Shark NV360 vs 501: These vacuums are two classic models from the Shark Navigator and Rotator series. They aren’t some of the newest vacuums from Shark, but they are great options for budget-oriented shoppers.
I believe the Shark NV360 will win the hearts of most users. It has more dust storage capacity and a powerful suction motor to effectively deep clean all surfaces. Apart from having a post-motor HEPA filter, it is equipped with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology to keep dust out of the air you breathe.
The Shark NV501 is also formidable. It has LED lights for more efficient vacuuming in dark areas, which the Shark NV360 doesn’t. In addition, it features a wider cleaning path, allowing you to clean your house in less time.
Shark NV360 vs 501: Comparison Chart
Shark NV360 vs 501: Differences
The Shark NV360 won the NV501 with a score of 5-2. It is lighter for better maneuverability. In addition, it has a larger dust tank and features Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology.
Cleaning Performance
The Winner: Tie
- Bare Floor
The Shark NV360 is decent for bare floors. It can suck up small debris easily but has a little more trouble with pet hair and sometimes fails to suck up bulkier debris.
The Shark NV501, on the other hand, has an excellent performance on bare floors. It can easily clear small and bulky debris, and pet hair with minimal loss in suction performance as the dust cup fills up.
- Carpets
Both the Shark NV360 vs 501 are very good for carpet vacuuming. They can clean pet hair without issue and do a great job sucking up both fine and large debris.
Also, with the help of a motorized brush, carpet cleaning will be a stroll in a park. The bristles on the brush roll are stiff, enabling it to agitate thick pile carpet and deep clean.
Weight And Portability
The Winner: Shark NV360
The weight of the Shark NV360 vs 501 is 14.3 lb and 15.5 lb, respectively. Hence, the first one wins this round because it is lighter, although the difference is negligible.
These machines are reasonably portable. They are somewhat heavy, but they feel light in hand. Better yet, they have a built-in carrying handle, making them easier to pick up and carry.
Filter
The Winner: Shark NV360
Both Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuums come with post-motor HEPA filters, which can remove up to 99.9% of indoor pollutants. So they can keep you living comfortably amid pollen, dander, urine odor, and other elements. Better yet, these filters are washable, helping to reduce recurring costs, and Mother Nature will thank you for using them.
But I must give the winning ticket to the NV360, as it is equipped with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which ensures that no trapped dust, allergens, dander, and more, sneak out of its dustbin. This technology is especially beneficial to allergy sufferers.
Dust Cup
The Winner: Shark NV360
The dust cup capacities of the Shark NV360 vs 501 are 1.2 quarts and 0.88 quarts, respectively. It’s only a 0.32-quart difference, so I think it won’t make sense. But the former clearly outshines its competitor here, thanks to the larger dirt bin.
Utilities
The Winner: Tie
LED Headlights
The NV501 has LED lights on its floor nozzle, while the NV360 doesn’t. This nifty feature can reflect spider webs, dirt, dust, and other debris at a lower angle than what the overhead home lights can deliver.
Moreover, these headlights can reflect objects you should not vacuum, such as coins and jewelry, that can damage your vacuum cleaner.
Noise
| Shark NV360 | Shark NV501 | |
| Bare Floor | 75.5 dBA | 76.2 dBA |
| Carpet | 76.0 dBA | 76.7 dBA |
These machines are generally not too loud. They are quieter than most other upright vacuums with powerful motors, such as the Dyson Ball Animal 3. But it is wise to vacuum in an enclosed area with the door completely or partially closed to avoid disturbing anyone nearby.
Cleaning Path
The cleaning paths of the Shark NV360 vs 501 are 11 inches and 9.5 inches, respectively. This difference doesn’t seem like that much on paper, but it significantly impacts the decisions of many users.
The NV 360 has a wider cleaning path, which is both a blessing and a curse. It enables me to complete the task of cleaning my huge house in less time, but can’t reach tight areas. Fortunately, it is packaged with a crevice tool to clean the stairs or tight spaces. You can also pick up significant bits of dirt that are difficult to clean with the floor nozzle.
Shark NV360 vs 501: Similarities
Suction strength
Both Shark NV360 vs 501 feature an efficient and powerful 1200W motor, allowing them to deliver exceptional suction power, which is good even if their dust bins are full.
They also have two-speed settings, allowing you to adjust depending on the task at hand. For general vacuuming, the low-power setting is ideal. Regarding deep carpet cleaning, you should set them in high power mode.
Maneuverability
Both the Shark NV360 vs 501 have mediocre maneuverability. They have a rotating head, making it easier to navigate between obstacles. Still, the bulky shape of their floorhead and dirt cup makes it a bit hard to vacuum underneath furniture or tight spaces.
During testing, I noticed that their floorhead sometimes gets caught on very dense carpets and rug tassels, forcing me to turn them off to pull them free. Their somewhat heavy weight can be a nuisance when lifting them over obstructions, such as electrical cords.
Build Quality
These vacuums have decent build quality, with mainly plastic construction, though their wand is metal. They don’t feel especially sturdy overall, particularly their fragile dirt cup. So be careful when vacuuming stairs with these machines. Otherwise, some parts will break if dropped.
“Lift-Away” Configuration
Both Shark NV360 vs 501 can be used in the upright position or as a portable vacuum by uncoupling their canister from their main body, allowing you to clean hard-to-reach areas with their wand.
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.
Quick Rundown of Shark NV501
- 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.
- ADVANCED SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum to get in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
- LED HEADLIGHTS: Powerful lights on the nozzle reveal hidden debris and pet hair around your home.
- WIDE UPHOLSTERY TOOL: The wide cleaning path helps remove pet hair, dust, and large debris from mattresses, couches, curtains, lampshades, and other delicate upholstered surfaces.
Product Videos
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References
- Shark NV360: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/sections/360005956659-NV360-Series
- Shark NV501: https://www.sharkclean.ca/products/shark-rotator-professional-lift-away-upright-vacuum-zidNV501
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.