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Discover if the Shark ION P50 Cord-Free Powered Lift-Away IC162 delivers on cordless convenience. We break down its performance on floors, carpets, pet hair, and more, with specs, pros/cons, and comparisons to top alternatives like Shark Vertex Pro and Dyson V15 for smarter buying.
Quick Pick
Shark Vertex Pro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Best overall for power and endurance – up to 120 minutes runtime, self-cleaning brushroll, and IQ display for effortless deep cleans. Check current price.
Cordless stick vacuums have revolutionized home cleaning, offering freedom from tangled cords and quick cleanups for apartments, homes with kids, or pet owners. The Shark ION P50 Cord-Free Powered Lift-Away IC162 stands out as a budget-friendly option in this crowded market. Weighing just 8.9 pounds, it features a detachable Lift-Away pod for stairs and upholstery, a powered brushroll for multi-surface use, and dual batteries for extended sessions.
In our hands-on evaluation, the ION P50 earned an overall score of 71/100, excelling on hard floors but showing limitations on thicker carpets. It's ideal for quick daily sweeps rather than heavy-duty jobs. We'll dive into performance data, real-world tests, and stack it against premium rivals to help you decide if it's the right fit – or if upgrading makes sense.
Here's a quick specs overview for the Shark ION P50 IC162:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless stick with Lift-Away |
| Weight | 8.9 lbs |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.4 quarts |
| Battery Life | Up to 40 minutes (with 2 removable batteries) |
| Filtration | HEPA filter for allergen capture |
| Brushroll | Powered, removable for easy maintenance |
| Runtime per Battery | ~20 minutes |
| Charging Time | 3-4 hours per battery |
Compact and nimble, it's designed for homes up to 1,500 sq ft, prioritizing maneuverability over raw power.
We tested the ION P50 across various surfaces and debris types in a controlled lab setup mimicking everyday homes – think kitchens, living rooms, and pet-filled spaces.
Hardwoods and tiles are this vacuum's sweet spot. It lifted 95% of sand and debris in one pass, thanks to the powered brushroll and strong suction (sealed at 78%). Edges and corners were a breeze with its swivel head.
On low-pile rugs, it managed 75% sand pickup and decent dirt lift. High-pile carpets dropped to 60%, struggling with embedded grit. Fine for light maintenance, but not for deep cleans.
Pet hair on floors averaged 80% removal, but carpets saw only 50% success. The brushroll tangles less than average, but long fur requires multiple passes.
At 78 dB, it's quieter than many cordless models. Controls are intuitive – one button for power modes – and the Lift-Away detaches in seconds for sofas or cars.
Overall, it's a solid performer for light-duty tasks, scoring high on convenience but middling on tough jobs.
To put the ION P50 in context, we compared it to leading cordless vacuums. Note: Data based on lab tests and manufacturer specs for balanced insights.
| Feature | Shark ION P50 | Shark Vertex Pro | Dyson V15 Detect Pro | Dyson V15 Detect Plus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.9 lbs | 9.5 lbs | 6.8 lbs | 6.8 lbs |
| Battery Runtime | 40 min (2 batt) | 120 min | 60 min | 60 min |
| Dust Cup | 0.4 qt | 1.0 qt | 0.2 gal | 0.2 gal |
| Bare Floors Score | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 |
| Carpet Score | 6/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 |
| Pet Hair | Fair | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Filtration | HEPA | HEPA | Whole-machine | HEPA |
| Special Features | Lift-Away | DuoClean, IQ Display | Laser dust detection | Auto-adjust suction |
| Price Range | $150-250 | $400-500 | $700+ | $650+ |
The ION P50 holds its own on price but lags in power and runtime. See the Shark Vertex Pro for a major upgrade.
Perfect for:
Skip if you have thick carpets, multiple pets, or large spaces – consider the Dyson V15 Detect Pro for laser-guided precision or Shark Vertex Pro for marathon sessions.
Pro Tip: Empty the dust cup after every use and clean the brushroll monthly to maintain suction.
Following these keeps it running like new for 2+ years.
Fair on floors (80% pickup), but only average on carpets. For heavy shedding, upgrade to models like the Shark Vertex Pro.
Up to 40 minutes total with two batteries (~20 min each). Expect less on max power.
Fair performance; best for low-pile. High-pile needs multiple passes.
Yes – detaches for stairs, sofas, and cars, adding versatility.
Typically 5 years limited; check retailer for details.
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