Shark HV322 vs HV301: Which Stick Vacuum is Best?

Looking for a versatile, lightweight stick vacuum that can handle everything from pet hair to embedded carpet dirt and hard floors? 

The Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro and Shark HV301 Rocket Ultra-Light are two of the top-rated corded vacuums designed for effortless home cleaning. 

The HV322 stands out with its motorized brush roll, LED headlights, and unique stand-up storage, while the HV301 shines with ultra-lightweight design, fingertip controls, and swivel steering for tight spaces. 

Both convert into handhelds for above-floor cleaning, but they differ in suction power, attachments, and maneuverability. 

In this detailed comparison, we break down every feature, performance aspect, and user insight so you can choose the Shark vacuum that perfectly fits your cleaning needs.

Summary Table for Quick Comparison:

Feature	Shark HV322	Shark HV301	Winner
Cleaning Performance	Excellent on carpets & hardwood, LED	Good on carpets & hardwood	HV322
Weight & Portability	8.6 lbs, slim, ergonomic	7.6 lbs, lighter and easier to carry	HV301
Dust Cup Capacity	Larger, fewer emptyings	Standard size	HV322
Pet Hair Removal	Pet tools included	TruePet brush only	HV322
Cord Length	30 ft	30 ft	Tie
Attachments	Multiple, pet-specific	Standard, general-purpose	HV322
Price	Higher due to features	Budget-friendly	HV301
User-Friendliness	Standalone storage, easy handling	Requires leaning or hook storage	HV322
Amazon Purchase Link	Buy Shark HV322 on Amazon	Buy Shark HV301 on Amazon	N/A

Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro

The Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro is a corded stick vacuum designed for powerful, versatile cleaning on carpets, hard floors, and upholstery. Weighing 8.6 lbs, it combines strong suction, a motorized brush roll, LED headlights, and detachable handheld functionality, making it ideal for households with pets or varied flooring. Its XL dust cup and washable filters allow for longer cleaning sessions without interruption.

Pros

• Powerful suction for carpets, rugs, and hard floors
  
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  
• Converts to handheld for stairs, upholstery, and tight spaces
  
• Excellent for pet hair removal with specialized tools
  
• XL dust cup and easy-to-clean filters
  
• LED headlights reveal hidden dirt
  
• Affordable and durable
  
• 5-year limited warranty
  

Cons

• Dust cup may be small for heavy-duty cleaning
  
• No onboard storage for attachments
  
• Cannot always stand upright with wand attached
  
• Cord management can be cumbersome
  

Verdict

The Shark HV322 is a lightweight, versatile vacuum that excels in pet hair removal and multi-surface cleaning. Its strong suction, handy attachments, and LED headlights make it a reliable, all-in-one cleaning solution.

Shark HV301 Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Vacuum

The Shark HV301 Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Vacuum is a lightweight, versatile stick vacuum designed for efficient cleaning on carpets, hard floors, and above-floor surfaces. Weighing just 7.6 lbs, it combines powerful suction, a motorized brush roll, and swivel steering for easy maneuverability. Its convertible handheld mode and compact design make it ideal for multi-surface cleaning and convenient storage.

Pros

• Ultra-lightweight and highly maneuverable
  
• Corded power for unlimited runtime
  
• Motorized brush roll for deep carpet cleaning
  
• Convertible to handheld for stairs, furniture, and high surfaces
  
• Swivel steering for tight corners
  
• Washable HEPA filters for easy maintenance
  
• Versatile accessories: crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, stair tool
  
• Compact storage with wand hook
  

Cons

• Can be noisy during operation
  
• Edge cleaning inconsistent, may require a second pass
  
• Dust filters not fully sealed, some microscopic dust escapes
  
• Top-heavy; can’t stand upright without support
  
• Internal hose prone to splitting
  
• Cable is fixed to handheld, limiting outdoor bin emptying
  

Verdict

The Shark HV301 is a versatile, lightweight vacuum that handles multiple surfaces with ease. It’s a practical choice for those seeking handheld convenience combined with upright and canister functionality.

Shark HV322 vs HV301: In-Depth Comparison

Here is a detailed comparison of every major feature, from cleaning performance to attachments, so you can make the best choice for your home.

1. Cleaning Performance

Shark HV322:

The HV322 is equipped with a motorized brush roll that excels in deep cleaning, especially on carpets. The brush roll is designed with well-spaced bristles that agitate carpet fibers effectively, lifting embedded dirt, dust, and pet hair. 

Additionally, it features LED headlights on the brush head, making it easy to spot debris in dark corners or under furniture. 

Users report that the HV322 performs exceptionally well on both low and medium pile carpets and also handles hardwood floors adequately, thanks to its adjustable suction modes. 

Its powerful motor ensures that even stubborn dirt is removed in fewer passes, saving time and effort.

Shark HV301:

The HV301 also features a motorized brush roll, but it lacks LED lights, which can make it slightly harder to see dust in poorly lit areas. The brush roll on the HV301 is effective for general cleaning, including carpets, rugs, and hard floors. 

Real user tests highlight that the HV301 performs very well on hardwood and low-pile carpets but may require multiple passes on thicker rugs to get everything clean. 

One unique aspect of the HV301 is its dual motors – one for suction and one for the brush roll – which provides the feel of an upright vacuum while keeping the vacuum lightweight.

Winner: HV322

The HV322 pulls ahead in cleaning performance, particularly for homes with carpets or pets, thanks to its LED headlights and specialized brush roll.

2. Portability & Design

Shark HV322:

Weighing around 8.6 pounds, the HV322 is slightly heavier than the HV301 but maintains a slim and ergonomic profile. 

Its design allows it to convert easily from a stick vacuum to a handheld, making it versatile for cleaning stairs, furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas. 

Users appreciate the standalone storage feature, which allows the vacuum to be stored without leaning it against a wall or using a wall mount.

Shark HV301:

The HV301 is lighter at 7.6 pounds, which can be a major advantage for extended cleaning sessions or moving between floors. Its slimline design also allows easy access under furniture and into tight corners. 

The HV301 converts to a handheld vacuum as well, but it does not have the standalone storage feature; users must lean it against a wall or hang it using the hook provided.

Winner: HV301

The lighter weight makes the HV301 slightly easier to maneuver, especially for older users or those with multi-level homes.

3. Dust Cup Capacity

Shark HV322:

This model features a larger dust cup, reducing the frequency of emptying, which is particularly useful for larger cleaning tasks or homes with pets. Users highlight that it can hold more debris before requiring attention, making it ideal for deep cleaning sessions.

Shark HV301:

The HV301 has a standard-sized dust cup, which is smaller than the HV322’s. While it is easy to empty, it may require more frequent emptying in larger homes or when cleaning up pet hair.

Winner: HV322

The larger dust cup gives it an edge, especially for users who dislike constant emptying.

4. Pet Hair Removal

Shark HV322:

The HV322 includes pet-specific attachments, such as the Pet Multi-Tool and Pet Crevice Tool, which are designed to remove pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and furniture. Users report that these tools make it significantly easier to maintain a clean home when living with pets.

Shark HV301:

The HV301 is equipped with a TruePet motorized brush, which handles pet hair on carpets and floors well, but it lacks additional specialized pet tools. Some users noted that the vacuum struggles a bit with long hair getting wrapped around the spindle, though cleaning is manageable.

Winner: HV322

The inclusion of specialized pet tools makes the HV322 better suited for pet owners.

5. Cord Length & Convenience

Shark HV322:

The HV322 comes with a 30-foot cord, which allows for a wide cleaning radius without frequently changing outlets. This is helpful in medium-to-large homes.

Shark HV301:

The HV301 also features a 30-foot cord, providing similar reach for most cleaning tasks.

Winner: Tie

Both models provide sufficient cord length for most homes.

6. Attachments & Accessories

Shark HV322:

It comes with multiple attachments: the Pet Multi-Tool, Pet Crevice Tool, and dusting brush. These tools expand the versatility of the vacuum, allowing users to clean not just floors, but upholstery, corners, and high surfaces.

Shark HV301:

The HV301 comes with a crevice tool, upholstery tool, and dusting brush, suitable for standard cleaning needs. However, it does not include pet-specific tools, which may limit its usefulness for pet owners.

Winner: HV322

The additional pet-specific attachments make it a more versatile vacuum for a variety of cleaning situations.

7. Price & Value

Shark HV322:

Priced higher due to its additional features, attachments, and enhanced cleaning capabilities. While it represents an investment, it delivers more advanced tools and capabilities.

Shark HV301:

The HV301 is more budget-friendly, making it a great option for general household cleaning without extra frills. Users often note that it provides excellent suction and cleaning performance for its price.

Winner: HV301

For buyers looking for value without the need for specialized features, the HV301 is a cost-effective choice.

8. User-Friendliness & Maintenance

Shark HV322:

• Filter maintenance: Washable filters; pre-motor and post-motor filters help keep airflow clear.
  
• Dust cup: Easy to empty with a one-touch release.
  
• Storage: Standalone storage without wall mounts.
  
• Noise level: Moderate; some users mention motor noise is noticeable due to top-mounted motor.
  

Shark HV301:

• Filter maintenance: Washable filters; requires regular cleaning to maintain suction.
  
• Dust cup: Standard size, easy to empty.
  
• Storage: Requires leaning or hook storage; no standalone design.
  
• Noise level: Slightly louder due to motor placement; some users find it more noticeable on hardwood floors.
  

Winner: HV322

Its convenient standalone storage and slightly easier handling make it more user-friendly.

🏆 Overall Verdict

Both the Shark HV322 and HV301 are excellent corded stick vacuums that offer the convenience of a stick, can convert to handheld, and provide powerful cleaning. The choice ultimately depends on your priorities:

• Choose the Shark HV322 if:
  
  • You have pets and need specialized tools.
    
  • You want LED headlights for better visibility in low-light areas.
    
  • You prefer a larger dust cup for extended cleaning sessions.
    
  • You value standalone storage and convenience.
    
• Choose the Shark HV301 if:
  
  • You want a lighter vacuum for portability.
    
  • You are budget-conscious and need reliable general cleaning.
    
  • You primarily clean hardwood floors, low-pile carpets, and rugs.