New Research Shows Shark Beats Dyson As Top Vacuum Brand

@sharkcleaning/Instagram

The products and services mentioned below were selected independent of sales and advertising. However, Don't Waste Your Money may receive a small commission from the purchase of any products or services through an affiliate link to the retailer's website.

When you think of the best vacuums on the market, the first brand that pops to mind is probably Dyson. The electronics giant is known for unbeatable—albeit pricy—products. From blade-less fans to the famous “roller ball” vacuum, Dyson has dominated the market for years now. But now, a new brand is on the rise: Shark. And it’s even beating out Dyson.

Consumer Reports recently wrote that new market research from Mintel shows Shark has ousted Dyson as the No. 1 vacuum brand in the U.S., and that CR’s own research seems to support this finding. The independent product reviewer gives its seal of approval 24 Shark models. This means the vacuums have excelled in test labs, which include challenges like pulling pet hair from carpets, removing sand from bare floors and other feats.

On top of that, Consumer Reports’ reliability survey of more than 33,000 people found that only 11 percent of those who purchase a Shark vacuum will “experience a breakage by the third year of ownership.” This is less than half the breakage rate of other popular brands like Hoover and Eureka, which is pretty impressive.

When Consumer Reports asked consumers about the Shark’s performance, results were incredibly good. Of the people who purchased an upright Shark vacuum, 53 percent of owners were completely satisfied. Only Miele beat the brand with 65 percent customer satisfaction, and both Dyson and Hoover scored lower.

Considering the fact that Shark vacuums are significantly less expensive than many of the traditional brands on the market, the combination of satisfaction, reliability and performance is indeed impressive.

That being said, Dyson boasts serious warranty power included in the price of the vacuum. Every single upright and canister vacuum includes a 5-year parts and labor warranty. Cord-free vacuums carry a 2-year parts and labor warranty.

Shark, on the other hand, has no such policy. Warranties must fall under a number of different clauses—including but not limited to purchasing a vacuum from a specific limited TV offer.

RELATED: 8 Items You Should Always Buy At Dollar Tree

Overall, however, Shark pulls its weight. If you want to see the best of the best, check out Consumer Reports’ list of the five best Shark vacuums on the market now, including the best among bagless uprights, the best for fighting allergens and best handheld (the dustbuster below).

Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II Hand Vac, $48.47

If you’re wondering, as we were, where all the Roomba-style vacuums are in this mix, head over to CNET to check out their latest vacuum reviews, which include a number of hands-free models.

About the Author

Jessica Suss

An aspiring food and health writer, native Chicagoan, and nut butter enthusiast. Jessica is also the creator of BiteMeBlog, but don't call her a foodie More.

More to explore