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Shark vacuums are known for their power, versatility, and range of features. If you’re stuck between the Shark Rocket and the Shark Navigator, this guide will help break down the differences to assist you in making an informed decision. Both models have their pros and cons, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses will allow you to pick the one that best suits your cleaning needs. Our Shark Rocket vs Shark Navigator review will help you see which is right for you.
| Feature | Shark Rocket | Shark Navigator |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Weight | 8 pounds | 15 pounds |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.10 gallons | 2.4 quarts |
| Suction Power | Good for light cleaning | Excellent for deep cleaning |
| Filtration | Basic | HEPA with Anti-Allergen Seal |
| Lift-Away Feature | No | Yes |
| Portability | Highly portable | Bulkier but has Lift-Away |
| Best For | Smaller spaces and quick cleanups | Larger homes and deep cleaning |
| Pet Hair Cleaning | Works well on hard floors | Excellent on carpets and upholstery |
| Price |  | |
Key Takeaways: Shark Rocket vs Shark Navigator
- Shark Rocket is a lightweight vacuum that works well for quick cleanups, tight spaces, and as a handheld option.
- Shark Navigator provides greater suction, a larger dust cup, and the Lift-Away feature, which makes it ideal for cleaning larger homes and hard-to-reach areas.
- The Navigator is bulkier but offers advanced filtration with HEPA filters, while the Rocket sacrifices some features for better portability and maneuverability.
Design and Portability
- Shark Rocket: The Shark Rocket is a lightweight, ultra-compact vacuum. Weighing around 8 pounds, it is easy to maneuver and store. Its slim design makes it a great option for smaller spaces, and it comes with a wall mount for easy storage. The Rocket also functions as a handheld vacuum, which adds to its versatility for cleaning furniture, stairs, and even cars.
- Shark Navigator: The Shark Navigator is bulkier, weighing in at around 15 pounds, but its Lift-Away feature allows users to remove the canister, making it easier to clean stairs and hard-to-reach areas. It’s designed more for whole-home cleaning and has more powerful suction. The bulkier design also allows for onboard tool storage, unlike the Rocket, which requires a separate accessory bag.
Cleaning Performance
- Shark Rocket: This vacuum works well on bare floors and low-pile carpets, but it struggles slightly with larger debris and high-pile carpets. The Rocket is particularly good at handling pet hair on hard floors, but its smaller dustbin means you may have to empty it more frequently.
- Shark Navigator: The Navigator shines when it comes to deep cleaning. It performs exceptionally well on carpets, particularly high-pile rugs, and has superior suction for picking up pet hair. It’s also better suited for larger messes, thanks to its larger dustbin capacity, which reduces the number of times you’ll need to stop and empty it during a cleaning session.
Dust Cups and Filtration
- Shark Rocket: The Rocket’s compact design comes with a trade-off: a smaller dust cup of around 0.10 gallons, meaning frequent emptying is required during cleaning. It has a basic filter that works well for general cleaning but does not offer advanced allergen control.
- Shark Navigator: With a dust cup capacity of 2.4 quarts, the Navigator holds significantly more debris, making it a better option for larger homes. It also features Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter, capturing up to 99.97% of dust and allergens, making it an ideal option for those with allergies or pets.
Weight and Maneuverability
Weight and maneuverability are essential factors when choosing between the Shark Rocket and the Shark Navigator, as they influence how easily each vacuum can be carried, stored, and used.
- Shark Rocket: The Shark Rocket is well known for its ultra-lightweight design, weighing in at just around 8 pounds. This makes it incredibly easy to carry up and down stairs, use for overhead cleaning, and maneuver around tight spaces. Its lightweight build, combined with swivel steering, allows the vacuum to glide effortlessly around furniture and into corners. However, it doesn’t stand on its own, so you’ll need to lean it against something or use the provided wall mount for storage.
- Shark Navigator: In contrast, the Shark Navigator weighs around 15 pounds, making it significantly heavier than the Rocket. However, it compensates for its bulk with the Lift-Away feature, which allows you to detach the canister and carry it for more portable cleaning. The Navigator is better suited for cleaning larger homes with open spaces, where the weight isn’t as much of an issue, but it may be harder to maneuver in tight spots or carry up stairs compared to the Rocket.
Noise Levels
Noise is another factor that can impact the user experience, especially in households with children or pets sensitive to loud sounds.
- Shark Rocket: The Rocket operates at an average noise level of about 75 decibels. This noise level is typical for most vacuum cleaners and can be considered moderate. It won’t disturb most household activities if used during the day, but it’s not the quietest option if you need to vacuum while others are sleeping.
- Shark Navigator: The Navigator produces a similar noise level, also averaging around 75 to 76 decibels. However, its larger motor can sometimes create a slightly louder experience when dealing with high-pile carpets or large debris. Both models fall within a tolerable range of noise but aren’t whisper-quiet.
Build Quality: Shark Navigator vs Shark Rocket
Build quality is an important consideration, as it impacts both the durability and longevity of the vacuum.
- Shark Rocket: The Rocket is constructed primarily from plastic, which makes it lightweight but also less sturdy than some other models. While it handles regular wear and tear well, it can feel less durable, especially if frequently dropped or knocked over. The small dustbin and narrower nozzle also mean it is more suited to smaller homes or quick cleanups rather than long, intensive cleaning sessions.
- Shark Navigator: The Navigator, on the other hand, has a more solid build. Its heavier weight can be attributed to its larger components, which include a more durable canister and a bulkier body. The overall construction feels more robust, and it is better equipped to handle more intensive cleaning tasks over time. Its larger dustbin and Lift-Away feature also contribute to a more durable, functional design.
| Feature | Shark Rocket | Shark Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| | |
| Weight | 8 pounds | 15 pounds |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.10 gallons | 2.4 quarts |
| Suction Power | Good for light cleaning | Excellent for deep cleaning |
| Filtration | Basic | HEPA with Anti-Allergen Seal |
| Lift-Away Feature | No | Yes |
| Portability | Highly portable | Bulkier but has Lift-Away |
| Best For | Smaller spaces and quick cleanups | Larger homes and deep cleaning |
| Pet Hair Cleaning | Works well on hard floors | Excellent on carpets and upholstery |
| Price | | |
Pros and Cons of Shark Rocket
Pros:
- Lightweight and highly portable
- Doubles as a handheld vacuum
- Excellent for smaller spaces and quick cleanups
- Wall mount for easy storage
Cons:
- Smaller dustbin requires frequent emptying
- Less powerful on high-pile carpets
- Lacks advanced filtration for allergens
Pros and Cons of Shark Navigator
Pros:
- Powerful suction for deep cleaning carpets and large debris
- HEPA filtration with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology
- Larger dustbin reduces emptying frequency
- Lift-Away canister for hard-to-reach areas
Cons:
- Bulkier and heavier than the Shark Rocket
- More expensive
- Less portable, especially in tight spaces
Major Differences Between Shark Rocket and Shark Navigator
- Suction Power: The Shark Navigator has stronger suction, especially when dealing with carpets and pet hair, whereas the Rocket is better suited for quick, everyday cleaning tasks.
- Dustbin Size: The Navigator’s dustbin is much larger, reducing the need for frequent emptying, making it ideal for larger homes.
- Filtration: The Navigator features HEPA filtration, making it more suitable for homes with allergies, while the Rocket has a basic filtration system.
- Portability: The Rocket is more compact and easier to carry around, while the Navigator’s Lift-Away feature compensates for its heavier weight.
Recent Developments in the Field
As of 2024, Shark continues to innovate with vacuum models that feature improved suction power and filtration technology. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away series remains popular due to its adaptability and advanced filtration, while the Rocket models focus on portability and ease of use. Shark has also released new models with better battery life for cordless versions, making cleaning even more convenient.
Top Experts and Entities in the Field
- Good Housekeeping frequently reviews Shark vacuums, praising the Navigator’s versatility and the Rocket’s lightweight design.
- Consumer Reports ranks the Shark Navigator highly for its HEPA filtration and strong suction power, particularly on carpets.
Check out these expert reviews:
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Authorship
This article was written by VacuumsPal, a trusted source in vacuum reviews. Find more in-depth reviews and comparisons at VacuumsPal.