Shark APEX vs Vertex vs Stratos Vacuum Cleaners

Shark's has vacuum cleaners for every need. A cordless vacuum is the most convenient option to use for quick cleanups, a corded version is basically a cordless alternative but with more power in it, and finally an upright, vacuum for all surfaces.

Shark has three premium lineups, the APEX, Vertex, and Stratos all of which are kind of similar but not that much. Each lineup has a cordless, corded and upright modification. We are talking about each and what is the difference between those models.

Cleaning technology

Since those models are in a premium category, the three have a similar dual roller system. It is a mix of a soft roller that is ideal for picking up everything on hard floors and a standard brushroll that agitates debris and small particles off carpets. So far this is one of the best cleaning mechanics on the market that is not only capable of surface cleaning but also gets deep into carpets. The dual roller system also does a great job dealing with long hair-resisting tangles.

The APEX as the oldest uses DuoClean, the upgraded Zero-M technology that previously was the best at dealing with hair tangles. DuoClean now does it even better with the ability to deep clean carpets.

The Vertex uses DuoClean PowerFins. It is a dual roller system, similar to DuoClean but has an upgraded standard roller that outperforms DuoClean at deep carpet cleaning since DuoClean is already nearly perfect on hard floors.

The Stratos is the newest and uses an upgraded system called DuoClean PowerFins HairPro. The manufacturer claims this one performs the best. Only the Stratos lineup uses this technology.

Other models also have PowerFins or DuoClean but not they all are Vertex or APEX, however, all APEX and Vertex models use only DuoClean or Powerfins.

Filtration

Most Shark vacuums do not leak when being used which means dust stays inside the cleaner when you vacuum and it's called a sealed filtration system. Most premium Shark cleaners additionally use HEPA filters making them safe for everyone.

Cordless Shark APEX, Vertex, and Stratos have a sealed anti-allergen filtration system  

Cordless Cleaners

Even tho cordless cleaners do not have as much power as uprights do, because of their cleaning system, some of those are even capable of deep carpet cleaning. All of those are ideal for pet owners because of the self-cleaning roller.

Shark APEX does not have a cordless model in the lineup but the Vertex has 3.

What is Multiflex? This feature folds a cleaner to get under some furniture and makes storing easier.

What is Powered Lift-Away? It is normally presented in upright vacuums since it helps to release a part of a cleaner allowing one to use it as a stick. This way it doesn't tire a hand since all the weight is located on the bottom.

The Shark Stratos IZ862H automatically adjusts suction when it detects big messes. It uses DuoClean PowerFins HairPro, the latest cleaning system, and has odor neutralizer technology. Compared to the Vertex series, its display additionally shows a Sense IQ status that modifies suction and battery levels auromatically.

The smartest cordless vacuum cleaner in the lineup

The Vertex Pro Lightweight IZ662H uses PowerFins and does not have Multiflex yet does have Powered Lift-Away. It is also the most powerful cordless vacuum in the lineup and has the biggest dustbin. Most cordless models tire your arm in a long term because of the weight located on the top unit. With the Vertex Pro, you can use it as a stick for as long as you want even tho the vacuum is the heaviest in the lineup.

Even tho the Vertex Pro is the heaviest, you can use it as a stick and it will not tire your arm since all weight is located on the bottom.

The vacuum does not fold down the way other cordless vacuums do and might not be as compact but it stays on its own and can be placed anywhere in the house. You trade something for power and in this case, the Vertex Pro's weight is it. The vacuum is heavy but not as noticeable because of the Powered Lift-Away that allows using it as a stick.

The best value in the cordless vacuum lineup

If you are looking for something similar to the Vertex Pro but don't want it to be as heavy, the Vertex Pro Lightweight IZ662H is an alternative to consider.

Unlike its predecessor, the Lightweight version is not as heavy and powerful and doesn't have a large dustbin. It doesn't have a Powered Lift-Away so is not as convenient to use for above-the-floor cleaning on the long term but has Multiflex that allows reaching under furniture and folding down for a compact storage.

The cleaner does not have that much power and this is why it is lighter and might be a better option. Ideal for low-pile carpets and hard floors if you don't need that extra power.

A lightweight alternative to the Pro version for homes with hard floors and low-pile carpets mostly

The IZ462H Vertex DuoClean is the cheapest and least powerful cordless vacuum in the lineup and would be ideal for homes with hard floors mostly. It has the smallest dustbin and does not have a display. Basically, the option for those who don't have carpets but wants a good cleaner that would pick up everything off the floors and as a bonus would be prone to hair tangles so you don't have to clean the rollers as often.

A small dustbin has to be emptied as often as possible

The best Shark cordless vacuum cleaners compared

If you don't have thick carpets but want a convenient cordless vacuum that would detect messy areas on its own, and additionally neutralize odors, have a look at the brand new Shark Stratos.

A better option for thicker carpets and overall a good value would be the Shark Vertex Pro. A large dustbin, convenient to use, has lots of power, and is a great buy if you don't need an upright vacuum but still want something that would be able to vacuum carpets. Keep in mind, even tho it is good for low-pile carpets and hard floors, it is not recommended for high-pile carpets since it is simply not powerful enough to vacuum them.

The Vertex Pro Lightweight is an alternative to the Vertex Pro version. A lightweight vacuum with the same cleaning system but not as powerful and has a different design. Ideal for homes with hard floors and low-pile carpets mostly.

Hard floor surface cleaning normally does not need as much power so the Shark Vertex IZ462 is a good option if you don't need those extra features like a display or floor type recognition and only looking for a good cleaning technology without paying more for other options. Keep in mind, if you have to deal with lots of pet hair, the dustbin is small and has to be emptied after every cleaning or maybe even often depending on the amount of debris it collects.

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Corded: HZ3002 Stratos vs. HZ2002 Vertex vs. ZS362 APEX

All three are good at dealing with long human hair and picking up different kinds of things on all types of surfaces thanks to the dual roller system. Keep in mind, that the corded modifications are not suitable for deep carpet cleaning but do a good job on low-pile carpets and hard floors.

Those are good options for hard floors and thin carpets since they are not powerful enough to get deep into thicker carpets. Although two of them are not HEPA, those have a standard Shark filter that catches allergens and pollens, however, the filtration system is not sealed and is not recommended for dust-sensitive people.

The Shark HZ3002 Stratos Ultralight uses the latest cleaning system, the DuoClean PowerFins HairPro which resists hair tangles, allows it to get deep into carpets, and is a pro at picking up stuff off all kinds of surfaces. It has a display and automatically increases suction power levels in messy areas. With odor-neutralizing technology, the cleaner helps to get rid of odors.

The Shark Stratos is the only of the three that has a sealed anti-allergen filtration

The Stratos has the biggest accessory kit. Ideal for those who are sensitive to dust and have to deal with lots of hair.

The HZ2002 Vertex uses DuoClean PowerFins which is an advanced modification of DuoClean and it does a better job picking up things especially getting deeper into carpets. The Vertex is the most powerful of the three but also has the smallest dustbin which is not very convenient to empty after every cleaning or even in the middle of the cleaning cycle. A display shows additional cleaning info.

This is a good option for those who don't deal with lots of debris or have more than one pet because of its small dustbin. Since filtration does not contain a HEPA filter, it is not safe for allergy sufferers.

The APEX ZS362 uses Zero-M and DuoClean technologies that both resist hair tangles and pick up everything off hard floors and carpets. A relatively big dustbin makes it good for those who have to deal with lots of hair and debris. It is the heaviest of the three and doesn't have a display.

HZ3002 Stratos vs. HZ2002 Vertex vs. ZS362 APEX

• Shark APEX DuoClean Zero-M ZS362 corded is a good option for thin carpets and hard floors but would not be good for allergy sufferers. It also has a big dustbin so is suitable for pet owners.
• Shark HZ2002 Vertex is the most powerful yet has the smallest dustbin so would not be an option for pet owners. Good for small areas.
• Shark HZ3002 Stratos Ultralight is smart, has a big dustbin, and has the most-advanced filtration which makes it safe for everyone. Along with that, it includes the biggest accessory kit of the three. Ideal for all types of surfaces except for thick carpets, and pet owners.

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Upright vacuums

Powered Lift-Away

The Powered Lift-Away is a function that helps to clean above the floor without tiring your hand. Upright vacuums normally have this option since the main weight is located on the bottom, unlike the cordless alternatives that are heavier on the top part.

Power

The upright vacuums are the most powerful in the lineup. Those are designed for vacuuming carpets. Unlike the cordless alternative, those are heavier and ideal for all types of a surface. Since the Stratos is the more powerful as a result it is the heavier of all three.

The advanced roller system makes the Stratos one of the most effective cleaners to deal with hair and dirt hidden deep inside the carpet. Additionally, it has odor-neutralizing technology, and the biggest dustbin.

It is the newest and most powerful vacuum cleaner in the lineup.

The Vertex is a Stratos predecessor, it uses PowerFins which is not as advanced as the Stratos system yet still one of the best on the market. Ideal for carpets and hard floors deals amazingly good with long hair leaving the rollers clean. The Vertex AZ2002 is still the best value in the whole Shark lineup.

The Shark Vertex AZ2002 is an ideal balance between power and performance, and the price

The Shark APEX is one of the premium machines with DuoClean and Zero-M technology, one of which reduces hair tangles, and the second one picks up any kinds of particles off hard floors and carpets. It has the smallest dustbin but is the most affordable of the three and still pretty good at its job.

The Shark APEX is the cheapest premium upright

The Shark APEX AZ1002 vs. Vertex AZ2002 vs. Stratos AZ3002

The Shark APEX is the cheapest option among the three. It is good for pet owners and different surfaces and those who want a powerful vacuum that would not break the budget.

The Shark Vertex uses a better cleaning system that gets deeper into carpets and resists hair tangles slightly better compared to the APEX rollers. A bigger dustbin makes it a better option for pet owners and those who deal with lots of debris. The Shark Vertex is the best value in the lineup.

The Shark Stratos uses the newest, most advanced cleaning system, has the biggest dustbin, and reduces odors. It is a good option for all kinds of surfaces, pet owners, and especially if your home is covered mostly with carpets.

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