It is arduous to decide the winner between Shark NV501 vs LA502 because both are great options for budget-oriented users. But based on my test, the first one deserves the winning ticket.
The Shark NV501 has better overall performance on most surfaces. It might struggle more with pet hair since it doesn’t have a self-cleaning brush roll, but many other features make up for that.
The Shark LA502, on the other hand, works better with pet hair and is effective on both hard floors and carpets, thanks to the DuoClean nozzle. But I feel its performance is still a bit behind the winner.
Shark NV501 vs LA502: Comparison Chart
Shark NV501 vs LA502: Differences
The Shark NV501 wins 2-1 and draws twice against the LA502. It delivers better reach thanks to a 30-foot power cord and performs better on both hard floors and carpets.
Cleaning Performance
Winner: Shark NV501
Bare Floors
My tests showed that the NV501 had an outstanding performance on bare floors. It easily captured bulky and small debris, and its suction performance wasn’t significantly reduced as its dustbin filled up.
The LA502, on the other hand, also sucked up almost all small and large debris, and its performance was consistent as the dirt compartment filled up as well.
Low-Pile Carpets
The Shark NV501 easily picked up large debris, and it did a very well job with small debris. Once again, it was consistent as the dust cup filled. The LA502 could suck up larger debris, but I had to make extra passes to clear fine debris.
High-Pile Carpets
Like on my bare floor and low-pile carpet, the NV501 easily picked up large debris but struggled a bit with small debris on this surface. The LA502 did a great job dealing with larger debris and had more difficulty with very fine material as well.
Pet Hair
Both Shark NV501 vs LA502 were effective at sucking pet hair, but many hairs got stuck in the brush roll of the NV501. Meanwhile, the LA502 sent most of the sucked pet hair into its dust tank, thanks to its self-cleaning brush roll.
Dust Cup Capacity
Winner: Tie
Shark NV501 vs LA502 generally have large dust cups with capacities of 0.88 and 0.89 quarts, respectively. There is not much difference here, and both can hold a lot. During testing, each one only needs to be emptied up to twice per vacuuming session.
Empty these dust cups is also a breeze. So, in most cases, you will never have to stick your bare hand in the dirt cup since there is a quick-release button at the bottom, which will open the cup, and dust and dirt will fall straight into a trash can. So just make one click to release the dirt bin and another click to empty it.
Weight
Winner: Shark LA502
The Shark LA502 weighs 15.5 pounds, while the weight of the NV501 is 12.3 pounds. Of course, the second one takes the lead here because it’s lighter, but I’d say that both are not heavy by most standards. They are lightweight enough to vacuum comfortably without hurting my shoulder and back. They are even lighter if used in the “Lift-Away” configuration.
Range
Winner: Shark NV501
The Shark NV501 delivers better range with a 30-foot power cord and an 8.4-foot hose, whereas the LA502 comes with a 25-foot-long cord and a 6-foot hose. I wish these machines had a cord rewind. But, honestly, wrapping these cords on the hooks provided is not a daunting task.
Another thing to note is that these machines are so powerful that they will probably eat through their cords. So it is essential to keep the cord out of the path when cleaning.
Utilities
Winner: Tie
Canister Caddy
At first, I didn’t understand the function of the “canister caddy.” But just a few minutes later, I explored the “three-in-one” capability of the Shark NV501. With the caddy, this vacuum can turn into three different configurations, allowing it to adapt to any scenario.
- The traditional upright: With swivel steering maneuverability, it outperforms the Dyson Ball design, in our opinion.
- The portable Lift-Away pod vacuum: It is my favorite configuration for cleaning hard-to-reach areas and stairs.
- The free-rolling wheeled configuration: In this configuration, the canister will follow obediently behind you. But note that it can tip over if you stretch the hose.
DuoClean Technology
Now is the time to talk about the DuoClean technology, which is the best selling point of this machine. The LA502 has Shark’s duo-clean system, which combines a soft roller in the front and a more or less standard roller in the back.
This model has the new PowerFin design, which the brand claims is even better than the original DuoClean at debris pickup. So whether you are cleaning hard floors or carpets, it will get the job done well.
My testing also showed that its self-cleaning brush roll is effective at minimizing tangled hair as well. It wasn’t 100% effective but only left was approximately 2% of the hair on the brush roller, while the rest was put into the dust cup.
Shark NV501 vs LA502: Similarities
LED Headlights
Both Shark NV501 vs LA502 are fitted with some clever LED headlights, but there is a difference in their layout. The LED headlights of the NV501 are located on either side of its nozzle, making the floorhead look a bit like a toy car. The LA502’s LED bulbs are located close together in the center of the nozzle, which forms a horizontal row.
Anyway, their lamps are real vacuum headlights and will focus beams right in front where the dirt and dust are. Many vacuums have diffuse light, which is better to keep users from getting lost in the dark than helping to find hidden debris or dust.
Liff Way
Once these machines are in the Lift-Away position, you just have the body/canister portion, which is ideal for getting into corners and reaching tight areas. This makes it much easier and lighter to maneuver the canister without the bulk design and added weight of the floorhead. Personally, I prefer a vacuum that can go under furniture, so I was a bit disappointed that these machines don’t have the Powered Lift-Away feature.
Filter
Both the Shark NV501 vs LA502 have HEPA filters, which have a reputation for capturing 99.9% of dirt and allergens. But these filters won’t fully function without Shark’s anti-allergen complete seal technology, which ensures that the sucked air will completely pass through them before being released.
It’s worth noting that there’s still the risk of allergens getting back into the air when you empty the dust cup. So if you are a guy with severe allergies, it is best to consider one of the bagless vacuum cleaners.
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.
Quick Rundown Of Shark LA502
- 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).Specific uses:hard floor,carpet,dual action
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: for powerful pet hair pickup with no hair wrap.
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: lift away the detachable pod and easily clean above-floor areas like stairs, furniture, 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.
Product Video
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References:
- Shark NV501: https://support.sharkclean.com/hc/en-us/sections/360005923000-NV500-Series
- Shark LA502: https://www.sharkclean.ca/products/shark-rotator-lift-away-adv-duoclean-powerfins-upright-zidLA502
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.