Shark vs Dyson: From vacuum cleaners to hair stylers, which brand actually deserves your money?
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Dyson and Shark are undoubtedly the two biggest names in home technology right now. Both brands are known for clever designs, engineering and at times, ground-breaking features. However, there are a few key differences that set them apart, which means they appeal to very different types of customers.
While Dyson has built its reputation on innovation and precision with a premium price tag to match, Shark, on the other hand, has become the go-to choice for those who want 80% of that premium performance at a more realistic price.
Dyson leads the way for innovative tech but does that mean you should buy?
With new models recently launching across both vacuums and haircare, it’s worth taking a closer look at how these two brands compare and which products are actually worth your money.
Below I compare some of the brand’s biggest sellers including the Dyson V16 Piston Animal, the Shark Stratos, Dyson’s Airwrap Coanda Multi-Styler and the popular Shark FlexStyle. I’ll be comparing price, performance, features and design, as well as overall value for money
Dyson vs Shark: How the brands differ
Dyson is about top-tier engineering. Everything from the design and internals of Dyson’s hair care products, down to the buttons and quality of life features all feel like the result of obsessive refinement. You’re paying for design, performance and durability.
Dyson products are built to impress and over the years have set a benchmark in terms of genuine technological innovation. That level of detail doesn’t come cheap though and for a lot of people, finding the balance between affordability and tech is more important, that’s where Shark comes in.
How does Dyson differ from value brand Shark?
Shark typically focuses on practicality and consumer wants above all else. In the past, it would take Dyson’s premium features and make them more accessible for day to day cleaning, though nowadays, Shark is leading the charge in a lot of areas.
Its products tend to have more attachments, battery options and flexible components that suit busy households. While Dyson is the premium choice for those who love design and engineering, Shark is the brand for people who want good everyday results without spending over the odds.
Dyson V16 Piston Animal vs Shark Stratos
The Dyson V16 Piston Animal is Dyson’s newest cordless vacuum and perhaps its most advanced yet. It’s lighter than previous iterations but still offers suction that rivals some corded models. An improved motor should help with better cleaning across both carpet and hard floor, while its new brush head design is some of the best anti tangle tech I’ve seen.
Another standout update is the redesigned bin, which can compress dust as it collects, meaning fewer trips to empty it. Runtime is around 70 minutes and attachment swapping and charging is simple, making it feel impressively streamlined in daily use.
The Shark Stratos is the Dyson V16s closest competitor. It might not have the same futuristic design, but it offers excellent cleaning power at a much lower price. Its ‘Anti Hair Wrap Plus’ tech automatically clears hair from the brush roll, much like the Dyson and the vacuum can adjust suction depending on how dirty the floor is.
The Stratos is slightly heavier but more versatile, especially if you opt for a dual-battery version which extends run time significantly - up to 120 minutes
Dyson V16's unique bin compactor makes life so much easier
Overall, Dyson’s V16 cleans a little deeper and feels smoother to manoeuvre, while Shark’s Stratos delivers a more flexible experience that suits larger homes and pet owners. Dyson is the better performer overall, but Shark comes surprisingly close for a lot less money.
Read our full Dyson V16 Piston Animal review for more information
Dyson V8 vs Shark PowerPro
At the more affordable end, the Dyson V8 is still one of the brand’s oldest and most popular cordless vacuum models. It’s compact, reliable and powerful enough for most homes. While it doesn’t have the intelligent sensors or advanced filtration of newer models, it still offers pretty good cleaning performance with the same build quality Dyson is known for.
Shark’s comparable PowerPro series targets the same audience. It has strong suction, anti-hair-wrap tech and often includes features Dyson saves for its pricier models, such as flexible wands. The PowerPro does feel less premium in its build, but it’s exceptionally practical.
The Dyson V8 wins on design and durability, while the Shark PowerPro wins on flexibility and value. The choice really comes down to whether you want the engineering and brand name of Dyson or the less flashy convenience of Shark at a lower cost.
Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x multi-styler vs Shark FlexStyle
Dyson’s Airwrap Coanda Multi-Styler is arguably one of the most advanced hair tools of the last decade. It uses controlled airflow to wrap, curl and smooth hair without extreme heat, while offering a salon-finished look and minimising hair damage. The design feels luxurious, attachments click into place effortlessly and it’s a good option for those who want professional results at home. However, as is the case with all these stylish tools, there is a learning curve and the average person might not reap all the benefits the Co-anda has to offer without a bit of hard work.
The Shark FlexStyle is a very close rival but is smaller, lighter and considerably more affordable. It also achieves a similar finish, using a similar cool air styling method. The attachments are well made and versatile, though that Dyson-like refinement isn’t really there. Performance-wise, though, the results are excellent for the price - offering smooth hair with minimal frizz.
Side-by-side, the Dyson is quieter and slightly faster if used correctly, but the Shark is pretty close when it comes to ease of use and results. For the price, the FlexStyle is probably the smarter choice for most people, but if you’re after that ultra-luxe design, the Dyson Airwrap is the best money can buy.
Dyson Supersonic vs Shark SpeedStyle Pro 5-in-1
The classic Dyson Supersonic is still one of the best hairdryers you can buy. It’s fast, compact and has smart heat sensors that aim to prevent damage and control frizz by controlling temperature automatically. The motor sits in the handle rather than the head, which some feel makes it easier to use and offers users a bit more control.
Clever magnetic attachments make switching between the difference accessories easy and like all of Dyson’s hair tools, every little detail feels super premium.
Once again, Shark offers a worthy alternative in the shape of its Shark SpeedStyle Pro 5-in-1. Like the SuperSonic, it’s powerful, efficient and comes with a variety of styling attachments that automatically adjust airflow and temperature. It’s a fair bit louder than the Dyson Supersonic and the design does lack that little something, but the performance is strong enough to rival it.
You can get professional results without the premium price tag if you choose Shark but it’s important to remember this isn’t a cheap hair dryer. Quality costs money whatever you’re buying. The Shark is for the budget-conscious, the Dyson for those who want ultimate precision, quietness and build quality.
Our verdict
Dyson and Shark both make excellent products be it hair stylers or vacuums, they just serve slightly different needs.
Dyson products are investment purchases for those who value having the latest tech. Its vacuums and haircare tools feel luxurious, work incredibly well and will likely last you for years. The V16, Airwrap and Supersonic all represent the peak of what the brand can do.
Dyson offers the absolute best in tech but Shark offers practicality at a better price
Shark is the smarter choice for practical buyers who might value a good deal over getting the very best tech a product has to offer. Its vacuums are relatively robust, versatile and cleverly designed for everyday use, while its hair tools deliver top-tier results with a slight compromise on build quality. The FlexStyle and Stratos models show just how close Shark has come to matching Dyson’s performance in recent years.
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