Shark Navigator Lift Away Nv586 Review

The Shark Navigator Lift Away NV586 is a versatile, lightweight upright vacuum with a unique detachable canister. It excels at above-floor cleaning and pet hair on hard floors but struggles with deep carpet cleaning. Its sealed HEPA system is great for allergies, but the lack of a motorized brush for the handheld mode and corded design are notable trade-offs. It’s a strong mid-range pick for hard-surface homes with pets.

Let’s be honest: vacuum shopping can feel like navigating a maze. You’ve got bagged vs. bagless, upright vs. canister, robot vs. stick. And then there are the brands. In the crowded mid-range market, Shark has carved out a massive reputation for offering strong performance without the premium price tag. Their “Lift-Away” line is a cornerstone of that strategy, promising the cleaning power of an upright with the flexibility of a canister. Today, we’re putting one of its most popular models under the microscope: the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV586. Is this the versatile workhorse your home needs, or does its innovation come with too many compromises? After extensive testing in a real home with hardwoods, area rugs, and a dog that sheds like it’s his job, here’s the complete, unfiltered Shark Navigator Lift Away NV586 review.

Key Takeaways

• Lift-Away Innovation: The detachable canister transforms the upright into a portable handheld vacuum, making stairs, furniture, and car cleaning significantly easier.
• Sealed HEPA Performance: Its advanced sealed suction system captures 99.97% of dust and allergens down to 0.3 microns, a major plus for allergy sufferers.
• Hard Floor & Pet Hair Specialist: The brush roll shut-off feature and strong suction make it exceptionally effective on hard floors and for picking up pet hair without scattering.
• Lightweight & Maneuverable: Weighing under 12 lbs, it’s easy to carry and push, though the swivel steering is less agile on thick carpets.
• Maintenance is Simple: The washable foam filter, easy-empty dust cup, and accessible brush roll make regular upkeep straightforward and cost-effective.
• Carpet Cleaning is Adequate, Not Elite: While it cleans surface debris well, it lacks the aggressive brush roll power of Shark’s higher-end models for deep, embedded carpet cleaning.
• Value-Oriented with Trade-offs: It offers excellent core functionality for its price point but makes concessions like a corded design and no dual brush roll in handheld mode.

Unboxing & First Impressions: Setting Up Your NV586

Out of the box, the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV586 feels reassuringly sturdy. The assembly is remarkably simple— snapping the wand into the base, attaching the hose, and clicking in the crevice tool and dusting brush. All of it takes less than 10 minutes without needing to consult the manual. The first thing you notice is the weight. At approximately 11.5 pounds, it has a solid, dense feel but isn’t back-breakingly heavy. The build is primarily plastic, but it doesn’t feel cheap. The red and black color scheme is classic Shark, and the overall design is functional, not flashy.

The “Lift-Away” Mechanism: How It Works

The defining feature is right there in the name. The entire dust cup and upper body section clicks away from the floor-cleaning head with a satisfying latch release. You’re then holding a lightweight, 4-5 pound handheld unit with a decent-length hose and a handle that controls the main suction switch. This is where the NV586’s genius lies. Need to clean the stairs? Lift away. Cobwebs on the ceiling? Lift away. The interior of your car? Lift away. It eliminates the need for a separate, often underpowered, handheld vac. The reattachment is secure and intuitive— just line it up and press down until you hear the click.

Cleaning Performance: How Does It Handle Real Messes?

Performance is what matters most. We tested the NV586 across three critical surfaces: low-pile carpet, hard flooring, and above-floor tasks. We used standard debris (cereal, flour), embedded pet hair, and fine dust to gauge its capabilities.

On Hard Floors & Low-Pile Rugs: A Standout Performer

Here, the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV586 truly shines. You can disengage the brush roll with a foot-activated lever, switching to “suction-only” mode. This is crucial for hard floors, preventing debris from being kicked around. In this mode, it effortlessly scoops up flour, cereal, and pet hair. The sealed suction system creates strong airflow that pulls debris from grout lines and crevices. On low-pile rugs and area rugs, re-engaging the brush roll provides a good agitation that lifts embedded hair and lint. It consistently left surfaces visibly clean in a single pass.

On Medium to High-Pile Carpet: Good, But Not Great

This is where the compromises of its price point become apparent. The brush roll is effective for surface-level cleaning on medium pile, but for deeply embedded, dried-on debris (think mud or ground-in grass), it requires multiple passes. It doesn’t have the aggressive, self-propelled feel of Shark’s more expensive “Rotator” or “Vertex” models with their “Active-Glide” or “DuoClean” technologies. On thick, high-pile carpet, the lightweight body can sometimes lift slightly, reducing contact. It’s perfectly competent for routine maintenance vacuuming but may struggle with heavy, tracked-in dirt on plush carpets.

Pet Hair: A Mixed Bag

On hard floors and short rugs, pet hair removal is excellent. The combination of strong suction and the non-rotating brush roll (in suction-only mode) means hair wraps less around the roller and gets sucked directly into the cup. On carpeted stairs and medium-pile carpets, the brush roll does a decent job of agitating hair out, but you’ll still find some hair wrapped around the roller bristles after use, requiring occasional manual cleaning. It’s not a failure, but it’s not the absolute best-in-class for pet owners with wall-to-wall carpeting.

Feature Deep Dive: What Makes the NV586 Tick?

Beyond the core cleaning, the details define the experience. The Shark Navigator NV586 packs several thoughtful features.

Sealed HEPA System & Anti-Allergen Complete Seal

This is a huge selling point. Shark’s “Anti-Allergen Complete Seal” technology means that air passing through the vacuum is forced through a HEPA filter, and the entire system is engineered to prevent leaks. In our tests, we used a incense stick near the exhaust. There was zero detectable smoke escaping. For anyone with allergies, asthma, or concerns about indoor air quality, this is a massive benefit. The exhaust air feels clean, not dusty. The HEPA filter is washable and reusable, a long-term cost saver.

Dust Cup Capacity & Emptying System

The dust cup is a decent size for an average home (around 0.6 quarts). The “Push & Release” button on top of the canister opens the bottom for emptying. It’s designed to minimize contact with dust and debris, and for the most part, it works. However, fine dust can cling to the interior walls, requiring a occasional tap or a quick rinse in the sink. The cyclonic design does a good job of keeping the filter clean longer by separating larger debris from the airstream.

Swivel Steering & Attachments

The floor head has a swivel joint, which helps with turning under furniture. It’s functional but not as fluid as some competing models. The included tools are standard: a crevice tool (very long and useful), a dusting brush (soft bristles), and an upholstery tool. The real versatility, again, comes from the Lift-Away function. You can attach these tools directly to the handheld unit for targeted cleaning. One limitation: the brush roll in the main floor head is always active when attached. There is no separate motorized brush for the handheld mode, so deep carpet cleaning on stairs must be done with the heavier upright configuration.

Usability & Practical Considerations: Living With the NV586

A vacuum’s value is determined as much by its daily use as its peak performance.

Noise Level & Cord Management

On the carpet setting, the NV586 is moderately loud— typical for a powerful upright. It’s not deafening, but you’ll likely have trouble hearing the TV at normal volume. On hard floor (suction-only) mode, it’s noticeably quieter. The cord is a standard 25-foot length, which is adequate for most rooms but requires a few outlet changes for larger homes. It lacks a automatic cord rewind, so you’ll be manually winding it, which is a minor inconvenience.

Weight, Maneuverability & Stairs

The 11.5 lb weight is a sweet spot. It’s light enough to carry upstairs with one hand (while holding the banister with the other) without straining. The Lift-Away function is the star here. For cleaning stairs, you simply detach the canister, carry the lightweight unit in one hand, and use the crevice tool or upholstery brush with the other. This is infinitely safer and more stable than trying to balance a full upright on a step. For furniture, it’s the same story— quick, easy, and effective.

Maintenance: Filters, Brushes, and Upkeep

Shark has made this model very user-serviceable. The pre-motor foam filter is easily accessible on the back of the unit and is washable with water (must be 100% dry before reinserting). The HEPA filter is also washable. The brush roll is simple to remove for cleaning hair wraps— just a couple of screws or clips depending on your specific NV586 variant (some have a tool-less access panel). You should check it monthly if you have pets. The dust cup empties cleanly. Overall, there are no bags to buy, and filter replacements are infrequent if you wash them, making the long-term cost of ownership very low.

Pros, Cons, & Who Is This Vacuum For?

Let’s consolidate the findings into a clear verdict.

The Clear Advantages (Pros)

• Exceptional Versatility: The Lift-Away feature fundamentally changes how you clean above-floor surfaces.
• Excellent on Hard Floors: Suction-only mode is powerful and scatter-free.
• Superior Air Filtration: The sealed HEPA system is a top-tier feature for allergy sufferers.
• Lightweight & Easy to Carry: Ideal for multi-story homes.
• Low Cost of Ownership: Washable filters, no bags, simple maintenance.
• Strong Value Proposition: Packs a serious feature set for its price category.

The Trade-offs (Cons)

• Not a Deep Carpet Cleaning Specialist: Lacks the power and brush roll design of Shark’s premium models for thick, embedded carpet dirt.
• Handheld Mode Lacks Motorized Brush: Stair and upholstery cleaning on carpeted surfaces is less effective without the main floor head’s brush roll.
• Corded Design: No cordless convenience; you’re tied to an outlet.
• No Auto Cord Rewind: A small but persistent annoyance.
• Brush Roll Hair Wrap: While less than some models, pet hair will still require occasional manual removal from the roller.

The Verdict: Is the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV586 Right For You?

The Shark Navigator Lift Away NV586 is not the absolute most powerful vacuum on the market. It makes strategic compromises to deliver its unique value proposition. It is the best choice for: homes with mostly hard floors, tile, or low-pile rugs; pet owners with shedding issues on hard surfaces; allergy and asthma sufferers needing a sealed HEPA system; anyone in a multi-story home who dreads carrying a heavy vacuum up and down stairs; and budget-conscious buyers who want maximum feature-to-price ratio.

It is not the best choice for: homes with predominantly thick, high-pile carpet that requires deep cleaning; users who want a cordless, grab-and-go experience; or those who expect a single vacuum to be the undisputed champion on every single surface without any compromise.

For the vast majority of American households with a mix of hard floors and area rugs, especially those with pets and allergies, the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV586 represents one of the smartest, most practical purchases you can make. Its core innovation solves real-world cleaning problems in a way few other vacuums at this price point can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV586 good for pet hair?

Yes, it is excellent on hard floors and low-pile rugs due to its strong suction and ability to turn off the brush roll. On medium to high-pile carpets, it does a good job but may require multiple passes and occasional brush roll cleaning for wrapped hair.

Can you use the Lift-Away function on stairs?

Absolutely, this is one of its primary strengths. You detach the lightweight canister and use the handheld unit with the crevice or upholstery tool, making stair cleaning much safer and easier than balancing a full upright.

How often do you need to wash the filters?

Shark recommends washing the pre-motor foam filter every 3 months and the HEPA filter every 6 months with regular use. Always allow them to air-dry completely for 24 hours before reinserting to prevent damage.

Does the NV586 have a motorized brush roll in handheld mode?

No. The brush roll is located only in the main floor cleaning head. When you detach the Lift-Away canister, you are using suction only. For handheld cleaning of carpeted stairs or upholstery, you are relying on suction without agitation.

Is it difficult to assemble?

Not at all. The assembly is tool-free and involves simply clicking the wand into the base and attaching the hose and accessories. Most users have it ready to go in under 10 minutes.

How does it compare to the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV356?

The NV586 is typically a newer or variant model. Key differences often include the NV586 having a sealed HEPA system (a major upgrade for allergies) and sometimes a larger dust cup. The NV356 may lack the complete seal. Always check the specific specs for the exact model number you are comparing, as Shark frequently updates these lines.