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Shark vs Dyson
Shark and Dyson are two brands in the manufacture of vacuum cleaners that are leaving a mark in the market, thanks to the diversity of the products they provide.
Both brands have corded and cordless vacuums that promise performance without clogging and losing suction. Furthermore, they can be used on multi-surface flooring including hardwood flooring and carpets.
In this comparison of Shark vs Dyson vacuums you will find that both brands utilize the same technology, such as bagless dust collection and anti-hair wrap brush rolls.
Their vacuum designs also share other similar features, such as completely sealed HEPA filtration and add-on tools for cleaning pet hair from furniture.
However, the main difference is seen in the pricing, with the Dyson vacuum cleaners being more expensive than the Shark.
Let's take a closer look.
Shark Vacuum Cleaners
Shark produce a huge variety of corded and cordless vacuum cleaners and are constantly updating their product range. Below is a quick overview of the latest models in the corded upright and cordless stick categories.
Shark Corded Upright Vacuum Range
The Shark Stratos and Shark Vertex are the latest models in the upright range, followed by the Shark Apex Duoclean.
- We rated the Shark Vertex as the one of the best vacs for picking up sand;
- Our tests of the Shark Apex confirmed it is best for long hair pickup.
The Shark Rotator and Shark Navigator are Shark's older best selling models and offer excellent value for money. These Shark upright vacuums are all "Powered Lift-Away" models that convert for easy cleaning above floors and under furniture.
Our table below compares the key specs for these models.
The Rotator is Shark's lightest upright whilst the Navigator Pet Pro has the largest dust bin.
Shark Corded Upright Model | Dust Bin Capacity | Power | Weight | Cord Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shark Stratos Upright | 0.275 gallons | 1416W/ 11.8A | 16.53lbs | 25ft |
Shark Navigator Pet Pro | 0.7 gallons | 1150W/ 9.5A | 16lbs | 25ft |
Shark Rotator Powered Lift Away | 0.25 gallons | 1150W/ 9.5A | 14.5lbs | 30ft |
Shark Vertex Powered Lift Away | 0.25 gallons | 1350W/ 11.3A | 16.38lbs | 30ft |
Shark Apex Powered Lift Away | 0.22 gallons | 1350W/ 11.3A | 17.1lbs | 30ft |
Specifications Compared
When comparing these Shark models versus the range of Dyson uprights (scroll down for comparison table below), you will see that there are only a few differences in specifications:
- Shark vacuums feature a dual brush roll design for improved pet hair pickup. By comparison all Dyson vacuums have a single brush roll except for the Dyson Omniglide.
- Dysons have a longer cord than Shark (35ft vs 25/30ft)
- Dysons have a larger bin than Shark except for the Navigator Pet Pro. Dyson's bins are around twice the size in most cases.
- Very little difference in weight, however the Shark Rotator is the stand out lightest of the pack.
- Suction Power can't be compared directly from the specifications because Shark don't publish suction test results. More on this below from our performance tests data review.
Shark Cordless Vacuum Range
image credit: www.sharkclean.com
The Shark Stratos and Shark Vertex are also the latest models in the cordless design range. The Shark Vertex is available in both Pro and Powered Lift-Away versions.
Shark's cordless ION stick vacuums continues to be a best seller due to its replaceable batteries that can be swapped for a spare to provide longer runtimes. This compares to a fixed non-replaceable battery on some of Dyson's cordless models.
Shark Cordless Stick Model | Dust Bin Capacity | Power | Weight | Max Runtime* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Shark Stratos Cordless | 0.72 quartz | 309W | 8.9lbs | 60mins |
Shark Vertex Duoclean | 0.34 quartz | 281W | 8.93lbs | 50mins |
Shark Vertex Pro | 1 quartz | 309W | 8.82lbs | 60mins |
Shark ION F80 MultiFlex | 0.3 quartz | 300W | 8.7bs | 40mins |
Shark Wandvac | 0.13 quartz | 225W | 5.9lbs | 12mins |
As you can see from the comparison tables below Shark's cordless vacs are 1-2lbs heavier than most of the Dysons. The exception to this is the Dyson Outsize, which is designed for cleaning larger homes, and is bigger and heavier as a result.
By contrast, the Wandvac is Shark's lightest cordless but it is nearly 2lbs heavier than Dyson's lightest cordless, the Omniglide.
Shark Vertex Canister
Shark IQ Robot Vacuum
Shark Wandvac
Shark also produce canister, handheld and robot vacuums to complete the full range of vacuum types. If you're looking for a robot vacuum check out our other article comparing Shark vs Dyson Robot Vacuums. All of the other latest Shark models are compared with Dyson's below.
Dyson vacuum cleaners
Like Shark, Dyson produce the full range of vacuum cleaner types and lead the market in innovation.
25 years or so ago Dyson invented the first 'Dual Cyclone Technology’:
- a suction technology that ensures that hair, pollen, dust and dander get into the cleaner and stay there without losing suction.
They have continued to innovate to produce the best performing vacuums and best-selling vacuums in the market
Dyson Corded Upright Vacuum Range
Dyson Corded Upright Model | Dust Bin Capacity | Power | Weight | Cord Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dyson Ball Animal 3 | 0.44 gallons | 290AW | 17.3lbs | 35ft |
Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal | 0.57 gallons | 136AW | 19.2lbs | 35ft |
Dyson Ball Animal 2 | 0.57 gallons | 227AW | 17.42lbs | 35ft |
Dyson Ball Multifloor | 0.22 gallons | 196AW | 15.6lbs | 31ft |
When Dyson launched the cordless V10 in 2018, Sir James Dyson announced that they had stopped developing corded vacuums.
Roll forward 4 years and Dyson released a new corded upright, the Dyson Ball Animal 3.
The new upright model retains all the best features of the older Dyson uprights and has new additions that make it ideal for homes with pets. It is also by far the most powerful Dyson vacuum released to date.
Dyson Cordless Vacuum Range
Model | Launch Year | Weight | Max Suction | Max Runtime* | Dust Bin Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
V8 | 2016 | 5.51lbs | 115AW | 40mins | 0.54 L |
V10 | 2018 | 5.71lbs | 150AW | 40mins | 0.2 g |
V11 | 2019 | 6.68lbs | 185AW | 60mins | 0.2 g |
V15 | 2021 | 6.9lbs | 230AW | 60mins | 0.2 g |
Outsize | 2020 | 7.98lbs | 220AW | 60mins | 0.5 g |
Omniglide | 2021 | 4.19lbs | 50AW | 20mins | 0.2 l |
As shown in the table above, the Dyson V15 and Dyson Omniglide are the latest cordless models:
- The Dyson V15 is the fully featured high performance cordless; and
- The Dyson Omniglide is super lightweight for quick cleaning of hard floors.
Dyson have continued to improve and innovate when it comes to the design of their cordless vacuum technology.
For example, Dyson vacuums cleaners today contain the optimal number of cyclones to achieve high-quality dust separation; exerting up to 18 cyclones and 79,000G per cyclone.
The Dyson V15, Dyson V11, V10 and V8 cordless models feature 'Multi Cyclone Technology' - more powerful with every new release yet also smaller and lighter than ever.
Historically, manufacturers based “no loss of suction” claims on a single test that can be completed before a vacuum’s bin is full. Dyson repeat that test to bin full 100s of times consecutively, amounting to 10 years’ worth of test dust, to ensure Dyson vacuums maintain constant suction.
Shark vs Dyson Vacuum Performance
When we review a vacuum cleaner's performance we are primarily concerned with its suction power and agitation, how it handles pet hair and its filtration performance. In the case of cordless vacs we are also interested in battery runtimes.
When it comes to a vacuum's pet hair performance, there are two main considerations: pet hair pickup and filtration.
Let's look at what Dyson and Shark vacuums have to offer in this area. Anti-hair wrap is also important if you want to keep vacuum maintenance to a minimum.
Dyson Pet Hair Performance
Pet owners prefer Dyson because its Animal and Absolute series do a good job of picking up pet hair, and they are also one of the best vacuums for long hair.
Dyson recently announced that its latest anti-tangle brush bar released with the Dyson V15 is now also included with its older V11, V10 and V8 models. That's great news because the anti-tangle feature really works. No more time spent removing hair manually from the brush.
Dyson studies the science of pet hair and how to remove it most effectively. This translates into the design of their brush bars and accessories such as the Hair Screw Tool.
Check out the video below on how they do this.
Furthermore, the Dyson Hair Screw Tool is designed to remove pet hair from upholstery without getting tangled. The bristle strip is angled in a direction that acts like an Archimedes screw which helps move the hair from the far end to where the exhaust is. As a result, pet hair is removed easily.
Dyson Filtration Performance
In addition, all Dyson vacuums come with a sophisticated HEPA filtration system. This captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.3 microns, which is much smaller than pet dander. HEPA is filtration is the best you can get and is a good vacuum feature for asthma and allergy sufferers.
Moreover, all Dyson vacuums are fully sealed so they only expel clean air. This isn't just a claim either, Dyson vacuums are tested to meet the world-leading ASTM standard for whole machine HEPA filtration. The standard requires that every single filter and seal throughout the machine has to be HEPA-grade.
A Dyson vacuum's superior filtration captures pollen, pet dander, hair, dust, dust mites, bacteria and viruses
Shark Pet Hair Performance
On Shark's Upright models you will find a HEPA anti-allergen complete sealed system. As a result, filtration of allergens such as pet dander is on par with Dyson.
Shark is also competing with Dyson when it comes to dealing with pet hair cleaning with features such as the self cleaning Zero-M brush rolls. These are designed to effectively pick up pet hair and long hair without it getting tangled. As a result you save time because vacuum maintenance is minimal.
Shark vs Dyson Suction Power Tests
Comparing Dyson vs Shark vacuum suction power is difficult and requires some careful research. This is because Shark do not publish any metrics to compare with the Air Watts that Dyson provide for all of their vacuums.
The table below compares the suction power for all models from various published independent tests that we have sourced through our research. A larger number of tests provides more reliable conclusions.
The Dyson vs Shark suction tests in the charts below show:
- The Dyson Ball Animal 3 had consistently the highest suction across all but one of the tests we reviewed.
- The Dyson V15 had the highest suction of the cordless vacuums.
- For both Dyson and Shark, suction power has generally increased with each new model released.
It should be noted that these test results are not official specs but are helpful in comparing suction performance across models. Additionally, comparable test data was not available for all models.
Suction Tests (kPa)
Airflow Tests (cfm)
Water Lift Tests (inches)
Comparison between Dyson and Shark vacuum cleaners
In the Dyson versus Shark reviews that follow, we compare the latest models from both brands according to the following categories:
- Corded Uprights:
- Shark Stratos Corded Upright vs Dyson Ball Animal 3
- Shark Rotator Powered Lift Away vs Dyson Ball Animal 2
- Cordless Sticks:
- Dyson V15 Detect vs Shark Vertex Pro
- Dyson V11 Torque Drive vs Shark ION F80 MultiFLEX
- Handheld:
- Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II vs Dyson V7 Trigger
Shark vs Dyson Corded Uprights
- Corded Uprights - Dyson Ball Animal 3 vs Shark Stratos
Dyson Ball Animal 3
vs
Shark Stratos
Dyson Ball Animal 3 | Shark Stratos | |
|---|---|---|
Cleaning Width | 11.02" | 12" |
Filtration | Whole-machine HEPA filtration (washable) | Sealed HEPA washable filtration |
Cord Length | 35ft | 30ft |
Total Range | 50ft | 33ft |
Suction Power | 290AW | Not Specified |
Noise | 79.1dBA - 82.7dBA | 75.5-76.6dBA |
Dust Bin Capacity | 0.45 gallons (1.7L) | 0.20 gallons (0.75L) |
Height Adjustment | Yes | Yes |
Brush Roll Cut-Off | Yes | No |
Weight | 17.3lbs | 16.53lbs |
Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
image: www.sharkclean.com
These are the latest corded upright models from both brands.
They are both excellent vacuums that provide high performance cleaning, although the Dyson has the edge over the Stratos. Bigger bin, bigger range, more powerful, better brush roll, better maneuverability, it wins on all counts for us.
However, the Shark Stratos is cheaper and you can get it with further discount online at Amazon or direct from their website at sharkclean.com. Let's take a closer look so you can decide if the Dyson is worth the extra cost.
Key Differences
Dyson Ball Animal 3
Models
There are 2 model versions available:
Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra - includes:
- Tangle-free turbine tool;
- Stair tool;
- Combination tool;
- Pet groom tool.
Dyson Ball Animal 3 Complete - includes 6 extra accessories:
- Reach-under tool;
- Multi-angle brush;
- Articulating hard floor tool;
- Fabric and mattress tool;
- Carbon fiber soft dusting brush;
- Tool bag.
(Only available at Dyson.com)
Performance Tests
We are very impressed by this vacuums performance in tests. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 has the strongest suction of any vacuum we have tested and reviewed. It has stronger suction pickup than the Shark Stratos based on our test data.
The vacuum excelled in all tests on all floor types and is great for pet owners and dealing with long hair.
Features
Dyson re-designed the floorhead on the Ball Animal 3, which is nearly 2.5" narrower than its predecessor the Ball Animal 2. As a result its maneuverability is increased. The Dyson floorhead also provides greater carpet agitation than the Shark.
Shark Stratos DuoClean Brush Roll
Dyson Ball Animal 3 Floorhead
In addition it features an improved anti-hair wrap brush roll and adjustable gates for better suction control.
- When the gates are open, the vacuum will have more suction power and be able to pick up larger debris, such as dirt, pet hair, and food crumbs.
- When the gates are closed, the vacuum will have less suction power and be better suited for picking up fine dust and dirt.
- The best cleaning performance of any upright de-tangling vacuum.¹
- Engineered for larger homes with pets. Removes dirt and pet hair around your home. Easily tackles big messes. With two additional specialized pet tools.
- De-tangling technology. Automatically clears wrapped hair from the brush bar as you clean.
- Specialized pet tools. Pet groom tool for medium and long-haired pets.² Tangle-free turbine tool removes pet hair from upholstery and cars.
- Ball technology. Navigate around obstacles with a simple turn of the wrist. For easy, precise maneuvering around your home.
Shark Stratos
The Shark Stratos is the best performing Shark vacuum we have reviewed. It excels at cleaning on all floor types and has the handy lift-away feature for versatility. However it is missing a few features that you get on the Dyson such as brush-roll cut off switch and height adjustment.
Features
Pros
Cons
- ULTRA-POWERFUL SUCTION: Ultra-powerful suction and best hair pickup of any Shark vacuum.
- DUOCLEAN POWERFINS HAIRPRO: A two brushroll system digs deep into carpets, directly engages hard floors, and picks up dirt, debris, and hair in every pass.
- GUARDS AGAINST BAD ODORS: Odor Neutralizer Technology guards against bad odors inside your vacuum to help freshen your home.
- NO HAIR WRAP: Self-cleaning brushroll delivers powerful pet hair pickup without wrapping hair.
- POWERED LIFT-AWAY Lift away the pod for motorized cleaning under furniture, or detach the nozzle and clean above the floor.
Video Reviews and Comparison
In the video review below, all the features of the Stratos are demonstrated including a comparison with the Dyson Ball Animal 3.
- Corded Uprights - Dyson Ball Animal 2 vs Shark Rotator Powered Lift Away
Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean
vs
Shark Rotator Powered Lift Away True Pet
Cleaning Width | 13.4" | 12" |
Filtration | Whole-machine HEPA filtration | Sealed HEPA washable filtration |
Cord length | 35ft | 30ft |
Suction Power | 227AW | Not Specified |
Dust Bin Capacity | 0.57 gallons | 0.256 gallons |
Weight | 17.42lbs | 15.6lbs |
Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
image: www.sharkclean.com
These two uprights are Dyson and Shark's long time best sellers. Both vacuum cleaners are suitable for pet owners because they can remove fur and pet hair easily.
The Dyson wins on performance but the Shark is much cheaper.
Key Differences
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 has been around since 2017 and has been Dyson's flagship upright now for many years. With it, the cleaner provides the best filtration money can buy, whole machine HEPA, for fade-free high powered suction.
The Dyson Ball excels at cleaning pet hair as well as deep cleaning of carpets. You can also use if you have a hard floor, although there are better alternative vacuums for hard floors.
From our review we conclude that only the newer Dyson Ball Animal 3 is better.
Features
- Whole Machine HEPA Filtration
- Bagless & Lifetime Washable Filter
- Self-adjusting cleaner head
- Designed for use in homes with pets
- Weighs 17.42 pounds
- A switch to turn the brushroll on or off
- Auto wind cord
- 13.4 inches wide cleaning head
- Can remove allergens
image credit: www.dyson.com
Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 floor nozzle is 1.5 inches wider than the Shark Rotator floor nozzle
Pros
- Cleans larger areas fast due to the wide cleaning head. The cleaning head is almost an inch wider than the one on the Shark Rotator (13.4" on the Dyson vs 12" on the Shark).
- Very powerful suction - the official suction power is 227 Air Watts, which is very strong. Dyson state that no other vacuum has stronger suction at the cleaner head. We found several independent tests that show the Dyson Ball Animal 2 to have stronger suction than the Shark Rotator.
- Furthermore, the active base plate on the Dyson cleaner head provides a good seal between the cleaning nozzle and the floor. In addition, the brush roll also really vibrates carpets for a deep clean - more so than the Shark Rotator.
- The vacuum cleaner uses Dyson's radial root cyclone technology, and therefore does not lose suction. This makes it suitable for deep cleaning and getting rid of fine particles.
- The vacuum cleaner is attached with different tools that make it versatile at cleaning. The Total Clean model comes with 6 extra tools and a tool storage bag. This is more than you get with the Shark Rotator. You can use the tools to clean pet hair, crevices, upholstery and even areas that are difficult to reach.
- The tangle-free turbine tool does an excellent job of picking up pet hair without it getting tangled up on the brushes. This will mean you don't have to spend time removing tangled pet hair that is a common problem with many turbine tools.
- The HEPA filtration ensures that the machines expel cleaner air and it is also certified asthma & allergy friendly. It removes allergens and it’s meant for allergy sufferers due to its ability to remove allergens and fine dust even in places that are difficult to reach.
- Larger Dustbin that is more than twice the size of the Shark Rotator's.
Cons
- May be heavy for some people. Heavier than the Shark.
- May not get far under the furniture due to the big ball and its wide cleaning head.
- The tangle free turbo brush is only air-driven (Shark's mini brush is motorized).
- Can drag dirt behind it on the backpass rather than picking it up - see video below.
- The Dyson has quite a loud operation and is noisier than the Shark.
- It is more expensive than the Shark Rotator, which can be attributed to the Dyson brand being generally more expensive than Shark. Dyson's vacuums are rigorously tested and feature state of the art technology, which is reflected in the price.
Video Reviews & Comparison
The video below from Dyson provides an overview of the features of the Dyson Ball Animal 2, the tools that are included and how to use the vacuum.
In the next video, the Vacuum Advisor talks through some of the positive aspects of the Dyson Ball Animal 2, which we have summarised above. The video is 14 minutes long and talks through the best aspects of the vacuum, in particular its powerful suction, excellent filtration and useful tools.
If you go to 6:15 on the video you will see how the Dyson's brush roll really vibrates the carpet much more than the Shark Rotator.
The next video provides a detailed overview of some of the negative aspects of the Dyson Ball Animal 2. This video is great as it actually compares the Dyson Ball's pickup performance against the Shark Rotator NV752 (see from 2:06 on the video).
The self adjusting cleaner head on the Dyson Ball can tend to pull dirt behind it when you pull back the vacuum. This is shown in the video and the Shark Rotator doesn't have the same problem.
DYSON Ball Animal 2 Total Clean
is available at a discount price from Amazon:
Although this vacuum cleaner has washable filters, its advanced cyclonic technology ensures that they aren’t clogged quickly. This can explain why Shark’s Rotator Powered Lift Away- true pet NV752 does not lose its suction power with time.
The vacuum cleaner can be operated as a canister, upright or handheld thanks to the Powered Lift Away Technology. This feature enables it to be used for cleaning under the furniture. It also maneuvers around objects easily.
The Shark Rotator is suitable for all floor types, but as it's an upright it is most suited to carpeted homes. We think you'd be better off with these other options if you have mainly hard floors in your home (or one of the Shark or Dyson cordless sticks that we review below).
This model has a mini motorized brush, which is a huge improvement from the air driven brush of the previous models. This handy tool will not lose power or get stuck, a common issue with air driven brushes.
Manufacturer FAQs can be found here.
image credit: www.sharkclean.com
Features
- Uses complete seal technology that ensures that dirt and dust is sealed.
- Has motorized brush in lift-away.
- 3 vacuums in 1 - It is a powerful upright, canister with caddy and lift-away pod.
- Hard floor genie attachment.
- HEPA filters.
- Attachment of TruePet mini-motorized brush.
Pros
- The vacuum cleaner reaches even hard to reach areas due to its powered lift-away design.
- It’s a combination of three vacuums in one which you can use depending on your needs.
- You can use it to clean hard floors thanks to its hard floor genie attachment.
- Cheaper in comparison to other models in the same category, including the Dyson.
- The Shark Rotator NV752 is quieter than the Dyson Ball Animal 2.
- Can be used by those with allergies due to its anti allergen capabilities of complete seal technology and HEPA filter.
- The 3 in 1 design makes it capable of becoming portable and be used as a handheld, canister or upright.
Cons
- Its filters need washing every now and then.
- Cleaning head is narrower than the one on the Dyson Ball Animal 2. This means you will need more passes of the vacuum to clean the same area.
- The Shark Rotator has a slightly shorter cord (30ft) than the Dyson Ball Animal 2 (35ft).
- The hose on the Shark Rotator is also shorter than the hose on the Dyson Ball Animal 2.
- Much smaller dustbin compared to the Dyson Ball Animal 2.
Video Review
If you are looking to see this Shark upright in action the video review below courtesy of the Vacuum Cleaner Advisor is the most thorough one we have found. Well worth a watch if you have a spare 20 minutes!
Shark’s Rotator Powered Lift Away- true pet NV752
is available at a discount price from Amazon:
Summary - Dyson vs Shark Corded Uprights
So do we have a clear winner here? Well it depends. If price is a major driver for your decision then you may be swayed by the difference in price between the Dyson and Shark.
That's not to say that the Dyson upright vacuum is really expensive but it is on the higher end of pricing. And the Shark is fairly cheap by comparison.
However we know that Dyson rigorously tests its vacuums to replicate 10 years of use so you can be confident that the reliability of the Dyson is solid. In addition the Dyson excels on cleaning performance and beats the Shark on all floor surfaces.
Perhaps that is enough to justify the additional cost, but that's for you to decide!
- Cordless Sticks– Dyson V15 Detect vs Shark Vertex Pro
Shark vs Dyson Cordless Sticks
Dyson V15 Detect vs Shark Vertex Pro
Dyson V15 Detect
SHARK Vertex Pro
Dyson V15 Detect | Shark Vertex Pro | |
|---|---|---|
Filtration | Whole machine HEPA filtration with washable lifetime filter | HEPA Complete Sealed System |
Battery/ Run Time | Up to 60 mins - Eco Up to 30 mins - Auto Up to 12 mins - Boost | Up to 60 mins runtime |
Removable Battery? | Yes | Yes |
Charge Time | 4.5 hours | 3.5 hours |
Suction Power | 230 Air Watts (Max Mode) 47 Air Watts (Mode 2) 26 Air Watts (Mode 1) | 309 Watts Air Watts not disclosed, however independent tests range from 240-280 Air Watts in Max Mode |
Dust Bin Capacity | 0.2 gallons | 0.25 gallons |
Weight | 6.9lbs | 8.82lbs |
Warranty | 2 years | 2 years - battery 5 years - vacuum |
Price |
For this Shark vs Dyson contest we are comparing their latest premium cordless stick vacuums.
Both of these models provide excellent suction and cleaning performance, with a similar level of suction power. The Dyson V15 wins on weight as it is much lighter than the Shark Vertex.
Both models are also very similar in terms of overall runtime of up to 60 minutes. Furthermore this can be extended with an additional battery since both the Dyson V15 and Shark Vertex have swappable batteries.
However, the main difference again is price. The V15 is very expensive and roughly double the price of the Vertex.
The Dyson V15 Detect is, in our opinion, the best lightweight cordless vacuum in the market. All cordless vacuums are limited by their battery life and the Dyson V15 is first class in this regard.
The Dyson V15 was released in 2021 with improved performance and features versus its predecessor the Dyson V11 (see below review).
Its cutting edge technology delivers exceptional performance and is simply the best you can buy currently. It also has the best features you will find on a cordless.
The downside of course is that they do not come cheap.
If you really want a Dyson cordless and budget is a problem, the Dyson V11 that we compare to the Shark ION below, or the Dyson V10, which we reviewed here are both great options at lower prices. The V15 performance is actually very similar to the V11. The latest upgrade is more about the features.
Features
- Up to 60 minutes of fade free suction (around 30 minutes with motorized floor tool attached). Trigger releases instantly. Battery power is only used for cleaning.
- Cord-free. Hassle-free.
- 2 Cleaning Heads - Laser Slim Fluffy™ and High Torque with anti-tangle comb
- Hair Screw Tool with anti-tangle conical brush bar spirals hair off and into the bin. Motor-driven cleaning for small spaces.
- Digital display shows run-time countdown to the second and displays maintenance alerts, giving you complete control of your clean.
- Click-in replaceable battery pack - charge on or off the vacuum
- 3 cleaning modes - Eco, Auto and Boost
- Dirt Detect laser reveals microscopic dust
- Includes 5 other cleaning heads for specific tasks - Hair Screw Tool, Stubborn Dirt Tool, Mini Soft Dusting Brush, Combination Tool, Crevice Tool
- Converts to handheld mode.
- Wall Mount for easy storage.
- The most powerful intelligent cordless vacuum.¹ With laser illumination.
- Engineered for whole home, deep cleans. Suction power, run time and tools designed to deep clean your whole home. Engineered for homes with pets.
- Up to 60 minutes of run time.³ Power saving trigger helps maximize battery life, only using power when you need it. Actual run time will vary based on power mode and/or attachments used.
- Laser reveals microscopic dust. A precisely angled laser makes invisible dust visible on hard floors, so you don’t miss anything.
- Intelligently optimizes suction and run time based on dust level and floor type. A Piezo sensor and Dyson DLS technology automatically sense debris level and floor type to adapt suction for the right balance of power and run time when you need it.²
Pros
- Top of the range lightweight cordless cleaner - best in class cordless deep cleaning
- Dyson's most powerful cordless vacuum. Suction power increased 22-24% versus V11 in medium and boost modes.
- Intelligently optimises suction and run time.
- Whole Machine HEPA filtration.
- Two advanced Cleaning Heads for deep cleans and homes with pets.
- Laser fluffy head shines a light on dust the eye can't see.
- Removable battery - finally! Double your runtime with a spare.
- Excellent on both hard floors and carpets. Great movement on carpets
Cons
- Expensive. For cheaper alternatives check out the older V11, V10 or V8 models.
- Small dust bin capacity.
- Edge cleaning could be better.
- Trigger has to be held down to keep vacuum on (no trigger lock).
- Second battery not included.
- Slightly heavier than earlier Dyson models (but lighter than the Shark Vertex).
- The vacuum cleaner cannot stand up by itself, however this is not generally an issue when using the docking station.
Video Review
The 2 videos below from the Vacuum Advisor provide an in-depth demonstration of the features as well as the pros and cons of the V15. Highly recommended before purchasing.
DYSON'S V15 Detect
is available at a discount price from Amazon:
Shark Vertex Pro
The Shark Vertex Pro comes at a bargain price when compared to the Dyson V15 but it does not compromise on performance.
The Shark Vertex Pro is equipped with Shark's DuoClean® PowerFins. The DuoClean Technology features a soft front roller that pulls in particles whilst the PowerFins™ deliver non-stop contact with the floor.
As a result, the PowerFins™ pick up more in every pass compared to the original DuoClean® featured on the Shark ION F80 (reviewed below vs the Dyson V11).
Similarly to the Dyson V15, the Shark Vertex includes HEPA filtration and also converts to a handheld vacuum. The HEPA Filtration is backed up by Shark's Anti-Allergen Complete Seal tech, which means not even the finest dust, allergens or dander can escape.
Furthermore, the Shark has LED headlights for illuminating debris, however the Laser Fluffy head on the Dyson V15 does a better job in this regard.
In addition the Shark has a few extra features that you don't get on the Dyson V15. For example, the MultiFLEX® technology makes for more versatile cleaning with the Shark Vertex Pro compared to the Dyson V15. As a result of this technology the Shark Vertex excels at cleaning under furniture.
However, you only get one cleaner head versus two on the Dyson. But it can handle any floor type and the brushroll is self-cleaning.
Shark vs Dyson Cordless Battery Runtimes
Battery power performance is similar to the Dyson V15. The table below compares the average runtimes for both the Shark and Dyson vacuums that we've calculated using manufacturer's data and reports from independent testing.
Low Power | Low Power | Medium Power | Max Power | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-Motorized Tools | Motorized Tool | Motorized Tool | All Tools | |
Shark Vertex Pro | 60 mins | 50-64 mins | N/A | 10-20 mins |
Dyson V15 | 60-90 mins | 60-80 mins | 30-40 mins | 10-12 mins |
Shark Vertex Pro Features
Pros
Cons
- The power and cleaning performance of a full-size vacuum (tested in Boost mode vs. ZU630).
- Removable battery with up to 60 minutes of runtime (measured at the hand vac in ECO mode).
- DuoClean PowerFins: While a soft front roller pulls in particles, PowerFins deliver nonstop contact to pick up more in every pass (vs. original DuoClean).
- Self-cleaning brushroll for powerful pet hair pickup and no more hair wrap.
- IQ Display with real-time readouts on runtime, performance, and more.
Video Review
In summary, the Shark Vertex Pro is Shark's best cordless stick vacuum and comes at a bargain price. It is significantly cheaper than the Dyson. As with a lot of Shark's vacuums you are getting a lot for your money with the the Shark Vertex Pro. This is a top choice.
Shark Vertex Pro Cordless Stick
is available at a discount price from Amazon:
Summary - Dyson V15 vs Shark Vertex Pro
The Shark Vertex Pro is a clear winner on price versus the Dyson V15. However it has a shorter overall runtime compared to the Dyson. Furthermore, when it comes to cleaning ability we rate the Dyson V15 more highly overall, although it is very close.
The Dyson V15 is simply the best but it depends if you think the additional benefits are worth the extra cost.
- Cordless Sticks– Dyson V11 Torque Drive vs Shark ION F80 MultiFLEX
Dyson V11 Torque Drive
vs
Shark Ion F80 MultiFlex
Dyson V11 Torque Drive
SHARK ION F80 MultiFlex
Dyson V11 Torque Drive | Shark ION F80 Multiflex | |
|---|---|---|
Filtration | Whole machine HEPA filtration with washable lifetime filter | Pre-motor + Post-motor Filters (NOT HEPA) |
Battery/ Run Time | Up to 60 mins run time (12 mins in boost mode) | Up to 80 mins runtime with 2 batteries (20 mins on Mode 2) |
Charge Time | 4.5 hours | 3.5 hours |
Suction Power | 185 Air Watts (Max Mode) 38.6 Air Watts (Mode 2) 26 Air Watts (Mode 1) | 300 Watts Air Watts not disclosed, however independent tests range from 100-120 Air Watts in Max Mode |
Dust Bin Capacity | 0.75 liters | 0.33 liters |
Weight | 6.68lbs | 8.7lbs |
Warranty | 2 years | 2 years - battery 5 years - vacuum |
Price |
For the next Shark vs Dyson cordless vacuum contest we are comparing the 2 best selling earlier models from both brands. You can pick these up at a cheaper price than the latest models we compared above.
Both of these models provide excellent suction and cleaning performance, however the Dyson outperforms the Shark in terms of suction power, weight and filtration. By contrast, the Shark marginally outperforms the Dyson on overall runtime when using its 2 batteries continuously.
Ready to Ditch Your Corded Upright?
In comparing these Dyson and Shark cordless models to full sized upright vacuums you will see that their suction performance in Air Watts is much less.
In addition the runtime on max mode for both models is less than 20 minutes.
So although cordless sticks are improving in performance all the time, if you have a large home with carpets you may still need a full sized upright. However, the Dyson Outsize V11 cordless is a good option for larger homes due to its replaceable battery, and larger cleaner head. It also has the largest dust bin in the Dyson Cordless range.
Alternatively, the best corded stick vacuums provide the suction performance of a full sized upright in a lightweight stick design.
Dyson V11 Torque Drive
Although the Dyson V11 Torque Drive is now superseded by the V15 it remains one of the best lightweight cordless vacuum in the market. The differences between the V15 and the V11 really come down to additional features but the overall performance is similar between the two.
The Dyson V11 was released in early 2019 with improved performance and features versus its predecessor the Dyson V10. Dyson officially stopped upgrading their corded upright models when it launched because of their confidence in it.
Like the V15, the main downside to the V11 is that it is still very expensive. If you really want a Dyson and budget is a problem, the Dyson V10, which we reviewed here is still a great option and is much cheaper.
Features
- Up to 60 minutes of fade free suction (around 30 minutes with motorized floor tool attached). Trigger releases instantly. Battery power is only used for cleaning.
- Cord-free. Hassle-free.
- Torque-drive cleaner head intelligently adapts suction to deep clean carpets.
- Includes 5 other cleaning heads for specific tasks - Mini Motorized Tool, Stubborn Dirt Tool, Mini Soft Dusting Brush, Combination Tool, Crevice Tool
- Transforms to a handheld.
- Wall Mount for easy storage.
- Twice the suction of any cord-free vacuum. Up to 60 minute run time in Eco mode with full charge.
- High Torque cleaner head intelligently adapts to different floor types in Auto mode
- LCD screen displays run time countdown and machine performance in real time
- Dyson Digital motor V11 helps deliver 40% more suction power than the Dyson V8 cord-free
- Whole-machine filtration captures 99.97% of microscopic dust particles as small as 0.3 microns
Pros
- Top performing lightweight cordless cleaner
- Easy to remove the brush bar for cleaning and removing any tangled pet hair.
- Whole Machine HEPA filtration
- Acoustically engineered to absorb vibrations and dampen sound. As a result it is one of the quietest vacuums you can buy.
- Ideal for homes with pets.
- Solid secure fit of different tools - clicks nicely into place. Better than the "compression fit" of the Shark ION's tools.
Cons
- Expensive. A cheaper alternative is the older Dyson V10 cordless, which is around 25% cheaper with similar performance.
- Although the battery life is best in its class, this cleaner can't be used for long periods (only 25 minutes when using the motorized brush head). There is no way of swapping out the battery with a spare so when your time is up you must wait to recharge before using again! Dyson have changed this with the new Dyson V15.
- The vacuum cleaner cannot stand up by itself, however this is not generally an issue when using the docking station.
Video Review
The two videos below provide an in-depth demonstration of the features and pros and cons of the V11. Well worth taking the time to watch before purchasing.
DYSON'S V11 Torque Drive
is available at a discount price from Amazon:
Shark ION F80 MultiFlex Cordless Stick
The Shark ION F80 comes at a bargain price when compared to the Dyson but it does not compromise on performance.
Battery power performance is similar to the Dyson V11 but due to the replaceable second battery you get a longer overall runtime. The table below compares the average runtimes for both the Shark and Dyson vacuums that we've calculated using manufacturer's data and reports from independent testing.
Shark vs Dyson Cordless Battery Runtimes
Low Power | Low Power | Medium Power | Max Power | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Non-Motorized Tools | Motorized Tool | Motorized Tool | All Tools | |
Shark ION F80 (both batteries) | 80 mins | 50-64 mins | N/A | 10-20 mins |
Dyson V11 | 60 mins | 50-60 mins | 40 mins | 10-12 mins |
The Shark ION™ F80 is equipped with Shark's DuoClean® Technology. This features a bristle brush to deep clean carpets and an additional soft brushroll to pull in larger particles whilst also directly engaging floors for a polished look. The soft brushroll is located at the front of the floor nozzle.
Like the Dyson V11, the Shark ION converts to a handheld and also features a suction boost mode, "ION Boost". However the drawback as with the Dyson in this mode is that it quickly drains the battery. If you want a lightweight vacuum that provides endless high powered suction then we recommend a corded stick vacuum.
Shark ION F80 Features
Pros
Cons
- Powerful cordless suction for everyday dirt, debris, pet hair, and high traffic areas
- Upto 80 minutes of total runtime with 2 batteries in hand vacuum power mode; Vacuum, switch the battery, and keep going
- 2X Ion power pack system includes 2 removable, rechargeable lithium ion batteries and a charging dock
- Multiflex technology enables convenient under furniture reach and freestanding, compact storage
- Duoclean technology invented for fine dust and large debris on carpets and hard floors; One powerhead, two brushrolls; Do not use soap
In summary, the Shark ION F80 is a great model cordless stick vacuum that is on sale at a bargain price. It is significantly cheaper than the Dyson. As with a lot of Shark's vacuums you are getting a lot for your money with the F80.
If you don't have a large area to clean or extensive carpets then this could be a good option for those on a budget.
We wouldn't recommend this as a suitable vacuum for allergy or asthma sufferers though due to the lack of HEPA filtration.
Shark ION F80 MultiFlex Cordless Stick
is available at a discount price from Amazon:
Summary - Dyson V11 vs Shark ION F80
The Shark ION F80 is a clear winner on price versus the Dyson V11. It also has a longer overall runtime compared to the Dyson with the use of 2 batteries.
However when it comes to cleaning ability we rate the Dyson V11 more highly overall. The Dyson V11 is very hard to beat in that department.
- Handheld – Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro Plus Cordless vs Dyson V7 Trigger
Shark vs Dyson Handheld Vacuums
Dyson V7 Trigger vs Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro
 image credit: www.dyson.com |
| |
Filtration | Washable lifetime filter | Washable filter |
Battery/ Run Time | Li-ion battery. Up to 30 mins run time (6 mins in boost mode) | Li-ion battery. Avg runtime 15mins. |
Charge Time | 3.5 hours | 6 hours |
Suction Power | 28 AW (Standard Power) or 100 AW (Boost mode) | 80 watts |
Dust Bin Capacity | 0.12 gallons | 0.45 qrts |
Weight | 3.4lbs | 2.8lbs |
Warranty | 2 years | 2 years |
Price |
Here we have the Shark vs Dyson contest between the latest handheld vacuums on offer from both brands.
The Dyson V7 Trigger is a few years older than the Shark Ultracyclone as Dyson haven't updated their handheld only models in line with their new Cordless Stick models (take note Mr Dyson!).
The Shark Ultracyclone is also much much cheaper than the Dyson and performs just as well on suction and cleaning performance. As a result, the Shark cordless is the clear winner in this category.
If you're not convinced by either of these Shark and Dyson handheld vacuums then check out our Best Hand Vacuum Reviews where we look at 5 great alternatives.
The Dyson handheld vacuum is powered by the Dyson digital motor V7. This power-dense motor uses digital pulse technology and a neodymium magnet to spin at up to 110,000 times a minute. Its small size means that the machines it powers can also be small, light and powerful.
Features
- Patented 2 Tier Radial™ cyclones generate powerful centrifugal forces to spin dust and dirt out of the airflow.
- Post motor filter and complete sealed system means the air expelled is cleaner than the air you breathe.
- Run-time enhancing trigger. Trigger grip releases instantly, meaning battery power is only used for vacuuming. On when you need it, off when you don't.
- Fade-free lithium-ion battery provides up to 30 minutes of continuous cleaning.
- Max-power mode to boost the suction when needed.
In the box
image credit: www.dyson.com
Pros
- Strong suction on max boost power, good suction on standard setting.
- Combination of li-ion battery and trigger function equals exceptional cordless performance.
Cons
- Expensive considering this is just a handheld cleaner and has limited use.
- Does not come with a wall charger that you can hang it on (can be purchased separately).
- Relies on suction power only. No brush roll.
DYSON'S V7 TRIGGER
is available at a discount price from Amazon:
The Shark Ultracyclone Cordless combines powerful cyclonic suction with a self cleaning brushroll for ultimate handheld cleaning. The suction performance is reported by Shark and users to be very good during use and this is enhanced via the self cleaning brushroll.
Features
- An innovative brushroll removes hair wrap as it cleans for a powerful pet vacuum experience.
- Four cleaning options! Direct suction, Self cleaning pet power brush, scrubbing brush, and crevice tool for hard to reach areas.
- Two ultra-powerful cyclonic air streams for incredible suction and long-lasting filter and motor life.
- Lithium-ion battery technology ensures reliable power and performance.
Pros
- Good at removing pet hair with the self cleaning brushroll.
- Easy to use, maneuver, take apart and charge.
Cons
- Battery life could be longer, however sufficient for most quick cleanups.
Shark's Ultracyclone Pet Pro Cordless
is available at a discount price from Amazon:
Summary - Dyson V7 Trigger vs Shark Ultracyclone
Shark is the hands-down winner here. A hand vacuum should not be expensive and for the price of the Dyson Trigger you might as well buy a full-sized cordless stick vacuum. The Shark by contrast is a very reasonable price and has excellent performance so why would you pay the extra?
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether to choose Dyson or Shark vacuum cleaner is a decision that should be based on your needs. You should weigh factors such as performance, budget, ease of use, the area to be cleaned, pet hair and special needs, among others.
It should not be about choosing one brand over the other just because you like it. However, it is most noteworthy that Shark is giving Dyson stiff competition if you compare their performance and price difference.
Last update on 2024-10-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Dyson’s customer service is reliable, truly helpful, and accessible. Shark’s customer service, in my experience, is NOT.
I have one Shark product and I couldn’t even get the thing registered; navigating Shark’s website was a nightmare and it wouldn’t even recognize my product (perhaps because what was offered in stores was some special line (?) I do not plan on buying a Shark product that will cost more than $30 ever again. If I can’t rely on customer service and be able to readily contact them and get help, I won’t spend the money on their product. With Dyson, the few times I’ve had problem with my vacuum (which I’ve had for a little over ten years), the person who answers the phone at Dyson is always pleasant, I can find what I need without talking to a person the majority of the the time because of the quality of their website. I might spend more money for a Dyson, but the quality of after-sale care and support is the best of any appliance I have EVER owned.
Thanks Linda, I used your comment to write a precis in my AP language class. You did a great job using good Rhetorical Strategies.
I have not purchased or used a Dyson as they seem to be a bit overpriced for what you get. However I will tell you we had a problem with a Shark navigator and being fairly handy I was going to just ask them for a replacement part to replace it myself. we had had the unit for about 2 years. after speaking with their customer service to identify the part number they asked for the model number and serial number. once they new how old the unit was they said it was within the 7 year warranty and sent me a completely new vacuum minus the attachments. I was astonished. Within 2 days I had a new vacuum and at no cost to me.
I own the shark rotator and wish I would have spent a little more and bought the Dyson instead. The lift away caddy is useless for stairs because the hose won’t allow you to get far without carrying the entire vacuum anyways. And it has a tendency to kick dirt away instead of sucking it up while you pull the upright backwards. And the pet attachment is useless. It is air driven, as soon as you try to put it against furniture or carpet it boggs down.
Hi Curtis, sorry to hear that your experience has not met your expectations. I agree that motor driven attachments are better than air driven ones and the Shark Rotator NV752 has a mini motorized brush. This is an improvement on the air driven one attachment on the older models, which it appears that you have. Also, by comparison the tangle free turbine tool that comes with the Dyson is only air driven.
Check out this video showing the features of the mini motorized brush on the rotator and how it performs better than air driven attachments https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEn7p7th88M