Shark vs. Dyson

Over the past few years, I have been reviewing various Shark and Dyson cordless stick vacuums.

Now, it’s time to compare these products. Please note that I have only tested cordless vacuums from these two brands, so my analysis will mainly focus on them.

Shark and Dyson are known for their innovation, introducing industry-first features that other brands have imitated.

We’ll look at these features and how these translate into practical use in the real world.

Lightweight Shark Cordless Vacuums

The Shark WandVac series is the lightest and most ergonomic of the bunch. I’ve only tested the stick option – the WandVac WS632.

This model is (basically) a handheld WandVac with an extension tube and full-sized “PowerFins” nozzle.

Despite the WS632’s low airflow, it was above average with surface debris pick up and decent in deep cleaning experiments (over 88%).

So, it’s a variable alternative inside tiny homes. It also comes with a caddy for vertical storage.

Shark WandVac WS632

• Airflow: 28.23 CFM
• Dust bin size: 0.12 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 98.46%
• Deep Cleaning: 88.05%
• Weight: 2.1 lbs.
• Run time: up to 12:07 mins.
• Recharge: 5 hrs.
• Battery: 3000 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: 76.6 dB

Buy Now from Walmart

Shark WandVac WV201

• Airflow: N/A
• Dust bin size: 0.07 liters
• Sand on hard floor: N/A
• Deep Cleaning: N/A
• Weight: 1.4 lbs.
• Run time: N/A
• Recharge: 3.5 hrs.
• Battery: Li-ion
• Noise: N/A

Buy Now from Dyson

Lightweight Dyson Stick Vacuums

Previously, this distinction goes to the older V-Series – the V6, V7, and V8 sub-variants, but since Dyson unveiled the Micro and Omni-Glide, that has changed.

These options are the lightest and most ergonomic Dyson options available, purpose-built for cleaning hard floors since these only come with a soft roller attachment.

The Omni-Glide is the first product I’ve tested with 360-degree steering. Hence, the term model classification is “Omni Glide.”

This nozzle is the most maneuverable and the best I’ve used for vacuuming non-carpeted stairs.

The Micro 1.5KG is the lightest, weighing only (you guessed it!) 1.5 kilograms. 

It’s perhaps the lightest and best handheld option among the stick vacuum options, thanks to its slim frame.

Unfortunately, none can clean carpets because they lack a standard brush attachment.

Enter the Dyson V12 Detect, the best-performing carpet vacuum.

It’s a downsized version of the V15 but with ample airflow and enough agitation to clean carpets well.

Dyson Omni Glide

• Airflow: 31.94 CFM
• Dust bin size: 0.18 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 99.35%
• Deep Cleaning: N/A
• Weight: 4.18 lbs.
• Run time: up to 23:30 mins.
• Recharge: 3.5 hrs.
• Battery: 2500 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: 76 dB

Buy Now from Walmart

Dyson Micro 1.5KG

• Airflow: 32.41 CFM
• Dust bin size: 0.18 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 99.7%
• Deep Cleaning: 75%
• Weight: 3.3 lbs.
• Run time: up to 27 mins.
• Recharge: 3.5 hrs.
• Battery: 2500 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: 78.5 dB

Buy Now from Dyson

Dyson V12 Detect

• Airflow: 58.74 CFM
• Dust bin size: 0.35 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 99.9%
• Deep Cleaning: 94.1%
• Run time: up to 63 mins.
• Recharge: 5.2 hrs.
• Battery: 2500 mAh Li-ion
• Weight: 5.2 lbs.
• Noise: 80.7 dB

Buy Now from Amazon

* If you click this link and purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost.

Shark Duo Clean Cordless Options

The Duo Clean nozzle is the first I’ve seen, combining a soft roller attachment to a standard brush roll.

Its purpose is simple: combine the best traits of each brush roll design into one.

Put the soft roller in front to handle large debris piles and the bristled brush (with stiff bristles) behind it for agitating carpets.

This technology was industry-first and was efficient, particularly on hard surfaces where it gobbled up debris better than most upright vacuums without a soft roller attachment.

I’ve tested this technology with the ION P50, and while it was great at picking up dirt on hard floors, it was subpar at deep cleaning carpets.

Also, it didn’t clean hair well, as strands wrapped on the standard brush roll.

Unfortunately, the Shark ION P50 is no longer in production and has been replaced by the Vertex (more later).

Shark ION P50

• Airflow: N/A
• Dust bin size: 0.28 liters
• Sand on hard floor: N/A
• Deep Cleaning: N/A
• Weight: 8.7 lbs.
• Run time: N/A
• Recharge: 3.5 hrs.
• Battery: 2450 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: N/A

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Previous-Gen V-Series Models

These models are older series options with vertically aligned dustbins, including the V6, V7, and V8.

The V8 Absolute was (once upon a time) a Dyson flagship, with a then-lengthy 40-minute run time and one of the best-performing cordless stick vacuums.

The V7 is a “lite” version with a (slightly) smaller motor and battery for cost-cutting purposes and only a single floor nozzle (for most sub-variants, at least).

Both used a similar-sized dustbin (around 0.54 liters for the V8 and 0.53 liters for the V7) with a hygienic system, making it easier to empty the debris.

This was an issue with the V6, which didn’t have a hygienic system and was notoriously messy to empty.

Dyson V7 MotorHead

• Airflow: 49.68 CFM
• Dust bin size: 0.53 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 99.2%
• Deep Cleaning: 94.93%
• Weight: 5.45 lbs.
• Run time: up to 32 mins.
• Recharge: 3.5 hrs.
• Battery: 2100 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: 73.9 dB

Buy Now from Amazon

Dyson V8 Absolute

• Airflow: 54.24 CFM
• Dust bin size: 0.54 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 99.5%
• Deep Cleaning: 97.7%
• Weight: 5.8 lbs.
• Run time: up to 41 mins.
• Recharge: 5 hrs.
• Battery: 2800 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: 73.2 dB

Buy Now from Amazon

* If you click this link and purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost.

Shark Vertex Models

One issue with the Duo Clean nozzle (mentioned earlier) is hair tangling on the bristled brush behind the roller, worsened by its non-detachability.

Shark addressed this issue by redesigning the trailing brush and adding fins around the brush roll and combs above it to remove hair tangles.

This tweak improved its anti-tangle properties immensely, and Shark continued using the same design in its latest release, the Vertex Pro series.

This same technology is found in Shark’s upright vacuums like the AZ2002 Powered Lift-Away.

One difference between an upright and a cordless stick vacuum is suction (and airflow), giving it better deep cleaning performance.

Another improvement in this line-up is the improved range, thanks to the more energy-dense battery.

The Vertex Pro series takes it a step further with interface enhancements.

Unlike the earlier Vertex that used a slide switch, the Vertex Pro utilizes buttons for toggling between different settings.

One advantage of this design is a dedicated switch for the max setting.

Also, the newer Vertex Pro options come with two batteries out of the box (at least the Vertex Pro stick model), increasing the run time two-fold.

Shark Vertex

• Airflow: 53.11 CFM
• Dust bin size: 1.28 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 99.7%
• Deep Cleaning: 94.7%
• Weight: 9.04 lbs.
• Run time: up to 69 mins.
• Recharge: 4 hrs.
• Battery: 2450 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: 80.8 dB

Buy Now from Amazon

Shark Vertex Pro

• Airflow: 48.25 CFM
• Dust bin size: 1.28 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 99.4%
• Deep Cleaning: 92.75%
• Weight: 9.04 lbs.
• Run time: up to 101 mins.
• Recharge: 4 hrs.
• Battery: 2350 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: 89.4 dB

Buy Now from Amazon

Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away

• Airflow: 48.72 CFM
• Dust bin size: 1.28 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 97.4%
• Deep Cleaning: 92.25%
• Weight: 12.4 lbs.
• Run time: up to 54:35 mins.
• Recharge: 4 hrs.
• Battery: 2900 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: 89.4 dB

Buy Now from Amazon

* If you click this link and purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost.

Latest V-Series Models

Since James Dyson unveiled the V10, all the latest V-Series models use the horizontally aligned dustbin.

One reason why Dyson made the switch is to increase dirt capacity and streamline airflow.

Dyson has improved power, run time, and usability with every release.

I’ve tested almost every release from the V10 to the V15, and there’s a new feature added.

1. Dyson V10: adjustable gates; first, with the horizontally aligned dustbin, increase volume to 0.77 liters [read review].
2. Dyson V11: interactive LCD screen showing the run time status, error codes, and power settings [read review]
3. Dyson Outsize: upright-level dustbin capacity (over 1 liter) [read review].
4. Dyson V15 Detect laser slim roller; torque screw tool, Piezo sensor [read review].

Unfortunately, I haven’t tested the latest Dyson stick vacuum, the Gen5 Detect, but that’s coming soon.

Most of Dyson’s full-sized V-Series options (still) use a trigger, but the Gen5 Detect changes that since it’s the first with a push-button switch.

Please note that I haven’t tested the Gen5 Detect and Gen5 Outsize variants, so I don’t have any data for these models, but that’ll change soon.

Dyson Gen5 Detect

• Airflow: N/A
• Dust bin size: 0.77 liters
• Sand on hard floor: N/A
• Deep Cleaning: N/A
• Weight: 7.72 lbs.
• Run time: up to 70 mins. (claimed)
• Recharge: 4.5 hrs.
• Battery: 3600 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: N/A

Buy Now from Amazon

Dyson Gen5 Outsize

• Airflow: N/A
• Dust bin size: 1.89 liters
• Sand on hard floor: N/A
• Deep Cleaning: N/A
• Weight: 8.6 lbs.
• Run time: up to 140 mins. (claimed)
• Recharge: 4.5 hrs.
• Battery: 3600 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: N/A

Buy Now from Amazon

Dyson V15 Detect

• Airflow: 73 CFM
• Dust bin size: 0.77 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 99.8%
• Deep Cleaning: 100%
• Weight: 6.8 lbs.
• Run time: up to 84:19 mins.
• Recharge: 4.5 hrs.
• Battery: 3600 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: 80.8 dB

Buy Now from Amazon

Dyson V11 Outsize

• Airflow: 66.65 CFM
• Dust bin size: 1.89 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 100%
• Deep Cleaning: 100%
• Weight: 7.85 lbs.
• Run time: up to 85:24 mins.
• Recharge: 4.5 hrs.
• Battery: 3600 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: 78.8 dB

Buy Now from Amazon

Dyson V11 Torque Drive

• Airflow: 66.13 CFM
• Dust bin size: 0.77 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 99.4%
• Deep Cleaning: 100%
• Weight: 6.68 lbs.
• Run time: up to 74:58 mins.
• Recharge: 4.5 hrs.
• Battery: 3600 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: 78.9 dB

Buy Now from Amazon

Dyson V10

• Airflow: 59.71 CFM
• Dust bin size: 0.77 liters
• Sand on hard floor: 100%
• Deep Cleaning: 97.03%
• Weight: 5.9 lbs.
• Run time: up to 61:59 mins.
• Recharge: 4.5 hrs.
• Battery: 3600 mAh Li-ion
• Noise: 76.7 dB

Buy Now from Amazon

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Best Overall: Dyson V15 Detect

Pros

• The first Dyson with the green laser, highlighting almost-invisible dust
• One of the best Dyson options for cleaning hair
• Excellent at deep cleaning carpets
• High airflow enables it to pick up debris at an efficient rate
• Decent-sized dustbin (0.77 liters)

Cons

• Expensive option (but with Gen5’s release – it’s cheaper now)
• Noisy

Before the Gen5 series came out, the V15 was the flagship option and introduced many features in the newer option.

At the forefront is the laser slim roller that accentuates dust better than any stick vacuum I’ve tested.

It’s the V15’s most helpful feature and helps track dust, enabling consumers to be more efficient with vacuuming floors.

Another innovative tool introduced in the V15 Detect is the torque screw attachment with the tapered brush roll.

This shape, along with the stiff bristles and grooves on the brush, forces hair into a holding area and then inside the dustbin.

So, nothing wrapped around it during the experiments, even this much hair.

This variant was Dyson’s most potent vacuuming option before the Gen5 Detect, and it’s (still) one of the best vacuuming cordless stick vacuums available.

The good news with the Gen5 release is that it lowers the V15 Detect’s price, adding more value.

Upright Free: Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away

Pros

• Self-standing even without a dock
• The twin brush roll system is above average at surface debris pick-up
• Decent-sized (1.35 ounces) and easily accessible dustbin
• Decent run time at over 54 minutes
• Detachable battery

Cons

• The front roller tends to kick debris forward
• Not as good as a Dyson with deep-cleaning carpets
• Shallow turning radius

The Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away is one of two Vertex Pro releases, and this variant is the better option, in my opinion, despite having lower cleaning test scores.

One reason is its usability advantages over the Vertex Pro Cordless; we’ll discuss several layers below.

Unlike the other Vertex Option with the foldable wand, this one doesn’t need it since the dustbin is closer to the base.

This is the default state with the dustbin stored close to the nozzle.

The most significant advantage over the other Vertex option is it isn’t top-heavy, with most of the weight close to the base.

Another is consumers can store it upright without a dock or foldable wand.

Also, its dustbin placement is better accessible and easier to empty than the stick Vertex with a wide opening.

The pro version adds an improved interface with buttons and a battery indicator.

Best Lightweight Option: Dyson V12 Detect

Pros

• Cheaper than the V15 Detect
• The lightweight body makes it more ergonomic
• It uses a push-button switch
• It is nearly as good as the V15 with vacuuming surface debris
• Some sub-variants have two batteries, doubling the range to over 100 minutes
• Superb ergonomics as a handheld

Cons

• Not as good as a full-sized Dyson V-Series at deep-cleaning carpets
• Small dustbin

The V12 Detect represented a zag in Dyson’s product development.

Before reviewing it, I thought it was a variation of the V15 with a push-button switch for select markets, but that wasn’t the case.

This option is a lighter version of the V15 Detect, prioritizing ergonomics over suction.

This priority shift is reflected in the size difference (see above) – with fewer cycles, a smaller motor, dustbin, and battery.

Fortunately for consumers, these downgrades don’t affect cleaning performance as much, thanks to the excellent cleaning dynamics of the nozzles.

It has similar features as the full-sized V15, including the laser slim roller, torque screw attachment, and Piezo sensor for measuring debris.

However, it uses the older style standard brush roll found in the V8, which is surprisingly good, especially at cleaning surface dirt.

Some variants include the under-appliance adaptor and light pipe tool for cleaning dark spaces.

So, consumers will get a lot of value from the V12 for its price.

Best for Long Hair: Shark WandVac WS632

Pros

• Lightest Shark stick vacuum option at 2.1 pounds
• Surprisingly good at cleaning hair (even long strands)
• Self-standing even without a dock
• Its dock (or caddy) has storage for tools
• The full-sized nozzle is excellent at vacuuming surface debris
• Detachable battery

Cons

• Tiny dustbin capacity (only 0.12 liters)
• Noisy even with low airflow
• Below-average deep cleaning performance

Of all the Shark and Dyson products I’ve tested, the WandVac WS632 scored the best on hard floors and carpets (100% average).

It wasn’t what I expected with this lightweight handheld, masquerading as a stick vacuum.

The WS632 is one of Shark’s latest releases, combining the best properties of a handheld and stick vacuum.

It uses a handheld body, so it’s highly feathery, even in stick vacuum mode.

But unlike other brands using the same configuration, it uses a full-sized nozzle – a finned brush roll to be specific from the Vertex series.

This design is highly efficient at cleaning hair and got a perfect 100% score in all the experiments on hard floors and carpets between five and twelve inches.

It also excels at vacuuming surface debris with above-average percentages.

However, with the nozzle, the small battery won’t run very long – only 12 minutes in its single power setting.

Also, the tiny dustbin won’t hold much dirt – not something for cleaning large spaces.

Airflow Comparison

Dyson products have an advantage in this category, especially with its full-sized stick vacuums.

Of the products I’ve reviewed, the V15 Detect has the highest airflow at over 69 CFM at the nozzle and over 70 at the wand.

Shark’s most potent option is the Vertex IZ462H (36 CFM at the nozzle and over 52 at the extension tube).

Fortunately, Shark products efficiently possess high-end agitation and vacuum debris, especially the Vertex Duo Clean nozzle.

However, one aspect where Shark lags is deep cleaning, where the low airflow hampers its performance.

The Vertex series with the upgraded nozzle is much better than the Duo Clean, getting in the 92s, but lags behind most Dyson full-sized stick vacuums.

Cleaning Comparison

I’ve put these vacuums through grueling tests on hard floors and carpets using different debris types.

Check the results below.

Overall, Dyson products picked up more, especially its full-sized line-up, with the newest models picking up in the high 99s in most tests.

One massive advantage of Dyson full-sized stick vacuums is its deep cleaning performance, where three of the full-sized options picked up 100% (V11, Outsize, and V15 Detect).

Shark has gained ground since the ION P50 and improved its cleaning performance, narrowing the gap.

But the Vertex Duo Clean nozzle isn’t as efficient on carpets, lagging (especially) in deep cleaning experiments.

The Vertex and Vertex Pro got improved scores, but it was in the low 90s.

Also, Shark’s lightweight option, the WandVac WS632, was worse than the Micro and Omni-Glide in cleaning experiments but walloped both in the hair wrap test.

Hair Wrap Results [Hard Floors]

One surprise compiling these numbers is who came out on top – the Shark WandVac WS632.

And it’s because of its low airflow, making what it accomplished even more impressive.

It got a perfect 100% between five and seven-inch hair.

Another Shark product that picked up well on hard floors is the Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away with the upgraded Duo Clean nozzle.

The best Dyson on this surface is the V15 Detect, thanks to its high airflow.

However, it only got 80.6% on 12-inch hair, a notch below the Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away and WandVac WS632.

Hair Wrap Results [Carpets]

Again, the Shark WandVac WS632 aces the experiments, getting a 100% score in (all) five experiments.

The best Dyson at cleaning hair on this surface is the V15 Detect, which isn’t surprising since it has the most airflow (please note I haven’t tested the Gen5 models).

Outside these two, the Shark Vertex options were the best at cleaning longer strands, thanks to the upgraded Duo Clean nozzle with the finned brush roll and combs.

Run Time Comparison

Next, we’ll look at how long these products will run. I did exhaustive experiments with and without the nozzle.

Later on, I tested on different surfaces – hard floors and carpets to be specific for newer releases.

The table below shows the results.

Dyson, especially its later releases, is better on a per-battery basis. The V15 Detect lasted up to 84 minutes on hard floors and over 56 minutes on carpets.

Another advantage of Dyson is the available aftermarket batteries, especially for older models.

Shark’s range isn’t terrible, but it pales in comparison, considering the airflow advantage of Dyson.

The latest Vertex Pro series runs longer, over 50 minutes on hard floors with the same capacity battery.

These vacuums have weaker airflow, but its Duo Clean nozzle has enough agitation to compensate.

More Dyson Comparison Articles

• Dyson V6 vs. V8
• Dyson V6 vs. V10
• Dyson V7 vs. V8
• Dyson V7 vs. V10
• Dyson V7 vs. V12
• Dyson V8 vs. V10
• Dyson V8 vs. V12
• Dyson V8 vs. V15
• Dyson V10 vs. V11
• Dyson V10 vs. V12
• Dyson V10 vs. V15
• Dyson V11 vs. V12
• Dyson V12 vs. Micro 1.5KG
• Dyson V12 vs. Omni Glide
• Dyson V12 vs. V15
• Dyson V12 vs. Outsize
• Dyson V15 vs. Outsize vs. V11 vs. V10
• Dyson Micro vs. Omni Glide
• Dyson Micro vs. V15 Detect
• Best Dyson Vacuum [Detailed Guide]

Dyson Versus Other Brands

• Tineco A11 vs. Dyson V15 Detect
• Tineco Pure One S12 vs. Dyson V15 Detect
• LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V12
• LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V8
• LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V10
• LG CordZero A9 vs. Dyson V15
• Miele Triflex HX1 vs. Dyson V15
• Miele Triflex HX1 vs. Dyson V12
• Shark vs. Dyson
• Shark ION P50 vs. Dyson V10 vs. V11

Is Dyson or Shark More Expensive

At least with stick vacuums, Dyson is the more expensive option since it offers more polish and better aftermarket support with its sheer parts availability.

But Shark is improving with its latest releases, offering better features and filtration.

However, it still lacks the polish. For instance, if you remove a Shark dustbin, the motor will still start without it.

That’s the polish I’m talking about.

With the changing prices of consumer electronic products, I can’t say the exact prices of these items.

Better check them by clicking the links below for the latest pricing information.

• Dyson V15 Detect on Amazon
• Dyson V11 Outsize on Amazon
• Dyson V11 Torque Drive on Amazon
• Dyson V10 Absolute on Amazon
• Dyson V10 Animal on Amazon
• Shark Vertex Cordless on Amazon
• Shark Vertex Cordless on Shark’s online store
• Shark Vertex Pro on Amazon
• Shark Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away on Amazon
• Shark WS632 WandVac on Amazon

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 is Better, a Shark or Dyson?

If you’re looking at the overall package, it’s hard to beat Dyson products.

These vacuums are on the cutting edge of technology, introducing game-changing features other brands have copied.

And after using them for several years, the ones I’ve used the most have held up well to the abuse I put on them.

One plus with Dyson’s immense popularity is the availability of parts. Consumers can purchase (just about) any component from online stores like Amazon or eBay – at least with the simpler (and older) models.

Most Dyson full-sized stick vacuums are also better at deep cleaning carpets.

If that is a priority, then go with these options.

Shark offers a cheaper alternative to the highly premium Dyson products. They are often priced twice, sometimes three times cheaper.

But the lower cost means some compromises, like not having features.

The biggest reason I’d choose a Shark is that you don’t mind not having the polish but still retain most of the performance.

All of the Shark cordless products I’ve reviewed have a self-standing feature.

If that is a sticking point, go with these Shark products.