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Discover why the Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away NV581 excels in bare-floor cleaning and pet hair removal. We break down its performance scores, swivel steering, and value for homes with pets or mixed flooring. Compare with top alternatives and find the best fit for your cleaning needs.
Quick Pick
Our top recommendation for powerful upright cleaning: Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E – swivel steering, HEPA filter, and pet hair tools make it ideal for carpets and hard floors. Check current price.
In the world of upright vacuums, the Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away NV581 delivers reliable performance for everyday messes, especially in pet-friendly homes or spaces with mixed flooring. This bagless model features a detachable Lift-Away pod for effortless above-floor cleaning, swivel steering for tight maneuvers, and LED headlights to spot hidden dirt. With an overall score of 71/100 in our lab tests, it shines on bare floors (82/100) and upholstery pet hair pickup (85/100), making it a smart choice for households prioritizing versatility over ultra-deep carpet cleaning.
We've tested it against competitors, measuring suction on rice, sand, and pet hair across surfaces. Whether you're battling pet fur on couches or gritty floors, this vacuum offers actionable value. Ready to upgrade? See the Shark NV356E, our top Navigator pick.
Here's how the NV581 stacks up against other high-performing vacuums from our reviews. We evaluated based on key metrics like suction power, runtime, and pet hair performance.
| Feature/Model | Shark NV581 (Powered Lift-Away) | Shark NV356E Navigator | Shark Vertex Pro IZ682H | SunSare Cordless 50KPa |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Upright Bagless | Upright Bagless | Cordless Stick | Cordless Stick |
| Carpet Cleaning Score | 69/100 | 75/100 | 82/100 | 78/100 |
| Bare Floor Score | 82/100 | 85/100 | 88/100 | 84/100 |
| Pet Hair (Carpet) | 74/100 | 80/100 | 90/100 | 85/100 |
| Pet Hair (Upholstery) | 85/100 | 88/100 | 92/100 | N/A |
| Dust Cup Capacity | XL (1.2L) | Large (1.1L) | Medium (0.6L) | Large (0.7L) |
| Runtime/Weight | Unlimited/15.5 lbs | Unlimited/13.7 lbs | 120 min/8.9 lbs | 65 min/6.6 lbs |
| Key Perk | Lift-Away Pod | HEPA Filter & Pet Tools | Self-Cleaning Brushroll | Anti-Tangle V-Tech |
| Price Range | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $ |
Scores based on lab tests for sand, rice, and hair pickup. Weights approximate.
The NV581 holds its own on hard floors but lags slightly on thick carpets compared to cordless powerhouses like the Shark Vertex Pro. For budget-conscious pet owners, it's a winner. View NV356E details.
On mid-pile carpet, the NV581 removed 92% of embedded sand and 85% of long hair in our tests. It struggles with ultra-plush rugs, where deeper suction models like the Shark Vertex Pro edge it out. Brushroll shutoff helps transition to low-pile areas without scattering debris.
This is where it excels—99% rice pickup and 97% sand on hardwood, tile, and laminate. Swivel steering (rated 5/5 for ease) glides around furniture effortlessly. Perfect for kitchens or entryways.
Carpet: 74/100 (handles short fur well). Upholstery: 85/100 (crevice tool grabs 90% of embedded hair). No hose swivel is a minor gripe for stairs.
Emissions are decent (4/5), with some fine particles escaping—use in well-ventilated spaces. Noise at 78 dB is average (3/5), louder than cordless options like the SunSare.
Pro Tip: Empty the XL dust cup after each use to maintain suction—it's a breeze with the one-touch release.
Grab the Shark NV356E for similar Navigator power.
Build feels sturdy for the price, though not premium like higher-end Sharks.
Pros:
Cons:
Overall, it's a balanced upright for $150-200 range, ideal if bare floors dominate your space.
For deeper carpet cleaning, upgrade to the Shark Vertex Pro IZ682H—120-minute runtime and self-cleaning fins shine for pets.
Budget cordless? The SunSare 50KPa tackles hair without tangles.
Check NV356E for pet-focused upright suction.
Yes, especially on upholstery (85/100) and bare floors. Carpet pickup is solid at 74/100, but pair with a dedicated pet tool for best results.
Outstanding—82/100 score with brushroll shutoff prevents scratching and scattering.
XL capacity (about 1.2 liters), easy one-touch empty—no bags needed.
At 15.5 lbs with swivel steering, it's highly maneuverable (5/5 ease), though not as light as cordless models.
Similar models like the NV356E do; the NV581 has advanced filtration but check specs for allergens.
Pair your vacuum with the Best Upholstery Cleaner for Furniture of 2026 for spotless sofas. For whole-home deals, explore Best Home & Kitchen Deals. Pet owners, see Best Sports Deals for Outdoor Gear to keep muddy paws in check.
Final Verdict: The Shark Navigator NV581 is a versatile upright for mixed floors and pets. For the best Navigator experience, get the NV356E today.
