Bissell vs. Shark Vacuums: Brand Comparison

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It can be a challenge to choose the right vacuum for your home, given the numerous models on the market. Two strong brands that stand out are Bissell and Shark. If you find yourself contemplating between the two, a comparison of their qualities and features can help you make an informed decision.

Bissell vs. Shark vacuums comparison: While both brands use a bagless disposable system, Shark vacuums have a larger dust capacity than Bissell vacuums. A Shark vacuum has between 0.6 to 1.1 gallons of dust capacity, while a Bissell vacuum only has between 0.11 to 0.52 gallons.

With that said, there’s more to the Bissell vs. Shark vacuum comparison than it meets the eye. Both brands have so much in common and come equipped with a plethora of cleaning features. In this post, we are going to compare the two vacuum brands in order to help you find the best appliance for your home.

BISSELL PET HAIR ERASER VACUUM
Powerful pet hair pickup with an agile design.
SHARK APEX UPRIGHT VACUUM
DuoClean for carpet and hardwood cleaning.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion...
Shark AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift-Away...
Powerful pet hair pickup technology
Dust cup capacity of 1.5 quartz
SmartSeal Allergen System traps dust
Dual brushroll system deep cleans carpets
Automatic cord rewind with push of button
Anti-allergen seal plus HEPA filter
BISSELL PET HAIR ERASER VACUUM
Powerful pet hair pickup with an agile design.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion...
Powerful pet hair pickup technology
SmartSeal Allergen System traps dust
Automatic cord rewind with push of button
SHARK APEX UPRIGHT VACUUM
DuoClean for carpet and hardwood cleaning.
Shark AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift-Away...
Dust cup capacity of 1.5 quartz
Dual brushroll system deep cleans carpets
Anti-allergen seal plus HEPA filter

Quick Overview

The Bissell vacuum brand is a company committed to sustainability. This is apparent in their products. For example, one of their products, the Bissell Little Green Deep Cleaner, is made with at least 50% recycled plastic. Moreover, Bissell proudly supports the Bissell Pet Foundation to help save homeless pets.

The Shark vacuum brand is all about innovation. Shark is one of several house-care brands developed by SharkNinja Operating LLC, a pioneer in small household appliances and cleaning solutions. With innovative cutting-edge, ultra-powerful vacuums, Shark vacuums aim to positively impact people’s lives.

Now that you’ve had the chance to know both brands better, let’s discuss the comparison. While both vacuums come at a considerably high price, it’s safe to conclude that both are worthwhile investments. To help you choose one, we will compare the two brands based on four important user-friendly categories:

  1. Dust Capacity
  2. Suction Power
  3. Warranty
  4. Price

The above four comparison criterias are arguably the most important things to consider when shopping for a vacuum cleaner. And while we know that comparisons tend to be subjective, we will do our best to provide an honest review of each brand. With the caveat out of the way, let’s get started.

1. Dust Capacity

Bissell Vacuums

Both Bissell and Shark vacuums utilize a bagless disposable system. Instead of constantly buying and changing the bags, a vacuum cleaner with bagless technology will have a canister that you can easily empty when it is full. Bissell vacuums can hold between 0.11 to 0.52 gallons of dust inside the canister at a time.

Shark Vacuums

Shark vacuum cleaners, however, have a larger bagless system compared to Bissell vacuum cleaners. They come with a whopping dust capacity ranging from 0.6 to 1.1 gallons. If you are a pet owner, and you clean often, you probably know that dust capacity is crucial when it comes to cleaning efficiency.

WINNER: Shark vacuums takes an early lead with the dust capacity category. While both vacuums come with a revolutionary bagless technology, Shark beats Bissell simply because of its superior dust capacity. If you’re looking for a vacuum brand that holds a lot of dirt, most Shark vacuums are an excellent choice.

2. Suction Power

Bissell Vacuums

Bissell vacuums are designed to help users clean larger areas easily. This is made possible due to its technologies (AeroSwift, MultiClean, Pet Hair Eraser, and Lift-Off 2-in-1). Additionally, Bissell vacuums are known to clean pet hair very well as long as you clean it regularly, otherwise it will become louder over time.

Shark Vacuums

Shark vacuum’s claim to fame is its ‘NEVER LOSE SUCTION’ technology. And while Shark vacuums provide excellent suction power, every vacuum cleaner will lose suction power if its not cleaned regularly. If you want to maximize the cleaning power of a Shark vacuum, be sure to clean the vacuum and its filters properly

WINNER: It is a tie in the suction power category between Shark and Bissell vacuums. Both brands provide amazing suction power due to their innovative technologies. With so many great products to choose from, you can’t go wrong with either brand. Just be sure to choose a product based on your needs.

3. Warranty

Bissell Vacuums

Next, let’s talk about the warranty of both vacuums. Both brands offer generous warranties to its customers. Bissell vacuums come with 2 to 3 years of limited warranty, depending on the model. While newer Bissell vacuum models come with a 3-year limited warranty, older models are covered with only a 2-year warranty.  

Shark Vacuums

Shark vacuums, on the other hand, are covered by a range of warranties, from a 1-year limited warranty up to a lifetime VIP warranty. The manufacturer warrants a unit if there are defects in material and workmanship when used under normal household conditions. It’s clear to see that Shark has the advantage in this category.

WINNER: Shark wins the warranty category. The reason is self-explanatory. When it comes to warranty, everyone knows that the higher the number, the better. Shark vacuums offer a huge range of warranties, from 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 5 years, 7 years, up to lifetime. It is extensive compared to Bissell’s 2 to 3 years warranty.  

4. Price

Bissell Vacuums

When it comes to quality, you get what you pay for. Bissell’s collection of upright and canister vacuum cleaners ranges from $59 up to almost $390. We think the price range is fair considering everything offered by Bissell. After all, their upright vacuums are considered one of the best in the business.

Shark Vacuums

The Shark brand believes in the power of variety. It boasts powerful deep-cleaning performance in sleek designs for a whole-home clean that gets the job done wonderfully. In terms of price, however, Shark vacuums will cost you more money than Bissell vacuums, with prices as high as $420 for its top upright model.

WINNER: Finally, Bissell claims a point in the price category. When it comes to affordability, Bissell has the advantage over Shark. If you are looking for a budget-friendly vacuum cleaner, a Bissell vacuum might be better for you. With that said, however, both vacuums are well worth your consideration. 

Final Verdict

WINNER: Shark

And there you have it, the complete brand comparison of Bissell vs. Shark vacuums. Our team had an amazing time researching and testing two of the most popular brands in the vacuum cleaner market today. After all, both Bissell and Shark offer outstanding warranty and iconic cleaning capabilities.

Recommended Products from Bissell and Shark:

BISSELL PET HAIR ERASER VACUUM
Powerful pet hair pickup with an agile design.
SHARK APEX UPRIGHT VACUUM
DuoClean for carpet and hardwood cleaning.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion...
Shark AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift-Away...
Powerful pet hair pickup technology
Dust cup capacity of 1.5 quartz
SmartSeal Allergen System traps dust
Dual brushroll system deep cleans carpets
Automatic cord rewind with push of button
Anti-allergen seal plus HEPA filter
BISSELL PET HAIR ERASER VACUUM
Powerful pet hair pickup with an agile design.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion...
Powerful pet hair pickup technology
SmartSeal Allergen System traps dust
Automatic cord rewind with push of button
SHARK APEX UPRIGHT VACUUM
DuoClean for carpet and hardwood cleaning.
Shark AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift-Away...
Dust cup capacity of 1.5 quartz
Dual brushroll system deep cleans carpets
Anti-allergen seal plus HEPA filter

Taking everything into consideration, you simply cannot go wrong with either vacuum. After all, there’s a reason why both vacuums can be found on several of our top five lists. If you’re looking for the more affordable vacuum, go for Bissell. If you’re looking for better warranty and dust capacity, go for Shark.