Shark have a complete range of corded, cordless, upright and handheld vacuum cleaners.

So which is the best Shark for you?

Good question…I aim to help you find out in this independent review.

2018 Update: Please note that Shark have now released two new models to the Shark upright vacuum cleaner range. Namely the AX910 and AX950. I have reviewed both of these new Shark upright vacuum cleaners.

Note: I’ve also reviewed the shark cordless range, rocket stick range and steam mops. This review covers the corded lift-away range. Also known as “The Navigator”…

The secrets revealed…

Below you will discover the difference between the UK and UKT models, a complete comparison of all models and the vacuum battle-off between Shark vs Dyson vs GTech.

Oh, and what the “NV” at the start of each model number means…

But first, a key features summary of what you get from the Shark range:

Let’s Compare the Shark Vacuums

There are 6 options available to purchase currently, but this is actually only 3 unique models. Each model has a UK and UKT version.

Pro Tip: The only difference between the UK vs UKT model is the UKT model has the TruePet motorised pet tool attachment included.

Here is a list of them, followed by an in-depth comparison between them all side-by-side.

• NV601UK
• NV601UKT
• NV680UK
• NV680UKT
• NV800UK
• NV800UKT

Learn more at Shark

Learn more on Amazon

2018 Update: Please note that the table includes the new AX models, which I have reviewed separately here.

Note: The 601 model is the oldest and the 800 the newest. I wouldn’t be surprised if they stop selling the 601 soon.

Expert Tip: Consider only the 680 or 800 models. I only include the 601 version in this review for completeness.

UK vs UKT Version

The “T” at the end of each model just means that it includes the TruePet attachment. Ideal for anyone with a dog, cat or hair losing partner in the house…

The tool is a small motorised attachment brush which helps collect pet hair from your carpets and sofas.

It’s also good for any stuck in fluff like that you get on the bedroom carpet from your socks.

It has been said by some customers that hair can get stuck in the brush head on the duo-clean version. This is a great way to avoid that happening.

Shark 680 vs 800

There are only two major differences between these most recent Shark upright vacuum models:

1. The 680 is older
2. The 680 does not have duo-clean technology

I discuss what duo-clean is in more detail a little further down the page

If you want a nice comparison chart there is one here on Amazon (scroll down to the large description area).

Alternative Vacuums

This post is about the corded upright lift-away range of vacuums from Shark. There is also a cordless range, which I reviewed previously, and a corded rocket stick range.

Shark vs Dyson vs GTech

You’ve probably heard of Dyson and maybe of GTech before?

All three of these giants are competing for your business in the vacuum department.

• GTech specialise only in cordless electric options. They have a minimal looking, sleek design.
• Dyson look more space-age, child’s toy yet have very innovative design.
• Shark are somewhere in between with innovative ideas yet less space age than a Dyson, but not as sleek as a GTech.

In terms of what you could get. I’d recommend checking out the GTech Power Floor which is 2 machines in 1; a handheld and an upright.

Or the GTech AirRam K9 Mk2 which is again a cordless electric vacuum and designed for stubborn dirt from pets.

I haven’t reviewed any of the Dyson models so I can’t comment there, but to be honest it’s a case of looking at the features and deciding which vacuum you think is most suitable for your situation.

Learn more at Shark

Learn more on Amazon

Which Vacuum Should you Choose?

There are some great articles out there to help you make the right choice, such as on The Telegraph and Which.

However, here are the 3 key questions you should ask yourself before making any decision:

1. Do I have pets and need a powerful pet hair removal brush?
2. How long will I be using the machine at a time?
3. Do I need it to be portable and taken outside of the home?

If 1 is your priority…

• Opt for a Shark vacuum with TruePet
• If it needs to be portable go for their cordless range
• If you need longer than 40 mins run time, go corded
• If 20-40 mins is enough you could go cordless
• If you want portability, go cordless

Expert Pick: The Shark NV800UKT. It’s powerful, new, has a specific pet hair removal tool and is very versatile and easy to use around the home.

If 2 is your priority…

• GTech vacuums only last 20 mins
• Shark cordless last between 20-40 mins
• If you need a longer run time, opt for a corded Shark machine
• Then decide if you want the pet hair removal tool (Shark “T” versions only)
• And how portable you need it to be, cordless = very portable

Expert Pick Low Use: For small homes and low duration use, I’d recommend the GTech AirRam Mk 2. It’s sleek, lightweight design make it ideal to move around and store easily.

Expert Pick High Use: For longer duration use opt for the Shark NV800UK. This doesn’t have the pet tool attachment but includes everything else you need. It’s corded and upright making it better for your posture over extended periods.

If 3 is your priority…

• All GTech vacuums are cordless, so they’re easily portable
• Shark have both corded and cordless hoovers
• The Shark machine also comes with an array of attachments

Expert Pick Portable: I’d select the Shark IF250UK (or UKT if you have a pet) because it’s lightweight, easy to use and comes with an array of attachments for all kinds of job.

Expert Pick Corded: I’d go for the Shark HV380UK (or UKT if you have a pet) because it is powerful, yet still quite portable and has a hand-held vacuum included so it’s very portable.

Learn more at Shark

Learn more on Amazon

Here’s a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of the Shark upright vacuum cleaner range.

If you’d like to see what’s in the box and how it looks here is the Shark HV800UKT in action:

Here’s my take on some of the features in more detail.

Duo Clean Technology

The earlier models didn’t have this technology on them, so they were like most other vacuums which have a single brush bar in the main head unit.

Duo just means it has two brushes in the head unit.

The front one is smaller and kind of polishes hard floor areas and also disrupts bits from the carpet to make it easier to collect.

Smart idea. It does work well, just watch out for hair which might clog it up a bit. If you check the vacuum regularly it shouldn’t be a problem.

Which Model? The NV800UK and NV800UKT only

Powered Lift-Away Technology

This is a really innovative idea. The main unit detaches from the stick and head so that you can move the head around under the sofa and into those hard to reach places.

That’s the lift-away part. The powered part is that the brush heads on the main unit still continue to spin, which is even better so you get the ease of use without any loss in usability.

I have to say that I really like this aspect of the vacuum. You can get up to high areas without a problem, too.

Well played Shark, well played indeed.

Which Model? NV680UK, NV680UKT, NV800UK, NV800UKT

Complete Seal Technology

The pitch with this is that 99.9% of the dust and allergens which have been sucked up by the vacuum will remain inside of the unit.

Some vacuums can get leaky seals meaning that over time some dust may start to escape from the cylinder where the dirt is collected.

Shark claim that their machine won’t do that for 99.9% of the rubbish you collect.

Good to know. If it works that’s a nice added feature, especially if you get sneezy from dust. I personally suffer from hayfever so get similar symptoms from pet hair and dust.

Which Model? All models in the “NV” range. Basically, all of the corded upright vacuums.

TruePet Attachment

If you have a pet like a cat or dog you’ll know how much hair they shed around the house.

Finding hair on the cushions, sofa and bedding can be quite annoying.

The motorised TruePet tool was designed specifically for that.

Pro Tip: If you’re in the US you can find out more about the TruePet tool in this review.

It’s really good at picking up the hair to be fair and a great add on if you have a pet.

Watch out if you decide to get a cordless machine as the head is motorised so uses additional power.

Which Model? Only the “T” versions – NV601UKT, NV680UKT and NV800UKT

Learn more at Shark
Learn more on Amazon

The Shark Navigator

If you look at the models they all have the letters “NV” at the start of their name. This stands for Navigator.

The Shark Navigator is the name that this vacuum goes by on the US market. That’s a bit of trivia for you…

Don’t just take my word for it…

There are plenty of favourable customer reviews on the Shark website and Amazon which you can read. Here is one of them:

If you’re looking for a machine which is for a weaker or elderly person I’d recommend checking out some of the lighter models. This one is a little on the heavier side.

Those lighter ones being the GTech Power Floor and the Shark Cordless.

The Bottom Line

Shark make excellent vacuums. Any of them from the upright range will work well for years to come. The choice you have to make is based on your specific requirements and budget.

If you’d like to buy the Shark lift-away vacuum for the best price online, you have two options.

1. Go direct with Shark here which I would recommend based on their customer service
2. Get it from Amazon which is another very trustworthy option

Pro Tip: After purchasing make sure to register your Shark vacuum to get the extended 5 year warranty.