6 Best Shark Lift-Away Vacuums of 2025

The Shark Stratos AZ3002 isn’t just another upright—it’s a suction powerhouse engineered for homes that demand deep cleaning without compromise. With DuoClean PowerFins HairPro, this vacuum combines a soft roller and PowerFin brushroll to simultaneously lift debris from carpets and sweep hard floors, delivering a level of multi-surface performance few competitors match. Add ultra-powerful suction and Odor Neutralizer Technology, and you’ve got a machine that doesn’t just clean—it transforms the air quality in your home. For pet owners and allergy sufferers, the HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making every pass a breath of fresh air.

In real-world testing, the 1200-watt motor delivers consistent, no-fail suction across plush carpets, area rugs, and hardwoods. The powered lift-away pod is a game-changer—it lets you motorized-clean under sofas and beds without lugging the whole unit, while LED headlights expose pet hair and dust bunnies hiding in dark corners. The 0.8-quart dust cup holds up to medium-sized homes without frequent emptying, and the easy-eject system keeps your hands clean. That said, it’s on the heavier side at 17.6 lbs, and the cord rewind requires manual effort—small trade-offs for its performance.

Compared to the Shark NV752, the Stratos offers stronger suction and odor control, but loses the fingertip mode switch for surfaces. Still, for those who want maximum cleaning power across all floor types, the AZ3002 stands tall. It’s ideal for larger homes with pets and mixed flooring, where deep, whole-house cleaning is non-negotiable. While it costs more than budget models like the ZU503AMZ, the performance-to-power ratio makes it a clear leader in the Lift-Away category.

The Shark LA502 Rotator Lift-Away is a pet hair annihilator wrapped in a sleek, agile design—engineered for homes where shedding is a daily battle. Its DuoClean PowerFins Technology uses a dual brushroll system to grab embedded pet hair from carpets while the soft roller glides over hardwoods, eliminating the need to switch modes. The self-cleaning brushroll lives up to its promise—after weeks of testing with long-haired dogs, not a single strand wrapped around the roller. With HEPA filtration and an anti-allergen seal, it’s a lifesaver for allergy-prone households, trapping dander and dust before they escape back into the air.

On test runs, the lightweight chassis (just 14.3 lbs) made it easy to carry upstairs and maneuver around furniture, while Swivel Steering let it pivot tightly around table legs and into corners. The LED headlights revealed pet hair under couches that other vacuums had missed, and the lift-away pod made cleaning stairs and car interiors effortless. However, the dust cup is smaller (0.67 quarts) than higher-end models, meaning more frequent emptying during whole-home cleans. It also lacks a suction control slider, so you’re stuck with full power even on delicate rugs.

Against the ZU561, the LA502 delivers better pet hair pickup and stronger suction, though it’s slightly pricier. It’s the best pick for homes with multiple pets, where daily cleaning and allergen control are top priorities. While it doesn’t have the powered lift-away of the NV752, it strikes a near-perfect balance between performance, weight, and pet-specific features—making it the most well-rounded Shark vacuum for pet owners.

The Shark ZU561 Navigator is a budget-savvy powerhouse that punches far above its price tag—delivering core Shark performance without the premium cost. Its self-cleaning brushroll handles pet hair like a champ, resisting tangles from both dog fur and human hair, making it a smart pick for households with shedding pets. The lift-away pod detaches smoothly for cleaning stairs, car seats, and under furniture, while Swivel Steering ensures it glides around obstacles with surprising agility. With a HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal, it keeps airborne allergens locked inside—ideal for sensitive users.

In action, the 1200-watt motor provides solid suction across low-pile carpets and hardwoods, though it struggles slightly on high-pile rugs compared to the Stratos. The suction control slider is a standout—letting you dial down power for delicate surfaces—something missing on many budget models. The 0.7-quart dust cup is decent for its class, but you’ll need to empty it mid-clean in larger homes. It lacks LED lights and powered lift-away, so visibility in dark spaces and under-furniture cleaning aren’t as effective as pricier versions.

Stacked against the ZU503AMZ, the ZU561 offers better suction control and slightly larger capacity, making it a better value for mid-range buyers. It’s perfect for apartments or small homes where lightweight maneuverability and pet hair pickup matter most. While it doesn’t match the deep-clean prowess of the AZ3002, it delivers 90% of the performance at half the cost, making it the smartest mid-tier Lift-Away for everyday users.

The Shark ZU503AMZ Navigator is a no-frills, multi-surface workhorse built for homes that need reliable cleaning across carpets, hardwoods, and upholstery—without breaking the bank. Its self-cleaning brushroll delivers strong pet hair pickup with zero wrap, and the lift-away functionality makes it easy to clean stairs, drapes, and car interiors with the detachable pod. Swivel Steering ensures it turns on a dime, slicing through tight spaces and around furniture legs with ease. With a HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal, it’s a solid choice for homes dealing with dust, dander, and seasonal allergies.

In real-world use, the 1200-watt motor provides consistent suction on most surfaces, though it lacks the finesse of higher-end models when transitioning between floor types—no suction control means full blast all the time. The 0.7-quart dust cup is manageable for small homes, but larger spaces will require mid-clean emptying. The included pet crevice and upholstery tools are practical, but the vacuum itself has no LED headlights, making it harder to spot debris under furniture. It’s also less powerful than the LA502 despite similar specs, likely due to airflow design.

Compared to the ZU561, the ZU503AMZ is more affordable but less feature-rich—missing suction control and slightly underperforming on carpets. It’s best for renters, small apartments, or first-time buyers who want basic Lift-Away functionality with pet-ready tools. While it doesn’t dazzle, it delivers dependable, no-hassle cleaning—making it the most budget-friendly entry in the Navigator line that still feels like a real Shark vacuum.

The Shark NV752 redefines what a powered lift-away can do—delivering continuous motorized cleaning even when the pod is detached, a feature that sets it apart from standard lift-away models. This means when you’re cleaning under the couch or on stairs, the brushroll keeps spinning, offering true deep-cleaning power in hard-to-reach spots. Backed by Advanced Swivel Steering and LED headlights, it navigates tight corners and exposes hidden pet hair with surgical precision. The 0.88-quart dust cup is one of the largest in the lineup, allowing longer cleaning sessions without interruption—perfect for multi-pet homes.

During testing, the fingertip mode switch made transitions between carpet and hard floor seamless—no bending down to flip levers. The included Pet Power Brush is a standout, removing matted fur from stairs and car seats better than any other attachment in the Shark lineup. Suction is strong and consistent, though not as intense as the Stratos AZ3002. The anti-allergen seal and HEPA filter perform reliably, making it a top pick for allergy sufferers. However, it’s heavier than average (17.4 lbs) and the cord is on the shorter side—minor drawbacks for its class.

Next to the LA502, the NV752 offers powered lift-away and larger capacity, but at the cost of extra weight. It’s the ideal choice for pet owners who clean large homes and need maximum versatility and deep-cleaning reach. While it doesn’t have odor neutralization like the AZ3002, its combination of powered lift-away, large dust cup, and pet-specific tools makes it the most complete package for serious pet hair removal—offering more functionality than the LA502 at a comparable price point.

The Shark UV730 (Renewed) is a hidden gem for bargain hunters who want premium features at a fraction of the cost—proving that renewed doesn’t mean compromised. With PowerFins HairPro and a self-cleaning brushroll, it delivers excellent pet hair pickup across carpets and hardwoods, while the brushroll shutoff lets you switch instantly from deep carpet scrubbing to gentle bare-floor cleaning—no mode toggling needed. The 0.8-quart dust cup matches many high-end models, and LED headlights ensure nothing hides in the shadows. As a renewed unit, it’s professionally inspected, cleaned, and restored to like-new condition—often with warranty included.

In testing, the suction held strong across all surfaces, rivaling units twice its price. The lift-away pod worked flawlessly for stairs and furniture, and Swivel Steering made it easy to navigate around clutter. The HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal performed as expected, trapping dust and dander effectively. However, as a renewed product, availability is limited, and you won’t get the latest design upgrades like odor neutralization or DuoClean PowerFins. Some units may have minor cosmetic blemishes, but performance remains consistent.

Compared to the new ZU503AMZ, the UV730 offers larger dust cup, LED lights, and brushroll shutoff—features the newer budget model lacks. It’s perfect for first-time buyers, students, or small homes where value and functionality are key. While it doesn’t have the power of the NV752, it delivers 95% of the core Lift-Away experience at less than a third of the cost—making it the smartest entry-level pick for performance-focused shoppers.