Our Favorite Shark Vacuum for Carpets Is 40% Off

Got a vacuum that technically works but somehow leaves your carpets looking… the same? We’ve all been there. That’s why this deal stopped me mid-scroll, because it’s rare to see a highly rated, editor-approved vacuum marked down this much.

The Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum—the one our REAL SIMPLE editors named “Best for Carpets” in our list of the best vacuums—is quietly 40 percent off at Amazon right now, dropping the price from $330 to $200. For a vacuum that our team has stood by for years (emphasis on the plural), that’s a rare deal you just can’t miss.

First things first: this is a corded upright vacuum, so it’s built for power, not quick crumbs-only cleanups. And power is exactly why it earned our “best for carpets” title. Shoppers definitely agree since it has over 31,600 five-star ratings with one buyer sharing, “You thought your floor was clean until your Shark vacuum humbles you in one pass.” Multiple shoppers describe that same horrifying-but-satisfying moment of emptying the bin and realizing their old vacuum… missed a lot.

Carpet performance is where this Shark really flexes. Reviewers who previously owned Dyson vacuums—often for years—say they were shocked by how much debris this pulled up afterward. One wrote that it “FILLED the dirt bin” after going over carpet that had already been vacuumed earlier that day. Equal parts grossed out and impressed seems to be the consensus.

Pet owners, especially, are devoted to this vacuum. One reviewer, who has three 100-pound dogs, called it “the best vacuum for dogs yet.” They went on to say, “I couldn’t believe how much dirt and hair I got,” and added that it’s “easy to clean and its design makes it a breeze to put together.” Another longtime owner praised its reliability: “I’ve had this vacuum for almost eight years now, and it’s been a real workhorse, especially with a large shedding dog.”

What keeps this model from feeling bulky or annoying is the Lift-Away design. The canister detaches, so you can clean stairs, upholstery, and under furniture without wrestling the entire vacuum. One shopper said, “The suction power and maneuverability of this new vacuum is absolutely incredible! Now I can actually vacuum under my bed because the vacuum head detaches, and it fits perfectly under the bed.” 

It’s surprisingly versatile for a vacuum best known for carpets. It also works well on hard floors, area rugs, couches, and even lampshades, thanks to the included dusting brush and wide upholstery tool. The swivel steering helps it glide around furniture instead of slamming into it, and the LED headlights reveal dust you didn’t know was lurking (and maybe wish you still didn’t).

If allergies are a concern, there’s a HEPA filter with anti-allergen technology designed to trap dust and allergens inside instead of kicking them back into the air. That’s especially useful if you’re vacuuming often—or running an in-home daycare, like one reviewer who praised its strong suction paired with easy handling.

Another thing shoppers repeatedly mention: ease. Assembly is quick, attachments pop on and off without a fight, and it’s not overly heavy or awkward to store. A reviewer said they felt they’d gotten their money’s worth “and more just from one room.” That’s a bold claim—but with more than 2,000 purchases on Amazon in the past month alone, they’re clearly not alone.

Deals like this don’t usually announce themselves loudly. If your carpets need a reset—or you’re ready to be deeply satisfied and mildly horrified by what’s hiding in them—this is a solid $200 upgrade that actually earns the hype.

If you’re still shopping around for a new vacuum, don’t worry—there are plenty of other great deals worth checking out. You can find major discounts on highly effective, customer-loved picks from Shark, Bissell, Dyson, and more at Amazon.