SHARK vs TOWER Cordless Vacuum Comparison

Can’t decide between a SHARK and TOWER vacuum cleaner?

We’ve taken a close look at Shark and Towers best-selling flagship vacuum cleaners, using a combination of in-house data analysis software, and expert hands-on assessment – comparing the SHARK PowerDetect with the TOWER Cyclone Dust Station, analysing features, specs, reliability, customer satisfaction, and performance metrics.

By comparing (IP3251UKT and VL220) – two leading vacuum cleaners by SHARK and TOWER, you can settle on the right floorcare brand. Better yet, jump directly to the best vacuum cleaner winner.

Best Rated Vacuum Cleaner 2025

SHARK PowerDetect IP3251UKT vs TOWER Cyclone Dust Station VL220 Comparison Points

We chose to compare the SHARK IP3251UKT with the TOWER VL220 as these vacuum cleaners are like-for-like (high-end cordless models), providing a balanced comparison.

Here’s an overview of the SHARK PowerDetect battery life runtime, re-charge duration, dirt tank holding capacity, vacuum filtration system, cleaning accessories, special features, and user feedback reviews, and how it stacks against the TOWER Cyclone Dust Station vacuum cleaner.

SHARK and TOWER Battery Run Time

SHARK upright cordless vacuums, just like TOWER, offer lightweight portability without the need for power cables. Both the SHARK IP3251UKT PowerDetect and TOWER VL220 Cyclone Dust Station are powered using rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries.

The Tower Cyclone Dust Station has 45 minutes of vacuuming runtime, compared to the SHARK PowerDetect which has 70 minutes – a difference of 25 minutes between vacuum cleaner brands.

• SHARK IP3251UKT Runtime: 70 mins continuous, running 21.6 volts
• TOWER VL220 Runtime: 45 mins continuous, running 25.9 volts

How Long Does TOWER VL220 and SHARK IP3251UKT take to charge?

The TOWER VL220 has a re-charge time of 4 hours, compared to the SHARK IP3251UKT which takes 6 hours to fully charge, giving a 2 hours difference over each vacuum brand.

Tower vs Shark Vacuum Dust Tank Capacity

Both Tower Cyclone Dust Station and Shark PowerDetect are bagless cordless vacuum cleaners, instead have an onboard storage tank where dust, dirt, hairs, and other debris are stored for post-vacuum disposal. Cyclone Dust Station by TOWER holds up to 2 Litre of dirt and dust, and the PowerDetect by SHARK has an internal capacity of 2.

• SHARK PowerDetect dust and dirt tank size: 2L
• TOWER Cyclone Dust Station dust and dirt tank size: 2L

Floor Cleaning Types

With specially designed brush heads, cordless vacuum cleaners such as the SHARK PowerDetect and TOWER Cyclone Dust Station are suitable for vacuuming all floor types, soft or hard, including – carpet, deep pile fibres, rugs, vinyl, foam and rubber mats, upholstery, stairs, cork, or laminate, tile (Ceramic or Porcelain), wood, and stone. Making SHARK and TOWER vacuums ideal for use in all rooms of a home.

Although highly versatile, the TOWER VL220 and SHARK IP3251UKT are not wet & dry vacuum cleaners, which is a different class of vacuum cleaner appliance. The SHARK PowerDetect and TOWER Cyclone Dust Station should be used for dry vacuuming, unless specified otherwise in the user manual.

Most Shark and Tower cordless battery powered vacuums comes with add-ons and accessories to enhance tricky cleaning jobs. For example, the SHARK IP3251UKT comes with Motorised Pet Tool, Multi-Surface Tool, Duster Crevice Tool, Auto-Empty Base system and the TOWER VL220 includes Charging base, 2-in-1 brush, Crevice tool, Anti-tangle brush bar.

These Shark and Tower models are also designed with the following unique cleaning features.

• SHARK IP3251UKT Special features: – Anti-Odour Tech, Anti-Hair Wrap, Complete Seal Anti-Allergen, Flexology, Power Detect Intelligence
• TOWER VL220 Special features: – Mono-cyclonic technology, LED display, HEPA particle filtration, self-emptying charging station

What Filters to the SHARK IP3251UKT and TOWER VL220 use?

Filters are a crucial component of Shark and Tower vacuum cleaner systems, they capture fine dust particles, pet dander, pollen, and small carpet fibers, stopping them from being released back into the air, and damaging the motor.

The SHARK IP3251UKT PowerDetect uses a Washable, AED Anti Allergen and you’ll find a HEPA in the TOWER VL220 Cyclone Dust Station, both provide great dirt filtration, but they will require maintenance to reduce odours, and prevent loss of suction from clogging.

TOWER and SHARK Reviews and Ratings

Aggregate customer feedback from 481 reviewers across various platforms gives the SHARK IP3251UKT an average rating of 4.4/5 stars, while the TOWER VL220 vacuum earns a 4.3/5 average based on 291 reviews.

Both SHARK and TOWER have established strong reputations for reliability and good cleaning results, which is reflected in the number of positive reviews. The cleaning performance of the SHARK PowerDetect IP3251UKT and the TOWER Cyclone Dust Station VL220 is similarly impressive, with each brand delivering comparable vacuuming results.

When it comes to performance and durability, the top vacuum models from SHARK and TOWER are nearly indistinguishable. Both the PowerDetect IP3251UKT by TOWER and the Cyclone Dust Station VL220 receive a high proportion of favourable customer feedback.

Choosing Between SHARK and TOWER stick upright vacuum cleaners.

It’s difficult to recommend the SHARK cordless vacuum over TOWER, because the margins between TOWER Cyclone Dust Station and SHARK PowerDetect are modest, and buying preferences are down to minor differences such as features, accessories, runtime, filter type (for example, allergy sufferers), surface cleaning size, charging duration, budget and cost.

With that said, we can recommend the Shark PowerPro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner over the SHARK PowerDetect and TOWER Cyclone Dust Station.

Brand	Model	Runtime	Recharge	Weight	Tank	Best Price
SHARK	IP3251UKT	70 M	6 H	3.70g	2L	Get Deals
TOWER	VL220	45 M	4 H	6kg	2L	Get Deals

What other types of SHARK and TOWER vacuum cleaners are available?

Special thanks to Vacuum Versus for assisting with this IP3251UKT / VL220 comparison.