Shark 370 Vacuum Review

The Shark 370 vacuum is a powerful, budget-friendly upright excels at removing pet hair and debris from both carpets and hard floors. Its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and swivel steering are standout features for its price point. However, its dust cup capacity is small, and it can be somewhat loud during operation. Overall, it offers exceptional cleaning performance and value, making it a top contender for families and pet owners seeking a reliable workhorse without a premium price tag.

Key Takeaways

• Outstanding Value for Money: The Shark 370 delivers cleaning performance that rivals more expensive models, making it one of the best budget upright vacuums on the market.
• Excellent on Pet Hair: The combination of strong suction and the motorized brush roll makes it exceptionally effective at lifting embedded pet hair from carpets and furniture.
• Anti-Allergen Seal is Legit: The Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter truly traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, a major plus for allergy sufferers.
• Surprisingly Maneuverable: The swivel steering allows for easy navigation around furniture and in tight spaces, which is uncommon in many lightweight uprights.
• Simple and Practical Design: It’s easy to assemble, use, and maintain. The bagless design with a transparent dust cup means no ongoing filter bag costs.
• Not Without Flaws: The dust cup requires frequent emptying in large homes or with heavy shedding pets, and the noise level is higher than some competitors.
• Best for Specific Users: Ideal for pet owners, families with kids, and anyone on a budget who prioritizes strong suction and allergen capture over ultra-quiet operation or a large dust capacity.

Introducing the Shark 370 Vacuum: A Trusted Workhorse Reimagined

Let’s be honest: shopping for a vacuum cleaner can feel incredibly overwhelming. You’re bombarded with claims of “revolutionary suction,” “smart technology,” and price tags that make your wallet weep. For years, Shark has carved out a massive niche by offering powerful, no-nonsense cleaning at prices that don’t require a second mortgage. The Shark 370, often found in the “Navigator” family line, is a perfect embodiment of that philosophy. It’s not the flashiest, it doesn’t connect to your Wi-Fi, but it gets the fundamental job of cleaning done with impressive efficiency.

This Shark 370 vacuum review is for the pragmatist. It’s for the person who is tired of vacuum attachments that don’t pick up anything, who has a dog that sheds like it’s a seasonal sport, and who wants a machine that feels sturdy and reliable. Over the last several weeks, I’ve put this vacuum through its paces in my own chaotic home—a mix of low-pile carpet, hardwood, tile, and two perpetually shedding dogs. I’ve tested it on everyday lint, crushed cereal, embedded fur, and even some stubborn outdoor dirt tracked in on shoes. My goal is to give you an unvarnished, real-world look at whether this affordable upright deserves a spot in your closet.

The Shark Brand Legacy: Why It Dominates the Mid-Range

Before diving into the specifics of the 370, it’s worth understanding Shark’s market position. Unlike brands that focus on ultra-premium or ultra-cheap segments, Shark lives in the sweet spot of $150 to $300. They achieve this by cutting costs on non-essential tech (like complex digital displays) and investing heavily in core engineering: motor strength, brush roll design, and filtration. The result is a vacuum that often outperforms models twice its price in raw pickup power. The Shark 370 is a testament to this “performance-first” approach.

Unboxing and First Impressions: Sturdy and Straightforward

Opening the box for the Shark 370 is a refreshingly simple experience. There’s no frantic assembly with dozens of tiny screws. The main body, wand, crevice tool, dusting brush, and motorized pet tool are all clearly packed. The included tools click securely into designated ports on the vacuum’s body—a small but appreciated detail that prevents lost attachments. The overall build quality feels solid. It’s predominantly plastic, but it’s a dense, durable plastic that doesn’t feel cheap or brittle. The handle has a comfortable, rubberized grip, and the overall weight, while not feather-light, is manageable at around 15 pounds.

The design is purely functional. You won’t find sleek curves or minimalist aesthetics here. It’s a vacuum that looks like it means business, with a prominent “Anti-Allergen Complete Seal” badge on the dust cup. The power cord is a generous 25 feet, which is more than enough for most rooms without constant unplugging. The first-time setup involves snapping the wand into the base, attaching the crevice tool to the wand, and plugging it in. You’re ready to clean in under five minutes.

What’s in the Box?

• Shark 370 Upright Vacuum Body
• Main Cleaning Head with Motorized Brush Roll
• Wand Extension
• Crevice Tool
• Dusting Brush (upholstery tool)
• Motorized Pet Tool (a smaller, powered brush for furniture and stairs)
• Owner’s Manual & Warranty Information

Performance on All Floor Types: Where the Shark 370 Truly Shines

This is the heart of any vacuum review, and the Shark 370 doesn’t just meet expectations—it frequently exceeds them. Its cleaning prowess is its strongest selling point, and it’s where the investment in motor technology becomes immediately apparent.

Carpet Cleaning: Deep Down Power

On medium to high-pile carpets, the Shark 370 is a beast. The motorized brush roll agitates the carpet fibers, lifting not just surface lint but also ground-in dirt and deeply embedded pet hair. In my living room, which has a beige Berber-style rug notorious for trapping dog hair, the difference was night and day. A single pass with the Shark left the carpet looking noticeably refreshed. The suction is strong enough that you can feel the vacuum trying to pull itself forward, which is a great sign of effective agitation. For homes with plush carpets, this is a vacuum that will deliver a satisfying, deep clean.

Hard Floor Mastery: No Scatter, All Capture

On sealed hardwood, laminate, and tile, the Shark 370 switches gears seamlessly. You can turn off the brush roll via a convenient switch on the cleaning head to avoid scattering debris. With the brush off, the suction alone is highly effective at pulling up dust, crumbs, and pet kibble. The vacuum’s front edge is designed to hug the baseboard, and the swivel steering makes it easy to get right up to the edges where dust bunnies love to congregate. I was particularly impressed with how it handled a mix of fine dust and larger particles like cat litter without any of the latter being kicked out the back.

The Pet Hair Destroyer

For pet owners, this is the ultimate test. The included Motorized Pet Tool is not just a gimmick; it’s a powerhouse. It attaches to the wand and uses a smaller, faster-spinning brush roll specifically designed for upholstery. I used it on my fabric sofa, dog beds, and the seats of my car. In seconds, it transformed a hair-covered surface into a clean one. The main floor head also excels on pet hair, but the pet tool is indispensable for stairs, cars, and furniture. The Anti-Allergen seal means all that dander and hair is trapped securely inside the vacuum, not recirculated into the air—a critical feature for anyone with allergies.

Design and Usability: Smart Features That Actually Help

Beyond raw power, a vacuum needs to be easy and comfortable to use. The Shark 370 has several thoughtful design elements that elevate the daily cleaning experience.

Swivel Steering: A Game-Changer

This is, without a doubt, my favorite feature. The cleaning head swivels effortlessly with a twist of your wrist. This makes navigating around chair legs, coffee tables, and tight corners remarkably easy. It eliminates the constant lifting and repositioning that makes vacuuming a chore with less maneuverable models. The steering is responsive but not overly sensitive, giving you precise control. For a vacuum in this price range, this level of agility is exceptional.

Dust Cup Emptying: Clean Hands, Mostly

The bagless design means you never have to buy replacement bags. The transparent dust cup is easy to remove from the base with a single lever. You then take it to the trash and press a button to open the bottom, dumping the contents. The process is mostly clean, but fine dust can puff out if you’re not careful or if the cup is very full. A quick tap over the bin usually dislodges any stubborn debris. The filter is easily accessible for cleaning, which is a must-do monthly task for optimal performance.

Accessibility and Reach

The 25-foot cord provides good range. The wand and hose combination gives you a reach of about 10-12 feet above the floor, which is sufficient for most standard ceiling cobwebs and above-floor dusting with the dusting brush. The hose itself is surprisingly flexible and doesn’t kink easily, which is a common complaint with cheaper vacuums. The weight distribution is good, so the vacuum feels balanced in your hand when using the wand for above-floor cleaning.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care: Simple but Necessary

The Shark 370 is designed for easy owner maintenance, but neglecting it will quickly degrade its performance. Here’s what you need to do, and how often.

Routine Emptying and Filter Care

After Every Use: Empty the dust cup. Don’t wait until the “full” line. With pet hair, it fills up surprisingly fast. A full cup restricts airflow and kills suction power.
Monthly: Remove the foam filter and the felt filter (both located on the back of the vacuum). Tap them out over a trash can to remove loose debris. Then, rinse them thoroughly with cold water. Crucially, let them air dry completely for at least 24 hours before reinstalling. Never wring them out or use a hair dryer. A damp filter will damage the motor.
Every 3-6 Months: Check the brush roll for hair wrap. Use a seam ripper or scissors to carefully cut any hair or fibers tangled around the bristles. This is vital for maintaining brush roll effectiveness and preventing motor strain.

Belt and Brush Roll Inspection

The brush roll is driven by a rubber belt. Once a year or if you notice a burning smell or a sudden drop in carpet cleaning power, inspect the belt. It’s accessible by removing a few screws on the bottom of the cleaning head. Look for cracks, glazing, or looseness. A worn belt is cheap and easy to replace (Shark part # 193FF). This is a common wear item on any vacuum with a motorized brush, and the Shark 370’s design makes this a simple DIY fix.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

The Shark 370 exists in a crowded field. How does it compare to other popular options?

vs. Shark Navigator Lift-Away (e.g., NV352)

The Navigator Lift-Away series is Shark’s flagship. The key difference is the “Lift-Away” canister feature, where the pod detaches for portable cleaning. The 370 is a traditional upright. The Navigator often has a slightly larger dust cup and may include a pet motorized tool as standard on some models. However, the core suction and cleaning performance on floors is nearly identical. If you need above-floor portability, get the Navigator. If you just want a straightforward, powerful upright for floors and occasional above-floor use with the wand, the 370 is often significantly cheaper for nearly the same floor-cleaning results.

vs. Dyson Ball/Animal Models

A Dyson will typically have superior filtration (whole-machine HEPA), a more advanced ball steering system, and often a larger dust capacity. It will also cost twice as much or more. In direct suction and pet hair pickup tests on carpet and hard floor, the Shark 370 is remarkably close, sometimes even matching the Dyson. You pay a huge premium for the Dyson name, engineering, and specific ergonomic benefits. For pure cleaning power per dollar, the Shark 370 wins.

vs. Bissell CleanView (e.g., 1834)

Bissell’s CleanView series is another budget powerhouse. It often has a larger dust cup and a similar price. The Bissell can feel slightly lighter and may have a longer warranty. However, in my testing, the Shark’s suction on thick carpet felt more aggressive, and its swivel steering is more nimble. The Bissell is an excellent machine, but the Shark 370 edges it out in maneuverability and sheer feel of power on deep-pile surfaces.

The Final Verdict: Who Is the Shark 370 Vacuum For?

After extensive use, the picture is clear. The Shark 370 is not a perfect vacuum, but it is an outstanding value. Its strengths align perfectly with the needs of a specific user, and its weaknesses are manageable trade-offs for its price.

Best For:

• Pet Owners: The pet hair tool and strong suction are a killer combo.
• Families with Kids: It handles tracked-in dirt, crumbs, and spills on both carpets and hard floors with ease.
• Allergy Sufferers: The sealed HEPA system is genuinely effective at trapping allergens.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: You get 90% of the cleaning performance of a $500 vacuum for under $150.
• Homes with Mostly Low/Medium Pile Carpet: This is its natural habitat.

Think Twice If:

• You have a very large, open-concept home (>2,000 sq ft). The small dust cup will mean frequent stops to empty.
• Ultra-quiet operation is your top priority. It’s not deafening, but it’s not whisper-quiet.
• You primarily have thick, plush royal pile carpet. While it works, a vacuum with an even more powerful motorized brush might be preferred.
• You want a “stick” vacuum for quick jobs. This is a full-sized upright meant for whole-home cleaning.

In the grand scheme, the Shark 370 vacuum earns a resounding recommendation. It is a tool, not a toy. It lacks smart features and app connectivity, but it over-delivers where it counts: on your floors. For the vast majority of households looking for a reliable, powerful, and affordable vacuum that tackles the toughest messes—especially pet hair—it’s an easy choice. The minor inconveniences of a small dust cup and moderate noise are a small price to pay for the cleaning results you get. If your priority is a spotless home without breaking the bank, the Shark 370 should be at the very top of your list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Shark 370 good for pet hair?

Yes, absolutely. It’s one of its core strengths. The strong suction combined with the motorized brush roll on the main head and the included smaller motorized pet tool makes it exceptionally effective at lifting embedded pet hair from carpets, rugs, and upholstery.

How often should I clean the filters on my Shark 370?

For optimal performance, you should tap out the foam and felt filters after every few uses and rinse them thoroughly with cold water once a month. Always let them air dry completely for 24 hours before putting them back in. A clogged filter is the most common cause of lost suction.

Is the Shark 370 vacuum loud?

It operates at a moderate to high noise level, typical of powerful upright vacuums with motorized brush rolls. It’s not deafening, but it’s louder than some stick vacuums or high-end models with extra sound insulation. Most users find the noise acceptable given its cleaning power.

Does the Shark 370 have a HEPA filter?

Yes. It features Shark’s Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which uses a combination of filters, including a HEPA media filter, to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This is a key feature for allergy and asthma sufferers.

How do I empty the dust cup on the Shark 370?

Push the release lever on the back of the dust cup to detach it from the vacuum base. Carry it to a trash can and press the bottom release button to open the bottom door, dumping the contents. Tap the sides to remove any fine dust. Reattach until it clicks securely.

How does the Shark 370 compare to the Shark Navigator?

The main difference is the Lift-Away feature on most Navigator models, which allows the canister to detach for portable cleaning. The Navigator often has a slightly larger dust cup. Otherwise, their floor-cleaning suction and brush roll performance are very similar. The 370 is typically the more budget-friendly option if you don’t need the portable canister function.