Today, I will help you find the winner of the debate between Shark ZU62 and NV501. After considering all aspects, I decided to give the winning ticket to the NV501.
The Shark NV501 is one of the most comprehensive models I’ve tested. It has many bells and whistles but is not as expensive as Dyson upright vacuums. Its only downside is that the dust cup is a bit small.
The Shark ZU62 loses to the NV501 in most categories, but it’s still great for its price point. Thanks to the self-cleaning brush roll, it would be great for pet owners who have dogs that shed like crazy.
Shark ZU62 vs NV501: Comparison Chart
Shark ZU62 vs NV501: Differences
The Shark NV501 wins 2-1 and draws twice against the ZU62. It has a longer power cord that is retractable. In addition, it has powerful suction and comes with some nifty features.
Cleaning Performance
Winner: Tie
Carpet Test
I created debris from chili flakes, ground cheerios, split green peas, and flax seeds to cover the range of small-to-medium-sized debris. Then I placed this debris in a line about 5 ft long and 6 inches wide. Each vacuum cleaner was passed over this debris in a ten-second run. This is the percentage pickup result I got:
| Shark ZU62 | Shark NV501 |
| 99.1% | 99.5% |
The NV 501 had a slightly better pickup than the ZU62, but both vacuums generally produced excellent results.
Hard Floor
I also repeated the same test on a tile floor with the following results:
| Shark ZU62 | Shark NV501 |
| 98.8% | 99.2% |
Again, the Shark NV501 was slightly better than the ZU62.
Hair Test
This is where the “self-cleaning” brush roll of the ZU62 shines. It helps with reducing pet hair tangle, especially if it is compared to a vacuum with a regular brush roll like the NV501.
After the hair test, I was pleased to see that almost nothing was left on the ZU62’s brush roll. There was some hair left on this brush roll, but it wasn’t noticeable.
Dimensions And Weight
Winner: Tie
The Shark ZU62 measures 11.97 x 9.84 x 45.28 inches and weighs 16.0 lbs as an upright. Meanwhile, the dimensions of the NV501 are 12.1 x 12.2 x 45.7 inches, and it is slightly lighter, weighing around 15.5 lbs.
The NV501 is generally bulkier but lighter than the ZU62. I had no problem picking them up and carrying them around. They were even more compact when used in the lift-away configuration.
Dust Cup
Winner: Shark ZU62
The ZU62 takes the lead here with a 3XL dust cup, which is significantly larger than the 0.88-quart dirt bin of the NV501, so I didn’t have to empty it more often. So if you’re looking for a model that can hold more debris and dirt, this may be something to take into account.
Range
Winner: NV501
The NV501 has a 30-foot power cord, which gives you better coverage than the 25-foot cord of the ZU62. Better yet, the NV501’s cord is retractable, so it is unnecessary to wrap it manually as you would with the ZU62’s.
With the Shark ZU62, the shortness of its cord caused me to plug into some different outlets when cleaning. So if you live in a large house, you will need an extension cord or be moving its power cord to many outlets.
Utilities
Winner: NV501
Lift-Away
The Shark NV501 can be used as a semi-handheld vacuum cleaner with the “Lift-Away” feature. It refers to detaching the canister from the nozzle and cleaning your room with the wand.
Better yet, the pod of the NV501 can be placed on a “caddy.” It’s a wheeled base and allowed me to use the NV501 as a canister vacuum instead of using one hand to hold its pod, as I did with the ZU62. In addition, it could also be used as extra storage for the included accessories. I call it to kill two birds with one stone.
However, you will need to purchase the caddy individually, while the product description states that the NV501 is packaged with this part. This part is pretty cheap, but this misinformation can be annoying.
LED Headlights
Shark NV501 is equipped with clever LED bulbs, which make its nozzle look a bit like a toy car. These headlights focus four beams right in front, making it easier to spot dust and dirt in dark areas. It is different from some lighted vacuums with diffuse light, better suited to keeping me from getting lost in a dark room than finding debris and dust.
Floor Head
The Shark ZU62 has a self-cleaning brush roll, which is considered the selling point of this model. This comb-like brush roll has a Zero-M design, which is expected to remove tangled hair completely.
But I’d say it didn’t magically work as advertised, but yes, it is remarkably effective. The majority of the roller got cleaned, but it wasn’t able to clean its center part. However, having this small part cleaned was definitely 100% easier than many other vacuums with regular brush rolls.
Another thing worth mentioning is the wider cleaning path in the ZU62. It has an 11.97-inch cleaning path, while the NV501 has a 9.5-inch floor head. It may not seem like much on paper, but a broad cleaning head will reduce the time and effort needed to vacuum large surface areas.
Shark ZU62 vs NV501: Similarities
Filter
If you are allergic to allergies and dust, you will be pleased to know that the Shark ZU62 vs NV501 are completely sealed systems with HEPA filters. The anti-allergen complete seal technology ensures that the sucked air is locked inside the unit before it is properly filtered through the HEPA filter.
But it is worth noting that you still risk exposure to allergens when emptying the dust cup. So if you have severe allergies, I think a bagged vacuum is your best bet.
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 ZU62
- Dust cup capacity 2. 8 quarts; The vacuum that deep cleans now cleans itself; The zero m self cleaning brush roll delivers nonstop hair removal
- Powerful upright vacuum suction to pick up embedded debris, stubborn pet hair, and more
- Lightweight design allows for easy maneuverability and portability
- 3XL capacity for long cleaning sessions with fewer interruptions to empty the dust cup
- Anti allergen complete seal technology and a hepa filter trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner
Product Video
Related Articles to Shark Nv501
- Shark NV501 vs UV725: Unveiling The Best Choice For Your Home Cleaning Needs
- Shark NV501 vs Dyson V8: The Definitive Comparison
- Shark NV501 vs Dyson Ball Animal 2: Which One Should You Opt For?
- Shark NV501 vs Dyson Ball Animal: Detailed Review, Comparison, And Pros & Cons
- Shark NV501 vs AZ2002: Which Should Be Your Next Upright Vacuum!
- Shark Vacuum Apex vs Rotator NV501: Which One Is Better for Value?
- Dyson Ball Animal 3 vs Shark NV501: Which Should You Go For This Year?
- Shark NV501 vs NV751: A Honest Review And Detailed Comparison
- Shark NV501 vs LA502: Which Is the Best One?
- Shark ZU561 vs NV501: Is There Any Difference Between Them? – Pick The Winner!
- Shark NV501 vs NV586: Which Vacuum Cleaner is Right for You?
- Shark NV501 vs ZU782: Choose Your Next Upright Vacuum Here!
- Comparing Shark NV501 vs AZ1002: Which One Is The Winner?
- Shark NV501 vs NV502: Which Performs Better?
- Shark NV352 vs NV501: Which Mid-Range Vacuum Cleaner Is Better?
- Shark NV501 vs NV500: A Side-By-Side Comparison
- Shark NV360 vs 501 Comparison Review: Which One Is The Winner?
- Shark NV356e vs NV501: Which Would Be Better For You?
- Shark NV360 vs NV501: They Are Both Budget-friendly Vacuums, But Which One Has Better Overall Performance?
Related Articles to Shark Zu62
- Shark ZU51 Vs ZU62 Navigator Honest Comparison: Both Have Self-Cleaning Brushroll But Which Is Better?
- Shark ZU62 Vs ZU55: Which One Has the Edge in Pet Hair Removal?
- Shark ZU62 Vs NZ801: The Battle of the High-Performance Vacuums
- Shark ZU60 vs ZU62: 2 Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaners Designed For Homes With Pets
- Shark ZU62 vs ZU632: A Comprehensive Comparison of Two Powerful Upright Vacuums
- Dyson Ball Animal 2 vs Shark Navigator ZU62: Which Is Better for Daily Cleaning Chores?
- Shark ZU62 vs ZU561: 5 Basic Differences Between These Two Shark Vacuum Models
- Shark ZU62 vs NV352: Which Corded Upright Vacuum Comes Out On Top?
- Shark ZU62 vs AZ1002: Which Vacuum Cleaner Wins The Battle Of The Sharks?
- Comparing The Shark UV725 vs ZU62: Which Is Better?
- Shark ZU62 vs NV752: Which Is The Best Vacuum For Pet Owners?
- Shark ZU62 vs NV360: Which One Performs Better
- Shark NV360 Vs ZU62: Top Useful Reviews Before Buying
References:
- Shark NV501: https://www.sharkclean.ca/products/shark-rotator-professional-lift-away-upright-vacuum-zidNV501
- Shark ZU62: https://www.sharkclean.com/exclusive-offer/ZU62WBKT/shark-navigator-pet-pro-upright-vacuum-with-self-cleaning-brushroll/
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.