Looking Beyond the METROVAC Evolution Hand Vacuum Cleaner? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How each alternative compares

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 is a full-size upright vacuum, not a handheld tool. It weighs 16 pounds and stands 26.8 inches tall, making it much larger than the 3.75-pound MetroVac. This model includes HEPA filtration, which helps capture allergens and fine dust particles. You get a lift-away pod for cleaning stairs and furniture, adding versatility the MetroVac lacks. While the MetroVac offers steel durability in a compact form, the Shark provides broader coverage for whole-home cleaning. Choose this if you need deep carpet care and pet hair removal across multiple floors rather than quick spot cleaning in tight spaces.

Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum

The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum is a standard upright model weighing 12.5 pounds. It measures 44.5 inches in height, significantly taller than the MetroVac. This unit features a triple-action brush roll and swivel steering for maneuvering around furniture. It is designed for pet hair removal on both carpets and hard floors. Unlike the corded handheld MetroVac, this is a larger appliance for main floor cleaning. The Bissell sacrifices portability for deep cleaning power and wide coverage. Pick this alternative if you prioritize thorough carpet cleaning and easy steering over the compact, targeted suction of the MetroVac for cars or small messes.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away UV725 is another upright vacuum, weighing 12 pounds and standing 45.6 inches tall. It includes HEPA filtration to trap allergens and dust. This model offers deep carpet cleaning capabilities, which differs from the MetroVac’s focused handheld suction. The UV725 is heavier and bulkier, making it less suitable for quick pickups in cars or tight corners. It is better for whole-home maintenance and pet hair management on large surfaces. If you need consistent, powerful suction for carpets and want to control allergens, this upright is a practical choice over the compact, steel-bodied MetroVac handheld.

Shark WANDVAC Cordless Hand Vac

The Shark WANDVAC WV201GNBRN is a cordless handheld vacuum weighing 2.09 pounds. It is lighter than the 3.75-pound MetroVac and measures 16.6 inches in length. This model is designed for quick spot cleaning and pet hair removal. It features a compact design for easy storage and maneuverability. Unlike the MetroVac, it does not have a power cord, offering wireless freedom. However, it has a smaller dust capacity and relies on battery power. Choose this if you want a lightweight, cordless tool for fast cleanups on stairs or upholstery, rather than the durable, corded steel build of the MetroVac.

Shark WANDVAC Power PET Hand Vacuum

The Shark WANDVAC Power PET WV410WH is a lightweight handheld vacuum weighing just 1.4 pounds. It is significantly lighter than the 3.75-pound MetroVac and measures 15.4 inches in length. This cordless model is ideal for quick pet hair cleanup in cars and on furniture. It offers portability and ease of use without a power cord. The MetroVac provides a steel body and corded reliability, while this Shark model prioritizes minimal weight and wireless convenience. If you need a tool for rapid spot cleaning and value extreme lightness over heavy-duty durability, this compact handheld is a suitable alternative to the MetroVac.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV380 is an upright vacuum weighing 12 pounds and standing 45.3 inches tall. It features swivel steering for easy navigation around furniture. This model is designed for above-floor cleaning and allergen control. It is much larger and heavier than the compact MetroVac handheld. The NV380 offers versatility with its detachable pod for stairs and upholstery. While the MetroVac is built for targeted, durable handheld tasks, this Shark upright is better for comprehensive home cleaning. Select this if you need robust suction for carpets and stairs, rather than the portable, steel-bodied convenience of the MetroVac.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

MetroVac Evolution Hand Vacuum, Steel Body

Best for: Durable, corded handheld cleaning tasks

Weight

3.75 pounds

Dimensions

12.5 × 4 × 5.2 inches

View on Amazon: MetroVac Evolution Hand Vacuum, Steel Body Affiliate link

The MetroVac Evolution Hand Vacuum Cleaner features a durable steel construction and a high-performance motor for robust suction. It includes a 10-foot power cord, a 3.75-pound weight, and dimensions of 12.5 by 4 by 5.2 inches. This model comes with versatile attachments like a Pik-all nozzle and crevice tool. It suits you if you need a reliable, wired handheld vacuum for quick cleanups in tight spaces or cars.

Pros

• Steel body for durable construction
• 10-foot power cord for extended reach
• Includes Pik-all nozzle and crevice tool
• Compact 4-inch width for tight spaces

Cons

• Requires a wall outlet due to corded design
• Uses disposable bags instead of a washable bin
• Limited to handheld use without upright mode

Good fit if

• You prefer a durable steel body over plastic
• You need a wired vacuum for consistent power
• You want a compact tool for car or office use

Skip if

• You require cordless freedom for large areas
• You prefer a bagless collection system
• You need a full-sized upright vacuum

Verdict: MetroVac Evolution Hand Vacuum, Steel Body offers sturdy build quality and strong suction for targeted cleaning tasks. It fits buyers who prioritize durability and wired reliability for small messes in cars or tight spaces.

2 Also great

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum

Best for: Pet hair on stairs and mixed floors

Capacity

0.9-Qt

Weight

16 pounds

Filtration Type

HEPA

Bag Type

Bagless

Suitable For

Pet Hair, Carpet, Hard Floors

Features

HEPA Filtration, Swivel Steering

View on Amazon: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Affiliate link

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 is a bagless upright vacuum weighing 16 pounds. It features a 0.9-quart dust cup and washable HEPA filtration. The lift-away design lets you detach the pod for stairs and furniture. Swivel steering aids maneuverability, while brushroll shutoff protects hard floors. It suits homes with pets and mixed flooring types.

Pros

• Lift-away pod for above-floor cleaning
• Washable HEPA filter traps allergens
• Brushroll shutoff for hard floors
• Swivel steering for tight spaces

Cons

• 16-pound weight is heavy for carrying
• 0.9-quart dust cup requires frequent emptying
• No bagless capacity indicator listed

Good fit if

• You need to clean stairs and upholstery
• You have mixed carpet and hard floors
• You want washable HEPA filtration

Skip if

• You prefer lightweight cordless vacuums
• You want a large dust bin
• You only have hard floors

Verdict: Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 is a versatile upright for pet owners who need to clean stairs and furniture. The lift-away pod and HEPA filter make it practical for multi-surface homes.

3 Also great

Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum

Best for: Pet hair removal on carpets and hard floors

Weight

12.5 pounds

Suitable For

Pet Hair

Features

Swivel Steering

Dimensions

13 × 14 × 44.5 inches

View on Amazon: Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum Affiliate link

The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum (model 2252) weighs 12.5 pounds and measures 44.5 inches tall. It features triple-action brush rolls for embedded pet hair and scatter-free technology for hard floors. Swivel steering aids maneuverability around furniture. This upright vacuum suits pet owners seeking edge-to-edge cleaning power in a standard-sized canister.

Pros

• Triple-action brush roll loosens embedded pet hair
• Scatter-free technology captures messes on hard floors
• Swivel steering navigates around obstacles easily
• Edge-to-edge suction cleans baseboards and corners

Cons

• 12.5-pound weight may feel heavy for extended use
• 44.5-inch height requires bending for under-furniture cleaning
• No HEPA filtration mentioned in specifications

Good fit if

• You have pets shedding hair on carpets
• You need edge-to-edge corner cleaning
• You want scatter-free hard floor performance

Skip if

• You require a lightweight handheld vacuum
• You need HEPA filtration for allergies
• You prefer a cordless stick vacuum

Verdict: Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum is a solid choice for pet owners who prioritize deep carpet cleaning and hard floor versatility. Its swivel steering and triple-action brush roll make it effective for homes with mixed flooring types.

4 Also great

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum

Best for: Pet owners needing deep carpet cleaning

Filtration Type

HEPA

Features

HEPA Filtration

Dimensions

12 × 9.5 × 45.6 inches

View on Amazon: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Affiliate link

This Shark upright vacuum combines deep carpet cleaning with portable convenience. Its self-cleaning brushroll prevents hair wrap, while the Lift-Away feature lets you detach the canister for stairs and furniture. HEPA filtration captures allergens, and LED headlights reveal hidden dust. At 9.5 inches wide and 45.6 inches tall, it offers sturdy maneuverability for most homes.

Pros

• Self-cleaning brushroll resists hair tangles
• Lift-Away mode for portable cleaning
• HEPA filtration traps allergens
• LED headlights illuminate debris

Cons

• Renewed condition may vary in appearance
• No cordless operation for quick cleanups
• Upright design limits under-furniture reach

Good fit if

• You need powerful suction for carpets
• You want to clean stairs and upholstery
• You require HEPA filtration for allergies

Skip if

• You prefer cordless convenience
• You need a lightweight handheld unit
• You want a brand-new sealed item

Verdict: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum delivers reliable carpet care and versatile cleaning. It suits households with pets or allergies who value deep cleaning over cordless flexibility.

5 Best budget

Shark WANDVAC Cordless Hand Vac

Best for: Quick spot cleaning and pet hair removal

Power Source

Cordless

Capacity

0.08 Qt.

Weight

1.4 lbs.

Bag Type

Dust cup

Suitable For

Car

Dimensions

16.6 × 2.48 × 2.49 inches

View on Amazon: Shark WANDVAC Cordless Hand Vac Affiliate link

The Shark WV201GNBRN is a lightweight cordless hand vacuum weighing 2.09 pounds. It features a high-speed brushless motor for strong suction and a 0.08-quart dust cup. The unit includes a Multi-Surface Pet Tool and a Duster Crevice Tool for targeted cleaning. An ergonomic handle and LED battery indicator add convenience. This model suits users needing a portable, easy-to-empty vacuum for small spaces.

Pros

• Weighs only 2.09 pounds for easy maneuverability
• Includes Multi-Surface Pet Tool and Duster Crevice Tool
• One-touch button for emptying debris
• LED indicator shows remaining battery life

Cons

• Very small 0.08-quart dust cup capacity
• No HEPA filtration mentioned in specifications
• Limited to handheld use without wand extension

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight tool for quick cleanups
• You want to clean pet hair on upholstery
• You prefer one-touch emptying for hygiene

Skip if

• You require deep carpet cleaning power
• You need a large dust bin for extended sessions
• You prefer upright vacuum configurations

Verdict: Shark WV201GNBRN Cordless Hand Vac is a compact option for spot cleaning pet hair and tight spaces. It fits users who prioritize portability and quick emptying over large capacity.

6 Best premium

Shark WANDVAC Power PET Hand Vacuum

Best for: Quick pet hair cleanup in cars

Power Source

Cordless

Runtime

Up to 35 minutes

Weight

1.4 pounds

Bag Type

detachable dust cup

Suitable For

Car

Dimensions

2.7 × 2.4 × 15.4 inches

View on Amazon: Shark WANDVAC Power PET Hand Vacuum Affiliate link

This cordless handheld vacuum weighs 1.4 pounds and offers up to 35 minutes of runtime in ECO mode. It includes a FurFins Tool with hair-grip fins to lift pet hair and a Boost mode for tough debris. The compact design fits into cars and homes. You get a charging dock with accessory storage. It suits those needing quick, lightweight cleaning for pet messes.

Pros

• Weighs only 1.4 pounds for easy handling
• Up to 35 minutes of runtime in ECO mode
• Includes FurFins Tool for pet hair removal
• Boost mode provides extra suction power
• Charging dock stores accessories onboard

Cons

• Runtime drops significantly in Boost mode
• Small dust cup requires frequent emptying
• No HEPA filtration mentioned in specs

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight vacuum for cars
• You want to remove pet hair from furniture
• You prefer onboard accessory storage

Skip if

• You need deep carpet cleaning power
• You require long runtime without recharging
• You want a full-size upright vacuum

Verdict: Shark WANDVAC Power PET is a lightweight handheld vacuum ideal for quick pet hair cleanup. You should buy it if you need a compact tool for cars and furniture.

7

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum

Best for: Above-floor cleaning and allergen control

Filtration Type

HEPA filter

Features

Swivel Steering

Dimensions

11.4 × 9.06 × 45.3 inches

View on Amazon: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum Affiliate link

The Shark NV380 is a blue upright vacuum with swivel steering for easy maneuvering. It features a detachable lift-away pod for above-floor cleaning. A HEPA filter traps 99.9% of dust and allergens. The large dust cup reduces emptying frequency. Included upholstery and crevice tools add versatility. This lightweight design helps prevent fatigue during whole-home cleaning.

Pros

• Swivel steering for precise navigation
• Lift-away pod for portable cleaning
• HEPA filter captures 99.9% of allergens
• Large dust cup capacity
• Includes upholstery and crevice tools

Cons

• No cordless operation capability
• Upright form factor limits under-furniture reach
• No self-cleaning brushroll technology

Good fit if

• You need versatile above-floor cleaning
• You want allergen-trapping filtration
• You prefer maneuverable steering

Skip if

• You require cordless convenience
• You need a lightweight handheld only
• You want self-cleaning brushroll features

Verdict: Shark NV380 Blue Lift-Away Vacuum offers practical versatility for homes needing detachable cleaning power and allergen control. It suits users who value swivel steering and included tools over cordless freedom.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions