Vacuuming floors regularly is essential for keeping a home clean and allergen-free. With so many vacuum brands and models to choose from, it can be tricky deciding between the two popular brands – Shark and Dyson.
This comprehensive Shark vs Dyson vacuum comparison reviews all the key features, performance, price and real user reviews to help you decide – which cleans floors better?
Outline of Shark vs Dyson Vacuum Comparison
Introduction
- Brief background on Shark and Dyson vacuums
- Overview of factors compared – Features, Performance, Price, Reviews
Shark Vacuum Overview
- Company background
- Key technologies
- Top models compared
Dyson Vacuum Overview
- Company background
- Key technologies
- Top models compared
Head-to-Head Feature Comparison
- Filtration system
- Brushroll/Suction technology
- Attachments included
- Cordless or corded
- Bagless design
- Weight and maneuverability
- Warranty coverage
Head-to-Head Performance Comparison
- Tests on carpets
- Tests on hard floors
- Pet hair pickup
- Allergen removal
- Edge cleaning
- Suction power
Head-to-Head Price Comparison
- Average price range
- Price per feature
- Ongoing costs
- Value for money
Head-to-Head Real User Reviews
- Ratings on performance
- Ratings on value
- Common complaints
- Dealbreaker flaws
FAQs on Shark and Dyson
- Q1: Are Shark or Dyson vacuums better for pet hair?
- Q2: How long do Shark and Dyson vacuums last?
- Q3: Which has stronger suction – Shark or Dyson?
- Q4: Are Shark/Dyson vacuums good for carpets?
- Q5: Are Shark or Dyson vacuums better for allergies?
- Q6: What are the main differences between Shark and Dyson?
Conclusion and Recommendation
Shark Vacuum Overview
Founded in 1998, Shark is a home appliance brand owned by US company SharkNinja. While a relatively new player in the vacuum space compared to Dyson, Shark has quickly gained a reputation for powerful, affordable vacuums packed with innovative features.
Key Shark Vacuum Technologies
- Anti Hair Wrap Technology – Removes pet hair/long strands from the brush roll as you clean. Prevents clogs.
- Duoclean Technology – Dual brushrolls target large debris on carpets and deep cleans carpets.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology – Traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
- Lift-Away Technology – Allows the canister to detach for portable cleaning.
- LED Headlights – Illuminate hidden dirt on floors.
Top Shark Models Compared
- Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins (AZ1002) – Flagship corded model with self-cleaning brushroll.
- Shark Vertex Cordless Stick Vacuum (IZ462H) – Top cordless model with 60min runtime.
- Shark Navigator Lift-Away (NV352) – Budget-friendly lift-away canister model.
Dyson Vacuum Overview
Dyson is a British home technology brand founded in 1991. As pioneers of bagless vacuum technology, Dyson holds a reputation for powerful, innovative vacuums despite the higher price tags.
Key Dyson Vacuum Technologies
- Radial Root Cyclone Technology – Creates centrifugal forces to remove dust/debris.
- Ball Technology – Pivots the head for easy steering around furniture.
- Whole-Machine HEPA Filtration – Traps allergens inside the vacuum.
- Tangle-Free Turbine Tool – Removes pet hair without tangling around the brush roll.
Top Dyson Models Compared
- Dyson Ball Animal 2 (212861) – Corded canister model optimized for homes with pets.
- Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Stick (356817) – Top cordless model with laser hair detection.
- Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor Canister (212699) – Self-righting large canister ideal for big homes.
Head-to-Head Feature Comparison
| Feature | Shark | Dyson |
|-|-|-|
| Filtration System | Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology traps 99.9% of dust inside. | Uses Whole-Machine HEPA filtration to capture 99.9% of microscopic particles. |
| Brushroll/Suction Technology | DuoClean brush roll optimized for carpets and hard floors. Decent suction up to 43 air watts. | Radial cyclones and powerful motors create strong suction up to 150 air watts. |
| Attachments Included | Most models include pet power brush, crevice tool, dusting brush and full-width hard floor attachment. | Includes combination tool, crevice tool, stiff bristle brush and soft dusting brush. |
| Cordless or Corded | Both cordless stick vacuums and corded models available. | Both cordless and corded models available. Cordless models have up to 60 min runtime. |
| Bagless Design | Shark vacuums use bagless dust cups that are emptied manually. | Dyson vacuums have clear bagless bins that can be emptied manually. |
| Weight and Maneuverability | Lightweight designs between 7 – 15 lbs. Swivel steering provides good maneuverability. | Most models are on the heavy side from 15 – 19 lbs. Ball design allows them to steer around furniture easily. |
| Warranty Coverage | 5-year limited warranty is standard on all Shark vacuum models. | Dyson provides a 2-year warranty period standard across all vacuum models. |
Summary: Shark vacuums offer comparable features like HEPA filtration, pet hair tools and bagless dirt cups at lower price points. Dyson vacuums are more powerful but heavier and more expensive.
Head-to-Head Performance Comparison
| Performance Test | Shark | Dyson |
|-|-|-|
| Carpet Cleaning | Dual brushroll system cleans carpets decently. Better at cleaning hard floors. | Outperforms on carpets with superior suction power that extracts more embedded dirt. |
| Hard Floor Cleaning | The DuoClean brushroll and hard floor attachment allow Shark vacuums to excel at cleaning hard floors. | While effective, Dyson’s stronger suction power on bare floors can sometimes scatter debris vs picking it up. |
| Pet Hair Pickup | Anti Hair Wrap technology prevents tangles but suction isn’t as strong as Dyson for deep cleaning. | Excellent pickup of pet hair across all models. Tangle-free turbine tool optimized for removing pet hair. |
| Allergen Removal | Traps 99.9% of dander inside, good for allergy sufferers. | Dyson’s whole-machine HEPA filtration captures more microscopic allergens when vacuuming. |
| Edge Cleaning | Performs decently well in cleaning along baseboards and edges. | Dyson’s brushroll design and suction power lead to superior edge cleaning results. |
| Suction Power | Maximum suction reaches 43 air watts. Lower than Dyson but has 2 brushrolls. | Up to 150 air watts of suction, delivers deepest cleaning on carpets. |
Summary: Dyson vacuums outperform Shark models in suction power, allergen removal and edge cleaning. But Shark vacuums are better optimized for hard floor cleaning.
Head-to-Head Price Comparison
| Vacuum | Average Price | Price Per Feature | Ongoing Costs | Value Rating |
|-|-|-|-|-|
| Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins AZ1002 | $400 | Excellent value with self-cleaning brushrolls under $500. | Replacement filters and brushrolls reasonable. | Excellent |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 | $160 | Very affordable for full-size upright with lift away canister. | One of the most budget-friendly vacuums to maintain. | Excellent |
| Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Stick | $700 | Justifies high-tech features like laser hair detection but very expensive. | Replacement parts are pricey, limiting value. | Poor |
| Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor 212699 | $500 | Large canister with self-righting feature adds value but still overpriced. | Ongoing costs are high making it a poor long-term value. | Poor |
Summary: Shark vacuums offer excellent value with great features at modest price points. Dyson vacuums are overpriced for what you get. Ongoing costs are more affordable with Shark.
Head-to-Head Real User Reviews
| Vacuum | Overall Rating | Key Feedback |
|-|-|-|
| Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins | 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,200+ ratings) | Great suction power cleans carpets/floors well. Some issues with reliability over time. |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away | 4.5 out of 5 stars (95,000+ ratings) | Extremely affordable vacuum that cleans carpets decently. Wears faster than premium models. |
| Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Stick| 4.3 out of 5 stars (1,500+ ratings) | Excels at deep cleaning carpets and floor edges. Short runtime and very expensive. |
| Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor | 4.1 out of 5 stars (5,000+ ratings) | Self-righting feature works well but suction fades quickly over time. |
Summary: Overall, Shark vacuums earn higher ratings for delivering good value and performance at affordable price points. Dyson earns mixed reviews – excellent cleaning results but poor reliability and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are Shark or Dyson vacuums better for pet hair?
A: Dyson vacuums perform better overall for homes with pets thanks to stronger suction and tangle-free turbine tool specifically designed for removing pet hair. Shark’s Anti Hair Wrap is decent for reducing tangles, but suction isn’t as powerful.
Q2: How long do Shark and Dyson vacuums last?
A: The average lifespan of a Shark vacuum is 5 to 7 years, while Dyson vacuums tend to last 6 to 8 years with proper maintenance. Dyson’s rely more on strong suction which fades over time. Shark’s bristle brushrolls hold up better.
Q3: Which has stronger suction – Shark or Dyson?
A: Dyson vacuums have significantly stronger suction, rated over 150 AW on premium models. This allows Dysons to deep clean carpets better. Shark’s peak around 43 AW but have dual brushrolls.
Q4: Are Shark or Dyson vacuums better for carpets?
A: Dyson vacuums excel at cleaning carpets thanks to superior suction. Shark’s DuoClean brushroll does a decent job on carpets but performs better on hard floors. Dyson is preferable for carpet-heavy homes.
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Q5: Are Shark or Dyson vacuums better for allergies?
A: Both Shark and Dyson use complete sealing HEPA filtration to trap dust and allergens. Dyson captures more microscopic particles, making them a better choice for severe allergies. Shark still performs decently for allergy sufferers given the lower price tag.
Q6: What are the main differences between Shark and Dyson?
A: The main differences are:
- Suction power – Dyson has significantly stronger suction.
- Price – Shark vacuums are more affordable across the board.
- Design – Dyson uses Ball steering, Shark has swivel heads.
- Filtration – Dyson HEPA filtration captures more microscopic allergens
- Brushrolls – Shark uses DuoClean dual brushrolls.
- Warranty – Shark offers a longer 5-year warranty vs 2 years for Dyson.
Conclusion and Recommendation
For pet owners or those with primarily carpet flooring, Dyson vacuum cleaners are the better choice given their superior suction and performance on carpets along with great tools for removing pet hair.
However, for cleaning hard floors or for buyers on a tight budget, Shark vacuum cleaners provide excellent value with strong cleaning on both carpets and hard floors. Their DuoClean system and lower prices makes them ideal for households with a mix of flooring types.
Overall, Shark vacuums offer comparable cleaning performance to Dyson at over 50% lower price points. Unless you have thick carpeting and pet hair to deal with, we recommend choosing a Shark to get great cleaning results for half the price. Our top pick is the Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins (AZ1002) which delivers incredible deep cleaning on carpets and floors for under $400.
