Shark EvoPower System NEO+ Cordless Vacuum – Review

Certain brands have become synonymous with the product category they compete in – Microsoft for computer operating systems, Nintendo for game consoles, Samsung for Android phones, Apple for tablets, Porsche for sports cars, Maggi for instant noodles, Cadbury for chocolate, Coca-Cola for soda – the list goes on. What is rare to see is one of these brands getting displaced, but we’re close, as several vacuum cleaning brands are looking to be the new Hoover. And while some might be quick to name Dyson as the leader, it’s not the only player when it comes to cordless vacuums.

Make no mistake – Dyson clearly leads the charge with sleek, quiet models that balance performance and design, but if your home is looking for more, the Shark EvoPower System NEO+ is here with a clear goal to rival Dyson’s cleaning power, while adding a self-cleaning dock into the mix.

Out of the box, the Shark EvoPower System NEO+ comes in 5 main components: the cordless vacuum unit, the Auto-Empty Dock, a Duster Crevice Tool, an Upholstery Tool, and a Motorised Pet Tool. The main cleaning unit measures approximately 1.06m in height when assembled, with the upper handle housing the dust container and motor. On the controls, there are three buttons. A power button, an Eco mode button, and a Boost mode button allow users to toggle between different cleaning intensities. The entire unit weighs 1.7 kg, with the top handheld section weighing around 1.3 kg, and the motorised cleaning head contributing the remaining 0.4 kg. Its Flexology swivel function allows the wand to bend up to 90 degrees, making it convenient for reaching under furniture and low spaces.

The Auto-Empty Dock is one of the Shark EvoPower System NEO+’s best features, which serves as both a charging and self-cleaning base. Once docked, the vacuum automatically clears its bin through a strong, dry suction process in under 10 seconds that, while noisy, is highly effective. The vacuum slides and locks neatly into the dock, with the base of the dock measuring approximately 40 cm by 27 cm, including the accessory holder.

The dock houses two collection chambers, with the right side collecting larger debris, while the left side handles finer dust particles via the pre-motor foam filter. The right chamber can be completely removed and washed, while the left chamber allows only the pre-motor foam filter to be detached for cleaning. This separation system works efficiently and makes disposal cleaner. In addition, a cable management handle keeps the wires neatly tucked away at the back.

The dust compartment, however, is on the smaller side. After cleaning an entire apartment, it was about half full, which means users will likely depend on the Auto-Empty Dock to clear it regularly, to move the dirt from the handheld to the docking station. The suction pressure of the unit seems to help compact the debris more efficiently, which may help reduce how often it needs to be emptied, but this is something you’ll need to clear at least weekly, depending on your frequency of use. Do note that you can manually clean the dust compartment with your fingers, but it can get messy, so using the dock, simply by inserting the handheld, is a far more convenient and cleaner option.

The vacuum includes three primary attachments. A duster crevice tool for tight corners and edges, an upholstery tool designed for smaller surfaces such as sofas and chairs, and a motorised hand tool ideal for beds and sofas. Each tool performs well in its intended role, allowing users to tailor their cleaning approach throughout the home. The charging base includes designated holders for each attachment, enabling the unit to be stored, charged, and organised in one compact footprint. This all-in-one storage and cleaning system enhances convenience, providing users with not just powerful suction but a fully integrated cleaning station. The only caveat is that the holders do not fasten securely, so moving the dock can cause tools to become loose.

Suction performance is where the Shark EvoPower System NEO+ stands out. It handled pet hair and long strands exceptionally well, outperforming the Dyson PencilVac in some cases. Hair that usually requires multiple passes with the Dyson was picked up in one go by the EvoPower System NEO+, with the Anti Hair Wrap technology effectively preventing tangles around the roller. This is a new-fangled feature found in China brands such as Dreame and Ecovacs that effectively either snips the strands of hair or shoves it to one side of the cleaning head, preventing the hair from getting tangled up in the moving cleaning head and causing issues.

The vacuum also comes with three selectable power modes. Eco, Normal, and Boost, making it easy to match cleaning intensity with the task at hand. The Smart IQ Pro Floor Detect feature automatically optimises suction strength depending on the load of debris picked up.

In Normal mode, a single charge lasted 45 minutes, while the unit drained itself on Boost mode in under 20 minutes. Eco mode delivers the longest runtime of up to 60 minutes with reduced suction power for lighter cleaning, while boost provides maximum suction for intensive tasks but drains the battery faster, lasting around 20 minutes.

The vacuum’s battery indicator consists of three light bars, and we tested the unit in a 1,033 square-foot five-room HDB flat that was filled with a fair amount of dog hair, long hair, and daily dust. After vacuuming the apartment for about 15 minutes, one light bar was depleted, suggesting a total runtime of roughly 45 minutes on a full charge, and a full charge takes around 3.5 hours from a completely drained battery. Although not without a few quirks.

The trade-off, however, is noise. The vacuum is noticeably louder than the Dyson, both during operating the vacuum and when the dock’s cleaning function is activated. Due to its lightweight, the EvoPower System NEO+ offers smooth manoeuvrability, thanks to the swivelling head, though the rear fabric strip on the main head tends to trap dust and pet hair. The rollers can also squeak slightly during movement, adding to the overall noise level. 

While the vacuum includes LED indicators that change from green, yellow, to red depending on the amount of debris detected, the head lighting does not add much value. Unlike Dyson’s laser illumination that lights up the area directly in front of the cleaning head for users to notice any dirt, the Shark’s front light fails to make debris more visible, serving little to no purpose in darker areas or even under the furniture.

The Shark EvoPower System NEO+ Cordless Vacuum delivers strong suction performance and an excellent auto-cleaning dock system that adds genuine convenience. It is especially effective for homes with pets and long hair, where its Anti Hair Wrap technology keeps the brush free from tangles. However, its high noise level, underwhelming headlighting, and small dust compartment prevent it from reaching perfection. Despite these shortcomings, the EvoPower System NEO+ offers reliable power and smart cleaning features that make it a strong contender in the cordless vacuum category.

At S$699, the Shark EvoPower System NEO+ is an impressive addition to the home cleaning lineup for users who prioritise suction strength and automated convenience over noise.

Debbi Koh

Living multiple lives, Debbi is a singer-songwriter and music coach by day, FPS gamer and variety streamer by night. Let’s not forget being a full-time dog mom to her Cavapoo, Buddy. With life like this, who needs a multiverse?