Shark Rotator VS. Shark Navigator

Every little difference between the two is a step closer to find the one for you. Though both offer quality performance, the difference in features and certain specifications will help you pick one.

Because they come from the same brand, you have to expect some similarities, too. Both models come with HEPA filters as well as some basic set of tools, such as the crevice tool, while also featuring a 30ft power cord. Shark Rotator and Navigator also work on both hard floor as well as carpets. They come with a five-year warranty by Shark though customer service takes its time to respond.

The differences are straightforward and make it easy to tell these two apart. While Shark Navigator is slightly easier to maneuver with, the Rotator offers some illumination when in use. Other than that, they offer much of the same thing but of different quality. Another thing worth mentioning is that the Shark Navigator is slightly more affordable than the Rotator.

Design

These are pretty similar when you first look at them. Both models are upright vacuums with a wide cleaning head, a dustbin, cord wrap, and some accessories such as the crevice tool. They are designed in a way that allows you to use them as handheld vacuums, too.

The difference is in weight as the Shark Navigator weighs approximately 13.7 pounds or 8 pounds when used as a handheld vac. The Rotator is heavier weighting 15.5 pounds. When used as a handheld, the Rotator weighs no more than 8.4 pounds.

Shark Rotator is designed with a few features that the Navigator lacks such as LED headlights, brush roll indicator light, and a few other advanced accessories.

Performance

Both perform with a brush roll for carpets and another cleaning head for hard floor. Their brush rolls pick up dirt from high pile carpets allowing the strong suction to force it into the bin.

The exact difference depends on the precise model you choose. Some use different cleaning heads for different types of floors. Still, most Navigator models come with a microfiber cleaning head wrap that helps catch tiniest pieces of dust and debris.

Still, both have the powerful suction that delivers impressive and quality performance on both carpets and hard floor.

Usability

Both are relatively easy to use. They feature powerful suction which reduces the amount of time you’d use either. You also don’t have to go back and forth as many times as with other models on the market.

They aren’t unusually heavy and are easy to maneuver with. All their features are useful and allow for easy maneuverability and quality cleaning.

The Rotator comes with LED lights that help illuminate the way for you. This handy feature helps in cleaning even the smallest dust particles that hide in dark corners.

Portability

The Navigator measures 45x12x15 inches with a 9.5 inches wide cleaning path. The Rotator measures 45.7x12x12 inches with the same size cleaning path. As you can see, they are somewhat the same size, and unlike those big, bulky vacuums, these are easy to carry around.

Their overall size and weight allow easy portability throughout your home. Even if you have stairs, you won’t have any problem carrying these up or down. Plus, you can always transform them into handheld vacuums.

Both come with a 30’ power cord that adds to the overall portability since you won’t have to keep unplugging and plugging your vacuum.

Attachments and accessories

Most models come with the same attachment set and cleaning accessories that are quite basic. It usually consists of a crevice tool, dusting brush, traditional brush roll, hard surface tool, and a pet power brush.

Still, you can get more or less which mostly depends on the actual model you choose. Though most will have the necessary attachment set, including handy tools such as the crevice tool, make sure to check all the additional pieces that your unit comes with.

Some Navigator models come with dust away genie cleaning head, while Rotator usually doesn’t include this. However, Navigator is always missing the upholstery tool you can find with Rotator models.

Steering

Because steering is a crucial part of maneuverability, Shark included swivel steering with both these series. Each model of each series has swivel steering for smooth and effortless maneuverability, portability, and effortless cleaning.

It’s easy to use them around and underneath furniture as well as on stairs.

HEPA filters

HEPA filtration system is by far the best to battle tiny dust particles, debris, pet hair, and different allergens. Combine it with the powerful suction and the pet power brush for pet hair removal that these two offer, and you’ll have cleaner floors and much cleaner air around you.

Both Rotator and Navigator have this kind of filtration so all the dust they suck in will remain in the vacuum instead of going back into the air.

Which one is best for me?