Dyson or Shark: Which Vacuum Cleaner Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right vacuum can be more challenging than expected. Whether you shop in-store or order online, it’s hard to know how effective a vacuum will be until you try it in your own home. Fortunately, we’ve done the research and testing to help you make a well-informed decision.

At Mytour, we take pride in our expertise with vacuum cleaners. After testing nearly 300 models both in our Des Moines lab and at home, we've encountered a wide range of performances—from the excellent to the disappointing. Unsurprisingly, Dyson and Shark vacuums have impressed us with their powerful cleaning abilities, innovative features, and ease of use. We’ve decided to pit them against each other in a lab test to see which truly delivers.

In a bracket inspired by March Madness, we pitted two of our highest-rated cordless models—the Dyson V15 Detect and the Shark Cordless Pro Vacuum—against each other, along with two of our top-rated upright models: the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra and the Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum. We tested them on factors such as performance, maneuverability, ease of use, and features. Keep reading to discover which vacuums emerged victorious and which ones fell short.

Round 1: Cordless

Ideal for those seeking a lightweight, maneuverable vacuum, this model is especially suited for everyday cleaning tasks. Its innovative fluffy optic attachment further enhances its cleaning ability.

Features:

Equipped with five essential attachments, this model makes cleaning effortless. It includes a crevice tool for tight spaces, a hair screw tool that picks up hair and pet fur without tangling, and a combination tool for multiple floor types. The vacuum is also versatile with two cleaner heads: the fluffy optic head, ideal for hard floors, and the Digital Motorbar head, which works effectively on both carpets and hard surfaces.

A standout feature is the LCD screen, which displays the total number of particles collected, power settings, maintenance alerts, and remaining battery life. The pick-up reader is especially useful, providing real-time feedback on cleaning progress, even for invisible debris.

The unit includes a convenient wall-mounted docking and charging station, although the device itself isn't able to stand on its own. It can easily transform into a handheld device for added convenience. Our only complaint is that the Dyson V15 Detect requires the continuous pressing of the trigger and holding of a lever, which might become tedious during extended use.

Effectiveness 

We were thoroughly impressed by the Dyson V15 Detect’s exceptional performance in our testing. It successfully collected 95% of debris after just one pass, and only four passes were needed to fully clean the area. The 9.84-inch cleaning pad left no traces behind, completely removing all crumbs. 

Honestly, the Fluffy Optic cleaner head is one of the most groundbreaking attachments we’ve encountered in a vacuum. We were stunned by how much dust it revealed, which we would have otherwise missed. This feature not only enhanced our cleaning efficiency but also added an element of fun to the task. It almost made us look forward to cleaning! Additionally, the device offers an impressive 60-minute runtime, allowing for uninterrupted cleaning of larger areas without needing a recharge. 

Ease of Emptying 

This unit features a straightforward, no-contact emptying system—simply detach it from the stick of the vacuum and press a lever to release the dustbin’s contents into the trash. The brush roll had only a handful of hairs tangled around it—so few that we typically wouldn’t bother with cleaning it. We managed to shake out all the debris without touching anything, leaving us with a clean, hassle-free experience. 

Maneuverability 

The Dyson V15 Detect provides excellent maneuverability. During our tests, we found its light weight—just 6.8 pounds—made it easy to handle, while the rollerbar offered an impressive range of motion. The crevice tool was especially effective in reaching tight corners, picking up 97% of debris after a single pass and 100% after a second. With its cordless, portable design, we think this model is perfect for use in cars as well as throughout the home. 

Cleaning Path Width: 9.84 inches | Bin Capacity: 0.2 gallons | Cord: Cordless | Weight: 6.8 pounds 

Who Is It Ideal For

Features 

This model comes with three attachments: a duster crevice tool, a pet multi-tool, and the PowerFins Plus Nozzle. The nozzle combines the best of both worlds: the soft microfibers pick up dust and debris, while the flexible silicone fins dive deep into the carpet. The self-cleaning brush roll ensures that long hair doesn’t get tangled, adding to the convenience.

A standout feature of this vacuum is its CleanSense IQ, which detects hidden dirt and automatically boosts suction according to the debris volume. Its LED display keeps you informed of the battery life, lets you adjust suction power, and activates the CleanSense IQ when needed. Unlike the Dyson, this Shark model includes headlights on its carpet attachment to help you spot debris in the pile. It also includes odor-neutralizing technology for a fresher scent post-clean. Plus, we appreciate the unit’s self-mounting feature, which makes it easy to store by attaching the handheld vacuum directly to the unit.

Effectiveness

The Shark Cordless Pro Vacuum performed well on our medium-pile rug, cleaning it fully in just 62 seconds. However, it had some difficulty with our shag rug; even after multiple passes, it couldn’t pull out the embedded sand, requiring a corded model for the job. On the plus side, it excelled on our pet bed. Using the crevice tool with the built-in brush, we were able to reach every corner and remove fur from all parts of the bed. We liked that the crevice tool comes with the brush already attached, so no swapping was necessary during use.

This vacuum features a slightly wider cleaning path than the Dyson V15 Detect—10 inches—but has a smaller bin capacity of 0.18 gallons. In our direct comparison, this model was less efficient, picking up only about 85% of debris after the first pass and requiring 10 passes to completely clean the area. We even noticed a small streak of dirt left behind. With a runtime of 40 minutes, this cordless vacuum seems less suited for larger rooms or spaces.

Ease of Emptying 

After testing on the shag carpet, we noticed a lot of hair and fur wrapped around the brush roll. However, we didn’t find any debris left from the other tests. The 0.18-gallon dustbin is quite spacious for a cordless vacuum, and we didn’t need to empty it until after all three tests were completed. The emptying process was straightforward, requiring just a button press, though we had to use our hand to remove some of the trapped fur.

Maneuverability

Much like the Dyson model, the Shark Cordless Pro can easily transform into a handheld vacuum. This flexibility made it very versatile and simple to use. The crevice tool glided smoothly into the tight corners of our pet bed, picking up crumbs from even the most difficult spots. With its great performance and lightweight design, we highly recommend this model for quick cleanups and touchups on upholstery.

Cleaning Path Width: 10 inches | Bin Capacity: 0.18 gallons | Cord: Cordless | Weight: 8.25 pounds

Champion

Round 2: Upright Vacuums

Ideal For

Key Features

As the name suggests, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is a top choice for pet owners. It includes a tangle-free turbine tool and a motorbar cleaning head, both engineered to eliminate pet hair without any snarls or tangles. Additionally, it excels at removing pet hair from both carpets and hard floors, and it comes with a pet grooming tool to remove loose fur and dander directly from your pet.  

We like the versatile two-in-one combination tool, which lets you switch between the brush and nozzle depending on the surface you're cleaning. Additionally, the stair tool effectively lifts debris from carpet without snagging. It also includes an instant-release hose, making it easier to access under furniture and other hard-to-reach spots. 

In addition to its standout cleaning tools, this model comes with a handy tool holder for convenient accessory storage. However, similar to the other Dyson we tried, this model cannot stand on its own.

Performance

This vacuum is incredibly powerful. In fact, we consider it one of the most effective vacuums we've ever tested. It removed 100% of debris in just one pass, needing only three passes to completely clean the entire carpet. A large part of this performance is thanks to its 0.45-gallon bin, which can hold large amounts of dust and debris before needing to be emptied. 

Ease of Disposal 

Like other models in this range, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra offers a hands-free emptying feature, activated with just a press of a button. This same button releases the dustbin, making it easy to empty. The dustbin is spacious and smooth, ensuring that all debris falls out effortlessly. At the end of our testing, the brush roll remained spotless with no hair tangled in it whatsoever. 

Agility

A standout feature of the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is its exceptional maneuverability, making it glide around with ease—much better than the Shark Stratos. Thanks to the brand’s Ball technology, you can easily steer the vacuum with minimal effort. However, we did find it somewhat heavy and a bit challenging to push, especially since it weighs over 17 pounds. After a few passes, we felt the strain on our arm. 

In addition to its weight, we also found the attachment hose to be a little uncomfortable to handle. Its rigid design made it hard to achieve the right angle. The hose is most effective for reaching high or low surfaces but can be less comfortable when used at eye level.

Cleaning Path Width: 11.02 inches | Bin Capacity: 0.45 gallons | Cord: Corded | Weight: 17.3 pounds

Ideal For

Key Features 

The Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum comes with crevice and upholstery tools, along with a DuoClean PowerFins HairPro system featuring dual brush rolls. The malleable PowerFins effectively capture and remove dirt, debris, and both short and long hair, while a soft roller ensures a spotless floor finish. With its self-cleaning brush roll, you won’t need to worry about stubborn tangles. It also has LED headlights to reveal hidden dust and debris.  

Although this vacuum doesn’t convert into a handheld model, one of its highlights is the lift-away pod, which detaches from the main unit to help clean stairs and hard-to-reach areas like ceiling fans and shelves. By simply lifting the pod, the remaining vacuum transforms into a low-profile stick, ideal for cleaning under sofas and other tight spaces.  

The handle is equipped with intuitive fingertip slide controls, enabling easy suction power adjustments. Additionally, the vacuum features odor-neutralizing technology to leave your space smelling fresh.

Effectiveness

According to the brand, the Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum offers the strongest suction of any Shark model. After testing it alongside the cordless version, we can confirm this claim. It performed excellently on our medium-pile rug, removing all debris in under 15 seconds. It was fairly effective on our high-pile rug, although it left behind a small amount of hair. The vacuum struggled a bit with sand—while it removed 95% of the sand quickly, it had difficulty with the remaining 5%.

In our comparison testing, the vacuum cleared 75% of the debris after one pass and needed 12 passes to completely clean the carpet—this was the most passes of any model we tested. 

Ease of Emptying

Emptying the dust cup was simple and intuitive—there’s a button at the bottom that releases the outer dustbin, while another button at the top detaches the inner compartment. The process was completely hands-free, with no need to reach inside the bin. Thanks to its anti-wrap technology, the brush roll had very little hair wrapped around it—only about 1 inch.

Maneuverability 

Though it’s not as easy to maneuver as the Dyson, this model is significantly lighter, making it easier to push. In fact, it almost seemed to move on its own as we cleaned, gliding effortlessly across the floor. However, we did face some difficulty transitioning from hard floors to carpet, as the vacuum tended to lift the rug’s edges.

Cleaning Path Width: 10.63 inches | Bin Capacity: 0.37 gallons | Cord: Corded | Weight: 16.71 pounds 

Winner

Round 3: The Dyson Battle

For this comparison, we pitted two of our top contenders—the cordless Dyson V15 Detect and the upright Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra—against each other.  

Both Dysons performed exceptionally well, effectively suctioning up debris in no time. However, the title of Best Overall Vacuum goes to the Dyson V15 Detect. Thanks to its cordless design, the V15 Detect was lighter, easier to maneuver, and more portable than the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra, which was a bit bulkier. The V15 Detect also offers greater versatility with several attachments, including a fluffy one, to tackle hidden dust. 

That said, the Dyson Ball stands out with its excellent pet hair removal capabilities and large dustbin, making it ideal for more demanding tasks. We also expect the Ball Animal 3 Extra to outlast the V15 Detect, which may require a battery replacement after a few years. Additionally, price is a factor—the V15 Detect costs over $200 more than the Dyson, making it a larger investment.

Overall Winner

The Testing Process

To determine the top vacuums, we put four of the best upright and cordless models from Shark and Dyson vacuums to the test in our lab, competing in a March Madness-style bracket. 

Shark Tests

We spread ¼ cup of sand over a medium-pile rug, ensuring that some sections had more coverage than others, and timed how long it took to remove the debris. To test the vacuum’s efficiency on our high-pile rug, we repeated this, adding one bag of hair and two tablespoons of sawdust.

Next, we assessed each model’s upholstery tools. We spread one bag of short pet hair over a pet bed, making sure to cover all crevices on the surface. For cordless models, we tracked the battery percentage after the test. We finished by emptying the collection bin, cleaning the filter, and checking the brush roll for tangles. 

Dyson Tests 

Our Dyson evaluation followed a similar procedure to the Shark tests: We started by scattering sand, pet hair, and sawdust on the rug and timing how long it took to clean. Additionally, we assessed maneuverability. From a red X marked on the floor, we maneuvered each vacuum around three chairs, aiming to collect as much debris as possible while remaining stationary. For models with laser lights, we also examined their effectiveness during cleaning.

To test the crevice tool, we placed sand into a narrow groove on a fluted wood panel and measured how much we could remove in a single pass. We then used the tool to suck up any leftover sand, and cleaned up any missed particles with a microfiber cloth. As before, we noted the remaining battery percentage for cordless models, emptied the collection bin, cleaned the filter, and checked the brush roll for tangles. 

Head-to-Head Tests

We began by testing the cordless models—the Dyson V15 Detect and Shark Cordless Pro. To simulate large debris, we crushed five Doritos into various-sized pieces inside a plastic bag using a rolling pin. We repeated this with eight pretzels and added two bags of pet hair. After mixing everything in a bowl, we evenly distributed the debris over our medium-pile rug, walking on it to ensure even coverage. The debris was divided into two sections—one for the Shark and one for the Dyson.

Each tester made one pass over the debris, moving forward and back in sync. We measured the percentage of debris each vacuum picked up in a single pass. Then, we continued cleaning our designated sections and recorded how many passes were needed to fully clean the carpet. To test for speed, we vacuumed more quickly this time. 

Next, we emptied each dustbin to compare how much debris was collected and inspected the brush rolls for tangling. To determine the winner, we evaluated which vacuum picked up the most debris in one pass, which collected the most overall, and which finished the task the quickest. After deciding on the Dyson V15 Detect as the winner, we repeated the tests with the upright models—the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum. The Dyson models won again.

For the grand finale, we matched the two winning Dyson models against each other. We spread 2 tablespoons of sprinkles and confetti from a popper over the rug. Once again, each tester made one pass over the debris at the same pace, forward and back. We recorded how much debris was picked up in one pass and counted how many passes were needed to completely clean the area.  

Questions To Consider 

What attachments and features are most important when buying a vacuum? 

When looking for the perfect vacuum, consider factors like suction strength, filtration capabilities, ease of use, and overall versatility. According to Balaban, "The ideal vacuum should be a robust machine that tackles dirt and allergens with ease." She emphasizes that a strong filtration system is crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality, while maneuverability is vital for cleaning hard-to-reach spots.

While extra attachments might seem tempting, they often come with a higher price. Balaban advises that the most important accessories are a crevice tool for corners and a multi-purpose upholstery brush. Although other specialized tools may be useful, she notes that these basics typically suffice for regular cleaning tasks.

How often should you replace your vacuum? ‘

Although vacuums can last for several years, Balaban notes that their performance tends to diminish with time. The rate at which this happens depends largely on how often the vacuum is used and how well it's maintained. Signs that a vacuum is aging include reduced suction power, even after cleaning its filters and brushes. Additionally, frequent clogs, breakdowns, and unpleasant odors may signal that it’s time for a new one. Even though maintaining your vacuum by cleaning filters and replacing worn-out parts can extend its life, eventually, a replacement will be necessary.

What is the ideal amount to spend on a vacuum?

The market offers a wide variety of vacuum models, with some being more affordable than others. According to Balaban, a higher price often means better suction, filtration, and durability, but it’s important to weigh these advantages against your cleaning needs and budget. For example, if you have pets or allergies, investing in a high-end model with superior filtration may be worthwhile. On the other hand, a quality mid-range vacuum could suffice for everyday cleaning tasks.

After conducting our own evaluations, we can confirm that there is a clear link between price and quality. While the Dyson vacuums we tested are several hundred dollars more expensive than the Shark models, they proved to offer superior performance and overall quality.

Trust Our Recommendations

This article was penned by Jamie Fischer, a writer at Mytour who focuses on home products and cleaning tools. In crafting this article, we tested four different models of Dyson and Shark vacuums in our lab, assessing them based on their features, performance, maneuverability, and overall user-friendliness. Additionally, we reached out to Iryna Balaban, co-founder and professional cleaner at Sunlight Cleaning NY, to get expert advice on how to select the best vacuum cleaner for your needs.