Shark Stratos vs. Vertex vs. POWERDETECT Lineup Compared

Shark is one of the best companies in the vacuum cleaners market. It has two premium model lines, Vertex, and Stratos. Each lineup has corded, cordless, and upright models. All of them share the same or similar technologies and since there are too many models, we are talking only about the top ones.

The latest most-advanced Shark's lineup: PowerDetect

Common things for most premium vacuum cleaners

The premium lineups have some technologies in common no matter whether it's an upright or a cordless vacuum.

• Dual rollers

In the latest models, Shark uses its best dual roller system. The dual roller system is one of the best in terms of picking ability. This technology is a mix of a soft roller that picks up everything on hard floors from ultra-fine to large debris. A second roller is a standard option that agitates dust and debris off carpet. So there are three modifications of the double roller system:

DuoClean: the oldest standard duo roller system that is prone to hair tangles and is a pro at picking up everything on hard floor and carpet. This is an upgraded technology of the previous self-cleaning Zero-M.

PowerFins: the Vertex models have a newer roller system that also includes a soft roller and the second has a rubber brushroll for better performance on carpet. All Vertex cleaners use the PowerFins technology but not all vacuums with PowerFins are Vertex.

DuoClean PowerFins HairPro: the Stratos uses the newest cleaning system that also looks very similar to the previous two, a mix of the two with better hair-resistant technology even tho the previous two do the job amazingly well.

• Sealed filtration

All models in the lineup have a sealed filtration system with a HEPA filter which means dust stays inside the vacuum so you don't have to breathe it in. This is important not only for those who are sensitive to dust and pollen but to everyone since it is better for your health overall.

Shark Stratos and Vertex have a sealed filtration system

• Power

Since the three lineups are premium vacuums, the Vertex, Stratos, and PowerDetect are some of the most powerful in the family and some of them are able to deep clean carpets, not only do surface cleaning.

• LED lights

Each cleaner has LED lights on its head. It helps a lot when vacuuming floors so you can see dust and debris better.

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Corded: POWERDETECT HZ4002 vs HZ3002 Stratos UltraLight vs Shark HZ2002 Vertex Ultralight Corded

The corded cleaners have similar specs, however, the newest POWERDETECT senses floor type and direction.

The HZ3002 Stratos UltraLight  is not as powerful as the Vertex but has an upgraded cleaning roller system and odor-neutralization technology. It also has a dustbin twice as big as the Shark HZ2002 Vertex Ultralight Corded.

Shark POWERDETECT HZ4002

Editor's choice

With the newest brushroll system, the vacuum is smarter and performs better, yet lacks a display. You get a smoother experience and newer technology at the same price.

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Upright: Vertex AZ2002 DuoClean vs AZ3002 Stratos Upright vs. POWERDETECT AZ4002

The three are the most powerful premium cleaners and are similar in some ways but still have some differences. The powered lift-away function is for cleaning above the floors without tiring your hand.

While the Vertex AZ2002 DuoClean is a powerful upright cleaner, it has a smaller dustbin and lacks some power. With about the same price tag, I would recommend getting the Apex or POWERDETECT.

The Stratos has a newly upgraded brushroll system that handles pet hair much better, it has more power, odor-neutralizer, and a bigger dustbox. As a result, the vacuum is a bit heavier.

A powerful machine ideal for homes with carpets and pet owners

The Shark AZ3002 Stratos Upright is one of the best upright vacuums on the market with its ability to deep clean carpets and resist hair tangles. The vacuum does a great job on carpets and hard floors nearly the same.

Shark POWERDETECT AZ4002

Editor's choice

The Shark POWERDETECT AZ4002 is the newest in the lineup. The POWERDETECT technology adapts power settings when identifying dirt, floor type, edges, and direction.

 The AZ4002 is the smartest with all the sensors that adapt suction to floor type and dirty areas.

DIRECTION DETECT: Shark’s direction Intelli-Sense sensor recognizes which direction you are vacuuming, and automatically directs powerful suction to whatever direction is needed, for maximum cleaning in both forward and reverse, to save you time.

Ideal for all floor types.

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Cordless:

Since the Vertex lineup has been on the market for quite some time, it has more options to choose from while the Stratos only has one.

Compact storage & Multiflex technology

Multiflex technology folds the vacuum which helps to reach areas under furniture and keeps the vacuum compact so it doesn't take up lots of space when is not being used. Only the Shark ICZ362H does not have one yet it uses Powered Lift-Away that releases the vacuum for above-the-floor cleaning or if you need to get under a sofa. The vacuum does not lose power and can be used to clean everywhere yet does not tire hands.

Display

Three of the four models have a display that shows additional cleaning information.

Shark PowerDetect IP1251

Editor's Choice

The DuoCleanDetect technology is new, it detects dirt, floor type, edges, and direction. The vacuum has the most power of the cordless models.

Shark Stratos IZ862H with Clean Sense IQ

What is Sense IQ?

Sense IQ automatically detects a big amount of dust and saves battery adjusting suction till the mess is gone. Stratos is the first Shark cleaner that has this technology. The accessory kit does not come with a pet multi-tool other three cordless vacuums include. 

Automatically adjusts suction level to the mess it detects

Odor neutralizer technology is a new option that is only being presented in the Stratos lineup including the IZ862H. The cleaner does not take up a lot of space when being stored thanks to MultiFlex and has the newest roller system.

Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight IZ662H

If you are looking for something similar to the Vertex Pro but don't want it to be as heavy, the Shark Vertex Pro Lightweight IZ662H is an alternative to consider. It has Multiflex but might not be as convenient to use for above-the-floor cleaning as the previous model. It folds down for compact storage as the previous model.

A dustbin is also relatively big but not as big as the Vertex Pro's. 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

Shark IZ462H Vertex DuoClean

The cheapest and least powerful cordless vacuum in the lineup 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 want some smart features with a good cleaning system but you are aware it would not be able to deep clean thick carpets, however, would be good for other surfaces, have a look at the newest Shark Stratos.

If you have carpets and need more power but for some reason don't want to buy an upright vacuum, the Shark Vertex Pro it is. A great alternative to an upright vacuum that would be able to vacuum low and medium-pile carpets, and honestly one of the best values on the market so far.

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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