Which is better for pet hair?

The Stratos. Its self-cleaning PowerFins brushroll grips hair and sheds it into the bin, so you rarely cut hair off the roller. The Navigator's standard brushroll collects hair wrap and needs manual cleaning.

Is the Stratos worth the extra money?

If you have shedding pets or mostly carpet, yes. The Stratos adds stronger suction, the self-cleaning brushroll, a 30 ft cord and a sealed HEPA system for about $147 more. On a tight budget, the Navigator still gives you HEPA and Lift-Away.

Which is easier on stairs?

The Navigator. At 14 lbs it is about 3 lbs lighter, and its Lift-Away canister comes off for carrying. The Stratos also has a powered Lift-Away pod, but the whole unit is heavier.

Do both have HEPA filtration?

Yes. The Navigator lists a HEPA filter. The Stratos goes further with an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal that it says traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.

Which has the longer cord?

The Stratos, at 30 ft versus 25 ft on the Navigator. The Navigator also uses manual cord wrap, while the Stratos stores standing.

Which holds more dirt?

The Navigator lists a 0.2 gal (about 0.9 qt) dust cup. Shark does not list a capacity for the Stratos, so compare bins in person if fewer emptying stops matter.

Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins vs Shark Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum

Buy the Stratos if pet hair and deep carpet cleaning matter most and you can spend about $265. Buy the Navigator Lift-Away if you want HEPA filtration and a lift-off canister for less, at $118.00. The Stratos costs roughly $147 more and is about 3 lbs heavier, but it adds the self-cleaning PowerFins brushroll, stronger suction and a 30 ft cord.

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