The Shark Apex Uplight and the Dyson V11 stand as prominent contenders in the realm of cordless vacuums, each vying for the attention of consumers seeking powerful, convenient cleaning solutions. The Shark Apex Uplight distinguishes itself with its innovative design that allows it to convert into a lightweight, corded stick vacuum, providing both cordless freedom and the assurance of continuous power. Meanwhile, the Dyson V11 earns accolades for its powerful suction, intelligent features, and comprehensive suite of attachments, establishing itself as a premium option in the cordless vacuum market.
Both vacuums cater to the demands of modern households, offering cordless convenience and versatile cleaning capabilities. The Shark Apex Uplight appeals to users who appreciate the flexibility of switching between cordless and corded modes, while the Dyson V11 targets those who prioritize advanced technology, strong suction, and a wide array of accessories for tackling various cleaning tasks. Ultimately, the choice between these two models hinges on individual preferences, cleaning needs, and budget considerations.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Shark Apex Uplight Review
- Dyson V11 Review
- Key Differences at a Glance
- Specifications Comparison
- Price Comparison
- Design and Build Quality
- Performance Face-Off
- Special Features Comparison
- Usability and User Experience
- Maintenance and Longevity
- Who Should Buy the Shark Apex Uplight?
- Who Should Buy the Dyson V11?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For users who want the option of continuous power and appreciate a lightweight design: The Shark Apex Uplight is a great choice, offering the convenience of a cordless vacuum with the option to plug it in for extended cleaning sessions.
- For users who prioritize powerful suction and advanced features: The Dyson V11 is the winner, providing exceptional cleaning performance and intelligent technology to optimize the cleaning process.
- For users who have mostly hard floors: The Shark Apex Uplight has better performance on hard floors.
- For users who have mostly carpets: The Dyson V11 has better performance on carpets.
The Shark Apex Uplight is a versatile vacuum cleaner designed to provide powerful cleaning in a lightweight and flexible package. Its standout feature is its ability to convert from a cordless stick vacuum to a corded one, offering users the freedom of cordless operation with the option of continuous power for longer cleaning sessions. The Apex Uplight also incorporates Shark’s signature DuoClean technology, which combines a soft brushroll and a bristle brushroll to effectively clean both hard floors and carpets.
The Apex Uplight excels in its maneuverability and ease of use. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry around the house and its swivel steering allows for effortless navigation around furniture and obstacles. The vacuum also features a removable hand vacuum for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and other hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, the Apex Uplight’s LED headlights illuminate the cleaning path, ensuring that no dirt or debris is missed.
Dyson V11 Review
The Dyson V11 is a high-end cordless vacuum cleaner renowned for its powerful suction and intelligent features. Equipped with a Dyson digital motor V11, it delivers exceptional cleaning performance on a variety of surfaces. The V11 also features a Dynamic Load Sensor (DLS) that automatically adjusts the motor speed based on the floor type, optimizing both power and runtime.
The Dyson V11 stands out for its advanced filtration system, which captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. The vacuum also features an LCD screen that displays the remaining runtime and performance information. In addition, the V11 comes with a range of attachments, including a mini motorized tool, a crevice tool, and a soft dusting brush, providing versatility for various cleaning tasks.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Shark Apex Uplight | Dyson V11 |
|---|---|---|
| Corded/Cordless | Cordless and Corded | Cordless |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Brushroll | DuoClean (soft brushroll and bristle brushroll) | Direct Drive Cleaner Head (bristle brushroll) |
| Suction | Strong | More powerful |
| Battery Life | Shorter | Longer |
| Display | None | LCD screen displaying runtime and performance |
| Filtration | Standard | Advanced filtration capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns |
| Unique Features | Converts to corded mode, providing continuous power | Dynamic Load Sensor (DLS) automatically adjusts motor speed based on floor type |
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark Apex Uplight | Dyson V11 |
|---|---|---|
| Model Number | LZ600 | SV14 |
| Weight | 10.14 lbs | 6.68 lbs |
| Corded/Cordless | Cordless and Corded | Cordless |
| Battery Type | Lithium-Ion | Lithium-Ion |
| Battery Life | Up to 30 minutes | Up to 60 minutes |
| Charge Time | 3.5 hours | 4.5 hours |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.84 quarts | 0.77 liters |
| Filtration | HEPA | Whole-machine HEPA filtration |
| Brushroll Type | DuoClean (soft brushroll and bristle brushroll) | Direct Drive Cleaner Head (bristle brushroll) |
| Attachments | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool | Mini Motorized Tool, Crevice Tool, Combination Tool, Soft Dusting Brush |
| Dimensions | 10.24″ L x 9.84″ W x 46.46″ H | 9.8″ L x 10.1″ W x 49.1″ H |
Price Comparison
The Shark Apex Uplight typically retails for around $250-$300, while the Dyson V11 is priced in the $500-$600 range. The Apex Uplight offers a lower upfront cost, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers. However, the Dyson V11 justifies its higher price tag with its superior suction, longer battery life, and advanced features.
In terms of value proposition, the Apex Uplight provides a good balance of performance and affordability. Its ability to convert to a corded vacuum adds to its versatility, making it a practical choice for users who want the flexibility of both cordless and corded operation. The Dyson V11, on the other hand, caters to users who are willing to invest in a premium cleaning experience, offering top-of-the-line performance and advanced technology.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark Apex Uplight features a sleek and modern design with a focus on lightweight maneuverability. Its construction is primarily plastic, but it feels sturdy and well-assembled. The vacuum’s controls are intuitive and easy to access, and its LED headlights provide ample illumination in dark areas.
The Dyson V11 boasts a more premium aesthetic with its high-quality materials and refined finish. Its construction feels robust and durable, and its LCD screen adds a touch of sophistication. The V11’s ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold and operate, even for extended cleaning sessions.
Performance Face-Off
Suction Power
- Shark Apex Uplight: Offers strong suction suitable for everyday cleaning tasks.
- Dyson V11: Delivers significantly more powerful suction, effectively tackling embedded dirt and debris.
Cleaning on Hard Floors
- Shark Apex Uplight: Excels on hard floors thanks to its DuoClean brushroll, which gently lifts dirt and debris without scratching surfaces.
- Dyson V11: Performs well on hard floors, but may not be as gentle as the Apex Uplight’s DuoClean brushroll.
Cleaning on Carpets
- Shark Apex Uplight: Provides decent cleaning performance on carpets, but may struggle with deep-pile carpets or stubborn stains.
- Dyson V11: Delivers exceptional cleaning performance on carpets, thanks to its powerful suction and Direct Drive Cleaner Head, which agitates carpet fibers to remove embedded dirt.
Edge Cleaning
- Shark Apex Uplight: Offers good edge cleaning capabilities, effectively reaching along baseboards and walls.
- Dyson V11: Provides excellent edge cleaning performance, ensuring thorough cleaning along edges and in corners.
Special Features Comparison
- Shark Apex Uplight: Converts to corded mode for continuous power, DuoClean technology for effective cleaning on both hard floors and carpets.
- Dyson V11: Dynamic Load Sensor (DLS) automatically adjusts motor speed based on floor type, LCD screen displays runtime and performance information, advanced filtration system captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
Usability and User Experience
The Shark Apex Uplight is designed for ease of use, with its lightweight design and intuitive controls making it accessible to users of all experience levels. Its ability to convert to a corded vacuum adds to its versatility, providing users with the option of continuous power for longer cleaning sessions.
The Dyson V11 offers a more advanced user experience with its LCD screen, which displays real-time information on battery life, power mode, and maintenance alerts. Its Dynamic Load Sensor (DLS) automatically adjusts motor speed based on floor type, optimizing both power and runtime.
Maintenance and Longevity
The Shark Apex Uplight requires regular maintenance, including emptying the dust cup and cleaning the brushrolls. Its warranty coverage is standard for the industry.
The Dyson V11 also requires regular maintenance, such as emptying the dust cup and cleaning the filters and brushrolls. Dyson offers a comprehensive warranty on its products, providing peace of mind for users.
Who Should Buy the Shark Apex Uplight?
The Shark Apex Uplight is an excellent choice for:
- Users who want the option of continuous power with a corded mode.
- Budget-conscious consumers seeking a versatile and affordable cordless vacuum.
- Users who have mostly hard floors.
- Those who prefer a lightweight and maneuverable vacuum.
Who Should Buy the Dyson V11?
The Dyson V11 is an ideal choice for:
- Users who prioritize powerful suction and advanced features.
- Allergy sufferers seeking a vacuum with exceptional filtration capabilities.
- Users who have mostly carpets.
- Those who are willing to invest in a premium cleaning experience.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark Apex Uplight and the Dyson V11 offer compelling features and performance. The Shark Apex Uplight stands out for its versatility, affordability, and lightweight design, while the Dyson V11 excels in suction power, advanced features, and overall cleaning performance.
Ultimately, the choice between these two models depends on individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize affordability and the flexibility of both cordless and corded operation, the Shark Apex Uplight is a great choice. However, if you’re willing to invest in a premium cleaning experience with top-of-the-line performance and advanced technology, the Dyson V11 is the clear winner.
