Out of all cleaning tools for wiping down floors, steam mops stand out for their ability to sanitize hard surfaces using just water — no chemicals or backbreaking scrubbing. They’re especially beloved in busy households, like those with pets, kids or allergy concerns. And lucky for us, a couple of our favorites are on sale for Amazon Prime Day.
Among the best steam mops on the market, Shark and Bissell consistently rise to the top as household names, and for good reason: They make reliable, user-friendly steam mops that actually work. But the two brands top models aren't exactly apples to apples. The Shark Steam Mop is a streamlined, affordable pick designed for quick daily cleanups, while the Bissell Symphony Pet combines two tools in one. It vacuums dry messes and steam cleans at the same time, making it a good pick for homes with high-traffic floors or lots of fur.
So which one is right for you? That depends on what kind of messes you’re tackling, how much multitasking you want your mop to do and what you're willing to spend.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Inexpensive
- Removable water tank
Cons
- Only one steam level
BISSELL Symphony Pet All-in-One Vacuum & Sanitizing Steam Mop
Pros
- Vacuums and steam mops separately or simultaneously
- Multiple levels of steam
- Lightweight and easy to use
Cons
- Some users said the vacuum occasionally clogs
Price
If you’re looking at price alone, the Shark Steam Mop is the obvious winner. Typically priced around $70 — and currently 14% off — it’s one of the most affordable steam mops on the market, and it even comes with two basic reusable microfiber pads. Overall, our Lab pros say Shark's steam mop is a good mop that's easy to use and comes at a reasonable price.
The Bissell Symphony Pet, on the other hand, usually retails for around $170 — and though it often goes on sale (and it's been on and off sale for Prime Day), it's still the more expensive choice. It does offer more functionality, namely the ability to vacuum and steam clean simultaneously. We also like that it comes with reusable microfiber pads and disposable pads with your purchase (for those extra icky messes).
Versatility
When it comes to versatility, the Bissell Symphony Pet has the edge. This all-in-one device is both a vacuum and a steam mop, meaning it can handle dry debris — like pet hair, crumbs or dust — as well as liquid or sticky messes that require a deeper clean. You can even use both functions at the same time, so there’s no need to vacuum first and mop later. (It's worth noting that some users did experience clogs when vacuuming.)
The Shark Steam Mop is more limited in its capabilities. It’s designed solely for steam mopping, with no vacuuming feature. That said, it works exceptionally well for everyday maintenance on sealed hard floors and can power through dried-on spills with a few extra passes.
Cleaning power
Both of these steam mops rely on heated water vapor to loosen dirt, sanitize hard floors and eliminate grime without chemicals — but there are a few key differences in performance.
We like that the Bissell Symphony Pet offers multiple levels of steam output, which allows you to tailor the intensity based on your cleaning needs. You can dial it down for delicate floors or crank it up for tougher messes, like dried-on spills or muddy paw prints.
The Shark Steam Mop also produces powerful on-demand steam, but only has a single steam level. That lack of adjustability may be a drawback if you’re switching between surface types or need more targeted cleaning power. Still, for everyday messes, it does the job reliably.
Design
The Shark Steam Mop shines for its simplicity and practical touches — like a removable 1.6-cup water tank that's easy to fill directly at the sink. Its 18-foot cord provides decent reach for most rooms, and the mop locks upright for convenient storage. On the downside, it doesn’t come with any attachments.
The Bissell Symphony Pet is twice as heavy at about 10.6 pounds due to its combined vacuum and steam mop design. While this adds some bulk, we still found it manageable to push and maneuver in our tests, and its longer 25-foot cord offers excellent reach. The tradeoff? The extra weight and size mean it takes up more storage space, and the 1.6-cup water tank is fixed, so you have to refill it at the machine.
Which steam mop is right for you?
Both the Shark Steam Mop and the Bissell Symphony Pet deliver solid steam cleaning performance, but they cater to different needs. If you want an affordable, lightweight and no-fuss steam mop for regular maintenance and quick cleanups, the Shark is a smart buy. Its simplicity, removable water tank and upright locking design make it easy to use and store — perfect for smaller homes or anyone new to steam cleaning.
But if you’re looking for a multitasking machine that can vacuum and steam mop simultaneously — great for pet owners or busy households — the Bissell Symphony Pet offers unmatched versatility and improved cleaning power. Just expect a heavier design and a higher price point, even when the two are on sale.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
