I have a Dyson downstairs and a Shark upstairs. I have found these differences. The switch to go from carpet to hard floor is much lower on the Shark, so I have to bend to reach it, unlike the Dyson. Also, the electric cord attaches at the bottom of the vacuum on the Shark, so if my back is giving me problems, it's hard to keep bending to grab the cord to move it out of the way while vacuuming. I love that the Shark is much lighter to carry up and down stairs and the Shark steers so much better! Also, The Shark leans back to get under furniture effortlessly where the Dyson has a latch that is finicky. The suction is better on my Shark, but my Dyson is 15+ years old and has had much more use. For the money, I think the Shark is a great buy!