Too Close to Call
Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty IP3251
8.2
Busy households that want hands-off maintenance with powerful auto-empty convenience
VS
Eureka ReactiSense 440
8.1
Budget buyers who want strong suction and long runtime without paying a premium
Score Comparison
Criteria
Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty IP3251
Eureka ReactiSense 440
Overall Score
8.2
8.1
Suction Power
9.0
8.5
Battery Life
8.5
8.0
Weight & Ergonomics
6.5
7.5
Filtration
8.0
8.0
Dustbin Capacity
9.0
7.5
Versatility
9.0
7.5
Value
7.5
9.5
Pricing & Features
Specification
Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty IP3251
Eureka ReactiSense 440
Price
$499.99
$179.99
Released
01-Sep-24
25-Jun-25
Making Your Decision
When to Choose Shark PowerDetect Clean & Empty IP3251
Busy households that want hands-off maintenance with powerful auto-empty convenience
The Shark PowerDetect IP3251 pairs strong suction with a 45-day auto-empty dock for true set-and-forget convenience. The weight trade-off is real, but the hands-free maintenance is hard to beat at this price.
Strengths
- Auto-empty dock holds up to 45 days of debris
- PowerDetect technology auto-adjusts suction by floor type
- ~314 AW suction rivals premium competition
- DuoClean head tackles both hard floors and carpets
Limitations
- Heaviest vacuum in our roundup at ~8 lbs
- Bulky dock requires dedicated floor space
- Dock noise can be loud during auto-empty cycles
When to Choose Eureka ReactiSense 440
Budget buyers who want strong suction and long runtime without paying a premium
The Eureka ReactiSense 440 delivers impressive 350W suction and 60-minute runtime at the lowest price in our lineup. A standout value pick for homes that prioritize cleaning power over premium convenience features.
Strengths
- 350W motor with 25,800 Pa suction at under $180
- 60-minute runtime covers large homes on a single charge
- H13 HEPA filtration captures 99.95% of particles
- ReactiSense auto-adjusts suction to floor type
Limitations
- No auto-empty dock — manual dustbin emptying required
- Heavier than ultralight competitors at 6.4 lbs
- Limited smart features compared to premium models
