The Shark Navigator and Dyson V8 are two popular vacuum cleaners that cater to different needs and budgets. The Shark Navigator series, known for its upright design and Lift-Away feature, offers powerful cleaning at a more affordable price point. It’s a great option for those with larger homes, especially those with a mix of carpets and hard floors. Dyson, on the other hand, has revolutionized the cordless vacuum market with its innovative technology and sleek designs. The Dyson V8, while an older model, still provides excellent performance and versatility, making it ideal for smaller spaces, quick cleanups, and homes with primarily hard floors.
Both vacuums excel in specific areas, making the choice dependent on individual priorities. The Shark Navigator provides strong suction and a larger dustbin, making it well-suited for whole-house cleaning, while the Dyson V8 offers the convenience of cordless operation and a lightweight design, perfect for quick and easy cleaning tasks. This comparison will delve into the key features, performance metrics, and user experiences of both models to help you determine which vacuum best fits your cleaning needs and lifestyle.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark Navigator
- Short Review of Dyson V8
- Key Differences at a Glance
- Specifications Comparison
- Price Comparison
- Design and Build Quality
- Performance Face-Off
- Special Features Comparison
- Usability and User Experience
- Maintenance and Longevity
- Who Should Buy Shark Navigator?
- Who Should Buy Dyson V8?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For budget-conscious shoppers: The Shark Navigator offers excellent cleaning power and versatility at a significantly lower price.
- For those prioritizing cordless convenience: The Dyson V8 provides the freedom of cordless operation and a lightweight design for easy maneuverability.
- For homes with mostly carpets: The Shark Navigator, with its strong suction and specialized brushrolls, tackles carpets more effectively.
- For homes with mostly hard floors: Both are decent options, the Dyson V8 may be better due to being easier to maneuver.
- For pet owners: Both vacuums are capable of handling pet hair, but the specific models with specialized pet tools might be preferable.
- For allergy sufferers: Both vacuums offer HEPA filtration, but consider models with sealed systems to minimize allergen escape.
The Shark Navigator series is celebrated for its powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities, all while maintaining an accessible price point. Models like the Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 and Navigator Lift-Away Pet ZU660 offer features such as a Lift-Away canister for portable cleaning, HEPA filtration for capturing allergens, and swivel steering for easy maneuverability. These vacuums are designed to tackle various floor types, from carpets to hard floors, making them suitable for diverse households.
One of the key benefits of the Shark Navigator is its robust performance on carpets, effectively removing embedded dirt and pet hair. The Lift-Away feature allows users to detach the canister and clean stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas with ease. Additionally, the inclusion of HEPA filters ensures that allergens and dust particles are trapped, contributing to a cleaner and healthier home environment. While some models may lack advanced features like automatic power adjustment, the Shark Navigator provides reliable cleaning power and practical functionality for everyday use.
Short Review of Dyson V8
The Dyson V8 is a cordless stick vacuum renowned for its lightweight design, powerful suction, and versatility. It offers up to 40 minutes of fade-free power, making it suitable for quick cleanups and smaller homes. The V8’s direct-drive cleaner head excels at removing dirt and pet hair from carpets, while the soft roller cleaner head (available on some models) is gentle on hard floors. Its cordless design and multiple attachments make it easy to clean various surfaces, from floors to upholstery to ceilings.
The Dyson V8 stands out for its ease of use and maneuverability, allowing users to effortlessly navigate around furniture and tight spaces. Its lightweight construction reduces strain during extended cleaning sessions, and the quick-release attachments make it simple to switch between tasks. The inclusion of a HEPA filter ensures that allergens are captured, making it a suitable choice for allergy sufferers. While its dustbin capacity is smaller compared to upright vacuums, the Dyson V8 offers a convenient and effective cleaning solution for modern homes.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Type: Shark Navigator is an upright vacuum, while the Dyson V8 is a cordless stick vacuum.
- Corded vs. Cordless: Shark Navigator is corded, offering continuous power, while the Dyson V8 is cordless, providing freedom of movement.
- Weight: Shark Navigator is heavier, typically around 12-14 lbs, while the Dyson V8 is much lighter, around 5-6 lbs.
- Dustbin Capacity: Shark Navigator has a larger dustbin capacity, reducing the frequency of emptying.
- Price: Shark Navigator is generally more affordable than the Dyson V8.
- Maneuverability: Dyson V8 is more maneuverable due to its lightweight and cordless design.
- Versatility: Both are versatile, but the Dyson V8 excels in above-floor cleaning with its quick-release attachments.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark Navigator (NV360) | Dyson V8 (Absolute) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Upright | Cordless Stick |
| Corded/Cordless | Corded | Cordless |
| Weight | 12.5 lbs | 5.6 lbs |
| Dustbin Capacity | 1.2 dry quarts | 0.14 gallons |
| Filtration | HEPA | Whole-machine HEPA |
| Run Time | N/A (Corded) | Up to 40 minutes |
| Charge Time | N/A (Corded) | 5 hours |
| Attachments | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool | Direct-drive cleaner head, soft roller cleaner head, combination tool, crevice tool |
| Swivel Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Lift-Away Feature | Yes | No |
| Brushroll On/Off | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 11.4″ L x 12″ W x 45.5″ H | 8.7″ L x 9.9″ W x 49″ H |
Price Comparison
The Shark Navigator series typically ranges from $120 to $200, depending on the specific model and retailer. The Dyson V8, while an older model, generally costs between $300 and $450, depending on the version and included accessories. The Shark Navigator offers a better value proposition for budget-conscious shoppers, delivering strong cleaning performance at a lower cost. However, the Dyson V8 provides the added convenience of cordless operation and a lightweight design, which may justify the higher price for some users. When evaluating the cost-to-feature ratio, consider your specific cleaning needs and priorities to determine which vacuum offers the best overall value for your investment.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark Navigator features a sturdy upright design with a Lift-Away function, allowing the canister to be detached for portable cleaning. It is primarily constructed of durable plastic, which contributes to its robust feel. The Dyson V8, on the other hand, boasts a sleek and modern design with a lightweight body. Its construction emphasizes maneuverability and ease of use, with high-quality materials that provide a premium feel. While the Shark Navigator prioritizes durability and functionality, the Dyson V8 focuses on aesthetics and a lightweight user experience.
Performance Face-Off
Bare Floors
The Shark Navigator performs decently on bare floors, effectively clearing bulky debris. However, it may struggle with finer particles and lacks a brushroll on/off switch, which can cause scattering. The Dyson V8 excels on bare floors, thanks to its soft roller cleaner head (available on some models) that gently captures fine dust and debris without scratching the floor.
Low-Pile Carpet
Both vacuums perform well on low-pile carpets. The Shark Navigator’s strong suction effectively removes pet hair and large debris, although multiple passes may be needed for fine debris. The Dyson V8’s direct-drive cleaner head also does a great job of cleaning low-pile carpets, providing powerful suction and efficient dirt removal.
High-Pile Carpet
The Shark Navigator is a decent option for high-pile carpets, effectively picking up pet hair and most larger debris. However, it may struggle with finer debris and can be difficult to maneuver on thicker carpets. The Dyson V8 may also have difficulty with very thick carpets, but its adjustable power levels can help optimize performance.
Pet Hair
Both vacuums are capable of handling pet hair, but specific models within each series may offer specialized features for pet owners. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Pet ZU660 includes a self-cleaning brushroll that prevents hair from getting tangled, while the Dyson V8 Animal comes with a mini motorized tool for removing pet hair from upholstery.
Stairs
The Shark Navigator’s Lift-Away feature makes it easier to clean stairs, allowing you to carry the canister separately from the floorhead. However, its bulky design and short hose can still pose challenges. The Dyson V8’s lightweight and cordless design make it exceptionally convenient for cleaning stairs, providing freedom of movement and easy maneuverability.
Special Features Comparison
- Shark Navigator: Lift-Away feature for portable cleaning, HEPA filtration, swivel steering.
- Dyson V8: Cordless operation, lightweight design, quick-release attachments, whole-machine HEPA filtration.
Usability and User Experience
The Shark Navigator is straightforward and easy to use, with simple controls and a familiar upright design. However, its corded operation and heavier weight can limit maneuverability. The Dyson V8 offers a more user-friendly experience, thanks to its cordless design, lightweight construction, and quick-release attachments. It is easy to maneuver around furniture and switch between cleaning tasks, making it ideal for quick cleanups and versatile cleaning. The Dyson V8’s trigger-style power switch may be easier to use for some users compared to the Shark Navigator’s switch.
Maintenance and Longevity
The Shark Navigator requires regular cleaning of its filters and dustbin. Its bagless design incurs minimal recurring costs. The Dyson V8 also requires regular filter cleaning and dustbin emptying. Its washable filters and bagless design minimize recurring costs. The Dyson V8 has a shorter warranty period . The Shark Navigator may feel less sturdy than some other vacuums.
The Shark Navigator is best suited for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers seeking powerful cleaning performance.
- Homes with a mix of carpets and hard floors.
- Those who prefer the continuous power of a corded vacuum.
- Users who need a large dustbin capacity for whole-house cleaning.
Who Should Buy Dyson V8?
The Dyson V8 is best suited for:
- Those prioritizing cordless convenience and lightweight design.
- Smaller homes or apartments.
- Users who need a versatile vacuum for quick cleanups and above-floor cleaning.
- Allergy sufferers who benefit from whole-machine HEPA filtration.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark Navigator and Dyson V8 are excellent vacuum cleaners that cater to different needs and preferences. The Shark Navigator offers a better value for budget-conscious shoppers, delivering powerful cleaning performance and versatile features at a lower price. The Dyson V8, on the other hand, provides the ultimate convenience of cordless operation and a lightweight design, making it ideal for quick cleanups and versatile cleaning tasks.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual cleaning needs, budget, and lifestyle. If you prioritize affordability and strong carpet cleaning, the Shark Navigator is a great option. If you value cordless convenience and lightweight maneuverability, the Dyson V8 is worth the investment.
