Shark and Dyson are perhaps the two biggest names in the vacuum cleaner market right now, and both are serving up some strong discounts in the Black Friday sales. If you’re wondering which brand to spend your money on this sales season, I’m here to help.
I’m TechRadar’s Homes Editor for floorcare, and I’ve tested dozens of vacuums from different brands, including almost the entire current Dyson lineup, and all the key models from Shark too. That means I have a pretty good idea of what to expect from each brand, and the main differences between the two options.
Here’s a quick guide to Shark and Dyson vacuums – and once you’ve decided which brand is right for you, scroll down for a roundup of the best Black Friday deals in your country. Alternatively, head to my guides to the best Dyson vacuums or the best Shark vacuums for a closer look at my favorite models from each brand.
1. Cleaning performance
Both brands have vacuums that deliver excellent cleaning. In my recent mega group test to crown the best cordless vacuum, it was the Shark PowerDetect Cordless that earned the highest scores in my cleaning tests. The runners up, however, were all Dyson models: the Dyson Gen5detect, V11 and V8 Cyclone.
In the cordless vacuum space, Dyson’s models consistently deliver excellent cleaning – even the cheaper, older models like the Dyson V8. I’d say there’s more inconsistency within the Shark range; some Shark vacs deliver outstanding cleaning while others are less efficient, so it’s more important to do your research before buying.
2. Price
Shark’s vacuums are typically cheaper than Dyson’s – especially if you’re shopping at the top end of the range. If you’re on a budget, I’d probably start with Shark. Generally, I’d say Shark is also more generous and regular with its discounts, but Dyson is delivering some unexpectedly strong deals this Black Friday, so things are more balanced.
I’ve rounded up all the top offers for each brand below, so look there for the best value options right now. Generally speaking, in the budget bracket, for Shark you’ll want to look at the PowerPro Cordless or Detect Pro Cordless, and for Dyson you’ll want to check out the V8 or the V9 Motorbar.
3. Comfort and quality
Dyson’s vacuums are meticulously engineered and generally feel very premium, but one area where I think they fall down a bit is on comfort. The handles on the cordless vacuums aren’t shaped ergonomically, and at the top end of the range (the V15 Detect, Gen5detect and V16 Piston Animal), the main part of the vacuum is heavy and elongated so it’s a little unwieldy.
In contrast, Shark’s vacuums can feel cheaper, but are often more comfortable to use. The Detect Pro is the most comfortable vacuum I’ve used – it’s ultra-lightweight and the handle is shaped and rubberized so it’s nice to grip. It’s not the most powerful vacuum, although perfectly fine for lighter cleaning tasks.
4. Special features
Both Shark and Dyson shine in their own way when it comes to special features – you just need to decide which ones are important for you. Both brands offer automatic suction adjustment, based on floor type and dirt detected, with certain models.
I’d say Dyson’s Auto mode is more precise – it comes with real-time particle updates delivered on a colorful, moving bar graph on the vacuum’s screen. However, Shark’s version includes edge detection, whereby the vacuum will also boost suction when the floorhead approaches the edge of a room.
Other popular Shark vacuum technologies include a wand that can be released to bend forward for easier cleaning under furniture, and an odor-neutralizing capsule that leaves floors smelling fresh.
Aside from the real-time dust reports – which can be useful for making sure a patch of floor is clean before moving on – Dyson’s other USP is a bright green laser that creates shadows to highlight tiny specks of dust that might otherwise be missed. Many of Shark’s vacuums also have headlamps, but they’re nothing like this.
Today’s best US Black Friday Dyson vacuum deals
The V12 Detect Slim has a massive $330 off. In TechRadar’s V12 Detect Slim review, my teammate called this “the perfect vacuum for small homes”. It offers the hi-tech features (automatic suction adjustment and a laser-equipped soft floorhead for hard flooring) that usually come with a much higher price tag. This deal is also available at Best Buy.View Deal
Dyson has knocked a hefty $260 off this V11 with a wide selection of detail tools. This vacuum sits around the middle of Dyson’s lineup in terms of specs, and it’s very strong value for money with this deal. It can’t detect dirt, but expect long runtimes, strong suction and a useful LCD screen to provide information. View Deal
With $330 off MSRP, the V9 Motorbar is less than half price for Black Friday. It’s a newer (and potentially limited-edition) addition to the Dyson lineup, but looks well worth checking out: it’s very light, with good suction specs and a helpful information screen. This deal is also available at Best Buy and direct from Dyson US. View Deal
The V8 is now less than half price for Black Friday. This is the oldest model in the Dyson lineup, and it remains one of the brand’s best-sellers. It’s simple but effective, with excellent suction, a nimble build and solid runtimes. This deal is also available direct from Dyson US. View Deal
Today’s best US Black Friday Shark vacuum deals
This is the vacuum that won all my cleaning tests, and with $200 off it’s back at its lowest-ever price. Although it’s rather heavy and bulky, the cleaning power is exceptional, whether you need something for hard floor, deep carpet, or a whole jumper’s-worth of pet hair. This version comes with an auto-empty dock.View Deal
The upright version of the PowerDetect has had a $250 price-cut for Black Friday. This vacuum is ultra-powerful, and surprisingly hi-tech for an upright, with automatic suction adjustment and edge-detect capabilities. You can take the bin section off if you want to clean up high or in tight corners. View Deal
There’s over $100 off this cordless vacuum at Amazon, matching the lowest price I’ve seen. It’s a slightly more advanced version of the Shark PowerPro, which impressed us with its effective, affordable, no-nonsense cleaning. View Deal
Today’s best UK Black Friday Dyson vacuum deals
Head to John Lewis to pick up a V15 with £170 off sticker price. This is the Dyson cordless I’d probably recommend to most people – it offers hi-tech features like automatic suction adjustment and real-time dirt reports with a user-friendly design, long runtimes and of course, excellent cleaning. Head to TechRadar’s Dyson V15 review to find out more.View Deal
The best deal on the Cyclone V10 is at Currys, where a £170 discount takes this vac to a new lowest-ever price. This model is sometimes forgotten about, but it’s well worth considering at this price. There’s no LCD screen for information, but it’s a step up from the V8 in terms of battery life and suction power.View Deal
The V11 Extra has over £110 off for Black Friday, and is at its lowest ever price. This model sits towards the middle of the lineup and while there’s no automatic suction adjustment, its cleaning powers are superb and the range of tools included here make it really versatile. Head to my Dyson V11 review to find out more.View Deal
There’s £100 off the V8 Advanced, which is close to the cheapest price I’ve seen on this model. The V8 is the oldest and most basic model in the current lineup, but remains enormously popular – expect strong cleaning power and a simple but effective design. This Advanced version has more suction than the original V8.View Deal
Today’s best UK Black Friday Shark vacuum deals
The Stratos Cordless is less than half price for Black Friday – that’s an incredibly good price for this vacuum (if it weren’t for one extremely short flash sale last year it’d be a new record low). This is an older Shark model, there aren’t any expect clever automation features. However, you can expect powerful suction that can handle carpet and pet hair. View Deal
There’s £90 off the already-affordable PowerPro for Black Friday. This is a newer addition to the Shark lineup, and delivers very solid cleaning and some useful advanced features. While it’s not the most powerful or robust option, it’s a capable vacuum and suitable for all but the trickiest cleaning tasks. It boasts Shark’s DirtDetect technology, a very decent 50-minute runtime, and the wand can be released to bend forwards for easy cleaning under furniture.View Deal
Shop more of today’s best Black Friday sales
- Amazon: up to 66% off tech & essentials
- AO: up to £500 off Dyson, Bosch & Hisense
- Argos: up to 50% off appliances, tech & toys
- Boots: save on 1,000s of beauty products
- Currys: deals on Ninja, Shark & Lenovo
- Dell: laptops from £279
- Dyson: up to £550 off vacuums
- EE: Switch 2 bundles from £20/month
- John Lewis: up to 50% off tech & fashion
- Lego: sets & accessories from £2.99
- Samsung: deals on appliances & phones
- Very: up to 40% off tech, toys & fashion
