The Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe and the Shark NV771 DuoClean Lift-Away Speed are both upright vacuums designed for whole-home cleaning, offering versatility and convenience with their lift-away canister designs. These models target consumers looking for powerful suction and the ability to transition seamlessly between carpets and hard floors. The NV360 has been a popular choice for many years due to its affordability and reliable performance, while the NV771 offers more advanced cleaning technology with its DuoClean system.
Choosing between these two vacuums depends on your specific cleaning needs and budget. If you need a reliable and affordable option for mainly carpeted homes, the NV360 is a solid choice. However, if you have a mix of hard floors and carpets and want superior cleaning performance on both, the NV771’s DuoClean technology makes it a worthwhile investment. Both vacuums offer the convenience of a lift-away canister, making them suitable for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor areas.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe
- Short Review of Shark NV771 DuoClean Lift-Away Speed
- 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 NV360?
- Who Should Buy Shark NV771?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- Shark NV360: Best for budget-conscious buyers and homes with mainly carpeted floors.
- Shark NV771: Ideal for homes with a mix of hard floors and carpets, and for those who prioritize superior cleaning performance and advanced features.
The Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is a bagless upright vacuum known for its versatility and affordability. Its lift-away design allows you to detach the canister for portable cleaning, making it easy to clean stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. The NV360 features strong suction power, a HEPA filter for trapping allergens, and a brushroll on/off switch for effective cleaning on both carpets and hard floors.
The NV360’s swivel steering enhances maneuverability, allowing you to navigate around furniture and tight corners with ease. It comes with several attachments, including a crevice tool and upholstery tool, for versatile cleaning options. While it may lack some of the advanced features found in newer models, the NV360 remains a popular choice for its reliable performance and ease of use.
Short Review of Shark NV771 DuoClean Lift-Away Speed
The Shark NV771 DuoClean Lift-Away Speed is a lightweight upright vacuum designed for efficient and thorough cleaning. Its standout feature is the DuoClean technology, which combines a bristle brush and a soft roller to effectively clean both carpets and hard floors. The soft roller picks up large debris and polishes hard floors, while the bristle brush deep cleans carpets.
Like the NV360, the NV771 has a lift-away design, allowing you to detach the canister for portable cleaning. It also features a HEPA filter and swivel steering for enhanced maneuverability. The NV771’s lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver around your home, while its powerful suction ensures a deep and thorough clean.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Cleaning Technology: NV771 features DuoClean technology (bristle brush + soft roller), while NV360 has a standard brushroll.
- Weight: NV771 is generally lighter than NV360.
- Price: NV360 is typically more affordable than NV771.
- Hard Floor Performance: NV771 excels on hard floors due to its soft roller.
- Cord Length: NV771 has a slightly longer cord than NV360.
- Attachments: NV771 often includes a pet multi-tool, while NV360 has basic attachments.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe | Shark NV771 DuoClean Lift-Away Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Type | Upright, Lift-Away | Upright, Lift-Away |
| Technology | Lift-Away | DuoClean, Lift-Away |
| Weight | 12.8 – 15.96 lbs | 13.32 lbs |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.9 Quarts | 0.3 Gallons (1.2 Quarts) |
| Cord Length | 25 Feet | 29.9 – 30 Feet |
| Cleaning Path Width | 9.5 – 11 Inches | 8.5 Inches |
| Filtration | HEPA | HEPA |
| Brushroll On/Off | Yes | No |
| Swivel Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Attachments | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool | Duster Crevice Tool, Pet Multi-Tool |
| Wattage | 1200 Watts | 900 Watts |
| Amperage | 10 Amps | 7.5 Amps |
Price Comparison
- Shark NV360: $129.99 – $229.99 (depending on retailer and color)
- Shark NV771: Currently unavailable new, but typically retails around $200 when in stock. Refurbished options may be available.
The NV360 offers a better value proposition for budget-conscious shoppers, providing reliable performance at a lower price point. The NV771, while more expensive, offers advanced cleaning technology that may justify the higher cost for those with specific cleaning needs, like mixed flooring types and pet hair.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark NV360 has a solid build quality for its price range. While it’s mostly made of plastic, it feels fairly robust and durable. Its design is functional, with easy-to-use controls and a detachable canister for added convenience. However, some users have noted that it can be a bit top-heavy and prone to tipping.
The Shark NV771 boasts a higher build quality and a more refined design. It feels sturdier and more durable than the NV360, with a design based on the old Rotator Lift-Away series. The NV771’s DuoClean technology also enhances its cleaning performance and overall user experience.
Performance Face-Off
Carpet Cleaning
Both vacuums perform well on carpets, but the NV360 has a slight edge due to its powerful suction and motorized brushroll. It effectively removes dirt, dust, and debris from carpets of various pile heights. However, some users have reported issues with hair tangling around the brushroll.
Hard Floor Cleaning
The NV771 excels on hard floors thanks to its DuoClean technology. The soft roller gently polishes hard floors while effectively picking up large and small debris. The NV360 can also clean hard floors, but it may scatter debris if the brushroll is not turned off.
Pet Hair Removal
Both vacuums are capable of removing pet hair from carpets and upholstery. However, the NV771 often includes a pet multi-tool, which enhances its performance on pet hair removal. The NV360 may require more effort to remove pet hair, and its brushroll is prone to tangling.
Edge Cleaning
The NV360’s edge cleaning performance is average, leaving some dust and debris along baseboards and corners. The NV771’s edge cleaning performance is slightly better, thanks to its DuoClean technology and improved nozzle design.
Special Features Comparison
- Shark NV360:
- Lift-Away Design: Detachable canister for portable cleaning.
- Brushroll On/Off Switch: Allows you to turn off the brushroll for hard floor cleaning.
- HEPA Filter: Traps dust and allergens for cleaner air.
- Shark NV771:
- DuoClean Technology: Combines a bristle brush and soft roller for superior cleaning on carpets and hard floors.
- Lift-Away Design: Detachable canister for portable cleaning.
- HEPA Filter: Traps dust and allergens for cleaner air.
- LED Headlights: Illuminate hidden dirt and debris.
Usability and User Experience
The Shark NV360 is easy to use and requires minimal assembly. Its swivel steering and lightweight design enhance maneuverability, making it easy to navigate around furniture and tight corners. However, some users may find the short hose and power cord limiting.
The Shark NV771 is also user-friendly, with simple controls and a lightweight design. Its DuoClean technology makes it particularly effective on hard floors, while its lift-away design adds versatility. The NV771’s LED headlights are a useful feature for illuminating dark areas.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both vacuums require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes emptying the dust cup, cleaning the filters, and removing hair and debris from the brushroll.
Shark vacuums, in general, have a mixed reputation for longevity. Some users report that their vacuums last for several years with proper care, while others experience issues within a year or two. The NV360, being an older model, may have fewer replacement parts available compared to newer models.
Who Should Buy Shark NV360?
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for an affordable and reliable upright vacuum.
- Homeowners with mainly carpeted floors who need strong suction and a motorized brushroll.
- Users who appreciate the convenience of a lift-away canister for portable cleaning.
Who Should Buy Shark NV771?
- Homeowners with a mix of hard floors and carpets who want superior cleaning performance on both.
- Pet owners who need effective pet hair removal and a vacuum that won’t scatter debris on hard floors.
- Users who value advanced cleaning technology and a lightweight design.
Final Recommendation
The Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe and the Shark NV771 DuoClean Lift-Away Speed are both capable upright vacuums that offer versatility and convenience. The NV360 is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable vacuum for mainly carpeted homes. However, the NV771’s DuoClean technology and enhanced build quality make it the better overall choice for those who prioritize superior cleaning performance and have a mix of hard floors and carpets.
