Shark vs Dyson: An In-Depth Comparison and Reviews
Both Shark and Dyson have managed to solidify a name for themselves in the vacuum cleaner market – both being considered frontrunners in the industry, having provided customers with innovative, reliable and high-quality products for years. Although Dyson is definitely more of a household name, in more recent years, Shark has managed to gain popularity as well and is seen by many to threaten Mr. James Dyson’s legacy. Both Shark and Dyson provide a range of vacuum cleaners for almost all kinds of cleaning – from carpets to hardwood floors, to vinyl – and are known to provide their customers with an unbeatable quality of suction.
With both brands aiming for the ‘top-notch’ side of the market, rather than advertising themselves as ‘budget’ models, they’re both racing to be the next to introduce revolutionary technology into the market. Because of this, as you could expect with healthy competition, both brands tend to design their products using the same, or very similar, technology the most noticeable feature of which being the ‘bagless’ technology included, saving the customers both hassle and money in the long-term. This article will delve into the vacuums of each brand and offers you the ultimate Shark vs Dyson resource.
Related: Dyson V10 vs V11
Contents
Comparison Table
| MODEL | Shark Rotator Professional | Shark ION F80 | Shark Navigator Lift-Away | Dyson Ball Animal 2 | Dyson DC39 Multi Floor | Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Design |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Type of Vacuum | Upright | Stick | Upright | Upright | Cylinder | Upright |
| Cordless | ✔ | ✔ | ||||
| Battery Life | 80 minutes | 60 minutes | ||||
| Cord Length | 25 ft | 25 ft | 35 ft | 21 ft | ||
| Weight | 15.5 lbs | 8.7 lbs | 13.7 lbs | 17.35 lbs | 8.8 lbs | 5.88 lbs |
| Max Wattage | 1200 | 300 | 1200 | 306 | 280 | 525 |
| Bin Volume | 1.3 quarts | 0.3 quarts | 2.2 quarts | 1.9 quarts | 2.11 quarts | 0.8 quarts |
| Availability | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Shark vs Dyson Reviews
Having said that, the two brands do more than just copy each other’s designs, and there are some clear differences that can be made. For a start, Dyson models tend to be larger and therefore heavier, whereas Shark vacuums lean more towards a more sleek, small and light design. As such, Shark models tend to come with a slightly lower price tag too. As well as this, being the leader in the market, Dyson offers up to a 5-year warranty on some of its products, but to the surprise of many, Shark has trumped this by offering an incredible 7-year warranty on some of its products. Although Shark takes the cake in this respect, Dyson still offers a fantastic warranty in comparison to the rest of the market.
Deciding on the top three models from each of these manufacturers is no easy task, and considering the number of features, price ranges, user reviews and kinds of vacuums, there’s certainly a lot to take in. In our listing, we chose the six models between both brands that we thought offered the most value to the customer in comparison to the purchase price; although some are clearly better than others, if they’re quadruple the price, it doesn’t always make them a better deal.
Related: What is the best vacuum for pet hair?
Best Shark Vacuums in 2019
The following three models are the best Shark vacuum cleaners currently available on the market:
1. Shark Rotator Professional Upright Corded Bagless Vacuum
The Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is a run-of-the-mill design that does the basics of vacuum cleaning extremely well. Not only is this product fairly lightweight for the power of suction it offers, but with adjustable suction power, it can be adjusted to suit different types of flooring and material for optimal cleaning. It also includes a motorized roller brush that’s able to clean deep into any carpeted surface, taking up pet hair, dust, dirt, and anything else that’s trapped down there. And its ‘lift-away’ function allows the user to transform it into an ultra-lightweight, handheld vacuum for getting into those hard-to-reach places with ease. It also has a ‘HEPA’ filtration system that’s able to catch the smallest fibers and allergens. And better yet, it comes with re-usable filters, to save money in the long-term, and reduce wastage. Just throw them in the wash and they’re good to use again! And to top it all off, with a 30-feet-long power cord, giving you added range across your living space, getting the stairs, garage, or anywhere else won’t be a hassle.
Pros
- Decent price tag
- Converts to a ‘lift-away’ handheld vacuum
- Re-usable filters included
- Large bin for big cleaning jobs
Cons
- Not the most durable and sturdy
- Emptying the bin isn’t that easy
- Dust cup capacity 1.3 quarts. Powerful upright vacuum...
- Anti-allergen complete seal technology, HEPA
- Rotator technology enhanced swivel steering and better...
2. Shark ION F80 Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum
The Shark ION F80 Cordless Stick Vacuum is another lightweight design from the manufacturer, that again can be converted into a handheld product for ease of use. This particular model is regularly praised for its versatility, allowing users to fulfill almost all of their at-home-cleaning needs. The Shark ION F80’s dual roller integrated system allows it to clean carpeted and hard surfaces, with each roller having different textures appropriate for each surface, for effective cleaning. Not only this, but with two removable and rechargeable batteries, those interrupted cleaning sessions are a thing of the past. just whack the second battery in and you can carry on going. Some users have claimed that they can clean uninterrupted for over an hour – impressive stuff. In terms of actual usability, the vacuum’s ‘MultiFlex’ function allows the handle to bend at 90 degrees, making those hard-to-reach places that little bit easier to clean. As an added bonus, this flexible handle also makes the vacuum easier to store away by shortening its height. Much like other Shark models, the ION F80 also comes with reusable HEPA filters that can simply be washed and used again – overall, an ultra-convenient design!
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Reusable filters
- Stores away easily
- Two batteries for longer cleaning times
Cons
- Emptying isn’t too easy
- Battery life doesn’t always last
- Not exactly a low-cost product
- Powerful cordless suction for everyday dirt, debris,...
- Upto 80 minutes of total runtime with 2 batteries in...
- 2X Ion power pack system includes 2 removable,...
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Pro is another versatile and multipurpose product by the manufacturer. As well as making use of the HEPA reusable filters, it also features a particularly large dust cup to provide deep, thorough cleans with no interruptions for emptying. Like other designs by Shark, you won’t be surprised to find out that this one also utilizes the ‘lift- away’ function, for ultra-efficient cleaning in all parts of your home. It also features a 30-foot power cord, making moving between rooms a breeze, rather than a hassle. As an added bonus with this product, you’ll get a crevice tool, pet power brush, a dusting brush, and some microfiber pads. All in all, a great product suitable for a range of homes and uses, and an excellent choice for those with pets, due to its ability to take up pet hair with ease.
Pros
- Fantastic suction power and control
- 30-foot cord for moving around
- Easy to use around the house
- Life-Away design for added versatility
Cons
- Heavier than other models
- No lights for cleaning in the dark
- Is known to tip over at times
- Dust cup capacity 2.2 quarts; Lift away; Press a button...
- Anti-allergen complete seal technology plus a HEPA...
- Powerful and lightweight; Portable and versatile at...
Best Dyson Vacuums in 2019
Remember, this is Shark vs Dyson after all. So, the following three products are our picks from the market leader themselves – and what we consider to be their best deals available:
1. Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner Ball Animal 2
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is another staple product in the vacuum-cleaner market, suitable not only for carpeted floors but ideal for hardwood, vinyl and more – especially due to its self-adjusting cleaning head that can adapt to different conditions. Its unique and icon ball-shaped head can swivel in multiple directions, making clean around table lets, chairs, sofas and anything else that much easier. Its HEPA filter system can capture over 99% of known microbes and bacteria, and with its super-powerful suction, it’s able to suck up dirt from deep down in carpeted floors, making dirt, debris and pet hair a thing of the past. Many customers praise it for its 35-foot-long power cord that makes getting around the house a breeze. The main downside with this model is its bulkiness, as getting underneath furniture or into small spaces can be quite a challenge.
Pros
- Great price for what’s on offer
- Fantastic suction capabilities
- Reusable filter
- 35-foot-long cord for ease of use
Cons
- Somewhat bulky and cumbersome
- Strongest suction of any vacuum; Even more power for...
- Self-adjusting cleaner head seals in suction across...
- Tangle free turbine tool, stair tool, combination tool...
2. Dyson DC39 Multi Floor Canister Vacuum Cleaner
The Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor Canister Vacuum is another well-known model from the market leader, renowned for its reliability, durable construction, and strong suction abilities. An interesting feature of this particular model is its ‘anti-tip’ technology, meaning that when it gets knocked over, it manages to literally pick itself back up again. With a carob fiber head, it’s able to suck up various kinds of particles, dust, and debris that might have made their way into your home, and with it also being suitable for hard surfaces, it’s ideal for any of this big, heavy-duty cleaning missions. It has various modes the user can choose in order to tackle whatever cleaning task is at hand – the max mode being super-powerful, able to take on the biggest and most demanding jobs. With a lever-action bin, the user can empty this cleaner whilst avoiding the dirt and dust that it’s been carrying. The only downside is storing it away, as its bulky shape can make it difficult to fit in tight spaces. Overall, this is a compact, powerful and reliable cleaner, that’s suitable for almost any home, and can take on almost any task!
Pros
- Fairly low price-tag
- Compact and sturdy
- Power card is retractable
Cons
- Can be difficult to store
- Attachments aren’t always great
- 5 year parts & labor warranty when purchased from an...
- Dyson cyclone technology captures more dirt and...
- Radial Root Cyclone technology- airflows remodeled to...
3. Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
The Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute is a sleek, versatile design, suitable for a range of cleaning tasks around your home. Its most noticeable feature is the ability to transform into a handheld vacuum, making those hard-to-reach places not so hard to reach anymore. With two roller brushes, it managed to suck up dirt from deep within fabrics and carpets, taking out any debris or dirt that might have nestled its way down there. It also offers different levels of suction, giving users the choice for a mild do-over, or a serious super-suction clean-up. But despite its super-powered motor, its shape, size and weight have been designed with the user in mind, making lugging this around the house not so much of a chore as it can be with other vacuums. When fully charged (which usually takes around 3-4 hours), the Cyclone V10 Absolute can vacuum clean for up to an hour – though when some of the added features are included, this drops to around 20 minutes. It also includes a charging docking station that can be wall or floor mounted, which means that vacuum and accessories can be stored, whilst it’s being charged as well – very convenient for the user! We compare the Dyson V10 vs V8, a similarly matched vacuum from Dyson in detail in our other article. Other related articles include a comparison of the V10 vs V11 and V7 vs V8.
Pros
- Stylish, sleek design
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Convenient storage
- Can clean for up to an hour
Cons
- Can’t hold a lot of dirt
- Doesn’t come with a low-price tag
- No lock on the on/off switch
- Up to 60 minutes run time when using a non-motorized...
- Dyson technology helps create a cleaner, healthier home...
- Lightweight and versatile, to clean right through the...
How to Choose the Best Vacuum Cleaner
Buying the right vacuum cleaner for you isn’t always as simple as ‘Shark vs Dyson’ – although some people replace their vacuum every couple of years, if the right model is purchased from the right manufacturer, a decent vacuum can last well over ten years. So, before deciding which one might be the one for you to hold for the next decade, it’s a good idea to read through a buyer’s guide, in order to make sure you make the best decision for you.
In our buyer’s guide below, we’ve gone over the features, functionalities, advantages, and disadvantages of each type of vacuum cleaner – ultimately outlining which is best for each type of situation and home. Some see vacuuming as a mind-numbing chore, but with the right vacuum for your requirements and your home, it really doesn’t have to be this way. Although it’s not fun for everyone – though some people do definitely enjoy it! – getting one model over another can really make a formerly-difficult job that much easier. We’ll go through several categories, and when/where you should buy each kind, and hopefully by the end, you’ll know exactly what you should be looking for!
Type of Vacuum Cleaner
Before looking up any makes or models of vacuum cleaners, you’ll first want to find out what type of vacuum cleaner you want – and this will be based on your cleaning needs, as well as your personal preferences. Although there are various types of vacuum cleaners – car vacuums, outdoor vacuums, industrial vacuums, household vacuums – for most people, there are three main kinds: upright vacuums, ‘stick’ vacuums, and handheld vacuums. Each of these kinds has both their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to cleaning, so understanding what each kind is most ideal for is crucial.
Upright vacuums are the most common kind on the market, and work as good ‘all-rounders’ when it comes to domestic cleaning. These kinds of vacuum are ideal for cleaning large rooms, or wide, open floor spaces, as they’re larger in size, and therefore have a wider cleaning area. The main downside with these vacuums is how cumbersome they are. These kinds aren’t cordless, so finding a power outlet in each room, as well as maneuvering around a long power cable, can be irritating at times. For those who are looking for something just to vacuum the living room carpet, this kind is ideal for you.
Stick vacuums are a sort of hybrid between ordinary, upright vacuums cleaners and handheld vacuums. Stick cleaners are lighter, smaller and sleeker than upright vacuums, and are also cordless, meaning that you don’t have the hassle of finding a power outlet. Not only are they more maneuverable, but storing them away is much easier as well, making them ideal for smaller homes, or students in temporary accommodation. The main downside to these is the suction power, as, being battery-powered rather than mains powered, they don’t have nearly as much suction power ordinary, upright vacuums. Still, a decent model will work well around most homes.
Handheld vacuums are exactly as the name suggests – small, lightweight, handheld cleaner, ideal for small spaces, or cleaning vehicles. Like stick cleaners, nearly all handheld vacuums are battery powered, making them extremely convenient to use. The only downside is the battery level and power – despite them being extremely versatile, they struggle to pick up fine particles or large, heavier bits of debris, and their charge will often last less than 30 minutes. Ideal for quick cleanups, but not the best choice for long, heavy-duty jobs.
Related: Best handheld vacuum for pet hair
Pros and Cons
Where there are ‘ups’, there are also ‘downs’. This applies to so many products and items available out there – and vacuum cleaners are no different; that sports car might look good and drive like a dream, but if it only has two seats, it’s no good for taking the family on a day out. It’s important to realize, when looking at what might be the ideal vacuum for you, that whatever ‘pros’ it has, it will definitely have opposing ‘cons.
Battery-powered machines are more versatile for sure, but they’re not as powerful as mains powered machines. That big, bulky machine might suck up dirt in an instant, but storing it in the cupboard after use always ends up being a battle for space. Some vacuums thrive in wide, open spaces, but are a hassle to lug up and downstairs. Some are great for reaching on top of cabinets or under furniture, but using them to clean the living room takes hours, when it used to take minutes. Battery-powered machines allow you to avoid maneuvering around the power cord, but if you forget to charge them again after use, you might have to wait half a day before you can use them… you get the point!
Are you looking for a model with anti-bacterial properties? Have you downsized, and are looking for something that’s small and agile? Are you struggling to store yours, and want something that can fold away with ease? Decide what your priorities are in your vacuum cleaner, as well as the things you aren’t too bothered about, and this will help you make the best decision for you. It’s also a good idea to look at customer reviews, as this will give you a more accurate opinion on each product.
Technology Used
All vacuum cleaners make use of a range of different technologies, and of course, both Dyson and Shark are at the forefront of this. Not only does utilizing these different types of technology make their brands stand out from both a marketing and usability standpoint, but it also gives users an unmatched experience when cleaning their home. It might seem like a no-brainer, but many forget that the most important thing when looking to purchase a vacuum is how well it actually cleans.
Making sure to get a machine with high-quality suction technology will ensure that it’s able to clean multiple surfaces quickly and effectively. You’ll want a model that can deal with heavier things – large crumbs, paperclips, hair clips, etc. – as well as strong enough to grab hold of those tiny dust particles that can hide in the smallest of spaces. The most recent technology to be integrated across the vacuum cleaning market is battery power. Traditionally, vacuums needed mains power in order to provide a good enough suction for effective cleaning, but more modern manufacturers have managed to make battery-powered models much more effective.
Not only does this make cleaning quicker and less hassle, but it also allows for cleaning in a wider range of places where power might not have been available. Be wary though, battery-powered cleaners aren’t quite as powerful as mains powered cleaners, so if you’re moving to a battery-powered machine, you might notice a difference. All in all, getting a good balance between power, suction ability, and usability is key to getting the right model for you!
Versatility
It goes without saying that vacuum cleaners’ main function is to keep things clean, but depending on your floor, house, furniture, or even personal preference, getting a product with certain functionalities might make your experience much more convenient and enjoyable. Being an at-home essential for most people, the vacuum cleaning market is very competitive, and this encourages companies and manufacturers to come up with new features and designs in order to compete for new customers. This results in a range of added functions available for users and purchasers to choose from when buying a new cleaner.
From self-adjusting cleaning heads to swiveling balls designs, to fold-down handles, to hand-held ‘lift away’ designs – there’s a wealth of added features out there than can easily tip the scales between one design and another. Does one design some with more attachments than an equal competitor? Does one stick cleaner convert to a handheld, whilst the other doesn’t? Is one suitable for all floor types, whilst another only suitable for carpets? Again, bear in mind what you plan on using your cleaner for, and it’ll help you decide exactly which features are important to you, and which ones should be ignored. And if there’s a particular feature that might set you back a few bucks, consider stretching your budget, as if it’s more likely to make you clean up, then it’ll probably be worth it in the long run!
Weight of the Vacuum Cleaner
The weight of the vacuum is something that a lot of people don’t take into account – but when taking it around the house, it can make a world of difference. A large, heavy vacuum might clean up the living room no problem, but taking it into the garage or up the stairs might end up being a challenge. Going back to the whole ‘Shark vs Dyson’ debate, Shark vacuum cleaners are almost always lighter than Dysons when made with the same design style. This might seem to make them more versatile and agile, but it should be noted that Shark vacuums also tend to have shorter power cords (apart from their cordless designs, of course), making going in and out of rooms a little more cumbersome.
Manufacturer Warranty
Warranty is another thing that many consumers don’t pay enough attention to. Not only does it give you peace of mind that you’ll be covered if there’s an issue, but it also shows how much confidence a manufacturer has with their own products, showing you how much they believe and trust in their own design; if they don’t think it’ll last long, why should you? Dyson offers a five-year warranty on most of their models, whilst Shark offers a whopping seven-year warranty. Both of these trumps a lot of competitors on the market. As well as the length of the warranty, it’s important to pay attention to the quality. How quickly will your vacuum be fixed or replaced? Is it covered for accidental or water damage? These small things can make all the difference if you ever need to make a claim.
Price
Shark vacuums tend to come with a lower price-tag than Dysons – being the market leader, Dyson is able to charge a premium price for their products, whereas Shark isn’t quite as well-known, and therefore has to entice potential customers with a lower price. Having said this, many argue that Shark vacuums work just as well as Dysons, even with this lower price-tag. Whatever your budget, assess what models from each manufacturer you can afford, and make your own comparison – it might be worth stretching your budget for a few added features. For some cheaper options take a read of the best budget vacuums article.
Pros of Shark vs Dyson
This section will compare the highlight features and aspects of the Shark and Dyson vacuums we covered in this comparison article.
Shark
Shark’s main praise lies in their value-for-money. Although some customers say that their Sharks are as good as any Dyson competitors, some admit that that’s not the case, but considering how much less they had to pay, they really couldn’t care less. The general consensus with Shark vacuums is that you’ll get 90% of the suction power for around 50- 70% of the price. So, if you’re shopping on a budget, or just want to save yourself some cash without skimping too much on quality, Shark is probably the best bet for you.
Dyson
The main compliments with Dyson are simple – their style and their suction. Customers are surprised at just how sleek and stylish Dyson makes their products, and it makes a big difference, as not everyone has a closet they can use to hide these things away, and therefore might have theirs on display.
As well as this, the actual suction power of Dyson is, in some customers’ eyes – simply unmatched. Their cyclone technology, maneuverability, and user-based design can literally change the way people think about at-home cleaning. Despite the price tag that comes with some of their products, most people seem happy with their purchases.
Cons of Shark vs Dyson
This section looks at the lowest points and faults found with the vacuums of each of these brands.
Shark
The main complaints when it comes to Shark products is with suction as well – not complete loss of suction, but a slow decline over time. Some customers claim that their vacuum isn’t ‘half as powerful’ as it once was. Not only this, but certain parts of their vacuums have been known to break, bend, or stop working as they should – although this doesn’t make their products unusable, it can make the experience more difficult.
Dyson
The most common complaint when it comes to Dyson models is their loss of suction. Although some of this is due to misuse, or a lack of cleaning, some models have been reported to fail regardless of customer upkeep. Having said this, this is rare across all models, and your warranty should cover this issue with a repair or replacement. Another complaint from Dyson is the fact that their cordless models don’t have removable batteries – this isn’t something covered by warranty, as it’s just part of the design, so it should be something to bear in mind when considering your purchase.
- Up to 60 minutes run time when using a non-motorized...
- Dyson technology helps create a cleaner, healthier home...
- Lightweight and versatile, to clean right through the...
Final Word
The ‘Shark vs Dyson’ debate has been going on for quite some time, and it’s likely to continue. With both manufacturers now hosting a great range of products, at varying prices, and with varying functionality and features, there’s no doubt that they’ll continue to be compared. Both of these manufacturers can make a huge difference to your cleaning experience, so it’s important to keep both in mind. Although Dyson’s models tend to come with a higher price tag, most user reviews suggest that the price – considering you can afford it – is one that’s worth spending.
Having said that, if you’re buying out of necessity rather than desire (i.e., you don’t really like cleaning, but know you have to do it anyway), maybe Shark is the best bet for you. It’ll likely cost you less money than a comparative Dyson, and still offer more than enough suction power and versatility for you to get the job done. Whoever you go within the end, the most important thing is to get the type of vacuum cleaner best suited for you and your needs. Whether a standard upright, a slim cordless, or a compact handheld, whatever you go for in the end, with these two companies, you won’t be disappointed.
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