The Shark Navigator NV360 and the Dyson V7 are both popular vacuum cleaners that cater to different needs and budgets. The Shark Navigator NV360, a corded upright vacuum, has been a long-standing favorite for its affordability and versatility, particularly for homes with a mix of carpets and hard floors. It offers a Lift-Away feature, allowing users to detach the canister for easier cleaning of stairs and upholstery. On the other hand, the Dyson V7 is a cordless stick vacuum known for its lightweight design and strong suction, offering convenience and maneuverability for quick cleanups and smaller spaces.
These two vacuums appeal to distinct customer segments. The Shark Navigator NV360 is often chosen by those seeking a budget-friendly, powerful corded option suitable for whole-house cleaning, especially in homes with significant carpeted areas. Its robust suction and larger dustbin make it a practical choice for families with pets and kids. Conversely, the Dyson V7 attracts users who value convenience and portability, prioritizing a lightweight, cordless vacuum for quick daily cleanups and easy maneuvering around furniture. Those living in apartments or smaller homes often find the Dyson V7 an ideal fit due to its compact design and ease of storage.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark Navigator NV360
- Short Review of 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 Whole-House Cleaning on a Budget: Choose the Shark Navigator NV360. It offers strong suction and a large dustbin, making it suitable for homes with lots of carpet.
- For Quick, Cordless Convenience: Opt for the Dyson V7. Its lightweight design and maneuverability are perfect for smaller spaces and quick cleanups.
- For Pet Owners: The Shark Navigator NV360 is a solid choice due to its strong suction and ability to handle pet hair effectively. The Dyson V7 also performs well but may require more frequent emptying of the smaller dustbin.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 is a corded upright vacuum renowned for its powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities. Its Lift-Away design allows the canister to detach, making it easier to clean stairs, furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas. With strong performance on both carpets and hard floors, it effectively picks up dirt, dust, and pet hair. The NV360 also features a HEPA filter, trapping allergens and dust particles for cleaner air.
This vacuum is particularly well-suited for homes with a mix of flooring types, offering consistent performance across carpets and bare floors. Its strong suction and included attachments make it effective for cleaning pet hair and tackling embedded dirt. The removable canister enhances its versatility, allowing for easy cleaning of stairs and upholstery. While it may be heavier and less maneuverable than cordless options, its powerful cleaning capabilities and large dustbin make it a reliable choice for thorough whole-house cleaning.
Short Review of Dyson V7
The Dyson V7 is a cordless stick vacuum that provides powerful suction in a lightweight and maneuverable design. It easily converts to a handheld vacuum for cleaning cars, upholstery, and tight spaces. Known for its quick-charging battery and fade-free power, the V7 offers up to 30 minutes of cleaning time, making it ideal for quick cleanups and smaller homes. Its direct-drive cleaner head effectively removes dirt and pet hair from carpets and hard floors.
This vacuum excels in providing cordless convenience and versatility, making it perfect for quick daily cleanups and reaching difficult areas. Its lightweight design and easy conversion to a handheld unit make it ideal for cleaning cars, stairs, and upholstery. The Dyson V7 is especially suitable for smaller homes and apartments, where its compact size and cordless operation offer maximum convenience. While its battery life may be shorter than some newer models, its strong suction and ease of use make it a popular choice for maintaining a clean home with minimal effort.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Corded vs. Cordless: The Shark Navigator NV360 is corded, providing continuous power, while the Dyson V7 is cordless, offering greater freedom and maneuverability.
- Weight: The Dyson V7 is significantly lighter (around 5.2 lbs) than the Shark Navigator NV360 (around 13.7 lbs), making it easier to carry and maneuver.
- Dustbin Capacity: The Shark Navigator NV360 has a larger dustbin capacity (0.9 quarts) compared to the Dyson V7 (0.15 gallons), allowing for longer cleaning sessions without frequent emptying.
- Lift-Away Feature: The Shark Navigator NV360 features a Lift-Away design, enabling the canister to be detached for portable cleaning, while the Dyson V7 converts to a handheld vacuum.
- Battery Life: As a cordless vacuum, the Dyson V7 offers a limited runtime (up to 30 minutes), whereas the corded Shark Navigator NV360 provides continuous power without the need to recharge.
- Price: The Shark Navigator NV360 is generally more budget-friendly than the Dyson V7, offering a cost-effective cleaning solution.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark Navigator NV360 | Dyson V7 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Corded Upright | Cordless Stick |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs | 5.2 lbs |
| Dustbin Capacity | 0.9 quarts | 0.15 gallons |
| Cord Length | 25 feet | N/A (Cordless) |
| Filtration | HEPA Filter | Whole Machine HEPA Filtration |
| Power Source | Corded | Battery (21.6V) |
| Runtime | Continuous | Up to 30 minutes |
| Attachments | Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Upholstery Tool | Combination Tool, Crevice Tool, Mini Motorized Tool (varies by model) |
| Dimensions | 11.4″ L x 12″ W x 45.5″ H | 8.2″ L x 50.6″ H x 9″ W |
Price Comparison
The Shark Navigator NV360 is typically priced between $150 and $200, making it a budget-friendly option for those seeking a powerful upright vacuum. Its value proposition lies in its strong suction, large dustbin, and versatile cleaning capabilities, all at an affordable price point. In contrast, the Dyson V7 generally retails between $250 and $350, positioning it as a premium cordless option. Its higher cost reflects its lightweight design, cordless convenience, and advanced filtration system.
Considering the cost-to-feature ratio, the Shark Navigator NV360 offers excellent value for money, especially for users who prioritize power and capacity over cordless convenience. It provides robust cleaning performance at a significantly lower price point. The Dyson V7, while more expensive, justifies its price with its cordless design, ease of use, and portability, making it a worthwhile investment for those who value convenience and quick cleaning solutions.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark Navigator NV360 features a durable, albeit bulkier, design. Its construction focuses on functionality, with a sturdy build that can withstand regular use. The Lift-Away feature is practical, allowing the canister to detach easily for versatile cleaning. However, its plastic components may not feel as premium as those found in higher-end models. The Dyson V7, on the other hand, boasts a sleek, lightweight design with a focus on ergonomics and ease of use. Its build quality is generally high, with durable plastic components and a well-engineered motor.
Aesthetically, the Dyson V7 has a more modern and refined look, while the Shark Navigator NV360 leans towards a more functional and utilitarian design. The Dyson V7’s lightweight construction enhances its maneuverability, making it easy to carry and use in various cleaning scenarios. The Shark Navigator NV360, though heavier, offers a larger dustbin and a wider cleaning path, making it suitable for larger areas.
Performance Face-Off
Suction Power
The Shark Navigator NV360 offers strong and consistent suction power, effectively cleaning both carpets and hard floors. Its powerful motor ensures thorough dirt and pet hair removal. The Dyson V7 provides impressive suction for a cordless vacuum, excelling at picking up fine dust and debris. While it may not match the raw power of the Shark, its direct-drive cleaner head enhances its performance on carpets.
Bare Floor Cleaning
Both vacuums perform well on bare floors. The Shark Navigator NV360 uses a brushroll that can be turned on or off to prevent scattering debris on hard surfaces. The Dyson V7, with its soft roller cleaner head (available on some models), gently picks up dust and dirt without scratching floors.
Carpet Cleaning
The Shark Navigator NV360 excels at carpet cleaning, thanks to its strong suction and motorized brushroll. It effectively removes embedded dirt and pet hair from various carpet types. The Dyson V7 also performs well on carpets, with its direct-drive cleaner head providing excellent agitation and suction. However, it may require more passes on high-pile carpets compared to the Shark.
Pet Hair Removal
Both vacuums are capable of handling pet hair. The Shark Navigator NV360’s powerful suction and brushroll design effectively remove pet hair from carpets and upholstery. The Dyson V7, with its mini-motorized tool (available on some models), excels at removing pet hair from furniture and tight spaces.
Special Features Comparison
The Shark Navigator NV360’s standout feature is its Lift-Away design, allowing the canister to detach for portable cleaning. This feature is particularly useful for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, it includes a HEPA filter to trap allergens and dust particles. The Dyson V7’s special features include its cordless design, lightweight construction, and quick conversion to a handheld vacuum. These features provide unparalleled convenience and flexibility for quick cleanups and spot cleaning. Some models also come with a soft roller cleaner head specifically designed for hard floors.
Usability and User Experience
The Shark Navigator NV360 is straightforward to use, with simple controls and easy-to-empty dustbin. However, its heavier weight and corded design can make it less maneuverable than cordless options. The Dyson V7 is incredibly user-friendly, with its lightweight design and cordless operation providing maximum convenience. Its easy conversion to a handheld vacuum and simple controls make it a joy to use for quick cleanups.
Novice users may appreciate the simplicity and power of the Shark Navigator NV360, while experienced users may prefer the convenience and versatility of the Dyson V7.
Maintenance and Longevity
The Shark Navigator NV360 requires regular maintenance, including cleaning the filters and removing hair from the brushroll. Its robust construction suggests good longevity with proper care. The Dyson V7 also requires regular filter cleaning and brushroll maintenance. Its cordless design means battery life may degrade over time, requiring eventual battery replacement.
- Homeowners with large carpeted areas: Its strong suction and brushroll design excel at deep cleaning carpets.
- Families with pets: Effectively removes pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors.
- Budget-conscious shoppers: Offers excellent cleaning performance at an affordable price.
- Users who prefer continuous power: The corded design ensures uninterrupted cleaning without the need to recharge.
Who Should Buy the Dyson V7?
- Apartment dwellers and small home owners: Its lightweight and cordless design make it ideal for quick cleanups in smaller spaces.
- Users who value convenience and maneuverability: The cordless operation and easy conversion to a handheld vacuum provide maximum flexibility.
- Individuals with limited storage space: Its compact design allows for easy storage in small closets or cabinets.
- Those who prioritize quick daily cleanups: Perfect for maintaining a clean home with minimal effort.
Final Recommendation
The Shark Navigator NV360 and Dyson V7 cater to different cleaning needs and preferences. The Shark Navigator NV360 is the better choice for those seeking a powerful, budget-friendly upright vacuum for whole-house cleaning, particularly in homes with lots of carpet. Its strong suction and large dustbin make it a practical option for families with pets.
Conversely, the Dyson V7 is ideal for those who prioritize convenience, portability, and quick cleanups. Its lightweight, cordless design and easy conversion to a handheld vacuum make it perfect for apartments, small homes, and maintaining a tidy space with minimal effort. While it may not match the raw power of the Shark, its versatility and ease of use make it a worthwhile investment for those who value cordless convenience.
