Shark Stratos vs. Vertex: What’s the Best Shark Vacuum?
Shark Stratos vs. Vertex, what’s the best vacuum to buy? If you are in this dilemma, you are in the right place. We have compared two of the best-selling models from the Stratos and Vertex series. Check out their features, similarities, and differences.
Shark is undoubtedly one of the best vacuum brands. The company boasts a long line of vacuum cleaners that offers excellent cleaning performance, reliability, and durability. Two of the most popular lines include the Shark Stratos Series and Shark Vertex.
In this review, we will pit the best-selling cordless vacuums from the Stratos and Vertex Series and the bestselling upright vacuums from the Stratos and Vertex Series. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
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Shark Stratos vs. Vertex Cordless Vacuums
Shark Vertex IZ483H and Shark Stratos IZ862H are both cordless vacuum cleaners with several similarities. However, there are noteworthy differences.
The main difference between the Shark Stratos vs. Vertex is the brush system, cleaning modes, and filtration. Shark Stratos has an advanced cleaning mode dubbed CleaningSense IQ, Odor Neutralizer Technology, and the (DuoClean PowerFins HairPro brush system. On the other hand, Shark Vertex lacks CleanSense IQ and Odor Neutralizer Technology.
Shark Stratos has several models in the series. For this review, we have focused on the Shark Shark IZ862H Stratos. The Shark Vertex Series also has several variants, but in our case, we have the Shark IZ483H Vertex Cordless Vacuum with Clean Sense IQ and Odor Neutralizer.
Design and Aesthetics
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.
Usability
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.
Power Source
Shark IZ862H Stratos is a cordless vacuum cleaner with a rechargeable battery. The cordless design means there are no limits on where you can clean. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about the hassles of cord wraps, tangles, and kinks.
Under the hood, the Shark Stratos packs a powerful lithium-ion battery that offers up to 60 minutes of runtime in Eco mode. Of course, the runtime dips as you switch to high-power modes. One thing about this battery is the fact that it is removable, so you can have two batteries and swap them for uninterrupted cleaning.
When it comes to power management, you will obviously have to charge the battery. The recharge time is 4 hours which might be a bother if the battery dies before you finish the cleaning. For this reason, we advise buyers to consider getting an extra battery pack.
Cleaning Performance
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.
Bin and Filtration
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.
What’s in the Box?
The Shark Vertex IZ483H comes with the following items:
- Shark IZ862H Stratos Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- 1 Battery Pack
- Crevice Tool
- Pet Multi-Tool
- Anti-Allergen Dusting Brush
verdictThat’s the end of the Shark Stratos vs. Vertex cordless vacuum comparison review. As you have seen, the Statos is the best choice. It has an advanced brush system, CleanSense IQ, and Odor Neutralizer Technology, features the Vertex lacks. But still, the Vertex is a worthy consideration if you are on a tight budget.
Shark Stratos vs. Vertex Upright Vacuums
Shark Stratos and Shark Vertex upright vacuum cleaners are corded models. While they share a lot of similarities, there are differences that should inform your purchase decision.
The main difference between the Shark Stratos and Vertex corded cleaners is the filtration. While they both have a true-HEPA filter system and an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal design, the Stratos comes with Odor Neutralizer Technology which the Vertex lacks.
Shark Stratos has several variants in the Stratos lineup of corded upright vacuums. For this review, we have focused on the Shark AZ3002 Stratos. The Shark Vertex also has several models in the corded upright vacuum line. In this review, we have the Shark AZ2002 Vertex.
Design and Aesthetics
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.
Usability
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.
Cleaning Performance
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.
Cleaning Head
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.
Filtration
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.
What’s in the Box?
The Shark Vertex AZ2002 comes with the following:
- Shark Vertex AZ2002
- Dusting Brush
- Crevice Tool
- Self-Cleaning Pet Power Brush
verdictThat’s the end of this Shark AZ3002 vs. AZ2002 comparison review. So, what’s the best choice? Well, the Shark Vertex is a great deal as it is cheaper and offers the same cleaning performance as Shark Stratos. But overall, you’d rather go for the Stratos as it has an advanced brush system and Odor Neutralizer Technology for freshening the air.
Wrapping Up
We have now come to the end of this Shark Stratos vs. Vertex comparison review. As you have seen, both lineups have cordless and corded vacuum cleaners. So, what’s the best series? Well, the Stratos series has the best vacuum cleaners with plenty of innovative features. But you still can’t rule out the Vertex corded and cordless vacuums, as they also offer excellent performance. Check out the latest Shark deals and discounts today, and snap a Strato or Vertex at a discount!