Should I buy a Shark or Dyson vacuum in the Black Friday sales? Here's my take as an expert

Shark and Dyson are perhaps the two biggest names in the vacuum cleaner market right now, and both are serving up some strong discounts in the Black Friday sales. If you're wondering which brand to spend your money on this sales season, I'm here to help.

I'm TechRadar's Homes Editor for floorcare, and I've tested dozens of vacuums from different brands, including almost the entire current Dyson lineup, and all the key models from Shark too. That means I have a pretty good idea of what to expect from each brand, and the main differences between the two options.

Here's a quick guide to Shark and Dyson vacuums – and once you've decided which brand is right for you, scroll down for a roundup of the best Black Friday deals in your country. Alternatively, head to my guides to the best Dyson vacuums or the best Shark vacuums for a closer look at my favorite models from each brand.

1. Cleaning performance

Both brands have vacuums that deliver excellent cleaning. In my recent mega group test to crown the best cordless vacuum, it was the Shark PowerDetect Cordless that earned the highest scores in my cleaning tests. The runners up, however, were all Dyson models: the Dyson Gen5detect, V11 and V8 Cyclone.

In the cordless vacuum space, Dyson's models consistently deliver excellent cleaning – even the cheaper, older models like the Dyson V8. I'd say there's more inconsistency within the Shark range; some Shark vacs deliver outstanding cleaning while others are less efficient, so it's more important to do your research before buying.

2. Price

Shark's vacuums are typically cheaper than Dyson's – especially if you're shopping at the top end of the range. If you're on a budget, I'd probably start with Shark. Generally, I'd say Shark is also more generous and regular with its discounts, but Dyson is delivering some unexpectedly strong deals this Black Friday, so things are more balanced.

I've rounded up all the top offers for each brand below, so look there for the best value options right now. Generally speaking, in the budget bracket, for Shark you'll want to look at the PowerPro Cordless or Detect Pro Cordless, and for Dyson you'll want to check out the V8 or the V9 Motorbar.

3. Comfort and quality

Dyson's vacuums are meticulously engineered and generally feel very premium, but one area where I think they fall down a bit is on comfort. The handles on the cordless vacuums aren't shaped ergonomically, and at the top end of the range (the V15 Detect, Gen5detect and V16 Piston Animal), the main part of the vacuum is heavy and elongated so it's a little unwieldy.

In contrast, Shark's vacuums can feel cheaper, but are often more comfortable to use. The Detect Pro is the most comfortable vacuum I've used – it's ultra-lightweight and the handle is shaped and rubberized so it's nice to grip. It's not the most powerful vacuum, although perfectly fine for lighter cleaning tasks.

4. Special features

Both Shark and Dyson shine in their own way when it comes to special features – you just need to decide which ones are important for you. Both brands offer automatic suction adjustment, based on floor type and dirt detected, with certain models.

I'd say Dyson's Auto mode is more precise – it comes with real-time particle updates delivered on a colorful, moving bar graph on the vacuum's screen. However, Shark's version includes edge detection, whereby the vacuum will also boost suction when the floorhead approaches the edge of a room.

Other popular Shark vacuum technologies include a wand that can be released to bend forward for easier cleaning under furniture, and an odor-neutralizing capsule that leaves floors smelling fresh.

Aside from the real-time dust reports – which can be useful for making sure a patch of floor is clean before moving on – Dyson's other USP is a bright green laser that creates shadows to highlight tiny specks of dust that might otherwise be missed. Many of Shark's vacuums also have headlamps, but they're nothing like this.

Today's best US Black Friday Dyson vacuum deals

Today's best US Black Friday Shark vacuum deals

Today's best UK Black Friday Dyson vacuum deals

Today's best UK Black Friday Shark vacuum deals

Shop more of today's best Black Friday sales

• Amazon: up to 66% off tech & essentials
• AO: up to £500 off Dyson, Bosch & Hisense
• Argos: up to 50% off appliances, tech & toys
• Boots: save on 1,000s of beauty products
• Currys: deals on Ninja, Shark & Lenovo
• Dell: laptops from £279
• Dyson: up to £550 off vacuums
• EE: Switch 2 bundles from £20/month
• John Lewis: up to 50% off tech & fashion
• Lego: sets & accessories from £2.99
• Samsung: deals on appliances & phones
• Very: up to 40% off tech, toys & fashion