The Shark EX301 CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is the flagship carpet cleaner in Shark’s CarpetXpert line and comes packed with impressive specs and features. It even took first place in our Best Carpet Cleaners 2026 competition. As with all our reviews, we purchased it ourselves and put it through a wide range of standardized tests in our studio. In this review, we’ll go over its performance, the pros and cons, and where it ranks on the Vacuum Wars Top 5 Carpet Cleaners list, which we keep updated weekly on our website.
The Shark CarpetXpert EX301 Carpet Cleaner is Shark’s flagship model in its CarpetXpert lineup and offers strong performance along with several convenience-focused features. Pros include exceptional stain removal—earning the best score recorded in testing—and the StainStriker system, which mixes an undiluted OXY solution when using the hose for stronger spot cleaning. It also has a built-in spot and stain hose for quick above-floor cleaning, an onboard hose self-cleaning feature that flushes the system after use, and HairPro technology that directs collected hair into a cage to prevent clogs and tangles. The EX301 comes with numerous attachments, including a reversible 3.5-inch Stain Eliminator, pet tools, and a hair extractor tool, while remaining relatively lightweight at under 19 lbs with good ergonomics. In testing, it ranked #1 on the Vacuum Wars Top 5 Carpet Cleaners list thanks to its overall performance. Cons include a smaller 0.6-gallon water tank that requires more frequent refilling, a below-average 6.5-ft hose, a 20-ft power cord that may require outlet changes between rooms, and a higher-than-average price compared with many carpet cleaners. See additional info
Price as of April 8, 2026
Water Management: 2 Tanks | Auto Dispenser | 2 Cleaning Modes
Cleaning Performance: Cleans in Both Directions | Easy Access to Brush Roll | Above-Floor Cleaning
Tools & User Convenience: Handheld Hose
Attachments: Stain Eliminator, Mini Stain Eliminator, Pet Mess Extractor, Pet Hair Extractor
| Scores | Shark CarpetXpert EX301 | Average Carpet Cleaner Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Wars Overall | 76.88 | 52.51 |
| Stain Test Score | 90.5 | 83.50 |
| Specs | Shark CarpetXpert EX301 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 18.1 lbs |
| Tank Capacity | 0.6 Gallon |
| Cord Length | 20 ft |
| Hose Length | 6.5 ft |
| Cleaning Path Width | 10 in |
| In the Box*: Stain Eliminator, Mini Stain Eliminator, Pet Mess Extractor, Hair Extractor, 12oz. Deep Clean Pet Formula, 16oz. OXY Multiplier Formula, and Storage Tray | |
Shark EX301 CarpetXpert Overview: Design, Modes, and Core Features
To use the EX301, you fill the water tank with water and the included cleaning solution, turn it on, and push it back and forth like you would a normal vacuum. The machine automatically dispenses water while you clean, which Shark calls PowerSpray, so there’s no need to pull a trigger as you would on many other carpet cleaners.
The EX301 has two operating modes: deep cleaning mode and dry only mode. After cleaning with Deep Cleaning mode, you can switch to Dry Only mode to stop dispensing water and suction up extra moisture. This helps reduce drying time after cleaning.
It also features Shark’s StainStriker technology. There is a third tank that holds undiluted oxy solution. When using the hand tool, the machine automatically mixes the oxy formula with the cleaning solution, creating a stronger mixture for tackling deeper stains or unpleasant messes like pet urine.
CarpetXpert EX301 vs. EX304 – What is the Difference?
You may notice that there are both an EX301 and an EX304 in Shark’s carpet cleaner lineup. The only difference between them that we can tell is that the EX304 comes with an XL stain tool. Otherwise, they appear to be the same machine.
Built-In Hose and Spot Cleaning System for Stairs, Upholstery, and Pet Messes
One of the standout advantages of the EX301 is what Shark calls the Built-In Spot and Stain Eliminator. This is essentially a built-in hose system that allows you to use the machine like a carpet spot cleaner for smaller stains or above-floor cleaning tasks such as stairs or upholstery.
With many carpet cleaners, you have to locate the hose and attach it whenever you want to use it. Shark’s system eliminates that step, making spot cleaning much more convenient.
The EX301 also includes a unique onboard hose self-cleaning feature. When you finish using the hose, you simply click it back into place, and the machine cycles water and cleaning solution through the hose and internal pathways.
Cleaning the hose after dealing with major messes is extremely important, so this automated cleaning system is a genuinely useful addition.
HairPro Technology and Attachments: Tools for Pet Hair, Stains, and Deep Cleaning
The EX301 also incorporates Shark’s HairPro Technology. Collected hair is funneled into an internal hair cage located in the dirty water tank, which helps prevent clogs and hair wrapping—two common issues with carpet cleaners.
In terms of accessories, the EX301 includes more attachments than any other Shark carpet cleaner.
One of the most useful attachments is the 3.5-inch Stain Eliminator tool, which features a reversible insert with stiff bristles on one side and rubber on the other. This allows you to adapt the tool depending on the type of stain you are working on.
There is also a built-in mini stain eliminator on the hose, which is useful for hard-to-reach stains. An added benefit is that even if you lose the other attachments, this built-in option is always available.
Another included accessory is the pet mess extractor, which captures pet accidents before they reach the main hose system.
Finally, the EX301 includes a hair extractor tool designed to remove deeply embedded hair from carpets and upholstery.
Weight and Ergonomics: How Maneuverable Is the Shark EX301 Carpet Cleaner?
Shark carpet cleaners generally have good ergonomics, but the EX301 is particularly impressive in this regard. Despite being the flagship model with extra features, it remains relatively lightweight. The EX301 weighs just under 19 pounds, which is below the average carpet cleaner weight of 20.10 pounds that we’ve measured across our testing database.
That lighter weight helps make it easier to maneuver during extended cleaning sessions.
Suction Power Test Results: Shark EX301 vs Average Carpet Cleaners
We tested the EX301’s suction in both sealed and unsealed configurations, and the results were interesting.
In our sealed suction test, which measures suction directly at the hose, the EX301 produced 84 inches of sealed suction, compared to the 65-inch average across the machines we’ve tested. That result gives it the second-highest sealed suction score on record out of more than 30 carpet cleaners in our database.
When we measured unsealed suction at the floor head, the result was 8.7 kPa, which is still above the 7.26 kPa average, though it was noticeably lower than the other Shark carpet cleaners we’ve tested.
This difference could potentially be operator error, but we suspect it’s due to the EX301’s design. It’s the only model in the lineup that automatically switches suction between the hose and floor head when the machine is leaned back.
See also: How Vacuum Wars Tests Carpet Cleaners
Other Shark models rely on a manual switch when changing between hose use and floor cleaning. That design difference likely explains the discrepancy. Regardless, it did not negatively impact the machine’s real-world performance.
Carpet Stain Removal Test: Shark EX301 Achieves a Record Score
The EX301 performed exceptionally well in our standardized carpet stain test.
In this test, we pour 10 milliliters of grape juice onto white carpet, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours, and then clean it using the machine with its included cleaning solution.
We perform four timed back-and-forth passes, allow the carpet to dry, and then measure the remaining stain using a colorimeter to calculate relative lightness.
The Shark EX301 produced a stain score of 90.5, which is the best result we’ve recorded out of the 30 carpet cleaners we’ve tested. The average score in this test is 83.50.
Hose Cleaning Test: Comparing the EX301 to the Shark StainStriker Spot Cleaner
We also evaluated the stain removal ability of the EX301’s hose system and compared it with Shark’s dedicated StainStriker spot cleaner.
In our testing, the EX301’s hose produced a stain score of 87.9, which matched the performance of the Shark StainStriker spot cleaner, also at 87.9.
Interestingly, it even scored higher than Shark’s previous-generation upright carpet cleaner, the EX201, which scored 85.7 in upright mode.
This strong performance may partly be due to the StainStriker system, since the oxy multiplier is only mixed when using the hose. Because the solution isn’t pre-mixed, it remains stronger at the time of application, which may contribute to improved stain removal.
Across our testing database, Shark carpet cleaners consistently perform extremely well in stain removal. Their first-generation machines won our carpet cleaner competition last year, and the newer generation—including the EX301—won again this year. It’s clear that Shark has continued to refine an already strong design.
Shark EX301 Downsides: Tank Capacity, Hose Length, Cord Length, and Price
The most significant drawback of the EX301 is its water tank capacity.
- The average carpet cleaner we’ve tested holds about one gallon of water, but the EX301 holds only 0.6 gallons. If you are cleaning a large area, you will likely need to empty and refill the tank more frequently.
- Another limitation is the hose length, which measures 6.5 feet, compared with the average hose length of 7.8 feet among carpet cleaners. This shorter hose length is likely due to the built-in hose design. Extending it much further could make the machine unstable or prone to tipping. While 6.5 feet is adequate for most cleaning tasks, it may be limiting if you frequently clean stairs or higher surfaces.
- The power cord length is 20 feet, which is slightly below the 21.8-foot average we’ve measured. It’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, but you may need to switch outlets when moving between rooms.
- Finally, there is the price point. The EX301 is more expensive than the average carpet cleaner, largely because you’re paying for the additional features and flagship-level design. However, when compared with other flagship carpet cleaners from Hoover and Bissell, the price is fairly typical for this category.
Final Verdict: Why the Shark EX301 Ranked #1 in Our Best Carpet Cleaners of 2026
After adding up all the scores from our testing system, the Shark EX301 performed exceptionally well.
It is currently ranked number one on the Vacuum Wars Top 5 Carpet Cleaners list, making it our Best Overall Carpet Cleaner for 2026 so far.
Overall, the EX301 is a very strong flagship carpet cleaner. It outperformed every other Shark carpet cleaner we’ve tested and earned the highest stain score we’ve ever recorded. It also offers excellent ergonomics along with genuinely useful quality-of-life features like the built-in hose, onboard hose self-cleaning system, and Shark’s StainStriker technology.
The smaller water tank, shorter hose, and higher price are real drawbacks, particularly if you plan to clean very large areas in one session. However, those tradeoffs do not significantly diminish its overall performance.
If you want Shark’s best carpet cleaner and you’re willing to pay for flagship features and performance, the Shark EX301 CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is an excellent choice.
Shark CarpetXpert EX301
