Shopping
I think the issue with shark is reliability. Buy it, it lasts a few years, it breaks. It can't be repaired, it's cheaper to buy a new one. That new one lasts a few years, rinse a repeat. The reason the 3-4 brands that is loved in this sub are recommended, is the long term value of specific vacuums. Longer reliability. Much easier repairs. The question is would you take the risk of buying a new vacuum every few years, or maybe you get lucky w your shark and it lasts 10 years. Then you also have deep cleaning ability of the top of the line vs shark. Youtube deep cleaning tests. You'll see a sebo suck so hard the dirt from under the carpet get cleaned not just the surface. Even more expensive dysons can't pull that off. If you watch vacuum wars on YouTube he also recommends a few sharks. They are a great consumer product for most. I think those ppl coming to this sub are looking for something that will last them 30 years and don't mind spending 600 plus. But we are a small %. Most families only want to spend 200 dollars on a vacuum and at that price point shark prob is the best option. Answer from NandEteam on reddit.com
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RTINGS
rtings.com › home › vacuum › guide
Dyson vs Shark Vacuums: Bought, Tested, and Compared - RTINGS.com
March 30, 2023 - Dyson and Shark are two titans of the modern household vacuum industry, each enjoying a level of brand recognition that isn't common within the industry.
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Modern Castle
moderncastle.com › home › vacuum cleaner reviews › shark vs. dyson: the definitive comparison
Shark vs. Dyson - Which is the Best Vacuum in 2024?
March 13, 2024 - Both of these companies produce vacuums that are designed to make cleaning quicker, easier, and more effective. This review is going to compare Shark vs. Dyson vacuums across the board, including all types and many models.
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Good Housekeeping
goodhousekeeping.com › home appliances › vacuum cleaner reviews › shark vs. dyson: which vacuum brand is better?
Shark vs. Dyson 2025: Which Vacuum Brand Is Best?
September 30, 2025 - Its vacuums feature advanced batteries, ... integrates smart sensors that detect and quantify dust for deep cleaning. Shark is the clear winner on price....
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/vacuumcleaners › why does consumer reports recommend shark?
r/VacuumCleaners on Reddit: Why Does Consumer Reports Recommend Shark?
May 30, 2022 -

I recently made a post in r/BuyItForLife that received a lot of responses about vacuum cleaner reviews.

My conclusion is that most review sites cannot review most products long-term and are optimized to generate affiliate revenue. Sharks seem to perform well out-of-the-box and sell well, so it makes sense why review sites recommend them.

But if there is one site that's most critical, honest, and trusted, it's Consumer Reports. CR is an 86-year-old non-profit dedicated to honesty and fairness to consumers. People consistently praise CR for their review quality. While sites like Wirecutter have gone downhill.

And still, CR recommends Shark, a brand not liked in this sub (also Dyson, which also is not popular here either).

So what gives?

Is CR missing something that r/VacuumCleaners gets? Does r/VacuumCleaners skew in a direction, and CR doesn't, and that's ok?

As a consumer, I think it's important to compare multiple sources. So I'd at least like to compare this sub with CR and maybe 2-3 other sources. I'm curious what folks here think.

Top answer
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I think the issue with shark is reliability. Buy it, it lasts a few years, it breaks. It can't be repaired, it's cheaper to buy a new one. That new one lasts a few years, rinse a repeat. The reason the 3-4 brands that is loved in this sub are recommended, is the long term value of specific vacuums. Longer reliability. Much easier repairs. The question is would you take the risk of buying a new vacuum every few years, or maybe you get lucky w your shark and it lasts 10 years. Then you also have deep cleaning ability of the top of the line vs shark. Youtube deep cleaning tests. You'll see a sebo suck so hard the dirt from under the carpet get cleaned not just the surface. Even more expensive dysons can't pull that off. If you watch vacuum wars on YouTube he also recommends a few sharks. They are a great consumer product for most. I think those ppl coming to this sub are looking for something that will last them 30 years and don't mind spending 600 plus. But we are a small %. Most families only want to spend 200 dollars on a vacuum and at that price point shark prob is the best option.
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I wonder the same thing very often. I have a Dyson V6 that still works the same as it always does and my best friend still uses the model before that. But I realize it could be luck. Most of the negativity in the sub I see coming from reputable sources (not just people jumping on the bandwagon to fit in) is from people who repair or sell the vacuums, so you'd think they'd know what they're talking about. The complaints seem to center around power and durability. I do wonder if Dysons for example, work well for those who take care of them, but they're more prone to problems for those who don't. Or if there's a higher rate of faulty products or something? Or maybe if even the quality has decreased in the newer models? I'm quite disheartened by the proper tests I've read of their air purifiers though - it hasn't been good, and the tests have been able to demonstrate clearly why. That makes me a little more hesitant about their claims, and their technology as a whole. And I still often see reputable sources recommending the air purifiers, despite their much higher costs than the competition and seemingly obvious flaws.
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Houzz
houzz.com › discussions › 6431746 › taste-test-shark-vs-dyson-upright-vacuum
Taste test, Shark vs Dyson Upright vacuum
It had so much suction I couldn't move it across my area rugs. So I returned it and bought a Shark Navigator Lift Away for 1/3 the price of the Dyson. It was fine, but lives in the garage, is relatively heavy, and has a cord. Last September I forked over $$$ for a Dyson cordless and fell in love with vacuuming.
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Taste of Home
tasteofhome.com › home & living › cleaning & organizing › cleaning tips
Shark vs. Dyson: Which Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Brand Is Better [According to Our Tests]?
February 5, 2025 - When it comes to the Shark vs Dyson debate, there's a lot to consider. We put 9 vacuums from both brands to the test to see which is best.
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/vacuumcleaners › dyson vs shark
r/VacuumCleaners on Reddit: Dyson vs Shark
November 14, 2023 -

Hi everyone. I’ve purchased one vacuum in my life and it was the Dyson V7. Now, 6 years later and a dying battery, I need to get something new. Here’s what I’m in between:

The Dyson V15

https://www.costco.com/dyson-v15-detect-total-clean-extra-cordless-stick-vacuum.product.4000177472.html?sh=true&nf=true

The Shark Duo Clean

https://www.costco.com/shark-duoclean-lift-away-upright-vacuum-with-self-cleaning-brushroll.product.100487494.html

Price is a factor, but if I love something I will pay the extra amount. My hold back on the Shark is that it has a cord and I find myself not wanting to revert to that, however it’s significantly cheaper and well-loved based on reviews.

The Dyson I’m more inclined to because I’ve had one before, plus it’s light and easy to start vacuuming as you’re not restricted by the cord.

Anyone have insight? Is there another vacuum that you recommend that’s better than both of these but under $700?

Thanks in advance.

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Vacuum Wars
vacuumwars.com › dyson-ball-animal-3-vs-shark-vertex
Dyson Ball Animal 3 vs Shark Vertex | Vacuum Wars
March 5, 2025 - In each scenario, we give extra points for larger size debris each vacuum picks up with its floorhead. Looking across all our performance data, our tests recorded the Vertex having better airflow overall.
Find elsewhere
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/vacuumcleaners › choosing between dyson and shark - help!
r/VacuumCleaners on Reddit: Choosing between Dyson and Shark - help!
March 7, 2025 -

Hi all

Apologies in advance for the long/detailed post.

I've been doing a heap of research, reading reviews, info from vacuum techs, comparison companies etc etc, and have narrowed it down to the following options, and have noted my thoughts/concerns underneath each: (I'm in Australia if that matters)

a) Dyson V15 Detect (Absolute)

PROSCONS
* Powerful - 240 AW* No stand (comes with wall dock, and extra tools can attach to the wand clip, but I was hoping for a stand like the Floor Dok with room for all tools, so might have to purchase that as an extra)
* Lightweight - 3.1kg* Have to hold the trigger down

b) Dyson Gen5 Detect (Complete)

PROSCONS
* Most powerful - 280 AW* Very heavy - 3.5kg
* Single power button* Many reviews stating that the wheel on the head breaks off
* Tools built into inside of the handle* No low-reach

c) Shark Detect Pro with Auto Empty

PROSCONS
* Auto empty* Much lower power - 123 AW
* Single power button* Smaller capacity - .042L vs 0.77L Dysons
* Bends low under furniture
* Super lightweight - 2.7kg

d) Shark PowerDetect Clean and Empty

PROSCONS
* Auto empty* Heaviest of all - 3.6kg
* Single power button* Lowest power - 120 AW
* Bends low under furniture

So... on paper, the Dysons seem to be the better choice due to being more powerful.

However, the "auto empty" feature of the Shark is very appealing. Love that idea.

AND even though Dyson are known for high quality (historically at least... I know there's haters here) - for whatever reason, I keep seeing Shark vacuums recommended by people who said they've always had Dysons, changed to Shark and never looked back - they love them.

So I'm confused. I *think* I'm leaning towards the Dyson V15... I love the idea of the Gen5 single power button, and the most power, and all the extra tools - BUT the weight of it, and the multiple reports of the little wheel thing breaking puts me off a bit.

I'm a small (5'1) woman, with joint/muscle pain issues on and off - hence why the trigger/power button thing is something I've noted. Our current Dyson V8 is only 2.3kg, which is a huge difference to all of these ones. But my issues aren't so severe that I probably can't just put up with the extra weight for a bit while I do a quick vacuum. I dunno... what do you all think? Is it a noticeably big difference, does it cause issues?

Our house - hardwood floors through the living areas, tiles in bathrooms, carpet in bedrooms.

! Argh! Help me decide!

I'd really love to hear from u/JohnnyHucky - I've read heaps of your comments, and despite the hate for some brands on these forums, you always have a very fair and measured response, and are primarily concerned with helping people vs just spouting off about your favourite brand.

To anyone who bothered to read this all - thanksssssss :)

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Pistonheads
pistonheads.com › gassing › topic.asp
Not buying another Dyson vacuum - Shark any better? - Page 2 - Homes, Gardens and DIY - PistonHeads UK
Falls over if you don't re-seat ... use it but just for the upstairs. We bought a Shark vacuum back in October and it is better made, more vesatile and a more conventional (in a good way) design....
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Driven by Decor
drivenbydecor.com › home › shark vs. dyson cordless vacuum face-off!
Shark vs. Dyson Cordless Vacuum Face-Off! - Driven by Decor
May 10, 2021 - So when used as full stick vacuums, Dysons are lighter than Sharks. However, this is not the case when they’re used as handhelds. As with run time, the power of Dysons is reported in a different way than Sharks making it impossible to compare the two brands with specs alone.
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Mashable
mashable.com › home › life › house & home
Shark vs. Dyson: Which cordless vacuum should you get? | Mashable
July 23, 2025 - While brands like Bissell, Samsung, Roborock, and Tineco occasionally slip a competitive cordless model into the fold, Shark and Dyson are two clear market leaders. So I'm investigating the competition between the variety of cordless vacuums that Shark and Dyson offer as a whole, as well as comparing features like suction power, battery life, maintenance, and attachments on similarly priced models through hands-on testing in my own home.
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House Beautiful
housebeautiful.com › shopping › gadgets › shark vs. dyson—which vacuum is right for you?
Shark vs. Dyson: Which Vacuum Is Better, According to Our Tests
August 5, 2024 - Over the last few months (and years), the editors of House Beautiful have been testing two compatible models from each brand, the Shark Cordless Detect Pro, and the Dyson V10 Animal, to try and determine which vacuum is best for different types of cleaning personalities. If you're looking to dive deeper into the debate of Shark vs. Dyson, or if you're debating these two specific models, read on for a thorough review and testing of each one. We'll go ahead and admit that both of these models, while better at different things, make cleaning days so much more enjoyable. ... Both brands are beloved by consumers, and you often find buyers taking strong stances for one or the other.
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Consumer Reports
consumerreports.org › appliances › laundry & cleaning › vacuum cleaners › shark vacuums take a bite out of the competition
Shark Vacuums Take a Bite Out of the Competition - Consumer Reports
February 7, 2017 - Shark has surpassed Dyson as the top vacuum brand. Here are five Shark vacuums that did well in Consumer Reports' tough vacuum tests.
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Book Clean Go
bookcleango.com › blog › shark-vs-dyson
Shark vs. Dyson: Which Brand Is Better?
An in-depth comparison and review of Shark vs Dyson, some of the biggest brands. Learn which vacuum brand is better.
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The Telegraph
telegraph.co.uk › recommended › home › shark-versus-dyson-cordless-vacuum
Dyson versus Shark: Which brand has the better cordless vacuum cleaner for your home?
Dyson and Shark are two of the most sought-after vacuum cleaner brands and often go head-to-head when it comes to adopting innovative new technologies and features. From a consumer’s point of view, there have always been some key differences. Historically, Shark’s cordless vacuums have been more affordable, with a greater focus on convenience and enhanced usability.
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Amazon
amazon.com › ask › questions › Tx1DAJD1ADTTENH
Can anyone compare this to the Dyson cordless vacuums? ...
There is no comparison. Stay with the Dyson. The Shark would not be an upgrade at all. As soon as my finances allow I will be purchasing another Dyson. ... The Dyson holds up much better. I wouldn’t recommend this vacuum.
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TechRadar
techradar.com › home › small appliances › vacuums
Shark vs Dyson: which vacuum cleaner brand is better? | TechRadar
November 15, 2024 - The Dyson Gen5detect and V15 provide real-time dust reports (Image credit: Future) Shark's most advanced vacuums won't report back on what they're sucking up, but they do have a range of extra detection properties that aren't offered by Dyson.
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Homes and Gardens
homesandgardens.com › shopping
Shark vs Dyson 2025: After 1,000+ hours of testing, this is the vacuum brand that comes out on top
June 19, 2025 - I Tested the Affordable Shark PowerPro Pet in a Busy Animal Shelter and Was Surprised by its Strong Performance on Fur and Real-World Debris · Bottom line: Dyson vacuums perform better, whilst Shark vacuums offer better value.