Head-to-head · spec by spec, a verdict per need

Dyson vs Shark Cordless Vacuum 2026

The Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute is the pick if you want to see dust, as its laser-like light reveals dust on hard floors and it packs 150 Air Watts of suction into a lightweight body.

See which one is for you Compare side by sideAffiliate

For self-emptying and a 5-year guarantee, pick the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT (Ultramarine), whose AutoEmpty dock empties the bin for you, so you can forget about emptying for weeks at a time.

By Bez, Editor✓ Updated 28 October 2026

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Cordless Vacuum (Yellow/Nickel)See it on Amazon

Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT (Ultramarine)See it on Amazon

Which one is for you?

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Which pick suits which need
Ifyou want to see dust on hard floors	Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Cordless Vacuum (Yellow/Nickel)	See it on Amazon
Ifyou hate emptying the bin	Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT (Ultramarine)	See it on Amazon
Ifyou want the lower price	Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT (Ultramarine)	See it on Amazon
Ifyou clean mattresses and stairs with a mini brush	Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Cordless Vacuum (Yellow/Nickel)	See it on Amazon
Ifyou want a long guarantee	Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT (Ultramarine)	See it on Amazon

At a glance

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1★ Top pick
Dyson
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Cordless Vacuum (Yellow/Nickel)Best for lightweight power and dust-spotting light
Powerful cleaning in a light body that shows you the dust
See it on Amazon
2
Shark
Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT (Ultramarine)Best for self-emptying and value
Forget emptying for weeks at a time, thanks to the dock
See it on Amazon

Side by side

From the makers' and retailers' published factsAffiliate

The picks side by side
Pick	Best for	Price	The fact that sets it apart	Where to buy
Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Cordless Vacuum (Yellow/Nickel)	lightweight power and dust-spotting light	£549.99	150 Air Watts of suction and up to 60 minutes of run time, and Dyson calls it its most powerful lightweight cordless vacuum.	See it on Amazon
Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT (Ultramarine)	self-emptying and value	£319.99	The AutoEmpty charging dock empties and charges the vacuum when docked, with HEPA filtration, so you can forget about emptying for weeks at a time.	See it on Amazon

Prices from the maker or retailer named on each pick below, checked 25 October 2026. A dash means the price changes too often to quote: tap through for today's.

Get the cordless vacuum that suits your home, whether you want to see dust or forget about emptying the bin. If you're choosing between a Dyson and a Shark, two things settle it: the Dyson's laser light reveals dust on hard floors, and the Shark's AutoEmpty dock empties the bin for you. Shark also lists a 5-year guarantee to back it.

Both in detail

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1★ Top pickBest for lightweight power and dust-spotting light

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute Cordless Vacuum (Yellow/Nickel)

Powerful cleaning in a light body that shows you the dust.

What it is: The V12 Detect Slim is a cordless vacuum with 150 Air Watts of suction, the strength of its pull. You get up to 60 minutes of run time to clean without a cord in your way.
Perfect for: Pick this if you want strong power in a light machine and a clear view of dust on hard floors.
Why we picked it: Dyson calls it its most powerful lightweight cordless vacuum, so you get serious power without a heavy body to lug about. The mini motorised brush takes on stubborn dirt on mattresses, upholstery and stairs. Auto mode adapts suction to the floor, so you can press go and let it do the work.
Price: £549.99 (dyson.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)

150 Air Watts of suction and up to 60 minutes of run time, and Dyson calls it its most powerful lightweight cordless vacuum.
A laser-like light reveals dust on hard floors.
Auto mode adapts suction to the floor, Eco mode gives longer run time and Boost mode is for short intensive cleaning.
A mini motorised brush tackles stubborn dirt on mattresses, upholstery and stairs.

The catch: Dearest pick here at £549.99 on Dyson's UK site, with the same 60-minute run time as the cheaper V10 Konical.

Check today's price on Amazon

Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT (Ultramarine)

2Best for self-emptying and value

Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro Cordless Vacuum IA3241UKT (Ultramarine)

Forget emptying for weeks at a time, thanks to the dock.

What it is: The IA3241UKT is a cordless vacuum with an AutoEmpty dock that empties and charges it each time you dock it. It runs for up to 60 minutes and weighs under 3.5 kg, and it cleans in reverse as well as forwards.
Perfect for: This suits you best if you want a vacuum that empties itself and you like the idea of floor and edge sensing.
Why we picked it: Its sensors do the adjusting for you. Floor Detect and Edge Detect sense the floor and edges, then adjust suction and brush-roll speed, and the Flexology wand bends to reach under furniture. A 5-year guarantee backs all of it.
Price: £319.99 (sharkninja.co.uk, checked 25 October 2026)

The AutoEmpty charging dock empties and charges the vacuum when docked, with HEPA filtration, so you can forget about emptying for weeks at a time.
Up to 60 minutes of runtime and under 3.5 kg, and it cleans in reverse as well as forwards.
Floor Detect and Edge Detect sense the floor type and edges and adjust suction and brush-roll speed, and Flexology lets the wand bend to clean under furniture.
5-year guarantee.

The catch: Shark's page shows £319.99 against a struck-through £519.99, so the price may be a limited-time offer.

Check today's price on Amazon

How we chose

Our buying criteria

A cordless vacuum had to show its numbers to make this list. We looked for a run time in minutes, plus any suction figure the maker publishes, such as the Dyson's 150 Air Watts. We also needed a run time in minutes, a UK cost on the maker's own site and a guarantee or feature you can check. Each cordless vacuum here was checked against its maker's specs and live UK listings, and each shows its catch.

Emptying: check whether a dock empties the bin for you, so you can skip emptying it by hand.
Hard floors: a laser-like light can reveal dust you would otherwise miss.
Guarantee: check how many years the maker covers.
Cost: compare each maker's UK site, and check whether a struck-through figure may mark a limited-time offer.

How we choose every pick

Your questions, answered

Is Dyson or Shark better for pet hair?

The Shark is the Pet Pro model and its AutoEmpty dock empties the bin for you, so you do less bin emptying. Want lightweight power instead? The Dyson V12 Detect Slim gives you that, plus a light that spots dust.

Which lasts longer on one charge, Dyson or Shark?

Both are listed at up to 60 minutes on one charge, so run time alone does not separate them. Pick the Dyson V12 Detect Slim for lightweight power, or the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro if you want a self-emptying vacuum.

Does the Shark empty itself?

Yes, the Shark IA3241UKT does the emptying for you. Its AutoEmpty charging dock empties and charges the vacuum when docked, with HEPA filtration, so you can forget about emptying for weeks at a time.

What does the Dyson laser do?

A laser-like light reveals dust on hard floors, so you can see what needs cleaning. Go for the Dyson V12 Detect Slim Absolute, the pick built around this dust-spotting light.

What guarantee does Shark give?

Shark gives a 5-year guarantee, so you get years of cover on your new vacuum. Pick the Shark PowerDetect Speed Clean and Empty Pet Pro, which empties itself, and the long guarantee comes with it.