Shark CU500 vs UV650: Which Navigator Lift-Away is Right For You?

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away series offers versatile upright vacuums designed for whole-home cleaning. The CU500 and UV650 are two popular models in this lineup, both offering the signature Lift-Away feature that transforms the upright into a portable pod for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces. These vacuums are aimed at homeowners with a mix of carpets and hard floors who need a lightweight, maneuverable machine with strong suction.

Choosing between the Shark CU500 and UV650 can be tricky since they share many similarities. Both offer Lift-Away functionality, swivel steering, and HEPA filtration. However, some key differences in brushroll design, included accessories, and availability (new vs. refurbished) can make one model a better fit depending on your specific needs and budget. This comparison dives deep into their features, performance, and user experience to help you make an informed decision.

Quick Verdict

• For pet owners: The CU500 with its self-cleaning brushroll is better equipped to handle pet hair without tangling.
• For those prioritizing new condition and warranty: The UV650, often sold as a newer model, typically comes with a full manufacturer’s warranty.
• For budget-conscious shoppers: The CU500, frequently available refurbished, offers excellent value for the features.
• For allergy sufferers: Both have Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and HEPA filters, so either is a good option.

Short Review of Shark CU500

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away CU500 is an upright vacuum known for its powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities. A standout feature is its self-cleaning brushroll, designed to prevent hair from wrapping around the brush, making it particularly appealing for pet owners. The Lift-Away design allows users to detach the canister for portable cleaning, making it easy to tackle stairs, furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas.

The CU500 also incorporates Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter, trapping 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. Swivel steering enhances maneuverability around furniture and obstacles. It includes a Pet Multi-Tool and a crevice tool for specialized cleaning tasks. While often available as a refurbished model, the CU500 provides a cost-effective solution without sacrificing essential features and performance.

Short Review of Shark UV650

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away UV650 is a versatile upright vacuum designed for efficient and convenient cleaning. Its Lift-Away feature allows for easy conversion into a portable vacuum, ideal for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and tight spaces. Equipped with swivel steering, it offers excellent maneuverability around furniture and other obstacles.

This model includes Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter, capturing 99.9% of dust and allergens. The UV650 is appreciated for its strong suction and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and use throughout the home. While it may lack the self-cleaning brushroll of the CU500, it remains a reliable option for those seeking a powerful and adaptable cleaning solution.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Brushroll: The CU500 features a self-cleaning brushroll to prevent hair tangles, while the UV650 has a standard brushroll.
• Availability: The CU500 is often found as a refurbished model, whereas the UV650 is typically sold new.
• Pet Tools: Both include pet tools, but the CU500’s self-cleaning brushroll gives it an edge for pet hair removal.
• Warranty: The UV650, when purchased new, generally comes with a longer warranty than a refurbished CU500.
• Price: The CU500 is generally more budget-friendly, especially when purchased refurbished.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

The Shark CU500 typically retails for around $150-$200 when purchased new, but can often be found for $100-$150 in refurbished condition. The UV650 generally sells for $180-$250 when new.

Value Proposition:

• CU500: Offers excellent value, especially refurbished, providing a self-cleaning brushroll and Lift-Away features at a lower price point.
• UV650: Provides the peace of mind of a new product with a full warranty, but at a higher cost.

Cost-to-Feature Ratio:

The CU500, especially when refurbished, offers a better cost-to-feature ratio for users who prioritize a self-cleaning brushroll and are comfortable with a potentially shorter warranty period. The UV650 is better for those who prefer a new product and the assurance of a full warranty.

Design and Build Quality

Both the Shark CU500 and UV650 share a similar upright design with the Lift-Away feature, allowing the canister to detach for portable cleaning. They are primarily constructed of plastic, which helps keep them lightweight and maneuverable.

• Aesthetics: Both vacuums have a similar aesthetic, with a combination of gray and accent colors. The design is functional and modern, fitting well in most homes.
• Materials: The plastic construction is durable enough for regular use, but may not withstand heavy-duty wear and tear as well as more premium materials.
• Durability: User reviews suggest that both models are generally reliable, though some refurbished CU500 units may have a shorter lifespan due to prior use.
• Ergonomics: Both vacuums are designed to be lightweight and easy to maneuver, with swivel steering enhancing their agility around furniture and obstacles. The Lift-Away feature also improves ergonomics for above-floor cleaning.
• Overall Construction Quality: Both vacuums offer decent construction quality for their price point, but the UV650 may have a slight edge due to being typically sold as a new model.

Performance Face-Off

Suction Power

Both the CU500 and UV650 boast strong suction power, effectively cleaning both carpets and hard floors. User reviews often praise their ability to pick up dirt, debris, and pet hair.

Carpet Cleaning

• Both models perform well on carpets, with their motorized brushrolls agitating fibers to lift embedded dirt.
• The CU500’s self-cleaning brushroll can be particularly beneficial for homes with pets, as it prevents hair from wrapping around the brush and reducing suction.

Hard Floor Cleaning

• Both vacuums have settings for hard floor cleaning, allowing users to turn off the brushroll to prevent scattering debris.
• Their strong suction ensures effective pickup of dust and dirt on hard surfaces.

Pet Hair Removal

• The CU500 has a slight advantage in pet hair removal due to its self-cleaning brushroll, which minimizes hair tangles.
• Both come with a Pet Multi-Tool for upholstery and targeted pet hair cleanup.

Edge Cleaning

• Both models offer decent edge cleaning capabilities, though some users may find it necessary to use the crevice tool for thorough cleaning along edges and baseboards.

Real-World Usage Scenarios:

• Apartment Cleaning: Both are lightweight and maneuverable enough for cleaning smaller spaces.
• Multi-Story Homes: The Lift-Away feature makes it easier to carry and use these vacuums on stairs.
• Homes with Pets: The CU500’s self-cleaning brushroll gives it an edge for pet owners.

Special Features Comparison

• Shark CU500: The standout special feature is its self-cleaning brushroll, which prevents hair from wrapping around the brush. This is a significant advantage for pet owners and those with long hair.
• Shark UV650: The UV650’s primary special feature is its availability as a new product, ensuring a full manufacturer’s warranty and potentially longer lifespan compared to a refurbished CU500.

Usability and User Experience

• Ease of Use: Both the CU500 and UV650 are designed to be user-friendly, with simple controls and easy-to-empty dust cups.
• Learning Curve: There is virtually no learning curve for either vacuum. They are straightforward to assemble and operate.
• Everyday Operation:
  • The Lift-Away feature enhances usability for above-floor cleaning.
  • Swivel steering makes maneuvering around furniture easy.
  • Lightweight design reduces fatigue during extended cleaning sessions.
• Novice vs. Experienced Users: Both vacuums are suitable for both novice and experienced users due to their simplicity and ease of use.

Maintenance and Longevity

• Maintenance: Both vacuums require regular cleaning of the dust cup and filters to maintain optimal performance. The filters are washable, which helps extend their lifespan.
• Consumable Parts: The primary consumable parts are the filters, which need to be replaced periodically.
• Warranty Coverage: The UV650, when purchased new, typically comes with a longer warranty than a refurbished CU500. Refurbished CU500 units may have limited warranty coverage or none at all.
• Expected Lifespan: The UV650, as a new model, is likely to have a longer lifespan than a refurbished CU500, assuming similar usage and maintenance.

Who Should Buy the Shark CU500?

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away CU500 is the better choice for:

• Pet Owners: The self-cleaning brushroll is highly effective at preventing hair tangles.
• Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Refurbished CU500 units offer excellent value for the features.
• Users Who Don’t Mind a Refurbished Product: If you are comfortable with a potentially shorter warranty period and the possibility of minor cosmetic imperfections, a refurbished CU500 is a great option.

Who Should Buy the Shark UV650?

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away UV650 is the better choice for:

• Users Who Prioritize a New Product: If you prefer the peace of mind of a new vacuum with a full manufacturer’s warranty, the UV650 is the way to go.
• Those Seeking Maximum Longevity: A new UV650 is likely to have a longer lifespan than a refurbished CU500.
• Users Who Want the Latest Model: The UV650 may incorporate slight design or feature updates compared to the CU500.

Final Recommendation

Both the Shark CU500 and UV650 are excellent upright vacuums with Lift-Away functionality and strong suction. The Shark CU500 is the better choice for pet owners and budget-conscious shoppers who don’t mind purchasing a refurbished unit. Its self-cleaning brushroll is a significant advantage for homes with pets, and its lower price point makes it an attractive option. The Shark UV650 is ideal for those who prioritize a new product with a full warranty and potentially longer lifespan. While it lacks the self-cleaning brushroll of the CU500, it remains a reliable and versatile option for whole-home cleaning.