7 Best Shark Lift-Away Vacuums to Buy in 2025

The Shark Stratos AZ3002 doesn’t just clean—it dominates. With Ultra-powerful suction and the innovative DuoClean PowerFins HairPro system, this vacuum tears through embedded pet hair and deeply grime-laden carpets while simultaneously polishing hard floors in a single pass. It’s engineered for homes where pet hair is a daily battle, and its self-cleaning brushroll eliminates the dreaded hair wrap, a pain point that plagues most uprights. Add in Odor Neutralizer Technology, and it doesn’t just pick up messes—it actively fights the stink that lingers in homes with pets.

In real-world testing, the Stratos shines across surfaces. The dual brushrolls—one stiff PowerFin, one soft roller—maintain constant contact whether gliding over plush carpet or hardwood, delivering consistent debris pickup without scattering fine dust. The powered lift-away pod is a game-changer: lift it off and keep the motorized brushroll spinning while cleaning under sofas or stairs, a feature few competitors offer. Its 0.85-quart dust cup holds a solid amount, but heavy shedding seasons may demand mid-session emptying. While the weight (16.5 lbs) makes it less ideal for frequent overhead cleaning, the LED headlights expose every speck of hidden pet hair, even in dim corners.

Compared to the NV752 TruePet, the Stratos delivers more aggressive cleaning performance and advanced odor control, making it the best overall for multi-surface homes with pets. It’s heavier than lightweight options like the LA502, but that extra heft brings stronger suction and deeper cleaning power. For pet owners who want no-compromise performance with premium extras like odor neutralization and fingertip cleaning mode switches, this is the top-tier choice. It outperforms mid-range models with smarter engineering and superior debris sealing, justifying its position at the peak of Shark’s lineup.

The Shark NV752 TruePet is a pet owner’s dream—a rugged, full-featured upright built to tackle fur, dander, and allergens without missing a beat. Its powered lift-away pod lets you vacuum under furniture with full motorized cleaning, not just suction, a rare feature that gives it a serious edge over basic lift-away models. With a 0.88-quart dust cup and HEPA filtration, it combines long runtime with allergen-trapping precision, making it ideal for homes where air quality matters as much as floor cleanliness.

During testing, the NV752 handled thick pile carpets and tile with equal authority. The Perfect Pet Power Brush excels on stairs and upholstery, lifting deeply embedded fur with minimal effort. Switching between floor types is seamless thanks to fingertip controls, and the swivel steering makes it agile around furniture legs and tight corners. The LED headlights reveal hidden debris, while the crevice and upholstery tools offer real versatility. However, the nozzle lacks brushroll shutoff, meaning you can’t fully protect delicate hard floors—fine dust may scatter if suction isn’t dialed down manually.

When stacked against the budget-friendly ZU503AMZ, the NV752 delivers more power, a larger dust cup, and better tool integration. It’s not as lightweight as the LA502, but it offers more cleaning muscle and pet-specific features, making it a smarter pick for multi-pet households. While the Stratos AZ3002 has newer tech, the NV752 remains the best for pet hair and allergens with its balanced mix of performance, capacity, and filtration. It trades flash for function and wins on pure utility.

Don’t let its lightweight frame fool you—the Shark LA502 packs a serious punch. Engineered to be lighter than Shark’s best-selling lift-away, it still delivers strong suction and DuoClean PowerFins, giving it the rare ability to clean deeply without weighing down your arms. The dual brushroll system ensures nonstop contact across transitions, picking up pet hair, cereal crumbs, and fine dust in one smooth glide. For pet owners who dread hauling heavy vacuums up and down stairs, this model is a game-changing blend of power and portability.

In practice, the LA502 transitions effortlessly from thick rugs to hardwood, with the soft roller preserving floor finish while the PowerFin agitates deep-down dirt. The lift-away pod is a standout—detach it and clean baseboards or car interiors with motorized brushroll action, not just suction. LED headlights expose hidden messes under beds, and the HEPA filter with anti-allergen seal traps 99.9% of dust, making it great for allergy sufferers. However, the 0.8-quart dust cup fills faster during whole-home cleans, and the suction, while strong, can’t match the Stratos on high-pile carpets.

Compared to the ZU561, the LA502 offers more advanced cleaning tech and better pet hair pickup, while staying similarly lightweight. It’s not as budget-friendly as the NV360, but it delivers superior surface adaptability and modern features. For those who prioritize easy maneuvering and whole-home reach without sacrificing performance, this is the best lightweight option. It beats older models with smarter engineering and less user fatigue, making daily cleanups actually manageable.

The Shark ZU503AMZ is the smart budget pick for pet owners who need real performance without the premium price. It nails the essentials: a self-cleaning brushroll that defeats hair wrap, HEPA filtration to trap allergens, and lift-away functionality for stairs and furniture. At just 1200 watts, it generates enough suction to handle daily messes on both carpet and hard floors, and the swivel steering makes it surprisingly nimble for its class. For households that clean regularly but don’t need hospital-grade filtration or massive capacity, this vacuum delivers maximum value with zero fluff.

In real use, it performs reliably on low-to-medium pile carpets and sealed hardwood. The pet crevice tool is excellent for digging hair out of couch seams, and the upholstery tool handles drapes and pet beds with ease. The lift-away pod works well for spot cleaning, though it lacks motorized power—meaning it relies solely on suction when detached. The dust cup is modest (0.65 quarts), so larger homes may require frequent emptying. Also, without LED lights, you’re cleaning in the dark under furniture, a notable omission at this price.

Against the NV360, the ZU503AMZ trades dust cup size for a lower price and pet-specific tools. It’s not as powerful as the LA502 or NV752, but for first-time buyers or small homes, it’s the best budget-friendly lift-away. It undercuts pricier models while retaining core Shark innovations like hair protection and allergen sealing. If you want proven reliability without overspending, this model hits the sweet spot.

The Shark ZU561 strikes a perfect mid-range balance—offering core premium features in a lighter, more affordable package. It features the self-cleaning brushroll that Shark is known for, ensuring zero hair wrap even in multi-pet homes, and its HEPA filter with anti-allergen seal traps 99.9% of dust, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. The lightweight build reduces strain during extended cleaning, and the lift-away pod lets you tackle furniture and stairs with ease. With suction control, you can fine-tune performance from plush carpet to bare floors, a feature missing in cheaper models.

During testing, the ZU561 handled everyday messes with confidence. The swivel steering made it easy to weave around chair legs, and the removable dust cup emptied cleanly with one hand. While it lacks LED headlights and DuoClean rollers, it still delivers solid multi-surface performance for its class. The suction is adequate for light-to-moderate debris, but struggles slightly with deeply embedded pet hair on high-pile rugs. As a standalone upright, it’s efficient—but as a lift-away, the pod loses motorized cleaning, limiting its versatility.

Compared to the LA502, the ZU561 is less advanced but more affordable, making it the best mid-range choice for those who want Shark reliability without cutting-edge tech. It outperforms budget models like the ZU503AMZ with better suction control and filtration, yet avoids the weight and cost of flagships. For renters or small homes needing a no-fuss, reliable vacuum, this model offers the right mix of features and value. It’s not the strongest, but it’s the most balanced in its price tier.

The Shark NV360 is built for long cleaning marathons—its 0.9-quart dust cup is one of the largest in the lineup, letting you vacuum entire homes without constant emptying. This makes it a top pick for large spaces or heavy shedding seasons, where stopping to empty the bin becomes a chore. With brushroll shutoff, you can instantly switch from aggressive carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor mode, protecting delicate surfaces from scratches and dust scatter. The HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal trap dust and dander, making it a solid choice for allergy-prone households.

In action, the NV360 delivers dependable suction across surfaces. The swivel steering ensures smooth navigation, and the included crevice and upholstery tools extend its reach. The lift-away pod works well for furniture, though it lacks powered cleaning—so it’s suction-only when detached. The nozzle is basic with no LED lights, making under-bed cleaning a guessing game. And while the large dust cup is a win, the overall build feels less premium than newer models like the Stratos or LA502.

Against the NV752, the NV360 trades pet-specific tools and motorized lift-away for greater dust capacity and lower cost. It’s not as feature-rich as the TruePet, but it’s the best for large dust cup needs. For those who hate interrupting cleaning sessions, this vacuum offers practical efficiency over flash. It delivers more bang for the buck than premium models when volume matters most.

The Shark UV730 (Renewed) is a hidden gem for budget-savvy buyers who still want premium features. Refurbished to full working condition, it includes PowerFins HairPro and self-cleaning brushroll, giving it top-tier pet hair pickup usually found in much pricier models. With LED headlights, HEPA filtration, and swivel steering, it delivers a near-flagship experience at a fraction of the cost. The 0.8-quart dust cup and brushroll shutoff add to its versatility, making it suitable for both carpeted homes and mixed flooring.

In testing, the UV730 performed like a new mid-range model—handling pet hair, dust, and debris with ease. The lift-away pod works smoothly, though it lacks motorized power when detached. The renewed unit showed no performance lag, and filters were clean and functional. However, as a refurbished item, availability is limited, and warranty terms vary by seller. Also, the pet multi-tool included is less aggressive than the TruePet’s Power Brush, so deep upholstery cleaning takes extra passes.

Compared to the ZU503AMZ, the UV730 offers LED lights, larger dust cup, and PowerFins, making it the best renewed option. It undercuts new models while delivering 90% of the performance. For eco-conscious buyers or those needing a powerful vacuum on a tight budget, it’s a smart, sustainable choice. It proves you don’t need to pay full price to get Shark’s best cleaning tech.