Shark ION Flex vs Dyson V8 – In-depth Comparison

If you rank vacuum cleaner brands, Shark and Dyson will be somewhere at the top. That is why we came up with the Shark ION Flex vs Dyson V8 comparison.

These brands have consistently offered vacuum cleaners that are top of the class in a lot of areas, especially performance. Their popularity among users proves this.

They are both good vacuums no doubt and this is why it can be difficult to decide between them.

Another thing these two have in common is that they are high-end cordless vacuums which mean that they are expensive.

Their high cost is a good reason to want to be extra careful deciding between these two. You don’t want to make an expensive mistake, do you?

If you are looking for help telling these two apart, you are in the right place. The Shark ION Flex vs Dyson V8 comparison is about to take you through all you need to know to decide which is best for your needs.

 

To get the Shark, click here	To get the V8, click here

 

Comparison Overview – Shark ION Flex vs Dyson V8

If you ask us, this is going to be a fight to the finish. The Shark has a lot of good things going for it, especially its price.

It is less expensive, by a good amount, yet it can do all the V8 does.

It is true that it has its shortcomings but by our standards, but they are not deal breakers.

The ION Flex can fold in the middle allowing you to get under furniture without bending your back so much. This is good thinking as it caters to the seniors too.

It is freestanding, has LED headlights, and long lasting battery even on its high power.

Talking about power, that’s something you can expect to get from a Dyson. The V8 has an impressive amount of it.

Its filtration system is one thing it has over its adversary. Featuring a HEPA filter, double filters in some models, makes it an allergic users choice.

If you don’t want your decision to be a tough one, you should be clean on what you want from a cordless vacuum. This is the easiest way to get maximum benefit from the array of awesome features you’re about to come by.

 

 

Comparison Table – Shark ION Flex vs Dyson V8

	Shark ION Flex	Dyson V8
Available Models	ION Flex Duo Clean, ION Flex 2X	Absolute and Animal You can read our review of the Dyson V8 to learn more about it.
Battery Life	Up to 30 minutes	40 minutes
Charge Time	3 hours 30 minutes	5 hours
Filtration System	Foam Filter	Whole Machine HEPA
Weight	8.7 lbs	5.75 lbs
Dimension	13.4 x 10.4 x 45.9 inches	9.9 x 8.9 x 49 inches
Dust Cup	0.3 liters	0.54 liters
Attachment tools	Dusting brush, crevice tool, wide upholstery tool, and anti-allergen tool. If you go for the ION Flex 2X, you will get an extra battery along with these.	Crevice tool, mini motorized tool, combination tool, soft brush tool. If you go for the Absolute model, you will get the fluffy brush head along with all these.

 

 

 

 

 

Which Is Best Under What Circumstance? – Shark ION Flex vs Dyson V8  

Shark ION Flex	Dyson V8
The Dust cup capacity is an important part of a cordless vacuum for two main reasons.   First is the capacity and second is the ease of use. The ION Flex does great in the latter but its capacity is quite small. This means that you will have to empty it quite often.	The Dyson V8 has a fairly larger dust cup. Emptying it is also as easy and straightforward.   The dust cup opens at the base and the dirt falls out. If there is any clinging on, there is a lever you can pull that will force it out.
Shark uses its DuoClean brush head on this cordless vacuum. This brush head has both a bristle brush roll and a fluffy brush roll in one head. That way, you can transition from carpets to hard floors without any issues.	As for the Dyson V8, it has all it takes to clean on both carpets and hard floors. In this case, it has independent brush heads for either floor type.   The direct drive brush head caters to carpet floors and the fluffy brush head is mainly for carpets. However, you will have to switch brush heads when switching floors.   As you will agree, this requires extra time and effort. Another thing you need to note with the V8 is that the fluffy brush head is only available in the Absolute model.
We all know that attachment tools are important. If you want versatility in your cordless vacuum, you will have to pay extra attention to the tools you get.   The Shark ION Flex comes with an impressive collection of tools. These allow you clean in many different ways and you can take your vacuuming beyond floors and your home for that matter.	The V8 also comes with a good collection of attachment tools. What differentiates the V8 models is the number of tools they come with. If you want the entire attachment tools collection, you should go for the V8 Absolute.
As far as cordless vacuums are concerned, you don’t have the luxury of time once the vacuum comes on. This is why the runtime is important in selecting cordless vacuums.   This vacuum offers up to 23 minutes of runtime depending on what mode you are running it on. You can also get 12 minutes of runtime when using it in Max power mode.	The Dyson V8 is popularly known for its impressive runtime. This vacuum will work for a whopping 40 minutes in regular power. However, if you use it in Max mode, you will get just 7 minutes out of it.
The value attached to the time differences mentioned above is largely based on context. The context we are talking about in this case is power. This vacuum has good suction and it will get you a good clean in the time it can stay on.	When you are talking about vacuum cleaner power, your talk won’t be complete without the mention of Dyson. This brand and its vacuums, especially the cordless V series, have suction power locked down.   The V8 is powerful, no doubt. And on top of that, it offers more runtime overall. So, if a combination of runtime and power sounds good to you, this is what you need.
If you are an allergic or asthmatic user, one of the most important features you want to look out for is the filtration system. By standards, a HEPA filter is the best you can get for a vacuum cleaner.   The ION Flex, unfortunately, does not feature that. What it has is a foam filter which is also efficient. One good part of this is that it is washable, so you will not have to change it as often.	The filtration system of the V8 is at the highest standard. Both models of the V8 have double HEPA filters. That way, you can breathe deeply and safely knowing that your vacuum cleaner protects you.

 

Common Features – Shark ION Flex vs Dyson V8

Cordless vacuums are meant to share similarities whether they’re from competing brands or not. Come to think of it, the only reason they’re competing is because they do the same thing.

While we tell you what these two have in common, we will also let you know when they approach the same result from different angles.

 

Max Mode

Both vacuums have a strong motor that powers them which is why they both have powerful suction.

Even at normal mode, they will still do a great job of cleaning your floors. However, there are times you need a deeper clean of your carpets which is where the Max Mode comes in.

This mode significantly increases the suction power o the vacuum which makes it clean better.

The Max mode on both vacuums can work whether you are using it in the full mode or in the handheld mode.

 

Handheld Mode

Talking about the handheld mode, both cordless vacuums are capable of transforming into a miniature version of themselves.

This transformation lets you clean up dirt closely and clean in ways you could not in the full mode.

For instance, in the handheld mode, you can clean upholstery, dust furniture, vacuum your window blinds and drapes, etc.

That’s not all, since you are not tethered by an electric cord, you are free to roam as far as you need to.

You can go from room to room, up and down the stairs. You can even go as far as your garage if you want to. This will allow you to clean the interior of your car.

The truth is that how you can use the handheld mode is only limited to your creativity, and of course, the attachment tools available to you.

 

Attachment tools

The more attachment tools you have at your disposal, the more ways you can use the vacuum. With the tools that come with both cordless vacuums, you can clean floors, ceilings, and everything in between.

If you want details on the attachment tools, check the ‘Comparison Table’ section above. You will see which attachment tools you get with which model you buy.

 

Ease of Use

This might not be an all-out feature but it is an important thing to consider when buying a vacuum. You don’t want to spend this much money on a vacuum you won’t know how to use.

Maneuverability is something you will get out of both vacuums. They are both easy to push on the floor and they will turn quite easily as well.

Changing the attachment tools is easy as it does not require any technicalities. Both vacuums have all the controls you need to use within reach.

The Dyson V8 has a swivel steering which allows the vacuum to tilt almost parallel to the floor. This makes it easy for you to get underneath furniture to clean things out.

As for the Shark ION Flex, this is where the ‘Flex’ in its name comes from. There is a mechanism on the wand that lets it bend at 90 degrees.

This will allow you to reach under furniture as well. Only this time, you won’t have to bend as much.

Still on ease of use, storing both cordless vacuums is easy as well. The V8 comes with a dock that lets you hang the vacuum on the wall so it does not take floor space. You can charge it like that too.

The Shark ION Flex, on the other hand, can stand upright if you fold it at the wand all the way down. In this position, it can easily sit in your closet.

 

Dust Cup

Both vacuums have dust cups that work pretty much the same way. They are both located on the handle of the vacuum.

The two dust cups open up at the base to allow dirt to fall out. On the Dyson V8, the Radial Cyclone extends into the dust cup which could keep in the dirt even while the cup is open.

To neutralize this, Dyson included a design which involves pulling a lever that lifts up the cyclone. The effect of this is to push out any dirt that is holding on.

The Shark Ion Flex’s dust cup does not have anything that can keep in the dirt so once you just open the base, down goes all the dirt.

 

To get the Shark, click here	To get the V8, click here

 

 

Shark ION Flex vs Dyson V8 – What’s Unique To Each Product?

Features Unique To Shark ION Flex

DuoClean Brush Head

The brush head of the Shark ION Flex is obviously bigger than that of the Dyson V8. The reason for that is because the brush head consists of 2 brush rolls.

One has stiff bristles that comb through the fibers of your carpet to dislodge embedded dirt and pick it up. The other, microfiber soft brush, will work on your hard floors. This will leave a sort of polished look on your floors.

With this, you can clean on both hard floors and carpets without changing the brush head as you will with the V8.

The only change you will need to make is within the reach of your finger. You only need to change the vacuum setting to “floor” in you are going on hard floors and “carpet” if you want to vacuum on carpets.

Another awesome thing about this brush head is its ability to handle a pile of debris. The fluffy brush roll in front sort of rolls over the pile making it easy to vacuum.

The direct drive brush head of the Dyson V8 will only push the debris forward. However, if you use its fluffy brush head, you will get a result similar to this Shark Duo Clean.

 

Removable Battery

The Shark ION Flex uses a lithium-ion battery just like the Dyson. However, this one is removable.

This poses a great advantage, maybe even one that can make up for the runtime difference.

If you are willing to spend a little more to get an extra battery, you can keep one on charge while using the other. That will give you double the runtime. Another option is to go for the Shark ION Flex 2X model.

 

LED Lights

This might sound like a fancy addition just for the sake of it, but trust us, this feature is useful.

The lights are quite bright and provide good illumination. This comes in handy when you are vacuuming in a poorly lit room or dark corners. With these lights, dirt has no place to hide.

 

 

 

 

Features Unique To Dyson V8

Direct Drive

This is a specialized brush head exclusive to Dyson. It has a mechanism that drives the brush roll. This is unlike some other vacuums that use the force of the suction to drive the brush roll.

This, apart from the powerful digital V8 motor, is what gives the brush head much more agitation than its predecessors.

Dyson rates the power of its V8 as a whopping 150% more than its V6. This is a lot of suction power considering that the V6 has decent suction.

If you have been wondering how the V8 is so good on carpets and hard floors and picking up all sorts of debris, now you have it.

 

HEPA Filter

This is one aspect the Dyson V8 is superior to the Shark ION Flex. If you are a sensitive user, this feature would be important to you.

That the Dyson V8 uses this type of filter is good enough. It goes even further by using 2 of it! The V8 has one filter in the middle of the radial cyclone compartment and another after the motor.

These two filters ensure that none of the allergens and air-borne contaminants that were sucked in makes it back out.

A HEPA filter by standard has the efficiency of trapping 99.97% of the content of the air that passes through it down to 0.3 microns.

These are particles way smaller than the diameter of a typical human hair. Now you can rest assured the air that flows out of your V8 is safe enough to breathe.

There’s more! These HEPA filters have lifetime longevity and are washable. This means that you will not be buying replacement filters throughout the lifetime of the vacuum. Just rinse and reuse.

 

 

 

 

Shark ION Flex vs Dyson V8 – Unique Pros

Shark ION Flex

i. The brush head has LED lights for a better vision.

ii. It has dual brush roll in its cleaner head.

iii. The control buttons are within your thumb’s reach.

iv. It has a mechanism that lets the wand fold in the middle.

v. It can stand upright which makes for easy storage.

Dyson V8

i. It has a HEPA filter, two of them!

ii. The brush head has a mechanism that drives the brush roll.

iii. The HEPA filters are washable.

iv. It has a larger dust cup.

 

 

Shark ION Flex vs Dyson V8 – Unique Cons

Shark ION Flex

i. It does not have a HEPA filter. However, its foam filter is washable.

ii. It is heavier than the V8.

Dyson V8

i. It takes 5 hours to fully charge.

ii. It is quite expensive.

 

 

To get the Shark, click here	To get the V8, click here

 

 

Shark ION Flex vs Dyson V8 – Pros Common To Both Products

Shark Ion Flex	Dyson V8
The Shark Ion Flex has impressive suction power. It cleans really well on both carpets and hard floors. If you raise it to the Max mode, you will definitely get a deep clean of your carpets.	Same as the ION Flex but has more power to offer.
This vacuum has a good collection of attachment tools that lets you clean in different ways.	Same as the ION Flex
The Shark can easily convert into a handheld. With the attachment tools available, you can go places and vacuum in more ways than one.	Same as the ION Flex

 

 

Shark ION Flex vs Dyson V8 – Cons Common To Both Products

Shark ION Flex	Dyson V8
The Shark is a high-end cordless vacuum and it is quite expensive.	The V8 is a Dyson and as it is commonly known, it is expensive too. Even more than the Shark.

 

To get the Shark, click here	To get the V8, click here

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUC976UmBpo

 

 

Shark ION Flex vs Dyson V8 – General Feeling Among Users

Shark ION Flex	Dyson V8
A lot of users like how easy it is to use this vacuum. Some said that setting it up was quite easy most f them did not even need to consult the user manual to do that.   They also like how easy it was to move across floors and transitioning from hard floors to carpet was not an issue.	Quite a number of users like how easy it was to empty the dust cup. They praised the extra lever you need to pull to push out any dirt hanging on. Perhaps they like it because it spares them from having to put their hands in the yuck.
Both users that have carpeted floors and those with mainly hard floors all praised the suction of the vacuum. They were all pleased with how well it picks up dirt, debris, and pet hairs on all floor types.	A lot of users agree to how well this vacuum cleans. However, they often talk about its performance on both hard floors and carpets. Users applaud the V8 for its ability to pick up pet hairs.   A particular user who has pets in her house mentioned how much hair the V8 still picked off her carpet after a robot vacuum had already gone over it. She is quite excited about the result she is getting.
Some users love the battery life. They especially like how long it lasts in Max mode. They like that you still get a lot of cleaning time out of it regardless of the tool you attach to it.	Of course, as expected a lot of users were happy that they can vacuum for up to 40 minutes. Most of them did not mind sticking to the normal mode since the suction power in that mode is still good.
Cordless vacuum users seem to consider it a huge advantage if the battery of a vacuum is removable. This is so because quite a number of them like the Shark because you can easily get an extra battery and you essentially double the runtime.	People who used the Dyson V8 enjoy how easy it is to use. They like the swivel heal and how easily it can turn corners. Some others enjoy its lightweight.

Shark ION Flex vs Dyson V8 – Our Verdict

Shark ION Flex	Dyson V8
This vacuum is worth its price. That isn’t to promote it, it’s just the honest truth. It does not cost as much as the Dyson yet it can do all the things it can.   Yes, it does not have a HEPA filter but the foam filter is still efficient. If you need more battery power, you can get an extra or just buy the 2X model.	The Dyson V8 is a vacuum at the top of its class. There is hardly anything this vacuum did not get right. This vacuum is really expensive but if what it offers is what you need, then you will be getting value for your money.

 

To get the Shark, click here	To get the V8, click here