Two Shark vacuum cleaners, the Shark NV360 vs LA401, have excellent suction. However, they have some key differences so you can choose the right one for your family. According to my opinion, Shark LA401 is better than NV360.
Shark LA401 is rated as a machine with good cleaning performance, and amazing suction power despite lower engine power than the competition due to some additional improvements in cleaning design. In addition, it features a Self-Cleaning Brush Roll and LED headlights for easier control and cleaning in dimly lit areas.
On the other hand, Shark NV360 is also a formidable opponent because of its cleaning ability and good suction efficiency thanks to the ability to turn on and off the brush roll. However, it does not come with functions such as LED lights and dusters, which makes it inconvenient to clean some surfaces.
Shark NV360 vs LA401: Comparison Chart
Shark NV360 vs LA401: Differences
In the debate between Shark NV360 vs LA401, NV360 won 2-0 and one ties criterion against LA401. I noticed some differences between the two products in terms of cleaning performance, utilities, and design. Check out the following article for more details.
Cleaning performance
The winner: Shark LA401
Suction power
Comparing the deep cleaning features of both Shark NV360 vs LA401 machines, I found that both machines have relative suction power to each other. Looking at the manufacturer’s data, the NV360 has a slightly larger 1200W suction power than the LA401 960W.
We tested the cleaning effect by pouring a small amount of cat hair and hair with a little popcorn on a hard carpet. After vacuuming, I did not see a difference in their vacuuming ability and performance. Both machines pick up large amounts of dirt quickly and easily. Moreover, I also refer to some test videos on social platforms, both of which evaluate the two machines with quite good and stable suction. They can pick up large amounts of hair and debris and work well on many surfaces, both hard floors, and carpets.
In addition, the NV360 and LA401 both allow you to adjust the suction force via the ‘Suction control’ slider and the ‘Suction release’ washer allows you to adjust flexibly, reducing the suction if the suction is too strong for you. Suitable for each carpet surface to ensure the deepest cleaning.
Brush-roll System
The design of the cleaning head also contributes to cleaning efficiency. Both the Shark NV360 vs LA401 machines offer the ability to ON/OFF brush roll. The swivel steering feature of the brush roll is useful for improving hardwood floors as debris is not dispersed by the brush bristles, resulting in better collection efficiency.
However, with Shark LA401, I like the improvement in the design of the mop head to help clean hard floors very well. The machine has a small soft line at the bottom of the cleaning head that helps collect debris to the back for the best cleaning. Plus, LA401 has a self-cleaning brush roll so that picked-up bristles won’t get caught in the brush roll for good suction and effective cleaning.
Cleaning Path
Considering the cleaning path of both machines, I see a big difference. A Shark NV360 scan line measures 9.5 inches while a LA401 scan line measures up to 12 inches. Looking at this, we can tell LA401 that you will spend less time traveling and vacuuming faster to help you save maximum time while cleaning efficiency is still guaranteed.
Design & Convenience
Tie
Looking at the comparison table, we can see that the LA401 is a heavier model with 13.5 Pounds and has a slightly larger overall size of 9.92 x 12 x 45.43 Inches. Meanwhile, Shark NV360 is lighter with a weight of 12.8 Pounds and dimensions of 13 x 14 x 44.5 Inches.
Looking at the above numbers, it can be seen that Shark LA401 has a stronger motor and higher suction capacity, which makes it easier for you to clean for heavy jobs. With Shark NV360, despite its smaller size and weight, it can make moving around interior spaces easier and also makes it easier to store.
utility
The winner: Shark LA401
Led headlights
Before using vacuum cleaners, I thought that the LED light was an unnecessary feature and made no sense. However, after testing it for a long time, I am convinced that this is a great feature.
In this part, Shark LA401 completely wins over the opponent thanks to the LED headlight feature. The LED light on the LA401 makes the cleaning process easier. It allows you to detect small stains on the floor or dust stains in poorly lit areas, such as surfaces under furniture or stairs.
In my opinion, the LED light is a very important feature, but unfortunately, the Shark NV360 is not equipped. This is a big minus point that makes it beat the opponent in terms of utility.
Attachments
In terms of accessories, Sharl LA401 has more accessories than Shark NV360. For the NV360 attachment, you get an Upholstery Tool and a Crevice Tool. As for LA401, you will get an Upholstery Tool, a Pet Hair Tool, and one Crevice Tool.
The absence of a tool like an electric pet brush will make it inconvenient to clean the hair, and moreover, this attachment is quite difficult to find on the market, so this will be a drawback when using the NV360 machine.
Shark NV360 vs LA401: Similarities
Sealed HEPA fitter
On both the Shark NV360 vs LA401 vacuum cleaners, there is a HEPA filter with anti-allergy sealing technology, which effectively traps up to 99.99% of dust and allergens inside the box. . This can completely be assessed as a reasonable choice for people with allergy problems.
In addition, this filter can be easily washed and reused. You just need to remove the filter from the machine and proceed to wash it with water, dry it, and put them back in the machine to continue using.
Lift-Away feature
The lift-away feature on both upright vacuum cleaners allows you to easily lift the box from the body and out from the cleaning head for easy portability. This function makes it easy to clean hard-to-reach surfaces such as under furniture or plaque on the ceiling.
Quick Rundown of Shark LA401
- Upright Vacuum: Upright corded electric vacuum makes every cleaning session a transformative experience for your home
- Powerful Innovation: PowerFins brush roll, featuring a no-bristle system, ensures a deep-clean experience, picking up more in every pass compared to the original DuoClean, all without the hassle of hair wrap
- Fresh Clean: Complete Seal Technology and a high-efficiency filter, trap over 99.9 percent of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, providing a cleaner, allergen-free atmosphere
- LED Lighting: Navigate hidden realms with LED headlights on the nozzle, revealing debris lurking in the shadows and transforming your cleaning routine into a journey of revelation
- Seamless Control: Experience cleaning freedom with Advanced Swivel Steering, effortlessly gliding through tight spaces and corners, making your vacuuming session a breeze
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 LA401: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/4406016671890-LA401-Shark-Navigator-Lift-Away-ADV-Owner-s-Guide
- Shark NV360: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/articles/4403097983378-NV360-Series-Shark-Navigator-Lift-Away-Deluxe-FAQs
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.