Best Carpet Cleaner? Shark CarpetXpert vs. Bissell ProHeat 2X Compared!
Keeping carpets clean, especially in pet-friendly homes, requires a powerful carpet cleaner that can handle deep stains, embedded dirt, and persistent odors. Two of the top contenders in the market are the Shark CarpetXpert and the Bissell ProHeat 2X. Both promise superior cleaning performance, but which one is the better choice for your home? Let’s compare their features, performance, and value to help you decide.
Key Feature Comparison: Shark CarpetXpert vs. Bissell ProHeat 2X
| Feature | Shark CarpetXpert | Bissell ProHeat 2X |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Cleaning Power | CarpetXpert technology (high-speed brushroll, high-pressure spray, and Shark’s powerful suction) | MAX Clean Mode with 12 rows of Dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes |
| Stain Removal | StainStriker technology with dual-activated OXY formula for on-contact stain removal | Professional-grade cleaning removes deep stains and odors |
| Spot Cleaning | Built-in handheld spot & stain eliminator for stairs, upholstery, and isolated stains | Comes with an 8’ hose and pet tools for spot cleaning |
| Pet-Friendly Features | Eliminates pet urine and odors instantly and permanently | Designed for tough pet stains and even removes skunk odors |
| Drying Time | Ultra-fast drying without oversoaking carpets | Express Clean Mode dries carpets in ~30 minutes |
| Included Accessories | 3.5” stain tool, crevice tool, pet tool, 12oz CarpetXpert formula, 16oz StainStriker formula | Pet tool, Express Clean Mode for quick drying |
| Power & Cord Length | Powerful suction, corded | 6.8 Amp motor, 35’ power cord |
Performance & Cleaning Efficiency
1. Deep Carpet Cleaning
- Shark CarpetXpert: Uses CarpetXpert technology, combining a high-speed brushroll, high-pressure spray, and Shark’s signature powerful suction for unbeatable dirt and grime removal.
- Bissell ProHeat 2X: Equipped with 12 rows of Dual DirtLifter PowerBrushes, which dig deep into carpet fibers to extract dirt and stains.
👉 Winner: Bissell ProHeat 2X – The 12 rows of PowerBrushes provide a more aggressive deep-cleaning experience, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
2. Stain Removal & Pet Odors
- Shark CarpetXpert: Features StainStriker technology, which mixes two unique cleaning formulas on contact, delivering 20X more stain-striking power for instant stain removal.
- Bissell ProHeat 2X: Comes with professional-grade stain removal and is effective on tough pet stains, even eliminating skunk odors.
👉 Winner: Shark CarpetXpert – The dual-activated OXY formula provides an extra boost for removing tough stains instantly.
3. Spot Cleaning & Handheld Functionality
- Shark CarpetXpert: The only deep carpet cleaner with a built-in handheld stain remover, making it perfect for stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach spots.
- Bissell ProHeat 2X: Comes with an 8-foot hose and pet tools for spot cleaning, but requires attachments.
👉 Winner: Shark CarpetXpert – The built-in spot cleaner eliminates the need for extra attachments and makes quick clean-ups easier.
4. Drying Time
- Shark CarpetXpert: Ultra-fast drying due to powerful suction and precise water control, preventing oversoaking.
- Bissell ProHeat 2X: Express Clean Mode delivers dry carpets in about 30 minutes.
👉 Winner: Bissell ProHeat 2X – If fast drying is a priority, the 30-minute Express Clean Mode is a game-changer.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
| Category | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Best for Deep Carpet Cleaning | Bissell ProHeat 2X |
| Best for Stain Removal | Shark CarpetXpert |
| Best for Spot Cleaning | Shark CarpetXpert |
| Best for Pet Owners | Bissell ProHeat 2X |
| Best for Quick Drying | Bissell ProHeat 2X |
Choose the Shark CarpetXpert if:
✔️ You need a built-in handheld spot cleaner for stairs and upholstery.
✔️ You want instant stain removal with the StainStriker OXY technology.
✔️ You prefer a lightweight and easy-to-use cleaner with fast drying times.
Choose the Bissell ProHeat 2X if:
✔️ You need stronger deep-cleaning power for high-traffic carpet areas.
✔️ You have multiple pets and want effective odor removal (even skunk smells!).
✔️ You want faster drying with Express Clean Mode (30 minutes dry time).
Bottom Line:
- For deep cleaning and pet stains, go with the Bissell ProHeat 2X.
- For convenience, spot cleaning, and instant stain removal, Shark CarpetXpert is a great option.