To choose the right vacuum for my home, I thoroughly compared Shark’s top models: the Shark NV380 vs ZU560. This guide highlights their main differences and helps you pick the ideal one for your requirements.
The Shark ZU560 comes out as the winner. With excellent suction power and ease of use, this vacuum cleaner is perfect for pet owners (thanks to its “Zero M” technology). In addition, these vacuums feature Anti-Allergy Fully Sealed technology and HEPA filters that trap 99% of dust and allergens inside.
The Shark NV380 came in second, but it’s still a perfect vacuum for any home, still meeting basic cleaning requirements. It is equipped with a HEPA filter and is quite flexible in moving around the space. However, it lacks LED headlights, and its power cord is relatively short.
Shark NV380 vs ZU560: Comparison Chart
Shark NV380 vs ZU560: Differences
In the battle between the Shark ZU560 and the NV380, the ZU560 comes out on top with a score of 2-1 due to its versatility and impressive features. Its suction power, coupled with Zero M cleaning technology, makes it a standout performer. For a detailed breakdown of the results, please see the article below.
Cleaning performance
The winner: Shark ZU560
When it comes to choosing a vacuum cleaner for your family, cleaning performance is definitely a major factor to consider. And in my opinion, the Shark ZU560 is the clear winner in this fight.
What I love about the ZU560 is its strong suction power, which is capable of picking up debris of all sizes on my hard floors. Despite its power, the machine is still easy to move around and carry. It glides smoothly on low-thickness rugs, and if I set it to the “Carpet” option, it’s even easier to push than its counterpart, the NV380, on my thick carpet.
But the self-cleaning brush roll with Zero M technology is the ZU560’s real selling point. This innovative feature is designed to eliminate tangled hair, earning it the nickname “Zero M”. While I’ve noticed that some hair still gets left on the brush after vacuuming, a quick rotation usually solves the problem.
In contrast, the Shark NV380 also has strong suction power, thanks to its 1200-watt motor. However, its brush roll isn’t designed to untangle hair on its own, so I need to clean it regularly to prevent hair buildup that could cause it to stop working properly. Plus, the suction is so strong that it makes the NV380 unsuitable for use on thick carpets. When I tested it on my fluffy rugs, it wouldn’t budge even on the lowest setting.
While the Shark NV380 may have a more powerful motor, I think it’s overkill for home use. Overall, I give the winning ticket to its competitor, the Shark ZU560, for its powerful yet easy-to-use cleaning performance and innovative Zero M technology.
Design & Convenience
Tie
Dimension and weight
When it comes to choosing a vacuum cleaner, size and weight are important considerations that can greatly impact your cleaning experience. The Shark NV380 vs ZU560 models are both popular options, but they differ slightly in their dimensions and weight.
The Shark NV380 measures 9.06 x 11.40 x 45.28 inches, while the ZU560 measures 12 x 9.5 x 45.6 inches. As such, the ZU560 is slightly longer and lighter than the NV380, which can make a significant difference in terms of maneuverability. The smaller size of the ZU560 means it can be easily navigated around furniture and other obstacles, making it ideal for households with tight spaces or cluttered living areas.
Weight is also an important factor to consider, as a heavy vacuum can be difficult to move around and cause fatigue during use. The ZU560 weighs in at 13.4 lbs, while the NV380 model weighs in at 14 lbs, making it slightly heavier. However, both machines are relatively lightweight compared to other models on the market, which makes them easy to move around during cleaning tasks.
Noise level
When considering the noise levels of the Shark NV380 vs ZU560, there are noticeable differences between the two. In my experience, the NV380 tends to be noisier. When it’s active, it produces a high-pitched whistling sound, which measures about 81 decibels. While it’s still a good vacuum, its noise can be quite annoying and may even hinder some people, especially in the mornings when they are trying to sleep or when they’re watching TV or listening to the radio. This may concern pet owners who don’t want to disturb their pets’ rest or people with noise sensitivity.
On the other hand, the Shark ZU560 is relatively quieter than the NV380, with a noise level of 78 dB lower. While it still sounds louder than some higher-priced models, it is the better option when considering the noise levels between the two. The ZU560 is a suitable choice for households where people are noise-sensitive or prefer a quieter environment.
Regardless of the vacuum cleaner you use, it’s best to vacuum in an enclosed room with the door fully or partially closed to avoid disturbing anyone nearby. This way, you can still efficiently clean your home without disrupting others’ peace and quiet.
Value for money
The winner: Shark ZU560
When it comes to choosing between the Shark ZU560 and NV380, many factors depend on your budget, the size of the area you’ll be cleaning, and your tech requirements. Both vacuums have their strengths and are worth considering based on your individual needs.
After careful comparison, it is clear that the Shark ZU560 offers better value overall for its price. The Zero M cleaning system and suction power are consistently impressive, making it highly effective at removing pet hair, a task that not all competitors can accomplish.
As I write this review, the Shark ZU560 costs $176.95, while the NV380 costs $149.95, a difference of $30. While the NV380 is also a great vacuum, the Shark ZU560’s extra features and capabilities make it a better investment for your home. So, if you are trying to choose between these two models, I strongly recommend the Shark ZU560 as it offers outstanding value for its price.
Shark NV380 vs ZU560: Similarities
Dust bin capacity
When considering a vacuum cleaner, it’s important to pay attention to the dust container’s capacity, as emptying it can release allergens into the air. The Shark NV380 vs ZU560 both have a 0.9-liter dust cup, which may not be sufficient for pet owners with particularly hairy carpets. However, the clear plastic material of the dust cup and the open design makes it easy to see and clean the contents.
Additionally, the dust container has a cover at the bottom that can be easily released by pressing a side button. This allows all the dirt to fall out without the need to touch the contents, ensuring a hygienic and hassle-free cleaning experience.
Filtration
When it comes to the filtration system, both the Shark NV380 vs ZU560 stand out with their impressive HEPA filters in addition to the engine pre-filter. The HEPA filter is considered the best filter available in the market as it can capture up to 99.9% of dust and allergens in the air.
Moreover, the hypoallergenic fully sealed technology is another noteworthy feature of these vacuums. This technology prevents unfiltered air from leaking to the outside and forces it to pass through all the filters, ensuring that the air is filtered clean before escaping. This is especially important for those who suffer from allergies or have respiratory issues as it helps create a healthier living environment.
Bagless vacuum
Bagless vacuums are becoming increasingly popular due to their eco-friendliness and cost-effectiveness, and the Shark NV380 vs ZU560 are two models worth considering. Both of these vacuums are designed to provide powerful suction, making them efficient in collecting dirt and debris, which is great news for anyone looking for a thorough and effective cleaning.
In addition to their excellent suction capabilities, both models are equipped with easy-to-remove, washable filters that are designed to trap even the smallest particles of dust and allergens. This makes them a good option for allergy sufferers or anyone looking to maintain a clean and healthy indoor environment.
Quick Rundown of Shark ZU560
- The vacuum that deep-cleans now cleans itself The Zero-M self-cleaning brushroll delivers nonstop hair removal
- Use as an upright vacuum for powerful floor and carpet cleaning Or for more portability detach the canister to go into Lift-Away mode to easily clean above-floor areas like furniture and stairs
- Complete Seal Technology + filtration traps dust and particles inside the vacuum cleaner
- Swivel steering provides effortless maneuverability for cleaning hard-to-reach areas
Quick Rundown of Shark NV380
- LIFT-AWAY TECHNOLOGY: Switch between cleaning floors or above-floor areas on the fly with the seamlessly detachable lift-away pod.
- ANTI-ALLERGEN/HEPA FILTER: Collection Basin features Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology in addition to a HEPA filter that traps over 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: Vacuum your entire home without getting fatigued from lugging around a heavy vacuum.
- LARGE CAPACITY DUST CUP/USEFUL ACCESSORIES: No need to stop cleaning to empty your vacuum, the large dust cup can hold significant quantities of dust and dirt, making your job easier. Having the appropriate tools for the job at hand is essential for any job. The included upholstery and Crevice tools are perfect compliments to the lift-away design, making sure no area of your home needs to be skipped when vacuuming.
Product Videos
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References:
- Shark ZU560: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/4712667711644/ZU560_QuickStartGuide_Rev_Mv4_20181218.pdf
- Shark NV380: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/article_attachments/4402186475922/NV380Series_Manual_E_Mv4_20201214.pdf
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.