Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E Upright Vacuum: Pet Hair Champion

Key Features

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is designed for pet owners and allergy sufferers, earning its place among the top vacuum cleaners for pet hair:

• Lift-Away Functionality: Detachable pod for portable cleaning of stairs, furniture, and above-floor areas.
• Anti-Allergen Complete Seal: HEPA filter traps 99.9% of dust and allergens (0.3 microns or larger), ideal for sensitive homes.
• Brushroll Shutoff: Switches between carpet and bare floor modes for gentle, effective cleaning.
• Swivel Steering: Enhances maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces.
• Extra-Large Dust Cup: 0.87-liter capacity for longer cleaning sessions with easy emptying.
• Pet Power Tools: Includes Pet Power Brush, crevice tool, and dusting brush for versatile pet hair removal.
• 30-Foot Cord: Provides ample reach for whole-room cleaning.

Performance

Tested in a home with three cats and a German Shepherd, the Shark NV356E impressed with its suction power. On medium-pile carpets, it filled the 0.87-liter dust cup with pet hair and dust in one pass, as Raven B and Anthony M noted after outperforming older vacuums. Hardwood floors were cleared efficiently with the brushroll shutoff, though some litter scattered if suction wasn’t adjusted, per user feedback. The lift-away pod was a standout for stairs and upholstery, with the Pet Power Brush excelling on furniture, as Samantha Pierce praised. At 13.7 lbs, it’s lightweight, but the front-heavy design can tip, per Raven B. The 30-foot cord covered most rooms, though some wished for a retractable option.
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Pros

• Powerful suction for pet hair and debris on carpets and hard floors.
• HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal reduce allergens, great for allergies.
• Lift-away pod enhances portability for stairs and furniture.
• Swivel steering and lightweight design (13.7 lbs) improve maneuverability.
• Large dust cup (0.87L) minimizes emptying during cleaning.
• 5-year warranty ensures long-term reliability.

Cons

• Dust cup emptying can be messy due to bottom-release latch, as Anthony M noted.
• Front-heavy design may tip over, per Raven B.
• No retractable cord, requiring manual wrapping, per Michelle Logan.
• Pet Power Brush not included in all models, as RB mentioned.
• Some plastic parts (e.g., cord holder) feel flimsy, per Karl Erich Martell.

Comparison with Similar Products

Compared to the Bissell 2998 MultiClean Allergen, the Shark NV356E is lighter (13.7 lbs vs. 15.5 lbs) and has a larger dust cup (0.87L vs. 0.75L) but lacks LED headlights. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra offers de-tangling technology and a pet grooming tool but is heavier (17.3 lbs) and has a smaller bin (0.45 gallons). The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is cheaper and lighter (10 lbs) but lacks HEPA filtration. The Shark excels for pet owners seeking affordability and portability.

Check out our curated comparison of the highest rated vacuum cleaners for pet hair.

User Feedback

With over 130,000 reviews, the Shark NV356E is lauded for its suction and value. Anthony M and Raven B highlight its ability to outperform pricier models like Dyson, pulling pet hair and dust from carpets. Liz praises its durability over three years, despite heavy use, while Samantha Pierce loves the pet tools for stairs. Some, like Karl Erich Martell, note messy emptying, and RB missed the pet brush in some models, but the low return rate reflects high satisfaction.
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Verdict

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E is a top choice among the top vacuums for pet hair, offering powerful suction, a lift-away pod, and HEPA filtration at an affordable price. Perfect for pet owners on a budget, it excels on carpets, hard floors, and upholstery, despite minor flaws like messy emptying and a non-retractable cord. Its versatility and performance make it a smart investment for a fur-free, allergen-reduced home.