I have never had a Shark, but would not give up my Dyson for any other machine. It is one of the first ones that came out and is amazing how much dirt it gets out of everything. We have 2 mini schnauzers, carpet, ceramic tile and wood floors. Using the hose is a little problematic. It's hard for me to keep it straight so that it doesn't kink when I am trying to get something overhead.
Whichever you get, if you don't like it, you can always take it back.