Dyson or Shark—Which Vacuum is Best?

While a vacuum is a household cleaning essential, finding a high-quality option is easier said than done. Whether picking one up in store or ordering online, it’s difficult to predict a vacuum’s effectiveness until you try it out at home. Luckily, we’ve done the dirty work for you—literally. 

Here at Real Simple, vacuum cleaners are one of our many specialties. After testing nearly 300 vacuums in our Des Moines lab and at home, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. To no surprise, Dyson and Shark vacuums have stood out in our testing for their impressive cleaning capabilities, unique features, and easy operation. Given their excellent performance, we decided to put them head-to-head in our lab. 

In a March Madness-Style bracket, we put two of our top-performing cordless models— the Dyson V15 Detect and the Shark Cordless Pro Vacuum— and two of our best upright models—the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra, and Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum—to the test. We evaluated them based on their features, effectiveness, maneuverability, and ease of use. For expert insight, we consulted Iryna Balaban, co-founder and professional cleaner at Sunlight Cleaning NY, on how to shop for vacuum cleaners. Read on to find out which vacuums reigned supreme and which were left in the dust.

Round 1: Cordless 

Features 

This model has five attachments, all designed to simplify the cleaning process. Among them are a crevice tool for navigating nooks and crannies, a hair screw tool that effectively sucks up long hair and pet hair without tangles, and a combination tool for tackling various floor types. The versatile vacuum also features two cleaner heads, allowing you to handle any surface—the fluffy optic cleaner head is ideal for hard floors, illuminating the area to reveal hidden dust and adapting its strength depending on the debris, while the Digital Motorbar cleaner head works on both hard floors and carpeting. 

One of our favorite features is the LCD screen, which indicates the total amount of particles you’ve picked up, the power setting, maintenance alerts, and the remaining run time. We especially love the pick-up reader, which lets you see your cleaning progress in real time, even if the debris is too small to be visible to the naked eye. 

The unit comes with a wall-mounted docking and charging station (though the device itself can’t stand on its own). It can also transition to a handheld model for added flexibility. Our only gripe is that the Dyson V15 Detect does require continuous pressing of the trigger and holding of a lever to operate, which could become frustrating during longer tasks.

Effectiveness 

We were amazed by the Dyson V15 Detect’s superb performance in our testing. It effectively picked up 95% of debris after one pass, and it took only four passes to clean the whole area. The 9.84-inch cleaning pad completely cleared every crumb, leaving no remnants behind. 

Quite frankly, the Fluffy Optic cleaner head is one of the most innovative attachments we’ve ever seen on a vacuum. We were blown away by how much dust it illuminated that we would have never noticed otherwise. This feature not only improved our cleaning capabilities but also gamified the process. We might even say it made us…excited to clean. Additionally, the device boasts an impressive runtime of 60 minutes, allowing you to tackle large rooms without needing to recharge. 

Ease of Emptying 

This unit boasts a fairly easy no-touch emptying process—simply remove it from the stick portion of the vacuum and press a lever to open the dustbin into the garbage can. The brush roll had only about five hairs wrapped around it—so few that we typically wouldn’t bother to clean it. We were able to shake out all the debris without any contact, resulting in a clean, hassle-free experience. 

Maneuverability 

The Dyson V15 Detect offers impressive maneuverability. In our testing, we found that its lightweight design—just 6.8 pounds—allowed for easy movement, while the rollerbar’s range of motion was incredibly flexible. The crevice tool was particularly effective at reaching our tight corners, lifting 97% of debris after one pass and 100% after the second. With its cordless, portable design, we think this pick would be ideal to use in cars as well as around the house. 

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

Features 

This model features three attachments—a duster crevice tool, a pet multi-tool, and a PowerFins Plus Nozzle. The nozzle offers the best of both worlds: While the softer microfibers take dust and debris, the brand’s bendy, silicone fins dive deeper into the carpet. The self-cleaning brush roll also prevents long hair from getting tangled.

One unique feature of this device is its CleanSense IQ, which detects hidden dirt and automatically increases suction based on the volume of debris. Thanks to its handy LED display, the machine keeps you up to date on battery life, allows you to adjust suction levels, and activates the CleanSense IQ when desired. Unlike the Dyson model, the Shark has headlights on its carpet attachment, making it easier to identify debris within the pile. It also has odor-neutralizing technology for a fresher post-clean scent. Plus, we give bonus points to this unit’s self-mounting design, which allows you to attach the handheld vac onboard for compact, easy storage. 

Effectiveness

The Shark Cordless Pro Vacuum excelled at removing debris from our medium-pile rug, taking just 62 seconds to clean it fully. Unfortunately, it struggled a bit with our shag rug; even after several passes, the suction wasn’t strong enough to remove the embedded sand, leading us to use a corded model. However, it redeemed itself on our pet bed. Using the crevice tool with the attached brush, we effectively reached corners and removed fur from all areas of the bed. We appreciate that the crevice attachment comes with a pre-attached brush, allowing us to use both features without having to switch them out. 

This vacuum has a slightly larger cleaning path width than the Dyson V15 Detect—10 inches— but a smaller bin capacity of 0.18 gallons. In our head-to-head testing, we found this model to be less effective, removing only about 85% of debris after the first pass and requiring 10 passes to clear it completely. We even noticed a small strip of dirt left behind in its path. With its 40-minute runtime, we think this cordless model is less equipped to handle larger rooms and spaces. 

Ease of Emptying 

After testing it on the shag carpet, we observed a lot of hair and fur wrapped in the brush roll. However, we didn’t notice any debris from our other tests. The 0.18-gallon dustbin is fairly large for a cordless model, and we didn’t need to empty it until all three tests were complete. The emptying process was easy, requiring just the push of a button, though we did need to use our hand to remove some of the trapped fur.

Maneuverability

Like the Dyson model, the Shark Cordless Pro similarly transitions to a handheld model. Due to this flexibility, we found this pick incredibly versatile and easy to use. The crevice tool maneuvered effortlessly into the corners of our pet bed, picking up crumbs from even the tightest nooks and crannies. With its superb performance and lightweight design, we highly recommend this model for quick cleanups and upholstery touchups.

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

Round 2: Upright Vacuums

Features

True to its name, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is perfect for pet owners. For starters, it has a tangle-free turbine tool and motorbar cleaning head, both designed to suck up pet hair without any knots or tangles. And, in addition to excelling at pet hair removal from carpet and hard floors, the vacuum comes with a pet groom tool that removes dander and loose hair directly from your furry friend.  

We appreciate the two-in-one combination tool, which allows you to toggle between the brush and nozzle depending on the surface you’re cleaning, and the stair tool, which lifts debris from the carpet without grabbing. Plus, it features an instant-release hose to help you reach beneath couches and other hard-to-reach areas. 

Aside from its impressive cleaning attachments, this pick includes a convenient tool holder, making it easy to keep other accessories onboard. However, it’s worth noting that like the other Dyson we tested, this model doesn’t stand on its own.

Effectiveness 

This vacuum is strong. In fact, we would even go as far as to say it’s one of the most powerful vacuums we’ve ever used. It cleared 100% of debris after a single pass, requiring just three passes to fully clean the entire carpet. Much of this can be attributed to its whopping 0.45-gallon bin volume, which holds significant quantities of dust and debris without requiring frequent emptying. 

Ease of Emptying 

Similar to the other models mentioned, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra features a hands-free emptying mechanism with the simple click of a button. The same button detaches the dustbin and empties it, making the process straightforward. The dustbin is large without any nooks and crannies, so everything falls out easily. The brush roll was perfectly clean at the end of testing, with no hair wrapped around it whatsoever. 

Maneuverability 

One of the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra’s hallmark characteristics is its maneuverability, so it was no surprise that it glided around more seamlessly than the Shark Stratos. Crafted with the brand’s Ball technology, you can guide the machine around with minimal effort. However, we did find it a bit heavier and more difficult to push—after all, it does weigh over 17 pounds. Our arm was admittedly tired after a few passes. 

In addition to its heaviness, we also found the attachment hose a bit awkward to hold. Due to its stiff and rigid design, we struggled to master the perfect angle. We think the hose is best suited for reaching high and low surfaces, but a little less comfortable at eye level.

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

Features 

The Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum has crevice upholstery tools, along with a DuoClean PowerFins HairPro two-brush-roll system. The system features malleable PowerFins that grab and clear all kinds of dirt, debris, short hair, and long hair, as well as a soft roller to achieve sparkling floors post clean. Since the brush roll is self cleaning, you won’t have to worry about tough tangles, either. And, of course, the vacuum also includes LED headlights to highlight hidden debris.  

While this vacuum doesn’t transition to a handheld model, one of its standout features is its lift-away pod, which you can detach from the main body to access stairs and high-up locations like ceiling fans and shelves. By simply lifting the pod, the remaining vacuum transforms into a low-profile stick for navigating beneath sofas and other hard-to-reach surfaces.  

The handle features unique fingertip slide controls, allowing you to adjust the suction power with ease. And, in addition to the versatility, the device also offers odor-neutralizing technology to ensure a fresh aroma.

Effectiveness

According to the brand, the Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum boasts stronger suction than any other Shark model. After testing this Shark model and the cordless version, we can attest this is true. It performed exceptionally well on our medium-pile rug, lifting all debris in less than 15 seconds. It was pretty effective on our high-pile rug, though it left a penny-size amount of hair in its wake. Its biggest challenge was with the sand—while it removed 95% of the sand quickly, it struggled significantly with the last 5%.

In our head-to-head testing, the vacuum cleared 75% of our debris mixture after one pass and required 12 passes to completely clean the carpet—the most of any model we tested. 

Ease of Emptying

Emptying the dust cup was very intuitive—a release button at the bottom removes the dustbin’s outer section, while a release button at the top removes the inner area. The process was completely hands free, requiring no reaching into the bin. Thanks to its anti-wrap technology, the brush roll had minimal hair wrapped around it—only about 1 inch.

Maneuverability 

While not quite as maneuverable as the Dyson, this model is notably lighter, requiring minimal effort to push. In fact, it even seemed to propel itself forward as we cleaned, gliding smoothly on our floors. We struggled a bit transitioning from hard-surface floors to carpet, though, as the vacuum tended to lift the edges of the rug. 

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

Round 3: The Dyson Battle

For this test, we had our two top performers (the cordless Dyson V15 Detect and the upright Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra) compete head to head.  

Both Dysons excelled in our testing, suctioning up debris effectively and quickly. However, we have to award the title of Best Overall Vacuum to the Dyson V15 Detect. Due to its cordless design, we found the V15 Detect to be more lightweight, maneuverable, and portable than the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra, which proved to be a bit clunkier. The V15 Detect is also more versatile, as it comes with various attachments, including the fluffy option attachment, to tackle hidden dust. 

However, the Dyson Ball’s impressive pet hair removal features and large dust capacity make it better for heavy-duty tasks. We expect the Ball Animal 3 Extra to be more durable than the V15 detect, which may require a battery replacement a few years down the line. It’s also worth considering the price range—the V15 Detect is over $200 more than the Dyson, making it more of an investment.

The Testing Process

To find the best vacuums, we’ve tested four of the best upright and cordless Shark and Dyson vacuums in our lab, comparing them in a March Madness-style bracket. 

Shark Tests

We scattered ¼ cup of sand on a medium-pile rug, ensuring some areas were more covered than others, and timed how long it took to clean up the debris. To assess the vacuum’s performance on our high-pile rug, we repeated the process, now adding one bag of hair and two tablespoons of sawdust.

Next, we tested each model’s upholstery attachments. We distributed one bag of short pet hair over the pet bed, making sure to get into all of the crevices along the surface. For cordless models, we noted the battery percentage after testing. Finally, we concluded by emptying the collection bin, cleaning the filter, and inspecting the brush roll for tangles. 

Dyson Tests 

Our Dyson testing followed a similar process to our Shark tests: We first scattered sand, pet hair, and sawdust over the rug and timed how long it took to clean it. However, we also evaluated maneuverability. Starting from a red X marked on the floor, we maneuvered each vacuum around three chairs, aiming to pick up as much debris as possible while maintaining stationary. For models equipped with laser lights, we considered how effective they were as we cleaned.

To evaluate the crevice attachment, we dispersed sand into a single crevice on a fluted wood panel and measured what percentage of sand we were able to pick up in one pass. We then used the attachment to suck up any remaining sand, using a microfiber to clean up whatever we missed. Once again, we noted the remaining battery percentage of the cordless models, emptied the collection bin, cleaned the filter, and inspected the brush roll for tangles. 

Head-to-Head Tests

First, we tested the cordless models—the Dyson V15 Detect and the Shark Cordless Pro. To simulate larger debris, we placed five Doritos in a plastic bag and crushed them into various-sized pieces using a rolling pin. We repeated this process with a bag of eight pretzels and added two bags of pet hair to the mix. After combining the three substances into a mixing bowl, we evenly distributed the debris onto our medium-pile rug, walking over it to work it in. We divided the mixture into two carpet sections, with one designated for the Shark and one for the Dyson.

Each of our two testers simultaneously made one pass over the debris—moving forward and back toward their body—at the same pace. We recorded what percentage of the debris each respective vacuum was able to pick up on a single pass. Then, we continued using each vacuum on our designated side, noting how many passes were needed to fully clean the carpet. To assess speed, we vacuumed more quickly this time. 

Next, we emptied each dustbin to evaluate which vacuum collected more debris and inspected each brush roll to compare tangling. To determine our winner, we evaluated which vacuum picked up the most in one pass, which collected the most debris overall, and which was the fastest to complete the task. Once we decided on our winner (the Dyson V15 Detect) we repeated this testing process for the upright models—the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum. Both Dyson models ended up winning. 

For the grand finale, we pitted the two victorious Dyson models against one another. We began by dispersing 2 tablespoons of sprinkles and the confetti from a confetti popper onto our rug. Again, each tester made one pass over the debris, forward and back, at the same pace. We recorded the percentage of debris picked up in one pass and counted how many passes were required to clean the area completely.  

Questions To Consider 

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

There are many factors to consider when shopping for the perfect vacuum, including suction power, filtration efficiency, ease of use, and versatility. “The ideal vacuum should be a powerful workhorse that effortlessly tackles dirt and allergens,” Balaban says. “For me, a strong filtration system is the most important for maintaining indoor air quality, while maneuverability is key for reaching those often-overlooked spots.” 

In addition to considering the vacuum’s basic performance, you may be tempted to snag the model with the most attachments and accessories. Keep in mind that in many cases, a greater amount of attachments correlates to a higher price tag. According to Balaban, the most essential attachments are a crevice tool for corners and a versatile upholstery brush. While she acknowledges that other specialized tools can be handy, she says the basics are typically adequate for routine cleaning. 

How often should you replace your vacuum? ‘

While vacuums can last several years, Balaban says they generally decline in performance over time. As with any product, the rate of deterioration largely depends on the frequency of use and how well you care for it. “Decreased suction power, even after cleaning filters and brushes, is a clear sign of aging,” she says, adding that frequent clogs, breakdowns, and musty smells can also signal the end of a vacuum’s life. Although you can prolong your vacuum’s lifespan by cleaning its filters and replacing worn parts, a replacement will eventually be inevitable. 

How much should you spend on a vacuum?

There are hundreds of vacuum models on the market, some more budget friendly than others. “While a higher price tag often guarantees better suction, filtration, and longevity, weighing the benefits against your cleaning needs and budget is essential,” Balaban says. “For instance, investing in a high-end model with advanced filtration might be worthwhile if you have pets or allergies. However, a good-quality, mid-range vacuum can be more than enough for general cleaning.” 

After conducting our own tests, we can attest to the price to quality correlation. While the Dyson vacuums we tested are a few hundred dollars more than the Shark ones, they proved to be higher quality and more effective.

Take Our Word For It

This article was written by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple who specializes in home goods and cleaning products. To write this piece, we tested four Dyson and Shark vacuums in our lab, evaluating them on their features, effectiveness, maneuverability, and ease of use. For expert insight, we also consulted Iryna Balaban, co-founder and professional cleaner at Sunlight Cleaning NY, on how to shop for vacuum cleaners.