Last Updated On June 10th, 2020
Shark and Dyson are two of the most popular vacuum cleaner brands available on the current market. Both companies produce an impressive range of vacuum options to choose from. Each model is designed to make tidying your house or office as simple and as quick as possible. Whether you opt for a standard upright vacuum, or you’re looking for innovation in the form of the latest robotic automated cleaner, you’re sure to find what you need with one of these two companies. Let’s compare Shark vs Dyson so you can decide which one you should rely on to keep your home clean.
While both Shark and Dyson offer similar technology, they each have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. For instance, Dyson floor tool is famed for its exceptional performance and premium features. On the other hand, Shark vacuums are rugged, durable and considerably less expensive than Dyson models in most cases.
To help you choose the brand that’s best for you, we’re going to look at the Shark hoover vs Dyson hoover models in extensive detail. We’ll be exploring everything from suction power to wireless functionality for some of the highest-rated models for both brands. This review will cover:
- The companies
- The core functions for both brands
- Cordless vacuums
- Robot vacuums
- Upright vacuums
- Handheld vacuums
Shark vs Dyson: The Real Truth About the Companies
Let’s start by taking a look at the businesses themselves.
Dyson is a massive name in the vacuum industry – and for a good reason. James Dyson, the founder, was the man responsible for inventing the bagless vacuum cleaner. When he launched Dyson in 1987, he had a goal to provide an alternative solution to the somewhat messy cleaners available in the past. Today, the company earns more than $3 billion a year.
On the other hand, Shark hasn’t been around for quite as long, but it still has a lot to offer. The company started in 1995 and is recognised as one of the fastest-growing companies in America. In 2018, Dyson actually tried to sue Shark by claiming the other company misrepresented the suction power in their cordless vacuum cleaner. The two brands have been engaged in numerous disputes over the years – which just goes to show how similar their offerings are.
Shark doesn’t have the same global level of competition that’s common with Dyson. However, the company continually introduces products that can match and even sometimes exceed Dyson’s own models.
Core Functionalities
To get the low-down on the battle between the Shark vacuum vs Dyson vacuum, you need to check out the core functionalities offered by both brands.
Both lineups have a lot to showcase, from exceptional intake capacity to fantastic functionality. Here are some of the core considerations you’ll need to think about when looking at any products available from either Dyson or Shark.
Filtration
Both Dyson and Shark offer washable filters for their vacuums. This means that you can rinse the filter in water and leave it to dry before putting it into use. This reduces the need for expensive and time-consuming disposable filters.
Dyson generally offers a high level of HEPA filtration, while only a handful of Shark machines can provide the same thing. Make sure that you check for this feature when comparing models.
Usability
To get the most out of your new vacuum, you need to be sure that you can use it with ease. While many factors contribute to usability, including the length of cords and turning features, weight is usually a big element. The weight of your machine will depend on the model you choose. Shark upright models are generally much lighter than Dyson uprights. However, Dyson stick vacuums and cordless vacs are lighter than Shark models. Other usability concerns include battery life, manoeuvrability, and different attachments included.
Suction
Suction is a big selling point for any vacuum brand. When it comes to the argument of Shark vs Dyson in the UK, there’s a lot of controversy around intake capacity particularly after 2018’s court cases but customers suggest that both brands deliver an excellent level of power. However, Dyson reports the exact intake capacity of their machines using “Air Watts” while Shark leaves numbers out of the equation.
Noise
It’s difficult to find any vacuum cleaner that won’t make some noise during use. However, you can find one that delivers more of a gentle rumble than a roar. Shark uprights are typically quieter than their Dyson counterparts. However, handheld vacuums from Dyson are much quieter than the models available from Shark.
Sealed Systems
Sealed systems make sure that the dust and dirt pulled into your vacuum can’t escape while you’re using it. Both Shark and Dyson machines do their best to offer this. Dyson offers whole machine HEPA filtration in their products while Shark promises an anti-allergen complete seal technology. Although with Shark, some models provide a higher level of sealing than others. If you’re extra sensitive, you might want to look for a high-level sealed system.
Warranty Length
The length of the warranty that you can expect from Dyson and Shark will vary from one vacuum to the next. However, Shark generally offers better value, with extensive warranties of around 7 years. Dyson usually maxes out their warranty at 5 years. If you’re looking for peace of mind with your new hoover, it’s worth looking at warranty length.
Shark vs Dyson Cordless Vacuums
Sometimes, the easiest way to decide which model is right for you is to start by considering the kind of vacuum you want. If you’re looking for a cordless vacuum, for instance, the Dyson V10 Absolute and Shark IonFlex are top sellers for each respective brand.
Let’s compare the Dyson V10 vs Shark IonFlex pricing. The Dyson V10 Absolute is, as usual, more expensive than the Shark but it comes with its own unique docking station. On the other hand, the Shark IonFlex comes with LED headlamps and an extra battery pack. Let’s look at the other essential features to consider.
Suction
Arguably the most important element of any vacuum review, suction power determines how easy it will be to clean your home and get excellent results. The Dyson V10 Absolute comes with a 140 AW of power, which is the peak level for Dyson at this time.
Although the Shark IonFlex doesn’t use “Air Watts” as measurement, it does say that it delivers excellent suction power. Both companies claim that the models adhere to the latest ASTM F558 standards. These standards layout the benchmarks for testing vacuum performance in America.
Winner: Dyson V10 Absolute because of its measurable and unbeatable intake capacity
Filtration
Like many Dyson stick vacuums, the lightweight cordless V10 vacuum comes with a set of re-usable HEPA filters capable of trapping up to 99.97% of dust particles. There’s also the benefit of a sealed system which prevents dust and dirt from escaping once it’s been retrieved.
The Shark IonFlex, on the other hand, uses a felt filter, post motor exhaust filter, and premotor foam. The filters are washable, but they’re not HEPA certified.
Winner: Dyson V10 lightweight cordless with HEPA filters might be a better choice especially if you’re worried about dust allergies.
Usability
As cordless vacuums, both the Shark and Dyson are relatively lightweight and both claim to offer “floor to ceiling” versatility. However, the Dyson has the option to transform your vacuum into a handheld if you want even more control over your clean.
In terms of battery life, the Dyson offers up to 60 minutes of consistent performance and half an hour of cleaning with the motorized soft roller brush bar. The Shark, on the other hand, is only capable of about 11 minutes of cleaning on the most powerful setting but you can still recharge while you work as it comes with a spare Ion power pack.
Both vacuums are also relatively impressive when it comes to dust capacity. The Shark can handle up to 330ml of dust and dirt while the Dyson can handle about 760ml. If you’re only doing a little bit of cleaning, the Shark will give you plenty of space. However, Dyson’s bin is twice as large as the IonFlex, making it better for heavy cleaning.
Winner: Dyson for better battery life, fantastic soft roller brush bar, and greater dust capacity
Overall Winner for the Cordless Models Category
Dyson V10 comes out on top in every section, with unbeatable performance, exceptional battery life, and high-level filtration. Dyson simply knocks Shark out of the park!
Shark vs Dyson Cleaning Robots
Robotic 
vacuum cleaners like the Roomba have grown increasingly popular in recent years. Though they might not be able to handle the biggest messes, they’re great for keeping on top of your cleaning with minimal effort.
Dyson and Shark are both pretty new to the robot vacuum scene. Dyson offers the rather rugged-looking Dyson 360 Eye, while Shark provides the Shark Ion Robot R85.
Suction
As with all Shark products, there’s no official intake capacity figure available. However, some say that the Ion Robot R85 is excellent on hardwood floor types. Moreover, it is great at picking up pet hair. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have nearly as much power as the Dyson 360. According to Dyson, the 360 can deliver twice the cleaning capability than all other robot vacuums available on the market. Additionally, it has a 78,000 RPM motor that is excellent for carpets and hard flooring.
Winner: Dyson with twice the cleaning capability than other robots
Filtration
Filtration in robot vacuums is often quite limited because they are so small. However, the Shark Ion comes fitted with a non-washable filter that customers consider to be similar to HEPA in quality. Additionally, the brush bar is self-cleaning which means that you can make sure you’re not just moving dirt around your home.
The Dyson 360, on the other hand, uses something called “Radial Root Cyclone technology” to trap particles that are as tiny as 0.5 microns.
Winner: Dyson with Radial Root Cyclone technology
Usability
Most robot vacuums are intended to be very easy to use. The Dyson 360 comes with a smartphone application that you can use to schedule your floor cleaning at any time of day. What’s more, the machine lasts for up to 45 minutes on maximum mode.
On the other hand, the Shark seems to excel in usability, with an exceptional application that lets you start your robot on the go and enables you to receive updates about your cleaning performance. There’s also voice control available with Amazon Alexa or Google. You can expect a battery life of up to 60 minutes too!
Winner: Shark with high-level cleaning performance, voice control and battery life
Overall Winner for the Cleaning Robots Category
Dyson still comes out on top in the robot vacuum comparison, but Shark is catching up with its voice-powered, easy-to-use bots. Despite Shark’s benefits, Dyson still offers twice the cleaning power of competitors and radial root cyclone technology for filtration.
Shark vs Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaners
If you’re looking for a vacuum cleaner that you don’t have to empty every time you use, then an upright vacuum may be your best bet. Many customers appreciate the value of a vertical model when it comes to delivering better power and performance. Although these devices aren’t as easy to store as cordless vacuums or as portable, they do give the most thorough clean.
Two of the best-performing models in our research into Shark vacuum reviews vs Dyson ones were the Dyson Ball Animal vacuum and the Shark Duoclean.
Suction
Suction strength has always been a big selling point for Dyson. In their description of the Dyson Ball Animal, the company describes the model as having the strongest suction of any cleaner. The self-adjusting cleaning head is designed to give users a deeper quality of floor cleaning, perfect for those who suffer from allergies. There are even extra tools built in to help you remove even the finest of dust particles.
On the other hand, the Shark Upright DuoClean vacuum cleaner might not look as robust as the Dyson Ball Animal, but its suction is incredibly impressive. As usual, there are no specific intake capacity details given, but Shark does say the model is perfectly suited for allergy sufferers and pet owners. It comes with a complete anti-allergen cleaning kit too, including the option to lift out your own hand-held vacuum.
Winner: Dyson simply because there aren’t specific details on the Shark’s suction power
Filtration
Usually, Dyson justifies its heftier price tag by providing a greater level of filtration than most other vacuums on the market. For instance, the whole Dyson Ball Animal is equipped with HEPA filter. The root cyclone technology in the model also means that you don’t actually need a filter to trap annoying particles which means less cleaning time spent replacing and changing filters.
On the other hand, Shark doesn’t fall far behind on filtration tech either. The Shark Duoclean vacuum offers its own HEPA-approved filtration and a fully-sealed machine which stops microscopic particles from escaping your unit.
Winner: It’s a tie as both Shark and Dyson are fully-sealed and HEPA approved
Usability
One of the most essential features of an upright vacuum cleaner is its reach and functionality. The Dyson Ball Animal comes with an impressive 35-foot cord, which means it can deliver great results throughout 50-feet of apartment space. Although the Shark has a smaller wire than the Dyson, it does provide enhanced usability in the form of a powered lift-out handheld vacuum. If you want to tackle your furnishings and ceilings while you’re using an upright vacuum, Shark makes it easier.
The Shark Duoclean is highly rated by customers, and it comes with the “DuoClean” technology which means that it’s easier to remove fine particles from various floor types. What’s more, the brush roll can handle hard and carpeted flooring alike.
On the other hand, the Dyson Ball Animal comes with Dyson’s patented ball design which means you can steer the machine more easily around virtually any corner or space. The ball technology also entails that you can use your vacuum in anywhere. Additionally, there are tools like a dusting brush and a crevice tool included for reaching under furnishings, cleaning soft upholstery, and more.
Winner: Dyson has a ball design and a self-adjusting cleaner head that are impossible to beat
Overall Winner for the Upright Category
Dyson once again wins big. The incredible design and technology of Dyson Ball Animal make it easy to manoeuvre while offering powerful suction and filtration.
Shark vs Dyson Canister Models
Canister vacuum cleaners are excellent for homeowners with limited space. They give you similar strength and performance to an upright vacuum cleaner, and they’re easier to find room for in a cupboard. The best-selling models available from Shark and Dyson are the Shark Rotator Powered Lift-away Canister vacuum and the Dyson Big Ball.
Suction
Like the other Shark products referenced so far, there’s no official suction measurement associated with the Lift-away canister vacuum. However, the company claims that you can expect an incredible level of all-around versatile cleaning throughout the home. Shark also claims that the Rotator “never loses suction” and comes with an anti-allergen seal to lock in the dirt. With an 1150 watt motor, you can expect great things.
Alternatively, the Dyson Big Ball vacuum provides a slightly lower level of intake capacity, according to their motor wattage. However, the cleaning experience is likely to be very similar between both models. Additionally, the carbon fibre turbine cleaning head on the Dyson is amazing at picking up fine debris and dust.
Winner: Shark with an amazing 1150W motor
Filtration
Filtration on the Dyson and the Shark are also both very similar. The Dyson technology comes without a bag or filter to replace, although it uses radial cyclones to ensure the highest possible level of protection against things like allergens and dust. The Shark Rotator also comes with anti-allergen technology to keep your dirt trapped and a HEPA filter built in.
Although Dyson doesn’t say much about the quality of their filter-free technology, it’s fair to say that most customers will be drawn to a machine that requires less maintenance.
Winner: Shark featuring high-level HEPA filtration
Usability
Canister vacuums are appealing for a range of reasons – one of which is their excellent manoeuvrability. The Dyson comes with a pioneering ball system which means that you can easily twist your machine around corners without any problems. What’s more, there are carbon-fibre attachments included to help you get into tighter spaces. The Dyson also comes with a hygienic one-touch emptying feature which makes it easier to get rid of dirt.
The Shark Rotator also has a one-touch dirt release system, and it’s very lightweight, which makes it easier to move. Although it doesn’t have ball feature, you can lift the canister away and carry it with you wherever you go. Basically, you should have no problems cleaning your stairs or hard-to-reach places with its crevice tool. The Rotator also has a 23-foot power cable, compared to Dyson’s 21 feet.
Winner: Shark with a longer power cord, and canister removal technology
Overall Winner for the Canister Vacuum Category
Shark comes out on top for canister vacuums not only because it is easy to use but also because you can lift the canister out of the machine and take it with you wherever you go. Plus, you benefit from a 1150w motor and premium HEPA filter.
![Shark Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Cleaner [NV601UKT], Bordeaux/Steel Grey](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31P-RAUajOL._SL160_.jpg)
Shark vs Dyson Handheld Vacuums
Finally, in our discussion of Shark vs Dyson vacuum cleaners, we come to the debate on “handheld” models. This isn’t the same as our discussion of Shark cordless vacuums vs Dyson stick vacuums. Instead, we’re looking specifically at the small appliances you can use to clean your curtains, blinds, and the cobwebs in your ceiling corners.
For the Shark model, we’re examining the Shark Cordless Handheld cleaner. For the Dyson, we’ll be looking at the Dyson V7.
Suction
Both models receive consistently high ratings from customers, and both are designed to be without a power cord so that you can move around your house easily with no attachments. For eight minutes, the Shark Cordless Handheld delivers exceptionally powerful suction according to customer feedback. However, as usual, we can’t get an exact rating from the vacuum cleaner brand.
Alternatively, Dyson V7 provides up to 30 minutes of fade-free action from a motor that has 15 internal cyclones working to capture dust at the same time. Although there’s no air watt rating on the V7, it does say that it’s powered by a digital motor from Dyson which gives it exceptional strength.
Winner: Dyson simply because it offers more fade-free using digital motor technology
Filtration
When it comes to filtration, neither the Dyson nor the Shark is HEPA certified. However, they both claim to be excellent at capturing and maintaining dust. The Shark Cordless handheld comes with advanced filtration technology according to the product description. You can also easily empty the entire device with just one touch of a button.
The Dyson V7 comes with a hygienic one-touch dirt ejector which means the dust and debris are released all at once to reduce mess. However, there’s very little information on this product about the filtration available.
Winner: Shark with its advanced filtration tech and one-touch empty feature
Usability
For a handheld vacuum to be sufficient, it needs to be easy to use. Nobody wants to struggle lugging around a bulky handheld when they’re trying to clean all the curtains in their home. The Dyson V7 trigger is an excellent motorized tool with a runtime of 30 minutes. It’s fantastic for dusting in your home, your car, or anywhere else you can think of. There’s also a built-in crevice tool so you can get into the very tightest corners.
The Shark Cordless Handheld vacuum cleaner is another excellent vacuum option equipped with a fast-charge function so that you can get back to your tidying session as quickly as possible. Although it only has an eight-minute runtime, it’s still great for some basic cleaning around the home and in the car.
Winner: Dyson because the machine lasts longer for all your cleaning needs
Overall Winner for the Handheld Category
Ultimately, Dyson has to win again when it comes to handheld vacuums, even though the Shark handheld is arguably more attractive. Dyson runs for longer, has a digital motor and comes with one-touch dust extraction.
Shark Vacuums Vs Dyson: Strengths and Weaknesses
Whether you’re comparing the Shark Duoclean vs the Dyson V8 Animal, or you’re simply exploring your vacuuming options in depth, it’s worth noting that some brands have a reputation for excellence in specific areas. Similarly, the same brands can also struggle in certain categories too.
The Dyson brand is well-known for its ability to get rid of pet hair. If you struggle with a lot of furs strewn around your home, then you might benefit from choosing something like the Dyson Ball, or Dyson Big Ball. When it comes to all-surface performance, it has a lot to offer. It is great for upholstery and carpets and is particularly good for hard surfaces like laminate and tiling. Dyson has the edge in technology. That’s because Dyson vacuums include the iconic Dyson motor technology, which makes it easier to suck dirt in practically any space. On the downside, the price could get a bit steep which is something to consider when you are on a tight budget.
Shark is great for its lift-away system where you can “go mobile” while you clean around the house. If you’re looking for an excellent machine for tight spaces like staircases, the motorised Shark attachments are a fantastic option. They do a great job of cleaning pet hair and digging into the fibres for a tidy clean. However, they could do more by including HEPA filtration especially if you have pet hair or dirt allergies.
Common Complaints and Compliments
When you’re deciding between Shark and Dyson products, you’ll probably spend some time checking out what other customers say about them. When we did this for ourselves, we made a note of some of the most common complaints and compliments that customers left for both Dyson and Shark.
Dyson
Customers love the high-level of performance they get from their machines. Suction in these vacuums is excellent, particularly if you invest in the models with cyclone technology. What’s more, the pioneering ball feature on the cannister and upright vacuums make the appliances incredibly easy to use. Few other vacuums can offer the same degree of flexibility.
On the other hand, one major complaint seems to be that Dyson vacuums often lose their suction over time. The more you use your hoover, the more it will begin to suffer from problems. Eventually, it will start to decline – no matter how much you invested in your vacuum. What’s more, Dyson handheld and wireless models don’t come with a removable battery. Even if you could afford to spend for another battery, you wouldn’t be able to use it. That means you’re forced to wait around between charges.
Shark
Many Shark customers love the incredible value that they get from these top-level cleaning machines. Shark offers more than just budget vacuums – users also report enjoying an impressive amount of powerful suction and excellent versatility. The handheld and wireless options from Shark usually come with an extra battery so you can charge as you work. What’s more, it’s very easy to maintain your Shark models, so you shouldn’t have to replace them too soon.
Unfortunately, Shark struggles to offer the same degree of suction and functionality that Dyson can provide. The company is more of a budget-friendly option than a high-luxury choice for homeowners who want the very best performance from their vacuum. Similarly, like Dyson, the Shark vacuum can begin to lose their intake capacity over time, which makes them increasingly less impressive.
Should You Use a Dyson or a Shark?
Deciding which vacuum you should buy isn’t simple. It’s rarely as easy as looking at a Dyson v10 vs a Shark IonFlex or a Dyson V8 Animal vs a Shark DuoClean. When buying long-term housekeeping needs like carpet cleaners, steam mops or cordless vacuums, finding out which one offers the best features entails a lot of research. Shark is a brand that can deliver great performance for prices that are typically a lot lower than you’ll get from Dyson. However, while there are plenty of budget vacuum brands out there, few can offer the versatility and function of a Shark. Many of the Shark products also come with an excellent warranty length, which does provide homeowners with greater peace of mind.
On the other hand, Dyson vacuums are designed to deliver the best performance out there. Everything from the pioneering ball design in their canister and handheld models, to the incredible intake capacity, make Dyson a compelling choice. Of course, because they’re intended to be the best on the market, Dyson vacuums also come with a much higher price tag.
For most homeowners, the question is how much you’re willing to pay for your cleaning appliances? If you want great performance without breaking the bank, then Shark is a fantastic choice. If you’re looking for the very best with no compromise, stick to Dyson.
Which Model Should You Choose?
Comparing Shark vs Dyson, Dyson comes out as the overall winner. It has more features, functionality and suction than the Shark models can offer. Unless you’re choosing a canister vacuum cleaner, Dyson excels in everything from high-powered HEPA filtration to exceptional usability.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use cordless, a high-powered upright hoover, or a state-of-the-art robot vacuum that will clean your home for you in a matter of minutes, then Dyson is the way to go. It is an ideal floor cleaning helper especially for those dealing with different messes from pet hair to spills. Just think of it as an investment with all the potential savings you get in the long-run. Because it is designed to deliver exceptional results for years to come, there’s no better choice than Dyson.
Which option feels right to you? Let us know in the comments section.