The Shark IZ682H Vertex and IZ862H Stratos are two premium cordless vacuum models of the Shark brand, but what are the differences between them, and which is better? For me, it is a tie in the Shark IZ682H vs IZ862H comparison.
The Shark IZ682H Vertex Pro has a little larger dust cup capacity, a surface-switch feature to adjust the brush roller speed, and a pack of two batteries. Thus, I can have more control over the cleaning performance and longer cleaning time with the IZ682H Vertex. Besides, it has more cleaning attachments than its rival, offering a more comprehensive above-floor cleaning.
The Shark IZ862H Stratos, on the other hand, is on a more smart-technology side owing to the Clean Sense IQ and the odor neutralizer technologies. These features enable better cleaning convenience without having to change any settings during the cleaning session. Similar to the Shark IZ682, the IZ862H Stratos also has good suction, a duo-clean self-cleaning brushroll system, a complete seal HEPA filtration, and bright LED headlights. Thus, it is a competitive candidate for the Shark IZ682.
Shark IZ682H Vs IZ862H: Comparison Chart
Shark IZ682H Vs IZ862H: Differences
The score for Shark IZ682H vs IZ862H is tied at 2-2. The IZ682H Vertex Pro wins in the categories of battery life and utility. Meanwhile, the IZ862H Stratos is the winner for the cleaning performance and odor neutralizer for a nice-smelling atmosphere.
Cleaning performance
Winner: Shark IZ862H Stratos
The Shark IZ862H Stratos and IZ682H Vertex Pro yield the same suction power, which I measured at about 48 cfm airflow at the cleaner heads and 76 inches of water lift at the hose. Such suction numbers are above average and enough to meet all overall cleaning duties.
In the pick-up performance tests, the Shark Stratos IZ862H is relatively better than the Vertex Pro IZ682H in terms of deep carpet cleaning results. Apart from that, both of them can work well on both carpets and bare floors, picking almost everything on the tested surfaces, including small to large debris and short to long hair strands.
Their duo-brushroll system is a critical feature attributing to such amazing pick-up efficiency. However, such a 2-in-1 floorhead design causes them to be quite grabby when used on low-pile rugs.
Additionally, their brushroll systems are designed with self-cleaning functionality, which is effective in preventing hair clogging problems by a large amount of hair wrapping on the roller after each cleaning. Though there are long strands of human hair staying on the roller, the amount is insignificant, about 2-3% of the initial tested amount. With this performance, I believe they are good vacuums for pet owners.
Regarding the carpet deep cleaning test, I ran the Shark IZ682H in the Deep Cleaning and Carpet modes, while the selected mode of the Shark IZ862H is Clean Sense IQ. The results I got for each vacuum were 100% for the IZ862H Stratos and 93% for the IZ682H Vertex Pro. So, though they have the same suction power and cleaner head design, the Shark IZ862H Stratos performed a more excellent result than its rival. And what did induce such a difference?
Based on my experience, the difference can be attributed to the Clean Sense IQ technology featured on the Shark IZ862H Stratos. Particularly, in the Clean Sense IQ mode, the vacuum can sense the dirt density on the floors to increase and decrease the suction power responding to the high and low dirt volumes, respectively. So, the pick-up efficiency was improved without the need to change any settings. Therefore, I used the IZ862H Stratos in the Clean Sense IQ most of the time.
Dust cup capacity & Filtration system
Winner: Shark IZ862H Stratos
The dust cup capacity of the Shark Stratos and Shark Vertex Pro is quite similar. Though on paper, the Shark IZ682H has a greater dust cup capacity (~1 quart), the capacity of Shark IZ862H (~0.7 quarts) is still enough for me to clean my house in one cleaning on a daily basis. So, I decided to give them a tie for this category.
Alongside their ample dust cup capacity, I highly appreciate the filtration systems of the Shark Stratos and Shark Vertex Pro. They are all equipped with a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology, making them excel at filtering and capturing as much as 99.99% of microdust and allergens. This capability plays a crucial role in promoting a cleaner and healthier living environment, particularly for individuals dealing with asthma and other allergies.
The feature that leads the Shark IZ862H Stratos to victory in this round is its Odor Neutralizer technology. Specifically, this technology is to use the perfume gel cartridge to emit nice scents into the expelled air, giving a pleasant and nice-smelling environment. So, it could be a nice feature to give a try, especially when you want to eliminate the odor of pet hair after vacuuming.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Shark IZ682H Vertex
Maneuverability
In comparison to other cordless vacuums I’ve tried, the Shark IZ862H and UZ865H feel slightly heavier. They weigh approximately 8.9 lbs, while the average weight of a cordless vacuum is around 6-7 lbs. Besides, when in the handheld form factor, their weight is about 3.6 lbs, which I found quite heavy in hand, creating strains on my wrists when cleaning above-floor surfaces like sofas, couches, and blinds.
One of the features I like about these two Shark vacuums is the flexible wand. The multi-flex joint allow me to bend the wand effortlessly and reach underneath beds and furniture without bending my back down to the floor. So, I think this feature is good for people with mobility issues or back problems.
Additionally, this multi-flex technology offers another way to store the vacuum without drilling holes in the wall. Specifically, by folding the wand over when the vacuum is in the upright position, the vacuum can stand on its own.
Noise levels
Both Shark IZ682H and IZ862H have loud noise levels, ranging from 77-88 dB. In fact, this is around the noise range of an upright vacuum. Besides, there is one note I would like to mention that the IZ862H Stratos may give an unpleasant experience in terms of noise when using the Clean Sense IQ mode.
One of my friends told me that she didn’t like Clean Sense IQ mode because the power was ratcheted up and down constantly, making the noise keep going up and down continuously. So, she preferred having control over the suction levels to having the suction adjusted automatically and ending up returning the Stratos to get the Vertex Pro instead.
Therefore, if you are too sensitive to noise like my friend, you can consider getting the normal version without the Clean Sense IQ feature.
Battery
The actual runtime for the Shark IZ682H and IZ862H with one battery is a maximum of ~45 mins with the cleaning nozzle. In the Boost mode with the highest suction level, the battery life is about 10 mins.
However, if you have a large house (>1000 sq.ft.) with many pieces of furniture, it’s better to get the Shark IZ682H Vertex Pro because it includes two batteries and a dual charging dock for recharging these batteries simultaneously. With two batteries used consecutively, the maximum cleaning time can reach 100 mins, a great number to consider!
Utility
Winner: Shark IZ682H Vertex Pro
Both the Shark IZ862H Stratos and IZ682 Vertex Pro come equipped with bright LED headlights. These headlights prove to be incredibly useful when cleaning bare floors, as they illuminate dark areas and reveal hidden dust for a better and more satisfying cleaning experience.
However, I selected the Shark IZ682H Vertex Pro as the winner of this round because it has more attachments than the Shark IZ862H Stratos. Both of them have the Duster Crevice Tool and Anti-Allergen Brush, but the IZ682H Vertex Pro includes one more accessory: the Pet multi-tool.
This Pet multi-tool is a combination of an upholstery tool and a wide dusting brush. Thus, with the Shark IZ682H, cleaning the upholstery surface is easier and more convenient, in my experience.
Quick Rundown of Shark IZ862H Stratos
- CLEAN SENSE IQ: Infrared sensor detects the dirt you can’t see and automatically increases power, giving you up to 50% better* dirt pickup. The Clean Sense IQ indicator visually shows when floors are clean. (vs. Shark Stratos Cordless in ECO Mode.)
- MOST SUCTION* OF ANY SHARK CORDLESS STICK VACUUM: HyperVelocity Plus delivers the most suction. *Based on ASTM F558, measured at the hand vacuum, tested in Boost mode.
- DUOCLEAN POWERFINS HAIRPRO: Two brushroll system digs deep into carpets, engages hard floors, and picks up dirt, debris, and hair in every pass. No cordless vacuum picks up hair better*. (*From floor to dust cup, third party tested on human/pet hair)
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: Powerful pet hair pickup and no more 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 IZ682H Vertex Pro
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: The power and cleaning performance of a full-size vacuum (tested in Boost mode vs. ZU630).
- UP TO 120 MINUTES OF RUNTIME: Two removable batteries for a combined total of up to 120 minutes of runtime (measured at the hand vac in ECO mode when using two batteries consecutively).
- DUOCLEAN POWERFINS & SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: While a soft front roller pulls in particles, PowerFins deliver nonstop contact to pick up more in every pass (vs. original DuoClean). Self-cleaning brushroll for powerful pet hair pickup and no more hair wrap
- IQ DISPLAY: With real-time readouts on runtime, performance, and more.
- MULTIFLEX TECHNOLOGY: Helps clean hard-to-reach places and provides a freestanding storage option.
Product Videos
Related Articles to Shark Iz862h
- Shark UZ865H Vs IZ862H Stratos Full Comparison: Are They The Same?
- Shark IZ840H Vs IZ862H Stratos: Powerful Vacuums But Any Differences?
- Shark IZ862H Vs IZ562H: Shark Cordless Stick Vacuum Face-Off
References:
- Shark Stratos (IZ800H series): https://www.sharkclean.com/products/shark-stratos-cordless-zidIZ862H
- Shark Vertex Pro IZ683H: https://www.sharkclean.com/products/shark-vertex-pro-lightweight-cordless-stick-vacuum-with-duoclean-powerfins-zidIZ662H
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.