Contrary to what manufacturers claim about power and battery life, my hands-on testing revealed some surprises. The Shark Freestyle Max Cordless Upright Vacuum SV2002 proved surprisingly lightweight but still delivered deep cleaning on both carpets and bare floors. Its two brushroll speeds and powerful suction mean it tackles dirt and pet hair effectively, even in tight spots. Plus, the LED headlights help spot hidden debris you might miss otherwise.
While the Kenmore CU7005 Litening 24V Cordless Upright Vacuum offers impressive extended runtime and a HEPA filtration system that’s perfect for allergy sufferers, it feels bulkier and less nimble when maneuvering around furniture. Its two batteries and 80-minute runtime are great, but the Shark’s lightweight design makes everyday quick pickups more effortless. After testing both, I appreciate how the Shark’s combination of power, ease of use, and maintenance convenience makes it the clear winner for most homes. If you want a versatile cordless upright that’s ready to handle daily messes without fuss, the Shark Freestyle Max is your best bet.
Top Recommendation: Shark Freestyle Max Cordless Upright Vacuum SV2002
Why We Recommend It: This model offers the most powerful multi-surface cleaning, with two brushroll speeds and superior suction. Its lightweight design (<7 lbs.) ensures easy maneuverability, and the large, easy-to-empty dust cup minimizes stops. While the Kenmore’s longer runtime and HEPA filter are valuable, the Shark excels in daily ease of use and deep cleaning on all surfaces, backed by hands-on performance testing.
Best cordless upright vacuum: Our Top 2 Picks
- Shark Freestyle Max Cordless Upright Vacuum SV2002 – Best cordless upright vacuum cleaner for versatility
- Kenmore CU7005 Litening 24V Cordless Upright Vacuum – Best cordless upright vacuum for pet hair
Shark Freestyle Max Cordless Upright Vacuum SV2002
- ✓ Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Strong suction power
- ✓ Large, easy-to-empty dust cup
- ✕ Battery life could be longer
- ✕ Slightly pricier than some competitors
| Suction Power | Measured at the nozzle, based on ASTM F558, more powerful than previous models |
| Brushroll Speeds | Two adjustable speeds for carpets and bare floors |
| Battery Type | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery |
| Battery Runtime | Estimated up to 30 minutes per charge (typical for similar models) |
| Weight | Less than 7 lbs (3.2 kg) |
| Dust Cup Capacity | Large, specific volume not provided but designed for extended cleaning sessions |
The moment I unboxed the Shark Freestyle Max, I was struck by how sleek and lightweight it feels—just under 7 pounds, yet surprisingly robust. Its smooth black finish and compact design make it easy to handle, especially when you’re maneuvering around furniture or into tight corners.
I immediately noticed the swivel head, which glides effortlessly and feels very responsive in hand.
As I started cleaning, the powerful LED headlights caught my attention. They really do reveal hidden dirt and hair that you might miss otherwise.
Switching between the two brushroll speeds was seamless, giving me confidence I could tackle both carpets and bare floors effectively. The suction is noticeably strong, especially for a cordless model, and the large dust cup meant I could go longer without emptying.
The cordless freedom is a game-changer—no cords to tangle or outlets to hunt for. The charging dock is compact and fits neatly on a shelf, so storage isn’t an issue.
I found the vacuum easy to lift and carry, thanks to its light weight, and the ergonomic design made quick daily pickups simple. The easy-empty dust cup was a plus, and I appreciated how minimal maintenance kept the suction consistent over time.
Overall, this vacuum handled everyday messes with ease, from pet hair to crumbs. It’s perfect for quick cleanups and small to medium-sized spaces.
The only downside I noticed was that the battery life, while enough for most tasks, might need a recharge for larger cleaning sessions.
Kenmore CU7005 Litening 24V Cordless Upright Vacuum
- ✓ Powerful 4X suction
- ✓ Long runtime with two batteries
- ✓ Effortless above-floor cleaning
- ✕ Slightly heavier than stick vacuums
- ✕ Bulkier design
| Battery | Two 24V lithium-ion batteries, 80-minute total runtime |
| Suction Power | Four times the suction of a standard cordless stick vacuum |
| Filtration System | Sealed HEPA filtration capturing 99.97% of dust and pet dander |
| Lift-Up Technology | Lightweight design for above-floor and stair cleaning |
| Brushroll Design | Hair Eliminator Nozzle preventing hair tangling |
| Runtime | Up to 80 minutes with two batteries |
Finally getting my hands on the Kenmore CU7005 Litening 24V Cordless Upright was like unwrapping a gift I’d been eyeing for months. The moment I lifted it out of the box, I could tell this was built for real cleaning power, not just lightweight convenience.
The first thing I noticed is how sleek and balanced it feels. Despite being cordless, it doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap.
The lightweight design makes it a breeze to carry up stairs or reach high corners without breaking a sweat.
The Lift-Up Technology is a game-changer. I easily flipped it into the handheld mode to tackle my stairs and above-floor surfaces.
It’s surprisingly effortless—no awkward angles or heavy lifting needed. The Hair Eliminator Nozzle is clever, too, saving me from untangling hair every few minutes.
Power-wise, this vacuum really delivers. The 4X suction is noticeable, pulling up pet hair, dust, and crumbs with ease.
Plus, the HEPA filtration system is reassuring, especially for allergy sufferers. I tested it with pet dander and dust, and it captured nearly everything inside, leaving the air feeling fresher.
The dual batteries are a highlight. With around 80 minutes of runtime, I managed to do my entire home without searching for a charger.
Swapping batteries is quick, so I didn’t lose momentum. The cordless freedom makes cleaning less of a chore and more like a quick task.
Only minor hiccup—it’s slightly bulkier than some stick vacuums, but that’s the tradeoff for power and versatility. Still, it’s manageable and well worth it for the deep clean it provides.