Hoover Windtunnel 3 vs Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed – this is a battle between two budget-friendly vacuums. At the end of the day, I give the nod to the second one for some good reasons.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed is an entry-level model within Shark’s extensive lineup of ‘Lift-Away’ uprights. This machine is designed to allow you to pick up and carry its canister to use it as a semi-handheld vacuum. It is quite light and not too noisy when operating. Its biggest downside is probably the bulky design.
The Hoover Windtunnel 3 is also formidable. It comes with a super long power cord and a headlamp. As the most premium product of the Hoover Windtunnel line, it certainly won’t let you down, except that it’s somewhat heavy and bulky.
Hoover Windtunnel 3 vs Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed: Comparison Chart
Hoover Windtunnel 3 vs Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed: Differences
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed wins 3-0 and ties once against the Hoover Windtunnel 3. The winner has better maneuverability, is lighter, and runs quieter. But that is just the tip of the iceberg.
Maneuverability
Winner: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed
The WindTunnel 3 doesn’t have a rotating head, making it a bit arduous to navigate between obstacles. It is able to go under tables and couches but has trouble reaching far underneath them due to its bulky design.
On the other hand, the head of the Hoover Windtunnel 3 can rotate from side to side, so it has better maneuverability. But just like its competitor, it has a somewhat bulky shape, making it hard to vacuum underneath furniture or tight spaces.
Design and Convenience
Winner: Tie
Dimensions And Weight
Regarding weight, I struggled a bit with the Hoover Windtunnel 3 during testing as it was quite heavy. It weighs 18 lbs, significantly heavier than its competitor, which weighs only about 13.01 lbs. So if you are looking for a lightweight machine that allows you to easily carry it from room to room or up and down stairs, you won’t go wrong with the Shark Navigator.
Range
The power cord of your vacuum cleaner should be long enough to allow you to clean your entire house without constantly switching outlets.
The Shark Navigator has a 25 feet power cord, which is not too long nor too short. From my point of view, it’s long enough for me to get the job done seamlessly, and anything shorter than that will disappoint me.
The Hoover Windtunnel 3 completely outshines its competitor here with an impressive 40-foot power cord, which enables you to reach further. In fact, it’s longer than all the power cords I’ve seen.
These machines don’t have automatic cord management. That means you will have to wrap their power cords manually, which is a breeze.
Utilities
Winner: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed
Noise
According to my test, the average noise level of the Hoover Windtunnel 3 vs Shark Navigator is 83 dB and 75 dB, respectively.
The first one is as noisy as a dishwasher or a hair dryer and can overwhelm nearby conversations. According to my research, this noise level may even harm your hearing if you are exposed to it for long periods (more than 8 to 10 hours per day).
On the flip side, the noise level of the Shark Navigator is similar to that of a washing machine or a normal conversation. So I think it is okay to use this model to vacuum early in the morning. But if you do so, it is wise to vacuum in an enclosed room with the door closed completely or partially and keep your fingers crossed that your whole family will not be awakened.
Height Adjustment Settings
The Shark Navigator has two levels of surface type adjustment. The “I” setting is for cleaning hard floors and the “II” position is for carpets. Meanwhile, the Hoover Windtunnel 3 has seven settings that adjust the height of its head for various surfaces.
Headlights
The Windtunnel 3 has a headlamp, which is particularly effective while cleaning low-light or dark areas like under furniture or corners. I found it did its job well, but it wasn’t as bright as the LED lights on many other upright vacuums. Anyway, half a loaf is better than none, right?
Brushroll On/Off
The brush roll of the Windtunnel 3 can be turned off by pressing a foot pedal. I love this nifty feature so much as it is useful for cleaning fragile surfaces like bare floors, which the brush roll scratches mercilessly.
Alternative Configuration
The Hoover Windtunnel 3 can’t be used in a half-held position. Meanwhile, you can use the Shark Navigator as a semi-handheld vacuum by uncoupling its canister from its body thanks to Lift-Away technology, which allows you to clean with its wand and hose.
Filtration
Winner: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed
The Windtunnel 3 has two filters: a reusable easy-rinse filter and a paper HEPA filter. They ensure that the air leaving the vacuum is clean and reduce filter replacement costs since you will only have to replace one filter.
As its name suggests, the easy-rinse filter can be easily cleaned and reused. All you need to do is wash it using tap water as needed and allow it to dry completely before reusing it.
Its HEPA media filter, which captures any fine particles that pass the first filter, will need replacement. But you will find yourself replacing this filter infrequently as the first one will catch most of the dirt. The WindTunnel 3 also has a layer of activated carbon, which will all the odors and unpleasant scents in the exhaust air.
As for the Shark Navigator, its foam and felt pre-motor filters, which are located underneath the dust cup, should be cleaned under water every three months. It also has a post-motor HEPA filter, and you should wash it with water at least once a year.
Better yet, the Shark Navigator comes with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology that can capture and trap up to 99.9% of dust, allergens, dander, etc. It is especially helpful for people with allergies, like my mom.
Quick Rundown Of Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed
- 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.
Quick Rundown Of The Hoover Windtunnel 3
- Hoover's best-cleaning bag less upright vacuum
- Quick Pass Brushroll - clean surface debris 2X faster without having to pass over the same area multiple times
- Wind Tunnel 3 Technology - 3 channels of suction to lift and remove surface debris and deep down embedded dirt
- 4-Position Height Adjustment - Easily adjust from deep carpet to hard floor surfaces for the best clean. Fast cleaning of surface areas, Extended cleaning reach
- Includes pivoting dusting tool, pet turbo tool, telescoping extension wand, and crevice tool. Conveniently empty debris with the push of a button, without getting your hands dirty
Product Video
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References:
- Shark Navigator Lift-Away Speed: https://www.sharkclean.ca/products/shark-navigator-lift-away-speed-self-cleaning-brushroll-upright-vacuum-zidZU560C?bvstate=pg:2/ct:r
- The Hoover Windtunnel 3: https://hoover.com/products/windtunnel-3-high-performance-pet-upright-vacuum-1
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.