Shark Apex vs Vertex: Which Shark Vacuum Is Right For You?

The Shark Apex and Shark Vertex are both high-end, corded upright vacuums designed for whole-home cleaning. They share many of the same features, including Shark’s DuoClean technology, Lift-Away design, and HEPA filtration, making it difficult to decide which one is the better choice. Both models aim to provide powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities for various floor types and above-floor surfaces.

These vacuums target consumers seeking a reliable, multi-functional cleaning solution that can handle both everyday messes and deep cleaning tasks. They are particularly appealing to homeowners with a mix of hard floors and carpets, as well as those with pets due to their strong suction and specialized pet hair tools. With their advanced features and comparable performance, understanding the nuances between the Shark Apex and Vertex is crucial for making an informed purchase decision.

Quick Verdict

• For slightly lower price: The Shark Apex is often available at a slightly lower price point than the Vertex, making it a budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much performance.
• For maneuverability: The Shark Vertex is slightly lighter, making it easier to maneuver around furniture and carry up stairs.
• For those who want better edge cleaning: The Vertex has slightly better edge cleaning capabilities than the Apex.
• For homes with mostly carpets: Both are great for carpets, but the Apex has superior performance on low-pile carpets.

Short Review of Shark Apex

The Shark Apex stands out as a versatile and powerful upright vacuum cleaner. It features DuoClean technology, which combines a bristle brushroll and a soft roller to effectively clean both carpets and hard floors. The Zero-M self-cleaning brushroll minimizes hair tangles, making it ideal for pet owners. Its Lift-Away design allows for easy conversion into a portable canister vacuum, enhancing its usability for cleaning stairs and under furniture.

The Apex excels in deep cleaning carpets and provides strong suction for removing embedded dirt and debris. Its HEPA filtration system captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers. Noise reduction technology is incorporated for quieter operation. Though slightly heavier than some competitors, its robust build and comprehensive feature set make it a top contender in the upright vacuum market.

Short Review of Shark Vertex

The Shark Vertex is engineered for powerful cleaning performance and versatility. It also features DuoClean technology with a redesigned brushroll for enhanced debris pickup on all floor types. The Vertex has a lightweight design with strong suction capabilities, effectively removing dirt, debris, and pet hair from carpets and hard floors. Its HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology trap dust and allergens, making it suitable for households with allergy concerns.

The Vertex is designed to be user-friendly, with easy-to-use controls and a Lift-Away feature for portable cleaning. The Vertex offers a slightly larger dustbin capacity compared to the Apex. While it shares many similarities with the Apex, its enhanced brushroll design and lighter weight make it a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance upright vacuum.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Weight: The Shark Vertex is slightly lighter than the Apex, enhancing maneuverability.
• Dustbin Capacity: The Apex has a slightly smaller dustbin capacity (0.88 quarts) compared to the Vertex (1 quart).
• Brushroll Design: The Vertex features a redesigned DuoClean brushroll, though performance differences are minimal.
• Price: The Shark Apex is generally less expensive than the Vertex.
• Edge Cleaning: The Vertex offers superior edge cleaning compared to the Apex.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Shark Apex is typically priced slightly lower than the Vertex, often making it a more attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. While prices may vary depending on the retailer and current promotions, the Apex generally offers a better cost-to-feature ratio. Both vacuums provide excellent cleaning performance and advanced features, but the Apex’s lower price point can be a deciding factor for many consumers.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Shark Apex and Vertex share a similar upright design with the Lift-Away feature, allowing the canister to be detached for portable cleaning. The Apex has dimensions of 46 inches in height, 12.2 inches in width, and 11.2 inches in depth, while the Vertex measures 46.5 inches in height, 12 inches in width, and 10 inches in depth. The Apex weighs 17.1 lbs, while the Vertex is slightly lighter at 16.38 lbs.

Both models are constructed with durable materials and feature a sturdy build quality. The Apex includes noise reduction technology, while the Vertex boasts a redesigned brushroll. Both vacuums have a 30-foot cord and come with various attachments for versatile cleaning. The Vertex has a slightly larger dustbin capacity at 1 quart compared to the Apex’s 0.88 quarts.

Performance Face-Off

Both the Shark Apex and Vertex offer exceptional cleaning performance across various floor types. They both feature DuoClean technology, combining a bristle brushroll and a soft roller to effectively clean carpets and hard floors.

Bare Floors

• Both vacuums perform exceptionally well on bare floors, effectively picking up both small and large debris without scattering.
• The soft roller brush is gentle on hard surfaces, preventing scratches and ensuring thorough cleaning.
• The Shark Apex and Vertex both clean 100% of debris on hardwood floors.

Low-Pile Carpet

• The Shark Apex performs slightly better on low-pile carpets, leaving behind only minuscule amounts of debris.
• The Shark Vertex is also effective, struggling only slightly with sugar.
• Both vacuums remove a high percentage of debris, ensuring a thorough clean.

High-Pile Carpet

• The Vertex is able to completely remove everything except sugar on high-pile carpets, while the Apex leaves behind very small amounts of sugar and kitty litter.
• Both vacuums provide strong suction and agitation, effectively removing embedded dirt and debris.

Pet Hair

• Both vacuums are designed to effectively remove pet hair from various surfaces.
• The Zero-M technology in the Apex helps prevent hair tangles in the brushroll.
• Both models come with a pet power brush attachment for targeted pet hair removal.

Special Features Comparison

The Shark Apex includes noise reduction technology, making it quieter during operation compared to some other vacuums. It also features Zero-M technology, which actively removes hair wraps from the brushroll. The Vertex boasts a redesigned DuoClean brushroll aimed at improving overall cleaning performance. Both vacuums have a Lift-Away feature, allowing users to detach the canister for portable cleaning.

Usability and User Experience

Both the Shark Apex and Vertex are designed for ease of use. The Lift-Away feature allows for versatile cleaning, making it easy to reach under furniture and clean stairs. The controls are straightforward and intuitive, allowing users to easily switch between floor types. The maneuverability is good for both models, though the Vertex is slightly lighter, making it easier to push and pull. Emptying the dustbin is simple and mess-free on both vacuums.

Maintenance and Longevity

Both the Shark Apex and Vertex require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. The filters should be cleaned regularly to maintain suction power. The brushrolls should be checked for hair tangles and debris. The Apex has easier brushroll access for maintenance compared to the Vertex. Both vacuums come with a 5-year warranty, providing peace of mind regarding their longevity.

Who Should Buy Shark Apex?

The Shark Apex is a great choice for:

• Budget-conscious buyers seeking excellent cleaning performance at a slightly lower price point.
• Users who prioritize noise reduction technology for quieter operation.
• Homeowners with primarily low-pile carpets and hard floors.
• Pet owners who want a vacuum with Zero-M self-cleaning brushroll technology.

Who Should Buy Shark Vertex?

The Shark Vertex is a great choice for:

• Users who want a slightly lighter vacuum for enhanced maneuverability.
• Those who want a larger dustbin capacity for extended cleaning sessions.
• Homeowners who want a vacuum with good edge cleaning capabilities.
• Individuals seeking the latest brushroll design for improved cleaning performance.

Final Recommendation

Both the Shark Apex and Vertex are excellent upright vacuums that offer powerful cleaning performance and versatile features. The Shark Apex stands out as a budget-friendly option with noise reduction technology and Zero-M self-cleaning brushroll, while the Shark Vertex boasts a slightly lighter weight, larger dustbin capacity, and enhanced brushroll design. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual priorities and preferences. If budget is a primary concern, the Apex is a great value. If maneuverability and dustbin capacity are more important, the Vertex is the better option.