Dyson vs. Shark vacuums: Which brand makes the better floor cleaner?

Dyson is typically viewed as the gold standard in vacuuming, with machines that boast sleek, shiny hardware, powerful suction and high-tech displays with precise battery and cleaning reads. But Shark vacuums are often just as impressive, with increasingly streamlined, practical designs (think: detachable canisters and flexible, foldable tubes). So when it comes to the Dyson vs. Shark vacuum battle, is one truly king?

As a senior home writer, I've evaluated a lot of vacuums (more than 60 and counting), with at least a third of those from Shark and Dyson. For the purpose of this review, I focused on three main vacuum categories, prioritizing the brands' top models in each. I personally tested the cordless stick and upright vacuums — on a wide range of surfaces and substances — as part of an initial evaluation and have used them for many months since. For the robot vacuum category, I relied on insights from Yahoo Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida and Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder, both of whom have spent a good chunk of their careers reviewing appliances. And with that said, let's dive in!

Table of contents

Dyson vs. Shark: Key differences

Design

Dyson's vacuums are the epitome of sleek, with metallic and/or colorful elements and, for its sticks, a charging dock for wall-mounting. While Dyson designs are more polished, Shark's tend to be more practical, flexible and foldable parts for easy carrying and storing.

Function

Dyson cordless stick vacuums operate via a power switch that you hold down (its Gen5detect and V12 Detect being the exception); Shark vacuums have a button you press on/off. All Dyson cordless sticks (after the V8) feature a big LED screen that display not just modes, but battery reads (and in the more sophisticated models, cleaning reads). Only some of Shark's stick vacuums have LED screens, and they display modes and battery life indicators but not exact battery life times or cleaning reads.

Price

Dyson's vacuums typically cost more than Shark's (though, as you'll see with my upright vacuum comparison, not always). For added value, Dyson stick and upright vacuums tend to come with more attachment tools, and its "Detect" models include an additional cleaner head that lights up for easily spotting dirt. Worth noting: I've seen prices fluctuate greatly with sales and promotions, and Shark offers upgraded bundles and tools for purchase.

Customer service

Dyson offers a two-year warranty on cordless stick vacuums and robots, and a five-year warranty on upright vacuums. Shark (under the parent name SharkNinja) offers a five-year warranty on both cordless stick and upright vacuums, and a one-year warranty on robot vacuums, many with a 60- or 90-day money-back guarantee.

Dyson vs. Shark: Cordless stick vacuums

Design/setup

Similarities: The Dyson Gen5detect and Shark PowerDetect cordless stick vacuums each have three main pieces — a cleaner head (or base), tube (or body) and vacuum head (where the motor and dust cup are stored). The pieces easily click into place to be used as a cohesive vacuum unit; the upper portions can be detached and used for handheld cleaning in conjunction with various accessory tools. Both models have a battery life of 70 minutes, the longest of any cordless stick vacuum the brands offer. They also just so happen to both have purple tubes, with Dyson's a slightly brighter hue.

Differences: The Dyson Gen5detect weighs slightly less but has a dust bin that's a hair larger than the Shark. While the upper portions of both vacuums can be charged independently (you just plug them into a wall outlet), the Dyson Gen5detect doesn't stand or fold when fully configured, and therefore comes with a wall mount. Conversely, Shark's PowerDetect tube can be flexed for not just getting under shallow areas but to also render it freestanding. Also worth noting: Shark's leading stick comes with one dual-brush cleaner head, along with two attachment tools, while Dyson's comes with two interchangeable single-brush cleaner heads (I'll get to more on that below), along with a built-in crevice and dusting tool (it nestles in the tube), plus four additional tools as part of Dyson's typical accessory suite.

Function/features

Similarities: The Dyson Gen5detect and Shark PowerDetect cordless stick vacuums can be turned on and off via a button (a welcome departure for Dyson, considering most of its sticks require you to hold down a power switch the whole time), and each has a digital display with three cleaning (or suction) modes. They both have HEPA filters for capturing up to 99.9% of dirt and debris, and they're both super easy to clean: You simply pull on a lever (on the Gen5detect) or unclip (the PowerDetect) to open and empty their respective dust bins.

Differences: As teased above, the Dyson Gen5detect comes with two different cleaner heads: one (unlit) Digital Motorbar cleaner head that can be used on different surfaces and another softer, narrower, light-emitting Fluffy Optic cleaner head designed specifically for hard floors. Shark's PowerDetect, on the other hand, comes with one (lit) dual-brush cleaner head that can be used on both carpeted and hard surfaces. Another helpful feature of the Dyson Gen5detect is that its digital display has not just modes, but cleaning readouts, along with precise battery life readouts for keeping track of how much run time your device has left.

Performance

Similarities: The Gen5detect and PowerDetect excelled at removing dirt, along with a range of other substances that I arranged obstacle-course style, on both hard and carpeted flooring, in my testing. Using the intended brushes/cleaner heads, I was able to mow down faux fur, sand, kitty litter, rice and Cheerios in as little as one pass, and with ease.

Differences: When it comes to suction, the Dyson Gen5detect Motorbar fared slightly better (or at least worked quicker) than the PowerDetect at removing stubborn pet hair from car mats in my initial evaluation, suggesting it has more powerful suction. And the Fluffy Optic cleaner head offers better visibility — highlighting every hair and particle in "sight" on hard floors. As for agility, the Dyson Gen5detect Digital cleaner heads are slightly narrower and therefore more nimble, making it easier to get around things. Because the brushes are right up against the edges of the cleaner heads, I've also found the Dyson Gen5detect to have slightly better edge-cleaning when it comes to rooms with carpeting.

The winner: Dyson

After testing more than a dozen cordless stick vacuums (including six from Dyson), I'd go with the Dyson Gen5detect for its slightly better suction and edge-cleaning. I love the gentleness, agility and visibility of the Fluffy Optic cleaner head. Using the suite of accessories makes me feel like a professional cleaner — the built-in tool is super convenient for detailing — and knowing how much run time is left is priceless when you're vacuuming for last-minute company!

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Dyson vs. Shark: Upright vacuums

Design/setup

Similarities: Both vacuums consists of a cleaner head, large canister and a hose and wand with handle. From a setup perspective, the pieces easily lock into place (no screws or outside tools required). Both models have a HEPA filter for capturing smaller dirt and debris.

Differences: The Shark's dust bin slightly edges out the Dyson, though both machines weigh roughly 17 pounds. The Animal 3 comes with one single-brush Motorbar cleaner head, plus five accessory tools: a tangle-free turbine tool, a pet groom tool, a tool holder, a stair tool and a combination tool. The Shark PowerDetect cleaner head features two brushes — complete with lights and an odor-neutralizing pod — and you get three tools: a crevice tool, a pet multi-tool and a HairPro self-cleaning pet brush. Furry friends are clearly the focus of this Shark design!

Functionality/features

Similarities: Both the Dyson Animal 3 and Shark PowerDetect operate like a traditional upright vacuum in that they turn on and off with the touch of a power button and they need to be plugged in. Each has a button you press to easily remove and empty the dust bin.

Differences: The Animal 3 lets you optimize the device for carpet or hard floors via a sliding toggle on the cleaner head base. With the PowerDetect, you can choose the floor type via buttons on the handle (where they're typically in reach), or simply put the vacuum in "Detect" mode to have it adjust suction automatically based on the sensed surface type and target.

Performance

Similarities: Like with the top-performing sticks above, both the Dyson Animal 3 and Shark PowerDetect upright vacuums excelled at zapping up faux fur, Cheerios, rice, sand and kitty litter from carpeted and hard floors in my testing.

Differences: Dyson fared better in the suction department — not only did the Animal 3 excel at removing pet fur from car mats, to the point of lifting up the corners of the mats themselves, but it's the only vacuum I tested that removed deeply embedded cat fur from my grandmom's carpet and sofa. The Shark PowerDetect, on the other hand, is a master at navigating (and optimizing for) different surfaces. It's also easier to maneuver, with a compact base and wider, shallower cleaner head. Lifting away the detachable bin turns the vacuum into a stick version for getting under and around fixtures.

The winner: Shark

While the Animal 3 was grippier in my testing, I've found the PowerDetect to be more than sufficient for everyday cleaning. It's one of the best Shark vacuums I have ever tested. I appreciate that the power buttons are in easy reach, and the "Detect" mode allows me to navigate between hard floors and carpet — including rugs and door mats — without skipping a beat. The the fact that you can "lift away" the canister is a godsend for vacuuming underneath shallow areas, plus stair-cleaning ... and then there are the lights for added visibility!

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Dyson vs. Shark: Robot vacuums

Design/setup

Similarities: Both the Dyson 360 Vis Nav and Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro robot vacuums feature a roller brush, along with a HEPA filter and internal dust bin, for capturing and containing hair, dirt, and debris. According to Yahoo testers, the robot vacs themselves are easy to assemble, and the apps are just as user-friendly.

Differences: The Dyson 360 Vis Nav’s roller brush is bigger and located along one side, resulting in the bot having a "D" shape. The Shark PowerDetect’s roller brush is smaller and more centralized; the bot has a more traditional, rounded shape. Its dock is much bulkier and offers way more features than the barebones Dyson version, which, as Senior Tech Writer Rick Broida noted in his review, has a sleek, sports car-like appeal.

Function/features

Similarities: Both allow for manual or app-controlled operation, with the option to map out cleaning zones and schedule cleaning sessions.

Differences: The Dyson robot has a slightly greater capacity (0.49 vs. 0.31 liters), whereas the Shark PowerDetect offers more than double the run time (120 vs. 65 minutes). For the same price, the PowerDetect also features a mopping function, with a tank that can hold up to 30 days of dirty water as well as a self-emptying bin that can hold approximately two months' worth of debris.

Performance

Similarities: Both machines move quickly and efficiently, with brushes that capture dirt and dust along the edge surfaces. They also are fairly noisy, though quieter in general than upright vacuums.

Differences: According to Broida, the Dyson 360 Vis Nav excels when it comes to suction, but doesn’t allow for targeted spot-cleaning (when it comes to mapping cleaning zones, Broida says "It's an entire room or nothing"). And given the limited run time, it may have to return to its dock to recharge mid-clean during (as it did during testing). In her review of the Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro, Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder points out that the machine isn't the best at actual vacuuming, leaving behind some crumbs and a lot of pet hair. That said, she gave it an A+ for its mopping abilities.

The winner: It's a wash!

The Dyson 360 Vis Nav is a stronger contender — literally! — when it comes to suction, but as Broida points out, it’s limited in terms of battery life and functionality, especially at such a high price point. The Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro doubles as a mop and boasts a self-emptying bin, making it a better overall value, but it isn't as detail-oriented from a vacuuming standpoint. Both made it to the top of our list for the best robot vacuums.

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Dyson vs. Shark: Which should you buy?

If you're still wondering "is Shark or Dyson better?" know this: Dyson has the market on high-tech features, but they come at a cost. Shark is the budget-friendlier brand, and it also offers a broader range of models for different budgets and needs.

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How we tested these vacuums

We set up several obstacle courses to test these vacuums against materials with varying shapes, textures and densities on different surfaces like carpet and hardwood. We also tested their respective attachments on upholstered furniture, curtains and hard-to-reach areas. Then we put the vacuums through their paces in real-life scenarios, prioritizing homes that needed a good cleaning and/or had pet inhabitants. The nitty gritty:

• "Carpet course" test: We spaced out materials — faux fur, rice, Cheerios, kitty litter and sand — across a plush carpet to see if the vacuums managed to cut through the clutter.

• "Kitchen sink" test: We poured rice and Cheerios on a hardwood kitchen floor to gauge how well the vacuums could get a grip — especially against trims and in cabinet crevices.

• "Passenger pet" test: We asked family and friends to avoid vacuuming for a week, then used car mats to collect the fur their pet companions had shed and attempted to vacuumed it in pursuit of the best suction.

• "Robot vac" test: In addition to testing these bots on different surfaces and substances, we evaluated their respective apps, based on user-friendliness and capabilities.

• "Vacs gone wild" test: We didn’t stop there! We've clocked countless hours testing vacuums in different houses and settings to assess how they rise to different occasions.

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We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.