Dyson Ball Multi Floor vs. Shark Navigator Review

The Dyson Ball Multi Floor and the Shark Navigator are two of the most popular upright vacuum cleaners on the market, each promising powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities. Deciding between the two can be tough, as they both offer compelling features for tackling dirt, dust, and pet hair. This review dives deep into the design, performance, and value of each vacuum to help you make the right choice for your cleaning needs.

The Dyson Ball Multi Floor is known for its distinctive ball technology, which provides exceptional maneuverability, while the Shark Navigator boasts its Lift-Away feature, allowing for portable cleaning convenience. Both vacuums are designed to be bagless, making maintenance easier. But which one truly excels in delivering a superior cleaning experience? Let’s find out.

Key Takeaways

• Dyson Ball Multi Floor:
  • Superior maneuverability due to ball technology.
  • Strong suction power excels on hard floors and carpets.
  • Higher price point may deter budget-conscious buyers.
  • Durable build quality ensures long-term reliability.
• Shark Navigator:
  • Lift-Away feature provides versatile cleaning options.
  • Excellent value for money with comparable performance.
  • Effective anti-allergen seal traps dust and allergens.
  • Slightly heavier and less maneuverable than the Dyson.
• Verdict: The Dyson Ball Multi Floor scores an 8.5/10, excelling in maneuverability and powerful suction, while the Shark Navigator, with a score of 8/10, offers excellent versatility and value for money.

Specifications

Price and Availability

The Dyson Ball Multi Floor typically retails between $300 and $400, depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. It’s widely available at major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and the Dyson website. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales events such as Black Friday or Cyber Monday for potential discounts.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away (NV352) is generally priced between $150 and $200, making it a more budget-friendly option. It can be found at similar retailers as the Dyson, including Walmart, Costco, and online marketplaces. Bundle deals, which include additional attachments or accessories, are frequently available.

Design and Build Quality

The Dyson Ball Multi Floor features a distinctive design centered around its ball technology, which allows for smooth and effortless maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces. The vacuum is constructed from high-quality, durable plastic, giving it a premium feel. The components fit together seamlessly, and the overall build quality inspires confidence in its longevity. The color scheme is typically a mix of grey and vibrant accent colors, giving it a modern aesthetic.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away (NV352) sports a more traditional upright vacuum design but with the added benefit of the Lift-Away feature, which allows the canister to detach from the base for portable cleaning. While the plastic construction doesn’t feel quite as premium as the Dyson, it’s still robust and well-assembled. The controls are intuitive and easy to access, enhancing the user experience. The color scheme is usually a combination of white and grey with purple accents.

Performance and Features

Suction Power

The Dyson Ball Multi Floor is renowned for its powerful suction capabilities. It effectively lifts dirt, dust, and debris from both hard floors and carpets. In controlled tests, the Dyson consistently outperformed many competitors in terms of suction power, measured in Air Watts. The strong suction ensures that even deeply embedded particles are removed, leaving surfaces thoroughly clean.

The Shark Navigator also offers impressive suction power, making it a strong contender in this category. While it may not match the Dyson in raw power, it still performs admirably on a variety of surfaces. The Navigator’s suction is particularly effective at picking up pet hair, which is a common concern for many households.

Maneuverability

One of the standout features of the Dyson Ball Multi Floor is its exceptional maneuverability. The ball technology allows the vacuum to pivot and turn effortlessly, making it easy to navigate around furniture and obstacles. This feature is especially useful in homes with tight spaces or cluttered layouts.

While the Shark Navigator offers swivel steering, it doesn’t quite match the agility of the Dyson Ball. The Navigator can feel slightly heavier and less responsive, especially when maneuvering around tight corners. However, the Lift-Away feature provides an alternative for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.

Filtration System

The Dyson Ball Multi Floor is equipped with a whole-machine HEPA filtration system, which captures 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers, as it ensures that allergens and irritants are trapped inside the vacuum rather than being released back into the air.

The Shark Navigator features Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which also effectively traps dust and allergens. While it may not be a certified HEPA filter, it still provides excellent filtration performance, making it a suitable option for households with allergy concerns.

Attachments and Accessories

The Dyson Ball Multi Floor comes with a combination tool and a stair tool, which are useful for cleaning upholstery, crevices, and stairs. While the attachment selection is somewhat limited, the tools are well-designed and effective for their intended purposes.

The Shark Navigator includes a dusting brush and a crevice tool, providing similar functionality to the Dyson’s attachments. However, the Navigator also offers the option to purchase additional attachments, such as a pet power brush, which can further enhance its versatility.

Battery Life

Since both the Dyson Ball Multi Floor and the Shark Navigator are corded vacuums, battery life is not applicable.

Software and User Experience

Both the Dyson Ball Multi Floor and the Shark Navigator are straightforward to use, with intuitive controls and simple operation. The bagless design makes emptying the dustbin a breeze, and both vacuums are relatively easy to maintain. The Dyson’s ball technology enhances the overall user experience by making it more maneuverable, while the Shark’s Lift-Away feature adds versatility.

Comparison to Competitors

1. Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum: This is another budget-friendly vacuum that competes with the Shark Navigator. While it offers good suction and a similar price point, it lacks the Lift-Away feature and may not be as durable.
2. Dyson V8 Absolute: A cordless stick vacuum from Dyson that offers similar suction power to the Ball Multi Floor but with the added convenience of cordless operation. However, it comes at a significantly higher price.
3. Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away: Another Shark model that offers enhanced features such as a powered brush roll and LED headlights. It bridges the gap between the Navigator and the Dyson in terms of features and performance.

Pros and Cons

Dyson Ball Multi Floor:

• Pros:
  • Excellent maneuverability
  • Powerful suction
  • Durable build quality
  • HEPA filtration
• Cons:
  • Higher price point
  • Limited attachments

Shark Navigator Lift-Away (NV352):

• Pros:
  • Lift-Away feature
  • Excellent value for money
  • Effective anti-allergen seal
  • Good suction power
• Cons:
  • Less maneuverable than Dyson
  • Shorter warranty

Value for Money

The Dyson Ball Multi Floor offers excellent value for money if maneuverability and strong suction are your top priorities, and if you’re willing to invest more for long-term durability and performance. The Shark Navigator is a standout choice for budget-conscious buyers who want a versatile vacuum with reliable performance. Its Lift-Away feature and effective filtration system make it a compelling option for households with various cleaning needs.

Verdict

Both the Dyson Ball Multi Floor and the Shark Navigator are excellent vacuum cleaners that cater to different needs and budgets. The Dyson Ball Multi Floor excels in maneuverability and raw suction power, making it ideal for those who want a premium cleaning experience and don’t mind paying a higher price. The Shark Navigator, on the other hand, offers exceptional value for money with its versatile Lift-Away feature and reliable performance.

• Dyson Ball Multi Floor: 8.5/10
• Shark Navigator Lift-Away (NV352): 8/10