Is Shark Navigator a Good Vacuum?

On this page (7 sections)

1. Is the Shark Navigator a good vacuum for everyday cleaning?
2. What is different between the Navigator models?
3. Which Shark Navigator is best for pet hair?
4. Which model is better for hard floors?
5. What should you know about filters and upkeep?
6. What are the limits of this comparison?
7. Is the Shark Navigator a good vacuum for you?

A Shark Navigator can be a good vacuum if you want an upright with a detachable pod for above-floor cleaning. The models differ in brushroll controls, pet-hair tools, dust cup capacity, and included accessories.

The range makes most sense for homes that need one vacuum for carpets and hard floors, plus a way to clean stairs, furniture, or other areas above the floor. Compare the specific model features rather than assuming every Navigator has the same controls or tools.

Is the Shark Navigator a good vacuum for everyday cleaning?

A Shark Navigator may suit everyday cleaning if its Lift-Away design and floor controls fit your routine. The four models here describe multi-surface cleaning and a detachable pod, while two specify brushroll shutoff for switching to hard-floor cleaning.

We compared the model features provided for each vacuum. That helps identify practical differences, but it doesn't tell you how each one performs in every home or on every floor.

If carpet and hard floors both matter, the NV356E and NV360 spell out brushroll shutoff. The NV352 and ZU503AMZ include other features, such as pet tools or a self-cleaning brushroll, but don't specify that same control.

For broader upright options, see what to look for in an upright vacuum. If you're deciding between Shark and another brand, our Hoover WindTunnel vs Shark Navigator comparison covers that choice.

What is different between the Navigator models?

The main differences are brushroll controls, pet-hair accessories, stated capacity, and the model's form. All four are Lift-Away uprights with HEPA filtration, but the included tools and floor controls vary.

Is the NV352 a good Shark Navigator choice?

The NV352 stands out for its Lift-Away pod, Pet Power Brush, and sealed HEPA filtration. Its description also names swivel steering, LED headlights, and a self-cleaning brushroll.

It includes a crevice tool and upholstery tool. The listed capacity is 1.1 quarts, and its washable HEPA and foam filters need regular care.

Choose it if you want a pet tool and the self-cleaning brushroll feature. If you mainly need a brushroll shutoff control for hard floors, compare the NV356E or NV360 instead.

What does the NV356E add?

The NV356E specifies brushroll shutoff, a Pet Power Brush, and an extra-large dust cup. Its detachable pod supports cleaning stairs and furniture, and it comes with a dusting brush and an 8-inch crevice tool.

The stated capacity is 0.87 liters. Shark describes its HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal as trapping dust and allergens, and the filter care instructions call for rinsing and 24 hours of air drying.

This model may fit if you want named floor controls and several accessories in the box. For a closer look at another Navigator model, read our Shark Navigator NV352 review.

Does the ZU503AMZ suit homes with pets?

The ZU503AMZ focuses on pet hair with a self-cleaning brushroll and a Pet Crevice Tool. Its Lift-Away pod and upholstery tool also support cleaning furniture, stairs, and other above-floor areas.

The vacuum has swivel steering and a HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology. Its listed weight is 15 pounds, and the description names carpet, area rugs, and sealed hard floors.

Consider this model if your priority is the self-cleaning brushroll and pet-focused tools. The details do not specify brushroll shutoff, so compare floor controls carefully if you want a dedicated setting for hard floors.

Is the NV360 a practical all-around option?

The NV360 combines Lift-Away cleaning with brushroll shutoff and a 0.9-liter dust cup. Its features include swivel steering, HEPA filtration, and tools for upholstery and crevices.

Its description names a washable HEPA filter and says to rinse it under running water and air dry it for 24 hours before reinstalling. The vacuum weighs 16 pounds.

Choose it if you want brushroll shutoff plus Lift-Away cleaning and a large dust cup. If you want a self-cleaning brushroll or a Pet Power Brush, compare the NV352 or ZU503AMZ.

Which Shark Navigator is best for pet hair?

The NV352 and ZU503AMZ list the clearest pet-focused brushroll features. The NV352 includes a Pet Power Brush and self-cleaning brushroll, while the ZU503AMZ names a self-cleaning brushroll and Pet Crevice Tool.

The NV356E includes a Pet Power Brush, and the NV360 includes an upholstery tool for pet hair on furniture and stairs. Think about where hair builds up: on floors, stairs, upholstery, or in narrow spaces.

For more guidance on hair and floor care, see our upright vacuum picks for homes with pets and guide to vacuuming with pets.

Which model is better for hard floors?

The NV356E and NV360 are the clearest options if you want brushroll shutoff. Both descriptions say you can switch from carpet cleaning to a hard-floor mode.

The NV352 is described for carpets and hard floors and has a self-cleaning brushroll. The ZU503AMZ is described for carpet, area rugs, and sealed hard floors, but the details don't name a brushroll shutoff control.

For any model, consider the floor surfaces in your home and the controls you want to use. Brushroll shutoff is a specific feature to check if you want to switch modes for hard floors.

What should you know about filters and upkeep?

Each of these models includes HEPA filtration, but the care instructions and sealed-system descriptions vary. The NV352, NV356E, and ZU503AMZ describe an anti-allergen seal, and the NV360 describes a sealed system with a HEPA filter.

The NV356E and NV360 specify rinsing washable filters and air drying them for 24 hours before reinstalling. Follow the instructions for your exact model, since filter type and care can vary.

Cleaning filters on schedule can help you avoid putting a dirty or damp filter back in place. For the steps, see how to clean a Shark upright vacuum filter.

What are the limits of this comparison?

This comparison shows stated features, not direct testing. It can help you narrow down a model by its tools and controls, but it can't predict how a vacuum will feel or perform on your floors.

Descriptions also vary in detail. For example, capacity appears in quarts for some models and liters for others, so avoid treating the figures as directly interchangeable without checking the units.

Before you choose, confirm that the model includes the tools you plan to use and the floor controls your home needs. Consider the vacuum's weight if you expect to carry it between floors.

Is the Shark Navigator a good vacuum for you?

A Shark Navigator can be a good vacuum if you want Lift-Away cleaning and the model's specific tools match your home. Pick the NV352 for a Pet Power Brush and self-cleaning brushroll, the NV356E for brushroll shutoff and accessories, the ZU503AMZ for pet-focused tools, or the NV360 for brushroll shutoff and a larger dust cup.

If you're choosing between Navigator models, start with the NV352 review. For a different brand comparison, see Hoover WindTunnel vs Shark Navigator.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Shark Navigator good for pet hair?

Several Navigator models include pet-focused tools or brushroll features. The NV352 includes a Pet Power Brush, and the NV356E includes a Pet Power Brush.

The ZU503AMZ has a self-cleaning brushroll and Pet Crevice Tool, and the NV360 includes an upholstery tool.

Match the tool to where hair collects in your home.

Which Shark Navigator is best for hard floors?

The NV356E and NV360 list brushroll shutoff, which lets you switch from carpet cleaning to a hard-floor mode. The NV352 and ZU503AMZ are described for multiple floor types, but their details do not specify brushroll shutoff.

Check the floor controls that matter to you before choosing.

Do Shark Navigator vacuums have HEPA filters?

All 4 models in this comparison include HEPA filtration, though the descriptions of the sealed filtration features vary. The NV352, NV356E, and ZU503AMZ describe an anti-allergen seal, while the NV360 describes a sealed system with a HEPA filter.

Follow each model's care instructions for its filters.

Can you use a Shark Navigator on stairs?

Yes, the Lift-Away designs let you detach a pod for above-floor cleaning, and several model descriptions specifically mention stairs. Use the model's compatible tool for the surface, and keep the vacuum and hose steady as you work.

The included accessories vary by model.