# TLDR Review: Shark ZU561 Vacuum *Published: 2024-05-13 | Updated: 2024-12-07 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/shark-zu561-vacuum* --- ## Verdict The Shark ZU561 Navigator Lift-Away Speed Self Cleaning Brushroll Vacuum is a powerhouse for pet owners and those with a mix of carpet and hardwood floors. Its impressive suction and versatile design earn high praise. While potentially a drawback for some, the lack of headlights and plastic components don't significantly detract from its overall strong performance. If outstanding pet hair removal and versatility are your primary concerns, this vacuum is highly recommended. **Top pro:** Incredibly powerful with fantastic suction, significantly more effective than previous models. **Top con:** The lack of headlights can be a drawback for users accustomed to them on other models. ## Product: Shark ZU561 Vacuum **Brand:** Shark [Compare prices and price history on ShopSavvy](https://shopsavvy.com/products/shark-zu561-vacuum) ## Pros - Incredibly powerful with fantastic suction, significantly more effective than previous models. - Excellent for pet hair removal, making it a top choice for households with pets. - Versatile for both hardwood floors and carpets, featuring a variable speed beater bar. - Quiet operation, which is a pleasant surprise for a vacuum of this caliber. - Easy to assemble, use, and empty, with a detachable canister that simplifies stair cleaning. - Lightweight design allows for ease of maneuverability and handling. - Multifunctional handle design for cleaning hard-to-reach areas like high places and low baseboards. - Recommended for small spaces due to its smaller canister and nozzle head. - Good control and maneuverability despite slight heaviness. ## Cons - The lack of headlights can be a drawback for users accustomed to them on other models. - Some components feel cheap due to a largely plastic construction, affecting perceived quality. - The lift-away and wand release controls can feel unintuitive and awkward. - With only one attachment storing option on the vacuum, users may find it less convenient. - Struggles with finding reliable sources for replacement attachments. ## Pros vs Cons at a Glance | Pros | Cons | |------|------| | Incredibly powerful with fantastic suction, significantly more effective than previous models. | The lack of headlights can be a drawback for users accustomed to them on other models. | | Excellent for pet hair removal, making it a top choice for households with pets. | Some components feel cheap due to a largely plastic construction, affecting perceived quality. | | Versatile for both hardwood floors and carpets, featuring a variable speed beater bar. | The lift-away and wand release controls can feel unintuitive and awkward. | | Quiet operation, which is a pleasant surprise for a vacuum of this caliber. | With only one attachment storing option on the vacuum, users may find it less convenient. | | Easy to assemble, use, and empty, with a detachable canister that simplifies stair cleaning. | Struggles with finding reliable sources for replacement attachments. | | Lightweight design allows for ease of maneuverability and handling. | | | Multifunctional handle design for cleaning hard-to-reach areas like high places and low baseboards. | | | Recommended for small spaces due to its smaller canister and nozzle head. | | | Good control and maneuverability despite slight heaviness. | | ## Last Seen Prices *Each price is the last one ShopSavvy observed, between 2025-01-12 and 2026-06-20; it may have changed since.* | Retailer | Price | Availability | Last seen | |----------|-------|-------------|-----------| | [Amazon](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/S86crhq0kRpFHOw6LoMa/offers/4ae87da4-5056-1824-9761-f1d9b6f3933f?source=shopsavvy&medium=article-review-tldr) | $199.99 | In Stock | 2026-06-20 (may have changed) | | [Ace Hardware](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/S86crhq0kRpFHOw6LoMa/offers/DRYZ112uDGv4yqYovn97?source=shopsavvy&medium=article-review-tldr) | $239.99 | In Stock | 2025-01-12 (may have changed) | | [Home Depot](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/S86crhq0kRpFHOw6LoMa/offers/4132e135-6fda-3dde-3a5d-e796ff583e93?source=shopsavvy&medium=article-review-tldr) | $239.99 | In Stock | 2025-01-12 (may have changed) | | [NFM](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/S86crhq0kRpFHOw6LoMa/offers/d70177d8-1c48-b34c-da32-4fcb5c91493e?source=shopsavvy&medium=article-review-tldr) | $239.99 | In Stock | 2025-01-12 (may have changed) | | [Zola](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/S86crhq0kRpFHOw6LoMa/offers/DSFeAAmj2Arkl9axIYhr?source=shopsavvy&medium=article-review-tldr) | $249.99 | In Stock | 2025-01-12 (may have changed) | | [Max Warehouse](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/S86crhq0kRpFHOw6LoMa/offers/kGFoNxzpsh3gpG5nrJXu?source=shopsavvy&medium=article-review-tldr) | $252.34 | In Stock | 2025-01-12 (may have changed) | | [Bed Bath & Beyond](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/S86crhq0kRpFHOw6LoMa/offers/aeb2b215-9445-bf02-8afd-30a913b693a1?source=shopsavvy&medium=article-review-tldr) | $279.99 | In Stock | 2025-01-12 (may have changed) | | [Fleet Farm](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/S86crhq0kRpFHOw6LoMa/offers/qAJPjCZgRwWYcrGMRTvA?source=shopsavvy&medium=article-review-tldr) | $279.99 | In Stock | 2025-01-12 (may have changed) | | [DK Hardware](https://shopsavvy.com/api/redirect/products/S86crhq0kRpFHOw6LoMa/offers/PojFHDTdl3IJJeXcbkcf?source=shopsavvy&medium=article-review-tldr) | $381.26 | In Stock | 2025-01-12 (may have changed) | [See every retailer and the full price history on ShopSavvy](https://shopsavvy.com/products/shark-zu561-vacuum) --- *About this review: it summarizes the professional reviews and customer ratings ShopSavvy collected for this product, alongside prices from ShopSavvy's price data (each price shows when it was last seen).* *Machine-readable access: append `.md` to any ShopSavvy URL, or send `Accept: text/markdown`, to get this page as Markdown. 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