Shark vs Dyson: which vacuum cleaner model is best?
In case you’re available in the market for a brand new vacuum cleaner, you may nicely end up selecting between Dyson vs Shark. These are most likely the 2 most revered and well-liked vacuum manufacturers in the marketplace proper now, and definitely the fashions we are likely to fee the very best right here at TechRadar. Each manufacturers crop up repeatedly in our common greatest vacuum cleaners rating, in addition to our greatest cordless vacuum roundup. Now’s a good time to purchase, too, as a result of the Black Friday vacuum offers are beginning to ramp up, with provides on each manufacturers already out there.
Each Dyson and Shark make loads of nice vacuums, and are nicely price testing. Nevertheless, relying on what you are searching for, one is likely to be a better option over the opposite.
By way of model focus, Dyson is all about engineering. It has invested loads of time and sources into its vacuums, and it is constantly working to hone its designs to enhance effectivity, suction energy and battery life. At the moment’s greatest Dyson vacuums are usually meticulously crafted, extra high-tech, however dearer, because of this.
Shark has a a lot wider, extra various vary. Its fashions are sometimes much less tech-focused and as an alternative highlight usability – an incredible instance is the forward-bending wand for cleansing beneath furnishings. At the moment’s greatest Shark vacuums additionally have a tendency to come back in at a cheaper price in comparison with Dyson fashions, delivering good worth for cash.
And there are a lot extra delicate variations price contemplating, too. Learn on for my in-depth Shark vs Dyson vacuum comparability.
Shark vs Dyson: vary
- Dyson’s vary primarily contains cordless stick vacuums
- Shark has a a lot wider choice of vacuum varieties
- Dyson’s vary is pretty streamlined, Shark’s is wider and complicated
Dyson has a reasonably easy vacuum vary. Its foremost focus, and arguably what it is nonetheless greatest identified for, is its cordless stick vacuums. Alongside the principle mannequin, you will discover alternate options with phrases akin to “Full”, “Absolute” and “Animal” on the tip. Usually talking, these would be the identical vacuum, however with a distinct array of instruments included, or maybe in a distinct colorway.
At time of writing, the oldest mannequin within the official lineup is the Dyson V8, which launched in 2016. It seems to be roughly like the remainder of the Dyson cordless vary, however is much less highly effective, with fewer fancy options.
That is adopted by the Dyson Cyclone V10, which hit the market in 2018. This was the mannequin to introduce the “in-line configuration” seen on all subsequent stick vacs, which noticed the motor, bin and cyclone array positioned in a straight line, to maximise suction energy. See the way it compares to its predecessor in our Dyson V8 vs V10 explainer.
In 2019, we received the Dyson V11. This launched the LCD display screen for alerts and knowledge, the place earlier fashions used LED indicator lights. Our Dyson V10 vs V11 explainer has extra element.
Subsequent to launch in 2021 was the brand new flagship, the Dyson V15 Detect. This mannequin added grime detection capabilities and a floorhead that includes a laser to spotlight hidden mud. See the way it compares to the earlier flagship in our Dyson V11 vs V15 face-off. There’s additionally a V15s Detect Submarine, which is a cordless stick vacuum whose customary floorhead will be swapped out for an elective moist cleaner floorhead.
That very same 12 months, Dyson launched the V12 Detect Slim, a sort of in-between mannequin that is a barely extra superior, however smaller and lighter, model of the V15.
At time of writing, the most recent and best Dyson vacuum is the Dyson Gen5detect. This introduces a brand new motor and battery, providing longer runtimes and larger energy (discover out extra in regards to the variations between Gen5detect and V15 Detect).
Dyson additionally has one corded upright mannequin, the Dyson Ball Animal, at present on its third-gen iteration. The opposite outliers embody a robotic vacuum referred to as the Dyson 360 Vis Nav, and a moist cleaner referred to as the Dyson WashG1.
Shifting on to Shark, the vary is way much less easy. There are dozens and dozens of fashions, usually sporting very related names, with fashions showing and disappearing regularly. It is pretty widespread to seek out {that a} mannequin may have a distinct identify and product code relying on the nation you are in. Shark provides a much wider choice of mannequin varieties, too: in addition to cordless stick vacuums, there are corded stick vacuums, numerous upright vacuums, automotive vacuums, a spread of robotic vacuums, and loads of moist ground cleaners as nicely.
I will not get into all of your choices, as a result of I haven’t got a spare 12 months, however three of Shark’s key ranges are Stratos, Detect Professional and PowerDetect. All have varied various kinds of vacuum of their ranges, however I am going to concentrate on the cordless stick vacuum choices.
Stratos is the oldest and least superior of the three. The Stratos Cordless Stick Vacuum provides highly effective suction, however the payoff is that it is just a little heavier than the opposite two. My Shark Detect Professional vs Stratos comparability goes into extra depth on the variations.
The Detect Professional vary is just a little newer. The Detect Professional Cordless Stick vacuum is lighter and rather less highly effective than the Stratos, however provides a bunch of good automation options, together with the flexibility to regulate suction when it detects the ground is very soiled.
PowerDetect is the most recent Shark vary at time of writing. The PowerDetect Cordless Stick vacuum is designed to mix the suction energy of the Stratos vacs with the smarts of the Detect Professional vacs, and provides a couple of new options apart from. Our Detect Professional vs PowerDetect explainer gives extra element on the variations between these two ranges.
Shark vs Dyson: design & usability
- Dyson vacuums supply higher floorhead maneuverability
- Most Shark vacuums arrive with a bendable wand for cleansing beneath furnishings
- Dyson fashions dock on a wall-mounted charger; Sharks will be saved freestanding
Whereas there shall be particular variations between explicit fashions of vacuum you is likely to be contemplating, there are a couple of generalizations that may be made concerning the efficiency and usefulness of Shark vacuums versus Dyson vacuums.
Let’s begin with suction. Shark does not launch suction specs (and really, determining how a lot suction a vacuum cleaner has is extra sophisticated than you may think), however typically talking, Dyson vacuums are likely to have a extra highly effective most suction mode than Shark fashions, particularly on the high finish of the vary.
Nevertheless, on check, we have typically been very impressed with the cleansing energy supplied by each manufacturers. Most Shark and Dyson vacuums we have examined have carried out nicely in our cleansing assessments, which embody each effective mud and bigger particles. For most individuals, both model will supply a lot ok suction for each day cleans. Nevertheless, when you’re coping with excessive ranges of grime, you is likely to be higher off with a Dyson.
Now, let’s take a look at maneuverability. Dyson’s cordless vacuums actually shine right here – the floorhead can pivot easily any which manner, simply shifting round furnishings and entering into nooks and crannies with out problem.
Shark’s cordless stick vacuums supply first rate maneuverability, however fall in need of being as nimble as these from Dyson. Nevertheless, one space the place Shark holds the trump card is with its versatile wands. Most Shark stick vacuums function a button on the again of the wand, which, when pressed, permits the wand to fold ahead. This allows you to vacuum simply beneath furnishings, with out having to get down on the ground your self.
Shark refers to this as MultiFLEX / Flexology – one among many complicated bits of name jargon that you will have to navigate in your procuring journey. This Shark vacuum applied sciences information ought to provide help to decipher issues.
Word: Dyson now sells an adjunct that provides very related performance to its personal stick vacuums. Discover out extra in my Dyson vacuum instruments information.
A advantage of this foldable design is that it allows most of Shark’s cordless vacuums to be saved freestanding once they’re not in use, seeing the wand launched and the motor and heandle folding down subsequent to the floorhead. In distinction, Dyson cordless vacuums are designed to be saved on a wall-mounted charging dock.
A minor draw back to Shark’s freestanding answer is that it requires the floorhead to lock in place at a proper angle to the vacuum wand. It is simple to launch by urgent gently on the floorhead together with your foot, however can typically catch within the lock place throughout vacuuming, which is just a little annoying. In distinction, Dyson’s floorheads simply hold free from the tip of the wand.
Each Dyson and Shark’s cordless fashions will be transformed into handheld vacuums by eradicating the wand, and each arrive with a spread of instruments for element cleansing duties. The precise instruments included will range relying on the mannequin and iteration, however we have been particularly impressed with Dyson’s choices, which embody a fluffy floorhead designed particularly for laborious flooring, and a hair-screw software for pulling hair from furnishings.
Talking of which, anybody who has lengthy hair, or lives with somebody who does, will know the way rapidly it might construct up on the brushroll of a vacuum’s floorhead. Each Shark and Dyson have taken steps within the design of their fashions to counter this and encourage hair straight into the bin. On check, we have been impressed with each manufacturers’ anti-hair wrap applied sciences.
Shark vs Dyson: controls
- Newer Dyson fashions function an LCD display screen that gives complicated data
- Shark vacuum controls are usually extra fundamental
Older choices from each manufacturers are operated utilizing a set off the must be constantly depressed whereas vacuuming, and each have modified to one-press buttons or switches of their newer fashions. The latter method is far more snug when vacuuming for longer intervals.
Shark vacuums have a tendency to make use of indicator lights or illuminated icons to relay details about energy mode or battery life to the consumer. It is a related state of affairs with older Dyson fashions (the V8 and V10); however when you go for a V11 or later, there’s an LCD display screen that may show extra detailed data. As an example, it should point out in phrases/numbers precisely how lengthy you may have left within the present battery mode, and it immediate if any upkeep duties are required. This display screen can also be used for real-time mud stats, however I am going to get into that within the “Particular options” part.
Shark vs Dyson: battery life
- Battery life broadly in line: 40 minutes for fundamental fashions, 60 minutes for premium
- Dyson Gen5detect has a most runtime of 70 minutes
Specs for max battery life are based mostly on use within the lowest energy mode, and specifics range by mannequin. Broadly talking, although, Shark and Dyson are roughly in line right here. The older or cheaper choices in every model’s lineup will high out at round 40 minutes (nonetheless a good quantity of cleansing time), whereas extra superior Shark and Dyson vacuums supply a full hour from a single cost. Nevertheless, the most recent Dyson Gen5detect delivers a most of 70 minutes – that is the longest battery life I’ve seen from any model.
This is not with out a payoff, although: the motor/battery a part of the Gen5detect is noticeably heavy for a cordless stick vacuum. Additionally keep in mind that one vacuum’s lowest energy mode is not essentially the identical as one other’s by way of suction. In increase/max modes, you’ll be able to count on the battery to empty considerably sooner on fashions from each manufacturers.
In case you’re wanting on the higher finish of each ranges, each have “Auto” modes designed to intelligently alter suction based mostly on grime ranges (and different issues) in an effort to ship probably the most battery-efficient clear (extra on this within the subsequent part). Runtimes will naturally range on this mode.
Each Dyson and Shark cordless vacuums are likely to have swappable batteries, which means you should purchase a backup and hot-swap to increase battery life if you want. One advantage of Dyson over Shark is that when you choose a more recent mannequin, it should spell out precisely how a lot cleansing time you may have left within the present battery mode. With Shark, you are counting on indicator lights.
Shark vs Dyson: particular options
- Each can alter suction based mostly on the extent of grime on the ground
- Dyson has higher floorhead headlights, and real-time grime knowledge
- Shark has an elective auto-empty dock and odor neutralizer puck
Past customary cleansing energy, the newer Shark and Dyson fashions even have a number of particular options, the type that you just won’t count on from a daily vacuum. On this part, I am largely speaking in regards to the Shark Detect Professional and PowerDetect cordless stick vacuums, and the Dyson V15 Detect and Gen5detect. Specifics range by mannequin, so double-check what’s included before you purchase.
Maybe probably the most helpful particular function is computerized suction adjustment. Each manufacturers have an “Auto” mode that may enhance or lower suction based mostly on how a lot grime the vacuum detects on the ground, and whether or not it is getting used on a tough ground or carpet. This implies a low-effort cleansing session that maximizes battery life whereas nonetheless making certain clear flooring.
Dyson takes a barely techier route with its computerized adjustment: it information particle quantity and measurement, and gives real-time experiences by way of the vacuum’s management display screen, in addition to a abstract when you’re achieved. That is doubtlessly attention-grabbing from a knowledge viewpoint, but additionally helps you do a extra thorough job. You may look ahead to the numbers to stabilize on the display screen, at which level you’ll be able to make certain that a specific patch of ground is clear after which transfer on. This function is simply out there when utilizing the principle Digital Motorbar floorhead (not the fluffy one for laborious flooring), as a result of that is the one to function the sensors.
Shark’s most superior vacuums will not report again on what they’re sucking up, however they do have a spread of additional detection properties that are not supplied by Dyson. For instance, in addition to making changes based mostly on ground sort and grime ranges, they will sense once they’re cleansing close to the sting of a room, the place mud can collect, and amp up suction on the related aspect of the floorhead in response. They will additionally brighten or dim their headlamps relying on gentle ranges within the space being cleaned.
Speaking of which… On paper, the headlamps on each the Shark and Dyson sound related, however they’re truly fairly completely different.
Shark vacuums function fundamental LED lights on their foremost floorhead that assist brighten the trail immediately in entrance of the vacuum. Dyson’s lights seem on its “detect” fashions, taking the type of a exactly angled beam of laser gentle – the type that is protected for people and animal eyes – designed to light up hidden mud on laborious flooring. The laser on the Gen5detect is brighter than that discovered on the V15 Detect, however each are considerably brighter than Shark vacuum headlamps.
This laser is simply discovered on the mushy floorhead that is designed particularly for laborious flooring (referred to as the “Laser Fluffy” floorhead). It does not seem on the principle Motorbar floorhead, and as such cannot be used along with the automated suction adjustment mode.
Shark has a few further, distinctive options. With its latest vacuums, there’s the choice of including an auto-empty base. The thought is borrowed from robotic vacuums, and is basically a dock that incorporates a bigger mud bin. With the vacuum sitting on the dock, all of the mud and particles whooshes out of the small onboard bin, by a sealed system and into the bottom. In addition to saving on effort, it is likely to be a very good selection for many who endure from allergy symptoms as a result of it means far much less frequent guide emptying, and fewer probabilities for allergens to flee again into the air. This dock additionally expenses the vacuum and gives someplace to retailer it.
One other particular function that I have never seen anyplace is an an odor-neutralizing puck. This sits both within the floorhead or the auto-empty base, and is designed to cease the buildup of nasty odors – for instance, when you’re vacuuming up quite a lot of canine hair regularly. You may twist the puck to extend or lower the neutralization ranges. Opposite to well-liked perception, this is not designed to introduce an new scent into the air; simply take away present, unhealthy smells. Many reviewers are massive followers of this addition, however a handful assume it is a pointless gimmick.
Shark vs Dyson: value
- Usually, Shark vacuums are cheaper than Dyson vacuums
- Shark pricing is way much less steady, so worth for cash varies
Utilizing cordless stick vacuums for comparability, let’s take a look at how the 2 manufacturers match up for value.
The oldest and most cost-effective mannequin within the Dyson cordless vacuum lineup is the V8, which comes with a listing value of $469.99 / £320 / AU$799 – though, at time of writing, might be discovered discounted in every single place to $329.99 / £229 / AU$499. The latest and priciest Dyson cordless vacuum is the Gen5detect, which prices $949.99 / £769.99 / AU$1,599 at checklist value. Dyson vacuum gross sales are extra widespread than you may assume, and there are all the time some first rate value drops within the Black Friday Dyson offers.
Shark’s pricing is way extra variable: the choices change fairly often, as do the names and checklist costs for present merchandise. Reductions are supplied often, and do not all the time observe the anticipated patterns.
For example, let’s take a look at the Detect Professional, which is the second-newest mannequin within the Shark vary. At time of writing, the vacuum-only mannequin (with out auto-empty base) has a listing value of $379.99 / £349.99 / AU$599.99. Within the US, that is lowered to $199.99; but it surely has been out of inventory for a while. Within the UK, it is all the way down to £199.99, making it just about the most affordable cordless vacuum within the lineup, and in Australia it is full value (however the checklist value has dropped from the unique $799.99). You see what I am coping with right here.
Nevertheless, broadly talking, Shark vacuums are usually cheaper than Dyson fashions, significantly when procuring on the high finish of the vary. Dyson’s costliest vacuums are considerably dearer than Shark’s costliest vacuums. The Black Friday gross sales are a very good time to buy, however it’s truly attainable to seek out offers just about year-round.
