The debate around these two brands arises not only when it comes to customer choice. In 2018 this covert contest grew into a public rivalry since Dyson officially sued Shark for providing some misleading statements concerning vacuums suction power. And though two brands already met in courts in the past, the issue of predominance still remains open. Truth be told, Dyson company is bigger than Shark, it has a wider presence on the world market, and boasts a higher revenue level. From the business point of view, Dyson looks more powerful. However, it might have some point for the investors but not for customers. The only thing that matters for users is the quality of the end product and in this concern, Shark is in no way inferior to Dyson. A closer look at company profiles will give you an insight into what each of the producers is special for.
Started in 1995 and previously known as Euro-Pro Operating LLC, today, the company is called SharkNinja Operating LLC and has its headquarters near Boston, Massachusetts, US. Under the Shark brand, they sell cutting-edge vacuums and steam-mops while Ninja goes for small kitchen appliances like blenders, coffee makers, multi cookers, food processors, etc. Shark is a recognized leader of steam-cleaning technology with its widely popular steam mop. Yet, the Shark major achievement in vacuum cleaners is the patented Duo-Clean technology that uses a dual brush roll to pick up large amounts of dirt and debris at a single pass.
Dyson Ltd is a British company set up by James Dyson in 1991. With a headquarter office in Malmesbury, Wiltshire, England, the manufacturer has affiliated production facilities all over the world and produces a whole range of not only high-tech vacuum cleaners but also bladeless fans, heaters, hand dryers, and hair dryers. All Dyson products stand out for innovative designs and truly high performance characteristics. Yet, these are vacuums that became a milestone for a big business, though everything has started pretty long ago before the company establishment. A push that triggered the invention was a clogged vacuum that lost suction power. This is how in 1974 James Dyson has applied the cyclonic technology he initially invented for the ballbarrow company in household vacuum cleaners. This innovation has also allowed him to get rid of the bag and design the first bagless vacuum with an immense suction power. Besides, Dyson has managed to pack its advanced technologies in a cord-free design and is a true leader among the best cordless vacuums.
The above Shark and Dyson comparison shows that both competitors have some unique and innovative solutions to offer their customers, all working to make home cleaning tasks as quick and easy as possible. Yet, it still doesn’t give a clue as to which brand is the best. To shed some more light in this debatable issue, we’ve decided to make a side-to-side comparison of the most popular Shark and Dyson models having preliminary categorized them as appropriate. It means that models in matching pairs feature comparable characteristics under analyzed parameters. Selected vacs are compared by the suction power, filtration efficiency, and special features, all of this defining the unit performance.
Cordless vacuums from other manufacturers are mostly handheld models mainly meant for some minor cleaning jobs. However, Dyson and Shark ranges of products include cordless stick vacuums suitable for all-around household cleanups. And this is where both models really excel and are true leaders. At a glance, Shark IONFlex and Dyson V8 Absolute look very similar. Besides, both fall into the same price-tag, with the Dyson being just a bit more expensive. Yet, the models are still not the same.
Suction Power
In Dyson, they are always particular about the suction power since high suction power is a distinguishing benefit of Dyson vacuums. The V8 Absolute is not an exception and the manufacturer clearly states that the unit will generate 115 AW on a maximum mode which is a decent suction power for a battery-powered unit ensured and maintained by the patented Dyson two-tier cyclones. For the Shark IIONFlex, they claim that this model can deliver more suction power than Dyson V8 when on the lowest suction mode. Yet such statement allows assuming that on a maximum suction setting, the V8 will outperform the IONFlex. However, judging by the customer reviews, the users do not notice much difference in suction power of these models and most likely, suction performance won’t be an issue.
Filtration
The Dyson V8 comes packed with a washable HEPA filter that will efficiently trap even the tiniest dust particles and allergens while a sealed system will ensure that no air will escape the vacuum before it gets to the HEPA filter. With that said, the Dyson V8 Absolute boasts one of the best filtration systems. The Shark in this concern is somewhat inferior to the Dyson. Though the IONFlex features a three-level filtration system consisting of two pre-motor filters and an exhaust filter, it does not have any HEPA filter. Hence, the overall air filtration efficiency of IONFFlex is poorer than that of the V8 Absolute.
Special Features
Both models offer a convertible construction offering floor-to-ceiling versatility and allowing you to use the unit either as a handheld vac or as a full-size upright vacuum. It terms of design, the Shark IONFlex stands out for dual cleaning brushes. A combo of a bristled brush and a soft brush roll mounted on a single brush head allows easily switching between hard and soft floorings. The Dyson V8 also have similar brush attachments. Yet, you will have to switch between attachments to clean different floor types. Other conveniences the user will appreciate about the IONFlex is a flexible wand saving you the need to bend when cleaning under low obstacles and an LED light option for comfortable cleaning in dark spaces. Meanwhile, the Dyson V8 package includes more additional attachments greatly expanding cleaning options and a docking station for easy storage and recharge.
Battery Life
The Shark IONFlex comes with 2 batteries, each delivering about 22 minutes of runtime on maximum power. It will let you charge one battery while the other one powers the unit. However, even fitted with a single battery, Dyson will offer almost 40 minutes of runtime per single battery charge which is close to the capacity of two Shark batteries.
Verdict
Undoubtedly, both models are true leaders among cordless stick vacuum cleaners. Yet, the Dyson V8 will definitely deliver more power, functional versatility, and its filtration system makes it a better choice for allergy-prone individuals. The Shark on the other hand definitely provides more operation convenience and performs better on soft floorings and upholstery.
As the names suggest, both models are positioned to be good upright vacuums for tackling pet hair and all sorts of other hard-to-remove dirt and debris. Dogs' and cats' tiny hairs collect in flocks in the corners and edges of the room, stick to upholstery and sit deeply in soft floorings, especially in high-profile carpets and plush rugs. That’s to say nothing about dirt and dust the pets bring from outside. Both the Shark Rocket TruePet and the Dyson V6 Animal will combat those efficiently. Both models look slim and easy to carry. However, the biggest difference between those two is in design. The V6 Animal is a cordless stick vac while the Rocket TruPet is a corded model. And though the cord length of 25 feet is enough for an extended reach, it will still limit the unit maneuverability in a way. The units designs also greatly impact their end performance. Besides, the Rocket TruePet is considerably heavier than a battery-powered Dyson V6. The major disadvantage of both models is relatively small dustbins that will be pretty quickly filled with hair making you discard the wastes more often. As for the price, the Shark is significantly less pricier than the V6 Animal.
Suction Power
Despite its cord-free construction, the Dyson V6 Animal delivers 110 Air Watts that, along with 15 cyclones, ensures efficient pickup of dust particles and debris as small as 0.3 microns. Yet, it should be admitted that owing to a corded design, the Shark Rocket TruePet outperforms the Dyson V6 in sucking performance which makes the Rocket TruePet a more efficient option for ground-in dirt, stubborn deeply sitting hairs, and hard-to-tackle waste removal.
Filtration
Just like many other Dyson vacs, the V6 Animal features a HEPA filtration system efficiently cleaning the sucked air from the finest dust, pollen, germs, dander, and other allergens. Featuring an efficient multi-stage filtration system with foam and felt filters, the Shark Rocket TruePet still can’t boast the benefit of having a HEPA filter.
Special Features
Specific features of both models include the ability to use the appliance both either as a handheld vacuum for some minor and tricky cleaning tasks and as an upright vacuum for full-scale cleaning tasks and picking dust in hard-to-reach areas and a number of accessories each model is packed with to tackle a variety of cleaning tasks.
Verdict
In fact, these two models have somewhat different intended use. A corded Shark Rocket TruePet will provide consistently high suction power and can be run as long as needed to clean larger areas and cope with deep cleaning. Meanwhile, with a battery life of about 20 minutes, the Dyson V6 Animal is mainly designed for quick cleanups and will make a perfect complement to a more heavy-duty full-scale household vac.
A compact and lightweight vacuum is not the best tool for extensive all-around cleanups. It’s rather a task for more heavy-duty vacs like the Dyson DC65 Animal and the Shark Rotator TruePet uprights. These two models represent a completely new approach to vacuum cleaning and stand out of the crowd for the ultimate cleaning performance and flexibility. Both cleaners are a kind of hybrid models fulfilling the functions of both heavy-duty vacs and more compact and maneuverable models. All of this is thanks to a smart combo of high suction power and a well-thought upright design with some special features.
Suction Power
As usually, this is a parameter where Dyson vacuums are really the kings. Following a well-set tradition, the DC65 Animal offers an impressive suction power of 270 air watts allowing efficient picking of all types of fine and larger debris. This unit might be considered a pinnacle of the Dyson technology since the manufacturer fitted it with a number of options working for suction maximization. Thus, an advanced Radial Cyclone™ technology provides increased air circulation, a motorized cleaning head contributes to efficient suction on the surface level and a self-adjusting sole plate on the cleaning head prevents the loss of suction when moving between different types of cleaning surfaces. Yet, it’s worth noting that the Shark Rotator NV752 doesn’t trail far behind the DC65 in terms of suction power or we’d rather say in terms of cleaning performance since Shark doesn’t provide any specific figures on suction power. However, it picks up waste and debris almost as efficiently as the Dyson DC65.
Filtration
Both units are bagless and use solid filtration systems with an added benefit of the HEPA filtration. These models will make a great choice for all allergy and asthma sufferers since they perfectly suck up and separate allergens, dander, and fine dust.
Special Features
Despite similar filtration systems and comparable suction performance, these two machines are not that similar, with the major differences lying in design and specific features both units come complete with. Along with a powerful suction and excellent cleaning performance, the major selling points behind these models is the maneuverability and ease of reach. The Dyson again offers a unique solution with its patented Ball technology that completely transforms the way a vacuum cleaner maneuvers. Riding on a ball, the unit is easy to steer and drive around obstacles. The Shark Rotator also provides a swivel steering option to navigate around furniture and tight corners, however, the range of maneuverability is not that huge as the Dyson DC65 Animal has. Though both units look pretty bulky, they allow fulfilling a variety of tasks where most upright vacuums would fail. Fitted with a number of handy accessories, both units allow reaching distant places and corners, clean in crevices and tricky nooks as well as vacuum stairs and clean at height. To achieve that, the Dyson uses a long instant release hose while the Shark features a lift-away pod converting an upright into a portable handheld unit. Yet, while the DC65 will save you the need to drag the unit itself, with the Shark you will still have to carry the powered pod in one hand and hold the wand with the other.
Verdict
Both models are great for all-around and spring cleanups and will come in useful for some occasional cleaning tasks as well. The Dyson DC65 is still more powerful and less prone to clogging that will ensure more consistent suction power and longer operation time before you will need to discard the canister. Meanwhile, the Shark NV752 is reported to be more efficient on soft surfaces, carpets, and hair removal. Besides, it’s lift-away technology makes it a better option for concise spaces and tight areas.
This pair of vacs also belongs to the category of whole-home cleaners, yet those falling into a more affordable price tag. In the DC50 Animal, Dyson managed to pack features and benefits of a big ball upright into a much more compact design. As for the Shark Navigator, the manufacturer did its best to fit functionality of premium-class models into a considerably lower price tag. It should be noted straight away that the DC50 is much lighter than the Navigator NV356E.
Suction Power
Though the Shark Navigator wattage is higher than that of Dyson (1100 watts against 850 watts), the DC50 Animal still generates more powerful suction due to the brand-specific 2-tier cyclonic technology creating a powerful air vortex, all-sealed system, and a special cleaning head design engineered for improved dust and debris pickup on different types of surfaces. The Shark also equally efficiently performs on hard and soft surfaces, yet, it should be admitted that its sucking performance is inferior to that of Dyson.
Filtration
Using a bagless system with washable solid filters and the power of cyclonic action, the Dyson DC50 perfectly filters out dust and wastes. Yet, it lacks HEPA filtration found in the Shark Navigator which is a preferable feature for allergic users.
Special Features
As for specific features, both models come with a number of accessory tools for various cleaning jobs. However, while Dyson lacks a specific pet brush, the Shark does not have a stair tool. The Dyson unique Ball technology makes the unit extremely maneuverable and convenient in use that is not available in the Shark Navigator. At the same time, the Shark Lift-away technology adds portability to the vac allowing you to use it in tight spaces and hard-to-reach areas.
Verdict
The Dyson DC50 is a great choice for those who need a powerful yet compact multifunctional home cleaner that will last for years while the Shark Navigator NV356E will come in handy for home owners on budget seeking for a decent all-around home cleaner.
All companies produce truly quality products, yet, having compared several pairs of models, we’ve figured out the basic differences between these two brands.
Dyson is all about technologies supporting the unbeaten quality and efficiency of all its vacuum cleaners, be it compact handheld models or all-around house cleaners. The only downside of such approach is a pretty high price tag. All Dyson models appear more expensive than comparable Shark vacs. Shark, on the other hand, is more into simple and practical solutions that are not always less efficient but almost always more affordable than those of Dyson.
To conclude, if you need a powerful, high-performance, and almost fail-safe cleaning assistant for years to come and are ready to pay some extra for high-tech options, you’ll hardly go wrong with the Dyson. Meanwhile, Shark vacuum cleaners will deliver consistent cleaning performance and solid quality without hitting your budget that makes it a great choice for regular home use.