Shark has introduced the Freestyle Max, a cordless upright vacuum aimed at users who want strong cleaning performance in a lighter, more portable format. Marketed as the company’s most powerful multi-surface cordless upright model so far, the Freestyle Max launches in the US on October 11 for $199.99 through major retailers including Amazon, Target, and Walmart. UK availability is expected to follow, though no date or pricing has been confirmed.
The Freestyle Max is designed for everyday flexibility rather than the bulk of a traditional upright. Weighing under seven pounds, it includes a dual-speed brushroll that automatically adjusts between carpets and hard floors. Shark’s anti-clog airflow system, already a feature in several of its previous models, returns here to maintain suction and reduce the need for frequent cleaning of the brushroll. LED headlights along the vacuum’s front edge illuminate hidden debris under furniture and in darker areas — a practical touch rather than a novelty.
Battery life remains modest at around 20 minutes per charge, with a full recharge taking roughly three hours. While that’s not a standout figure compared to some longer-running cordless competitors, Shark appears to be prioritizing suction strength and compactness over extended runtime. The 0.74-quart dust cup is on the smaller side, but that’s consistent with the vacuum’s portable design.
The Freestyle Max follows a busy year of product releases from Shark, including the PowerDetect Cordless Pet and the StainForce spot cleaner. The company has increasingly leaned into making its cordless lineup more versatile — bridging the gap between traditional uprights and handheld stick vacuums. The Freestyle Max fits squarely into that trend, offering an approachable price and specifications that should appeal to users who want a straightforward but capable cleaning tool.
If the model performs as advertised, it could serve as a practical mid-range option for households looking to cut the cord without compromising too much on power. Whether it lives up to the brand’s claim of being its most powerful cordless upright will depend on real-world testing, but on paper, the balance of performance and convenience looks promising.
