If you are a budget-oriented user and aren’t ready to splurge on expensive Dyson machines, just consider the Shark Ion F80 vs Shark Vertex Cordless – some cheaper alternatives.
The Shark Vertex Cordless IZ462H, the overall winner, is an attractive option for folks looking for a mid-range cordless vacuum cleaner with high-end cleaning performance. The “PowerFins” technology provides it with better agitation and anti-tangle ability, while the MultiFLEX technology helps it stand on its own and clean under furniture easier.
The Shark Ion F80 (IF281), the runner-up, is also a powerful cord-free vacuum that you can use for everyday vacuuming tasks. It also has Multiflex technology, giving you a better reach under furniture, and a DuoClean floorhead specially designed to effectively clean all types of surfaces (carpets and hard floors).
Shark Ion F80 Vs Shark Vertex Cordless: Comparison Chart
Shark Ion F80 Vs Shark Vertex Cordless: Differences
The Shark IZ462H knocks out the IF281 with a score of 3-1: The winner has a self-cleaning roller (making it ideal for pet owners), a HEPA-grade filter, and a better set of attachments.
Cleaning Performance
Winner: Shark IZ462H
Suction Power & Floorhead
I couldn’t find air watts (AW) for the Shark Ion F80 vs Shark Vertex Cordless, but I found they had high-speed motors with strong suction power.
Both feature DuoClean floorheads, including a soft roller and a regular roller. This is a great innovation from Shark: it allowed me to clean the whole house seamlessly without swapping cleaning heads every time I moved from hard floor to carpet and vice versa, as I did with the Dyson V15.
Still, one thing that the Shark IZ462H has over the Shark IF281 is the “PowerFins” technology, which provides nonstop contact on all surfaces. Better yet, IZ462H’s brush roller is designed for self-cleaning, preventing hair/fur from getting stuck on the axle.
Hard Floor
Both the Shark Ion F80 vs Shark Vertex Cordless passed this experiment with great scores: they picked up most of the debris and dust in the forward pass (approximately 99%), showing how efficient “DuoClean” technology was in helping pick up debris on this type of surface. The soft roller threw a minor amount of fine debris, but it wasn’t something substantial.
Carpet
These machines once again had high scores across the board regarding cleaning carpets. They couldn’t remove all debris in the first pass, but they got very close (97%+). I found them to pick up fine coffee grounds very easily, which many cordless stick vacuums struggle with.
But when it comes to deep cleaning high-pile carpets, the IZ462H is ahead of the game thanks to the rubberized spiral roller, aka “PowerFins.” It includes some rubber fins designed for better carpet fiber agitation, allowing the vacuum to pick up a lot of deep-seated debris.
Hair Wrap
There is no denying that hair wrap has long been a dilemma with vacuum cleaners, and most brands have developed their own anti-tangle technologies to address this. Thanks to PowerFins technology, almost all the vacuumed hair was sent to the IZ462H’s dust cup, whereas a fair amount of long hair ended up on the IF281’s roller. That said, PowerFins really works and isn’t a gimmick. Shark has also developed another anti-tangle technology called Zero-M, which can be found in the Shark ZS362.
Dust Cup & Filtration System
Winner: Shark IZ462H
The Shark IF281’s dustbin can hold up to 0.28 liter of dry debris, while the Shark IZ462H’s canister has a capacity of 0.32 liter – There isn’t much of a distinction. They are on the small side and need to be emptied often, which can be annoying for people living in mammoth-sized homes. Fortunately, emptying them is pain-free: all I had to do was press a release button (for the IF281) or push a slider (for the IZ462H).
The Shark Ion F80 vs Shark Vertex Cordless share a sealed system. I consider this a must-have for those with allergies and asthma. No matter how well a vacuum cleaner can pick up dust and dirt, it will be useless if the vacuumed dust and dirt can escape through poor-quality seals or cracks on the machine’s body.
Regarding the filtration system, both feature washable filters, and they can be reused many times if they’re well-maintained. But the Shark IZ462H takes the lead with two pre-filters (foam and felt) and one post-filter (HEPA), whereas the IF281 just has two non-HEPA filters.
Attachments
Winner: Shark IZ462H
| Shark IF281 | Shark IZ462H |
|---|---|
| DuoClean powerhead Crevice tool Upholstery tool Charging Dock & Charger Battery (X2) | DuoClean powerhead Crevice Tool Anti-Allergen Brush Combination Tool (Brush & Upholstery) Charger Battery (x1) |
The Shark IZ462H scores an extra point thanks to a better set of attachments. While the IF281 comes with an upholstery tool, the IZ462H has a combination tool that can switch between a brush and an upholstery tool. The IZ462H also includes an anti-allergen brush, which is specifically designed for the most delicate surfaces.
These sets are definitely enough to complete a wide range of cleaning duties, but they aren’t the greatest. Mid-range models from Tineco, such as the A11 Master or the Pure One S11, come with richer and better attachment sets.
Battery Life (With Main Nozzle Attached)
Winner: Shark IF281
| Shark IF281 | Shark IZ462H | |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life | Default mode: ≈ 43 mins | Hard floor mode: ≈ 38 mins |
| ION Boost mode: ≈ 13 mins | Carpet mode: ≈ 21 mins | |
| Charging Time | ≈ 3.5 hours | ≈ 3 hours |
These results were measured with the main nozzle attached. If a non-motorized attachment is used, such as the crevice tool or the upholstery tool, these vacuums can run for more than an hour.
The Shark IF281 comes out of the box with two removable batteries, so its run time can be doubled without spending any additional bucks. I could give one battery a charge by putting it on the dock while using the other one. The Shark IZ462H, on the other hand, includes only one battery, and I highly recommend purchasing a spare battery.
Shark Ion F80 Vs Shark Vertex Cordless: Similarities
Design & Usability
Storage
Most stick vacuums can’t stand themselves, but that’s not the case with the Shark Ion F80 vs Shark Vertex Cordless. Thanks to MultiFLEX technology, their wands can be folded in half to reduce their vertical footprint by pressing a button, making storing them easier. In this configuration, they are compact enough to fit inside my cabinet. My only gripe is that there’s no onboard storage space.
Weight & Maneuverability
With the floorhead attached, the IF281 weighs approximately 8.2 pounds, while the IZ462H tips the scales at 9.02 pounds. They are the heaviest sticks I’ve tested, and I failed to push them with one hand. Their weight can be a deal breaker for those who have mobility problems or have a multi-level home. On the plus side, the DuoClean head is quite heavy, so most of the vacuum’s weight was on the floor instead of my hand.
If used as handheld vacuums, they weigh somewhere between 3 and 4 pounds. I found vacuuming above my head for a long period of time to be uncomfortable, and I had to take a break a few times during the vacuuming session.
The MultiFLEX technology was also a game changer when I needed to clean under furniture. I didn’t need to bend my back too deeply to get the job done, so I think this feature is a lifesaver for people with bad backs. I initially found it a bit tricky to turn the cleaner head while it was under my furniture, but I quickly got used to this – just a bit of a learning curve. I love LED headlights on the floorhead that help illuminate the cleaning path.
User Interface
The Shark IF281 has three physical buttons: the biggest one to turn the vacuum on and off, the left one to switch between vacuum modes (carpet and hard floor), and the right one to activate the ION Boost mode (creating maximum suction). For the Shark IZ462H, things are simpler: there is a slider on the handle to switch between carpet and floor settings and a Dyson-like trigger to turn the “Boost” mode on, which maxes out the suction to deal with stubborn messes.
Quick Rundown Of Shark Vertex Cordless
- HYPERVELOCITY ACCELERATED SUCTION: Provides incredible cleaning performance in an ultra-lightweight vacuum.Specific uses:Hard Floor, Carpet
- UP TO 60 MINUTES OF RUNTIME: Removable battery with up to 60 minutes of runtime measured at the hand vacuum in standard mode.
- DUOCLEAN POWERFINS: This deep-cleaning nozzle technology gives you continuous contact with all surfaces, digging deep into carpets, directly engaging hard floors, and picking up more dirt in every pass (vs. original DuoClean).
- NO HAIR WRAP: Self-cleaning brushroll for powerful pet hair pickup with no hair wrap.
- FLEXIBLE WAND: MultiFLEX technology allows you to bend the wand to clean under furniture, or fold it over for compact, freestanding storage.
Quick Rundown Of Shark Ion F80
- Powerful cordless suction for everyday dirt, debris, pet hair, and high traffic areas
- Upto 80 minutes of total runtime with 2 batteries in hand vacuum power mode; Vacuum, switch the battery, and keep going
- 2X Ion power pack system includes 2 removable, rechargeable lithium ion batteries and a charging dock
- Multiflex technology enables convenient under furniture reach and freestanding, compact storage
- Duoclean technology invented for fine dust and large debris on carpets and hard floors; One powerhead, two brushrolls; Do not use soap
Product Videos
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References:
- Shark Vertex Cordless: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/4402174024722/IZ462H_QuickStartGuide_Mv2_20200714.pdf
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.