Shark NV105 vs NV42: They are all budget-friendly models. Both are great, but I’m leaning toward the second one.
The Shark NV42 doesn’t come with state-of-the-art technology, such as Lift-Away, an LED headlight, or DuoClean, but it’s powerful enough to get the job done. And with such a good vacuum, I bet I’m not the only guy who finds it quite attractive.
As for the Shark NV105, its small size can be misleading, as this vacuum can do better than you think. If you’re looking for something that is lightweight, budget-friendly and has good cleaning performance, you won’t go wrong with the NV105.
Shark NV105 vs NV42: Comparison Chart
Shark NV105 vs NV42: Differences
The Shark NV42 beats the NV105 with a score of 3-1. The NV42 has good suction, thanks to a 1200-watt motor, and comes with a 3-quart dust cup. It also outperforms the NV105 thanks to a complete seal technology.
Suction
Winner: Shark NV42
The Shark NV105 comes with a 700-watt motor, so it will theoretically generate weaker suction than the NV42 and many other 1200-watt Shark upright vacuums. Thankfully, I found the suction of the NV105 to be adequate.
When I tried to clean one of my area rugs, the NV105 was a bit hard to manage, perhaps partly because it is a fragile rug. Then I used it on hardwood and carpets, and it worked well on both (with the brush off for wood and on for carpet). I couldn’t adjust for carpet heights, which is a bit annoying.
The NV42, on the other hand, comes with a 1200-watt motor, which I consider ideal, as it generates excellent suction but not so much to pull the vacuum. It can suck up everything, including fluff, dust, hair, and more, without flinching, whether you are cleaning rugs, carpets, or wood floors.
I’m glad the Shark NV105 was even able to work perfectly on my plush carpets, but it was a bit difficult to push the machine around. But with proper suction adjustments, I could avoid this problem. The brush roll might cause issues with hardwood floors, but you can always switch it off anytime.
Weight
Winner: Shark NV105
In terms of weight, the Shark NV105 weighs only about 10 lbs, while the weight of the NV42 is 15 lbs.
It is undisputed that the Shark NV105 is a lightweight model. It’s even one of the lightest Shark models I’ve tested, and my back appreciates that. So if you are looking for a lightweight vacuum due to your health issues, the NV105 is the one to get. You can clean your stairs using the extension and attachment, and if you’re stronger, it is okay to use the vacuum itself.
As for the NV42, there is still controversy surrounding whether this model is “lightweight.” Some users stated that its weight is perfect, and they had no problem calling it “lightweight.” Yet, others said that this is the standard weight for many upright vacuums nowadays, so considering the NV42 “lightweight” would be slightly inaccurate.
This weight falls between being “too heavy” (20 lbs or more) and being “too light” (10 lbs or less), so I believe most people will feel comfortable lugging the NV42 regardless of how they feel about its weight. If you are a person who has issues pulling or pushing something that takes muscle, I think this model is not your best bet.
Dust Cup
Winner: Shark NV42
The NV105 has a 0.8-quart, which is relatively small. So this vacuum will not be ideal for those living in large houses with pets. I saw myself getting very annoyed due to the small size of this dust cup because it took me extra time to empty them several times during testing.
The NV42, on the other hand, completely outshines its competitor since it comes with a 3-quart dirt bin. This dust cup is much larger than the NV105 and many other Shark upright vacuums. With this vast storage capacity, it would likely be days before the dust cup needed to be emptied.
Filter
Winner: Shark NV42
Shark NV105 vs NV42 only come with foam filters and lack HEPA ones, which is terrible news for those suffering from severe allergies. But that doesn’t mean that their filtering quality is poor. Although they can’t capture fine dust and other micro-contaminants, they have sufficient filters to block out the most common allergens.
But the NV42 takes the lead here with a complete seal technology to lock the air inside the unit and ensure that the air doesn’t leak before it is properly filtered. So, it doesn’t have HEPA filters, but it can still function effectively for almost all homeowners with this quality filtration system.
All the filters of the Shark NV105 vs NV42 are washable, and they should be washed and maintained regularly to ensure your best health and maintain good suction.
Shark NV105 vs NV42: Similarities
Maneuverability
I was a bit disappointed that the Shark NV105 vs NV42 had no swivel steering. They did a great job and had acceptable maneuverability, but I needed the swivel steering for tight areas.
In addition, they also do not have the “Lift Away” feature, so you may find it a bit inconvenient to clean your stairs with these models. The attachments are easy to access, and the transition from upright configuration to attachment use is effortless and quick. Attachment suction was also respectable.
Although they are lightweight, the body will want to fall over when you use the wand. Just hold it with one hand!
Cord Length
Both the Shark NV105 vs NV42 share a 25-foot power cord. It is certainly not a long cord, but these machines themselves have received very few complaints about their cords being too short.
But I wished the cord were a bit longer, as I had to do several plug & unplug maneuvers to get the cleaning job done. I believe a 25-foot cord will be annoying for someone living in a big house.
Quick Rundown Of Shark NV42
- Dust cup capacity - 2.6 quarts. Powerful and lightweight. Portable and versatile at only 15 pounds. Swivel steering not included
- Never Loses Suction. Powerful cleaning from start to finish
- Large-capacity, easy-to-empty dust cup. Extended cleaning without interruption
- Brushroll Shutoff. Deep carpet and gentle bare floor cleaning
- Upholstery Tool, Dusting Brush, and Crevice Tool included. Accessories for versatile cleaning
Quick Rundown Of Shark NV105
- POWERFUL MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING: Use the brushroll to deep-clean carpets, then switch it off to gently clean hard floors without scuffing or tarnishing.
- LIGHTWEIGHT CONVENIENCE: Lightweight design for effortless portability.
- FLOOR-TO-CEILING CLEANING: With the detachable extra-long wand and hose, you can access crown molding and other hard-to-reach areas.
- EASY MANEUVERABILITY: Features easy maneuverability to navigate around furniture and in tight spaces.
- LARGE-CAPACITY DUST CUP: 0.8-quart capacity for longer cleaning sessions.
Product Video
Related Articles to Shark Nv105
- Shark NV105 vs NV106: Is There Any Difference?
- Shark NV360 vs NV105: A Comparison Of Shark Vacuum Cleaners
References:
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.