Shark - Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ

If you have pets, that shark lift away WITH the auto detangler is an absolute blessing! I’ve been cleaning professionally for 2 years now. Shark is the affordable version of Dyson. EDIT: Here’s a link to the model I have! It’s advertised for having a “self-cleaning brush roll.” Here’s a link to it! Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away with Self-Cleaning Brushroll, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Pet Crevice Tool, Perfect for Pets & Multi-Surface, Teal, ZU503AMZ https://a.co/d/70VY48q

I went ahead and edited my previous comment to have the model I have! I’m not sure if they’re all called “Shark Navigator Lift-Away” when talking about the lift-away models, BUT this one does self clean the brush roll. Shark would explain it better, but for all I care, it truly does self clean the brush roll! I’ve cleaned the filter and vacuum several times already, but not once had to sit there with scissors and mess with the brush roll. For context, I have very long hair and thanks to antidepressants, shed like crazy and also live with 4 black cats! So whenever it’s time to replace your shark, look for this! You won’t regret it!!

Have used Dyson in the past, I thought it was fine. Then we got a really fluffy cat and I realised two days after her arrival that we needed a muuuuuuch better vacuum. Bought a Shark Navigator Pet Vacuum - it’s been awesome and totally worth the money. I don’t think they’re sold at Briscoe - we got ours on sale at PB Tech.

tl;dr - I've had the [Shark Navigator Lift Away ](https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/shark-navigator-lift-away-vacuum-review/)for like 5 or 6 years and it's a workhorse. Just remember to replace the filters once in a while. I try to once a year or so.

I 100 percent agree with you, except for changing the filters monthly. We have to vacuum almost every day because we have dogs and live in a dusty/muddy environment. The vacuum is great.

I had the purple Navigator Lift Away and I loved it, until my kid borrowed and subsequently ruined in. Now I have an orangeish brown one that works just as well, but it's not the cute purple color 🙁. It was more expensive but the store didn't have the original one and I needed a vacuum.

I bought a Shark Upright Liftaway in 2023 for my upstairs (I have a large house) and I liked it so much that when my main-level vac died I got a Shark "Powerdetect", description includes "with Powerful Suction for Pet Hair Pickup". These vacuum cleaners have the strongest suction I've ever seen and the ability to lift off the canister and just use that is really useful.

I’ve had a white shark navigator “lift away” for what has to be a decade now and I’ve beat the living hell out of it. Never had anything break on it until the motor went out when I subjected it to cleaning up a nor’easter of drywall dust. Dead simple DIY fix with an eBay motor and it’s stronger than ever. Anyone that thinks this vacuum is bad sucks even more. That said we did pick up a newer one as a new primary and I much prefer the old.

I ended up having a friend who was getting rid of his old vacuum, so I ended up just using that one since it's free. That one's just the shark navigator lift vacuum I believe? However it works decently well. If I were to get a vacuum I'd probably get a more expensive one as mentioned on the comments of this post because to be fair I do like the feeling of cleaning out \*everything\* from the carpets. It does somewhat weigh on me that I'm probably not getting everything out with this current vacuum especially with all the dog hair, but you can't beat the sweet sweet price of $0 so.

I’m a professional cleaner. Sharks all the way. I love my shark rocket stick vacuum. I love my shark navigator for carpet. Had a shark handheld that I used daily for years. You could easily get two of these for less than the price of a Dyson. Dysons are mid. THAT BEING SAID, I ADORE my Hoover porta-vac. Its suction is insane for hard floors. Has a bunch of useful attachments. Super long cord. Can’t get enough of that thing and it’s $125 on Amazon.

Yep! I know a lot of professional house cleaners who use that model and love it. I think Dysons are completely overrated.

I have 8 cats. I use a Shark Navigator. It vacuums up hair like crazy. Mine is 10+ years old, and vacuums just as well as it did the first time I used it. Also, Consumer Report rates high.

I have two Maine coon cats (the large, hairy ones). I also have asthma. I love my Shark Navigator vacuum

I have a Shark navigator that is the best non-canister vacuum I've ever had. It's lasted a long time for a budget vacuum.

I own two different shark navigator models - one for upstairs and one for downstairs. I also own a Great Pyrenees and a short haired cat - we have to vacuum at least twice a week to keep up with the unbelievable amount of shedding; filling the canister each time. One model is 5 years old, the other is now 9 years old. They have had zero issues besides a small tear in one of the vacuum hoses which I fixed with some adhesive. Their suction is still nearly as strong as the day I pulled them out of the box. Additionally, parts are widely available and cheap with even third party support for filters. The navigator line (even the cheapest $100 model available at Walmart) is not garbage and do not deserve to be labeled as such.  Having said that: I have owned one Shark's cordless vacs and it was a hot piece of trash. 

my shark navigator is the best vacuum i have ever invested in for my golden that sheds a metric ton of fur every week. highly recommend :)

I’m very happy with my Shark Navigator

I’ve had a Dyson v8 for 5 years and it still works great which seems impressive for a stick vacuum. I also have a near decade old shark navigator that still works like the day I bought it. Now if I could just find a robot vacuum that lasts better than the POS roomba I have.

Shark is great. I have an 8 year old Navigator that still does a great job, and a newer one gifted to me by a friend. Love them!

The Navigator works fine. The one you have pictured- I have two. I actually look for these on curbs and fix them up and resell them all the time. They are really easy to service and fix. Surprised to read all of the hate on this subreddit but that's been my experience. Never had one fail and I've sold dozens pretty easily. Lately I think I more prefer the one with the brush roll that doesn't collect as much hair but the regular Navigator is good.

I do this all the time on bulk trash days. I haven't seen any recently but people would pile old Shark Navigators up for trash on the curbs. Took them apart, emptied, unblocked hoses and they all work great. I sold them for over $50 apiece... I still do this but Goodwill charges at least $20 for them and I still have to service them. I've literally sold dozens.

We have 2 cats (used to have 3) and have used shark for years. We've had many sharks over the years. Specifically the lift away, power lift away, navigator I think it's called and then a rocket. Rocket died in like 3 years but the lift away lasted almost a decade. the power lift away can't remember but I think it lasted a few years. Navigator I can't remember lmfao. Currently we have a dirt devil "endura reach" I think it's called and a Kirby avalir. Both are pretty good. Endura reach has a pretty short cord tho. But most sharks or some have anti hair wrap technology on their brush rolls. That's already worth every penny if you've got cats. So I'd look at a shark if you've got pets. Hope this helps.

We have 2 cats (used to have 3) and have used shark for years. We've had many sharks over the years. Specifically the lift away, power lift away, navigator I think it's called and then a rocket. Rocket died in like 3 years but the lift away lasted almost a decade. the power lift away can't remember but I think it lasted a few years. Navigator I can't remember lmfao. Currently we have a dirt devil "endura reach" I think it's called and a Kirby avalir. Both are pretty good. Endura reach has a pretty short cord tho. But most sharks or some have anti hair wrap technology on their brush rolls. That's already worth every penny if you've got cats. So I'd look at a shark if you've got pets. Hope this helps.

I LOVE my Shark Navigator. I had my parents old one that was probably purchased in 2009 and only got a new one last year as a wedding gift. The old one was still kicking and I sold it for like $50 on Facebook marketplace. For the price point you can’t beat it

We tried a 2 different Sharks, one a navigator and some other one I don't recall, a Hoover wind tunnel. The Hoover had a height adjustment which make it work better than the others, but still not good. One of the Sharks had a suction control but that didn't seem to help much.

Love my shark navigator. It's not BIFL - mine died after 7 years - but I vacuum free roaming bunnies. It got clogged probably 60 times (imagine not picking up hay, bunny poops, and litter, before you vacuum 🙃), which was user error, but it still managed to live a long life. Got another one no questions asked. I'm sure it would have lived another year or couple of years had I actually treated it a lil better. $20-$30 a year for a heavily used appliance seems okay to me.

According to the vacuum store guy on tiktok, Shark Navigators are the only vacuum available at big box stores worth buying. I can attest to them as I've owned two, and the first one I got second-hand. The only reason I had to get a new Shark was because my springer chewed on the cord one day when he was 2 years old. I have 2 long-haired cats, a springer spaniel, and a golden retriever. I also recommend a carpet shampooer if you have carpet in your home. They're also great for shampooing couches. We cover ours with blankets to prevent them from getting dirty, but they still benefit from shampooing.

Nope. I am on my third Shark (all different models) within 5 years. It’s horrible, I have the Apex, which was replaced 3 times by Shark due to the motor burning out. I then bought the 3m model Navigator, which lasted a year before it stopped working completely, and finally tried out the old faithful, base Navigator, didn’t even make it 6 months. My first Shark Navigator lasted 9 years and I actually gave it to a friend when I “upgraded” to the Apex and I regret it. Currently searching for a reliable brand or I’ll just go to a Bissell and replace when needed for way less money.

I had the shark navigator. Bought it refurbished from a seller on Ebay that sells specifically refurbished vacuums. Worked super well until my dumbass was holding it in a stupid way and dropped it from several feet up. Even so, it's repairable, just one of those project we haven't quite got to. Very much reccommend.

My Dyson sucked at sucking. Moved to a shark navigator and am much happier.

I’ve had the Shark Lift Away (line #5) for probably 8-10 years now and it’s been great. Handles long hair and pet hair reasonably well and is very mobile. My only complaint is that you can’t attach the beater head to the wand portion, which limits how far you can reach under furniture. But other than that, it’s a great vacuum, especially for the price!

Mine has been fine for 3.5 years with a dog and fiancé. I clean the filters regularly and wipe the insides down once in a while.

Whatever you do, DO NOT buy the Shark Lift Away models. They are absolutely terrible in longevity, being built with cheap plastic parts at the bottom hinges, which will break in a few years. It is very poorly designed in that section. Suction is great. Longevity is awful.

There is so much weight on the bottom hinge that it eventually gives way. Suction performance is great. Don't expect longevity. I bought mine in 2017. It was broken by 2023. My hoover (bagged) lasted from 99 till 2017 when I gave it away but its suction performance was nowhere near that of the Shark. I just wish Shark made more durable products.

Our lift away is 10 years old and still going strong! I'm looking for an upgrade now because we can afford something that cleans a bit better but it's done very well for a vacuum under $200.

Can you get some plastic carpet protectors? Those are a godsend in my piggy room.  I'll also sweep the carpet that is exposed real quick before vacuuming just to get the long cloggy hay fibers mostly out of there, which cuts down on clogs drastically. I use a shark liftaway vacuum, I actually really like it 😅

Have had my shark lift away for 7 years now and LOVE it. Having the light on the bottom really helps on hard wood & laminate floors. I've gone back to using it over a cordless Dyson I was gifted.

I had my first shark lift away for around 9 yrs. It survived a triple coated dog through many blowout seasons. When I accidentally broke the canister shark sent me a new one free of charge even though it was out of warranty. I will.always buy shark brand vacuums

I like my Shark Lift away. It was both a Wirecutter and consumer reports top pick. My house cleaner likes it better than others she uses at other houses. I got mine at Target but Amazon has them now as well.

I have an old Shark Lift Away that we bought eight years ago when we got our first Sam. It definitely does the job and it’s great although the rollers are a little hard to clean (the dogs’ hairs don’t get stuck in the rollers, mine do 💀). There are definitely better vacuums on the market for people with larger houses but I live in a fairly small house with laminate floors, and an apartment with laminate floors prior to that, so I don’t really need much. For traction I basically have covered the dogs’ travel paths and play areas with area or runner rugs and the vacuum does a good job on those.

The shark lift away is truly BIFL. Every part that could get clogged is removable and makes fixing incredibly easy.

I've had an old hoover and a new hoover....still like my shark lift away way better 🤷‍♀️

I’ve had a Shark liftaway for 15 years and it still works great. It’s possible their quality has deteriorated over time, but I have no complaints.

A Shark lift away model. Will do carpet and hard floors, and get under things like the bed.

I’ve had a corded shark lift away for 10+ years and it’s still going strong. Seems like a much better value. Only thing I’ve had to fix/replace was the hose.

No. I got one from Costco (Liftaway). I used it fairly gently for maybe a year or so then it bricked itself. I checked the contacts, power to the head, etc. (I'm an engineer). It's just dead. Seems like poorly built garbage. I'll never buy another.

Some version of the Shark Lift-Away is typically offered on BF by Walmart for about $99, probably closer to $120 or more now with inflation.  If they are showing out of stock at your local Walmarts, what you want to do is change your zipcode to more rural areas close by you in the app or online. Apparently they have a set number of the BF-priced model at each store. My last shark I had to drive 20 minutes out of the city for, but it was totally worth it to save $70. Also check Target and Costco or Sam's if you have memberships there. I know for a fact I've seen Costco advertising them, too. Oh yeah, to answer your question - from my experience, with vacuums they don't tend to mark them down any further, the danger here is them selling out.

I am having the same issue. I bought a shark lift away which I loved for 2 months then the latch broke so front brush roll won't stay in. Since then I've bought 3 other vacuums and none of them pich up dust or dog hair. I need an affordable vacuum that will work on hard floors that will suck up pet hair and dust. In the past I had a Tineco vacuum mop and I agree with the comment on the smell and mine didn't pick up anything very well. I have long haired dogs and I need something that works. Plus I'm on a fixed income so I can't pay $700 for a vacuum. I'm at a loss

Agreed. We’ve had our shark lift away for just over 3 years and I’ve been very happy with it. No noticeable change in performance, great suction, and easy maintenance.

Any of the Shark lift away vacuums 💯

My shark lift away is still kickin after 4 years but it’s happened 3 times where it just stops working and I had to open up the screws and remove some random clog, my buddies Dyson never had that issue although his battery is trash compared to mine

This is so funny, I’ve had the shark lift away for 6 years and liked it. I didn’t realize that was apparently the consensus for it! Ive thought about upgrading since I used it to vacuum some hot cinders from a grill (not an intelligent choice) and now it always smells like fire… maybe I just replace it after seeing this chart

Which Shark do you have? I just bought the Lift Away (corded) at Costco and it seems solid in the few times we've used it.

Which Shark did you get? I just got the Lift Away and it seems fine, especially for the price ($150 at Costco).

I’m in sort of of the same boat. My wife trains service dogs and we have 5 dogs (and 3 kids) in the house. Also, because 5 dogs, my back yard is a mud farm and everything is coated in a layer of dirt. We have a tinneco pure 1 (it’s a stick vacuum with a base compartment). We vacuum the main part of the house where the dogs are (living room, laundry, entry, kitchen dining room). The living room really is the place we vacuum, 3-4 times a day but everything listed gets hit at least once a day (maybe twice in rainy days). We decided that making vacuuming convenient was more important than doing it super well (cause let’s face it, it’s gonna be dirty again in 5 minutes) and reliability took a back seat to convenience. So for us convenience > reliability > performance. We didn’t think ANY vacuum would make our floors 100% clean, so we didn’t try. Just get them 80% and but clean often. Then we mop probably every day or every other day…..(why do we have this many dogs again?) THEN we keep a corded shark in the basement where we keep their kennels. The shark is 5 years old and it sucks up everything but it’s heavy, so it stays in the basement) we also use this one to vacuum their kennels. We found that doing some work on our yard and cleaning the dogs as they come in, helped a ton. We still haven’t found a great solution yet. I rambled a lot. If you have any questions or suggestions for us. Let me know.

Shark Cordless (don’t remember model number but was great on hardwood, horrible on the rugs). We also tried variety if stains (cordless and corded) from friends and they all failed. Currently we’ve gone back to a 10+ year old corded shark that performs ok, not great. But very heavy and cumbersome. Main floor for house is 50/50 hardwoods and rugs. Rugs are thin bc they are all washable (pets). Upstairs is wall to wall carpet but gated off to keep pets downstairs. Budget…honestly anything at this point. I guess I’d like to keep it under $700 but at this point I really don’t even care. We haven’t tried any canisters, open to that is they aren’t too cumbersome, I have RA, so easy to maneuver is pretty important.

I LOVE the Shark corded vacuum. Easiest to clean, switch out parts, consistent suction, power not limited by battery. Win-win!

Get a Shark. So much better than a Dyson as a fraction of the cost and their attachments use synthetic bristles. We had a top of the range cordless Dyson and we’ve had multiple corded Dysons and they’ve all been terrible. This corded Shark one I’ve got now is amazing, most powerful vac I’ve ever used. In general I’d avoid cordless vacs unless you live in a tiny place, otherwise it won’t even clean your full house before it needs charging.