Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Carpet Cleaners

Hoover PowerDash Pet+ Compact FH50704 vs Shark CarpetXpert EX201

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Shark CarpetXpert EX201 comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.6 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about Users needing strong suction and spot cleaning — read the strengths below before deciding.

Hoover PowerDash Pet+ Compact FH50704
Ranked #6 in Best Carpet Cleaners
Hoover PowerDash Pet+ Compact FH50704
$132.79as of Jul 5

The Hoover PowerDash Pet+ Compact FH50704 received mixed reviews regarding its performance. While it offers good suction and easier maintenance compared to similarly priced models, it scored poorly in stain cleaning tests, particularly for upright stains. Tom's Hardware noted it performed worse than the standard PowerDash Pet and Bissell TurboClean in stain tests. However, Reddit users praised its lightweight design and ease of use, with one reviewer noting it's been reliable for over four years. This product suits users seeking a compact, easy-to-maintain cleaner but may not be ideal for those requiring strong stain removal capabilities.

Strengths
  • Very good suction at the nozzle for the price
  • Able to cover a larger area than similarly priced models before you need to refill its clean tank or empty its dirty water tank
  • Easier to clean and maintain than most similarly priced models
Watch-outs
  • Has a very narrow cleaning path
  • Didn't perform well in upright stain test
Shark CarpetXpert EX201
Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Carpet Cleaners
Shark CarpetXpert EX201
$192.91as of Jul 1

The Shark CarpetXpert EX201 offers strong suction performance and versatile cleaning capabilities, excelling in moisture extraction and spot cleaning with its StainStriker handheld unit. However, reviewers noted below-average stain removal performance on most stains during upright cleaning tests, particularly with peanut butter. The compact design and easy maintenance features make it suitable for pet owners and households needing both full-area and targeted cleaning, though the small water tank capacity limits coverage before refills are needed. This makes it a solid choice for targeted cleaning but less ideal for large area cleaning without frequent refills.

Strengths
  • Excellent suction power at the nozzle, well above average for moisture extraction
  • Easy maintenance with accessible brushroll and detachable dirty water tank
  • Versatile design allowing easy transition from upright to spot cleaning
Watch-outs
  • Below average performance on most stains in upright cleaning test, particularly peanut butter
  • Small water tanks with below average capacity requiring frequent refills

How they stack up

Hoover PowerDash Pet+ Compact FH50704

The Hoover PowerDash Pet+ Compact FH50704 stands out for its lightweight design and ease of maintenance compared to the Bissell ProHeat 2x Revolution Pet Pro Plus 3588F and Bissell Big Green Pet Pro 3288, but it performs poorly in stain tests, especially upright stains, unlike the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam 4120 which uses steam for better results.

Shark CarpetXpert EX201

The Shark CarpetXpert EX201 surpasses the Bissell TurboClean Pet XL 3746 in suction power and offers better versatility with its StainStriker handheld unit, but it underperforms in upright stain tests compared to the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam 4120, which uses steam for better results. It also has smaller tanks than the Bissell Big Green Pet Pro 3288.

Specs side-by-side

SpecHoover PowerDash Pet+ Compact FH50704Shark CarpetXpert EX201
Weight12.3 lb18 lb
Cleaning Path Width7.5 in10 in
Suction1.93 kPa at nozzlemost powerful suction among carpet cleaners we’ve seen
Tank Capacity78 oz clean water, 52 oz dirty water0.53 gal
Dimensions15.25"D x 10.12"W x 43.5"H1"L x 1"W x 1"H
Cord Length20 ft
Hose Length5.1 ft
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