The Shark Apex DuoClean and the Dyson Animal 2 are two of the most popular upright vacuums on the market, both vying for the title of best overall cleaning performance and convenience. The Shark Apex DuoClean stands out with its innovative DuoClean technology and Lift-Away feature, while the Dyson Animal 2 is renowned for its powerful suction and advanced filtration system. Both are designed for homes with pets, tackling pet hair and allergens effectively. This review dives deep into their features, performance, and value to help you decide which vacuum cleaner is the right choice for your home.
Choosing the right vacuum cleaner can be daunting, especially when comparing top-tier models like the Shark Apex DuoClean and the Dyson Animal 2. Both vacuums promise powerful suction, versatile cleaning capabilities, and features designed to handle pet hair with ease. However, their approaches differ significantly. The Shark Apex DuoClean offers a unique combination of a soft brushroll and a bristle brushroll, along with a Lift-Away mode for enhanced portability. The Dyson Animal 2 relies on its Radial Root Cyclone technology for strong suction and whole-machine HEPA filtration. Let’s break down their specifications and delve into their performance across various surfaces and scenarios to determine which model offers the better overall cleaning experience.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Cleaning Performance: Both offer excellent cleaning, but the Shark excels on hard floors, while the Dyson is a beast on carpets.
- Features: The Shark’s DuoClean and Lift-Away features provide versatility, while the Dyson boasts powerful suction and advanced filtration.
- Ease of Use: The Shark is generally lighter and more maneuverable, but the Dyson’s self-adjusting cleaner head is convenient.
- Price: The Shark Apex DuoClean typically offers more features for a similar or slightly lower price than the Dyson Animal 2.
- Verdict: Both are excellent vacuums. If you have mostly carpets and need unparalleled suction, the Dyson Animal 2 is a solid choice. For greater versatility and hard floor performance, the Shark Apex DuoClean is a better value.
Specifications
| Feature | Shark Apex DuoClean | Dyson Animal 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Upright | Upright |
| Weight | 16 lbs | 17.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 13.4″ L x 9.5″ W x 46.5″ H | 15.4″ L x 13.4″ W x 42.1″ H |
| Cord Length | 30 ft | 35 ft |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.88 quarts | 0.55 gallons |
| Filtration | HEPA with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal | Whole-machine HEPA filtration |
| Brushroll | DuoClean (Soft & Bristle) | Bristle brushroll |
| Suction Power | N/A | 227 AW (Air Watts) |
| Attachments | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool, Pet Tool | Tangle-Free Turbine Tool, Stair Tool |
| Special Features | Lift-Away, LED Lights | Self-Adjusting Cleaner Head |
| Warranty | 5-Year Limited | 5-Year Limited |
Price and Availability
The Shark Apex DuoClean is typically priced between $300 and $400, depending on the retailer and current promotions. It is widely available at major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and the Shark official website. Bundles occasionally include additional attachments or extended warranties.
The Dyson Animal 2 generally retails between $400 and $500. It can be found at retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from the Dyson website. Special editions or refurbished models may offer a lower price point. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales events for potential discounts.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark Apex DuoClean features a sturdy plastic construction that feels robust and well-assembled. The design incorporates the DuoClean brushroll system, which includes a soft brushroll in front of a traditional bristle brushroll. This setup is effective for both hard floors and carpets. The Lift-Away feature allows you to detach the canister for portable cleaning, adding to its versatility. The LED headlights on the nozzle are a thoughtful addition, illuminating dark areas for thorough cleaning.
The Dyson Animal 2 is constructed with high-quality materials, reflecting its premium price point. The design is more streamlined and focused on maximizing suction power. The self-adjusting cleaner head automatically raises and lowers to seal in suction across different floor types. While it lacks the Lift-Away feature of the Shark, the Dyson’s build quality feels exceptionally durable. The ball technology makes it easy to maneuver around furniture, though some users may find it slightly heavier than the Shark.
Design Comparison
- Shark Apex DuoClean: More versatile with DuoClean and Lift-Away features; lighter and easier to maneuver in upright mode.
- Dyson Animal 2: Streamlined design with a focus on suction power; feels more robust and durable.
Performance and Features
Cleaning Performance on Hard Floors
The Shark Apex DuoClean excels on hard floors thanks to its DuoClean technology. The soft brushroll gently polishes the floor while picking up fine dust and debris. In testing, it achieved nearly perfect scores on hard floors, leaving no visible traces of dirt. The suction is well-balanced, preventing scattering of larger particles.
The Dyson Animal 2 performs adequately on hard floors, but it is not its strongest suit. The bristle brushroll can sometimes scatter debris, and it lacks the polishing action of the Shark’s soft brushroll. However, the strong suction ensures that most dirt is still effectively captured.
Cleaning Performance on Carpets
On carpets, the Dyson Animal 2 truly shines. Its powerful suction and stiff bristle brushroll dig deep into carpet fibers, extracting embedded dirt and pet hair. In standardized carpet cleaning tests, the Dyson consistently outperformed the Shark in terms of dirt removal and suction power.
The Shark Apex DuoClean also performs well on carpets, thanks to its bristle brushroll. However, it doesn’t quite match the Dyson’s raw suction power. The DuoClean system is effective at picking up surface debris, but it may struggle with deeply embedded dirt in high-pile carpets.
Pet Hair Removal
Both vacuums are designed to tackle pet hair, and they both do a commendable job. The Shark Apex DuoClean’s DuoClean technology prevents hair from wrapping around the brushroll, making it easier to maintain. The Dyson Animal 2’s Tangle-Free Turbine Tool is particularly effective for removing pet hair from upholstery and stairs.
Edge Cleaning
The Shark Apex DuoClean has excellent edge cleaning capabilities, thanks to its slim design and powerful edge suction. It can effectively clean along baseboards and in tight corners.
The Dyson Animal 2 also offers good edge cleaning, but its larger cleaner head may make it slightly less maneuverable in tight spaces.
Filtration System
The Shark Apex DuoClean features a HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology, ensuring that dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum. This is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers.
The Dyson Animal 2 employs a whole-machine HEPA filtration system, which captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This is one of the best filtration systems on the market, making it an excellent choice for homes with allergy sufferers or pets.
Battery Life (Not Applicable)
Since both the Shark Apex DuoClean and Dyson Animal 2 are corded vacuums, battery life is not a relevant factor.
Software and User Experience (Not Applicable)
As traditional upright vacuums, neither the Shark Apex DuoClean nor the Dyson Animal 2 relies on software or apps. The user experience is straightforward and intuitive.
Comparison to Competitors
Shark Apex DuoClean vs. Dyson Ball Animal 3
The Dyson Ball Animal 3, while an updated model, shares many similarities with the Animal 2. The Shark Apex DuoClean offers better hard floor performance due to its DuoClean technology, while the Dyson Ball Animal 3 boasts superior suction and carpet cleaning.
Shark Apex DuoClean vs. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo is another popular option for pet owners. While it is more affordable than both the Shark and Dyson, it doesn’t offer the same level of cleaning performance or advanced features. The Shark Apex DuoClean provides a better balance of performance and versatility.
Pros and Cons
Shark Apex DuoClean:
Pros:
- Excellent hard floor cleaning
- Versatile DuoClean technology
- Lift-Away feature for portability
- Effective pet hair removal
- LED headlights
Cons:
- Slightly less powerful suction than Dyson on carpets
- Dust cup is smaller than Dyson’s
- Can be bulky in Lift-Away mode
Dyson Animal 2:
Pros:
- Exceptional suction power
- Whole-machine HEPA filtration
- Durable build quality
- Effective pet hair removal
Cons:
- Less effective on hard floors compared to Shark
- More expensive than Shark
- Heavier and less maneuverable
Value for Money
The Shark Apex DuoClean offers excellent value for money. It provides a wide range of features, including DuoClean technology, Lift-Away mode, and effective pet hair removal, at a competitive price point. For users who need a versatile vacuum that performs well on both hard floors and carpets, the Shark Apex DuoClean is a great choice.
The Dyson Animal 2 is a premium vacuum with a higher price tag. While it excels in suction power and filtration, its hard floor performance is not as impressive as the Shark’s. The Dyson is a better investment for those who prioritize superior carpet cleaning and have a larger budget.
Verdict
Both the Shark Apex DuoClean and the Dyson Animal 2 are excellent vacuum cleaners that offer powerful cleaning performance and advanced features. The Shark Apex DuoClean stands out with its versatility and exceptional hard floor cleaning, while the Dyson Animal 2 excels in suction power and carpet cleaning.
Recommendation:
- Buy the Shark Apex DuoClean if: You have mostly hard floors and want a versatile vacuum with a Lift-Away feature.
- Buy the Dyson Animal 2 if: You have mostly carpets and need the most powerful suction and advanced filtration.
