When I first bought the Shark Navigator Swivel Pro, I was looking for something powerful but easy to handle. My old vacuum was bulky, loud, and barely picked up pet hair. The Shark Navigator seemed like a good middle ground, affordable, lightweight, and with plenty of positive reviews online. After a few months of using it, here’s my honest take on whether it’s really worth buying or not.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Shark Navigator Swivel Pro looked sturdy yet lightweight. Assembly took just a few minutes, mostly snapping the parts together. I liked that it wasn’t overly complicated or techy. The design is simple, with a clear dust cup so you can actually see how much dirt it’s picking up (which is both satisfying and gross).
The swivel steering was one of the main things that caught my attention, and it really does make a difference. It glides easily around furniture and corners without feeling heavy on the wrist. I could vacuum my entire living room without breaking a sweat.ht?.
Performance on Different Surfaces
I have both tile and carpeted floors, plus a pet that sheds endlessly, so I gave this vacuum a real challenge.
- On hard floors, it did an excellent job picking up crumbs, hair, and fine dust. It didn’t scatter dirt around like cheaper vacuums tend to do.
- On carpets, especially thicker ones, I had to go over the same spot twice sometimes, but it still managed to lift embedded pet hair I didn’t even know was there.
- For stairs, it’s a bit bulky, but using the hose attachment helped. It’s not as easy as a cordless stick vacuum, but it gets the job done.
The suction power is impressive for its price range. The HEPA filter system also traps dust and allergens effectively, I noticed less sneezing after cleaning, which is a win for my allergies.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Emptying the dust cup is simple, just detach and release the bottom latch. No bags, no mess. However, you do have to clean the filters regularly to keep the suction strong. The filters are washable, so there’s no need to buy replacements often, which I really appreciate.
The cord is long enough for medium-sized rooms, but it’s not cordless, so you’ll need to plug and unplug if you’re cleaning multiple rooms. That’s probably my biggest annoyance with it.
Price vs. Value
Considering its power, reliability, and ease of use, I’d say the Shark Navigator Swivel Pro gives excellent value for the money. It’s not as fancy as high-end Dyson models, but it performs just as well in day-to-day cleaning. For anyone with pets, kids, or allergies, it’s a solid buy.
What I Didn’t Love
- No automatic cord rewind (you have to wrap it manually)
- A bit loud when running at full power
- Not the most compact for small apartments
- The hose could be longer for reaching higher areas
What I Did Love
- Strong suction that actually lasts
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Washable filters
- Great on both carpets and hard floors
- Affordable price point
Conclusion
After months of regular use, I can confidently say the Shark Navigator Swivel Pro is worth buying. It’s not perfect, but it delivers exactly what most people need, strong suction, easy handling, and reliable cleaning without costing a fortune.
If you’re tired of vacuums that lose suction after a few uses or can’t handle pet hair, this one’s a dependable upgrade. It’s a practical choice that proves you don’t need a $500 vacuum to get a spotless home.
Check out the Frownies Patch I reviewed earlier.