Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV Upright Vacuum, HEPA Filter, Blue Jean, LA301

Why it's worth it

The Navigator Lift-Away ADV pairs Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter, and the canister detaches so you can carry it up the stairs. For most pet households it's the sensible middle of this list.

The lift-away pod is the feature you'll use constantly. Step on the release pedal and the canister comes off, so you can clean stairs, the top of a bookcase, or the cat tree without dragging a full upright behind you. If your pet hair problem is as much about the sofa as the floor, that's the difference between vacuuming the furniture and meaning to.

Sealed filtration is the reason this one holds up for allergy sufferers. Shark's Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology plus a HEPA filter is rated to particles 0.3 microns or larger under ASTM F1977. Consumer Reports has given the Navigator line a Best Buy designation in uprights, citing consistent anti-allergen sealing and solid results on both carpet and bare floors. That's the sealed-housing standard, not just a filter in a leaky box.

From our review of 8 upright vacuums for pet hair, by James Bennett, Associate Editor

What we like

• +The lift-away pod is the feature you'll use constantly
• +Sealed filtration is the reason this one holds up for allergy sufferers
• +Advanced swivel steering makes it easy to weave around table legs and dog bowls
• +You give up some raw carpet power compared to the Animal 3

What to know

• –It's still not light
• –Durability is the open question