The LA322 and NV360 are powerful vacuums from the Shark brand, and they have many things in common, such as the sealed HEPA filter and the Lift-Away feature. However, when coming down to the comparison between Shark LA322 vs NV360, I considered the Shark LA322 the winner.
The Shark LA322 exhibits incredible suction and performs good deep cleaning for carpet and hardwood floors as great as the NV360, though it has a relatively smaller motor power. This can be attributed to the upgraded design of the nozzle that enhances the pick-up performance. Moreover, it is lighter and has LED headlights for easier control and cleaning in dark areas.
Meanwhile, the Shark NV360 is a bit heavier than its competitor, so some people may find it hard to push, especially on carpet surfaces. Besides, its attachments do not include a dusting brush and LED lighting, so it may be inconvenient for cleaning delicate surfaces and dark areas. If you want to own a vacuum with powerful suction and good deep-cleaning carpet performance at a lower price, the Shark NV360 is a good one.
Shark LA322 vs NV360: Comparison Chart
Shark LA322 vs NV360: Differences
When comparing the Shark LA322 vs NV360, I noticed some major differences and divided them into three criteria, including cleaning performance, design & convenience, and utility. The Shark LA322 wins 2-0 against Shark NV360 for the latter two criteria.
Cleaning performance
Tie!
Suction power and control
As can be seen in the comparison chart above, the NV360 has a slightly bigger motor than the LA322. As a result, the NV360 model is supposed to present a stronger suction. However, when testing these two vacuums, I see no difference in their suction and pick-up performance. I also watched some videos running the suction tests, and the result shows that both vacuums give the same suction at hose of 89”.
Besides, Shark LA322 and NV360 allow you to adjust the suction strength via their ‘suction control’ slider and ‘suction release’ collar. However, I find that the MIN-level suction of the LA322 is still strong for delicate-surface cleaning, so I wish it has more settings to adjust the suction strength on the Shark LA322.
For hard floor and deep carpet cleaning of Shark LA322 vs NV360, both give good performances. They can suck in the fine debris and hairs on the carpet. Also, the wand hose can easily detach and suck large particles efficiently. Overall, they work well on my low and medium-pile carpets but are somewhat difficult to move on the high-pile carpets, which is the popular problem for most upright vacuums.
Nozzle design & Brush roll
Besides the suction performance, the design of the cleaning head and brush roll contribute significantly to the cleaning efficiency. On the Shark NV360, it is possible to turn off the brush roll when switching to the ‘bare floor’ setting. The ability to shut off the brush roll spinning is useful for enhancing the hardwood floors as the debris is not scattered by the brush bristle, leading to better pick-up efficiency.
On the other hand, the Shark LA322 offers the option to slow the brush roll speed instead of turning it off when switching to the ‘bare floor’ mode. As mentioned, the spinning brush would scatter the debris, causing inefficient picking up, but the upgraded design of the Shark LA322 cleaning head helps to resolve it. The line added at the bottom of the Shark LA322 head nozzle limits the debris scattered behind, allowing the vacuum to suck all the debris into the machine.
Design & Convenience
Winner: Shark LA322
In this round, I give one score for the Shark LA322 over the NV360 because it is lighter and easier to maneuver. The weight of the Shark LA322 is just 0.5 pounds lighter than that of the Shark NV360, but it still makes a considerable difference. For some people, who have weak arm wrists, the lighter vacuums will be easier to push, especially on carpeted surfaces.
Besides, both LA322 and NV360 models have onboard storage, which is used to store the vacuum accessories on the machine body, but that on the NV360 is not a good fit, making the tools often fall out during use. Meanwhile, I did not have this problem with the Shark LA322. So, here is one more point scored by the LA322.
Utility
Winner: Shark LA322
LED headlights
The equipped LED headlights on the Shark LA322 benefit the cleaning process. It allows you to spot the tiny dirt on the floor and is especially useful when vacuuming in dark areas, for example, the surfaces where light cannot reach, like under the furniture or stair in the basement.
Attachments
The Shark LA322 comes with more attachments than the Shark NV360. Particularly, the attachments of Shark LA322 include one upholstery tool, one pet power brush, and one crevice tool (8 inches). Meanwhile, those of the Shark NV360 only include a basic upholstery tool and a crevice tool.
Without having the pet power brush roll, cleaning the sofa or couch surfaces is more daunting when using the Shark NV360. Moreover, other attachments that work specifically with the NV360 model are hard to find now. So, it would be a downside when buying this vacuum model of Shark.
Shark LA322 vs NV360: Similarities
For the Shark LA301 vs NV360 similarities, the two major features they have in common are the sealed HEPA filtration system and the lift-away functionality.
Sealed HEPA fitter
The HEPA filters featured on both Shark LA322 and NV360 are combined with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which is known for the efficiency of trapping 99.99% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. Thus, they are reasonable choices for people who have problems with allergies. Their filter foams are also removable and rinsable, making cleaning and maintenance of filtration less complex.
Lift-Away feature
The Lift-Away feature on both LA322 and NV360 Shark vacuums allows you to detach the canister from the cleaning head and easily carry it around. This function comes in handy when cleaning the above-floor surfaces or underneath the furniture.
Quick Rundown of Shark LA322
- Lift-Away the detachable pod with the easy-to-use pod-release pedal to clean stairs, furniture, and everywhere in your home.
- Deep cleaning on carpets, strong suction on hard floors, and powerful pet hair pickup.
- No vacuum emits cleaner air, capturing 99.99% of dust and allergens with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology. (Based on ASTM F1977 of particles .3 microns or larger)
- Lighter than Shark's best-selling Lift-Away, with more suction for versatile whole-home cleaning. (Weight and suction vs. NV351, suction measured at the hose)
- Advanced Swivel Steering lets you easily maneuver your vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
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 LA322: https://www.sharkclean.com/exclusive-offer/LA322WBKT/shark-navigator-lift-away-adv-upright-vacuum/
- 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.