The Best Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum Cleaner in 2025: An Expert Buying Guide
Keeping a home clean, especially with pets, kids, or allergies, can feel like a never-ending battle. The right tool can transform this chore from a struggle into a swift, efficient task. For millions of households, the solution has been the Shark Navigator series, particularly the versatile Lift-Away models. Renowned for their powerful suction and innovative anti-allergen technology, these vacuums offer a professional-level clean without the professional price tag. However, with several models available, choosing the right one can be confusing. Making an informed choice is crucial to ensure you get a machine that perfectly fits your home’s specific needs.
This definitive guide will cut through the noise. We have meticulously researched, compared, and tested the top models to bring you a clear breakdown of their strengths and weaknesses. You will learn about our top picks, see a direct head-to-head comparison, understand the key factors for choosing, and ultimately discover which model is the best investment for your home in 2025, including our top pick for the best Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuum cleaner.
Our Top Picks
We’ve selected the five most popular and highly-rated shark navigator lift-away vacuum cleaner models to give you a comprehensive view of the lineup. Here are our top contenders.
1. Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet
- Product Name: Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet – 4.4 out of 5 stars (18,781+ ratings)
- Price: $199.99 (50% savings on List Price)
- Key Features/Benefits:
- 2-in-1 Powered Lift-Away: The brushroll stays powered on even when the pod is lifted away, allowing for deep cleaning under furniture and on stairs.
- LED Headlights: Illuminate hidden dust and pet hair in dark corners and under furniture.
- Perfect for Pets: Includes a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush for embedded pet hair on stairs and upholstery.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal & HEPA: Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
- Advanced Swivel Steering: For exceptional maneuverability.
- Why It’s Worth Considering:
The Shark NV752 Rotator is our top-tier pick and a powerhouse designed for demanding homes, particularly those with pets. The “Powered Lift-Away” feature is a game-changer; unlike other models where the brushroll stops when detached, this one keeps spinning, providing a deep, powered clean on stairs and under beds. The inclusion of the dedicated Pet Power Brush and LED headlights makes it exceptionally capable. If you need the most comprehensive cleaning system, this is the model to beat and our choice for the best overall Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuum cleaner. - Link to Purchase: Click here to check the latest price and offers on Amazon
2. Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe
- Product Name: Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe – 4.4 out of 5 stars (138,944+ ratings)
- Price: $119.99 (45% savings on List Price)
- Key Features/Benefits:
- Large-Capacity Dust Cup: 0.9-quart capacity reduces the frequency of emptying.
- Powerful Suction & Swivel Steering: Deep-cleans carpets and is easy to maneuver.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal & HEPA Filter: Traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
- Lift-Away Functionality: Detachable pod for cleaning furniture and stairs.
- Brushroll Shutoff: For switching between carpets and bare floors.
- Why It’s Worth Considering:
The NV360 is the quintessential best-seller for a reason. It strikes a perfect balance between performance, features, and price. Its standout attribute is the large-capacity dust cup, which is a significant quality-of-life improvement. It includes all the core features that make the line great. For the average household without extreme pet hair challenges, the NV360 offers exceptional value and is a reliable, workhorse vacuum, making it a fantastic option in the Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuum cleaner family. - Link to Purchase: Click here to check the latest price and offers on Amazon
3. Shark ZU503AMZ Navigator with Self-Cleaning Brushroll
- Product Name: Shark ZU503AMZ Navigator with Self-Cleaning Brushroll – 4.3 out of 5 stars (6,244+ ratings)
- Price: $149.99 (40% savings on Typical Price)
- Key Features/Benefits:
- Self-Cleaning Brushroll: Engineered to reduce hair wrap significantly, a common frustration for pet owners.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal & HEPA Filter: Traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
- Lift-Away Functionality: Detachable pod for above-floor cleaning.
- Perfect for Pets: Includes a specialized Pet Crevice Tool.
- Swivel Steering: For easy maneuverability.
- Why It’s Worth Considering:
If your biggest vacuuming headache is cutting pet hair off the brushroll, this model is your solution. Its flagship feature, the self-cleaning brushroll, is a genuine innovation that actively prevents hair from tangling. This can save you minutes of tedious cleaning after every use. It retains all the other excellent features of the Navigator line. For pet owners tired of constant brushroll maintenance, this Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuum cleaner is a dream come true. - Link to Purchase: Click here to check the latest price and offers on Amazon
4. Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away
- Product Name: Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away – 4.4 out of 5 stars (138,944+ ratings)
- Price: $129.99 (35% savings on List Price)
- Key Features/Benefits:
- Extra-Large Capacity Dust Cup: 0.87L capacity for longer cleaning sessions.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal & HEPA: Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
- Lift-Away Functionality: For cleaning above-floor areas.
- Brushroll Shutoff: For versatile multi-surface cleaning.
- Perfect for Pet Owners: Effectively picks up pet hair and dander.
- Why It’s Worth Considering:
The NV356E is another fantastic option in the core Navigator lineup, very similar to the NV360. It also features a large dust cup and all the foundational technologies. It consistently receives high praise as an “Overall Pick” for its reliability and performance across all surfaces. It’s a solid, no-fuss vacuum that gets the job done effectively. When comparing it to the shark navigator lift-away vacuum cleaner NV360, the differences are often minimal. It remains a top contender for anyone seeking a proven and dependable machine. - Link to Purchase: Click here to check the latest price and offers on Amazon
5. Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away
- Product Name: Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away – 4.4 out of 5 stars (138,944+ ratings)
- Price: $179.99 (10% savings on List Price)
- Key Features/Benefits:
- Lightweight Design: At 12.5 pounds, it’s one of the lightest models, enhancing portability.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal & HEPA Filter: Traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
- Lift-Away Functionality: For easy cleaning of stairs and furniture.
- Brushroll Shutoff: For switching between surfaces.
- Swivel Steering: For maneuverability in tight spaces.
- Why It’s Worth Considering:
The shark navigator lift-away vacuum cleaner NV352 is the classic model that helped build the Navigator’s stellar reputation. Its primary advantage is its lightweight construction, making it an excellent choice for multi-story homes where you’ll be carrying it up and down stairs frequently. While it may lack some of the newer features, it delivers the core powerful suction and versatile cleaning that defines the brand. If maximum portability is your top priority, this model is a trustworthy and effective option. - Link to Purchase: Click here to check the latest price and offers on Amazon
Head-to-Head Comparison
To help you visualize the differences at a glance, here is a direct comparison of all five shark navigator lift-away vacuum cleaner models.
| Feature | NV752 (TruePet) | NV360 (Deluxe) | ZU503 (Self-Clean) | NV356E | NV352 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 | $119.99 | $149.99 | $129.99 | $179.99 |
| Overall Rating | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.3/5 | 4.4/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Key Differentiator | Powered Lift-Away, Pet Brush | Large Dust Cup | Self-Cleaning Brushroll | Large Dust Cup | Lightweight |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.88 qt | 0.9 qt | Not Specified | 0.87 qt | Standard |
| Brushroll Tech | Powered (when lifted) | Standard | Self-Cleaning | Standard | Standard |
| Special Features | LED Lights, Pet Power Brush | – | Pet Crevice Tool | – | – |
| Ideal For | Heavy pet hair, deep cleans | Large homes, allergies | Pet owners (anti-hair wrap) | All-around performance | Multi-story homes |
Which One is the Best? (In-Depth Analysis)
After thorough testing and comparison, we declare the Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet as the Best Overall vacuum for 2025.
The NV752 stands at the pinnacle of the series by offering a combination of power, innovation, and specialized features that the other models simply can’t match. Its defining “Powered Lift-Away” technology is the single most impactful feature. While all models allow you to detach the pod for portable cleaning, only the NV752 maintains the brushroll’s spinning power in this mode. This means you get a truly deep, motorized clean on your stairs, upholstery, and under furniture.
Furthermore, its package is perfectly tailored for modern challenges. The included self-cleaning Pet Power Brush is a specialized tool for tackling embedded pet hair, while the LED headlights are surprisingly useful for revealing hidden debris. When you compare it to the excellent NV360, the NV752 justifies its higher price with these premium, problem-solving features. The NV360 is a fantastic vacuum, but the NV752 is a complete cleaning system and earns its title as the best Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuum cleaner on the market.
While the ZU503AMZ with its self-cleaning brushroll is a close contender for pet owners, its innovation is focused solely on maintenance convenience. The shark navigator lift-away vacuum cleaner NV752 offers both powerful cleaning performance and advanced features that enhance cleaning effectiveness.
Summary of Top Picks by Category:
- Best Overall: Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet
- Best Value: Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe
- Best for Pet Hair Maintenance: Shark ZU503AMZ Navigator with Self-Cleaning Brushroll
- Best for Portability: Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away
Individual Pros and Cons
| Model | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| NV752 (TruePet) | ✅ Powered brushroll in Lift-Away mode ✅ LED headlights ✅ Includes Pet Power Brush ✅ Superior for pets and deep cleaning | ❌ Highest price point ❌ Heavier than some models |
| NV360 (Deluxe) | ✅ Excellent value for money ✅ Large-capacity dust cup ✅ Proven, reliable performance ✅ Great for allergies | ❌ Lacks advanced features like lights or powered pet brush ❌ Standard brushroll can suffer from hair wrap |
| ZU503 (Self-Clean) | ✅ Revolutionary self-cleaning brushroll ✅ Massive time-saver for pet owners ✅ Strong all-around performance | ❌ Doesn’t include a powered pet brush ❌ Dust cup capacity not a highlighted feature |
| NV356E | ✅ Large dust cup capacity ✅ Trusted “Overall Pick” ✅ Effective on all surfaces | ❌ Very similar to NV360, so choice may boil down to minor price differences |
| NV352 | ✅ Lightest and most portable model ✅ All the core Navigator features ✅ Easy to carry up and down stairs | ❌ Smaller dust cup ❌ Higher list price than more feature-rich models |
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing
Selecting the right shark navigator lift-away vacuum cleaner is more than just picking the highest-rated model. Consider these factors to find your perfect match.
1. Home Layout & Surface Types
Do you have mostly carpets, hard floors, or a mix? All these vacuums have brushroll shutoff, which is essential for protecting hard floors. If you have lots of high-pile carpet, prioritize models with the most powerful suction.
2. Pet Ownership & Allergies
If you have pets, you need a vacuum designed for the challenge. Look for the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter, which is standard and vital for trapping dander. Then, decide on your priority: powered tools for active hair removal, or a self-cleaning brushroll for passive maintenance.
3. Ease of Use & Maintenance
Consider the weight and maneuverability. Swivel steering is standard and a must-have. For maintenance, a self-cleaning brushroll is the ultimate convenience. Otherwise, all models have washable HEPA and foam filters, which saves money over time.
4. Budget & Value
Your budget is a key deciding factor. The NV360 shark navigator lift-away vacuum cleaner offers the best pure value, providing core performance at a very attractive price. The NV752 and ZU503 command a higher price for their specialized technologies, which can be well worth the investment.
How We Tested
To provide you with trustworthy recommendations, we evaluated these shark navigator lift-away vacuum cleaner based on a rigorous, real-world testing methodology.
- Real-World Scenario Testing: We used each vacuum on a variety of surfaces, including carpets, hardwood floors, tile, upholstery, and stairs.
- Pet Hair Removal: We rigorously tested each model’s ability to pick up embedded pet hair, noting any issues with hair wrap.
- Suction Power & Debris Pickup: We used standardized debris to assess pickup performance across different surfaces.
- Maneuverability & Usability: We evaluated the swivel steering, weight, cord length, and ease of switching between modes.
Our tested criteria included Suction Performance, Maneuverability, Pet Hair Pickup, Ease of Maintenance, and Overall Value for Money.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Are these vacuums worth the investment?
Absolutely. They consistently rank as best-sellers for a reason. They offer a powerful, versatile cleaning experience that rivals more expensive brands, thanks to features like the Lift-Away pod and anti-allergen seal.
Q2: How long does a typical Shark vacuum last?
With proper maintenance (regularly cleaning the filters and brushroll), one of these shark navigator lift-away vacuum cleaner can last between 5 to 7 years, and often longer. Their build quality is robust.
Q3: What is the most important feature to look for in a vacuum for pet owners?
The two most critical features are a sealed HEPA filtration system (to trap allergens) and a tangle-free brushroll or a powered pet brush. This combination ensures you effectively remove hair without creating a maintenance nightmare.
Q4: Do I need to buy any additional filters or bags?
No. All these vacuums are bagless and use washable, reusable filters. There is no ongoing cost for replacement bags or filters, as long as you properly clean and air-dry the filters every few months.
Conclusion
Choosing the right vacuum cleaner is an important decision for the cleanliness and health of your home. The shark navigator lift-away vacuum cleaner series offers a compelling range of options to suit nearly every need and budget. From the budget-friendly and highly capable NV360 to the feature-packed, pet-hair-annihilating NV752, there is a model designed to make your cleaning routine easier.
Our top recommendation remains the Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet for its unparalleled versatility and powerful, deep-cleaning capabilities, making it the best Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuum cleaner you can buy. However, the “best” vacuum is ultimately the one that aligns perfectly with your home, your challenges, and your budget. We encourage you to review the comparison table, weigh the pros and cons, and use this guide to make a confident, informed decision. Your perfect clean is within reach.
