Shark Stratos vs. Vertex: What’s the Best Shark Vacuum?

Shark IZ483H Stratos is a stick vacuum but has one unique extra. You can use it in two ways. While it’s a stick vacuum by default, it can be transformed into a handheld vac. In the handheld mode, you can vacuum sofas, curtain boxes, cupboards, and other spaces that require a handheld. Interestingly, Shark Stratos can double up as a car vacuum.

You will also like the compact and lightweight design of the Shark Stratos. As mentioned above, it is a stick vacuum. The stick vacuum measures 10.23 “L x 9.65 “W x 46.45 “H while the weight is around 9 lbs.

Regarding build quality, we like Shark’s choice of premium-grade materials that make the cleaner durable. This one can take the abuse, unlike the cheap stick vacuums that break easily.

Last, on aesthetics, the Shark Stratos boasts a sleek and stylish design comparable to the Tineco line of cordless vacuums. The cleaner has some clear parts, the dust cup in particular, while the other parts have been finished in rosewood, gray and black. The visible flashy blue and black brush spices things up.

The Shark Vertex is similar to the Shark Stratos in terms of design, as it is also a 2-in-1 vacuum cleaner. Primarily, it is a stick vacuum but can transform into a handheld. You can easily detach the upper portion (stick handle and tank) and attach the necessary attachment to use it in the handheld mode to clean upholstery, kitchen tops, curtain boxes, and even your car.

The Vertex is also a compact and lightweight stick vacuum. In the stick vacuum mode, it measures 13.78″ L x 10.24″ W x 51.18″ H. One of the differences between the Stratos and Vertex is that the Vertex is lighter at 8.9 lbs.

Regarding the build quality, the Vertex is also an excellent choice as it boasts excellent craftsmanship. The high-grade materials used in the construction guarantee years of service, just like the Stratos.

Last, on aesthetics, the Vertex also flaunts a sleek design just like Vertex. The only notable difference is the color. The Shark Vertex has a clear dust cup, while the other parts are amber, purple, black, and gray. We also like the flashy red accents of the brushroll caged in a clear cleaning head compartment.

The Shark Stratos is also a compact, lightweight stick vacuum with excellent maneuverability. It is also not self-propelled, but you can literally push it with a finger on hard floors. On carpets, however, there is a little drag caused by the carpet’s fabric.

Shark Stratos also comes with a Swivel cleaning head like Vertex and most stick vacuums out there. The swivel mechanism facilitates effortless turning, even in tight spaces. Another feature worth mentioning is MultiFLEX Technology. The wand in this cleaner can flex or fold halfway, enabling the cleaner to go under most furniture with a low profile. The foldable wand also makes storage easier. You can also opt for the Shark IZ862H Stratos Cordless without MultiFLEX at $100 less. The Stratos can also clean high-up spots by detaching the nozzle.

The controls on the Stratos are also on the ergonomic handle and are easily accessible. One of the best features, however, is the LED display on the handle. It displays crucial information, such as suction levels, CleanSense IQ, and battery status. Cleaning in the dark with the Shark Stratos is also possible courtesy of the LED lights at the front of the cleaning head.

On operation noise, there is not much disturbance caused when vacuuming. The average operation noise of the Shark Stratos is 80 dB.

The Shark Vertex is a compact and lightweight stick vacuum. As you may be, it is not self-propelled. Instead, you push and pull it. But we like the fact that it has excellent maneuverability. It gently rolls on hard floors without much effort. On carpets, there is a bit of drag, but still, you won’t sweat pushing or pulling it.

We also like the Swivel cleaning head. The swivel mechanism makes turning easy even on those tight corners. Another feature we like is the MultiFLEX Technology. This is a mechanism that enables the main wand to fold for easy access under low-profile furniture without much bending. MultiFLEX also comes in handy when it comes to storage, as the unit is much more compact when folded.

The control buttons are strategically positioned on the ergonomic handle for easy accessibility.

Unfortunately, the Shark Vertex doesn’t have an LED Display like the advanced stick vacuums. But all the same, the controls are pretty straightforward. On the cleaning head, Shark equipped the Vertex with LED headlights for illuminating those dark spots when vacuuming at night.

Talking of vacuuming at night, we like the fact that the Vertex has been optimized for quiet operation. The average noise is 80 dB.

The Shark Stratos is a versatile multisurface cleaner designed for both hard floors and carpets. Whether you have tile, linoleum, vinyl, or hardwood floors, it is up to the task. You can also rely on the Stratos to handle low, medium, and high pile carpets. Another great thing about this cleaner is the fact that it is designed for effective pet hair pickup. You no longer have to worry about those stubborn dog hairs and brush tangling.

Considering suction can be the deal maker or breaker, hark equipped the Stratos with a multispeed HyperVelocity Plus motor that delivers excellent and consistent suction. There are 3 suction levels: Eco Mode, Boost Mode, and CleanSense IQ. Eco Mode is for those light touchups, while Boost Mode is handy when you need extra power. One unique feature of the Stratos is CleanSense IQ which detects areas with concentrated dirt and steps up suction for effective cleaning.

To facilitate multisurface cleaning, the Shark Stratos has a formidable dual brushroll system (DuoClean PowerFins HairPro) under the 10.23-inch wide cleaning head. The first brush system is called PowerFins and has been designed for continuous carpet and hard floor contact. The second is the Soft Roller that agitates and pulls all kinds of debris from floors. Whether fine dust, large debris, or embedded dirt, the Shark Stratos is ready for the task.
It’s also worth mentioning that the brush is self-cleaning.

Shark Vertex is also a hard floor cleaner designed for all kinds of hard floors, including tile, linoleum, vinyl, hardwood, you name it. It is equally a reliable vacuum for carpets as it satisfactorily deep cleans low-pile and high-pile carpets. If you have pets, especially furry friends, don’t worry, as this is also a stick vacuum for pet hair and comes with several attachments, including the Pet-Multi Tool.

Regarding suction, the Vertex packs a powerful HyperVelocity Accelerated motor that delivers exceptional suction to suck up all kinds of debris. There are 3 cleaning modes: Bare Floor Mode, Carpet Mode, and Boost Mode. Carpet Mode is suitable for carpets, while Hard Floor mode is for bare floors. On the other hand, Boost Mode is for deep cleaning carpets. For the record, Shark Vertex doesn’t feature CleanSense IQ like the Stratos.

Like the Stratos, the Vertex has two brushes inside the 13.78-inch wide cleaning head. There are PowerFins for maximizing contact with carpets and hard floors alongside a Soft Roller for agitating and lifting dirt from the floor or deep inside the carpet fabric. Like the Stratos, the Vertex’s brush system is also self-cleaning.

Shark IZ862H Stratos has an XL 0.68 L bin that holds more dirt compared to Vertex. An Anti-Allergen Complete Seal also ensures dirt stays in the bin. As for the filters, Shark equipped the Staos with true-HEPA filters that capture 99.97% of dust and other allergens and filter down to 0.3 microns. These filters are washable, so maintenance costs are lower.

Besides the HEPA-grade filters and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, the Stratos has a unique feature dubbed Odor Neutralizer Technology that freshens your ambiance.

Shark Vertex also has a large XL bin, so you don’t have to empty the bin now and then. We also like the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal design that lets not allergens escape back to the atmosphere ponce captured. Shark also equipped the Vertex with true HEPA filters that capture 99.97% of dust and allergens. They filter down to 0.3 microns.

The fact that these filters are washable brings down recurring maintenance costs. Unfortunately, the Shark Vertex doesn’t come with the Odor Neutralizer Technology like the Stratos.

Shark IZ862H Stratos comes with the following items:

The Shark Vertex IZ483H comes with the following items:

While primarily an upright vacuum, Shark AZ3002 Stratos has an innovative feature dubbed Powered Lift-Away. This mechanism lets you lift the pod and clean under furniture or detach the nozzle and reach above the floor.

The Shark Stratos boasts a compact and lightweight design. The dimensions are 12.2″ L x 11.02″ W x 46.46″ H, while the weight is 16.71 lbs. When it comes to the build quality, we are glad Shark used high-grade materials that guarantee reliability and durability for years.

Last, on aesthetics, the Shark Stratos has a sleek and stylish design. It has been finished in black, silver, and blue and comes with a clear dustbin.

Shark AZ2002 Vertex is similar to the Stratos as it also has the Powered Lift-Away feature. You can detach the pod for motorized cleaning under low-profile furniture and above the floor.

As for the design, the Shark Vertex corded cleaner is also compact and lightweight compared to full-size upright vacuums. The dimensions are 12″ L x 15.09″ W x 46.25″ H, while the weight is 16.38 lbs. The build quality is also commendable and guarantees years of service.

On aesthetics, the Shark Vertex is just as stylish as Stratos. The difference is it has been finished in gray, silver, and rose gold and has a clear dustcup.

The Shark Stratos cordless vacuum cleaner has a compact, lightweight design that makes maneuverability effortless. Besides, the Lift-Away mechanism opens up a whole new world of possibilities on how you can use your vacuum cleaner. It extends reach to the ceiling, curtain boxes, and other hard-to-reach spots.

Whether on hard floors or carpets, the cleaner glides smoothly without resistance when pushing or pulling it. We also like the fact that it comes with a Swivel cleaning head which facilitates easy turning on tight corners.

When it comes to controls, the Shark Stratos has easy control buttons on the handle for easy accessibility. The controls are pretty straightforward, so you won’t struggle to operate the cleaner. Unfortunately, there is no LED display like the one we saw in the Shark Stratos cordless vacuum. However, there are LED headlights on the cleaning head for night cleaning.

Talking of cleaning at night, the Stratos offers quiet operation. On average, the operation noise is 83 dB.

Like the Stratos, the Vertex corded cleaner sports a compact and lightweight design for easy maneuverability on different surfaces, from hard floors to carpets. It also features the innovative Lift-Away design so you can easily reach those tight spots and high-above places such as the curtains and ceiling.

Regarding maneuverability, the lightweight design makes pushing and pulling the cleaner effortless. Remember, it is not self-propelled. It glides smoothly on hard floors and carpets, though you will feel some little drag on carpets. The Vertex also has a Swivel cleaning head, so turning is a buzz.

Onto the controls, the buttons are strategically located on the handle for easy access when cleaning. They have been properly labeled, so you shouldn’t miss a thing. But like the Stratos corded, the Vertex corded doesn’t have an LED display. However, you still get the LED headlights on the nozzle for illuminating dark spots.

Regarding operation noise, the Vertex averages 81dB.

The Shark Stratos AZ3002 is a corded vacuum with a 30ft power cord. This means you get the convenience of continuous cleaning without interruptions. However, your working area should be near a power outlet. You will also have to deal with the cord wraps.

If you are looking for a multi-surface upright vacuum, you have one in the Stratos AZ3002. It has been designed for all hard floors, including tile, linoleum, vinyl, hardwood, etc. You can also rely on it to clean carpets. Remember, in the Lift-Away mode, you can extend its applications to cleaning other hard-to-reach spots.

Under the hood, the Stratos packs a powerful motor that delivers super suction unforgiving to all kinds of dirt, from fine debris to large particles. There are 3 cleaning modes: Hard Floor Carpet, Low Pile, and Thick Carpet/Area Rug.

Like the Stratos AZ3002, the Vertex AZ2002 is also a corded vacuum cleaner with a similar 30ft power cord. You can use this vacuum for as long as you want. But you have to deal with the constant cord wraps and tangles.

When it comes to specialization, the Vertex AZ2002 is suitable for all hard floors, including tile, vinyl, hardwood, linoleum, and so on. If you have carpets, no problem. The Vertex is also a good vacuum cleaner for carpets. Considering it also features Lift-Away Technology, its applications extend further to spots such as under furniture, ceilings, etc.

Regarding suction, the AZ2002 packs a powerful motor that delivers storing suction to ensure all dirt is sucked into the bin. There are 3 cleaning modes; Hard Floor Carpet, Low Pile, and Thick Carpet/Area Rug.

The cleaning head is quite wide and is optimized for effective wall and edge cleaning. The brush system, dubbed DuoClean PowerFins HairPro, consists of 2 brushes. The PowerFins brush is made from silicone and ensures sufficient contact with the surface, be it hard floors or carpets.

The other brush is a Soft Roller brush with fine bristles that grip and capture all kinds of dirt, including stubborn pet hairs. The brush has also been designed to reduce the chances of tangling, making the Shark Stratos a good vacuum for pet hair. The Stratos has a self-cleaning mechanism, so cleaning the brush shouldn’t be a worry.

The Vertex AZ2002 also features a wide cleaning head designed to reach the deep corners and wall edges. Underneath is Shark’s proprietary DuoClean PowerFins brush system.

A silicone PowerFins brush guarantees sufficient contact with the floor or carpet, and a Soft Roller brush for embedded dirt and pet hair. The Vertex also has a self-cleaning system that takes care of the brushes.

On filtration, the Stratos is equipped with a large bin that is easy to detach and empty. To ensure your ambiance is always fresh, there is a multilevel filtration system consisting of true-HEPA filters.

The filters are washable, so maintenance costs are down. Another feature worth mentioning is the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal which ensures all allergens remain in the bin. Last is Odor Neutralizer Technology, which kills bad odors and freshens your home.

Onto filtration, the AZ2002 Vertex also comes with a large dustcup, so you won’t be interrupted now and then. It also has a multi-stage filtration system that relies on true HEPA filters, which are 99.97% efficient and filter down to 0.3 microns.

The unit also integrates an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, ensuring no allergens sneak back into the atmosphere. Unfortunately, the Vertex AZ2002 doesn’t come with Odor Neutralizer Technology.

The Shark Stratos AZ3002 comes with the following:

The Shark Vertex AZ2002 comes with the following: