Shark vs. Dyson - Reviewed and Compared 2022
Which is better Shark or Dyson? If you want to know the real truth - you'll love this guide.
Last Updated By Matt Clayton 4 Weeks Ago
* We select all products independently; however, we may earn affiliate commissions when you buy through links on our site.
The good news: Whatever type of vacuum you’re looking for, Dyson and Shark have you covered.
The bad news: There's no straightforward answer to the question which brand is better.
Because the thing is that if you REALLY want to find out which brand is better, you need to:
- First figure out which kind of vacuum fits your needs, and
- Then compare the best vacuums from both brands in that category.
Sounds time-consuming and boring?
Don’t worry; we’ve done the hard work for you.
So whether you need a powerful upright vacuum, an agile stick vacuum or a handy little handheld vacuum... or a robotic vacuum cleaner to do the vacuuming while you have your morning cappuccino...
Just sit back and relax:
You’ll find the ultimate comparisons of their latest top vacuums + all the essential information you need to back up your decision right here. Let's dive in!
Shark or Dyson – which is better and what are the main differences?
In general Dyson vacuums are high-end products with higher quality and better features, but also a higher price. Shark vacuums are mid-range products with matching price and quality. Ultimately it depends on the features. You need to compare specific products to each other to find the best vacuum for your particular needs.
Contents
Quick, simple and straightforward. Find your type and find out which brand is the winner in that category. It’s time for Shark versus Dyson – which one is your perfect vacuum cleaner?
7. + Reader review: Dyson V8 vs. Shark IONFlex DuoClean
Dyson V8 vs. Shark IONFlex DuoClean - reviewed and compared
As seen on:
Dyson versus Shark – The Real Truth: best vacuums from both brands compared and analyzed
1. Best cordless stick vacuum Shark ION F80 MultiFlex vs. Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute
Are you looking for an agile and adaptable stick vacuum to help you out with you daily cleanups?
The Dyson V10 and Shark F80 are the cream of the crop.
Full of convenient features and excellent suction power, they both offer advanced technology and well-designed details to make vacuuming easy and effortless.
But which one has done a better job at designing the ultimate stick type vacuum – Dyson or Shark? Continue reading to find our detailed comparison.
What our comparison covers:
- Quick Pick - Comparison chart + videos
- Quick Pick - Our verdict
- Detailed Review
- Suction power
- Runtime
- Attachments
- Filtration
- Dirt cup
- Maneuverability and ease of use
- Performance
- Pros and cons
- Summing up
- Why choose a stick vacuum?
- Why Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute is the best stick vacuum from Dyson
- Why Shark ION F80 is the best stick vacuum from Shark
- Dyson V10 vs. Shark IONFlex DuoClean Cordless - Detailed Review
1. Quick Pick - Comparison Chart + Videos - Shark f80 vs. Dyson v10
If you don’t have the time for in-depth analysis, but you want the details, here is the full comparison table with all the important features:
And after all that data, here's a sneak peek of V10 in action:
... as well as of Shark F80:
2. Quick Pick - Our Verdict - Shark ION f80 vs Dyson
Winner: It’s a tie!
Both vacuums are practical appliances with excellent features. They are different, but both offer many useful functions.
To compare the two, you need to set their differences side by side. And to choose between the two, you need to figure out which features are more critical for you.
If you have allergies, the V10 has better filtration. On the other hand, if you have a large home, the F80 has a longer runtime.
Here’s the deal:
Dyson Cyclone V10 has
- stronger suction
- a brush roll tool for upholstery
- HEPA filtration
- bigger dirt cup
- wall-mountable charging dock for storage
But Shark ION F80 MultiFlex
- has longer runtime (80 min opposed to 60 min) and interchangeable batteries
- has 2 in 1 cleaning head for carpets and hard floor surfaces
- can be stored in a freestanding mode.
Which vacuum has those features that are essential to you? If you’re not sure which would fit your needs better, read on and have a look at our detailed comparison.
Or, click here to see the latest prices of Dyson V10 and Shark F80.
The bottom line: Go with the one that you see yourself using.
After all, the best vacuum is the one that you feel comfortable using, otherwise, it will just be buried in the kitchen cabinet.
Performance
Carpet
Hardfloor
Upholstery
Dyson V10
Sand
95%
Pet Hair
100%
Cereal
95%
Dust
100%
Kitty Litter
100%
Shark F80
Sand
95%
Pet Hair
90%
Cereal
100%
Dust
100%
Kitty Litter
100%
Pros and Cons At a Glance
Dyson V10 Absolute
Pros:
- Stronger suction
- Better filtration
- Convenient charging dock
- Motorized brush roll attachment
- Great add-ons available
- Bigger dirt cup
- ”Point and shoot” emptying
Cons:
- More expensive
- Two main cleaning heads
Shark ION F80
Pros:
- Better runtime
- Headlights
- Free-standing storage mode
- Interchangeable batteries
- DuoClean cleaning head
Cons:
- Small dirt cup
- Lacks HEPA filtration
Summing up - which one is the best stick vacuum?
Winner: It’s a tie
These two vacuums are the top products in the stick vacuum category right now. They are very different, but both are excellent vacuums with useful features and incredible performance.
A tie, really?
Yes. Because in the end, it comes down to user preferences. Both have high ratings, and they get praising user reviews.
Which one is the one for you depends on your home, budget and cleaning needs.
The Dyson Cyclone is more expensive than the F80, but it’s a complete package, and it doesn’t have any maintenance costs. With the Shark, you need to factor in the additional attachments you might need and the new replacement filter every now and then.
Both have excellent performance, but the V10 does have a stronger suction. On the other hand, lowering the suction has enabled Shark to beat Dyson when it comes to runtime. Is that additional 20 minutes of runtime something you need or are 60 minutes enough? It depends on the size of your home.
Pet owners and people with allergies will appreciate the HEPA filter, motorized pet hair tool and large dirt cup on the Dyson V10. Also, if you have a hard time lifting things, the V10 is lighter and easier to handle due to its weight distribution. On the other hand, if you suffer from back pains, you might need the MultiFLEX feature.
The bottom line:
Use the comparison table to set the vacuums side by side. Which one feels more comfortable to you? What it comes down to is the fact that you need a vacuum you love using, and that makes cleaning effortless. You can read real user reviews, see the latest prices and check out more pictures of Dyson V10 here and of Shark f80 here.
If you still have unanswered questions, we have written super detailed reviews of both of these vacuums. You can read our Dyson v10 review here and Shark f80 review here.
1-2. Detailed comparison - Dyson V10 VS. Shark IONFlex DuoClean
You might also be interested in how the Shark IONFlex DuoClean - which was the best stick vac from Shark before the release of f80 - performs in comparison with the new Dyson V10.
Shark IONFlex has been very popular among users. It's an efficient vacuum and gives Dyson V10 a run for its money.
But which one is a better stick vacuum? Continue reading to find our detailed comparison.
Some of the information concerning V10 can be found from the above comparison (Dyson v10 vs. Shark F80) - so be sure to read the bits about V10 from there!
1. Quick Pick - Comparison Chart + Videos Dyson V10 and Shark IONFlex
Here's Shark IONFlex DuoClean in action:
2. Quick Pick - Our Verdict Dyson V10 vs. Shark IonFLEX
Winner: Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute
Users praise this newest addition to the Dyson family giving it five-star ratings, and when you compare it to other stick vacuums you see why.
V10 really is the top dog in its category - a fantastic vacuum cleaner with excellent features that make vacuuming easy and effortless.
The only downside is the hefty price tag, but if you can stretch your budget you won’t regret the investment. The vacuum is durable and functional with great attention to detail in engineering and design. This vacuum will give you many years of convenience and easy vacuuming.
However, the Shark IONFlex DuoClean Cordless is not a bad choice either. It might lack a few features in comparison to Dyson V10, but it is a great stick vacuum as well compared to other products from other brands in the same category. It has many handy features, and it will do a great job at keeping your home nice and clean.
If the Dyson V10 is out of your budget but you are interested in comparing Shark DuoClean vs Dyson V8, we have an extensive comparison of the two right here.
Performance
Carpet
Hardfloor
Upholstery
Dyson V10
Sand
95%
Pet Hair
100%
Cereal
95%
Dust
100%
Kitty Litter
100%
Shark IonFLEX DuoClean
Sand
95%
Pet Hair
90%
Cereal
100%
Dust
100%
Kitty Litter
100%
Pros and Cons At a Glance
Dyson V10 Absolute
Pros:
- Better run time
- Stronger suction
- Better filtration
- Convenient charging dock
- Motorized brush roll attachment
- Great add-ons available
- Bigger dirt cup
- ”Point and shoot” emptying
Cons:
- More expensive
- Two main cleaning heads
Shark IONFlex DuoClean Cordless
Pros:
- Headlights
- Free-standing storage mode
- Interchangeable batteries
- DuoClean cleaning head
Cons:
- Small dirt cup
- Lacking HEPA filtration
Summing up - which one is the best stick vacuum?
Winner: Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute
The clear winner in the stick vacuum category is Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute. It is a fantastic vacuum cleaner with many excellent details and features that make vacuuming quick, simple and easy.
Users keep praising this new addition to the Dyson product family, and there is no reason why they shouldn’t. The company has been carefully listening to consumers and continuously redesigning their products to provide an even better cleaning experience.
Actually, the only downside in this product is the price tag, which is pretty hefty. But if your budget can be stretched that far, you won’t regret your choice. The Dyson vacuums are durable and high-quality, and their customer service is excellent. This vacuum will give you many years of convenience and easy vacuuming.
That being said, the Shark IONFlex DuoClean Cordless is not a bad choice either. It might be lacking a few features in comparison, but if the Dyson V10 is out of your budget range, it is a great stick vacuum as well compared to other products in the same category. It has many handy features, and it will do a great job at keeping your home nice and clean.
If you got interested, you can read real user reviews and see more pictures of Dyson V10 here and Shark IONFlex DuoClean here. Or, if you want to dive deep into the details, you can check out our full reviews of the V10 and the IONFlex.
2. Best upright vacuum Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean vs. Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away
Are you looking for an upright vacuum to tackle that mess at your home?
Something powerful and adaptable that will enable you to keep your home clean from floor to ceiling; all carpets, crevices, and furniture included?
Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Vacuum and the Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean are both extremely powerful and functional vacuums. But which one is better? Let's find out!
What our comparison covers:
- Quick Pick - Comparison chart + Videos
- Quick Pick - Our verdict
- Detailed Review
- Suction power
- Adaptability
- Attachments
- Filtration
- Dirt cup
- Maneuverability and ease of use
- Performance
- Pros and cons
- Summing up
- Why choose an upright vacuum?
- Why is Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean the best upright vacuum from Dyson
- Why is Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Vacuum the best upright vacuum from Shark
1. Quick Pick - Comparison Chart + Videos Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean and Shark APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away
If you don’t have time for a thorough and detailed comparison, you can find all the information you need in the table below. It will give you all the details you need to figure out which vacuum is a better fit for your needs.
However, if you want all the specifics and a comprehensive comparison of the two products scroll down.
Enough details? Here's a video of Ball Animal 2:
And Shark DuoClean:
2. Quick Pick - Our Verdict Dyson Ball Animal 2 vs. Shark APEX
Winner: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean
(but only by a narrow margin)
These two vacuums are very different, but they both offer excellent cleaning results and impressive easy-to-use features.
They both come with a pretty steep price, but the quality in design and engineering are worth the investment if you’re looking for a practical vacuum that will serve you for many years.
The money you put in a product like this will pay off in convenience and functionality. After all, there is no sense in buying something that doesn’t work.
Dyson is considered the winner here because of better attachments, but in every other aspect, it’s a tie. According to user reviews these vacuums have excellent design and attention to detail. They are the top products in their product category, and they come with highly functional features.
They are different but equally impressive. To decide between these two products, you should go with the one that you see yourself using, and you won’t regret your choice. You can find more info and see what the users say about these machines here (Dyson) and here (Shark).
Still not sure which one is the best for your needs?
Let’s go ahead with setting these two products side by side in the seven most important aspects you should consider before you buy a new vacuum cleaner. What are the actual differences between a Dyson upright vacuum cleaner and a Shark upright vacuum?
Performance
Carpet
Hardfloor
Upholstery
Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean
Sand
95%
Pet Hair
98%
Cereal
96%
Dust
100%
Kitty Litter
97%
Shark APEX DuoClean
Sand
95%
Pet Hair
95%
Cereal
97%
Dust
100%
Kitty Litter
97%
Pros and Cons At a Glance
Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean
Pros:
- Extremely powerful suction
- Easy to maneuver
- Wide cleaning path
- Effective at picking up pet hair
- Excellent on both hard floors and carpet
- Washable lifetime filters
- Sealed HEPA filtration
- Tangle-free turbine tool for pet hair
- Cleaning reach of 50ft
- Whole machine HEPA filtration
- Easy to empty dust canister
Cons:
- Quite heavy
- Difficult to maneuver on thick carpets
- Can get stuck on plush throw rugs
- Expensive
Shark APEX DuoClean
Pros:
- Very powerful suction
- Easy to maneuver
- Good at pulling up pet hair
- Efficient on both bare floors & carpet
- Not too noisy – has a low pitch
- Front roller polishes bare floors
- Washable HEPA filter
- Sealed filtration system
- LED headlights for visibility
- Motorized Pet Tool works well
Cons:
- Somewhat heavy
- Bulky design
- May tip over
- Can get stuck to some area rugs
- Short hose
Summing up - which one is the best upright vacuum?
Although very different, both Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean and Shark APEX DuoClean are superb high-end vacuum cleaners.
They both come with a hefty price tag, but the quality in design and materials are worth the investment if you’re looking for a functional vacuum that will last you several years. The money you put in a product like this will pay off in practicality and functionality. After all, you won’t do much with a vacuum cleaner that doesn’t perform well.
We have to announce Dyson as the winner in the upright vacuum cleaner category, but only by a narrow margin. It does come with better attachments, but in every other aspect, it’s a draw.
Numerous users have verified that both of these vacuums are examples of excellent design and attention to detail. Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean and Shark APEX DuoClean are the top dogs in their product category, and they definitely come with highly functional features.
To decide between these two vacuums, you should go with the one that you feel more comfortable with. They are different but equally impressive. Just choose the one that you see yourself using, and you won’t regret your choice.
3. Best Handheld Vacuum Dyson V7 vs. Shark ION W1
Which handheld vacuum is better?
Are you looking for a compact handheld vacuum for small cleanups all around your home and maybe even your car? A handy little machine that can take care of all those small messes kids, pets and everyday life leaves behind?
A handheld vacuum is what you’re looking for, but it seems you’re not sure which one. In this section, we are comparing the best handheld vacuums from both Shark and Dyson to find out which one is a better purchase.
What our comparison covers:
- Quick Pick - Comparison chart + Videos
- Quick Pick - Our verdict
- Detailed Review
- Suction power
- Runtime
- Attachments
- Filtration
- Dirt cup
- Maneuverability and ease of use
- Performance
- Pros and cons
- Summing up
- Why choose a stick vacuum?
- Why Dyson V7 is the best handheld vacuum from Dyson
- Why Shark ION W1 is the best handheld vacuum from Shark
- Dyson V7 VS. Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II - Detailed review
1. Quick Pick - Comparison Chart Dyson V7 and Shark ION W1
If you don’t have the time for in-depth analysis, but you want the details, here is the full comparison table with all the essential features:
And here you can take a quick look of how Dyson V7 works:
Shark W1 is a lot slimmer, as can been seen from this video:
2. Quick Pick - Our Verdict Dyson V7 vs. Shark ION W1
Winner: Both.
So, which one is better? The answer to this question is not straightforward.
The Dyson vacuum is clearly a more robust product with a slightly higher price. It is designed for some serious vacuuming, and it has many excellent features.
The ION W1, on the other hand, is a sleek little helper for small touch-ups around the house.
The design is very different on both vacuums. The new Shark handheld is stylish, and you can keep it within reach on your kitchen countertop. Although it gets excellent reviews from users, it has a smaller dirt cup and less suction power. The Dyson V7, however, might not be the most elegant appliance, but it is more powerful, and there is a quality feel to the product.
What it comes down to is this:
- If you want a handy little helper that you can quickly pick up for small cleanups, choose Shark ION W1. It's great for vacuuming baseboards, picking up spilled cereal and doing a quick touchup before the guests arrive.
- If you have kids or pets, go with the Dyson V7. It has more power, and it’s more efficient at tackling all those messes you face at your home every day. The dirt container is bigger, the runtime is longer, and the suction is stronger. It will help you keep a tidy house even with those untidy roomies of yours.
What seems to be happening is that both brands are steering away from designing pure handheld vacuums. Dyson has their top-notch stick vacuums, which turn into a handheld vacuum by releasing the wand. Why not just get one of those? With a small addition to your budget, you get the wand and a cleaning head for floors, which adds a significant amount of versatility to the vacuum.
Shark is also moving towards cordless stick vacuums, which turn into a handheld vacuum. With the motor being the most expensive part of a vacuum, why not just get the whole thing? That is why their new ION W1 handheld vacuum is so different from their earlier designs.
If you already have a stick vacuum for most vacuuming purposes, you only need a stylish little appliance for small touchups. And that is what the Ion W1 is. It’s functional, and it does its job, but the short runtime and small dirt cup only enable small cleanups.
With this new direction on the market, we recommend you give some consideration to the idea of buying a stick vacuum instead of a handheld one. You can find our comparison of the best stick vacuums both brands have to offer here.
If you’re looking for a top-rated top-quality product, you could opt for the Dyson Cyclone V10 Absolute instead of V7. The V7 is a great vacuum, but by stretching your budget a little, you can get the newest Dyson design with all the bells and whistles. It is a stick vacuum that is easily converted into a handheld vacuum.
It’s a bit more expensive, but if you want a fantastic vacuum cleaner that will solve all your cleaning issues, this is the one. You can use it as a handheld vacuum or pop back the wand for more reach. It’s packed with great features, longer runtime, stronger suction, and added versatility. You can read more about the Dyson V10 above.
If you are interested in the Shark Pet Perfect II, which is their slightly older bestselling handheld vacuum, see our comparison.
All that said, we will still give a shot at thoroughly comparing the two handheld vacuums these brands are currently offering. Here we go.
Performance
Carpet
Hardfloor
Upholstery
Dyson V7
Sand
95%
Pet Hair
100%
Cereal
90%
Dust
100%
Kitty Litter
100%
Shark ION W1
Sand
90%
Pet Hair
85%
Cereal
90%
Dust
93%
Kitty Litter
94%
Pros and Cons At a Glance
Dyson V7
Pros:
- Excellent performance
- Easy to use
- High-quality design
- Strong suction
- MAX mode
- Long 30 minute runtime
- Lightweight at 3.77 pounds
- Useful attachments
- Hygienic Dirt Ejector
- Washable lifetime filters
- 0.15-gallon dirt cup
Cons:
- Price
Shark ION W1
Pros:
- Price
- Great performance
- Easy to use
- Good attachments
- Only 1.4 pounds
- One-touch emptying
- Washable filters
Cons:
- Fairly basic
- Only 15-minute runtime
- Feels heavier than it is
- Small dirt cup
Summing up - which one is the best handheld vacuum?
Winner: Both.
Although Dyson V7 is the clear winner in many perspectives, Shark Ion W1 also has its advantages.
V7 is more expensive, but it also has stronger suction, a larger dirt cup, better filtration, better attachments, and longer runtime. Actually, Dyson is the winner in almost every category.
If you’re looking for a powerful handheld vacuum with excellent design and high-quality build, go for the Dyson. It’s a better option for anyone with pets or anyone who wants a high-performing machine. It’s also the best cordless handheld vacuum for pet hair.
However, if you only need a compact dust buster for dusting surfaces, picking up some spilled food in the kitchen or doing a quick touchup before your guests arrive, the ION W1 could be perfect for your needs.
If you’re on the fence, go with the Dyson V7. You won’t regret it. But if you have a tight budget, you will probably be pleased with the ION W1 as well. Do you need more information to make a decision? Follow these links to read user reviews and to see more pictures of V7 and W1.
3-2. Detailed comparison - Dyson V7 vs. Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II
You might also be interested in how the previous Shark handheld vacuum called Pet Perfect II performs in comparison with the Dyson V7.
The Pet Perfect vacuum is a cordless handheld vacuum in the lower price range. It’s pretty basic, but it does take care of small cleanups efficiently. If you’re looking for a cheap handheld vacuum for just some very basic spot cleaning, this could be something to consider.
Scroll down to find out more about the features and how this product compares to the top-notch handheld vacuum from Dyson.
Some of the information concerning V7 can be found from the above comparison (Dyson V7 vs. Shark ION W1) - so be sure to read the bits about V7 from there!
Quick Pick - Comparison Chart Dyson V7 vs. Shark Pet Perfect II
Here is the full comparison table with all the essential features:
Quick Pick - Our Verdict Dyson V7 vs. Shark Pet Perfect II
Winner: Both.
Dyson V7 and Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II are set in two very different price categories. Also, they are targeted at very different type of consumers.
If you are looking for an excellent high-quality handheld vacuum with powerful suction, long runtime and top-notch features, Dyson V7 should be your choice.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an affordable solution for small touch-ups, Shark Pet-Perfect II could be the ideal choice for you. It’s not the cream of the crop as you can probably tell by the price, but it does the job as a basic handheld vacuum.
But now, let’s get to that comparison.
Performance
Carpet
Hardfloor
Upholstery
Dyson V7
Sand
95%
Pet Hair
100%
Cereal
90%
Dust
100%
Kitty Litter
100%
Shark Pet Perfect II
Sand
90%
Pet Hair
93%
Cereal
87%
Dust
95%
Kitty Litter
90%
Pros and Cons At a Glance
Dyson V7
Pros:
- Excellent performance
- Easy to use
- High-quality design
- Strong suction
- MAX mode
- Long 30 minute runtime
- Lightweight at 3.77 pounds
- Useful attachments
- Hygienic Dirt Ejector
- Washable lifetime filters
- 0.15-gallon dirt cup
Cons:
- Price
Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II
Pros:
- Price
- Great performance
- Useful attachments
- 0.16-gallon dirt cup
Cons:
- Only the basic functions
- Can strain your arm
Summing up - which one is the better handheld vacuum?
Winner: Both.
So what it all comes down to is that these two vacuums are very different from each other. Dyson V7 handheld vacuum is a high-quality top-class vacuum with a matching design – and a price tag.
The Shark Pet Perfect II, on the other hand, is a basic lower mid-range handheld vacuum: it’s simple but functional.
If you’re looking for a product that is powerful, high-quality and has excellent features and attention to detail, the Dyson V7 should be your choice. It’s not cheap, but with the price you pay, you do get an excellent runtime, strong suction, effective filtration, useful attachments and overall functionality and ease of use.
However, if your looking for a product that is moderately priced and you’re ok with not having all the bells and whistles, Shark Pet Perfect II would be an excellent purchase to help you out with small cleanups.
So, in the end, this comes down to your personal preferences and budget.
4. Best robotic vacuum Dyson 360 Heurist vs. Shark ION Robot Vacuum S87
An improved version of the 360 Eye model, Dyson 360 Heurist, has just been announced by Dyson. Shark has also recently brought a new robotic vacuum model to the market. It has combined two innovations in one cleaning system — a high-performance robot vacuum with a built-in, powerful handheld vacuum (this sounds promising!).
Our team will be comparing these two robotic vacuums from Dyson and Shark as soon as the new Dyson arrives in the States – stay tuned!
5. Which brand is better - Dyson or Shark?
Both brands are well-known household names with a good reputation and countless satisfied customers. There isn’t really anything about the brands that would make one better than the other, but they do have their differences.
What Shark vacuums are known for is innovative design, ease of use and competitive pricing.
- The company started out in Montreal, Canada in 1998, but today they are based in Needham, Massachusetts. In several recent years, they were recognized as one of the 5000 fastest growing companies in America by the Inc. Magazine.
- It's one of the several house-care brands in the SharkNinja family producing small household appliances and functional cleaning solutions for everyday use.
- The company takes pride in manufacturing highly functional and innovative products to impact peoples lives positively.
- SharkNinja has quickly gained a significant market share by producing inventive products at an excellent value, and they are one of the leading companies in their market sector today.
The company is known for innovative, high-quality products that are made to last.
- It is a British company founded by James Dyson in 1991. It designs and produces household appliances such as vacuum cleaners, hand dryers, bladeless fans, heaters and hair dryers.
- Currently, its headquarters are located in Malmesbury, United Kingdom. As of February 2017 the multi-billion company had more than 8500 employees worldwide.
- The whole company was founded on James Dyson’s determination to create a vacuum cleaner that would use cyclonic technology for dust separation. After having his invention rejected by major manufacturers of vacuum cleaners, James Dyson decided to set up his own company, research center and factory.
- His attempt to create a bagless vacuum was seen as impossible, but he managed to find funding and succeeded in building a vacuum that used cyclonic technology instead of dust bags. The product quickly gained popularity, and the company later became one of the market leaders in the UK as well as the United States.
- This company later grew into the multi-billion company we know as the manufacturer of five-star Dyson vacuums. The company still continues to value innovation, high quality, and functional design. They constantly listen to users and re-design their products to pursue perfection.
Although both brands value innovation and functional products, there is one critical aspect that separates them.
While Dyson manufactures true top-class products with very high quality and exceptionally well-designed features, their products, of course, come with a bigger price tag. Shark, however, aims to keep its products moderately priced, which is why they don’t have that same attention to detail.
Why are Dyson vacuum cleaners so successful? Because they are high-quality products with attention to detail in engineering and design.
Are Dyson vacuums really worth the cost? Yes, according to user reviews people are very pleased they have invested in a functional high-quality product.
But, if your budget won't stretch that far, Shark makes great vacuums too.
Both brands offer fantastic products which will make your life a lot easier. Which brand you should choose comes down to what you are looking for. Are you looking for the top dog or could you settle for less? It depends on what type of vacuum you are looking for and where you will be using it. Do you need a handheld vacuum cleaner or a large upright one? What kind of surfaces do you have and do you own pets?
You can’t decide on the brand without comparing the vacuums.
And that is what we are here to do.
What it comes down to....
Is Shark or Dyson better is something many people have asked us, so we decided to find the definitive answer.
When comparing the two, which one is the better vacuum cleaner brand?
To tell you the truth there is no final answer to this question. Both brands manufacture high-quality vacuum cleaners with attention to detail and some fantastic features. In the end, it depends on what type of vacuum you are looking for.
Read our thorough reviews to see the features each vacuum has and think about your individual cleaning needs. Which vacuum do you see yourself using? Which features would make your life easier?
What it all comes down to is the fact that you need to get the vacuum out and use it for it to perform well. It’s a bad investment if you never use it. You should never skimp on those features that you think would make cleaning less of a chore.
The best vacuum is the one that makes vacuuming quicker and more comfortable.
7. Shark IonFLEX DuoClean vs. Dyson V8 Absolute - reviewed and compared
Last Updated 5 Weeks Ago
This post is written by Connor H. He is one of my readers and the owner of a German Shepherd. He contacted me and asked if he could write a comparison of these two vacuums since he just recently bought both. This is what he has to say:
Hi guys! Just recently I was in need of two stick vacuums. I needed one for my home and another one for the office because I often took Remus to work with me and it was necessary to keep things looking tip top for when clients paid a sudden visit.
I was interested in both the Dyson V8 Absolute and the Shark IonFLEX DuoClean cordless stick vacuums. They both had excellent ratings, and pet owners were saying they do an excellent job with pet hair.
I read Matt’s reviews and looked at all the details on both vacuums, but I just couldn’t decide which one I wanted. Because I needed two vacuum cleaners, I decided to buy one of each and see how they perform.
So for a while now I’ve had the opportunity to use both vacuums and see how they perform. I will tell you which one was my favorite, but not just yet. First I will go through all the crucial features in detail to help you make up your mind. Here's what's coming up:
1. Comparison chart - Dyson vs Shark for Pet Hair
2. Brand - Dyson versus Shark
First, let’s have a look at both brands.
Shark is a well-known brand manufacturing highly functional, easy-to-use and innovative products to help you clean all your the daily messes. The company behind Shark products is Euro-Pro. Their experience in housecare appliances dates back more than a century, and although originating in Europe, they have since relocated to Newton, Massachusetts.
Users describe their products reliable and practical, which probably is why Shark has gained quite a significant market share in the vacuum, steam mop and sweeper manufacturing industry.
Dyson, on the other hand, is an England based company, which was originally founded by James Dyson, the inventor of the cyclonic vacuum technology. Dyson has grown from a one-man business to a huge worldwide brand with more than 1,000 engineers around the world constantly working to research and develop their products. Dyson is all about innovative inventions and improving existing technology. No wonder users describe their products as extremely functional, durable and easy-to-use.
Both companies offer practical quality products to make your household chores easier and more comfortable. There isn’t a big difference in the brands, as you can rely on both offering top design and functionality. To decide between the two vacuums, you need to have a look at the features they offer.
3. Suction Power
Comparing the suction power of the two vacuums is a bit hard on paper, as the manufacturers measure suction in different units. I don’t have any devices to measure the suction, so you will have to rely on my experiences with both vacuums.
Both the Dyson V8 Absolute and Shark IonFLEX DuoClean have a strong suction power for a cordless stick vacuum. They both have no problems in picking up heavier dirt such as small pebbles or dog food Remus spills around while eating. So really the units don’t matter, as I find both vacuums have suction strong enough to deal with tough cleaning jobs.
Dyson promises a fade-free battery that will run on full suction until the power is entirely exhausted. Shark makes no such promises, but I have not found the suction to decrease when the battery starts running out.
Shark also claims that the IonFLEX DuoClean generates more suction power than the Dyson V8, but this claim refers to the suction power you get when using the low power mode. In my experience, I would say that the max power mode of the Dyson V8 is stronger than the one on IonFLEX.
All in all, I would say both vacuums are powerful, and they have high suction power. They offer excellent performance, which of course is what it all comes down to.
4. Battery life
The previous Dyson cordless vacuums offered only 20 minutes of run time, but Dyson has been continually listening to its users and developing their products. The newer V8 motor has a runtime of up to 40 minutes depending on the tools you use. Using a motorized tool will decrease the run time to 25 minutes, and if you use the max mode for a tougher cleanup job, the runtime will go down to 7 minutes. For a full charge, you need to charge the battery for 4 hours.
Dyson V8 has been the leader in runtime amongst cordless vacuums, and therefore Shark has felt the pressure to go a step further.
The Shark IonFlex DuoClean introduces a removable battery which can be recharged while you use another battery for vacuuming. With this feature ”you’re always charging” as Shark advertises.
The rechargeable battery is a nice feature for a cordless vacuum, as you can purchase new batteries depending on your personal cleaning needs. But although you can always be charging, you won’t always be vacuuming. The maximum runtime with one Lithium-ion Power Pack battery is 22 minutes, but the time needed to reach full charge is 3.5 hours. The extra batteries are expensive, but even if you buy a second one, you can vacuum for 44 minutes just barely topping Dyson’s maximum run time.
I guess this one is a tie, and the winner depends on your preferences. I have the Dyson at my office, and I only use it for small cleanups, so I always have more than enough battery. I can see myself vacuuming my apartment, but for big houses, the runtime might be a bit short.
The Shark vacuum would allow me to change batteries, but I would have to purchase the second one first. With one battery I only get 22 minutes of vacuuming, which is quite short even for my smallish apartment. So yes, if your willing to change batteries mid vacuuming, you get 4 minutes of extra runtime by choosing the Shark vacuum. Whether you want to change batteries or not is up to you.
5. Attachments
Next, I’ll go through the attachments each of these vacuums comes with. For pet owners, the accessories are an essential feature, because pet hair gets into all kinds places in your home and you need special tools to make sure your vacuum has enough versatility to cover all areas possible.
The Dyson V8 Absolute comes with a good variety of attachments. You get the Direct-drive cleaner head for vacuuming both hard floors and carpets. This tool is something you could use on all floor surfaces, and it would do a good job. On the other hand, if you have hardwood floors, you would be happy also to get the Soft roller cleaner head, which does an excellent job on cleaning up all debris and dust from hard floors giving them a polished look at the same time.
Dyson V8 also has a variety of tools for other surfaces. The Quick Release Mini Motorized Tool is something I love! It is a small motorized brush that is designed to dig deep into fabrics removing pet hair, dander, and dust. It is convenient, and it removes all hair with one pass.
I use it to vacuum the upholstered recliners in my office after Remus has been taking a nap in one of them. I certainly wouldn’t want an important client sitting on one before I give it a quick cleanup with my Dyson.
With a Dyson, you also get a Combination Tool, Crevice Tool, and Mini Soft Dusting Brush, which I find very useful for dusting and picking up larger debris. The toolset that comes along with the vacuum is fantastic. You get tools for all kinds of cleanups around the house and not once have I not been able to find a tool that would work perfectly for a specific vacuuming job I have come across.
The Shark IonFLEX, on the other hand, comes with a new innovative DuoClean floor head. They have combined a brush roll with stiff bristles with a softer and denser brush roll in one cleaning head, which is very effective on hard floors and carpets alike.
The first brush roll with soft bristles engages hard floors picking up large debris as well as dust and leaving a polished result. The other brush roll digs deep into carpets and rugs lifting up all the dirt ground between the piles. Though the head is part of why this vacuum is heavier than the Dyson V8, it comes with the advantage of not having to change attachments when moving from one surface to another.
You also get some other necessary attachments with the Shark vacuum, such as the 8 inch Duster Crevice Tool, Anti-Allergen Dust Brush and a Wide Upholstery Tool for fabrics. What is missing though is a motorized brush tool for upholstery, which is something most pet owners find a necessity.
With everything added up, I think we have a tie with the attachments. The Shark IonFLEX does have the excellent DuoClean floor head, but Dyson V8 comes with a very functional motorized brush tool for upholstery. With this one, we have to look at individual needs, and you should choose based on whether you need to vacuums floors or furniture.
6. Dirt cup
With the dirt cup, you can see some significant differences. Although both vacuums have washable see-through dirt containers, the size and system used for emptying are quite different.
The Dyson dust cup is larger at 0.14 gallons when the Shark vacuum has a smaller dust cup at just under 0.09 gallons. This feature is something pet owners especially need to take into consideration. If you have many pets or even one large dog that sheds a lot, the Shark dirt cup will probably be too small for your needs.
You don't have to empty the Dyson V8 dust cup after every cleanup. I have mostly done small vacuuming sessions, and I empty it every fifth time or so. A few times I have taken care of bigger jobs like vacuuming all the floors in our office. After a thorough vacuuming the container is often full, but still it’s considerably larger than the one on the Shark vacuum.
With the Shark, I find I have to empty the cup after every cleanup and even after small cleanups if I’m dealing with a lot of shed pet hair. Sometimes I need to dump the container even mid vacuuming, which I find annoying.
When comparing dust cup sizes, Dyson V8 is a clear winner, but there is another bonus feature their V8 vacuum. With most bagless vacuums you detach the dust cup and dump the contents in the trash. This is the case with Shark as well, but Dyson has taken it a step up.
The Dyson vacuums have a hygienic and easy-to-use ejecting system, which takes care of emptying the dust and dirt. You just place the vacuum cleaner above a trash can, and with a push of a button the bottom of the dirt cup opens, and all the contents are ejected without having to pull all the packed up pet hair out with your fingers. The system is incredibly smart and handy!
In this category, Dyson V8 Absolute is a clear winner.
7. Filter
Filtering is another critical feature for pet owners to consider. Pets shed a lot of hair, but then there is also the dander. To keep a pet home clean, you need your vacuum to have top grade filtration.
All Dyson vacuums use the innovative cyclonic system to filter particles out of the air. Inside the Dyson V8 motor, there is a patented 2 Tier Radial cyclone system. The cyclones spin air at high speeds creating strong centrifugal forces to separate dirt and dust from the air. The cyclone technology guides the dirt to the dirt bin before it blows the exhaust air through the HEPA filter. This way the filtration is not clogged by dirt reducing the suction power.
In addition to the cyclonic filtration, the Dyson V8 also uses a HEPA filter to make sure the exhaust air is thoroughly cleaned up to the point where it is cleaner then air you breath. The filters are washable lifetime filters, meaning you will never have to replace them. You should wash the filters monthly.
The Sark IonFLEX Duoclean also has washable filters, but none of them is HEPA level. There are two pre-motor filters, of which one is foam, and one felt. You should clean the filters monthly under running water. Also, you have one post-motor filter, which according to the manual should be washed every nine months.
I think this round goes to the Dyson V8 Absolute. I love that it comes with a HEPA grade filter and the filtration system seems to be very functional and efficient. The Shark vacuum will also do an excellent job of filtering the air, but again Dyson appears to be a small step further.
8. Weight
The Dyson V8 is very lightweight at only 5.75 pounds when the Shark is a bit heavier at 8.7 pounds. Both are easy to handle, but the difference in weight is still considerable. Of course, the total weight of each machine depends on the tools you are attaching to the handheld piece.
The weight distribution in this type of vacuums makes them feel lightweight and comfortable to lift. The Shark MultiFLEX Duoclean is quite a bit heavier than the Dyson V8, but when cleaning floors, you barely notice the difference.
When you use either vacuum as a handheld vacuum, you can feel the Shark vacuum is heavier, but it isn’t anything I would consider a significant drawback.
If you’re going to use your stick vacuum mostly for vacuuming floors in the stick mode, I wouldn't be too concerned about the weight. But, if you see yourself using the handheld mode for cleaning the car, furniture, stairs or other hard to reach spots, you might want to lean towards the Dyson.
9. Warranty
Dyson offers a 2-year limited warranty with the Dyson V8 vacuum, which is pretty standard for this type of appliances. Shark, however, stands out from all other vacuum manufacturers and offers the IonFLEX DuoClean vacuum an incredible warranty of 5- years (2 years for the battery).
You can consider the warranty as proof of quality, but I would say that both vacuums seem sturdy and first-rate vacuum cleaners. The winner in this category is of course Shark, but Dyson is a close second, as a two-year warranty is considered a good deal for this type of products.
10. Storage
One of the best features of Dyson V8 is that it comes with an easy-to-use docking station used for charging the vacuum. I mounted mine on the office wall in a convenient location where I could just grab the vacuum cleaner when needed. Though it not the most stylish piece of decor, it quickly blended in. I totally understand why Matt thinks this vacuum is the best pick for a pet hair vacuum. I have mine at the office, but I can imagine how I would quickly grab it for small cleanups several times a day at home too. The docking station is convenient and keeps the vacuums always charged and ready to go.
Shark IonFlex stands on its own.
Shark IonFLEX Duoclean introduces the MultiFLEX technology, which allows you to fold the vacuum in two halfway down the wand. This technology offers two advantages: the weight is distributed so that the vacuum can stand on its own and you will find it easier to reach under furniture.
The freestanding mode is pretty handy, though it takes some getting used to, and for quickly arranging furniture out of the way I usually don’t bother with the folding, and I just prop it up against something. When storing the vacuum I find this feature useful as the vacuum cleaner stands on its own, but it doesn’t save any space though.
When I compare the Dyson V8 docking station and Shark freestanding MultiFLEX technology, there is undoubtedly a winner. Though the MultiFLEX feature is a convenient concept in itself, the Dyson docking station is the clear winner. It is easier to use, and you don’t have to plug in the vacuum to be charged or detach the batteries. I think it is a lifesaver in households with kids or pets, where cleaning is a continuous task.
11. Performance and summing up
Last and most importantly there is the matter of performance. All the nice features are pointless if the vacuum doesn’t perform well. A highly functional vacuum should be able to clean up all kinds of debris on all surfaces.
Pet owners deal with all sorts of dirt. There is the pet hair being shed in copious amounts, and pets can bring in mud, soil, sand, grass, and pebbles after spending time outside. Cats can scatter the cat litter around, and rabbits spread wood shaving everywhere. There are so many types of messes to deal with; an excellent pet hair vacuum has to perform well in many areas.
What I like about the Shark IonFLEX Duoclean is that it is great on floors. I mostly have hardwood floors, but I also have some carpeting in my bedroom. The Shark vacuum is very efficient on both surfaces and because of the Duoclean system moving from one surface to another is a breeze.
I also like the Multiflex system which allows me to reach under furniture without bending down, but I have to say it is not quite as handy as what it looks like in the commercials. What is missing though is a tool for cleaning furniture, although you do have some basic tools for other small cleanups.
The runtime offered with one battery is short, and I think I'd need to invest in a second battery to keep using the Shark as the primary vacuum at my home. Otherwise, it is a highly functional and convenient vacuum cleaner to have. I would recommend it – though for me the Dyson V8 Absolute is the winner.
The Dyson V8 handles both hard floors and carpets very well, although you have to change attachments if you want to get the best results for hardwood floors. One of the best features is the mini motorized tool which will take care of pet hair on upholstered furniture. This attachment is something every pet owner should have.
The runtime of 40 minutes, powerful suction, HEPA filter and dirt ejector just add to the fantastic features and performance offered by the Dyson V8 Absolute.
Dyson V8 vs. Shark IONFlex - which one is the winner? I found Dyson V8 to walk away with the first prize, while Shark IONFlex DuoClean became the close second. Both vacuums have some amazing and well thought out features, and they both are quality vacuums with great performance. I have also thoroughly covered all the differences between these vacuums in this article.
I won’t be giving up either of them, but I think I will switch them around because I do most of my cleaning at home and that where I want to be able to benefit from the runtime and effortless cleaning the Dyson V8 Absolute offers.