Dyson Animal 2 vs. 3 vs. Shark Stratos vs. Vertex vs. Apex

Upright vacuums are the classic corded, large-volume, and high-suction models that have been around long before the slimmer stick versions.

Shark and Dyson are the two biggest brands in the vacuum industry today. We’ve covered their vacuums in individual reviews and within each brand. But today we’re looking at these brands side-by-side to see who has the better upright vacuum.

In the line-up, we have the top-performing upright vacuums for Shark, including the Shark Stratos Upright, the Shark Vertex, and the Shark Apex. For Dyson, we have their Ball Animal 2 and 3.

So let’s look at who takes the win for the best upright.

Table of Contents

Cleaning Test | Long Hair Test | Pet Hair Test | Noise Test | Wind Speed | Sealed System Test | Usability | Accessories | Size | Specs | Summary

Performance

All of these upright vacuums performed exceptionally well and are listed in our Best Upright Vacuums of 2023 list. However, there are a few differences. For example, some do better cleaning certain surface types.

For this performance review of Dyson vs Shark upright vacuums, we analyzed each model across 6 different tests:

• Cleaning test
• Long hair test
• Pet hair test
• Noise test
• Wind Speed test
• Sealant test 

We’ll get into how each test is set up and the performance of each vacuum in a moment. The table below is an overview of each model’s general performance.

	Dyson Animal 2	Dyson Animal 3	Shark Stratos	Shark Vertex	Shark Apex
Overall Cleaning	96.0%	99.4%	98.9%	99.4%	99.6%
Pet Hair	100%	99%	99%	100%	92%
Long Hair	52%	100%	100%	100%	99%
Noise	80.4 dB	81.1 dB	74.7dB	81.2dB	78.4dB
Wind Speed	28.2mph	27.3 mph	17.7 mph	37.6 mph	28.6 mph
Sealant	Mostly Sealed	Completely Sealed	Completely Sealed	Completely Sealed	Completely Sealed

As you can see, there are a few standout results. But let’s give you some context for these numbers.

Cleaning Tests

Our cleaning tests are our bread and butter – the original and arguably most important measurement of a vacuum’s performance. We run each model on their highest setting across 3 different floor types and measure the amount sucked up across 4 different debris types.

Listed below is the total percentage of debris (by weight) removed by each vacuum in our tests:

Model	Overall	Hardwoods	Low Carpet	High Carpet
Dyson Ball Animal 2	96.0%	99.0%	100%	90%
Dyson Ball Animal 3	99.4%	99.5%	99.3%	99.5%
Shark Stratos Upright	98.9%	99.5%	100%	100%
Shark Vertex DuoClean	99.4%	99.0%	98.8%	99.0%
Shark APEX DuoClean Zero-M	99.0%	98.3%	99.5%	99.0%

Overall Cleaning Scores

Performance from both Dyson and Shark was extremely close in the end. Once we average the scores across the debris and surface types, the range from worst to best is 96.0%-99.6%

While the scores were close on the cleaning test, the overall winner was the Shark Apex with 99.6% of all debris removed. The Shark Vertex and Dyson Ball Animal 3 were close behind at 99.4%.

The Shark Stratos Upright was also very close with 98.9%. The lowest score by a few percentage points was the Dyson Ball Animal 2 at 96.0%.

Hardwood floors

For our hardwood floor test, performance was amazingly close across the 5 models. The performance of debris removed from hardwood floors only ranged by 0.5%.

From our results, the winner for best hardwood floor upright vacuum is a tie between the Shark Vertex and Shark Apex. The other three models were tied at 99.5%.

All of these vacuums performed excellently and are recommended for use on hardwood floors.

Low Pile Carpet

Next, we compared the 5 models’ performance on low-pile carpet. With this category, we saw a very similar story as with the hardwood floors test. This time the performance ranged by 1.2% from best to worst.

For this category, the standout winner is the Dyson Animal 2 with 100% debris removal on low-pile carpet across all types.

Closely following them we saw the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and Shark Apex with less than 1 percentage point off. In last, we saw the Shark Vertex with 98.8% debris removed.

All and all, both Shark and Dyson had amazing performance on low-pile carpet.

High Pile Carpet

For our last surface type, high-pile carpet, we saw the greatest range in performance from 89.5% to 99.5%. This type of carpet has high strands of fabric that can hinder removal of especially small debris like sugar and kitty litter.

And that’s what we saw trouble the Dyson Ball Animal 2 which came in last place here with the 89.5%.

This is where the the improvements to Dyson’s brush head are more clearly demonstrated. The Dyson Animal 3 looks very different than the previous model. The addition of “hair removal vanes” especially give it the clear edge that we’re seeing in these test results.

Of course, All of the Shark models performed well here, with the Vertex and Apex models at the same exceptional score of 99.5% as the Dyson Animal Ball 3.

If you’re home has a substantial amount of high-pile carpet, it would be a safe choice to choose any from this list except the Dyson Ball Animal 2.

Long Hair Test

Our long hair test checks to see if these upright vacuums can remove long strands of hair without having them tangle around the brushroll. For the test, we place hair on the floor, vacuum up the hair, and then check to see how much was removed and tangled.

With regard to hair removal, every one of these vacuums was able to suck up 100% of the testing stands.

As you can see, the real test is in the tangling around the brushroll, and almost every model here passes with flying colors. The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is the only one that struggled in this area.

In recent years, both Shark and Dyson have been adding intricate design features to their brush heads to fight this exact issue.

The Shark Stratos, for example, uses what they call the “Duoclean Powerfins Hair Pro” brush head. Most of their recent models use some combination of “Duoclean”, “Powerfins”, and “Hairpro” in the names of their products.

I’d be tempted to say it’s just marketing buzzwords, but the proof is undeniable. Even the newer Dyson Ball is fantastic. When we compare the Dyson Ball Animal 2 to any of these other models, we can see the clear absence of the newer features on pet hair performance.

Pet Hair Test

To test how well these upright vacuums can clean pet hair, we measure 1 gram of pet hair and rub it into high pile carpet. Next, we turn the vacuum to the highest suction setting and pass over the pet hair forward and backward 1 time.

Again, we see pretty similar results as the long hair test. Most of these vacuums perform exceptionally. The outlier this time is the Shark Apex with only 92% removed when the other had 99%-100%.

We also saw the Dyson Ball Animal 3 miss a little bit on our testing lane.

Overall, all of these upright vacuums should perform well in a house full of pets. But also consider the different accessories each model has in order to tackle furniture and other places pet hair can collect.

Noise Test

To test the noise levels of the vacuums, we ran it on high pile carpet in each power mode. While running, we use a sound meter to then measure the level of noise generated by the vacuum.

In this test, we see more variation between the two brands. Right away, there is an obvious trend that Shark is quieter than Dyson with the Stratos Upright being the quietest of all vacuums discussed in this article.

We also see that the ranges for the Dysons are much smaller than with the Shark models. This is due to the variety of modes available on each model. Shark typically offers modes to correspond with different floor types, and more suction is utilized on the carpet modes.

The Stratos model actually offers 3 modes that match the three surface types used in our tests. Dyson’s “mode switch button” merely activates or deactivates the spinning brush roll on the front of the brush head. Therefore, not much sound is removed when it’s pressed.

Wind Speed Tests

Vacuums with higher wind speed can create higher suction power. To measure the wind speed these upright’s generate, we use an anemometer. We hold it against the hose in order to test the suction closest to the source, recording the results for each mode.

As we explained for the noise tests, the Dyson Animal Ball vacuums don’t vary their suction power so they have a single number, where the Shark models have a range to represent the lowest and highest values from their 3 cleaning modes.

The two big standouts here were the Shark Stratos on the low end with a max wind speed of 17.7 mph and the Shark Vertex on the high end hitting up to 37.6 mph.

Both Dyson models and the Shark Apex were right in the middle of these two in the upper-twenty range.

Sealed System Test

For the sealed system test, we want to determine how well the entire vacuum system is sealed. Vacuums that are properly sealed ensure that dust and debris vacuumed stays inside the vacuum. Vacuums that are not properly sealed may spread dust and debris around your home. 

We set up a fog machine with the output nozzle facing directly toward the vacuum’s extension wand. Once the fog machine is primed, we turn the vacuum on the highest suction mode and release short bursts of smoke into the vacuum. 

Every model performed extremely well during this test with the exception of the Dyson Animal Ball 2. We could see some obvious signs of fog escaping when compared to other others. Take a look at the two examples below to see for yourself.

It’s important to remember that the Dyson Animal Ball 2 was released back in 2017 and these other models have a few more years to update and improve their design.

We’ve also had the Animal 2 (and used it more) than any other vacuum in this comparison. It’s possible that our Animal 2 has simply taken some damage over the years that’s impacted the sealing.

Usability Test

For our usability tests, we look at the design of the vacuum with regard to functionality, setup, controls, maintenance, and accessories.

	Dyson Ball 2	Dyson Ball 3	Shark Stratos	Shark Vertex	Shark Apex
Quick assembly	<5 min	<5 min	10-20 min	<5 min	<5 min
Handheld Mode	Just Hose	Just Hose	Canister + Hose	Canister + Hose	Canister + Hose
Cord Length	35′	35′	30′	30′	30′
Dust Bin Capacity	2.2 qts	1.8 qts	1.48 qts	1.00 qts	0.88 qts

From a general standpoint, we can see some clear differences with the design of Dyson’s uprights vs Shark’s. They have a longer hose and a much bigger dustbin capacity on average.

Another big difference with Shark is this interesting design choice to make the canister and hose a separate system. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say that the entire handle, shaft, and brush head are the separate system.

In any case, you can lift Shark’s vacuum canisters out to carry with you when you’re using it in handheld mode.

The setup is about the same across these upright vacuums, except for the Shark Stratos. That one had a few more moving parts to fully understand before use. But even 10-20 mins is considered minimal in terms of setup time.

Accessories

Let’s take a look at the parts and accessories each model comes with.

All of these models offer far more accessories than what is listed here with either specific bundles or a la carte purchase.

For example, with Dyson you can consider the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra or Complete. The Extra comes with 2 more accessories (pet groom tool and tangle-free turbine tool), while the Complete version comes with an astounding 11 accessories/attachments.

Something unique to the base model Shark Stratos is the odor neutralizer cartridges that mitigates the offensive smells being blown out of the vacuum. Other Shark upright vacuums include it with upgraded packages.

If you’d like a closer look at the differences between each accessory between brands (e.g. DuoClean Powerfins HairPro Brushroll vs. DuoClean Powerfins Brushroll), take a look at our Shark comparison and our Dyson Animal 2 vs. Animal 3.

Size & Dimensions

Now let’s take a look at the basic size and dimensions of each model.

The Shark uprights are roughly 4 inches taller than the Dyson models. The weights are within 1.2 lbs of each other.

One of the stand-out numbers here is the depth on the Dyson Ball Animal 3 with 4.3 inches more than any other model.

Specifications Compared

Specs	Dyson Animal 2	Dyson Animal 3	Shark Stratos	Shark Vertex	Shark Apex
Type	Upright	Upright	Upright	Upright	Upright
Manufacturer	Dyson	Dyson	SharkNinja	SharkNinja	SharkNinja
Model	Ball Animal 2	Ball Animal 3	AZ3002	AZ2002	AZ1002
Suction	227 AW	290 AW	Undisclosed	Undisclosed	Undisclosed
Height	42.13″	42.2″	46.5″	44.1″	49.6″
Width	13.39″	11.02″	10.6″	10.2″	9.8″
Depth	15.35″	15.5″	11.0″	10.6″	10.3″
Weight	17.5 lbs	17.3 lbs	17.2 lbs.	16.38 lbs.	17.1 lbs.
Floor Type	All (indoor)	All (indoor)	All (indoor)	All (indoor)	All (indoor)
Dustbin Capacity	2.2 qts	1.8 qts	1.48 qts	1.00 qts	0.88 qts
Washable Filter	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Powered Liftaway	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Cord Length	35 ft.	35 ft.	30 ft.	30 ft.	30 ft.
Bagless	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Returns	Varies by retailer	Varies by retailer	Varies by retailer	Varies by retailer	Varies by retailer
Warranty	5-Year limited	5-Year limited	5-Year limited	5-Year limited	5-Year limited
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
Review	Read Review	Read Review	Read Review	Read Review	Read Review

🥇 Which Dyson or Shark Upright Vacuum is Best?

At the end of the day, every one of these vacuums made our Best Upright Vacuums of 2023 list. This means they should work for the majority of homes.

However, as any fan of either brand could tell you, there are nuances to each vacuum that endear or irritate you. For example, the Dyson Animal 3 has a long hose, but there’s a spring to it that will constantly pull the main vacuum towards you while in hand-held mode.

Shark has some quirks as well. The Stratos’ removal canister is smoothly taken out and placed back in nine times out of ten. But every now and then it will slide in wrong and be a major pain to get it unstuck and properly place it back on the vacuum.

That being said, I personally would recommend all these vacuums. Below is a list of the specific reasons why I would choose one over the others.

Should you buy the Dyson Ball Animal 2?

I would recommend the Dyson Ball Animal 2 to customers who:

• Have pets: Dyson’s tangle-free turbine tool makes it easier to remove pet hair from sofas, armchairs, rugs, and other surfaces. With its sleek design, it’s easy to maneuver and ideal for handheld cleaning.
• Live in a larger home: The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is pretty big and takes up a lot of space. For this reason, it’s better suited for larger homes rather than small houses or studio apartments. However, it’s easy to move it around the house because of the long hose and extension wand.
• Want a large dustbin: This upright vacuum has a 1.7-liter dustbin, which is more than enough for a larger home. Therefore, it’s slightly more convenient and requires less frequent emptying than the Dyson Ball Animal 3. 
• Prioritize convenience: Besides its large dustbin capacity, the Animal 2 features an easy-empty dust cup, an instant-release wand, and a self-adjusting cleaning head. These features can take some of the hassle out of cleaning your home while saving you time. 

Click here to check the Dyson Ball Animal 2 price

Should you buy the Dyson Ball Animal 3?

I would recommend the Dyson Ball Animal 3 if you want an upright vacuum that meets the following criteria:

• Removes allergens: According to Dyson, the post-motor filter on the Animal 3 is capable of trapping 99.9% of allergens, such as dust and pet dander. Its advanced filtration system can capture airborne particles as small as 0.3 microns.
• Can handle stubborn pet hair: This upright vacuum removed 100% of long hairs and 95% of pet hair in our cleaning tests. With 290 AW of suction, it’s powerful enough to pick up stubborn pet hair from carpets, hard floors, area rugs, and other surfaces.
• Features multiple cleaning modes: The Dyson Ball Animal 3 has three power settings for different surfaces, offering more flexibility than the Animal 2, which has only one cleaning mode. Plus, it can automatically adjust the suction level based on the type of flooring and the debris you’re dealing with.

Click here to check the Dyson Ball Animal 3 price.

Should you buy the Shark Stratos?

I would recommend the Shark Stratos Upright vacuum to people who:

• Have one or more pets: This upright vacuum has several cleaning tools for removing pet hair. You’ll get the Pet Power brush, plus a self-cleaning brushroll that can pick up dog or cat hair without getting tangled. The True Pet version includes an even wider range of tools, making it easy to keep your house clean year-round.
• Want more powerful cleaning tools: The Shark Stratos features an advanced version of the DuoClean brushroll, one that’s capable of removing more dirt, dander, and loose hair. If you opt for the True Pet upgrade, you’ll also get an anti-allergen dust brush and a two-in-one tool for cleaning delicate surfaces and hard-to-reach spaces, plus a multi-angle dust brush.
• Are prone to allergies: Shark’s anti-allergen dust brush and Odor Neutralizer Technology cartridges make this vacuum suitable for those who are allergic to pet dander, dust, or other contaminants. With these tools, you’ll be better able to clean your living space and reduce common allergens.

Click here to check the Shark Stratos price.

Should you buy the Shark Vertex?

I would recommend the Shark Vertex to consumers who:

• Want a lightweight vacuum: The Shark Vertex is 16.3 pounds, so it weighs less than the other two vacuums. Therefore, it could be a better choice for those with mobility issues or back pain.
• Prefer a larger dustbin: This model has a larger dustbin than the APEX, which adds to the convenience factor. The Shark Stratos comes with an even larger dust container, but that one is more suitable for those living in a big house or apartment.
• Prioritize performance over everything else: All three vacuums did a great job in our tests, but the Vertex performed slightly better than the others. It removed 99.4% of all debris, including large particles.

Click here to check the Shark Vertex price.

Should you buy the Shark APEX?

I would recommend the Shark APEX to those who:

• Want a more affordable vacuum cleaner: The Shark APEX is just as good as the Stratos or Vertex but comes with a lower price tag. While this model doesn’t have the bells and whistles of the Shark Stratos, it does an excellent job on all floor types. In our tests, it removed 99% of all debris.
• Live in a small or medium house: This upright vacuum has a lower dustbin capacity than the Shark Vertex and Stratos, which makes it suitable for smaller living spaces. If you live in a 600-square-foot apartment, the 0.88-quart dustbin included with the APEX should be more than enough.

Click here to check out the Shark APEX price.