Shark HV301 vs Dyson V8: Which Vacuum Should You Go For? 

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The Shark HV301 vs Dyson V8 are two vacuum cleaners with a considerable price gap, and many consumers are torn between them as both have their advantages and disadvantages. After all, Dyson V8 got my edge. 

Dyson V8 came out as a winner convincingly. First, it is a superior stick vacuum to the Shark HV301 regarding cleaning performance, especially in cleaning carpets. It also wins in the category of maneuverability thanks to the cordless design. In addition, you can adjust the level of its suction power. 

The Shark HV301 is also a trustworthy option. It does an adequate job of cleaning, but not as well as the Dyson V8. If you can’t afford an expensive Dyson V8, the Shark HV301 offers a more affordable alternative, despite being a corded model.

Shark HV301 vs Dyson V8: Comparison Chart

Image
WINNER (#1)
Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum
RUNNER-UP (#2)
Shark HV301 Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning with Swivel Steering, Gray/Orange
Model
Dyson V8
Shark Rocket HV301
Dimensions
49 x 9.8 x 8.8 inches
46 x 9.8 x 10.5 inches
Weight
5.8 lbs
7.6 lbs
Corded/ Cordless
Cordless
Corded / 30 feet
Run Time
~40 mins.
-
Recharge Time 
5.5 hours.
-
Power/Cleaning Modes
2
2
Dustbin capacity
0.54 L
0.4 L
On/off control
Trigger (continuous hold)
Slide switch
Handheld Vacuum
HEPA Filter
Swivel Steering
Self-Standing Upright
What I Like
Price
$409.98
$129.00
WINNER (#1)
Image
Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum
Model
Dyson V8
Dimensions
49 x 9.8 x 8.8 inches
Weight
5.8 lbs
Corded/ Cordless
Cordless
Run Time
~40 mins.
Recharge Time 
5.5 hours.
Power/Cleaning Modes
2
Dustbin capacity
0.54 L
On/off control
Trigger (continuous hold)
Handheld Vacuum
HEPA Filter
Swivel Steering
Self-Standing Upright
What I Like
Price
$409.98
More Info
RUNNER-UP (#2)
Image
Shark HV301 Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning with Swivel Steering, Gray/Orange
Model
Shark Rocket HV301
Dimensions
46 x 9.8 x 10.5 inches
Weight
7.6 lbs
Corded/ Cordless
Corded / 30 feet
Run Time
-
Recharge Time 
-
Power/Cleaning Modes
2
Dustbin capacity
0.4 L
On/off control
Slide switch
Handheld Vacuum
HEPA Filter
Swivel Steering
Self-Standing Upright
What I Like
Price
$129.00
More Info

Shark HV301 vs Dyson V8: Differences

The Dyson V8 wins 3-0 against the Shark HV301. Its cleaning performance is superior, and its filtration system and overall design are both outstanding. However, the cost of the Dyson V8 is significantly higher than that of the Shark HV301. Let’s keep on scrolling for more details!

Cleaning Performance

The Winner: Dyson V8

Bare Floor Performance

Dyson V8 cleans carpets and hard floors efficiently
Dyson V8 cleans carpets and hard floors efficiently

On hard floors, either the Shark HV301 or the Dyson V8 is an excellent choice. Their portable size and powerful suction make them ideal for picking up your pet hair and other small particles. 

The Dyson V8 performs a great job of collecting big particles. However, the spinning brushroll can occasionally scatter them. Admittedly, the Shark HV301 performed slightly better than the Dyson V8 in this case. At least it doesn’t scatter large debris too much.

Low-pile Carpet Performance

A low-pile carpet is not an insurmountably tough floor to clean. The Dyson V8 and Shark HV301, once again, both did a great job cleaning this floor.

However, there are still some flaws. Dyson V8 has little trouble sucking up pet hair but has greater trouble with small and large debris. Meanwhile, the Shark model is excellent at picking up both small and large particles and pet hair. Smaller objects, however, have a tendency to become trapped in the wheels of the floorhead, making movement not completely smooth. 

High-pile carpet Performance

The Dyson V8 does an acceptable job on plush or high-pile carpets. Pet hair and larger particles can be removed with relatively little effort, but fine dust and dirt that has been embedded into the carpet may require some extra passes. Additionally, its floorhead has a tendency to become entangled on thicker carpets and rugs.

When used on high-pile carpets, the Shark HV301 also performs admirably. However, don’t expect it to be better than the Dyson V8. It appears that the manufacturer also promotes this vacuum cleaner to be able to vacuum on plush carpets because it has a setting that is specifically designed for this kind of surface. However, the height of the cleaning head is not adjusted in this mode, so the vacuum may still get caught on thicker carpets.

Pet hair and larger debris are handled adequately, but the vacuum has trouble sucking up finer particles, so it usually takes more than one run to get rid of everything.

Controls

While the power of the Shark HV301 cannot be adjusted, this vacuum can be manually switched between two surface type settings: setting “I” is for hard floors and low-pile carpets, and setting “II” is for high-pile carpets. However, this only changes the speed of the brushroll instead of its height, so sometimes moving it on some carpets is not so smooth.

The Shark HV301 uses a slide switch for power rather than a trigger is an important selling point for me. This is especially helpful when cleaning high surfaces, as it reduces the stress on the arms and wrists.

Suction power settings on Dyson V8
Suction power settings on Dyson V8

About the Dyson V8, You can manually choose between two suction power settings: the default ‘Powerful Suction’ mode and the high-power ‘MAX’ mode for cleaning stubborn debris. 

Design & Convenience

The Winner: Dyson V8

Build Quality

At first glance, I found that the Shark HV301’s build quality is subpar. Even the plastic in some parts looks like children’s toys. But you can rest assured that the vacuum doesn’t bend or creak when used.

However, it is still a concern because the Shark HV301 can’t stand on its own; it can fall over when leaning on a surface. I had to be careful whenever I leaned it against a wall or laid it down because I didn’t want the plastic parts to break when it fell.

Another issue is that the steering wheel does not always roll very smoothly. The dust that gets caught there could be the cause. Thankfully, there is an indicator light that lets you know if the vacuum is overheating or if the brush head has become clogged with debris.

Putting down the Shark HV301, I was super excited about the Dyson V8. Why? Compared to the Shark HV301, Dyson V8’s construction is far superior. 

At least it gives off a more premium and trustworthy look. However, apart from the metal wand, the vacuum itself is composed of plastic and doesn’t feel very durable. The dirt bin is constructed of transparent plastic and seems a little bit flimsy.

Corded vs Cordless

Shark HV301 is a corded vacuum
Shark HV301 is a corded vacuum

The Shark HV301 is a corded vacuum. Corded vacuum cleaners can only reach as far as their power cord allows them to. So, I think the Shark HV301’s limited range is a drawback as its cord is just about 30 feet, which is probably not enough to move freely between rooms without switching outlets.

In contrast, the Dyson V8 is a cordless vacuum; its cleaning range is restricted only by the amount of battery life remaining and the amount of space remaining in its dirt compartment. 

For me, I prefer the cordless design of the Dyson V8.  While using the Shark HV301, I got tangled up so many times. I never had to worry about this issue while using the Dyson V8. Moreover, when I’m cleaning hard-to-reach places like the attic or even the outside, I won’t have to worry about finding the power source. 

Weight

Compared to the Dyson V8, the Shark HV301 is heavier when attached the motorized tool and extension wand. The latter weighs only 5.8 pounds, while the former weighs 7.6 pounds.

The lightweight design of the Dyson V8 makes it very portable. Compared to other heavier Dyson models like the Dyson V11, this vacuum cleaner doesn’t seem too hefty in hand.  Its handle makes it easy to carry from room to room or upstairs.

Battery 

The battery life of the Dyson V8 is acceptable. When used in the highest suction mode, it can run for no more than 10 minutes. But when using the standard suction power mode, it for over 40 minutes continuously. 

The battery must be charged after it has been depleted, and a full charge takes roughly 5.5 hours. Unfortunately, the battery cannot be removed to be swapped out for a spare one. It’s a pain! Therefore, this battery life may not be sufficient for a large home. So, if you want a Dyson with a longer battery life, I recommend either the Dyson V12 or the Dyson V15

Dustbin & Filtration

The Winner: Dyson V8

Dirt Bin Capacity

The Shark HV301 can hold around 0.4 L of debris, the V8 can hold around 0.5 L of debris.  When compared to other cordless stick vacuums, they are rather small. However, I can forgive these small dustbins considering they are stick vacuums. 

Emptying Dyson V8's dustbin
Emptying Dyson V8’s dustbin

Filtration

The Dyson V8 has two filters. The pre-filter is on the cyclone assembly and the post-filter is on the back of the vacuum. Both of them are washable. The post-filter is the HEPA filter. It is really a great choice for individuals with asthma, allergies, or breathing problems.

Meanwhile, the Shark HV301 does not have HEPA filter. It uses a stacked pair of washable foam filters. If you suffer from allergies, you should consider the Dyson instead due to its superior filtration.

Quick Rundown Of Dyson V8

Pros
  • It has a lightweight and versatile design that you can use to clean anywhere. 
  • It can clean carpets and hard floors efficiently, and it can also pick up pet hair.
  • It has both HEPA filtration and a sealed system.
  • The cordless design is very convenient.
Cons
  • It takes a long time to fully charge the battery. 
  • It is quite expensive.

Quick Rundown Of Shark HV301

Sale
Shark HV301 Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning with Swivel Steering, Gray/Orange
  • Never loses suction or power.Specific uses:Stairs,Furnitures.Amperage : 4.2 amps
  • Cleans carpets and bare floors
  • Lightweight - only 7 pounds. Amps- 4.2. Wattage- 500
  • Versatile floor to ceiling cleaning
  • Never Loses Suction or Power
Pros
  • Compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver.
  • Excellent performance on bare floors.
  • It comes with lots of accessories.
  • Excellent for reaching and cleaning tight spaces.
Cons
  • The dustbin is somewhat small.
  • Can not stand up on its own.
  • No HEPA filter.

Product Video

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