Shark Vertex vs. Vertex Pro Comparison

After reviewing the Vertex Pro, we’ll examine how it compares to the older Vertex Model.

The Vertex series spans several categories, specifically stick vacuums and upright vacuums.

A common denominator is the upgraded Duo Clean nozzle with the combs and fins, helping it vacuum long hair strands better than the older version.

The Vertex Pro addresses the issues with the previous Vertex model, particularly the short run time and the limited functionality of the handle control.

However, the newer model is (obviously) more expensive, and the question is, are these upgrades worth the more premium cost?

I’ve put these Shark cordless stick vacuums through a grueling series of tests to find out which model is better, so let’s get into it.

An overview of the Shark Vertex vs. Vertex Pro

Introduction to the Shark Vertex and Vertex Pro

The Vertex Cordless series is one of my favorite Shark products in their line-up.

It combines the high-capacity benefits of an upright vacuum with the versatility of a stick vacuum, and the foldable wand enables vertical storage without a dock.

Both use the upgrade Duo Clean nozzle with the combs and fins, but the newer Vertex Pro has the reconfigured bristle layout with more surface area, helping it pick up more debris despite having less airflow.

Cheaper Option: Shark IZ462H Vertex Cordless

Pros

• Cheaper than the newer Vertex Pro
• Self-standing feature thanks to the foldable wand
• Large capacity dustbin (1.28 liters)
• Above-average debris pick up
• Two-in-one versatility
• Excellent at resisting hair tangles

Cons

• Below average run time with the nozzle (36:42 mins)
• It only comes with one battery
• Noisy

The IZ462H is one of Shark’s game-changing cordless stick vacuum options, combining an upright’s large capacity and self-standing feature with the versatility of a stick vacuum.

It’s much better than the older ION Flex series because of the newer Duo Clean nozzle, helping it clean long hair strands better than the older version.

Another benefit of the Duo Clean nozzle is its high-end agitation, helping it pick up surface debris at the same rate as more expensive Dyson products.

It picked up a high percentage in surface debris experiments and above average in deep cleaning – not bad for a mid-priced option.

However, it’s not all roses as the older Vertex cordless had below-average run time and only one battery included.

Yes, purchasing an extra battery solves the issue, but it’s an added expense not many would consider.

Also, there are limitations to its handle interface, only having two suction options in addition to the two floor settings.

It doesn’t have a dedicated max switch, so consumers must pull a lever to access it.

Regardless of its limitations, the older Vertex is (still) an excellent option, especially with the price drop.

Improved But More Expensive: Shark IZ682H Vertex Pro Cordless

Pros

• Better (albeit only slightly) surface debris pick-up
• The two batteries out of the box (more than) doubles the run time to over 100 minutes with the Duo Clean nozzle
• Same large capacity dustbin (1.28 liters)
• Better handle control with the interactive screen
• Twin battery dock charges two batteries simultaneously

Cons

• Not as good at deep cleaning carpets
• More expensive

Shark’s upgrades in the newer Vertex Pro address some issues with the older variant, primarily with run time.

Out of the box, it comes with two batteries – more than doubling the range (over 100 minutes).

The new charging dock can charge two batteries simultaneously, reducing downtime significantly.

Another issue tackled by Shark is the handle control which replaced the older slide switch with a newer design with an interactive screen and buttons.

Compared to the older Vertex, it’s a more practical design, and since the power switch is a button, there’s no need to pull a lever to access the high setting.

Unfortunately, the screen only shows the battery percentage, and that’s it, unlike other brands with more advanced systems.

It’s only a basic percentage feature, unlike other brands like Tineco and Dyson, with a timer showing how many minutes are left from the charge.

Aside from the nozzle, battery, and handle control updates, most other features are similar to the previous Vertex model.

So, are these upgrades enough to warrant the expensive cost?

Similarities of the Shark Vertex and Vertex Pro Cordless

Next, we’ll look at the similarities between these two Vertex options, and there are plenty, starting with the foldable wand.

1. Foldable Wand

Shark pioneered several features in this industry, and one of the most helpful is the foldable wand that serves two purposes.

The first is helping consumers reach deep under furniture without bending over, which is excellent news for folks with back issues.

There isn’t much variance in how the feature works in the old and newer model. Both have a quick-release latch here.

Pressing this lever turns it from the self-standing position to its stick vacuum configuration.

The second purpose is vertical storage without a dock, so it’s a huge space saver. One downside is it has no storage for the extra tools.

2. Dustbin Capacity

Aside from some cosmetic variances, the Vertex and Vertex Pro dustbins remain the same in capacity.

Both have the same 1.28-liter capacity, an above-average figure for a cordless stick vacuum, helping it hold more dirt before emptying it.

One plus with the massive capacity is the vast opening, making it easier to empty.

But one downside is hair sticking on the inner wall or central filter component (particularly long strands).

3. Detachable Battery

Another similarity with these Vertex models is the detachable battery, making it easy to extend run time by purchasing an extra.

One plus for the Vertex Pro is it comes with two batteries out of the box, so there’s no extra expense, whereas the older Vertex model only has one.

4. Duo Clean Nozzle

Aside from the bristle configuration, everything else is status quo in the Vertex IZ682H.

Both have the identical roller and standard brush roll layout, one of the best I’ve tested at picking up surface debris.

And both have LED headlights, aiding consumers in tracking dust. However, it won’t be as good as a Dyson V12 or V15 with accentuating almost-invisible dust particles.

The upgrades Shark put into these nozzles over the older version make them viable options even for long hair strands (more later in this comparison) since both are equipped to untangle long strands.

Differences between the Shark Vertex and Vertex Pro

Next, we’ll look at the variances of these products or the upgrades Shark put into the newer Vertex model.

1. Handle Controls

One issue with the controls on the older Vertex is it lacked certain functionalities, particularly accessing the max setting without pulling a lever.

Using a slide switch isn’t a bad idea, but for the Shark Vertex, it has its limitations. Its only function is toggling between the two brush roll settings.

However, there’s no option to adjust power settings, hence the lever needing to access the max setting.

This issue was solved by reconfiguring the interface, using buttons instead of a slide switch, and expanding its functionality so consumers don’t need to pull a lever continuously.

Another plus for the new control interface is it shows the battery status in percentage instead of the three-LED indicator.

2. Battery Charger

The following variance is the battery charger, with Shark introducing a redesigned version that can charge two batteries simultaneously.

It is one of the more intuitive designs I’ve seen, with the added benefit of not charging the batteries in the vacuum.

Another benefit is the built-in storage for the extra batteries.

The older Vertex doesn’t have this feature but only uses a traditional plug-in charger.

3. Bristle Tweak

While the Vertex and Vertex Pro use the same brush roll combination (soft roller + standard brush), the bristles on the second brush were reconfigured to span the whole roller.

You can see in the photo above that the bristles on the older Vertex (left) only spanned half the brush roll, so there’s less surface area.

It’s one reason why the newer Vertex cordless had nearly identical surface cleaning results even with less airflow.

Ergonomic Comparison

There’s no variance with ergonomics as both Vertex options have the same weight and utilize a similar framework.

Since the dustbin and motor are close to the handle, these vacuums are top-heavy, but the bulky Duo Clean nozzle (sort of) balances the weight distribution.

One significant con with the added bulk is the challenge of cleaning cramped spaces.

Interface Comparison

The Shark Vertex Pro has a redesigned interface, adding a premium touch to a mid-priced product.

Unfortunately, the screen only shows the battery percentage and nothing else. It doesn’t flash an error code even with the dustbin out, so it has limited functionality.

The previous Vertex model relies on a slide switch for toggling between the hard floor and carpet brush roll settings and a lever for the max suction setting.

Run Time Comparison

One underrated upgrade with the Vertex Pro is the extended run time, maxing at over 50 minutes in the hard floor setting with the Duo Clean nozzle.

Double that figure to 100 minutes with the extra battery, which is an excellent figure, even with premium options.

The run time with the carpet setting is also impressive (over 47 minutes) and more than the previous Vertex model, doubling to over 94 minutes with the extra battery, so the IZ682H easily wins this category.

Airflow Comparison

Surprisingly, the newer Vertex IZ682H model has less airflow than the older variant.

It wasn’t something I’d expected, but the variance isn’t significant and could be the effect of the bristle reconfiguration.

But the drop could also be the reason for the increased range.

Fortunately, there isn’t much variance with the cleaning performance, except for deep cleaning, so the (slight) downgrade isn’t as concerning.

Cleaning Comparison

There isn’t much variance between the Vertex and Vertex Pro in the cleaning experiments, only a sub-one percent difference in surface debris tests.

One issue with the downgraded airflow is it (slightly) struggles with heavier debris like pet litter and sand.

The Vertex Pro got a lower percentage at cleaning heavier debris on hard floors, but that’s because I didn’t use the max setting.

It didn’t have issues picking up pet litter on carpets and got excellent percentages.

Which option is better on hard floors?

The lower airflow affected its performance with vacuuming heavier debris, mainly sand.

Unsurprisingly, the Shark Vertex got a (slightly) higher percentage (99.7% vs. 99.4%), but the variance isn’t that much.

And the eye test backs these scores. Let’s look at the before and after photos of the Vertex.

The Vertex Pro was also excellent, picking up most of the sand.

Hair Wrap Comparison [on Hard Floors]

There’s minimal variance between the Vertex and Vertex Pro in cleaning hair on hard floors.

Shark’s upgrades in the Duo Clean nozzle are significant reasons the new Vertex Duo Clean nozzle is excellent at avoiding hair tangles.

Here are shots of the Vertex Pro nozzle after the experiments.

• 5-inch strands: 100%
• 7-inch strands: 100%
• 9-inch strands: 86%
• 11-inch strands: 98%
• 12-inch strands: 88%

The older Vertex model is also excellent, especially with shorter five and seven-inch hair. It’s not as good with twelve-inch hair, but it still got a high percentage.

• 5-inch strands: 100%
• 7-inch strands: 100%
• 9-inch strands: 99.5%
• 11-inch strands: 97%
• 12-inch strands: 82.9%

One (big) plus for the Vertex nozzle it’s not as hard to dislodge hair, and the axles are covered, so I don’t see anything wrapping on the sides since the bristled brush roll isn’t detachable.

Edge Cleaning Comparison

Again, there’s not much variance with these Vertex models at cleaning edges since the Duo Clean nozzle is highly efficient at cleaning these areas.

Here’s a before and after shot for the Vertex.

And Vertex Pro.

Another benefit of the Duo Clean nozzle is it has enough agitation to clean debris on the crevices.

Which option is better on carpets?

For cleaning carpets, it’s a mixed bag for these Vertex cordless models.

On the one hand, surface debris pick-up is almost equal (99.87% vs. 99.85%), but there’s a slight gap in deep cleaning performance (94.7% vs. 92.75%).

Though the discrepancy with the latter isn’t much, it represents the airflow gap and a potential deciding factor.

Hair Wrap Comparison [on Carpets]

Again, the Vertex and Vertex Pro had excellent results at picking up hair on mid-pile carpets, getting a high percentage even with strands above nine inches.

The Vertex Pro was more consistent, not exceeding 85% in any experiments.

• 5-inch strands: 100%
• 7-inch strands: 100%
• 9-inch strands: 89%
• 11-inch strands: 95%
• 12-inch strands: 85%

The Vertex IZ462H was also excellent but strangely got only 82.5% with eleven-inch hair.

It was better at picking up longer twelve-inch strands, getting a few percentage points higher.

• 5-inch strands: 99%
• 7-inch strands: 100%
• 9-inch strands: 99.8%
• 11-inch strands: 82.5%
• 12-inch strands: 91%

Noise Comparison

One of my pet peeves with the Vertex Pro is its noise levels, especially in the max setting that exceeded 90 decibels!

Prepare your earmuffs if you’re using this for an extended stretch in carpet mode because of the annoying whiney noise.

The previous Vertex cordless isn’t as noisy at a more manageable 80 decibels, not quite, but not as loud.

Maintenance Comparison

Upkeep for these Vertex models is similar, and I’ll enumerate them below.

1. Duo Clean nozzle: Check and clean it (at least) weekly to remove any hair or dust accumulation on the soft roller or bristled brush. Please note that only the soft roller portion of the Duo Clean nozzle is detachable, but not the brush roll behind it, so it may present some challenges cleaning the second brush.
2. Foam and HEPA filter: These Vertex models have two filters – a foam and a HEPA filter. Clean these filters (monthly) with only water and avoid using any dishwashing soap to avoid degrading the material.
3. Dustbin: Empty it after every cleaning cycle to prevent debris from clogging the middle filter inside.
4. Battery: Avoid using it in the max setting for extended stretches to prevent it from overheating and shortening its life span.

Product Specifications

Where can I purchase these Shark Vertex products?

The Shark Vertex and Vertex Pro are available in online stores like Amazon. Check the links below for the latest pricing information.

• Shark Vertex Cordless on Amazon
• Shark Vertex Cordless on Shark’s online store
• Shark Vertex Pro on Amazon
• Shark Vertex Pro on Shark’s online store

Disclaimer: I’ll earn a commission if you purchase through the link above, but at no extra cost, so it’s a win-win for us!

Which offers the better value?

The answer will boil down to two factors, price, and features. Are you willing to spend close to Dyson V12 money for the Vertex Pro?

Do the feature add-ons to it warrant the premium? Answering these questions will determine your choice.

To help you out, I’ve enumerated the reasons for each model.

4 Reasons to Choose the Shark Vertex

1. Cheaper option: With the Vertex Pro’s release, the price for the older Vertex has dropped – an excellent time to purchase one.
2. Better deep cleaning performance: The (slightly) higher airflow helps this model to gather more sand on mid-pile carpets.
3. Large capacity dustbin: There’s a slight variance in the dustbin capacity of these products. I’d say it holds about the same amount of debris.
4. Decent run time: Even with the Duo Clean nozzle, this variant will still run for close to 40 minutes from one battery.

4 Reasons to Choose the Shark Vertex Pro

1. Longer run time: The extra battery extends the run time beyond the 100-minute mark.
2. Twin battery charger: Shark introduced a redesigned dock that can charge two batteries simultaneously.
3. Better handle controls: The redesigned handle controls offers better ergonomics since there’s no need to pull a lever to engage the max setting.
4. High-end agitation: Despite the lower airflow, it picked up a high percentage of surface debris.

The Verdict: Are You Willing to Spend More?

As I’ve said, the question about these products is your spending appetite.

Are you willing to spend in Dyson V12 territory for the Vertex Pro?

Yes, the Shark Vertex Pro offers more features, like the two batteries and extended range, but it’s more expensive.

There’s a slight variance in the cleaning performance, so it shouldn’t be a deciding factor, except for deep cleaning carpets.

And even with deep cleaning, the variance isn’t significant (less than 3%).