Our Detect Pro range features 4 deep-cleaning technologies that automatically react to their surroundings: DirtDetect automatically boosts suction for deep cleaning on carpets. EdgeDetect doubles suction for more powerful edge and corner cleaning. FloorDetect auto-detects floor type and optimises performance. LightDetect illuminates low-light areas. The dust cup is easy to remove and with the press of one button the dirt empties out of the bottom into the trash. However, we did find that on more than one occasion we had to manually pull some of the dirt out due to tangled hair which stopped it from falling out on its own, which is somewhat annoying. The filters have to be washed monthly to keep them from getting clogged but it’s an easy job and they last 2.3-3 years before they need to be replaced. Image credit: TechRadar) Shark Anti Hair Wrap Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner with PowerFins Powered Lift-Away and TruePet ICZ300UKT price and availability Thanks to the self-cleaning dual brushroll, hair never wrapped around the brush. The 0.72qt / 0.68L dust cup is large enough to hold quite a bit of dust and debris – we didn’t manage to fill it even after vacuuming our entire house three times.

It's worth noting that both companies deal exclusively in bagless vacuums with pretty robust filtration systems; most of Shark's and Dyson's full-size vacuums boast HEPA filters and allergen-sealed constructions. However, this design isn't the best option if you suffer from allergies. While allergens might be sealed inside the vacuums' dustbins as you clean, shaking out a dustbin to eliminate any accumulated debris can create a plume of dust and dirt, making for a far less hygienic means of debris disposal than tossing out a sealed dirtbag. ConclusionHaving the pod in one hand while cleaning overhead with the other makes it far more comfortable than we’ve experienced with many other cordless vacuums. Though when we used it for very high cleaning, the wand did start to feel heavy after prolonged use. Having said that, you can use it without the wand for areas that are easier to reach. 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. Powerful suction, and suction is adjusted automatically to maximize battery life. MultiFLEX wand and swiveling floor head make it easy to clean less accessible areas.

The best corded Shark vacuum we've tested is the Shark APEX Upright. It feels more sturdily built than the Dyson Ball Animal 3, as well as cheaper upright models in Shark's lineup. It also delivers stellar performance on bare floors and does a pretty good job on low and high-pile carpets. However, for raw suction power, it falls short of the Dyson. Its floorhead is more tangle-prone, and unlike the Dyson, it isn't height-adjustable, which would make it easier to clean shaggier carpeting.

Conclusion

Mallory Micetich, Home Expert at Angi, told us that “cordless vacuums are a great option for daily maintenance and have become popular thanks to their ease of use, distance range and more modern designs. Most are upright, making them easy to store and newer models have multi-functional configurations so you can easily switch from surface to surface.” Some of Dyson’s latest vacuums, such as the V15 Detect and the V11, will also automatically adjust the suction power to suit the floor type they’re being used on too - something Shark’s model can’t offer. So just how much will you have to spend on a powerful vacuum cleaner? Dyson’s range is more expensive than Shark’s, but they are lighter, more compact and as we’ve mentioned loaded with smarts that ensure a thorough clean, which in our eyes makes them worth the extra investment. It's a versatile cleaner that can be operated in one of several configurations, depending on what surface you're cleaning. Floors are cleaned easily in the upright vacuum cleaner mode. From here, you can detach the wand, or just the handle for a speedy transition to overhead or above floor cleaning while the vacuum pod remains attached to the floorhead. The dustbin is compact and it’ll need emptying regularly. During testing, we frequently had to manually pull out the dirt that got trapped inside due to tangled hair, making it quite a messy job.

This vacuum's dust collection is decent, and it’s reasonably priced with a lengthy warranty so it’ll suit lots of people. Plus, the removable battery means you don’t need to find a spot next to a power outlet to store it. It won’t win any prizes for sleek looks and streamlined design, though, and emptying the dustbin can be messy. How does the Shark Vertex Pro Cordless Vacuum compare to competitors?Since 2018, Dyson has been focussing on cordless vacuums, and while the brand does offer a handful of corded upright vacuums and in the US and Australia, canister-style floor cleaners (often referred to as cylinder vacuums or barrel vacuums), its biggest range of floor cleaners are wire-free. The washable pre-motor filter needs rinsing monthly, whereas the post-motor HEPA only needs rinsing once a year. Both filters will need replacing after 2.5-3 years of use. All the filters are easy to access for cleaning and replacement. The only time we got close to running down the battery was when we vacuumed the whole house on Clean Sense IQ mode, and then followed it up by using the Anti-Allergen Dusting Brush to clean the dust off four large window blinds, before using the duster crevice tool to clean floorboards in two rooms; even then we still had 20% left in the tank. The model names differ between territories too, with monikers such as Rotator, Vertex, and Apex given to models on sale in the US, and far less interesting number and letter combinations such as NV801 used to distinguish designs in the UK. In Australia, you’ll find a combination of both naming conventions. The latest Windows 11 update won't install for some users, and tanks gaming performance even if it does