Shark Ex150 vs Ex151: : Which Should You Buy?

Both the Shark EX150 and Shark EX151 belong to the CarpetXpert HairPro line and use the same core cleaning technologies. You get strong suction, a high-speed brushroll, StainStriker mixing, and quick dry times in both models. They look very similar, but they do not perform the same in real homes. Their reliability, stain removal strength, and suction stability can differ quite a lot.

I checked reviews, user experiences, and long-term feedback from online communities to create the clearest comparison.

Winner Purchase Link: Shark Ex151 CarpetXpert Upright Carpet

Is the Shark EX150 Good?

Yes- the Shark EX150 offers strong cleaning for day-to-day use. It uses the CarpetXpert HairPro system, which combines a high-speed brushroll, a focused spray pattern, and solid suction. This helps it remove dirt, reduce odors, and lift pet hair from small and medium rooms. The stain tools work well for normal household messes, and dry times are fairly quick. Most users find it easy to move around and simple to operate.

However, the EX150 is a renewed unit, and quality varies. Some users report suction drop-off caused by hose movement or minor seal issues. Others receive units with small cosmetic marks. It performs well for lighter cleaning tasks, but consistency depends on the exact refurbished unit you receive.

What I Like

1. Strong suction that lifts deep dirt
2. Stain tools work well for everyday spills
3. Fast drying with slow extraction passes
4. Easy controls for new users
5. Light enough to carry between rooms

What Could Be Better

• Occasional suction drops from hose alignment
• Some units show light cosmetic wear
• Performance varies more than newer models

Recommendation

Choose the EX150 if you want a lower-priced cleaner for regular maintenance and small to medium spaces. It works well for light pet homes and weekly cleaning. If you want more reliable suction or stronger stain results, the EX151 is the better choice.

Is the Shark EX151 Good?

Yes- the Shark EX151 is an upgraded version of the EX150 and is built for homes that need deeper cleaning, stronger stain removal, and more stable performance. It uses the same HairPro system but delivers smoother suction, better extraction, and more reliable handling. The StainStriker feature mixes two solutions on contact, and users consistently report excellent results with old stains, odors, and high-traffic areas.

The EX151 also feels sturdier. The hose and handle connections sit more securely, and the spray pattern is more even. Carpets dry quickly, and most users say the machine refreshes their floors after one or two slow passes. Although it is also renewed, users report fewer mechanical issues compared with the EX150.

What I Like

• Suction stays consistent during the entire pass
• StainStriker works very well on old and stubborn stains
• Strong water extraction leaves carpets less damp
• Build quality feels more secure and stable
• Great for pet homes and heavy traffic areas

What Could Be Better

• Slightly heavier than the EX150
• Still a renewed product, so quality can vary
• Frequent refills needed for large spaces

Recommendation

Choose the EX151 if you need stronger stain removal, more stable suction, and better reliability. It is the better option for homes with pets, older carpets, and busy rooms. If long-term performance matters more than price, the EX151 is the safer choice.

Detailed Comparison: Shark EX150 vs EX151

Power and Cleaning Performance

Shark EX150

The EX150 gives strong cleaning for the price. It removes surface dirt well and can lift deeper debris from medium-pile carpets. When cleaning across several rooms, performance is good, but suction may weaken if the hose shifts slightly. The brushroll agitates the fibers properly, but overall consistency depends on the condition of your refurbished unit. For smaller homes and weekly cleaning, it performs effectively and keeps carpets visibly cleaner.

Shark EX151

The EX151 delivers more stable suction and smoother deep cleaning. The brushroll feels more responsive, and suction remains strong even on thicker carpets. Stains benefit from better spray coverage and stronger extraction, making deep dirt easier to remove. Many users say their carpets look brighter and feel fresher after one session. Its performance is close to larger carpet cleaners while remaining simple to handle.

Scores

EX150: 8.0 / 10

EX151: 9.3 / 10

Stain Removal

Shark EX150

The EX150 works well on fresh stains and typical household spills. Its OXY spray and brushroll remove food marks, minor pet stains, and everyday dirt. However, it can struggle with older stains or deeper dirt in high-traffic zones. The spot tool helps, but performance drops if suction fluctuates.

Shark EX151

Stain removal is one of the biggest strengths of the EX151. The StainStriker system activates two solutions at once, breaking down old residue quickly. Many users report major improvements in areas that other machines could not clean. It performs especially well on pet urine, old food stains, mud, and worn traffic lanes.

Scores

EX150: 8.1 / 10

EX151: 9.5 / 10

Build Quality and Reliability

Shark EX150

As a refurbished unit, the EX150 varies in condition. Many customers receive units that look nearly new, but some report loose handles, small leaks, or hose movement. These problems do not always affect cleaning, but they can reduce long-term reliability. For lighter use, most units hold up fine, but consistency is mixed.

Shark EX151

The EX151 receives fewer complaints. Although also refurbished, it appears to undergo better restoration. The tanks, handle, and hose connections feel firmer, and users report fewer mechanical issues. Long-term reliability is stronger, especially for frequent cleaners.

Scores

EX150: 7.2 / 10

EX151: 8.9 / 10

Water Efficiency and Drying

Shark EX150

The EX150 uses water efficiently and extracts a fair amount per pass. Dry times are usually quick, though extraction can vary if your unit experiences suction changes. For small to medium spaces, drying is fast and predictable.

Shark EX151

The EX151 removes more water per pass and leaves carpets noticeably less damp. Many users say their carpets feel nearly dry within an hour with slow extraction passes. This makes it very practical for homes where floors must be ready quickly.

Scores

EX150: 8.2 / 10

EX151: 9.4 / 10

Ease of Use and Noise

Shark EX150

The EX150 is light, simple, and easy to set up. It is a good beginner-friendly machine. Noise levels vary slightly depending on the motor, but most users compare it to a typical vacuum.

Shark EX151

The EX151 is a bit heavier but still easy to maneuver. The tank markings are clearer, and the machine runs smoothly. Noise levels remain steady and feel quieter than larger machines. Many users say it is comfortable to use for longer cleaning sessions.

Scores

EX150: 8.0 / 10

EX151: 9.0 / 10

User Feedback

User comments show a clear trend. Both models clean well, dry fast, and handle pet messes properly. However, the EX150 receives more complaints about suction loss, hose shifting, and inconsistent refurbishment quality. Discussions on Reddit highlight that renewed units can vary a lot, and the EX150 appears more often in these reports.

The EX151 receives steadier praise, especially for stain removal, suction stability, and overall reliability. People who have used both models say the EX151 feels stronger, smoother, and more dependable.

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Final Verdict

I would personally recommend the Shark EX151. It provides stronger suction, better stain removal, faster drying, and more reliable long-term performance. It works especially well for pet homes, older carpets, and high-traffic areas. Even though both models are renewed, the EX151 receives far more consistent positive feedback and fewer mechanical complaints.

The Shark EX150 is still useful if you want a lower price and only need light to moderate cleaning. It performs well when the unit is in good condition, but reliability varies more, making it less ideal for frequent deep cleaning.

Overall Scores

Shark EX150: 7.9 / 10

Shark EX151: 9.2 / 10

FAQs for Shark EX150 vs EX151 Carpet Cleaners

What is the main difference between the Shark EX150 and EX151 CarpetXpert models?

The primary difference often lies in color, model variations for specific retailers, and included accessories. The Shark EX150 is generally marketed in navy or magenta, while the Shark EX151 typically comes in slate green. Both share the core CarpetXpert technology.

Do both the Shark EX150 and EX151 have a built-in spot and stain remover?

Yes, both the Shark EX150 and the Shark EX151 models feature a built-in handheld spot and stain eliminator. This allows for targeted cleaning of messes on stairs, upholstery, and area rugs, giving you whole-home cleaning capability.

Is the cleaning performance of the Shark EX150 and EX151 the same?

In terms of core technology, the deep cleaning performance is identical for the Shark EX150 and Shark EX151. They both use CarpetXpert Technology—high-speed brushroll, powerful suction, and high-pressure spray—to remove dirt and grime.

Are the Shark EX150 and EX151 effective at removing pet stains and odors?

Yes, both Shark CarpetXpert models are designed to be highly effective for pet owners. They utilize powerful suction and can eliminate tough pet messes and odors, including those from pet urine and smoke, when used with the recommended Shark cleaning solutions.

What size are the water tanks on the Shark EX150 and EX151?

The water tank capacities are generally the same for the Shark EX150 and EX151 upright carpet cleaners. The clean water capacity is often around 2.3 liters (78 ounces), and the dirty water tank is approximately 0.85 liters (30.4 fluid ounces).

To see the Shark CarpetXpert EX151 in action, check out this unboxing and review: Shark CarpetXpert Carpet Shampooer EX151 UNBOXING & REVIEW.

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