7 Best Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuums of 2025

shark navigator lift-away vacuum

Keeping your home clean shouldn’t feel like a chore, but with the wrong vacuum, it often does. From stubborn pet hair to hard-to-reach corners and allergens lingering in the air, cleaning challenges can quickly pile up. That’s where the Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuums come in. Known for their innovative Lift-Away technology, these vacuums transform from upright to portable units, making them ideal for multi-surface cleaning, stairs, and above-floor areas. Combined with features like self-cleaning brushrolls and HEPA filtration, they tackle pet hair, allergens, and debris with ease.

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To help you find the perfect match, we’ve analyzed over seven Shark Navigator models, comparing performance, features, and user feedback. Whether you’re a pet owner, allergy sufferer, or simply seeking a versatile cleaning tool, our guide highlights the best options tailored to your needs. Keep reading to discover the top Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuums that make cleaning efficient and hassle-free.

Our Top Picks

Preview Product Best Price Review
Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ Best Overall View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 Best Budget Friendly View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Shark UV730 Navigator Lift-Away Shark UV730 Navigator Lift-Away Best for Renewed View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Shark CU530 Navigator Lift-Away Shark CU530 Navigator Lift-Away Best Self Cleaning View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Shark Navigator ZU561 Speed Shark Navigator ZU561 Speed Best for Multi-Surface View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Shark LA300 Navigator Lift-Away ADV Shark LA300 Navigator Lift-Away ADV Best Lightweight View on Amazon Go to Reviews
Shark Rotator Powered NV752 Shark Rotator Powered NV752 Best for Pet Owners View on Amazon Go to Reviews

Best Shark Navigator Liftway Vacuums Review

Best Overall

Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ

Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ
Wattage
1200 watts
Voltage
120 volts
Filtration
HEPA Filter
Functionality
Lift-Away
Brushroll
Self-Cleaning
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Self-cleaning brushroll
Lift-Away pod
HEPA filtration
Pet-focused tools
Swivel steering

LIMITATIONS

×
Higher investment
×
Slightly bulky

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ positions itself as a strong all-around performer, particularly excelling with its self-cleaning brushroll engineered to tackle pet hair without frustrating tangles. Its Lift-Away functionality adds a significant layer of versatility, allowing users to detach the pod for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and those tricky above-floor areas with ease. Combined with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter, it ensures that dust and allergens are effectively trapped, making it a solid choice for homes concerned with air quality and pet presence.

Maneuverability is a key strength of the ZU503AMZ, thanks to its Swivel Steering, which simplifies navigation around furniture and into tight corners. The vacuum comes equipped with specialized attachments, including a Pet Crevice Tool for narrow spaces and an Upholstery Tool for delicate fabrics, enhancing its multi-surface cleaning capabilities. This thoughtful inclusion of tools makes it adept at handling various cleaning challenges, from embedded pet hair on carpets to dust on curtains and shelves, ensuring a comprehensive clean.

The thoughtful design extends to its overall usability, aiming to provide a robust cleaning solution for pet owners and general household use across multiple surfaces. The combination of powerful suction and specialized tools ensures thorough cleaning, addressing common concerns like pet hair and allergens effectively. When considering its feature set, it offers a comprehensive package, though it represents a greater investment compared to the more budget-focused LA301.

Best Budget Friendly

Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301

Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301
Filter Type
HEPA Filter
Technology
Anti-Allergen Seal
Surface Type
Carpets & Hardfloors
Pet Hair
Powerful Pickup
Weight
Lightweight Versatility
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Budget-friendly
Lift-Away feature
Lightweight design
HEPA filtration
Good pet hair pickup

LIMITATIONS

×
Fewer attachments
×
No self-cleaning brushroll

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 stands out as an excellent budget-friendly option, bringing core Shark technologies to a more accessible acquisition point. It features the signature Lift-Away capability, allowing the pod to be detached with a pedal release for versatile cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and overhead areas. Coupled with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter, it effectively traps dust and allergens, contributing to cleaner air in the home, which is a significant benefit for its category.

Designed for both carpets and hard floors, this model demonstrates powerful pet hair pickup, making it a suitable choice for households with furry companions needing an efficient cleaning solution. Its lightweight design enhances its versatility, allowing for easy maneuvering throughout the home, while Advanced Swivel Steering and smart handle ergonomics ensure good control around furniture and obstacles. This combination makes for a comfortable and less strenuous cleaning experience.

The LA301 provides solid cleaning performance without an extensive array of advanced attachments, focusing on essential features for effective whole-home cleaning. It includes tools to tackle stubborn pet hair and reach into difficult spots, ensuring comprehensive coverage for everyday messes. While it offers great value, it may lack some premium features like the self-cleaning brushroll found in the more feature-rich ZU503AMZ.

Best for Renewed

Shark UV730 Navigator Lift-Away

Shark UV730 Navigator Lift-Away
Suction
Powerful suction
Filtration
HEPA filter
Dust Cup
0.8 quart
Weight
Lightweight
Pet Hair
HairPro brushroll
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Self-cleaning brushroll
LED headlights
Lift-Away pod
Brushroll shutoff
Good value (renewed)

LIMITATIONS

×
Renewed condition
×
Shorter warranty likely

The renewed Shark UV730 Navigator Lift-Away offers a compelling package, featuring the advanced PowerFins HairPro Self-Cleaning Brushroll, which is excellent for homes struggling with pet hair and long hair accumulation. Its Lift-Away functionality provides the expected versatility, allowing the detachable pod to clean stairs, furniture, and above-floor surfaces effectively, making it a multi-functional tool. The inclusion of Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter ensures that fine dust and allergens are captured and contained within the vacuum.

This model enhances visibility with LED headlights on the nozzle, illuminating hidden debris under furniture and in darker corners, a feature often appreciated for achieving a thorough clean. Swivel steering aids maneuverability around obstacles, while the practical brushroll shutoff feature allows for a seamless transition from deep carpet cleaning to gentle care on bare floors. These features contribute to a user-friendly experience across various surfaces and cleaning needs.

With a large-capacity 0.8-quart dust cup, the UV730 allows for longer cleaning sessions before needing to be emptied, adding to its convenience. The renewed status means users can access these premium features, including powerful suction and specialized brushroll technology, at a more attractive acquisition cost. Compared to the new ZU503AMZ, this renewed model provides similar advanced brushroll technology and filtration but at a potentially lower entry point.

Best Self Cleaning

Shark CU530 Navigator Lift-Away

Shark CU530 Navigator Lift-Away
Brushroll
Self-cleaning
Type
Upright vacuum
Filtration
HEPA filter
Maneuverability
Swivel steering
Portability
Lift-Away mode
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Self-cleaning brushroll
Lift-Away versatility
HEPA filtration
Good maneuverability
Value (renewed)

LIMITATIONS

×
Renewed product
×
Basic tool set

The renewed Shark CU530 Navigator Lift-Away is particularly notable for its self-cleaning brushroll, designed to deliver nonstop hair removal, making it an excellent choice for households with pets or long-haired individuals. This core feature ensures the brushroll remains free of tangled hair, maintaining optimal cleaning performance over time without manual intervention. The vacuum also incorporates the versatile Lift-Away technology, allowing the pod to be detached for convenient cleaning of stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas.

Equipped with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter, the CU530 effectively traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner, contributing to a healthier home environment. Swivel steering enhances its maneuverability, making it easier to navigate around obstacles and clean hard-to-reach spots efficiently. The included crevice and upholstery tools further extend its versatility for detailed cleaning tasks on various surfaces.

As a renewed product, the CU530 offers access to Shark’s effective self-cleaning brushroll technology at a more accessible cost, providing strong value. It focuses on delivering powerful deep cleaning on floors and carpets, with the added convenience of portable cleaning for a comprehensive approach. While it provides core functionality and excellent hair management, it may not have as many specialized pet attachments as the premium NV752.

Best for Multi-Surface

Shark Navigator ZU561 Speed

Shark Navigator ZU561 Speed
Type
Upright Vacuum
Technology
HEPA Filter
Weight
Lightweight
Brushroll
Self-Cleaning
Modes
Lift-Away
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Self-cleaning brushroll
Suction control slider
Lightweight design
Lift-Away pod
HEPA filtration

LIMITATIONS

×
Dust cup average size
×
No LED headlights

The Shark ZU561 Navigator Lift-Away Speed is engineered for multi-surface cleaning prowess, highlighted by its self-cleaning brushroll that effectively picks up pet hair without the common hassle of hair wrap. Its lightweight design, combined with the signature Lift-Away feature, offers excellent portability for cleaning everything from floors to ceilings and upholstery with ease. The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and HEPA filter work in tandem to capture over 99.9% of dust and allergens, ensuring cleaner air output during operation.

A key feature enhancing its multi-surface capability is the suction control slider, allowing users to manually adjust suction power for optimal performance on different surfaces, from deep-pile carpets to delicate hard floors. Swivel steering provides effortless maneuverability, making it easy to navigate around furniture and into tight spaces for a thorough clean. The ZU561 also includes extra tools designed for tackling tight spaces, stubborn pet hair, and upholstery, adding to its versatility.

The easily removable, bagless dust cup simplifies maintenance, allowing for quick and hygienic emptying with minimal fuss. This model aims to provide a balance of power, versatility, and convenience for comprehensive home cleaning across various floor types. Compared to the ZU503AMZ, the ZU561 also features a self-cleaning brushroll and Lift-Away, but it distinctively adds a suction control slider for more nuanced multi-surface cleaning, often available at a comparable investment level.

Best Lightweight

Shark LA300 Navigator Lift-Away ADV

Shark LA300 Navigator Lift-Away ADV
Weight
Lighter than NV351
Technology
Anti-Allergen Seal
Floor Type
Carpets & Hardfloors
Pet Hair
Powerful pickup
Suction
Strong suction
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Very lightweight
Lift-Away pod
Strong suction
HEPA filtration
Good value (renewed)

LIMITATIONS

×
Renewed condition
×
No self-cleaning brushroll
×
Basic attachments

The renewed Shark LA300 Navigator Lift-Away ADV stands out for its notably lightweight design, offering enhanced maneuverability without a noticeable compromise on suction power. Its core Lift-Away feature allows the detachable pod to be easily used for cleaning stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas with the simple press of a pod-release pedal. The vacuum also boasts Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, capturing 99.99% of dust and allergens with its HEPA filter for cleaner air.

This model is adept at deep cleaning carpets and provides strong suction on hard floors, making it effective for households with mixed flooring types and for tackling pet hair. Advanced Swivel Steering further contributes to its ease of use, allowing it to navigate smoothly around furniture and into tight corners with minimal effort. This focus on lightweight versatility makes it particularly suitable for users who prioritize ease of handling during whole-home cleaning sessions.

As a renewed unit, the LA300 provides a cost-effective way to experience Shark’s Lift-Away convenience and powerful suction in a lighter package, ideal for quick cleanups. It focuses on core cleaning performance and maneuverability, delivering on essential vacuuming needs efficiently. While it offers excellent value and portability, it may not include specialized features like the self-cleaning brushroll found on models such as the ZU561.

Best for Pet Owners

Shark Rotator Powered NV752

Shark Rotator Powered NV752
Technology
Lift-Away
Filtration
HEPA Filter
Dust Cup
0.88 Quart
Steering
Advanced Swivel
Surface Type
Multi-Surface
Latest Price

ADVANTAGES

Powered Lift-Away
Excellent for pet hair
LED headlights
Large dust cup
Pet Power Brush

LIMITATIONS

×
Higher investment
×
Heavier than others

The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet is a premium offering specifically engineered for homes with pets, boasting features that target stubborn pet hair and dander effectively. Its standout capability is the Powered Lift-Away technology, which allows the pod to be detached for cleaning under furniture and hard-to-reach areas while keeping the main brushroll actively spinning for continuous deep cleaning power. Coupled with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter, it ensures that 99.9% of dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum.

This model is equipped with bright LED headlights on the nozzle to illuminate hidden debris and pet hair, ensuring a more thorough clean, especially in dimly lit areas. Advanced Swivel Steering provides excellent maneuverability around furniture, and fingertip controls allow for easy switching between hard floor and carpet modes for customized cleaning. The inclusion of a specialized self-cleaning Pet Power Brush is a significant advantage, designed to remove embedded pet hair and dirt from carpeted stairs and upholstery with impressive efficiency.

With a large 0.88-quart dust cup capacity, the NV752 allows for extended cleaning sessions with less frequent emptying, a boon for larger homes or those with multiple pets. The comprehensive toolset, including an upholstery tool and crevice tool alongside the Pet Power Brush, makes it a versatile and powerful cleaning system. While it represents a higher investment, its specialized pet features and powered lift-away offer a distinct performance edge over models like the ZU503AMZ, particularly for challenging pet-related cleaning tasks.

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Choosing the Right Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum

Key Considerations for Performance

When selecting a Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuum, focus on these core features to ensure you get the best cleaning power and convenience for your needs.

1. Lift-Away Technology: This is a defining feature of the Navigator series. The ability to detach the pod transforms the vacuum into a portable unit, ideal for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and above-floor surfaces. Consider how often you anticipate needing this feature. If you have a multi-story home or lots of furniture, this is crucial. Models like the ZU503AMZ, LA301, and UV730 all offer this, making them versatile for whole-home cleaning.

2. Brushroll Design (Self-Cleaning vs. Standard): Shark Navigator vacuums come with standard brushrolls or self-cleaning brushrolls. Self-cleaning brushrolls (like those in the CU530 and ZU561) are a game-changer for pet owners, preventing hair wrap and maintaining consistent suction. Standard brushrolls require more frequent manual cleaning. If you have pets that shed a lot, invest in a self-cleaning model to save time and effort.

3. Filtration System (HEPA & Seal Technology): For allergy sufferers, a robust filtration system is essential. Shark’s “Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology” combined with a HEPA filter traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from being recirculated into the air. Almost all models listed boast this feature, but it’s worth verifying if allergies are a primary concern.

Other Important Features

  • Suction Control: Some models (like the ZU561 Speed) offer adjustable suction, allowing you to optimize cleaning for different floor types – higher suction for carpets, lower for hard floors.
  • Swivel Steering: This feature enhances maneuverability, making it easier to navigate around furniture and tight spaces. Present in nearly all models.
  • Attachments: Consider the included attachments. Pet crevice tools and upholstery tools are excellent for tackling pet hair and cleaning furniture. (ZU503AMZ, UV730, Rotator NV752)
  • Dust Cup Capacity: A larger dust cup (0.8 quarts or more) means less frequent emptying. (UV730, Rotator NV752)
  • Weight: If you have mobility issues or plan to carry the vacuum frequently, a lighter model (like the LA300) may be preferable.
  • Powered Brushroll: This features allows the brushroll to continue spinning when detached, which is great for stairs and upholstery (Rotator NV752).

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum Comparison

Product Best For Self-Cleaning Brushroll Lift-Away Functionality HEPA Filter/Allergen Seal Pet Hair Tools Swivel Steering Dust Cup Capacity
Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ Best Overall Yes Yes Yes Pet Crevice Tool Yes Not Specified
Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV LA301 Best Budget Friendly No Yes Yes Included Tools Yes Not Specified
Shark UV730 Navigator Lift-Away Best for Renewed No Yes Yes Pet Multi-Tool & Pet Crevice Tool Yes 0.8-quart
Shark CU530 Navigator Lift-Away Best Self Cleaning Yes Yes Yes Crevice & Upholstery Tool Yes Not Specified
Shark Navigator ZU561 Speed Best for Multi-Surface Yes Yes Yes Extra Tools Included Yes Not Specified
Shark LA300 Navigator Lift-Away ADV Best Lightweight No Yes Yes Not Specified Yes Not Specified
Shark Rotator Powered NV752 Best for Pet Owners No Yes Yes Pet Power Brush, Upholstery Tool, Crevice Tool Yes 0.88-quart

Data-Driven Analysis of Shark Navigator Lift-Away Models

Evaluating the “best” Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuum requires analyzing performance data and user feedback beyond manufacturer specifications. We examined aggregate customer reviews from sources like Amazon, Consumer Reports (where available), and dedicated vacuum review sites (e.g., Vacuum Cleaner Advisor, Good Housekeeping) to identify common strengths and weaknesses across models.

Analysis revealed a strong correlation between self-cleaning brushroll models (CU530, ZU561) and higher satisfaction ratings from pet owners, specifically regarding hair removal efficiency and reduced maintenance. Models with HEPA filters and Complete Seal Technology consistently receive positive mentions from allergy sufferers.

Comparative analysis of suction power (measured in Air Watts – data often found in independent reviews) indicates that models like the ZU561 Speed and Rotator NV752 offer consistently high performance on various floor types. We also assessed price trends to identify models offering the best value for their features, considering the buying guide’s recommendations regarding Lift-Away technology, dust cup capacity, and weight. Finally, we cross-referenced feature sets (suction control, attachments) against user needs to determine overall versatility.

FAQs

What is Lift-Away technology and why is it useful?

Lift-Away technology allows you to detach the vacuum pod, turning it into a portable handheld vacuum. This is incredibly useful for cleaning stairs, upholstery, car interiors, and hard-to-reach areas.

Are Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuums good for pet owners?

Yes, especially models with a self-cleaning brushroll (like the CU530 and ZU561). These prevent hair from wrapping around the brushroll, saving you time and ensuring consistent suction. Many also include pet-specific attachments.

Do Shark Navigator vacuums have HEPA filters?

Most Shark Navigator Lift-Away models feature a HEPA filter and “Complete Seal Technology” which traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making them a good choice for allergy sufferers. Always verify this feature if allergies are a concern.

How do I choose between a model with and without a self-cleaning brushroll?

If you have pets that shed frequently, a self-cleaning brushroll is highly recommended. It reduces maintenance and maintains suction power more effectively. If you don’t have pets or they shed minimally, a standard brushroll will suffice.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuum depends on your specific cleaning needs and lifestyle. Prioritizing features like Lift-Away technology for versatility, a self-cleaning brushroll for pet owners, and a HEPA filter for allergy sufferers will guide you towards the ideal model.

Don’t hesitate to consider the detailed comparison chart and data-driven analysis provided to make an informed decision. Whether you opt for the budget-friendly LA301 or the feature-rich ZU561, a Shark Navigator Lift-Away promises powerful suction and convenient cleaning for a healthier home.

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