Shark Rotator vs Navigator – Showdown of Price vs Performance
Shark Rotator vs Navigator Comparison Chart
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| Model | Shark Rotator | Shark Navigator |
| Power (watts) | 1200 | 1200 |
| Weight (pounds) | 15.5 | 14.0 |
| Canister Vac Weight (pounds) | 8.4 | 7.5 |
| Dimensions | 47.5″ x 14.1″ x 12.2″ | 45.2″ x 11.4″ x 12.4″ |
| Cleaning Path Width | 11.5″ | 9.5″ |
| Dirt Container Capacity (dry quarts) | 3.1 | 3.1 |
| Cord Length | 30′ | 30′ |
| Tools Included | 10 to choose from depending on model | 5 basic tools included |
| Bagless | Yes | Yes |
| Designed for No Loss of Suction | Yes | Yes |
| Detachable Canister Vac | Yes | Yes |
| Sealed HEPA Allergy System | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Hair Pickup | Yes | Yes |
| Edge Cleaning | Yes | No |
| Deep Clean Carpets | Yes | No |
| 3 in 1 (includes handheld) | Yes | No |
| Headlights | Yes | No |
As you can see, both of these powerful and popular vacuums have many similarities and a few important differences. First, the Shark Rotator is easier to steer vs the Navigator, but the latter is lighter in weight. In the Rotator, you’ll find some additional options the other doesn’t offer, such as edge cleaning (being able to get right up against the baseboards or cabinets so you don’t have to swipe with a hand vac or your finger – yuck), 3 in 1 feature comprised of an upright, portable and canister vacuum (great if you have to deal with vacuuming stairs or just want to get small jobs done) and headlights, which are a must if you’re going to be going over any dim areas in the house.
Both of these best selling models have a 30′ cord, a 9.5″ cleaning path width, are designed to never lose suction, have a sealed allergy system with a HEPA filter (great if you have kids you don’t want exposed to so many allergens or if you have pet hair in the house) and are good for pet hair pickup. As for size, they’re pretty close here as well, with the Navigator being just a touch shorter in the handle.
If it’s accessories and tools you’re after, the Rotator does offer more diversity in that area. You can choose from a dusting brush, large turbo brush, 18″ flexible crevice tool, 24″ flexible crevice tool, short crevice tool, multi angle dusting brush, appliance wand, wide upholstery tool, multi tool or home and car detail kit depending on the model you decide to pick. The Navigator, on the other hand, comes with a hard floor attachment with a duster pad, a pet power brush, an 8″ crevice tool, a 24″ crevice tool and a dusting brush. Tools are an important feature, and more is not necessarily better. Make sure whichever you pick has tools that will actually make your life easier and not just take up space in the storage closet.
As for price, they’re pretty close if you buy on sale, so our recommendation is to pay more attention to the features that you prefer. All in all, they are both good solid vacuums, and review after review say how much buyers like both vacuum models.
Shark Rotator
- Slightly more expensive
- High consumer rating
- Great steering
- Wide variety of tools
- Slightly larger dirt container
- About the same weight, slightly heavier canister
- Similar cord length
- Slightly wider cleaning path
- Some models are taller and a little larger
- Has better edge cleaning
- Better on carpets
- Has Headlights
- HEPA Filtration for allergies
Shark Navigator
- Lower price tag
- High review rating
- Includes five basic tools
- A little smaller and lighter
- Cleaning path width just a bit more narrow
- HEPA filters
Click here for the full Rotator review
Click here for the full Navigator review
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