Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits in Dorm Rooms & Apartments, Lightweight with Powerful Suction and Removable Extension Wand, 3508 vs Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe with Large Dust Cup Capacity, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Crevice Tool, Blue, NV360

Price and Value Comparison

The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum is about 60% cheaper than the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe, priced at $59.99 compared to $149.99. This significant price difference makes the Bissell a far more budget-friendly option for those seeking basic cleaning power without premium features. While both vacuums are available in competitive sales ranks—Bissell at 707 and Shark at 56—the Shark’s higher bestseller rank suggests stronger market demand, likely due to its broader feature set. Still, the Bissell offers compelling value for users who prioritize affordability and simplicity over advanced functionality.

Portability and Maneuverability

The Bissell CleanView Compact weighs less than 8 pounds, making it significantly lighter than most upright vacuums and ideal for quick cleanups in small spaces like dorm rooms or apartments. Its lightweight design enhances portability, allowing easy transport between rooms or storage under furniture. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe also emphasizes maneuverability with swivel steering, enabling smooth navigation around corners and tight spaces. However, the Bissell’s compact size and low weight give it an edge in agility, especially for users with limited strength or mobility. Both models support easy movement, but the Bissell’s reduced weight provides a tangible advantage in handling.

Cleaning Functionality and Versatility

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe stands out with its detachable pod system, allowing users to lift the vacuum head away from the main body for cleaning under furniture, on stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. This lift-away functionality adds substantial versatility beyond standard upright use. In contrast, the Bissell CleanView Compact features a removable extension wand, which extends reach but does not offer full detachable functionality. While both vacuums include tools for various surfaces, only the Shark provides true portability of the cleaning head. For users needing flexibility across multiple cleaning scenarios, the Shark’s design offers greater adaptability.

Suction Power and Performance

Both vacuums emphasize powerful suction, with the Bissell highlighting “powerful suction” in its description and the Shark touting “multi-surface powerful suction” capable of deep-cleaning carpets and bare floors. The Shark further enhances performance with a brushroll shutoff feature, allowing instant switching between carpet and bare floor modes without adjusting settings manually. The Bissell lacks this specific feature, relying instead on its rotating brush and scatter-free technology to manage different floor types. While both deliver strong cleaning results, the Shark’s ability to adjust brushroll function gives it a slight edge in precision and efficiency across varied surfaces.

Dust and Allergen Management

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe includes anti-allergen complete seal technology paired with a HEPA filter, designed to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This sealed system ensures that particles do not escape back into the air during operation—a key benefit for allergy sufferers. The Bissell CleanView Compact does not mention any filtration system or allergen-trapping capabilities in its provided details. Without a HEPA filter or sealed mechanism, the Bissell may release fine particles during use. For users sensitive to dust or airborne allergens, the Shark’s filtration system represents a critical health-related advantage.

Capacity and Maintenance

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe features a 0.9-quart dust cup capacity, described as large enough for longer cleaning sessions. It also allows for quick emptying by removing the dust cup, which simplifies maintenance. The Bissell CleanView Compact includes an easy-empty dirt container that disposes of debris with a push of a button, though no specific capacity is mentioned. While both models offer convenient emptying mechanisms, the Shark’s stated 0.9-quart capacity provides measurable insight into its volume capability. The Bissell’s lack of capacity data limits direct comparison, but its button-activated disposal system remains a user-friendly feature.

Which should you buy?

Choose the Bissell CleanView Compact if you need a lightweight, affordable vacuum for small spaces like dorm rooms or studios, where portability and low cost matter most. At $59.99, it’s nearly 60% cheaper than the Shark and excels in ease of movement and simple cleanup tasks. However, if you require advanced features such as a detachable cleaning pod, HEPA filtration for allergens, or multi-surface adaptability with brushroll shutoff, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe at $149.99 is the superior choice despite its higher price. The Shark’s better bestseller rank (56 vs. 707) reflects stronger consumer confidence in its comprehensive performance. Ultimately, the Bissell wins for budget-conscious buyers; the Shark wins for those prioritizing versatility, hygiene, and long-term cleaning effectiveness.