Compare Dirt Devil Multi-Surface Upright Vacuum vs Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum

Accessories were useful in some reviews, but the tool package was inconsistent, with complaints about a stubby wand, custom fitting, missing tools, and a disappointing turbo tool.

Reviewers liked the practical attachment set, especially dual-purpose tools and pet-focused accessories, though hose reach shaped how useful they felt.

One reviewer described the Rewind variant as a nice-looking vacuum, giving limited but positive aesthetic evidence.

Design impressions were positive overall: reviewers noted a cleaner finish, smart packaging of features, and a distinctive purple colorway.

The smart Detect system was one of the strongest themes, with reviewers praising automatic floor, dirt, edge, and direction adjustments.

Area-rug handling was mixed: reviewers saw dirt pickup, but also noted hard pushing and annoying height-setting compromises.

Area-rug results were mixed: transitions were smooth on low-profile rugs, but thin rugs and large clusters sometimes required extra effort.

Assembly was a clear pain point in the unboxing review, with the handle and screws described as surprisingly difficult.

Setup was described as quick and easy, with straightforward assembly from the boxed components.

The bin was praised for capacity/removability in some reviews, but several reviewers disliked accidental release, grimy handling, or awkward reinstallation.

The dustbin drew praise for its larger capacity versus many cordless vacuums and for reducing emptying frequency.

The newer model's build quality received strong praise for sturdiness, thicker plastic, and feeling less cheap than prior Dirt Devils.

Build was described as robust and heavy-duty, with durable-feeling materials despite the mostly plastic construction.

High-pile evidence was limited and only moderately positive, mostly pet-hair pickup rather than broad debris testing.

High-pile performance was the clearest carpet weakness: one lab found the brushroll lacked enough agitation for long, thick fibers.

Low-pile pickup split by model/review: CNET measured poor sand pickup, while the newer model did excellently on low-pile commercial carpet.

Low-pile carpet pickup was consistently strong, from rare perfect-score language to impressive mixed-material cleanup.

Medium-pile performance was context-dependent, ranging from CNET's weak pickup to newer-model reviewers who found carpet contact finicky but workable.

Medium-pile and general carpet/rug results were strong, with reviewers calling it one of the best for carpet and better tuned than Stratos in one comparison.

Clogging/debris prevention evidence was split: one review praised multi-cyclonic clog reduction, while CNET found tool clogging and brush-well jams.

Clogging and debris-prevention evidence was mixed because one lab found material clumped in the hose despite strong pickup.

Comparative performance evidence diverged sharply, with CNET's Dash test performing poorly and the detailed reviewer calling the newer model a major Dirt Devil improvement.

Compared with other uprights, reviewers often ranked the PowerDetect at or near the top, while noting Stratos remained competitive in some measures.

Controls were generally simple and accessible, but height adjustment and release mechanisms could be awkward or inconvenient.

Controls were considered clear and modern, with handle buttons and a colorful display supporting manual modes and Detect mode.

The detachable pod and powered Lift-Away design added flexibility, though moving around in broken-down mode could be awkward.

Cord length evidence was split, with CNET calling 25 feet plenty but the detailed newer-model review calling the cord too short.

Cord length was viewed as reasonably generous at 30 feet, though not exceptional.

Cord management varied by variant: the non-rewind cord fought the reviewer during wrapping, while the Rewind's retracting cord was praised.

The cord was a repeated convenience drawback because it can get in the way, tangle, and does not retract.

Hard-floor crevice pickup had mixed evidence: the vacuum was strong overall, but sealed-airflow changes reduced concentrated performance in related tests.

Cyclone performance was improved versus older Dirt Devils in some owner evidence, but the detailed review still called the cyclone ineffective under dust load.

Headlights and debris illumination were useful for seeing hidden dust and cleaning darker corners.

Ease of use was generally good once assembled, with simple operation and disassembly, though filter condition affected cleaning performance.

Ease of use was generally strong thanks to automated modes and Lift-Away flexibility, tempered by bulk and some awkward configurations.

Only one review supplied opinionated edge-cleaning evidence, and it was positive about reducing dirt hiding near walls and corners.

Edge and baseboard cleaning was repeatedly praised, including perfect-rating language and strong single-pass results.

Emptying and mess control were mixed: one-touch/removable bins helped, but accidental bin release, grimy handling, and trash-can positioning were concerns.

Emptying was usually easy, but one reviewer wanted a top-release design to keep hands farther from debris.

Filtration drew praise in roundup-style coverage and from one owner, but the detailed review criticized it as an unsealed budget system with dust getting through.

Filtration was a standout in lab-style reviews, with fog or particle testing indicating excellent dust containment.

The floorhead earned praise for stiff bristles and a felt gasket, but reviewers also criticized carpet-contact issues and the lack of brushroll shutoff.

The DuoClean floorhead was widely praised as a central reason for its strong multi-surface pickup.

One Rewind review praised the bare-floor seal, saying it helped pick up debris that might normally scatter.

Floorhead seal and concentrated airflow were a tradeoff: wider channels helped some features but reduced sealed-floor test strength.

Hair-removal channel evidence was negative, with CNET finding hair wrapped around the rollerbrush rather than fully entering the bin.

Hair-removal evidence was mostly positive, with easy brushroll access and fewer tangles, but occasional roller checks were still advised.

Carpet hair pickup was generally favorable in newer reviews, but CNET found the older Dash comparatively weak despite a 92 percent pet-hair result.

Hair pickup on carpets and rugs was very strong overall, though one lab saw long hair wrap during stress testing.

Hard-floor hair pickup was weak in the CNET test and the detailed review remained cautious about bare-floor use despite some pickup ability.

Hard-floor hair pickup was strongly praised, especially the front roller acting like a magnet for hair.

Hair-wrap/tangle resistance was poor in CNET's human-hair test, where hair tangled and wrapped around the rollerbrush.

Anti-tangle performance was usually excellent, with several reviewers saying hair did not wrap; one stress test found some long-hair buildup.

Hard-floor fine-dust evidence was mixed: CNET found weak fine-particle performance, while first-impression demos saw fine dust pickup on carpet and bare-floor demos looked better.

Fine-dust and small-debris hard-floor pickup was excellent, with single-pass and nearly perfect pickup language across reviews.

Large-debris hard-floor pickup was mixed, with positive claims about fewer passes but CNET's hard-floor Cheerios result was poor.

Large-debris intake was excellent in several tests, but oats and extra-large clusters occasionally needed another pass.

LED lighting was considered helpful and more pronounced than older Shark lighting in comparative discussion.

Hose length was decent on newer owner reviews, but CNET considered the Dash hose ungenerous against a named Eureka comparison.

Hose length was a recurring limitation for high or far-away above-floor cleaning.

Innovation evidence was limited but positive, centered on the detailed review's view that TTI made real improvements over recent Dirt Devils.

Reviewers saw the PowerDetect as unusually innovative for an upright because of its multiple new Detect features.

Low-profile reach was poor because the cyclone assembly prevented getting under low furniture.

Low-profile reach was mixed: Lift-Away helped under furniture, but the full upright dustbin and bulky head blocked some tight spaces.

Maintenance requirements were mixed: filters and savings were manageable, but brush access, filter washing, and jam-clearing could be tedious.

Maintenance was usually straightforward, but TechGearLab found sand collecting at the foam filter and adding upkeep.

Handling was usually positive on the newer models, but the CNET Dash review found it less maneuverable than comparable vacuums.

Handling was mostly good thanks to swivel steering, but bulk and tight-area navigation were common caveats.

Noise impressions were mixed: one reviewer said the vacuum was not very loud, while another called the turbo brush loud and rattly and the Rewind louder than a cordless unit.

Noise was acceptable to mixed: some found the sound pleasant or moderate, while others called it noisy or noted changing mode volume.

Odor control split reviewers, with some liking fresher floors while TechGearLab found the scent cheap and overpowering.

Onboard storage was convenient in the roundup, but reviewers criticized an unused post, missing accessory, and tool-storage oddities.

Onboard tool storage was praised for keeping attachments housed on the vacuum and harder to lose.

Ownership costs look moderate: some evidence praised fewer filter replacements, but the detailed review still expects washing and periodic filter replacement.

Ongoing odor-cartridge cost appeared manageable in the one review that evaluated replacement cost.

The detailed reviewer saw better construction and motor feel than older Dirt Devils, but still considered longevity below the equivalent Bissell.

Durability evidence was limited but positive, centered on the heavy-duty material impression.

Overall opinion was highly mixed: several reviewers liked the newer models at $100, while CNET strongly rejected the older Dash evidence.

Overall opinion was strongly favorable, with multiple reviewers recommending it or calling it a top upright despite tradeoffs.

Packaging and out-of-box setup were criticized because filters were not preinstalled and reviewers had to warn buyers to check packaging.

Packaging was positively described as well-packed and protective.

Pet-oriented tools and hair pickup earned praise in positive reviews, but the included pet/turbo accessories were not consistently strong across all evidence.

Pet-readiness was a major strength due to hair pickup, anti-tangle behavior, odor control, HEPA filtration, and pet tools.

Value depended heavily on price: reviewers liked it around $100, but criticized it at $119-$130 and strongly rejected the older Dash's value.

Value was mixed to positive: reviewers praised performance for the cost but repeatedly noted premium pricing.

Reverse cleaning was praised where tested, with Direction Detect helping backward pulls and reverse oat pickup.

Bare-floor scratch resistance was a serious concern in the detailed review because of the aggressive spinning brush and lack of brushroll shutoff.

The strong suction created a self-propelled feel that some found helpful after adjustment, but it could also feel odd.

Stair use was better than expected for the detailed reviewer, although reach limitations meant the top steps could require repositioning.

Stair suitability was limited by weight, despite Lift-Away making lifted use more manageable.

The hose clip and parked hose setup were viewed as helpful for keeping the vacuum from tipping during above-floor use.

Storage and footprint evidence leaned bulky, with reviewers noting a large head or hefty upright form rather than compactness.

Reviewers most often praised suction and airflow, especially on the newer Multi-Surface Total Pet, though that strength did not rescue every hard-floor or tool scenario.

Suction and airflow were a core strength, repeatedly described as above average, superb, or able to handle almost any debris.

Heavy-duty suitability was limited: the Rewind was framed for heavier cleaning, but CNET found jam-clearing could create extra work.

Heavy-duty suitability was strong for deep cleaning and whole-home needs, especially where reviewers emphasized power and large-home use.

Small-space suitability was weak because the bulky floorhead struggled to fit into tight spaces.

Support evidence was mixed to negative: CNET noted a comparable warranty, while the detailed reviewer criticized TTI after-sales and warranty support.

Tool changes and fittings were a recurring weak spot, with reviewers criticizing awkward attachment installation and proprietary/custom hose fittings.

Tool changes and configuration changes were usually easy, with quick release and detail-tool use praised.

Under-furniture cleaning was a weakness because the bulkier cyclone assembly prevented reaching under low furniture.

Under-furniture cleaning improved greatly with Powered Lift-Away, though the standard upright body could block access.

Upholstery and above-floor pickup were inconsistent: CNET's turbo tool clogged with pet hair, while newer reviews found the turbo tool acceptable or powerful.

Above-floor and upholstery cleaning was strong when using the powered pet brush and detail tools, limited mainly by hose reach.

Versatility was a strength for floor types and above-floor use, but bare-floor safety and custom tools limited the otherwise broad use case.

Versatility was repeatedly praised across hard floors, carpets, Lift-Away use, and multi-surface configurations.

Weight evidence was mostly positive: the vacuum was described as light or easy to carry, though the newer model traded some weight for sturdier build.

Weight was the most repeated ergonomic drawback, even when some reviewers said handling partly offset the heft.