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Shark HEPA Vacuums: Which Navigator and Filter Should You Get?

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Shark is best known for bagless upright vacuums that clean well without complicated features, and its Navigator Lift-Away family is the line most people mean when they search for a Shark vacuum with a HEPA filter. HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air, a type of filter designed to catch very fine dust. Shark pairs that filter with what it calls an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, which means the vacuum body is sealed so air passes through the filter instead of leaking out around it.

This guide covers three genuine Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuums (NV352, NV360 and NV356E) plus three replacement filter sets. Be aware that the filter sets are third-party products from Pulluty and Colorfullife, made to fit Shark vacuums rather than made by Shark, and each set fits a different group of models.

Shark HEPA Vacuums Compared

Model Type Fits or includes Dust cup Made by
6 Foam Filter + 2 Hepa Filter Replacement Filter set NV150, NV151, NV251, NV255, ZU60, ZU62 Not applicable Pulluty
Vacuum Filter Replacement for Shark Navigator Filter set NV350 to NV360 range, including NV352 and NV356E Not applicable Colorfullife
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (NV352) Upright vacuum HEPA and foam filters 1.1 quarts Shark
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum (NV360) Upright vacuum Washable HEPA filter 0.9 quart (spec says 0.9 liters) Shark
NV501 Vacuum Filter Replacement for Shark Filter set Rotator NV500 series Not applicable Colorfullife
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum (NV356E) Upright vacuum HEPA and foam filters 0.87 liters Shark

6 Foam Filter + 2 HEPA Filter Replacement for Older Navigator and Rotator Uprights


6 Foam Filter + 2 Hepa Filter Replacement for Shark ZU62 ZU60 NV255 NV150 NV251 NV151 Navigator Rotator Pet Pro Upright Vacuum Part 1238FT60 1239FT60

Pulluty

6 Foam Filter + 2 Hepa Filter Replacement for Shark ZU62 ZU60 NV255 NV150 NV251 NV151 Navigator Rotator Pet Pro Upright Vacuum Part 1238FT60 1239FT60

8.6/10Our score, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback

See it on Amazon

Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.

6 Foam Filter

Best for: Owners of NV150, NV251 or ZU62 uprights

Pros

  • 2 H12 HEPA filters
  • 4 foam plus 4 felt filters
  • Washable and reusable

Cons

  • Third-party, not Shark
  • Fits a different model group

The 6 Foam Filter + 2 HEPA Filter Replacement set is made by Pulluty. It is designed for the Shark Navigator Pet Plus NV150, NV151, NV251 and NV255, and the Rotator Pet Pro ZU60, ZU62 and ZU62C uprights, and compares to Shark part numbers 1238FT60 and 1239FT60. Note that it does not list the NV352, NV356E or NV360 covered below.

Despite the title, the feature text says the package contains 2 H12 HEPA filters, 4 foam filters with 60 PPI density and 4 felt filters, and the spec sheet counts 10 pieces. H12 is a grade on the European HEPA scale; a higher number such as H13 indicates finer filtration. PPI means pores per inch, a measure of how dense the foam is. The filters are washable: rinse by hand and let them air dry completely. The seller suggests replacing foam and felt filters every 3 months.

This suits owners of those specific older models who want a stock of spares. If you own a Navigator Lift-Away in the NV350 range, the Colorfullife set below is the one to check.

Vacuum Filter Replacement for Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV350, NV352 and NV360

Best for: Allergy-minded pet owners

Pros

  • 9% HEPA claim with test standard
  • Pet Power Brush included
  • 8 inch crevice tool

Cons

  • Narrower 9.25 inch path
  • Smallest dust cup of three

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum, HEPA, Carpet and Pet Hair, Blue, NV360

Shark

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum, HEPA, Carpet and Pet Hair, Blue, NV360

9.0/10Our score, based on listed specifications and buyer feedback

See it on Amazon

Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum

Best for: Everyday carpet and hard floor cleaning

Pros

  • Sealed HEPA system
  • Upholstery and crevice tools
  • Brushroll shutoff

Cons

  • Dust cup size listed two ways
  • No pet power brush
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum

Best for: Pet homes wanting a wider cleaning path

Pros

  • Sealed HEPA system
  • 11 inch cleaning path
  • 1 quart dust cup
  • Lift-Away pod

Cons

  • 80 dB noise level listed
Vacuum Filter Replacement for Shark Navigator
Vacuum Filter Replacement for Shark Navigator

Best for: Restocking NV350, NV352, NV356E or NV360 filters

Pros

  • 2 H13 HEPA filters
  • 4 foam plus 4 felt filters
  • Long compatible model list

Cons

  • Third-party, not Shark
  • Piece count listed inconsistently

The Vacuum Filter Replacement for Shark Navigator Lift-Away is a Colorfullife set that compares to Shark parts XFF350 and XHF350. It lists a long line of compatible models, including NV350, NV351, NV352, NV355, NV356E, NV357, NV358 and NV360, as well as NV370, UV440, UV540 and CU500. That means it can fit all three Shark vacuums in this guide.

The listing says the kit includes 4 foam filters (60 PPI), 4 felt filters and 2 H13 HEPA filters, with the HEPA filters made of FSC-certified paper. The spec sheet lists 4 pieces and 3 packs, which does not match the feature text, so count on the feature description. All parts are washable and reusable. The seller asks you to double-check your vacuum model and offers to exchange a wrong order.

This is the easy pick for anyone who buys one of the Navigator vacuums below and wants spares ready. For other filter swaps around the house, our air purifier filter replacement guide explains how often to change them.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum NV352 for Pet Homes

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (NV352, Lavender) is a lightweight corded upright with a sealed HEPA system. Its Lift-Away feature means you press a button and lift the motor pod off the base, turning it into a portable canister for stairs, furniture and upholstery. It comes with upholstery and crevice tools, and the listing highlights a wide upholstery tool for pet hair.

Specs include a washable HEPA plus foam filter setup, a 1.1 quart dust cup, an 11 inch cleaning path, swivel steering for turning around furniture, and brushroll shutoff. The brushroll is the spinning brush under the vacuum; switching it off lets you clean hard floors gently without scattering debris. The listing gives a noise level of 80 dB.

This suits pet owners and anyone cleaning larger carpeted rooms, since its cleaning path is the widest listed here. If you want the specific 99.9% filtration claim and a pet power brush, the NV356E below lists both.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum NV360 for Everyday Floors

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum NV360 in navy offers the same core design: sealed HEPA system, Lift-Away pod, swivel steering, brushroll shutoff and multi-surface suction for carpet and hard floors. It is bagless and corded with four wheels.

The box includes the vacuum, an upholstery tool, a crevice tool and a washable HEPA filter. The listing gives care instructions: rinse filters under running water until clear, air dry for 24 hours and never put them in the dishwasher or washing machine. The dust cup is described as 0.9 quart in the features and 0.9 liters in the specs, so the exact size is unclear. The listing does not specify the cleaning path width.

This is a dependable choice for a first home with a mix of carpet and hardwood. Readers with heavy pet shedding may prefer the NV356E, which adds a pet power brush.

NV501 Vacuum Filter Replacement for Shark Rotator Professional

Best for: Rotator NV500 series owners

Pros

  • Clear fit and no-fit list
  • Foam, felt and PP materials
  • Reusable

Cons

  • Third-party, not Shark
  • Pack contents not itemized

The NV501 Vacuum Filter Replacement for Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away is another Colorfullife product. It fits the Rotator NV500 series, including NV500, NV501, NV502, NV505, NV510, NV552 and UV560, and compares to parts XFF500 and XHF500. The seller clearly warns it does not fit the NV650, NV750, NV755, UV795, NV680 or NV800 series.

The listing names foam, felt and polypropylene materials and says the filters are reusable, but it does not itemize how many of each filter type are inside. It does not fit the Navigator vacuums reviewed here.

Choose this only if you own a Rotator NV500 series vacuum.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum NV356E for Allergy-Minded Pet Owners

This Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum NV356E in white and silver lists the most specific filtration claim in the group: its sealed HEPA system traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, based on the ASTM F1977 test standard for particles 0.3 microns and larger, tested by IBR Laboratories in 2024. The listing notes that “allergens” here refers to non-living matter.

It includes a Pet Power Brush for pet hair on furniture and stairs, a dusting brush, an 8 inch crevice tool and a washable HEPA filter. The dust cup holds 0.87 liters and the cleaning path is 9.25 inches, narrower than the NV352. It has Lift-Away, swivel steering and brushroll shutoff.

This is the pick for homes with both pets and allergy concerns. For more pet-focused picks, see our guide to a Shark vacuum with pet hair removal.

How to Choose the Right Shark HEPA Vacuum

Vacuum or filter. If you need a new machine, choose among the NV352, NV360 and NV356E. If your Shark still runs well but the filters are dirty, a replacement set is the cheaper fix.

Match filters to your model number. Look under the vacuum or on the back for the model number. NV350 to NV360 models match the Colorfullife Navigator set; NV150, NV251 and ZU62 models match the Pulluty set; NV500 series Rotators match the NV501 set.

Genuine or third-party filters. All three filter sets here are third-party. They list compatibility with Shark models but are not made by Shark.

Tools and cleaning path. The NV356E adds a pet power brush; the NV352 has the widest path at 11 inches and the largest listed dust cup.

FAQ

What does a sealed HEPA system mean?

It means the vacuum is built so air flows through the HEPA filter before it leaves, instead of escaping through gaps. Shark calls this Anti-Allergen Complete Seal.

Which filter fits the Shark NV352?

The Colorfullife Vacuum Filter Replacement for Shark Navigator lists the NV352, along with the NV356E and NV360.

Can I wash Shark HEPA filters?

The Shark listings say to rinse filters under running water until clear and air dry for 24 hours, never in a dishwasher or washing machine.

What is the difference between H12 and H13?

Both are HEPA grades. H13 is the higher grade and captures finer particles more efficiently. The Pulluty set lists H12 and the Colorfullife Navigator set lists H13.

Which Shark HEPA vacuum is best for beginners?

The NV360 is a simple, well-equipped starting point. Pet owners should look at the NV356E for its pet power brush.

Related reading: shark cordless vacuum cleaner with hepa filter, lightweight, portable, rechargeable, powerful pet ha.

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