Shark Navigator ZU560 vs ZU561: They have much more in common than differences. The difference is not in the features or design but in their colors and the number of tools they come with. Whether you pick the Shark ZU560 or the Shark ZU561, you will have a workhorse in your hand.
Shark Navigator ZU560 vs ZU561: Comparison Chart
Shark Navigator ZU560 vs ZU561: Differences
The Shark ZU561 wins 1-0 against the ZU560, as it just comes with more accessories.
Color
Winner: Tie
The Shark Navigator ZU560 vs ZU561 (and ZU562) are in the Shark Navigator 560 series, and the main difference between them is the color and the variety of included tools and accessories.
The ZU560 is available in blue, while the ZU561 comes in red peony. Aesthetically, no one wins, and the choice comes down to personal preference. Personally, I favor the color of the ZU561.
Accessories
Winner: ZU561
The difference between Shark vacuums of the same line also lies in the accessories that come with them, and the same goes for the Shark ZU560 vs ZU561.
The ZU560 comes with a duster crevice tool and a hair removal multi-tool, whereas the Zu561 comes packed with a duster crevice tool, a hair removal multi-tool, and a wide upholstery tool.
The wide upholstery tool has a small, flat head and powerful suction and works well on fabric surfaces such as couches, chairs, mattresses, and other fabric-based pieces.
Shark Navigator ZU560 vs ZU561: Similarities
Type
The Shark Navigator ZU560 vs ZU561 are corded upright Shark Navigator vacuums in the 560 series. They have lots of power and maneuverability and are good vacuums for the price.
HEPA filters and anti-allergen complete seal technology are a big plus, as they help trap the very finest dust. These filters only need to be cleaned every few months and replaced every few years.
They also share a 25-foot power cord, which only provides a decent range. If you are living in a large house, you’ll want something 30 feet or longer.
Their huge mistake, to my mind, is the location of the release button for the handheld hose. It is located behind the canister instead of near the handle, like other models. That can be a big deal for people who have lower back issues or hip or knee issues. But for me, it’s not a deal breaker.
These machines also miss several better features, such as a powered lift away, which allow you to lift their canisters away and use their floor brushes to clean under furniture. Mine also didn’t come with any bag or something similar to hold all the accessories.
Finally, I think the self-cleaning brush roll is a gimmick rather than a substance. During testing, I found that hair got stuck in this brush roll. It wasn’t noticeable, but it wasn’t quite as effective as advertised.
Cleaning Performance
These machines generally work well on bare floors, but you may need to make extra passes to suck up everything. Unfortunately, it was difficult to maneuver in one of my rooms, where the carpet is denser but not particularly thick. I tried adjusting the suction to make it move more freely, but it was almost non-existent and didn’t clean effectively.
Quick Rundown Of Shark ZU560
- 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 Shark ZU561
- 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.
Product Video
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References:
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.