Dyson and Shark are both very popular vacuum brands in the home cleaning industry. They are both known for innovation with the invention of such features as The Ball, Cinetic technology, Powered Lift-Away, and DuoClean to name just a few. It’s no surprise that they have become major players in the cordless vacuum category with several models to suit a variety of needs. The ION X40 and V7 are on the lighter side but that doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of cleaning all floor types. On the contrary, the Shark X40 and Dyson V7 work great on smooth floors as well as most carpets so it is only fitting that we compare them side by side to see the main similarities and differences.
Before starting it’s important to mention just how far the cordless technology has come in just a few short years. If you aren’t familiar with the latest trends in cord-free vacuums then you might not believe they can clean your entire home on a single charge, but it’s true! Lithium ion batteries are much stronger and longer lasting than the prior generation so you get great suction for extended cleaning sessions. Both the X40 and V7 come with this type of battery which means you get fade-free power right up until it is about drained. We’ll go into more detail on the batteries later but thought it was important to mention this before starting. And now a quick overview of each vacuum cleaner before comparing them in a variety of categories.
Shark ION X40 – Quick Overview
The Shark ION X40 Ultra-Light provides up to 40 minutes of run-time when using it in handheld mode, but you can expect between 25 and 35 in standard upright mode (using ION power). The amount depends on the type of floor you are vacuuming where you can expect a longer time for smooth floors since there is less resistance against the brushes than on carpet. The removable battery can be re-charged while it is in or out of the vacuum so you can always purchase more packs for longer times (more on that later).
Other Features Include:
- DuoClean Technology – This is a multi brushroll design with a stiff bristle for carpeting and a soft front brush to attract fine dust on hard floors.
- Removable Lithium Ion Batteries – The X40 comes with one removable battery pack but you can always purchase more if your home needs it.
- Open Front Floor Head – The floor head is open in the front to allow larger debris to be pulled right in, instead of pushed around like on other vacuums.
- Handheld Vacuum Capability– Like the majority of cordless vacuums, the X40 will also transform into a hand vac so you can get into hard to reach places in your home and car.
That’s a quick overview of the best qualities of the Shark X40, so let’s take a look at the Dyson V7 before comparing them head to head in a variety of categories.
Dyson V7 – Main Features
The Dyson V7 is their lightest full sized cordless vacuum but that doesn’t mean it is without power. The digital motor can spin at a maximum rate of 107,000 RPMs inside which produces about 100 air watts, or about what a full sized corded upright does. This means you can deep clean carpets (with the correct head) just as effectively as a much larger vacuum cleaner. In fact, the motor found in the V7 has been re-tuned to generate about 75% more brush power than their prior generation V6. The V6 was the vacuum that really changed the cordless industry and this model moves the bar much higher.
Additional Features:
- 2 Tier Radial Cyclones – 15 internal cyclones generate tremendous G forces on the air as it passes through to completely separate the dust from the air. This prolongs the time between cleaning the HEPA filters as well.
- Fully Sealed Filtration – A fully sealed HEPA filtration system traps microscopic particles and lets nothing escape back into your home.
- Lithium Ion Battery – A lithium ion battery (non removable) that provides about 30 minutes of runtime without the floor attachment. You can expect 20 to 25 minutes on a single charge when using it in upright mode.
- 3 Models To Choose From – Choose the Absolute, HEPA, or Motorhead configurations depending on your needs. The difference is the attachments included with the Absolute having the most.
That is a quick overview of both contenders in this cordless vacuum comparison. Now it is time to compare them side by side in a variety of categories to see which one is the best choice for your household.
Appearance
The Shark ION X40 and Dyson V7 are very similar in appearance with a sleek profile from top to bottom. This is typical of the modern cordless vacuum where the main body is attached to a long (removable) wand. The wand will attach to any number of floor tools for cleaning anything from tile to hardwood and even carpeting. The body on both models contains a trigger for controlling the power and other necessary controls. Plus you can remove the wand for handheld operation to clean all of those difficult to reach areas. You can see all of these similarities by looking at the picture above.
Filtration
With any vacuum that is intended to clean your entire home, filtration rating is very important. You want a machine that will trap small allergens like dust mites and pet dander before they can escape back into the air. Both the Shark X40 and Dyson V7 are rated to remove more than 99% of the smallest of these organisms from the air as it passes through the filters. And they both have removable, washable lifetime filters so you won’t need to purchase replacements.
One thing to note is the X40 does not come with their Anti-Allergen Complete Seal™ like their full sized P50, but it does a great job at dust removal nonetheless. The Dyson on the other hand has several internal cyclones that work in unison with the filter. The air comes through with such force that the small particles are actually separated from the air before it hits the filters. This means longer times between cleanings and almost no chance of anything escaping back out. Dyson has always been known for power and filtration, and it’s on full display with this model. This gives it a slight edge over the Shark in this category.
Batteries
The cordless X40 and V7 both come with the latest technology of batteries, lithium ion. This type of battery lasts longer and provides fade-free power right up until it is virtually drained. This is a huge advantage over prior generations of cordless vacuums that would slowly lose suction power, rendering them useless when half drained. Lithium ion has been a game changer in the cordless vacuum industry, making today’s models capable of cleaning entire households on a single charge.
The only real difference in batteries between these two brands is a big one though. The Shark comes with a removable battery pack but the Dyson V7 does not. This means you can purchase extra packs for the Shark if you desire, or replace a worn down battery with ease. If you have a large home you can have one battery charging while you are vacuuming with another. While this might not be necessary depending on the floor types and size of your home, it’s really great to have the option. In our opinion, removable batteries is a big enough reason to give the edge to the X40 here.
Suction Power
Suction power is really important if you have carpets. Deep down in the fibers are where allergens like to hide, and if you want your vacuum to be effective at cleaning them it needs to be able to reach them. Fortunately, both these cordless vacuums are rated to deep clean carpeting as well as all types of hard floors. The Shark X40 pulls approximately 100 air watts which is similar to a full sized corded upright. The combination of this as well as their unique DuoClean power head means it can rid all your floors of dirt and dust, usually on a single charge.
The Dyson V7 puts out about the same amount of power to the attachments. The biggest difference is the 15 tiny cyclones inside that generate a lot of g-forces on the air as it passes through. This helps separate the tiny dust particles either in the bin or on the post-motor filter. This unique filter is comprised of a porous membrane that is folded many times to make it very compact yet effective. While it only puts out 100 air watts it actually feels more powerful than that when you are using it. The suction power category is a tie as both models can easily handle all types of floors.
Other Tidbits
One standout feature on the Shark X40 is the DuoClean™ brushroll which acts like 2 brushes in 1. It has a strong bristle that pushes right down into the carpet fibers to agitate any embedded dirt so it can be pulled up into the collection bin. The other side is a soft front brushroll that directly engages smooth surfaces like hardwood and laminate to attract fine dust and other small items. These work in unison as you travel from room to room. For more information on the Shark and to check current pricing, click here to visit our recommended online supplier.
The Dyson is available in 3 different models which gives you a nice variety for whatever needs your household has. The Motorhead, HEPA, and Absolute vary only in their attachments (and color) so you only spend money on what you require. Dyson is known for ingenuity and it really shows on their entire V series of cordless vacuums, from the V7 right up to the ultra powerful V11. To read more consumer reviews and check pricing, click here for our recommended supplier.