Choosing a cordless vacuum is confusing. Premium brands like Dyson promise cutting-edge technology, while budget options like Shark claim to deliver similar performance for less. I tested both extensively to find out if the price difference is justified.
Design and Build
The Dyson V15 Detect feels like a premium product from the moment you pick it up. The build quality is exceptional, with smooth plastic surfaces and satisfying clicks when attachments lock in place. The laser dust detection feature on the floor head is useful. it’s like night vision for your floors.
Shark’s EZ feels more utilitarian but not cheaply made. It’s lighter than the Dyson (yes, 6.5 lbs vs 7.2 lbs), which matters for above-floor cleaning. The dust cup releases with one button and is easy to empty.
Specifications
| Specification | Dyson V15 Detect | Shark EZ |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 7.2 lbs | 6.5 lbs |
| Battery Life | 60 minutes | 40 minutes |
| Suction Power | 240 AW | 130 AW |
| Filtration | HEPA (entire system) | Standard |
Cleaning Performance
Here’s where the Dyson justifies its premium. The 240 AW of suction power is impressive. On carpet, it pulled up embedded dirt that the Shark left behind. The laser illumination reveals dust you didn’t know existed. and then you watch it disappear.
The Shark’s 130 AW is respectable for the price. It handled hard floors well and did okay on low-pile carpet. But on thick carpet, the difference was noticeable. The Shark required more passes to match the Dyson’s results.
Hard Floors
Both vacuums performed admirably on hard floors. The Dyson uses a soft roller that’s gentle on floors while picking up large debris and fine dust simultaneously. Shark’s MultiFLEX bent for under-furniture reach, which is useful.
The Dyson’s laser was almost embarrassing. my “clean” floors revealed a new dimension of dust. But if ignorance is bliss, the Shark won’t burst your bubble.
Battery and Runtime
Dyson claims 60 minutes, Shark claims 40. In real-world testing (mixed surfaces, normal debris), I got 50 minutes from the Dyson and 35 from the Shark. Both should handle most homes on a single charge.
Dyson includes a charging dock that looks sleek. Shark includes both a wall mount and a freestanding option. more flexible for different spaces.
Maintenance Costs
Consider the ongoing costs:
- Dyson: Washable filter (no replacement cost), but replacement batteries and specialty tools add up
- Shark: Similar washable filters, generally cheaper replacement parts
The Verdict
The Dyson V15 Detect earns its place as the winner. The superior suction, HEPA filtration throughout (important for allergies), and useful laser feature make it worth the premium for serious cleaning.
However, the Shark EZ isn’t a bad choice for smaller homes or tighter budgets. If you have mostly hard floors and low-pile carpet, the Shark delivers 80% of the performance at half the price. Just don’t expect Dyson’s deep clean on thick carpets.