Hoover Windtunnel 2 vs Shark Navigator Lift-away Speed: It is a hard-fought battle to determine the winner. And my tests showed that the second is slightly better than the other.
The Shark Navigator Lift-away Speed has good vacuuming performance on almost all surfaces, and its performance remains consistent as the dust cup becomes full. It is quite light, and the “Lift-away” technology is really helpful in cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
The Hoover Windtunnel 2 also works well on all types of surfaces. It has a super long power cup and a relatively large dust cup. However, it has a somewhat bulky design and is quite noisy when operating.
Hoover Windtunnel 2 Vs Shark Navigator Lift-away Speed: Comparison Chart
Hoover Windtunnel 2 Vs Shark Navigator Lift-away Speed: Differences
The Shark Navigator wins 2-1 and ties once against the Hoover Windtunnel 2. The first one is lighter and operates quieter. Plus, the “lift-away technology” adds to its convenience.
Cleaning Performance
Winner: Hoover WindTunnel 2
The Hoover WindTunnel 2 didn’t disappoint me regarding vacuuming efficiency. It comes with Hoover’s WindTunnel Technology, which ensures strong suction for cleaning dirt and fine particles on all types of surfaces. On top of that, it comes with 2 channels through which the sucked dirt passes as it goes toward the filter, making it more effective. With the No-Scruff Bumper, it can protect your furniture and baseboards from scratches.
The Shark Navigator can suck up a good amount of fine and large debris and does a great job of removing pet hair from all types of surfaces. I’m glad its performance remained consistent as the dust cup filled. Still, some small debris can sometimes get stuck underneath its floorhead.
Design and Convenience
Winner: Tie
Dimensions and Storage
The dimensions of the Hoover Windtunnel 2 are 13 x 13.5 x 44.5 inches, while those of its competitor are 11.9 x 12.01 x 45.67 inches. As you can see, the first one is wider, but the second one is taller.
Generally, these vacuum cleaners are somewhat bulky and take up a good amount of space. Thankfully, they have dedicated storage for extra tools directly on them.
Weight And Portability
Regarding weight, the Hoover Windtunnel 2 weighs 17.4 pounds, while the Shark Navigator is significantly lighter and weighs 13.1 lbs.
I didn’t have trouble lugging the first one around, and I found it was still light enough to be easily carried up a flight of stairs and around my house. But I wouldn’t highly recommend it to girls or elderly people.
Range
The Shark Navigator Lift-away Speed upright vacuums all come with a 25-foot power cord. This length, to my mind, is more than enough for you to vacuum your whole home without switching outlets too often.
The Hoover Windtunnel 2 also features a 25-foot power cord. But it features a latch for automatic cord management, while you will have to wind the cord of the Shark Navigator manually.
Utilities
Winner: Shark Navigator
Noise
My noise tests showed the Hoover Windtunnel 2 to generate 86 dB on average, while the noise level of the Shark Navigator is around 75 dB. The second one isn’t too noisy, but to prevent disturbing anybody nearby, I advise vacuuming in an enclosed area with the door closed or partly closed.
Tools And Brushes
Let’s take a look at what tools are included in the box when buying the Hoover Windtunnel 2 vs Shark Navigator.
| Hoover Windtunnel 2 | Shark Navigator |
| Removable Brushroll Turbo Brush Crevice Tool Hard Bristle Brush Extension Wand Ceiling Fan Tool | Brushroll. Crevice Tool. Upholstery Tool. Soft Bristle Brush. Hard Bristle Brush. Extension Wand. |
Generally, both of these machines are packed with many tools, which allow you to clean various surfaces efficiently.
Lift-Away Technology
The Shark Navigator can be used as a semi-handheld vacuum by taking apart its dustbin assembly and motor unit from its floorhead. This configuration allows you to clean hard-to-reach areas with its wand. When used as a semi-handheld vacuum, it is considerably more compact than its upright configuration and the Hoover Windtunnel 2.
Brushroll On/Off
The Hoover Windtunnel 2 allows you to turn the brushroll on/off with a button on the head which can be pressed with your foot. Meanwhile, I didn’t find a similar button on the Shark Navigator.
Adjustment Features
The Shark Navigator allows you to slightly adjust the suction power by toggling a slider on its handle. Opening this slider will decrease suction strength, which makes it easier to move on carpeted surfaces.
Regarding surface type adjustment, the Shark Navigator has two settings: “I” for hard floors and “II” for carpets. Meanwhile, the Hoover Windtunnel 2 comes with five settings that enable you to adjust the height of its head for different types of surfaces.
Filtration
Winner: Shark Navigator
The Windtunnel 2 features two filters: a reusable easy-rinse filter and a paper HEPA filter. Together, they ensure that the air leaving this vacuum is clean and reduce the filter replacement cost as only one filter needs to be changed. Better yet, the replacements won’t be frequent because most of the dirt will be captured on the washable filter.
As for the Shark Navigator, its foam and felt pre-motor filters are underneath its dirt cup and should be washed under water every three months, while its post-motor filter (HEPA) should be cleaned once a year with water.
Hoover Windtunnel 2 Vs Shark Navigator Lift-away Speed: Similarities
Build Quality
These vacuums have decent build quality, with mainly plastic construction, except for their metal wands. They don’t feel especially sturdy overall, particularly their fragile dirt cups. So whichever of these you choose, keep your fingers crossed and hope that you won’t drop your vacuum while cleaning the stairs.
Easy to Assemble
Despite having many parts to put together, it is a breeze to assemble these vacuums. I could even get the job done without consulting the owner’s manual. As an inexperienced person, of course, it can take you longer.
Quick Rundown Of Shark Navigator Lift-away Speed
- 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 Hoover Windtunnel 2
- Optimized Cleaning: The Multi-Floor Brush Roll allows you to turn the brush roll on for optimal cleaning on carpets and off to prevent scattering of debris on hard floors.
- Extended Cleaning Reach: With up to 16 ft. of cleaning reach, so you can clean dirt and dust anywhere in your home with our live hose and tools.
- No Loss of Suction**: Our advanced Multi-Cyclonic Technology gives you a continuous cleaning experience with No Loss of Suction
- Hassle-free Cord Rewind: 25 ft. power cord automatically retracts in seconds so you never have to wrap a cord again
- Great for pets: Advanced AllergenBlock� Technology, HEPA Media Filter, odor-absorbing carbon and Pet Turbo Tool make WindTunnel� 2 Whole House� Rewind great for pet owners.
Product Video
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References:
- Hoover Windtunnel 2: https://hoover.com/products/whole-house-rewind
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.