Choosing the right vacuum can feel overwhelming, with a myriad of models and features vying for your attention. The Shark Navigator NV360 and the Dyson V7 are two popular options that often appear on shoppers’ lists. The Shark Navigator NV360 is a corded upright vacuum known for its powerful suction, lift-away feature, and affordability. It’s a strong contender for those who need a reliable cleaner for both carpets and hard floors, especially in homes with pets.
On the other hand, the Dyson V7 is a cordless stick vacuum that offers convenience and versatility. Its lightweight design and handheld convertibility make it ideal for quick clean-ups and reaching difficult areas. While it comes at a higher price point, the Dyson V7 appeals to those seeking a powerful yet agile cleaning solution. This comparison will dive deep into the features, performance, and value of each vacuum to help you determine which one best suits your needs and cleaning style.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of the Shark Navigator NV360
- Short Review of the Dyson V7
- 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 the Shark Navigator NV360?
- Who Should Buy the Dyson V7?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For budget-conscious shoppers: The Shark Navigator NV360 offers excellent cleaning power and features at a significantly lower price point.
- For convenience and versatility: The Dyson V7’s cordless design and handheld convertibility make it a better choice for quick clean-ups and reaching tight spaces.
- For homes with mostly carpets: The Shark Navigator NV360’s strong suction and motorized brush roll excel at deep cleaning carpets.
- For homes with mostly hard floors: The Dyson V7 is decent at cleaning bare floors, and its lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver.
- For pet owners: Both vacuums perform well at picking up pet hair, but the Shark Navigator NV360 has a larger dust cup, which may be more convenient for homes with heavy shedding.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 is a corded upright vacuum designed for powerful and versatile cleaning. Its standout feature is the Lift-Away technology, which allows you to detach the canister for portable cleaning on stairs, upholstery, and above-floor areas. The NV360 also boasts strong suction, swivel steering for easy maneuverability, and a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens.
This vacuum is particularly effective on carpets, thanks to its motorized brush roll that can be turned on or off depending on the floor type. The large-capacity dust cup means less frequent emptying, making it suitable for larger homes or those with pets. The included upholstery tool and crevice tool add to its versatility, allowing you to tackle various cleaning tasks around the house. While it’s not cordless, the 25-foot power cord provides a decent reach.
Short Review of the Dyson V7
The Dyson V7 is a cordless stick vacuum that combines power and convenience in a lightweight design. Its cordless operation allows for unrestricted movement, making it ideal for quick clean-ups and reaching difficult areas. The V7 easily converts to a handheld vacuum for cleaning upholstery, car interiors, and tight spaces.
Equipped with the Dyson digital motor V7, this vacuum delivers strong suction for effective cleaning on both carpets and hard floors. The included Motorbarâ„¢ cleaner head features de-tangling technology to prevent hair from wrapping around the brush bar. While its dustbin is smaller than the Shark Navigator NV360’s, it’s easy to empty with a hygienic dirt ejector. The V7 offers up to 30 minutes of run time, and it comes with various attachments for versatile cleaning.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Corded vs. Cordless: The Shark Navigator NV360 is corded, while the Dyson V7 is cordless.
- Vacuum Type: The Shark is an upright vacuum, while the Dyson is a stick vacuum that converts to a handheld.
- Weight: The Shark is heavier than the Dyson V7.
- Dust Cup Capacity: The Shark has a larger dust cup capacity than the Dyson.
- Price: The Shark is significantly more affordable than the Dyson.
- Run Time: The Dyson V7 has a limited run time (up to 30 minutes), while the corded Shark offers continuous power.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark Navigator NV360 | Dyson V7 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Corded Upright | Cordless Stick/Handheld |
| Weight | 12.5 lbs (full unit), 7.5 lbs (canister) | 5.45 – 5.58 lbs |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.2 dry quarts | 0.14 gallons (0.54 liters) |
| Cord Length | 25 feet | N/A (Cordless) |
| Run Time | N/A (Corded) | Up to 30 minutes (40 minutes on some advanced models) |
| Charge Time | N/A | 3.5 – 5 hours |
| Filtration | HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology | Whole-machine filtration |
| Attachments | Upholstery Tool, Crevice Tool | Motorbarâ„¢ cleaner head, Mini soft dusting brush, Combination tool, Crevice tool |
| Brush Roll On/Off Switch | Yes | N/A |
| Lift-Away Feature | Yes | Converts to handheld |
Price Comparison
The Shark Navigator NV360 is generally priced between $150 and $200, making it a budget-friendly option. Its value proposition lies in its powerful suction and versatile features at an affordable price.
The Dyson V7 typically retails between $300 and $400, depending on the model and included accessories. While more expensive, its cordless convenience and advanced features like the Motorbarâ„¢ cleaner head can justify the higher cost for some users.
Cost-to-Feature Ratio: The Shark NV360 offers a better cost-to-feature ratio for those prioritizing power and capacity over cordless convenience. The Dyson V7 provides a premium experience with its cordless design and specialized features, but at a higher price.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark Navigator NV360 features a sturdy plastic construction that feels robust for its price point. Its upright design with swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver around furniture. The Lift-Away feature adds versatility, allowing you to detach the canister for portable cleaning. However, some users may find the hose a bit short and stiff.
The Dyson V7 boasts a lightweight and ergonomic design, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. Its cordless design allows for unrestricted movement, and the handheld convertibility adds to its versatility. While its plastic construction is lightweight, it may not feel as durable as the Shark.
Performance Face-Off
Bare Floors
The Dyson V7 performs decently on bare floors, effectively sucking up small debris. However, larger material can sometimes get stuck at the entry to its floorhead and scattered around. The Shark Navigator NV360 is generally effective on hard floors, but the brush roll needs to be turned off to avoid scattering debris.
Low-Pile Carpets
The Dyson V7 performs satisfactorily on low-pile carpets, doing a great job cleaning up pet hair and lifting away fine debris. However, it can struggle with larger solid material. The Shark Navigator NV360 delivers mediocre performance on low-pile carpet. It picks up most large and medium-sized debris, though fine debris gets left behind in the carpet fibers.
High-Pile Carpets
The Shark Navigator NV360 is middling for vacuuming high-pile carpet. Though it easily clears pet hair, it struggles with most fine and large debris. The Dyson V7’s performance on high-pile carpets is not specifically highlighted in the provided context.
Pet Hair
Both vacuums are effective at picking up pet hair. The Dyson V7 easily cleans hair and fine debris on bare floors and does quite well on low-pile carpets. The Shark Navigator NV360 easily clears pet hair on carpets. However, the Shark’s brush roll can get tangled with hair, requiring regular cleaning.
Edges
Neither vacuum excels at edge cleaning. The Shark Navigator NV360 struggles with carpet edge cleaning.
Special Features Comparison
Shark Navigator NV360:
- Lift-Away Technology: Detach the canister for portable cleaning.
- Swivel Steering: Excellent control for maneuvering around furniture.
- HEPA Filter: Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens.
Dyson V7:
- Cordless Design: Unrestricted movement for convenient cleaning.
- Handheld Convertibility: Easily transforms into a handheld vacuum.
- Motorbarâ„¢ Cleaner Head: De-tangling technology prevents hair wrap.
Usability and User Experience
The Shark Navigator NV360 is easy to assemble and use, with simple controls and a straightforward design. Its swivel steering enhances maneuverability, but its weight can be a drawback for some users.
The Dyson V7 is incredibly user-friendly, thanks to its lightweight design and cordless operation. The handheld convertibility and included attachments make it easy to tackle various cleaning tasks. However, the trigger-style power switch requires continuous pressure, which may be tiring for some.
Maintenance and Longevity
The Shark Navigator NV360 requires regular maintenance, including cleaning the filters and removing tangled hair from the brush roll. Its sturdy construction suggests good longevity with proper care.
The Dyson V7 has minimal recurring costs, with a washable lifetime filter. However, its battery life may degrade over time, requiring replacement. The brushroll is removable, making it easier to cut away tangled hair.
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for a powerful and versatile vacuum.
- Homeowners with a mix of carpets and hard floors.
- Pet owners who need a vacuum with strong suction and a large dust cup.
- Those who don’t mind the inconvenience of a cord for continuous power.
Who Should Buy the Dyson V7?
- Those who prioritize convenience and versatility in a lightweight design.
- Apartment dwellers or those with smaller homes.
- Users who need a vacuum for quick clean-ups and reaching tight spaces.
- People who are willing to invest more for a cordless and agile cleaning solution.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark Navigator NV360 and the Dyson V7 offer excellent cleaning performance and features, but they cater to different needs and preferences. The Shark NV360 is the better choice for those seeking powerful suction, a large dust cup, and a budget-friendly price. Its Lift-Away feature and versatile attachments make it suitable for various cleaning tasks.
On the other hand, the Dyson V7 is ideal for those who prioritize convenience, versatility, and a lightweight design. Its cordless operation and handheld convertibility make it perfect for quick clean-ups and reaching difficult areas. However, its higher price point and limited run time may be drawbacks for some users.
