Quick Verdict & Who Each Vac Suits

In a hurry?

• Choose the Dyson V11 if you crave maximum suction, love intelligent auto-sensing tech, and don’t mind paying a premium for lighter weight and premium filtration.
• Pick the Shark Vertex if you want great value, the most useful accessory set, and unbeatable performance on long hair thanks to PowerFins. It is, however, heavier in hand.

Bottom line: Both models rank among the best cordless vacuums of 2025, but their strengths serve slightly different households.

In-Depth Spec Comparison

Motor & Suction Power

Take-away: The V11 still holds the raw-power crown four years after launch, especially on carpet. Shark’s PowerFins trade peak suction for constant surface contact, making it excellent on hard floors and longer debris.

Battery Life & Runtime

• Dyson V11 battery life: up to 60 minutes in Eco, ~12 minutes in Boost. A detachable pack is available but sold separately.
• Shark Vertex PowerFins runtime: 60 minutes with two included batteries (approx. 30 min each). Swapping mid-clean is seamless.

Who wins? Tie on paper, but Shark ships two packs in the box, giving it the practical edge.

Weight, Ergonomics & Noise

Lighter weight makes the V11 easier overhead; the Vertex feels steadier on the floor but can tire your wrist when above-floor dusting.

Real-World Cleaning Tests

Hard Floors

The Vertex’s dual soft roller glides over tile and hardwood, gobbling Cheerios and fine dust in a single pass. The V11’s High-Torque head can snow-plough larger debris unless you open its slider gate, costing a touch of suction.

Carpets & Rugs

Boost-mode V11 digs deeper into medium-pile carpets, lifting embedded sand the Vertex leaves behind. On low-pile rugs both perform similarly.

Pet-Hair Pickup

Long pet hair is the Vertex’s party trick: PowerFins resist wrapping so clogs are rare. The Dyson’s anti-tangle comb helps, but you’ll still snip strands from the brush every few weeks.

Filtration & Allergen Control

• Dyson V11: whole-machine HEPA filtration captures 99.97 % of particles down to 0.3 µm; completely sealed.
• Shark Vertex: HEPA + Anti-Allergen Complete Seal; filters are washable but need monthly rinsing.

Sealed designs on both vacs prevent dusty blow-back, but sensitive allergy sufferers may appreciate Dyson’s digital read-out showing real-time particle capture.

Attachments, Maintenance & Ongoing Costs

Filter costs: Dyson recommends annual filter replacement (~US $30) if you don’t wash; Shark filters are washable but degrade after ~18 months (~US $25 pair). Debris cups on both empty bottom-trap-door style; Shark’s is larger (1.28 L vs 0.76 L).

Pricing in 2025 & Best Deals

Tip: Vertex bundles often include a car-detail kit and the pet-multi tool—widening the value gap when on sale.

Pros & Cons Summary

Final Verdict: Which Cordless Vacuum Wins for You?

• Power-seekers, carpet owners, and allergy households should steer toward the Dyson V11 for its fierce 185 AW suction, lighter chassis, and sealed HEPA design.
• Budget-conscious families, pet parents battling hair tangles, or those needing longer total runtime will smile wider with the Shark Vertex, especially when discounted below $400.

Either stick will serve you well into 2030; the real factor is whether you prize sheer performance or overall practicality.

FAQs

Is the Dyson V11 still worth it in 2025?
Yes. Despite newer V15 and Gen5 models, the V11 offers 90 % of the cleaning power at ~40 % less cost.

How long does the Shark Vertex battery last before replacement?
Shark rates each pack at 500 charge cycles; average users report 3–4 years before noticeable fade.

Can I use third-party filters to save money?
You can, but doing so voids both Dyson and Shark warranties. Genuine filters maintain airflow specs.