The Shark NV360 vs NV501 battle is between two budget-friendly models from the Shark navigator and rotator series, respectively. These vacuums are fairly comparable and have similar cleaning capabilities, making it hard to choose.
After using them for a while and looking at how they differ, I can confidently say that Shark NV501 stands out as the winner in this battle. Its suction strength is better than Shark NV360, although they have the same motor power. The longer hose allows you to reach the ceiling corners with ease. It comes with LED lights, which is also a plus.
The runner-up, Shark NV360, is also an excellent vacuum for someone on a budget. If you have a larger area to clean, I recommend the NV360 because the dustbin is bigger, and you’ll have to empty it less often. The lower price doesn’t hurt, either.
Shark NV360 vs NV501: Comparision Chart
Shark NV360 vs NV501: Differences
Shark NV501 wins (4–3) against Shark NV360 since it has better cleaning performance, a longer hose, and comes with LED Lights. But its dirt bin is a bit smaller, and it works noisier.
Cleaning Performance
The Winner: Shark NV501
Suction Strength
Suction power directly affects the vacuum’s overall cleaning performance. When determining the victor, It was also one of the most important factors I considered when picking the winner.
While both vacuums share 1200 watts of motor power, the Shark NV501 performs better. To determine which vacuum has better suction strength, I have tested each vacuum on three different floor types (hardwood, low carpet, high carpet) and four different debris types (sugar, cereal, kitty litter, and rice). The Shark NV360 and NV501 performed well on the cleaning test, with an overall debris removal score of 84% for the NV360 and 87 % for the rotator. Let’s break it down into each cleaning test.
On hardwood floors, both models did a great job, although they each struggled a bit with our largest debris-type cereal. The NV360 score was a 93%, and the NV501 score was a 92%. The tests were done with the standard cleaning heads, and many users could choose to use an attachment or the hose to suck up large debris more easily.
On low-pile carpets, the NV360 and NV501 cleaned up almost all debris. They both had some trouble with ultrafine debris sugar. I need to go over areas several times to clean fine debris fully. The NV360 scored a 98% on low carpets, and the NV501 scored a 95%.
High carpets are where I saw a clear advantage from NV501 over the NV360. They both struggled with cereal, but overall, the NV501 cleared 73% of debris on the high carpet. The NV360 cleared 61%.
Noise
During my test, the NV360 is slightly quieter, registering 77 decibels. Compared with the NV501, which was 80 decibels. But we can forgive the higher noise level of NV501 because it has a greater suction strength. It really makes sense.
This is just a minor difference that many won’t even notice it. Actually, without a dedicated tool to measure noise, it is difficult for me to recognize this difference.
However, whether it is 77 or 80 decibels, they are considered loud to very loud. I am sure you will not use them to vacuum early in the morning because they can wake your whole family up.
Dirt Bin Capacity
The Winner: Shark NV360
The Shark NV360’s dirt bin can hold up to 1.2 quarts. It is a higher capacity compared to the 0.88 quartz of the Shark NV501.
Higher capacity means you need to empty the bin less frequently. But I think the difference between the two dirt bins is not too significant. You can easily imagine that the canister is full when I vacuum approximately 1000sq ft once a day (I also have a dog and a cat).
Both vacuum cleaners meet my expectations, so I can’t say which is superior based on this factor alone. I’m pleased with both of them.
Anyway, 1.2 quartz is still higher than 0.88 quartz, and I don’t want you to think I am biased. So, we can consider the Shark NV360 winner in this battle.
Design and Convenience
The Winner: Tie
Weight
I do vacuuming daily, and I am required to move the vacuum around my home a lot. Therefore, I give great consideration to the dimensions and weight. Well, the Shark NV360 and NV501 differ here.
The Shark NV360 and NV501’s weights are 14.3 lb and 15.5 lb, respectively. For me, both of these vacuums are lightweight, and the weight disparity between them is not significant. It has not been difficult for me to carry these vacuums up and down stairs or to any other corner of my home.
Cleaning Path
The vacuum’s cleaning path refers to the width of the brush roll. Depending on how wide or narrow the brush is, it will take you more or less passes to finish vacuuming your home.
So, I appreciate the wider cleaning path of Shark NV360, which is 11 inches, than the 9.5 inches cleaning path of Shark NV501. Both sizes are not excessively wide. The truth is that I expect their cleaning paths are at least 15 inches so that I can vacuum the large floors more quickly.
Power Cord
The Shark NV360 has a shorter cord length of 25 feet, while its counterpart NV501 features a 30-foot power cord.
A longer power cord is always better. However, generally, they both have a long cord, so plugging into a certain area gives me maximum cleaning without having to keep moving the cord from plug to plug.
Hose Length
To begin, the hose is a weak spot of the Shark NV360. It only stretches to about 4 feet. It is quite short! I noticed that the 4-foot hose is probably inadequate for cleaning the corridors, high-mounted shelves, or other hard-to-reach areas. But you buy an extended hose to reach further. Of course, it costs you extra money.
The hose length of Shark NV501 is approximately 7.5 feet fully stretched out, which is significantly longer than the length of the hose on the Shark NV360. This longer hose allows me to reach the ceiling corners with ease.
Utilities
The Winner: Shark NV501
LED Lights
I’m sure that some people here think that the Led Light is an unnecessary and useless feature. That was also how I used to think before. However, after experimenting with it for a long time, I can confidently say that this is really a nice-to-have feature.
The reason is that it will light up the debris or pet hair on the ground more visibly, ensuring you don’t miss any dust spots. There are powerful LED lights on the nozzle of Shark NV501, whereas its counterpart has no this feature.
Price
The Winner: Tie
When it comes to price, the newer model, as you might expect, is more expensive than the older one. In this battle, the NV360 is the older model. However, it has suction comparable to the NV501 and can do most things the NV501 does.
The NV360 is the more affordable option because it is an older model, but the NV501 is the one I recommend buying if you want a more up-to-date vacuum.
Shark NV360 vs NV501: Similarities
Filter
The Shark NV501 and NV360 vacuum cleaners come with HEPA filters, which stand for high-efficiency particulate air. It is the most effective filter currently available for vacuum cleaners. It significantly reduces the number of particles released into the air as dust is ejected from the vacuum cleaner.
These filters can be easily removed for cleaning and reinstallation. After thoroughly drying them, you will be able to use them again. These Shark vacuums have not only HEPA filtration but also Anti-Allergen Technology, which provides a complete seal to trap debris and allergens inside of them.
Lift-away Functionality
You can easily clean above the floor, clean the upholstery, stairs, and more, as these vacuums have a detachable pod. This is called lift-away functionality. You don’t need to maneuver the entire vacuum to clean your stairs.
Quick Rundown Of Shark NV501
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- ADVANCED SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum to get in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
- LED HEADLIGHTS: Powerful lights on the nozzle reveal hidden debris and pet hair around your home.
- WIDE UPHOLSTERY TOOL: The wide cleaning path helps remove pet hair, dust, and large debris from mattresses, couches, curtains, lampshades, and other delicate upholstered surfaces.
Quick Rundown Of Shark NV360
- POWERFUL SUCTION: Deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with multi-surface powerful suction.
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- PERFECT FOR PETS: Powerful pet hair pickup attachments like the upholstery tool make cleaning pet hair a breeze.
- SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
Product Videos
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References
- Shark NV501: https://www.sharkclean.ca/products/shark-rotator-professional-lift-away-upright-vacuum-zidNV501
Victor K. Giles is a leading consultant and expert in vacuum cleaner technology with over a decade of experience. As a mechanical engineering graduate in the University of Michigan, he specializes in product development, design optimization, and performance analysis. Victor collaborates with manufacturers and educates consumers, making her a sought-after guest speaker at industry events. His work has been featured in renowned publications, and he shares his expertise on his blog, “The Vacuum Teria”. Victor’s passion for cleaner, healthier living spaces drives his to help clients choose the best vacuum solutions for their needs.