For the best comparison between the Shark Navigator vs Vertex, I decided to compare the best-selling Shark Navigator NV356E model with the Shark Vertex AZ2002. The Shark Vertex is the better pick in this competition, especially for pet owners.
The Shark Vertex AZ2002 is better because it has stronger suction, duoclean and self-cleaning brushroll system, and LED headlights. With these outstanding features, the Shark Vertex performs incredible pick-up results, which is more than 94% on both carpeted surfaces and bare/hard floors. However, it has a relatively high price compared to the Shark Navigator models.
For the Shark Navigator NV356E, though its suction power is not as high as that of the Shark Vertex, its cleaning performance is still great. It can pick up fine debris, large particles, and pet hairs effectively. It allows you to turn off the brush roller to pick up more stuff on the bare floor. Besides, it is lighter and has a larger dirt tank than the Shark Vertex. Its price is also lower than the Vertex’s. Therefore, if you are on a budget but still need a good vacuum for daily cleaning, the Shark NV356E is a greater option for you.
Shark Navigator vs Vertex: Comparison Chart – Shark NV356E vs AZ2002
Shark Navigator vs Vertex: Differences – Shark NV356E vs AZ2002
To compare the Shark Navigator vs Shark Vertex, I choose the NV356E model in the Navigator line for this comparison. The result is that the Shark Vertex wins 2-1 against the Shark NV356E Navigator for outstanding cleaning performance and utility. Meanwhile, the Shark NV356E has a larger dirt bin for convenient heavy-duty cleaning.
Cleaning performance
Winner: Shark Vertex AZ2002
Suction strength and control
For the suction power between Shark Navigator vs Vertex, the Vertex is the winner. Having 1334 W motors driven by 10 A electric current, the Shark Vertex definitely stronger than the Shark NV356E, theoretically.
The measured suction at hose of the Shark Vertex is about 104 inches of water lift with the airflow of ~105 CFM. The Shark NV356E’s suction is 82 inches of water lift at hose, and its airflow is about 56 CFM. Apparently, when looking at these numbers, we can see that the Shark Vertex has far stronger suction than the Shark NV356E does.
In terms of suction control, you can adjust the suction when using these two vacuums. The suction can be modified for the Shark Vertex by changing the cleaning modes using a fingertip slider. This vacuum has 3 different cleaning modes: thick carpet (low suction), low-pile carpet (medium suction), and hard floor (high suction). In each mode, the suction and brushroll spinning speeds are modified automatically to be appropriate for specific floor types.
Meanwhile, the suction of the Shark NV356E can be adjusted manually by twisting the Suction Release collar. With this manual adjustment, it is more simple to choose the suction level suitable for different surfaces. You can release the suction to make it weaker for cleaning delicate carpet surfaces.
Brushroll system
The Shark Navigator vs Vertex brushroll systems is clearly different. In other words, the brushroll of the Shark Vertex is a big upgrade from the conventional Shark Navigator NV356E. Specifically, the Vertex’s brush roll system comprises a soft roller and a roller with rubber fins, which provides a better seal when vacuuming on hard floors than the traditional brush bristles of the Shark NV356E.
Moreover, this duoclean brushroll of the Shark Vertex has a self-cleaning function for preventing hair-wrap issues. Thus, you don’t need to frequently clip the hair on the roller. In reality, the duoclean powerfins brushroll of the Shark Vertex does a good job at removing hair wrap. After testing, I noticed only 1% of the pet hairs on the brush roll. It is also easy to detach the soft roller for cleaning, making maintenance simpler.
On the other hand, the brush roll of the Shark Vertex cannot be completely turned off when in bare floor mode. However, the Shark Navigator NV356E can do this. Using the Bare Floor setting, you can turn off the brush roll for suction only, which is ideal for preventing the scattering of particles on hard floors by traditional brushroll bristles. As a result, the pick-up efficacy can be improved for the Shark NV356E.
Floor-type compatibility
For the performance of deep cleaning carpet between the Shark Navigator vs Vertex, the difference is not much. They both can pick up pet hairs and debris from fine to large sizes, presenting a good deep cleaning for either thick or low-pile carpets.
For the hard floor, the Shark Vertex is outstanding in pick-up performance thanks to its advanced duoclean brushroll and incredible suction. It sucks up a large pile of cereals and fine debris particles like sand and sugar on the hard floor without scattering.
Design & Convenience
Tie!
Maneuverability
- Lightweight
Apparently, the Shark Navigator NV356E is much lighter than the Shark Vertex AZ2002. The Shark Vertex weighs ~16.4 lbs, and the Shark NV356E weighs 13.7 lbs. Therefore, pushing the Shark Navigator NV356E is easier and does not require as much pressure as when maneuvering the Shark Vertex.
- Cord length
For the electric cord, these two vacuums have a great length of 30 ft., which is enough for vacuuming the whole room without changing the plug position after every few minutes. This cord length is greater than many vacs at the same price.
- Lift-away vs. Powered lift-away
The Powered lift-away feature on the Shark Vertex is like an upgrade of the lift-away canister of the Shark NV356E.
The lift-away feature allows users to lift up the canister and the wand from the cleaning head of the vacuum for easy access to the above floors. The powered lift-away one has the same ability as the lift-away, but it offers the option to have the wand attached to the cleaning head while the canister is detached.
Therefore, I see that the powered lift-away will provide an extended reach for cleaning under furniture with the cleaning head. I find it really helpful when cleaning the carpet areas under my low-profile long couch as I can still take advantage of the duo-clean powerfins cleaning nozzle of the Shark Vertex.
- Swivel steering
Both of them have swivel steering for easy maneuvering around the house corners. When trying the Shark Vertex and the Shark NV356E, I have no difficulty maneuvering the as the swivel joint is very great and smooth.
Noise level
Often, the more powerful vacuum cleaners have louder noise. However, the noise of Shark Vertex is close to that of the Shark Navigator NV3560E. The measured noise levels I got for these machines are 77.1 dB for Shark NV356E and 77.5 dB for Shark Vertex. So, these vacuums are not too noisy and are quieter than other cheaper vacuum cleaners on the market.
Dirt tank & Filtration
Winner: Shark Navigator NV356E
I chose the Shark NV356E to win this round due to its larger dirt cup capacity compared to the Shark Vertex’s. Specifically, the Shark NV356E has an extra large dirt cup of 2.2 quarts, while that of the Shark Vertex is just 1 quart. This is very useful for heavy-duty home cleaning as the vacuum can hold more stuff with less interruption for emptying the dirt bin.
There is no difference between Shark Navigator vs Vertex filtration because they are featured with HEPA filtration with Anti-Allergen Seal to trap the allergens inside. The filtration system on the Shark upright vacuums is what I really appreciate.
Utility
Winner: Shark Vertex AZ2002
LED headlights
The Shark Vertex has LED headlights, which are not featured on the Shark NV356E. LED headlights are an amazingly useful feature for home cleaning, especially in dark places like basements or under furniture. These lights illuminate the floors and reveal the embedded dirt that I have missed, which supports the higher cleaning efficiency.
Attachments
The attachment sets of Shark Navigator vs Vertex vacuums are quite similar, including a dusting brush, crevice tool, and pet power brush. However, the accessories of the Shark Vertex have a better performance than those of the Shark NV356E, especially the pet power brush.
The pet power brush of the Shark Vertex is also self-cleaning, which means it reduces the pet hair wrap on the roller. After trying vacuuming my couch and sofa with this attachment, I found it greater than the traditional brush with bristles, owing to this self-cleaning function.
Therefore, if you have many pets and don’t want to detangle or clip the hair wrapping on the roller after every use, the Shark Vertex is an optimal choice to go for.
Quick Rundown of Shark Vertex AZ2002
- SHARK’S ULTRA-POWERFUL VACUUM: The Vertex is an ultra-powerful vacuum, with incredible suction and innovative cleaning technologies..1344.0 watts.Cord length (ft.): 30, Hose length (ft.): 5.5..Amperage : 11.8A
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: Engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap (vs. Shark bristle nozzles).
- DUOCLEAN POWERFINS: A PowerFins brushroll and a soft roller combine on all floors. Continuous cleaning contact to dig deep into carpets, directly engage floors, and pick up more in every pass. (vs. original DuoClean).
- POWERED LIFT-AWAY: Detachable pod for motorized cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
- PERFECT FOR PETS: Includes a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush for deep cleaning with no hair wrap and a Pet Crevice Tool to remove pet hair from hard-to-reach spaces like corners, ceilings, and between couch cushions.
Quick Rundown of Shark NV356E
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: lift away the detachable pod and easily clean above-floor areas like stairs, furniture, and more
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL: Works with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9%* of dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner. (*Based on ASTM F1977 of particles .3 microns or larger.)
- BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF: Instantly switch from more maneuverability on deep carpets to gentle bare floor cleaning
- PERFECT FOR PET OWNERS: Picks up pet hair and loose debris. Powerfully deep-cleans dander out of upholstery and other surfaces
- 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 Vertex AZ2002: https://www.sharkclean.com/exclusive-offer/AZ2002WBKT/shark-vertex-upright-vacuum-with-powered-lift-away-duoclean-powerfins-and-self-cleaning-brushroll/
- Shark NV356E: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/4401253651868-NV355-Series-Shark-Navigator-Lift-Away-Professional-Owner-s-Guide
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.