The Shark EX300 and EX301 may look similar, but they are built for different homes. The EX300 focuses on everyday carpet cleaning, while the EX301 is made for tougher jobs, especially in homes with pets and heavy hair.
I checked how each model cleans, how they handle stains, and what real users say about them. This quick comparison gives you a clear picture of what each machine does best so you can pick the one that fits your cleaning needs.
Winner Purchase Link: Shark EX301 CarpetXpert HairPro Pet
Is the Shark EX300 Good?
Yes — the EX300 cleans carpets deeply and handles dirt and debris well for regular household use.
It combines a strong brushroll, suction, and spray system to lift dirt, grime, and odors from carpet fibers. It handles rugs, upholstery, and stairs too, and users value its “dry-only” mode that helps carpets dry faster after cleaning. The EX300 works well for general carpet maintenance, lighter cleaning tasks, or periodic deep cleans.
On the flip side, because it targets general cleaning rather than heavy pet hair or very tough messes, it can struggle with deeply embedded pet hair or heavily soiled carpets. For pet owners or large cleaning jobs, results may require multiple passes.
What I Like
- Solid suction and deep cleaning
- Effective odor and dirt removal
- Fast drying with dry-only mode
- Useful built-in stain tool
- Good for carpets, rugs, upholstery, and stairs
- Simple to set up and operate
What Could Be Better
- Hair and fur can wrap or clog the brushroll
- May need multiple passes for heavy jobs
- Less specialized for pets than newer models
- Tank size might require refills for larger areas
Recommendation
Use the EX300 for regular carpet cleaning, occasional deep cleans, or households without heavy pet hair or stains. It gives good value for general maintenance, but may fall short for demanding cleaning tasks.
Is the Shark EX301 Good?
Yes — the EX301 is a strong upgrade for homes with pets, heavy hair, or frequent spills. It’s one of the most pet-friendly machines in the CarpetXpert lineup.
The EX301 adds the HairPro Pet system which Shark says can collect 3× more pet hair than other upright cleaners. It sends hair and fur directly into a separate hair cage so there’s minimal clogging or tangling. The built-in StainStriker system mixes two cleaning solutions on contact for powerful stain and odor removal — even for pet urine, smoke, or old stains.
The machine also includes multiple attachments: pet hair extractor, stain tools, and spot-cleaning tools. It even features a self-cleaning cycle to rinse out the hoses and tools, which makes maintenance easier. Users say it handles pet messes, embedded fur, and heavy dirt with ease — often delivering near-professional results in a single pass.
What I Like
- Excellent pet hair removal without clogging
- Strong suction and stain removal with StainStriker
- Specialized tools for stain, pet hair, and mess cleanup
- Self-cleaning tool/hose rinse feature
- Great for carpets, rugs, upholstery, and pet-heavy homes
- More reliable results on tough messes
What Could Be Better
- Heavier and bulkier than simpler models
- Tank may fill up faster during big jobs
- More parts and tools than basic cleaners (slightly more maintenance)
- Renewed units may have variation in condition
Recommendation
Choose EX301 if you have pets, frequent stains, hair shedding, or large cleaning demands. It performs strongly in tough jobs and is ideal for pet owners or households needing regular deep cleaning. Its extra features justify the premium over the EX300.
Detailed Comparison: Shark EX300 vs EX301
Cleaning Power & Deep Cleaning
EX300
Delivers consistent suction and surface-level deep cleaning. Good for regular maintenance or light cleaning jobs.
EX301
Delivers stronger suction, better extraction, and deeper cleaning. Its combo of brushroll + PowerSpray + suction handles soiled carpets, pet hair, and heavy dirt more effectively.
Scores
- EX300: 8.2 / 10
- EX301: 9.4 / 10
Hair & Pet Hair Removal
EX300
Performs okay with light debris or occasional pet hair but brushroll wrap or clogs are possible.
EX301
Designed for pet hair — hair goes straight into the dirty-water tank hair cage, avoiding clogs and tangles. Highly effective at lifting embedded fur.
Scores
- EX300: 7.5 / 10
- EX301: 9.7 / 10
Stain & Odor Removal
EX300
Handles common stains and odors, especially with the built-in stain tool and cleaning formula. Works fine for occasional spills.
EX301
The StainStriker dual-solution system gives far stronger stain and odor removal power. Good for pet urine, smoke smell, and morning-after accidents, even on older stains.
Scores
- EX300: 8.3 / 10
- EX301: 9.6 / 10
Ease of Use & Maintenance
EX300
Relatively simple, straightforward cleaner. Tanks need normal filling/emptying, and brushroll may require manual cleaning if hair wraps.
EX301
More features and attachments, but also more convenience: self-cleaning rinse cycle for tools and hoses, hair cage for no-touch disposal, and attachments suited for different tasks. Slightly heavier, but still manageable.
Scores
- EX300: 8.0 / 10
- EX301: 9.2 / 10
Water Efficiency & Drying Time
EX300
Uses water efficiently and dries carpets fairly fast. Works best for occasional deep cleans.
EX301
Also efficient, with good extraction and drying. For heavy cleaning with water, it often dries carpets in a reasonable time thanks to stronger suction.
Scores
- EX300: 8.3 / 10
- EX301: 9.3 / 10
Reliability & Versatility
EX300
Good for basic cleaning needs. Less specialized, so may struggle with heavy pet use or frequent deep cleans.
EX301
More reliable for varied tasks — carpets, rugs, upholstery, pet messes — and built for regular heavy use. Its design reduces clogging, simplifies maintenance, and handles tough jobs better.
Scores
- EX300: 7.8 / 10
- EX301: 9.1 / 10
User Feedback
Reviews from Amazon, BestBuy and Reddit highlight that EX300 works fine for regular cleaning and light pet hair. But many note it struggles with heavy hair, and hair wrap or clogs can be a problem when cleaning densely furred homes. Reddit users mention that while Shark’s CarpetXpert line is better than basic vacuums, some units leak or lose suction after months — especially lower-end ones.
In contrast, the EX301 gets high praise for strong suction, excellent hair pickup, and effective stain removal. Pet owners report it handles fur, urine stains, and odors better than past cleaners. Overall feedback leans heavily toward EX301 being more dependable for pet-heavy, frequent cleaning needs.
Final Verdict
If your home has pets, lots of hair, rugs or carpets that see heavy use, or you regularly deal with stains and odors — go for Shark EX301 CarpetXpert HairPro Pet. Its HairPro Pet system, specialized tools, and strong stain-and-hair removal give you reliable, deep cleaning with less hassle.
If you only need a carpet cleaner for light use — occasional cleaning, small jobs, or once-in-a-while carpet refreshes — Shark EX300 CarpetXpert HairPro Pet is a solid, budget-friendly option. It cleans well for its class but lacks the specialized power for pet-heavy or demanding situations.
EX301 is the safer long-term choice; EX300 serves basic households or light-duty needs.
Overall Scores
- Shark EX300: 8.0 / 10
- Shark EX301: 9.4 / 10
FAQs for Shark EX300 vs EX301
What is the main difference between the Shark EX300 and EX301?
The Shark EX300 and EX301 are essentially the same model, the CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker. The model number variation (EX300 vs EX301) typically just indicates a difference in the retailer, color, or the specific set of included accessories.
Do the Shark EX300 and EX301 have the same core cleaning technology?
Yes, both the Shark EX300 and EX301 feature the same powerful core technology. They include CarpetXpert deep cleaning, StainStriker spot removal, and HairPro technology for effective pet hair pickup without clogging.
Which Shark model is better for homes with pets, the EX300 or EX301?
Both the Shark EX300 and EX301 are designed to be excellent for homes with pets. They both use HairPro technology to pull up deeply embedded pet hair and feature StainStriker to tackle tough pet stains and odors effectively.
Are the included attachments and accessories different for the Shark EX300 and EX301?
The accessories provided with the Shark EX300 and EX301 can sometimes vary. While both come with tools like the built-in StainStriker, one version might include an extra tool (like an XL Stain Eliminator or Pet Mess Extractor) depending on the retailer package.
Do both the Shark EX300 and EX301 include the self-cleaning feature?
Yes, both the Shark EX300 and EX301 carpet cleaners include the convenient on-board self-cleaning feature. This function cycles water and solution through the hose and tools to rinse the system out after you finish cleaning.
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