Shark vs Dyson – Battle of the Top Vacuum Cleaner Brands

Vacuuming is one of the most common household chores, yet finding the right vacuum cleaner can be a challenge. The two leading brands in the vacuum cleaner industry are Shark and Dyson. But which one is better?

This comprehensive comparison of Shark vs Dyson analyzes the key differences between these two top brands across critical factors like price, features, performance, design, warranties, and reviews. Read on to discover which brand offers the best vacuums to meet your cleaning needs.

Shark Vacuum Cleaners

Founded in 1998, SharkNinja manufactures the Shark brand of vacuums and other home cleaning appliances. Shark vacuums are known for offering innovative features at affordable price points compared to the competition.

Shark Vacuum Models

Shark offers a wide range of vacuum cleaner models across several series:

• Rotator Powered Lift-Away – Upright vacuums with detachable canisters for portable cleaning
• Apex – Premium upright vacuums with DuoClean and Zero-M self-cleaning brushrolls
• Vertex – Lightweight cordless stick vacuums with anti-allergen technology
• Rocket Pet – Corded stick vacuums optimized for homes with pets
• Navigator – Affordable upright vacuums great for carpet and bare floors
• ION Robot – Robot vacuums with wifi connectivity and app controls

In addition, Shark makes handheld vacuums, steam mops, and other cleaning products. Their vacuums come in bagged and bagless models.

Shark Vacuum Prices

Shark vacuums range in price from $100 to $500. Their most affordable models are around $100-200 while their premium vacuums cost up to $500.

Shark’s product line covers all price tiers:

• Under $200 – Navigator, PowerFin Pet, Rotator Professional Lift-Away
• $200 to $300 – Zero-M Pet, Apex Upright, Vertex Cordless
• $300 to $500 – Apex DuoClean with Self-Cleaning Brushroll, IQ Robot

Ongoing sales and promotions can bring down prices by $50 or more. Overall, Shark vacuums are very competitively priced versus other brands.

Shark Vacuum Features

Key features available on Shark vacuums include:

• Powerful Suction – Many models have lift-away technology and powered brushrolls for strong suction
• Lightweight Design – Cordless sticks like Vertex weigh under 8 pounds for easy maneuvering
• Large Capacity – Detachable canisters on Lift-Away models hold more dirt and debris
• Advanced Filtration – Anti-allergen Complete Seal Technology and HEPA filters trap dust
• Self-Cleaning Brushroll – Prevents hair wrap with actively cleaning fins
• DuoClean Technology – Dual brushrolls target large and small particles on floors
• Pet Tools – Turbo pet power brush, pet multi-tool, and XL dust cups for pet hair
• WiFi Connectivity – Allows controlling select robot vacuums via a mobile app
• LED Headlights – Brighten dark areas of the floor while cleaning

Shark also offers useful accessories like crevice tools, pet multi-tools, and under-appliance wands.

Shark Vacuum Performance

In lab tests and consumer experiences, Shark vacuums perform very well on carpets and bare floors. The powered lift-away, DuoClean, and Zero-M self-cleaning technologies make them effective at deep cleaning and sucking up pet hair.

The anti-allergen seal traps dust and dander inside the vacuum. Shark’s patented swivel steering provides excellent maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces. Cordless models like the Vertex offer fade-free power and runtimes exceeding 40 minutes.

One downside is that some cheaper Shark models struggle with fine particles like baking soda. But their overall cleaning performance rivals far more expensive brands.

Shark Vacuum Design

Shark vacuums feature a distinctive modern, stylish appearance. Their951 unique, cool designs stand out in the industry.

Many Shark vacuums have a signature contour shape and wear a sharp black and topaz color scheme. The lift-away canister, swivel steering, and LED headlights add visual flair.

Cordless sticks like the Vertex have a lightweight, flexible wand that bends to clean under furniture. Overall, Shark’s eye-catching vacuum designs look and feel high-end.

Shark Vacuum Warranties

Shark backs their vacuums with strong warranties:

• 5 years – DuoClean uprights, Zero-M self-cleaning vacuums
• 4 years – Rotator lift-away uprights
• 3 years – Navigator lift-away uprights
• 2 years – Cordless stick vacuums
• 1 year – Handheld vacuums

The warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship. Extended protection plans are also available. Shark’s multi-year coverage provides great assurance of reliability.

Shark Vacuum Reviews

Shark vacuums consistently earn high marks in customer reviews:

• Ease of Use – The lift-away design makes them very portable to clean stairs and vehicles. Cordless models provide exceptional maneuverability.
• Suction Power – Powered lifts and brushrolls deliver rigorous cleaning of carpets and bare floors. Great for pet hair.
• Filtration – Advanced filters like Complete Seal trap allergens and fine particles inside.
• Affordability – Customers praise Shark’s vacuums for providing premium features and performance at reasonable prices.
• Noise – Shark vacuums operate quietly enough for daytime cleaning.

Critical feedback focuses on reliability issues in cheaper models. Some customers report quality control problems. Difficulties cleaning baking soda also indicate limitations with fine particle pickup.

But overall, Shark earns outstanding reviews for affordable vacuums that make home cleaning easier. Their unique, innovative designs and features satisfy most owners.

Dyson Vacuum Cleaners

Dyson is a British home technology company founded in 1991 by inventor James Dyson. As pioneers of bagless vacuum technology, Dyson has become one of the most well-known vacuum brands worldwide.

Dyson Vacuum Models

Dyson offers four main types of vacuums:

• Upright – Powerful vacuums ideal for carpets with advanced brushrolls
• Stick – Lightweight cordless sticks providing portability and convenience
• Canister – Bagless canisters with huge bin capacity and modular attachments
• Handheld – Compact vacuums for small cleanups and vehicles

Some popular Dyson models include the Ball Animal 2 upright, V11 Outsize cordless stick, and Big Ball Multi Floor canister. All Dyson vacuums utilize advanced cyclonic technology for no-loss suction power.

Dyson Vacuum Prices

Dyson vacuums fall into a premium price tier ranging from $400 to $700:

• Uprights – $400 to $500
• Sticks – $500 to $700
• Canisters – $500 to $600
• Handhelds – $200 to $400

Dyson rarely offers sales or discounts on their vacuums. Their prices stay quite constant year-round. You pay a premium for Dyson’s innovations, performance, and reputation.

Dyson Vacuum Features

Notable features available on Dyson vacuums include:

• Whole-Machine HEPA Filtration – Traps allergens as small as 0.3 microns inside vacuum.
• Fade-Free Power – Sustains suction and runtime on cordless models.
• Advanced Brushrolls – Self-adjusting cleaner heads automatically seal suction on carpets.
• Ball Steering – Pivots to smoothly maneuver around furniture and obstacles.
• Hygienic Bin Emptying – Dyson vacuums avoid dust clouds when emptying debris.
• LED Display Screens – Shows vacuum info like remaining runtime and filter maintenance.
• Acoustic Dampening – Minimizes noise during operation.
• Stiff Nylon Brushes – Remove more embedded dirt from carpets.
• Point & Shoot Bin Emptying – Easily target trash cans when emptying.

Dyson also offers a range of add-ons like stair tools, flexi crevice tools, mattress tools, and more.

Dyson Vacuum Performance

Engineered for powerful cleaning, Dyson vacuums offer unmatched suction capabilities. Cyclonic technology maintains constant air pressure and airflow. Their advanced brushrolls deep clean carpets and automatically adapt to different floor types.

Fade-free lithium-ion batteries provide outstanding runtimes up to 60 minutes on the Dyson V11 stick. Ball steering makes Dyson vacuums highly maneuverable during usage. Whole-machine HEPA filtration results in hygienic dirt and dust containment.

Owners report Dyson vacuums excel at deep cleaning carpets and eliminating pet hair. Hardwood floor cleaning is decent, although some models struggle slightly with fine particles. Dyson’s suction power and brushrolls are ideal for pulling up embedded debris in carpets.

Dyson Vacuum Design

Dyson vacuums feature a signature sleek, modern aesthetic. Their use of clear bins and bright colors like nickel, purple, and gold attract attention.

The ball steering mechanism gives Dyson vacuums great maneuverability and smooth gliding motions. Cordless sticks like the V11 highlight Dyson’s emphasis on engineering performance. Together with the cyclone and filter systems, Dyson’s design visually communicates power.

However, the transparency of the bins can make debris buildup look unsightly. Dyson’s aesthetics appeal most to buyers who value technical sophistication.

Dyson Vacuum Warranties

Dyson provides strong 2-year limited warranties covering defects in materials and workmanship. The coverage applies to all new vacuums.

Battery warranty periods vary:

• Upright and canister vacuums – 2 years
• Cordless stick vacuums – 1 year

Dyson does not offer extended protection plans beyond the 2-year warranty. Owners must go through the Dyson company for repair services rather than independent shops. Dyson provides satisfactory backing for their premium vacuums.

Dyson Vacuum Reviews

Dyson earns outstanding reviews for its industry-leading suction capabilities:

• Carpet Cleaning – The powerful suction lifts stubborn pet hair and pulls up embedded dirt other vacuums leave behind.
• Maneuverability – The ball design enables cleaning under and around furniture with ease.
• Filtration – Advanced whole-machine HEPA systems capture microscopic particles extremely effectively.
• Cordless Runtime – Fade-free designs offer 30-60 minutes of cleaning time per charge.
• Pet Hair – Stiff nylon brushrolls excel at removing pet hair. Great for multi-pet households.

The most common complaints focus on high costs, reliability issues in newer models, and diminished performance on hard flooring. Some customers report quality inconsistencies.

Overall though, Dyson earns its reputation for outstanding carpet cleaning and suction power. Their innovative technology justifies the premium pricing for most buyers.

Shark vs Dyson: Key Comparisons

Now that we’ve reviewed Shark and Dyson vacuum cleaners in-depth, let’s directly compare the brands across the most important factors:

| Comparison | Shark | Dyson
|-|-|-|
| Price | $ Affordable pricing from $100-$500 | $$$ Premium pricing between $400-$700 |
| Models | Uprights, sticks, canisters, handhelds, robots | Uprights, sticks, canisters, handhelds |
| Features | Powerful suction, lift-away, DuoClean, self-cleaning brushroll, large dust bins, HEPA filters, swivel steering | Whole-machine HEPA filtration, ball steering, instant release bins, acoustic dampening, nylon bristles, fade-free batteries |
| Performance | Excellent on carpets and pet hair, good on hard floors | Unmatched on carpets, especially pet hair and embedded dirt; decent on hard floors |
| Design | Modern, stylish aesthetics with signature contour body | Sleek, transparent, technical visuals |
| Warranty | 3-5 years | 2 years |
| Reviews | Very positive for affordability, lift-away convenience, cleaning performance | Outstanding for carpet cleaning, suction power, pet hair removal; some complaints on costs and hard floor cleaning |

Based on these comparisons, here is an analysis of the key differences between the Shark and Dyson brands:

• Cost – Shark offers far more budget-friendly options under $300, while Dyson models are priced at a consistent premium.
• Features – Shark touts lift-away convenience, large dust bins, and self-cleaning innovations. Dyson highlights advanced filtration and fade-free cordless runtime.
• Cleaning – Dyson holds a clear edge on carpets, especially for pet hair and embedded dirt. Shark competes well on hard floors.
• Maneuverability – Dyson’s ball design enables smoother steering around furniture. Shark is highly portable.
• Reliability – Shark provides longer 3-5 year warranties. Dyson only warrants vacuums for 2 years.
• Fine Particles – Dyson captures more microscopic allergens; Shark can struggle with baking soda.
• Design – Shark vacuums have cool modern aesthetics while Dyson aims for an elegant high-tech look.

In summary, Shark wins on affordability and versatility while Dyson dominates carpet cleaning performance.

Shark vs Dyson: Bottom Line Recommendations

So which is better, Shark or Dyson? Here are the key takeaways:

• For pet owners on a budget, the Shark Rotator, Apex DuoClean, or Vertex Cordless provide excellent cleaning at lower costs.
• If you want the deepest carpet cleaning performance, Dyson Ball Animal 2 and V11 Outsize are unrivaled.
• For convenient whole-home cleaning, Shark’s lift-away vacuums allow cleaning floors, stairs, ceilings, cars with the same machine.
• Dyson cordless stick vacuums like the V11 offer longer fade-free runtimes for large homes. The Dyson V11 Outsize runs up to 60 minutes per charge.
• Shark’s self-cleaning brush rolls minimize hair wrap far better than Dyson models.
• Dyson captures more microscopic particles like pollen and mold spores. It’s the superior choice for allergy sufferers.
• Reliability and repairs favor Shark thanks to the longer 3-5 year warranties. Dyson only provides 2 year coverage.

Visit Shark and Dyson’s official sites to compare specs and pricing on individual models. Take advantage of seasonal sales around the holidays.

Ultimately it comes down to your flooring type, cleaning needs, and budget. For affordable deep cleaning performance, Shark is the best value. If you want Dyson’s undisputed carpet cleaning excellence, the premium pricing may be justified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are Shark or Dyson vacuums better for pet hair?

A: Overall, Dyson vacuums perform better for removing pet hair thanks to their stiffer nylon bristles and unmatched suction power. Models like the Dyson Ball Animal 2 and V11 Outsize excel at pulling up embedded pet hair in carpets.

However, Shark also offers great pet hair vacuums, especially the Shark Apex DuoClean Zero-M and Vertex cordless stick. Their self-cleaning brush rolls actively prevent tangles and hair wrap. At lower price points, Shark provides excellent pet hair cleaning capabilities for the money.

Q: Do Shark or Dyson vacuums last longer?

A: Shark vacuums are likely to last longer due to their better warranties. Shark provides 3-5 years of coverage versus Dyson’s standard 2 years. Extended warranties up to 5 years are also available for Shark models. User reviews indicate Shark vacuums may experience less reliability issues long-term as well.

Q: Which cleans carpet better, Shark or Dyson?

A: Dyson vacuums deliver superior carpet cleaning capabilities. Their advanced brushrolls and unrivaled suction power lift stubborn pet hair and pull up deeply embedded dirt better than Shark models. For maximum carpet cleaning performance, Dyson vacuums are worth the higher prices.

Q: Is Shark or Dyson better for hard floors?

A: On hardwood and other bare floors, Shark and Dyson offer comparable cleaning performance. Both utilize soft roller heads on their stick vacuums to safely clean hard floors without scratching.

Shark’s DuoClean technology provides two brushrolls that may perform marginally better on larger particles like cereals. But Dyson captures more of the fine dust and allergens. Overall it’s a tie on hard floor cleaning.

Q: Can Shark and Dyson vacuums clean stairs?

A: Yes, Shark and Dyson vacuums can effectively clean stairs. Shark’s lift-away vacuums allow you to detach the canister for easy stair cleaning. Many Dyson models come with a separate stair tool attachment for cleaning individual stairs. Cordless stick vacuums from both brands also provide great portability and reach for stairs.

Q: Is Shark or Dyson better for allergies?

A: Dyson is the superior choice if you suffer from allergies or asthma. Dyson vacuums use whole-machine HEPA filtration to capture 99.97% of microscopic particles down to 0

Q: Are Shark or Dyson robot vacuums better?

A: Dyson currently does not make robot vacuums, while Shark offers several affordable options like the AI Robot Vacuum with Wi-Fi. For automated floor cleaning, Shark’s bots provide great value with self-emptying bases, mapping, app/voice controls, and Alexa connectivity. Based on reviews, the Shark AI and AV2500S robots effectively clean hard floors and carpets while avoiding obstacles.

Q: Can Shark and Dyson vacuums mop floors?

**A: Neither Shark nor Dyson make standalone vacuum mops. However, some Shark vacuum models come with a hard floor Hero attachment that enables damp mopping floors while simultaneously vacuuming. It uses disposable cleaning pads to pick up dry debris while lightly mopping. Dyson does not offer a similar vacuuming mop accessory. For dedicated mopping along with vacuuming, Shark’s vac-mop combo tools are useful.

Q: What are the best Shark vacuums?

A: The top-rated Shark vacuum cleaners are:

• Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away – Best value upright under $200
• Shark Vertex Cordless Stick – Powerful lightweight stick with great runtime
• Shark Apex DuoClean with Self-Cleaning Brushroll – Deep cleans carpets
• Shark Rocket Pet Pro Cordless – Thorough pet hair cleaning for less
• Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe – Budget-friendly lift-away under $150

Q: What are the best Dyson vacuums?

A: The best Dyson vacuums are:

• Dyson Ball Animal 2 – Top-tier cleaning for carpets and pet hair
• Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless – Lightweight stick with 60min fade-free power
• Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor Canister – Whole-home cleaning versatility
• Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless – Balanced mid-tier cordless stick
• Dyson Cyclone V10 Cordless – Flagship stick with strongest suction

The Verdict: Shark Delivers Better Value but Dyson Offers Superior Performance

When comparing Shark vs Dyson vacuums, there are great options from both brands.

Shark stands out for affordable, innovative vacuums with excellent cleaning capabilities. The lift-away design, DuoClean brushes, and self-cleaning brush rolls provide convenience and versatility across floor types. Long warranties give peace of mind.

Dyson justifies its premium pricing with industry-leading suction power and carpet cleaning performance. Advanced filtration captures the most allergens. For outstanding deep carpet cleaning, especially with pets, Dyson leads the pack.

Ultimately, your choice comes down to your budget and cleaning needs. Regular deep carpet cleaning calls for Dyson’s unmatched capabilities. But for whole-home cleaning across floor types at lower costs, Shark offers better overall value.

Whichever brand you choose, proper maintenance is key. Regularly empty dust bins, clean filters, remove hair from brushrolls, and check for blockages. Follow the manufacturer’s care guidelines to maximize your vacuum’s lifespan.

With this comprehensive Shark vs Dyson comparison guide, you can zero in on the best vacuum for cleaning your floors. Clean smarter by choosing a model with the ideal features, power and value for your home.