The differences between the Shark LA301 vs NV360 are not significant; they are both great vacuum cleaners that you may want to purchase. However, there are some key differences that you may want to know for selecting the most suitable model. In my opinion, the Shark LA301 is slightly better than the Shark NV360.
The Shark LA301 model presents good cleaning performance, the same as the NV360, though it has lower motor power. This can be attributed to the good suction and improved design of the cleaning head bottom. This model is also lighter and includes more accessories to support your cleaning process than the Shark NV360.
The Shark NV360, from my evaluation, performs good deep cleaning for carpets and good pick-up efficiency owing to the ability to turn on and off the brush roll. However, this model is a little heavier and has fewer cleaning accessories than the Shark LA301. If you prefer strong suction and the brushroll shutoff feature, the Shark NV360 is a good choice.
Shark LA301 vs NV360: Comparison Chart
Shark LA301 vs NV360: Differences
In the Shark LA301 vs NV360 comparison, the Shark LA301 wins 1-0 against the Shark NV360, as the former offers greater utility. Overall, both vacuum models perform well in terms of suction and cleaning efficiency.
Cleaning performance
Tie!
Suction power and control
I observed that both Shark NV360 and LA301 have strong suction with great consistency. They can pick up a great amount of debris and hairs (of humans and pets) and work well on multiple surfaces, including hard floors and carpets. However, I prefer the suction control on the Shark NV360 to that on the Shark LA301.
On the Shark NV360, we have the “Suction Release” collar at the root of the handheld, which allows you to reduce the suction strength if it is too strong for you to push the vacuum over the carpet surfaces. With this function, the NV360 works pretty well on high-pile carpets and carpeted stairs. Moreover, it is possible to adjust the suction to the light level for vacuuming delicate surfaces, such as cleaning the keyboard.
On the other hand, the Shark LA301 features a “Suction control slider,” which offers two levels of suction power, ‘MAX’ and ‘MIN.’ Though it allows me to adjust the suction, it is still strong even at the MIN level. So, moving the machine on a high-pile or softer carpet may be hard.
Cleaning head design & Brushroll
The Shark LA301 vs NV360 difference in the brushroll system comes in the ability to turn the brush roll off. The NV360 model provides this feature, while the Shark LA301 does not. Particularly, when switching to the “Bare floor” setting by pressing the switch on the canister of the Shark NV360, it turns off the brush roll. This means the vacuum will be in the “only suction” mode, making sucking the debris and dirt on the tile, hardwood, or linoleum more effective.
Meanwhile, the Shark LA301 features the surface switching function, which allows you to adjust the spinning speed of the brush roll. This also means that the brush roll is not completely turned off when switching to the ‘bare floor’ option, which is also mentioned in the machine’s manual. When the brush roll is still on when cleaning bare floor surfaces, it will scatter the debris and lead to poor pick-up performance.
However, the improved cleaning head design of the Shark LA301 greatly supports it in giving good hard-floor cleaning. It has a little soft straight line in the bottom of the cleaning head, behind the brush roll, combined with the reduced spinning speed when in the “Bare Floor” setting. Thus, it can limit the debris scattering backward for greater pick-up performance. Additionally, this small line at the cleaning head bottom helps the Shark LA301 perform better and quicker vacuuming hard-floor crevices.
Yet, both Shark NV360 and LA301 do not have self-cleaning brush rolls, so the picked-up hair may tangle or wrap on the brush roll. Thus, you need to check the brush roll to remove the wrapped hairs for good suction and effective cleaning.
Design & Convenience
Tie!
Dimension and weight
As I presented in the comparison chart, the Shark NV360 is slightly larger in dimension and tank capacity than the LA301. This adds extra weight to the machine, making the NV360 a bit heavier than the LA301.
Though the weight difference between two vacuums is just 0.5 pounds, this may be an issue with some people, such as those with weak wrists. They may find the NV360 fairly heavy to maneuver, especially on carpet surfaces.
Yet, the Shark NV360 has a greater tank capacity than the LA301. Specifically, it can hold 1.2 dry quarts to the max fill line, while that of the LA301 is just 0.9 dry quarts. This means the NV360 can hold more dirt while vacuuming large households than the LA301. So, if you want a powerful vacuum with a large capacity canister, the Shark NV360 is the better option.
Maneuverability
Both vacuums are easy to maneuver because they are lightweight, more than other upright vacuums. They also feature swivel steering, helping you to maneuver the machines around furniture in your home.
One issue I found on these vacuums is their hose extension. It is a bit tough to extend and quite short for cleaning the above surfaces. Thus, I wish their hose is longer and less stiff for the easier extension.
Noise levels
The noise of the Shark NV360 and LA301 is acceptable as it is not too loud or high-pitched. The sound these vacuums make when operating was measured at about 77 dB, which is as loud as the noise from a busy road. However, if you are sensitive to noise, you may want to spend more on higher-end vacuums that have lower noise levels.
Utility
Winner: Shark LA301
Attachments
The Shark LA301 has more accessories than the Shark NV360. For the attachments of the Shark NV360, you will get the standard upholstery tool and crevice tool; that’s it! Meanwhile, the Shark LA301 offers two standard tools, the same as the NV360’s, and a dusting brush, which is useful for removing dust and dirt from delicate furniture surfaces.
Shark LA301 vs NV360: Similarities
For the Shark LA301 vs NV360 similarities, one major similarity I noticed is their HEPA filtration system.
Filtration
Both Shark LA301 and Shark NV360 vacuums feature HEPA filtration with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, enabling the vacuums to trap dust and allergens inside effectively. Thus, they are reasonable choices for people who have problems with allergies.
Besides, the filter foams of both vacuums are washable, which is easy to clean and reuse. Thus, you need to take out the filter foams, rinse them with cold or lukewarm water, dry them for about 48 hours, and put them back in the vacuum.
Quick Rundown of Shark LA301
Quick Rundown of Shark NV360
- POWERFUL SUCTION: Deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with multi-surface powerful suction.
- 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.
- PERFECT FOR PETS: Powerful pet hair pickup attachments like the upholstery tool make cleaning pet hair a breeze.
- SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
Product Videos
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References:
- Shark LA301: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403090970258-LA300-Series-Shark-Navigator-Lift-Away-ADV-Upright-Vacuum-FAQs
- Shark NV360: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/sections/360005956659-NV360-Series
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.