Shark NV501 vs NV681: Cleaning Power Showdown

The Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away and the Shark NV681 Rotator Powered Lift-Away Speed are both upright vacuums designed for whole-home cleaning, offering versatility and powerful suction. These models target homeowners seeking a convenient solution for tackling various surfaces, from carpets and hard floors to upholstery and stairs. Both vacuums feature Shark’s signature Lift-Away technology, allowing users to detach the canister for portable cleaning.

Choosing between the Shark NV501 and NV681 can be tricky since both offer similar features and capabilities. However, some key differences might make one model a better fit for your specific needs. The NV681 boasts enhanced maneuverability and fingertip controls, while the NV501 may come at a more budget-friendly price point. This comparison dives into the details of each vacuum, examining their performance, features, design, and value to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Verdict

• For Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Shark NV501 is a solid choice, offering excellent cleaning performance and Lift-Away functionality at a potentially lower price.
• For Enhanced Maneuverability: The Shark NV681 with its Powered Lift-Away and advanced swivel steering, provides superior ease of use, especially around furniture and tight spaces.
• For Pet Owners: Both vacuums are suitable for pet owners, but the NV681 might have a slight edge depending on the included attachments in specific bundles. Check for the “TruePet” version or pet-specific tools.

Short Review of Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away

The Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away is a versatile upright vacuum designed for powerful cleaning performance across various surfaces. Its standout feature is the Lift-Away technology, which allows the canister to detach, transforming it into a portable vacuum for stairs, upholstery, and above-floor cleaning. Equipped with a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, it effectively traps dust and allergens, making it ideal for allergy sufferers.

This vacuum excels in maneuverability with its swivel steering and includes LED headlights to illuminate hidden debris. The NV501 comes with multiple attachments like a pet power brush, dusting brush, and crevice tool, enhancing its versatility for different cleaning tasks. With a strong suction and a motorized brushroll, it effectively cleans both carpets and hard floors.

Short Review of Shark NV681 Rotator Powered Lift-Away Speed

The Shark NV681 Rotator Powered Lift-Away Speed is an upright vacuum designed for uninterrupted floor-to-ceiling cleaning. It features the Powered Lift-Away technology, which allows the canister to detach while still delivering power to the brushroll, making it easy to clean under furniture and in other hard-to-reach areas. The NV681 includes LED lights on the floor nozzle, enhancing visibility of hidden debris.

This model offers fingertip controls for seamless transitions between hard floor and carpet cleaning. Its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and HEPA filter trap 99.99% of dust and allergens. The NV681 also comes with multi-purpose cleaning attachments suitable for upholstery, furniture, and tight spaces, making it a versatile choice for comprehensive home cleaning.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Maneuverability: The NV681 has advanced swivel steering and Powered Lift-Away, offering better maneuverability than the NV501.
• Controls: The NV681 features fingertip controls for easy switching between floor types, while the NV501 has controls on the unit itself.
• Attachments: While both come with attachments, the specific tools included can vary. The NV681 sometimes includes a “Hard Floor Hero” attachment.
• Weight: The NV681 is generally lighter than the NV501
• Price: The NV501 is often available at a lower price point than the NV681.
• Dust Cup Capacity: NV501 has a slightly larger dust cup capacity at 1.3 quarts compared to the NV681 at 0.9 gallons (approximately 3.4 liters)

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away typically retails for around $199-$299, although prices can fluctuate based on retailer and promotions. The Shark NV681 Rotator Powered Lift-Away Speed generally costs between $249 and $349. Refurbished models of both vacuums are often available at significantly lower prices.

Considering the price-to-feature ratio, the NV501 offers excellent value, particularly for budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to compromise on cleaning performance and Lift-Away functionality. The NV681, while pricier, justifies the cost with its enhanced maneuverability and user-friendly controls, making it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing convenience and ease of use.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Shark NV501 and NV681 share a similar upright design with the Lift-Away feature, allowing the canister to be detached for portable cleaning. The NV501 has a sturdy build, with a focus on durability. The NV681 features a more streamlined design and often comes in different color options.

Both vacuums are primarily constructed from ABS and PP plastic, ensuring they can withstand regular wear and tear. The NV681 has a slightly lighter weight, enhancing its portability and ease of use, while the NV501, although a bit heavier, maintains a balanced feel. Both models include LED headlights on the nozzle to illuminate dark areas.

Performance Face-Off

Carpet Cleaning

Both vacuums perform admirably on carpets, thanks to their strong suction and motorized brushrolls. The NV501 effectively removes embedded dirt and debris, leaving carpets clean and refreshed. The NV681, with its Powered Lift-Away feature, maintains consistent power to the brushroll even in Lift-Away mode, ensuring thorough carpet cleaning in hard-to-reach areas.

Hard Floor Cleaning

Both vacuums are equipped to handle hard floors, but the NV681 sometimes includes a “Hard Floor Hero” attachment, which excels at picking up fine dust and debris without scattering. The NV501 performs well on hard floors with its adjustable brushroll settings, preventing scratches and ensuring effective cleaning.

Pet Hair Removal

Both the NV501 and NV681 are suitable for pet owners, effectively removing pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. The NV501 often includes a pet power brush attachment, which is particularly useful for lifting stubborn pet hair. The NV681, especially the “TruePet” versions, comes with specialized pet tools that enhance its pet hair removal capabilities.

Edge Cleaning

Both vacuums are designed with edge cleaning in mind, featuring strong suction that reaches along baseboards and edges. The NV681’s advanced swivel steering allows for better maneuverability around corners and tight spaces, providing superior edge cleaning compared to the NV501.

Special Features Comparison

• Shark NV501:
  • Lift-Away Technology: Detachable canister for portable cleaning.
  • HEPA Filtration: Traps dust and allergens, ideal for allergy sufferers.
  • Swivel Steering: Enhances maneuverability around furniture.
• Shark NV681:
  • Powered Lift-Away: Maintains power to the brushroll in Lift-Away mode.
  • Fingertip Controls: Seamless transition between hard floor and carpet cleaning.
  • Hard Floor Hero Attachment: Superior bare floor cleaning.

Usability and User Experience

The Shark NV501 is straightforward and easy to use, with simple controls and a user-friendly design. The Lift-Away feature is easily accessible, making it convenient to switch between upright and portable cleaning modes. The Shark NV681 takes usability a step further with its fingertip controls, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments without bending down. Its advanced swivel steering provides excellent control and maneuverability, making it ideal for navigating around furniture and tight spaces. Both vacuums are relatively easy to empty and maintain, with bagless dust cups and washable filters.

Maintenance and Longevity

Both the Shark NV501 and NV681 require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes emptying the dust cup after each use, cleaning the filters every 3-6 months, and removing any hair or debris from the brushroll. The NV501 comes with a 5-year limited warranty, while the NV681 offers a 7-year limited warranty, providing added peace of mind. With proper care and maintenance, both vacuums are expected to have a lifespan of 5-7 years.

Who Should Buy the Shark NV501?

The Shark NV501 is an excellent choice for:

• Budget-conscious buyers: Offers great value with strong cleaning performance at a lower price.
• Users with smaller homes: The XL dust cup reduces the frequency of emptying, suitable for smaller spaces.
• Those who appreciate simplicity: Straightforward design and easy-to-use features.

Who Should Buy the Shark NV681?

The Shark NV681 is ideal for:

• Users who prioritize maneuverability: Advanced swivel steering and Powered Lift-Away enhance ease of use.
• Homes with mixed flooring: Fingertip controls allow for seamless transitions between floor types.
• Pet owners: Especially if the model includes specialized pet hair removal tools.

Final Recommendation

Both the Shark NV501 and NV681 are excellent upright vacuums that offer versatile cleaning capabilities and innovative features. The choice between the two depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that delivers strong cleaning performance, the NV501 is a solid choice. However, if you’re willing to invest a bit more for enhanced maneuverability, user-friendly controls, and specialized attachments, the NV681 is the better option. Ultimately, both vacuums provide excellent value and will help you keep your home clean and fresh.