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.