Shark’s Smart Lift-Away Upright Just Dropped to $199 (Plus, an Extra $30 Off Today Only)

updated Apr 8, 2025
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someone vacuuming home rug
Credit: Joe Lingeman

In my home, a vacuum is a must. Without one, my light living room carpet would look dirty in a matter of days — that’s all it takes! Not only that, but my hardwood floors don’t take long to collect bundles of dust. Between the two, it’s essential I have the right vacuum for the job (and one that can handle upholstery, too). Vacuuming daily is a colossal pain in the you-know-what, but my carpet was far from cheap, so I’m keeping it for at least a few more years.

And let’s face it: With so many options on the market with different features, it’s always hard to know which vacuum is exactly right for your needs. Luckily, working for Apartment Therapy has granted me the opportunity to test out many vacuums, and trust me, I know a good one when I use it. One of my favorite vacuum brands is Shark, and the Lift-Away Corded Upright Vacuum with Direction Detect has everything I’ve been searching for and more.

Originally listed at $270, this powerful corded upright is on sale at QVC for $199.98 — and you can save even more on today, 2/21, only with the new-customer promo: $30 off a $60+ purchase with code NEWQ30 (plus free standard shipping, also today only!). Here’s what I love about it.

What is the Shark Lift-Away Corded Upright Vacuum W Direction Detect

What makes this model stand out is Shark’s Detect technology, which is designed to make cleaning feel more intuitive. The vacuum automatically senses whether you’re on carpet or hard floors and adjusts the brushroll speed accordingly, so there’s no need to manually switch modes mid-clean. Even more impressive is the Direction Detect feature, which maintains strong suction whether you’re pushing the vacuum forward or pulling it back. Instead of having to go over the same area twice, it works efficiently in both directions — something you’ll appreciate when you’re trying to power through your weekly tidy-up.

Because it’s corded, you get consistent, powerful suction without worrying about battery life fading halfway through the living room. The Lift-Away design adds versatility, allowing you to detach the pod to clean stairs, upholstery, and tight corners more easily. Plus, if you have pets or just long hair, the self-cleaning brushroll helps prevent hair wrap (a small but mighty feature), and the sealed HEPA filtration system traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum instead of releasing them back into the air. I also love that it also has lights, so I can see exactly where I’m going and what it’s sucking up.

Quick Overview

A Quick Look at the Shark Lift-Away Vacuum with Direction Detect

  • Self-cleaning brushroll provides a tangle-free performance that handles pet hair and longer strands without constant maintenance
  • Detect Technology automatically adjusts brushroll speed based on floor type
  • Suction adapts direction for thorough cleaning forward and in reverse
  • LED headlights to help you pick up every last speck of dust and dirt, even in hard-to-see areas
  • Includes crevice tool, upholstery tool, and odor puck
  • Odor Neutralizer technology that guards against odors inside the vacuum to make your home smell clean

Should You Buy the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum?

Overall, I’d say this vacuum is an excellent pick, but I would specifically recommend it for someone who’s looking for one that can:

  • Tackle hair (both human and pet) with ease
  • Vacuum a variety of flooring from hardwood to tile to carpet 
  • Capture deeply embedded debris with strong suction

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