pro. I didn’t worry about it breaking during use.
- Washable Filter: Like the Pro, it has a reusable filter that’s easy to clean. This keeps maintenance costs low and performance consistent.
- Longer Battery Life: The 15-minute runtime gives you more cleaning time. I could tackle my car and a few furniture pieces in one go.
The UltraCyclone Pet Pro is a game-changer for pet owners. The self-cleaning brush was a standout, effortlessly handling my dog’s shedding season. The larger dust cup and stronger suction made it feel like a step up from the Pro, and I appreciated the extra versatility from the attachments. It’s pricier, but the performance justifies the cost for tougher jobs.
Cons Of Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro
- Higher Price Tag: At around $89.99, it’s more expensive than the Pro. I hesitated at the cost, wondering if the extra features were worth it.
- Noisier Operation: Measuring 88 dB, it’s louder than the Pro. My dog wasn’t thrilled when I used it near him, which made cleaning trickier.
- Long Charging Time: It takes 6 hours to fully charge, which feels excessive for 15 minutes of runtime. I had to plan my cleaning sessions carefully.
- Struggles with Embedded Dirt: While great for pet hair, it couldn’t fully remove ground-in dirt on carpets. I needed multiple passes for older messes.
- Slightly Heavier: At 2.8 pounds, it’s heavier than the Pro. My arm felt it after extended use, especially when cleaning high shelves.
- No Power Settings: Like the Pro, it has only one suction level. I wanted more control for delicate surfaces like curtains.
- Plastic Durability Concerns: Some users report cracks in the nozzle or bin latch. I haven’t had issues yet, but it makes me handle it with extra care.
The Pet Pro’s drawbacks are noticeable but don’t overshadow its strengths. The noise and weight were minor annoyances, but the long charging time was a hassle. It’s not perfect for deep carpet cleaning, and the price might give budget-conscious buyers pause. Still, it’s a solid choice for pet-focused tasks.
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Maintenance Tips For Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro

- Empty Dust Bin Frequently: I empty the 0.45-liter bin after each use to maintain suction. This prevents debris from clogging the system.
- Clean Pet Power Brush: The self-cleaning brush still needs occasional wiping to remove stuck debris. I use a damp cloth to keep the fins clear.
- Rinse Filter Regularly: I wash the filter under lukewarm water every month and let it dry for 24 hours. This keeps suction strong and prevents odors.
- Inspect for Hair Buildup: Pet hair can collect around the brushroll’s base. I check and clear it weekly to ensure smooth operation.
- Wipe Down Attachments: The crevice tool and scrubbing brush can trap dust. I clean them with a microfiber cloth to maintain performance.
- Store Properly: I keep the vacuum in a dry, cool place to protect the battery and filter. This helps avoid moisture-related issues.
- Check Bin Latch: The release button can stick if debris builds up. I clean it with a small brush to ensure smooth operation.
Maintaining the Pet Pro is similar to the Pro but requires extra attention to the pet power brush. The larger dust cup is a plus, but I still empty it often to avoid clogs. Regular filter cleaning and checking for hair buildup keep it running like new. These steps are quick and make a big difference in performance.
My Experience With Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro
The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro was a revelation for my pet-filled home. Its powerful suction and self-cleaning pet brush tackled my Labrador’s hair on furniture and car seats with ease. I loved how the larger dust cup let me clean longer without stopping, and the attachments were perfect for everything from upholstery to tight corners. The 15-minute battery life was enough for most tasks, but the 6-hour charging time meant I had to plan ahead. The noise level was a bit high, startling my dog at first, but he got used to it.
I found the Pet Pro especially useful for quick cleanups after my dog tracked mud into the car. The scrubbing brush handled dried dirt well, and the pet brush was a lifesaver for fur-covered cushions. However, it wasn’t great for deeply embedded dirt in my car’s trunk carpet, requiring extra effort. The weight was manageable, but I felt it during longer sessions. Overall, it’s a fantastic tool for pet owners, offering strong performance for the price.
Comparison With Other Brands
- Shark UltraCyclone Pro vs. Black+Decker Dustbuster AdvancedClean+ Pet: The Black+Decker has a larger dust cup (0.75 L) and longer battery life (20 minutes), but it’s heavier (3.1 lbs) and less effective at pet hair removal. I found the Shark’s lighter weight and quieter operation more practical for quick tasks.
- Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro vs. Dyson Humdinger: The Dyson has a HEPA filter for allergens and is slightly lighter (2.1 lbs), but its dust cup is smaller (0.2 L). The Pet Pro’s self-cleaning brush and larger capacity made it better for my pet hair needs.
- Shark UltraCyclone Pro vs. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser: The Bissell is cheaper (~$59.99) and has a motorized brush, but its suction is weaker, and the battery lasts only 10 minutes. I preferred the Shark’s balance of suction and affordability for general use.
- Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro vs. Black+Decker Flex Vac: The Flex Vac offers better battery life (20 minutes) and a flexible hose, but it’s pricier (~$129.99) and bulkier. The Pet Pro’s pet-specific features and portability won me over for home and car use.
- Shark UltraCyclone Pro vs. Shark WANDVAC: The WANDVAC is lighter (1.4 lbs) and easier to store, but it has a smaller dust cup (0.13 L) and shorter runtime (9 minutes). I found the Pro’s larger capacity better for bigger messes.
- Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro vs. Miele Triflex HX2: The Miele is a premium 2-in-1 stick vacuum with stronger suction but costs over $500. For handheld-only tasks, the Pet Pro’s affordability and pet brush were more practical for me.
Comparing these vacuums helped me appreciate the Shark models’ balance of price and performance. The Pro is great for budget-conscious users, while the Pet Pro excels for pet owners. Other brands offer unique features, but the Sharks hit a sweet spot for most households.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Pet Plus and Pet Pro are similar, but the Pet Pro includes a self-cleaning pet power brush, a larger 0.45-liter dust cup, and slightly longer battery life (15 vs. 12 minutes).
The Pet Pro’s battery lasts up to 15 minutes, though heavy use with the motorized brush may reduce it to around 10-12 minutes.
The Pet Pro Plus (CH951) is the same as the Pet Pro in most markets, with no significant differences in features or performance.
Yes, it’s excellent for pet owners, with strong suction and a self-cleaning pet brush, though it’s noisier and has a long charging time.
Conclusion: For Shark Ultracyclone Pro And Pet Pro
You’re now equipped to choose between the Shark UltraCyclone Pro and Pet Pro. If you need a budget-friendly, lightweight vacuum for light messes, the Pro is your go-to. For pet owners like me, the Pet Pro’s powerful suction and self-cleaning brush make it worth the extra cost. Both are solid, but your choice depends on your cleaning needs and budget. Consider the pros, cons, and my experiences to find the perfect fit for your home.