Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex – Detailed Comparison

In this article, we’ll be comparing the Dyson V7 vs Shark IONFlex. Each cleaner represents a different brand as their names suggest.

Now by way of introduction, both these cleaners are kind of mini-series. That is, both the Dyson V7 and the Shark IONFlex constitute a number of models that vary among one another in features.

For the Dyson V7, we are looking at 2 different lines of vacuum cleaners in the first place.

First off, the stick line of cleaners basically comprises the Absolute model, Animal model and the Motorhead model. While the handheld model basically comprises the Trigger model and the Car + Boat model.

On the other hand, for the Shark IONFlex, we are looking at the IF281 and the IF251.

Now because of the differences that exist among the models, we need to point out to you that our review will be representative of the most sophisticated model of each cleaner series.

However, we will point out to you those features that do not come with the other models.

Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex – Comparison Overview

Overall Rating Of The Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

As far as vacuum cleaners go, both the V7 and the IONFlex are actually pretty impressive.

That said, we believe that the distribution of similarities and differences between them is pretty even.

As for similarities, both cleaners could be used as either a stick or a handheld vacuum cleaner.

Additionally, they have the same structure, are both cordless and bagless and have the same charge time of 3 hours and 30 minutes.

As for differences, the Shark offers a longer run time, especially considering that it has two removeable batteries.

Furthermore, the Shark is significantly heavier and comes with a few less cleaning tools.

Price/Value Ratio — Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

The Dyson costs significantly more than the Shark and that comes at no shock at all.

Now, considering this and the fact that the V7 doesn’t have that much over the Shark, we consider the Shark better value for money.

Brand Strengths

Dyson

If this isn’t your first rodeo with vacuum cleaners, you’ve probably heard of the Dyson brand before. However, Dyson doesn’t just produce vacuum cleaners.

It has its hands in a number of other electronic devices including heaters and fans and even electronic hair products.

Dyson is generally known to be a high end product and for good reason. Its products are really competitive in the market.

Shark

Shark happens to be a subsidiary of the Euro-Pro Operating LLC brand which is responsible for the production of a number of electronics.

However, it does this under different subsidiary brands that take care of specific electronics.

Shark is the vacuum cleaner producing arm of the parent brand and it does a good job of that if its market reception is anything to go by.

Comparison Table — Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

	Dyson V7	Shark IONFlex
Run Time	30 minutes without a motorized tool 20 minutes with a motorized tool 6 minutes on max mode	30 minutes with 1 battery
Dimensions	8.2 by 9.8 by 49 inches	13.4 by 10.4 by 45.9 inches
Weight	5.28 pounds	8.7 pounds
Charging Time	3 hours and 30 minutes	3 hours and 30 minutes
Dustbin Capacity	0.5 liter	0.3 liter
Cleaning Tools	Direct drive cleaner head, mini motorized brush bar, combination tool, crevice tool, dusting brush tool and soft roller cleaner head.	DuoClean Technology, duster crevice tool, dusting brush, wide upholstery tool, anti-allergen dust brush.

Which Is Better Under What Circumstance? — Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

Dyson V7	Shark IONFlex
The Dyson V7 has a larger bin vs the Shark IONFlex. So, it would be a better option if you need to do intense cleaning.	On the other hand, the Shark IONFlex is the more affordable option of the 2 cleaners.
You could also look to the Dyson V7 if you are looking for just a handheld vacuum cleaner.	Also, this cleaner ultimately offers more run time because it has 2 removable batteries.

A Dyson V7 Demonstration Video — Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

Common Features — Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

1. Structure

Nobody can mistake the Dyson V7 for the Shark IONFlex because they are pretty different when it comes to looks.

However, they have the same basic structures in that there is the head, the body and then the cleaning tool(s).

It is also worthy of note that both these cleaners are top heavy. Now the reason they are both top heavy is that the motor that runs the cleaner is located in the head in both cases.

As a result, neither the Dyson V7 nor the Shark IONFlex can stand on its own.

If you need either cleaner to stand, you’ll need to lean it against something. However, in the case of the Shark IONFlex, there is an option and we’ll discuss that later.

Now aside the motor which is contained in the head, other features that both cleaners have in the head include the handle, the dustbin, the connection point and a couple of buttons for operation.

2. 2-In-1

The Shark IONFlex is designed in such a way that it can either function as a stick vacuum cleaner or a handheld vacuum cleaner.

Now here is how it works. If you want the cleaner to function as a stick vacuum cleaner, you’ll need to attach the vacuum stick directly to the connection point and then attach the appropriate cleaning tool to the vacuum stick.

If, however, you need the cleaner to be a handheld cleaner, then you’ll need to attach the cleaning tool directly to the connection point. The same applies with the Dyson V7.

However, allow us to quickly remind you that the Dyson V7 comes in 2 lines; the stick line and the handheld line.

The stick line can be used as a stick cleaner or a handheld cleaner, while the handheld cleaner can only be used as a handheld.

3. The Dustbin

It is important to note that both the Dyson V7 and the Shark IONFlex did away with the trash bags.

Those trash bags tend to be a bit bulky and take up space. So, both cleaners have dustbins/cups instead of bags.

The dustbins are portable and their contents are easy to dispose of. You basically just have to pull a lever and the dustbins open up, letting out their contents freely. The disposal process is also quite sanitary.

Something else both dustbins have in common is a filtration feature. Now, this feature captures the allergens in the air and traps them in the bin.

This way, the air that is left behind is purer than what we usually breathe.

Furthermore, while this feature is referred to as the HEPA filtration feature on the Dyson V7, this same feature is referred to as the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal on the Shark IONFlex.

Also, this feature does not come with all the models of either of the cleaners.

With the Dyson V7, you get this feature only on the Absolute model which is in the stick line. And with the Shark IONFlex, you only get this feature with the IF251 model.

However, there is one distinction between these two dustbins and that’s as regards capacity.

The Dyson V7 has a 0.5 liter bin which might be enough if you are doing light cleaning.

On the other hand, the Shark IONFlex comes with a 0.3 liter bin which will definitely necessitate you having to visit the waste bin a couple of times before you’re done cleaning.

4. Cordless

Here is something else that both Dyson and Shark decided to do without on these cleaners.

Both these cleaners are rechargeable, hence, they do not need to be plugged to a wall socket when they are in use.

This is the reason that the cleaners do not come with cords, making them really portable and flexible.

You do not have to be bothered about whether or whether not there is a wall socket in the room you want to clean. As far as the cleaner is properly charged, you are good to go.

5. Cleaning Tools

These are the tools that actually do the work of picking up the dirt and debris and stuff.

We should reiterate here that some of the tools that we’ll be mentioning in this section do not exactly look alike or go by the same name.

However, seeing as they perform the same functions, we’ve included them here.

Floor Cleaning Tools

There are a number of tools that each cleaner comes with that is used for cleaning floors; bare floors, hardwood floors and even floor coverings.

We should also mention that all these tools are motorized and so, with the Dyson V7, using these tools will reduce your run time.

First of let’s look at the Dyson V7. The Dyson V7 has one primary tool for cleaning floors and that is the Direct Drive Cleaner Head.

The direct drive is a fairly good tool for floors but is way better on carpets. It has brush rolls that dig right into the carpet and dislodge dirt.

This cleaner head has 75% more brush bar power than what its predecessor (the Dyson V6) offers.

However, this tool isn’t the best on hardwood floors or bare floors. And it is also not great at packing up large debris.

Thankfully, there is a separate tool for this called the Soft Roller Cleaner Head.

This tool does those things that the direct drive cannot do which include taking care of hardwood and bare floors and also parking up the large debris.

However, this tool only comes with the Absolute model. Also, both floor cleaning tools do not come with the handheld line of cleaners.

On the other hand, the Shark IONFlex comes with just one tool for cleaning floors.

This tool is referred to as DuoClean technology and is actually a combination of the two tools that the Dyson V7 comes with.

The tool comes with 2 brush rolls, one for bare and hardwood floors and the other carpets.

This makes for a convenient movement from room to room and floor to floor.

There is also the advantage of having both tools come with both models of the Shark IONFlex.

Crevice Tool

This one comes with all the models of both cleaners. It is basically used for reaching into corners and crevices. However, there is a bit of a difference.

With the Dyson V7, you get a nozzle with a slim mouth that is meant to fit into those hard to reach areas. This tool isn’t a motorized tool, though.

On the other hand, you get a crevice brush with the Shark IONFlex. So, instead of sucking in dirt like the Dyson V7, this tool brushes them off.

Dusting Brush

This brush is not the same as the Shark IONFlex’s crevice brush as it is slightly bigger and has softer bristles.

This brush is used to clean somewhat delicate surfaces like screens and window panes.

Now, while this tool comes with both Shark IONFlex models, it doesn’t come with any of the Dyson V7 handheld cleaners or even the Motorhead model from the straight line.

Upholstery Tool

The Dyson V7 comes with a mini motorized tool that is basically a small sized floor cleaning tool. However, this one is majorly used on furniture like couches and sofas.

With the Shark IONFlex, you also get an upholstery tool. However, instead of a mini motorized tool, you get an upholstery brush.

They perform the same function, though. And can be used to pick up hair; human hair, pet hair and even spinning yarn.

This is where we mention that the motorized tool doesn’t come with the Motorhead model of the Dyson V7. Other models of both cleaners come with this tool.

A Shark IONFlex Demonstration Video — Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

Unique Features — Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

1. Handheld Models

Between the Dyson V7 and the Shark IONFlex, only the Dyson V7 comes with a line of handheld cleaners.

Unlike their stick counterparts, the handheld cleaners cannot be anything but handheld cleaners.

Furthermore, they do come with their own special tools that are specific for certain functions.

For instance, with the Dyson V7 Car + Boat model, you get an extension hose for better reach into certain areas in your car or boat. You also get a car charger so that you can charge the cleaner on the go.

These special tools do not come with other models of the Dyson V7, basically because they are not necessary.

2. Combination Tool

The combination tool combines two tools in one; a mini brush and a mini nozzle.

They can be used to do minor cleanings. All you need do is, slide up the tool you need and slide it back down when you’re done.

Furthermore, this tool comes with all the Dyson V7 models but definitely not the Shark IONFlex.

3. Cleaner Wand

Now, here is something special that the Shark IONFlex comes with. Remember how we told you that both cleaners are top heavy and so cannot be made to stand on their own?

Well, Shark decided to do something about that by creating the Multiflex wand.

How does this work? The Multiflex wand, which is the vacuum wand, has a hinge in the middle that allows it be bent in half.

Now, when you bend that stick in half, you successfully transfer the weight of the motor from the top to the bottom, allowing the cleaner be able to stand on its own.

Furthermore, the Multiflex technology allows the Shark IONFlex more flexibility as regards reaching beneath low furniture.

This, however, does not say that the Dyson V7 does not have a good enough reach beneath furniture.

4. LED Headlights

The Shark IONFlex comes with a number of headlights on the DuoClean tool and one on the head.

The idea is for you to have an idea of what you’re working with when you’re cleaning beneath low furniture.

The headlights will also come in handy if you have to clean up at night. They light up the path allowing you see what you’re doing pretty clearly.

5. Storage

Like basically every other cleaner in the V series, the Dyson V7 comes with a docking station.

The docking station is a wall mount with 3 pockets. One large pocket for you to insert the cleaner into and 2 smaller ones for you to insert 2 other cleaning tools.

We recommend that you mount the docking station close to a wall socket for convenient charging.

You’ll basically just need to plug the charger (which the cleaner comes with) to the wall socket and the plug it to the cleaner.

The Shark IONFlex, on the other hand, does not come with any sort of wall mount. To store it, you are meant to fold the wand in so that the cleaner can stand on its own and then put it in somewhere.

6. Battery

We’ve already pointed out that both the Dyson V7 and the Shark IONFlex are rechargeable cleaners and come with their own chargers. However, there are slight variations.

For one, the Shark IONFlex comes with 2 removable batteries that can be used individually or consecutively.

Using the batteries individually allows you to charge one as you use the other, while using them consecutively affords you more time.

Now, to put this in perspective, one Shark IONFlex battery offers about 30 minutes of run time. So, both of them should give you about an hour to do your cleaning.

On the other hand, the Dyson V7 comes with only one battery that can’t be easily replaced.

The battery offers 30 minutes of run time without a motorized tool, 20 minutes with a motorized tool and 6 minutes on max mode.

We should mention, though, that with both cleaners, you’ll need to charge the battery for about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

A Dyson V7 Handheld Model Demonstration Video — Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

Unique Pros — Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

Pros Of The Dyson V7

• We like that the Dyson V7 comes with a wide variety of options. You have the stick line and the handheld line and both lines come in a number of models.
• We also like that the Dyson V7 comes with a feature that makes storage and charging convenient, vs the Shark IONFlex.
• It is also safe to say that the Dyson V7 comes with a few more cleaning tools vs the Shark IONFlex.
• Another upside to the Dyson V7 is that its cleaning heads are pretty slim and so can fit into certain tight places like staircases vs the Shark IONFlex whih is kinda bulky.
• Also, the Dyson V7 has a dustbin with a larger carrying capacity vs the Shark IONFlex.

Pros Of The Shark IONFlex

• One of the features we really like on the Shark IONFlex are the headlights seeing as they help one do one’s cleaning in the dark.
• We also like that, except the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, the other features that the Shark IONFlex is known for comes with both models.
• Of course, we cannot mention things we like without talking about the Multiflex vacuum wand. This wand allows for easier reach beneath low furniture.
• We also like that the Shark IONFlex comes with 2 replaceable batteries. This is because you can charge one while you’re using the other, allowing you more run time.
• We should also mention that the Shark IONflex is more affordable than the Dyson V7 stick line.

Unique Cons — Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

Cons Of The Dyson V7

• Getting and keeping the Dyson V7 running could be tiring. There is a button on the inside of the cleaner handle which you will constantly have to press down. After a few minutes, the fingers could get tired.
• Also, 30 minutes of run time and 20 minutes with a motorized tool might not be sufficient for you to do all your cleaning.

Cons Of The Shark IONFlex

• The dustbin that the Shark IONFlex comes with has a 0.3 liter carrying capacity. And this is definitely not large enough to contain all the dirt you are sure to gather from cleaning around your house.
• Also, we would have liked if the Shark IONFlex came with a storage facility. This would have helped save floor space.

Common Pros — Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

	Dyson V7	Shark IONFlex
Cordless	The Dyson V7 doesn’t come with a cord attached to it because it is rechargeable. This makes it easy for you to carry the cleaner from room to room without bothering about whether or whether not there is a wall socket.	Same as the Dyson V7.
Flexible	This cleaner is also pretty flexible, at least the stick line. It can be made to serve as either a regular stick cleaner or a regular vacuum cleaner. And the switch is pretty easy.	Same as the Dyson V7. However, the Shark IONFlex comes in only one line of cleaners.
Plethora Of Tools	The Dyson V7 comes with a number of different tools that take care of different kinds of dirt and different kinds of surfaces.	Same as the Dyson V7.
Allergen Filtration	The fact that the Dyson V7 comes with a feature that captures allergens and traps them in the bin is a definite pro.	Same as the Dyson V7.

Another Shark IONFlex Demonstration Video — Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

Common Cons — Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

	Dyson V7	Shark IONFlex
Charging Time	The Dyson V7 needs to be charged for about 3 hours and 30 minutes which is a pretty long time.	Same as the Dyson V7.

What People Think About The Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

Dyson V7	Shark IONFlex
People seem to be OK with the way the Dyson V7 works. The Absolute model in the stick line comes with all the right features and people seem to be more excited about it than the other models. Also, the handheld line looks to be more popular among people who are looking for backup vacuum cleaners.	On the other hand, the Shark IONFlex gets a lot of attention because of a number of things. There are the headlights, the Multiflex vacuum wand and even the DuoCean technology thing.
However, the run time seems to be a cause for concern for a number of people.	The major complaint with this cleaner seems to be the dustbin’s carrying capacity.

Our Take On The Dyson V7 Vs Shark IONFlex

Dyson V7	Shark IONFlex
We really like the Dyson V7 with its many models and cleaning accessories. And we think that despite its few shortcomings, the Dyson V7 is a good vacuum cleaner.	We also like the Shark IONFlex and really, why wouldn’t we? It comes with headlights, a bendy vacuum wand and a 2-in-1 floor cleaning tool. The only serious snag is with the bin capacity.
Get the Dyson V7 now!	Get the Shark IONFlex now!