We will compare Shark Vertex and Apex upright vacuums in this post to help you make an informed purchase.

• The Shark Vertex AZ2000 series includes AZ2000 and AZ2002 (when I write this post). This is the latest Shark upright vacuum series.
• The Shark Apex AZ1000 series, including AZ1000, AZ1000W, AZ1002, AZ1002C, AZ1002BRN, is the predecessor of the AZ2000 series.

Below are some differences between Shark Vertex and Apex upright vacuum cleaners, if you are deciding between these two vacuum series, the information below may be helpful to you.

• Brush Design
  This is the biggest difference between them. The Vertex features flexible silicone fins to replace the bristle brush on the Apex. Shark claims that the so called PowerFins dig deep into carpets and engage floors directly, it helps pick up more dirt, debris, and pet hair in every pass than the bristle brush.
  
  

  image from Shark infomercial

• Headlights
  The Vertex has only LED headlights on the nozzle whereas the Apex has LED lights on the nozzle and handle.
  The lights on the handle is useful when you use the accessories to clean low light spots. If you are one of those who love the lights on the handle, go for the Apex.
  The Vertex headlights are at the center of the nozzle whereas the lights on the Apex are on the sides (at front).
  
  

  images from Shark infomercials

• Bin Size
  The Vertex has a larger dust container. It holds up to one quart while the bin capacity of Apex is 0.88 quarts.

Buy Shark Vertex Upright at Amazon

Except for the above differences, they are similar:

• Powered Lift-Away: allow you to release the canister and use the motorized nozzle to clean carpets and hard floors, this is useful when you want to vacuum under furniture; the lift away feature is also convenient when doing above floor cleaning, you can detach the pod and use the hose with accessories to clean stairs, counter tops, ceiling fans, etc.
• Dual Brush Rollers: 2 brush rollers to tackle both hard floors and carpeted surfaces.
• Self Cleaning Brushroll: Shark claims that the self cleaning brushroll technology actively removes hair with no wrapping issues when you vacuum.
• Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter capture 99.9 percent of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, this is good for people who suffer from allergy and asthma.
• Active-Glide Technology: maneuver smoothly on both hard floors and carpets while maintaining powerful suction.

Comparison Chart of Shark Apex and Vertex

Check Shark Apex Price at Amazon

Some questions and answers:

• Can you turn off the brush rollers when vacuuming hard floors?
  No. There’s no brush on/off control. If you turn on the machine, the brushes only stop when the vacuum cleaner is in upright position.
• Can you adjust the suction level?
  There is no control to adjust the suction only. However, there are 3 surface settings to provide different levels of suction power.
• Can you adjust the height of the brushrolls?
  They have 3 floor settings for hard floors and carpets, however, there is no control to adjust the height of the rollers.
• Do they have automatic cord reel?
  No. You have to wind the cord manually.
• Do they have HEPA filter?
  Yes.
• Are the filters washable?
  Yes.
• Are they dual voltage, do they work on 220 volts?
  No.
• Can you turn off the headlights?
  No, the lights cannot be turned off.
• Do they use bags?
  No, they are bagless.
• Do they use belts?
  Yes. They use belts to rotate the brushrolls.
• Where are they made?
  Made in China.