When it comes to comparing the Shark NV501 vs AZ2002, the second one wins thanks to its self-cleaning roller that can limit hair tangle.
The Shark AZ2002 isn’t cheap, and it’s even one of the most expensive Shark uprights. But it is worth the money. It is a bit heavy and may take some arm power to push on the carpet, but it cleans amazingly well. So if you don’t have a problem with its weight, you’ll want to stick with it for the rest of your life.
The Shark NV501 is also one of the most desirable models in its price range. I have almost nothing to complain about this machine, except that it struggles with long hair and can’t get further under furniture.
Shark NV501 vs AZ2002: Comparison Chart
Shark NV501 vs AZ2002: Differences
The Shark AZ2002 wins 1-0 and draws once against the NV501. Both are great deals, but what makes the AZ2002 slightly better than the other is that it has a DuoClean head with a self-cleaning roller. Let’s scroll down to learn more!
Cleaning Performance
The Shark AZ2002 generates incredible suction, but I consider it a double-edged sword. It was so powerful that it devoured the dog hair and crumbs deep within my carpet, and I could literally feel with my bare feet how my carpet was clean after testing.
This vacuum moved from carpet to wood floors and vice versa easily, but it was so strong that it ran away itself. So I struggled a bit to pull it back. This is quite inconvenient for people carrying their vacuums around a big house.
Another thing I don’t like is the hair wrapping around the small rubber tires in the front, and I had to clean it using tweezers. I wish the future vacuums from Shark had an easier way to clean their wheels.
What makes this machine completely outshine the NV501 is that its roller can reduce hair wrap thanks to its unique paddle design. Yes, a small amount of long hair can still end up on the roller, but it’s negligible, and you can easily clean it infrequently.
The Shark NV501’s suction is also phenomenal, and you should avoid using it near objects like Lego blocks or coins as they will be sucked unhesitatingly. It quickly filled its dust cup with crumbs and pet hair pulled from my carpet. When I found it hard to push this vacuum on the carpet, I just turned a ring on the handle, and it was good to go.
Now it’s time for the worst part. Everything about the NV501’s cleaning performance would be perfect if it were equipped with a self-cleaning roller. Hair (of both pet and human) stuck to the roller like crazy after testing, not to mention it is a bit arduous to access the roller for cleaning.
Design and Usability
Winner: Tie
Weight and Maneuverability
As you can see in the comparison chart above, the NV501 is lighter, but it is still relatively heavy for many people. Still, I believe maneuvering it is not difficult because it is equipped with a swivel head, not to mention it tends to go forward on its own due to strong suction. The only minus I can think of here is that its dust canister is somewhat bulky, preventing the machine from reaching very far under furniture.
The AZ2002, on the other hand, is heavy, and many even consider shoving it around to be a leg/core/shoulder day at the gym. So obviously, if you’re a non-workout guy, you’ll want something lighter than this model. Besides, the insanely strong suction of this vacuum will make you feel like it is pulling you forward.
Dust Cup Capacity
This is the area where the Shark AZ2002 takes the lead. The dust cup of the AZ2002 can hold up to 1 quart of dust and dirt, while the NV501 comes with a 0.88-quart dust cup. The difference doesn’t seem like that much on paper, but it’s well worth considering, especially for those who want the dust cup to be as big as possible.
It is easy to empty and clean the dust canister with warm, soapy water. But if you have severe allergies or asthma and don’t want to be exposed to allergens again when you empty the dirt compartment, you might want to look into a bagged vacuum.
Special Features
Winner: Tie
Alternate Configuration
Both the Shark NV501 vs AZ2002 can be converted to semi-handheld vacuums by uncoupling the canister from the cleaner head. But the second one can also be used in a stick configuration thanks to the powered lift-away feature, which allows it to slide in easily and go further under the interior.
Meanwhile, the NV501 only has the non-powered lift-away feature, so its brush roll will stop spinning after disassembling its pod. But in return, it can be used as a canister vacuum by putting its pod on a caddy. But you’ll need to purchase this wheeled base separately, which is worth it.
Control
Shark seems to have cared more about the user’s back. They have put a few controls on the handle of newer models like the AZ2002, including an on/off switch and a slider that allows you to switch between three surface-type settings. So gone are the days when users had to bend over to hit the switch every time they switched from one type of surface to another.
On the flip side, the Shark NV501 has no switch or slider to switch between settings like the AZ2002. Instead, it has a switch on the body, which allows you to turn the roller on or off, and a collar on the handle, which allows you to adjust the suction.
I enjoyed the fingertip controls of the Shark AZ2002 but also desperately needed the ability to adjust the suction of the NV501, so I call it “a draw.”
Shark NV501 vs AZ2002: Similarities
Filter
Like all Shark uprights, both the Shark NV501 vs AZ2002 are equipped with several pre-motor filters and a HEPA filter, which is washable and traps up to 99.9% of dust particles and allergens present in the air.
Even better, both have anti-allergen complete seal technology so that anything that gets sucked in can’t get back out into the air. Arguably, this is one of the most comprehensive filtration systems that can be found in an upright vacuum.
Cord Length
Both the Shark NV501 vs AZ2002 share a 30-foot power cord. It seems to be the maximum cord length of Shark uprights, and I have nothing to complain about this length. It’s enough for me to reach everywhere in my house without having to unplug and plug it in repeatedly. These cords aren’t retractable, but it’s not a deal breaker.
LED Light
The last thing that these machines have in common is some LED bulbs on their nozzles. They are very bright and are so helpful for cleaning underneath tables and cabinets!
A Quick Rundown Of Shark 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.
A 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 Video
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References:
- Shark AZ2002: https://www.sharkclean.com/exclusive-offer/AZ2002WBKT/shark-vertex-upright-vacuum-with-powered-lift-away-duoclean-powerfins-and-self-cleaning-brushroll/
- 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.