Both the Shark AZ1501 vs AZ2002 belong to the Apex upright vacuum line, which includes Shark’s most advanced models. So it’s no surprise that they are fitted with all the cutting-edge features and technologies that deliver the best vacuuming experience to users. But which one is better?
The Shark AZ2002 comes out as the overall winner since it generates slightly stronger suction, but you’ll have to sacrifice a bit of maneuverability to get this unparalleled suction. That said, it is harder to push this machine on a thick carpet.
The Shark AZ1501 shares almost all the special features with the Shark AZ2002, except for the design of the handle. It has excellent performance, but not as good as the AZ2002, and it is cheaper and easier to maneuver.
Shark AZ1501 vs AZ2002: Comparison Chart
Shark AZ1501 vs AZ2002: Differences
The Shark AZ2002 wins 1-0 and ties once against the AZ1501. It has slightly greater overall suction power, which makes it a bit harder to maneuver on thick carpets. It’s also a bit heavier, but it’s not a big deal.
Cleaning Performance
Winner: Shark AZ2002
Overall, there was a negligible difference in vacuuming performance between the Shark AZ1501 vs AZ2002, and they both performed well in all of my tests. That said, there’s still one better than the other in this category.
I tested the Shark AZ1501 on my hardwood floor and low- and high-pile carpets, and it picked up most, but not all, debris of all sizes, regardless of surface. What it left behind after the first pass is insignificant and almost invisible to the naked eye. On my high pile carpet, it wasn’t hard to push this machine, and it proved that strong suction does not always mean struggling to maneuver on thick carpet.
As for the Shark AZ2002, I’ve noticed that it produces slightly more suction because it sucked in everything on my bare floor and low-pile carpet but is harder to push on high-pile carpet. It pulled forward itself, and I had to put in a little more effort to put it back together and make nice vacuuming lines. It seems awkward, but I think it’s a good trade-off for unparalleled suction.
What the Shark AZ1501 vs AZ2002 have in common is a DuoClean head, including a soft roller and a PowerFins brush roll counterrotating for maximum suction. These rollers work together to agitate carpet fibers for deep cleaning while delivering a gentle clean for bare floors, such as tile or hardwoods. That’s why these vacuums work so well on all types of surfaces. The spiral paddle design of the PowerFins brush roll helps keep debris from getting stuck or hair from getting tangled. That results in less maintenance.
But this design is only effective for pet hair or short human hair. With all my years of experience testing vacuums, I haven’t found a machine that totally eliminates the tangled long hair problem.
Weight and Maneuverability
Winner: Tie
The weight of Shark AZ1501 vs AZ2002 is 16 pounds and 16.38 pounds, respectively. Yes, the first one is lighter, but I don’t think the 0.38-pound difference is significant enough to influence your decision.
These machines are generally in the middle of the weight range of the full-size uprights. When the Shark AZ1501 vs AZ2002 are used as handhelds, they are just about 8 and 10 pounds, which are manageable for many users.
The swivel head on these vacuums makes it easy to maneuver them around corners. But this feature is a bit difficult for beginners to keep on a steady and straight path. It also requires a somewhat significant push to get across a thicker carpet.
It’s also a bit awkward to carry these machines between floors. They are ideal for those who live on one floor and have no stairs. I found it easier to carry the pod and the rest of the unit separately, but it created an extra trip up or down the stairs.
Shark AZ1501 vs AZ2002: Similarities
Filter and Dust Cup Capacity
Both the Shark AZ1501 vs AZ2002 share an anti-allergen seal to keep the tiniest particulates out of the air and ensure they stay in the transparent dust cup until you empty it. The bin can be removed with the push of a button. Since these machines don’t have bags, you must be careful when emptying them so that dust doesn’t get back into the air.
The duo also features a HEPA filter and pre-motor filters to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner. You should wash the pre-motor filter with water every month, while the HEPA filter should be rinsed at least once a year.
Special Features
What makes the Shark Apex uprights, including the Shark AZ1501 vs AZ2002, stand out from the rest is the powered lift-away feature, basically making them 3-in-1 vacuums.
Similar to the Shark Navigator or Shark Rotator uprights, these machines can be used as semi-handheld vacuums, which are ideal for cleaning bookshelves, vacuuming stairs, removing cobwebs from walls, and more.
Aside from the semi-handheld mode, you can also clean under the interior by lifting the pod and using the floorhead with spinning rollers. But note that your hands may tire if you use the vacuum in this configuration for a long time.
Both the Shark AZ1501 vs AZ2002 have some LED bulbs on the base. It’s a nice feature, especially if you can’t do your vacuuming during daylight hours. At this price point, if they didn’t have LED headlights to illuminate the cleaning path, I’d be very disappointed.
Cord Length
Both the Shark AZ1501 vs AZ2002 share a 30-foot power cord, which is more than enough to cover a large area without switching outlets. They would be better if they could be managed automatically instead of being wrapped manually, but that’s not a deal breaker.
Quick Rundown of Shark AZ2002
- SHARK’S ULTRA-POWERFUL VACUUM: The Vertex is an ultra-powerful vacuum, with incredible suction and innovative cleaning technologies..1344.0 watts.Cord length (ft.): 30, Hose length (ft.): 5.5..Amperage : 11.8A
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: Engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap (vs. Shark bristle nozzles).
- DUOCLEAN POWERFINS: A PowerFins brushroll and a soft roller combine on all floors. Continuous cleaning contact to dig deep into carpets, directly engage floors, and pick up more in every pass. (vs. original DuoClean).
- POWERED LIFT-AWAY: Detachable pod for motorized cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
- PERFECT FOR PETS: Includes a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush for deep cleaning with no hair wrap and a Pet Crevice Tool to remove pet hair from hard-to-reach spaces like corners, ceilings, and between couch cushions.
Quick Rundown of Shark AZ1501
- DUOCLEAN POWERFINS: Dig deep into carpets and directly engage floors.
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: The vacuum that deep-cleans now cleans itself. Engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap (vs. SHARK bristle nozzles).
- POWERED LIFT-AWAY: Detachable pod for motorized cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs and more.
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL: Works with HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- NOISE REDUCTION TECHNOLOGY: Expertly tuned to reduce noise and soften pitch.
Product Videos
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References:
- Shark AZ2002: https://www.sharkclean.com/exclusive-offer/AZ2002WBKT/shark-vertex-upright-vacuum-with-powered-lift-away-duoclean-powerfins-and-self-cleaning-brushroll/
- Shark AZ1501: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/sections/360005914300-AZ1500-Series
Victor K. Giles is a leading consultant and expert in vacuum cleaner technology with over a decade of experience. As a mechanical engineering graduate in the University of Michigan, he specializes in product development, design optimization, and performance analysis. Victor collaborates with manufacturers and educates consumers, making her a sought-after guest speaker at industry events. His work has been featured in renowned publications, and he shares his expertise on his blog, “The Vacuum Teria”. Victor’s passion for cleaner, healthier living spaces drives his to help clients choose the best vacuum solutions for their needs.