Are you interested in knowing the overall winner of the debate between Shark ZU561 vs NV501? I’m here to offer my view and help you answer this question: Shark NV50 is my pick!
The Shark NV501 is ideal for those living in medium to large houses that combine carpets and hard floors. This model is the same price as the NV501 but has stronger suction and is more effective at cleaning dark areas thanks to the LED headlights.
There are also plenty of reasons to fall in love with the Shark ZU561. It is powerful, can be converted from an upright to a handheld vacuum, and will eliminate dirt and allergens from your floors effortlessly.
Shark ZU561 vs NV501: Comparison Chart
Shark ZU561 vs NV501: Differences
The Shark ZU561 beats the NV501 with a score of 3-1. The factors that help the first one come out as the overall winner are it has a stronger motor, a longer power cord, LED headlights, and can be used as a canister vacuum (combined with a caddy).
Motor Power
Winner: Shark NV501
The NV501 is equipped with a 1200-watt motor, which is expected to offer phenomenal suction. In fact, it is safe to say that you can suck up anything with it, but sometimes it is overkill. So I recommend avoiding vacuuming around anything like Lego blocks or anything lightweight because it will suck them up. Also, its overkill suction can make many users struggle to pull it back.
The ZU561, on the other hand, uses only an 800-watt motor. My test showed that it produces decent suction, enough for me to get the job done smoothly. But it took me multiple passes to remove everything.
Range
Winner: Shark NV501
The ZU561 has a 25-foot power cord and 6.6-foot hose, while the NV501 offers a better range with a 30-foot power cord and 8.4-foot hose. Their hoses aren’t long, but I don’t think that’s a big deal since they can all be used in a semi-handheld configuration.
The only thing I dislike about the ZU561 is how short its power cord is. Fortunately, you can extend your reach by plugging this machine into an extension cord, which I recommend everyone do. Without it, cleaning a spacious large will require multiple plugging and unplugging.
Dust Tank
Winner: Shark ZU561
The Shark ZU561 wins this round because it has a larger dust cup, which can hold up to 2.8 quarts of dust, while the Shark NV501 comes with a 0.88-quart dust cup.
These dust cups are easy to empty. But when opening the dust cup, all of the pet dander and dust can fly right back into the air. So if you have bad allergies and asthma, I recommend choosing bagged vacuum cleaners.
Utilities
Winner: Shark NV501
LED Headlights
The NV501 has two LED bulbs on each corner, which are pretty nice. This feature is handy when cleaning dark areas that ceiling lights cannot reach. My only complaint about these LED bulbs is that they are so bright, which makes it a bit difficult to see the path.
Caddy
The NV501 can be used with something called a “Caddy.” Simply put, it is a wheeled base where you can place the canister of the NV501 after lifting it away from the floorhead. Therefore, you can use the NV501 as a canister vacuum cleaner. But remember, it may topple over if you pull too hard on the hose!
However, you will need to purchase the caddy separately, although the description of the product says the ZU561 comes packaged with a caddy. I tried contacting Shark, and they confirmed that this model doesn’t include this part, and I must buy it extra. It’s not expensive, but including false information in product descriptions can be annoying.
The Shark ZU561 is incompatible with this part, so you must hold its canister with one hand when using it in its “Lift Away” configuration. If you try to let the ZU561 stand upright itself, the risk of tipping over is very high.
Self Cleaning Brushroll
One thing that the ZU561 has over the NV501 is its self-cleaning brush roll, which is advertised as never getting tangled with both human and pet hair. This technology makes the ZU561 ideal for pet owners with dogs who shed like crazy. My testing showed that the vacuum only left about 2% of the hair on the brush roller, while the rest was put into the dust bin.
But it won’t work if you just leave the machine on without moving it. After you are done vacuuming and see hair on the brush roller, I recommend turning the vacuum on and pushing up and down for about half a minute. This will give your machine time to remove the hair from the roll completely.
Shark ZU561 vs NV501: Similarities
Lift Away
Both the Shark ZU561 vs NV501 have the “Lift Away” feature, which is a real bonus. Just by pressing one button, the canister (lighter than I’d have expected) will lift away from the floorhead to become a “carry-along” vacuum, making removing cobwebs high on a ceiling a breeze task.
Unfortunately, they miss out on the “powered Lift-Away” feature, which is considered an upgrade of the normal “Lift-Away” feature. It allows you to lift away the floorhead and keep cleaning under furniture with the powered brush roll.
Filter
These machines are equipped with HEPA filters and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which can trap and keep up to 99.9% of dust inside the unit to prevent you from breathing in the dust and dirt while vacuuming. These HEPA filters are washable and should be cleaned every few months and replaced every few years.
It is a breeze to clean these filters, but letting them dry completely is not a 5-minute job. So I highly recommend ordering a replacement set of filters, so you always have a dry one.
Others
Both the Shark ZU561 vs NV501 allow adjustable suction depending on the surface you are vacuuming. The control for suction is on the handle, so you don’t have to bend over to adjust suction.
But the major minus, in my opinion, is the location of the release button for the handheld hose. Instead of being near the handle, this button is down behind the canister. So if you have any lower back/hip/knee issues, it could put you at a disadvantage.
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 ZU561
- Self-cleaning brushroll for powerful pet hair pickup with no hair wrap.
- Use as an upright vacuum for powerful floor and carpet cleaning. Or for more portability, detach the pod to go into Lift-Away mode to easily clean, above-floor areas like furniture and stairs.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter traps over 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- Swivel Steering provides effortless maneuverability for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
- Suction control slider to manage suction power from hard floors to carpets.
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References:
- Shark NV501: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/sections/360005923000-NV500-Series
- Shark ZU561: http://www.sharkclean.us/support/product-series/1134/shark-navigator-speed-upright-vacuum-with-lift-away-and-self-cleaning-brushroll/
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.