There are many key factors we look at when helping you decide on a Dyson vacuum. Here are some of the ones we use to weigh scoring.
Vacuum type: Corded vs. cordless vs. robot vacuum
Shark offers a range of vacuums to suit different cleaning needs, each with distinct advantages. Corded vacuums, like traditional uprights and stick models, provide consistent, powerful suction thanks to their direct power source, making them ideal for deep cleaning larger homes, thick carpets, and embedded pet hair without worrying about battery life. However, their reliance on an outlet limits mobility and maneuverability, requiring users to frequently switch sockets.
Cordless vacuums, typically stick or handheld designs, offer more freedom of movement, allowing users to easily tackle messes anywhere in the house or even in a car. While their suction power has significantly improved, it can diminish as the battery drains, and runtime is limited, typically ranging from 20 to 60 minutes, necessitating recharging breaks for larger cleaning jobs.
Finally, robot vacuums offer the ultimate hands-free convenience, autonomously navigating and cleaning floors using sensors and mapping technology. Many Shark robot vacuums feature self-emptying bases that can hold weeks of debris, and some even offer two-in-one vacuuming and mopping capabilities. While they excel at maintaining clean floors with minimal effort, their suction might not match the raw power of corded models, and they can sometimes struggle with intricate obstacles or very deep cleaning on thick carpets.
Suction power: Hardwood and carpet performance
Suction, measured in air watts, measures how effectively the vacuum can remove dirt from various surfaces. We test suction power by measuring the ability of a vacuum to pick up sand from hardwood floors and carpets, as well as pet hair from both surfaces. You can read more about our testing below.
Battery life
Battery life tells you how long a cordless vacuum can go without needing to be recharged. A longer battery life means you can use it for a longer cleaning session. Some of our best cordless vacuums can last an hour or more, while the shorter ones last less than 30 minutes. This can vary depending on the mode and suction setting.
Warranty
All Shark vacuums come with a five-year warranty period, which is one of the most generous ones on the market. By contrast, Dyson usually offers two-year warranties which tend to be more industry standard. We consider this a selling point in favor of Shark, since you’re more likely to be able to get a damaged or defective unit replaced during your ownership period.
Features
Higher end cordless vacuums may come with special features. Some of the ones we look for include the ability to stand upright on their own, letting you step away from a cleaning session if you need to. This is a feature present on most or all Shark cordless vacuums. We also
Price and value
Shark offers competitive pricing for its vacuum lineup, with a good spread of top-tier models that don’t break the bank like the Shark Stratos while still maintaining high-end features. You can also get vacuums at various price ranges, including $200 to $300, like the Shark Pet and Shark Vertex.
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