The Shark Navigator NV352 and NV360 are two popular upright vacuum cleaners that have been mainstays in the Shark lineup for years. Both models offer the convenience of a lightweight design, the versatility of Lift-Away technology, and HEPA filtration, making them attractive options for budget-conscious consumers seeking effective cleaning performance. These vacuums are particularly appealing to those who need a machine that can transition easily between carpets and hard floors and tackle above-floor cleaning tasks with handheld attachments.
Choosing between the NV352 and NV360 can be tricky, as they share many similarities. This comparison dives deep into their key differences, performance metrics, and user experiences to help you determine which model best suits your specific cleaning needs and preferences. Whether you’re dealing with pet hair, allergens, or simply everyday dirt and debris, understanding the nuances of each vacuum will ensure you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark Navigator NV352
- Short Review of Shark Navigator NV360
- Key Differences at a Glance
- Specifications Comparison
- Price Comparison
- Design and Build Quality
- Performance Face-Off
- Special Features Comparison
- Usability and User Experience
- Maintenance and Longevity
- Who Should Buy NV352?
- Who Should Buy NV360?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For those prioritizing a slightly lighter machine and who don’t mind a shorter cord: The Shark Navigator NV352 is the better choice due to its lighter weight.
- For those needing a longer reach and slightly larger dust cup: The Shark Navigator NV360 is preferable, offering a longer cord and a bit more capacity.
- Both are good for: Budget-conscious shoppers needing a versatile, Lift-Away vacuum with HEPA filtration.
The Shark Navigator NV352 is a lightweight, bagless upright vacuum cleaner known for its affordability and versatility. Its key feature is the Lift-Away design, which allows you to detach the canister for portable cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. Weighing in at around 12.5 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver around furniture and carry between rooms. It also boasts strong suction and a HEPA filter, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers.
The NV352 excels at cleaning both carpets and hard floors, thanks to its brushroll shutoff feature. This allows you to transition seamlessly between surfaces without scattering debris. It also comes with a few attachments, including a crevice tool and dusting brush, for tackling various cleaning tasks. Despite its age, the NV352 remains a popular option for those seeking a reliable and
budget-friendly vacuum.
The Shark Navigator NV360, also known as the Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe, is an enhanced version of the NV352, offering a few upgrades while maintaining a similar lightweight and versatile design. Like the NV352, it features Lift-Away technology, allowing for portable cleaning. The NV360 weighs a bit more, around 13 pounds, but still remains easy to maneuver. It also includes HEPA filtration and powerful suction, making it suitable for homes with allergy sufferers and those with pets.
The NV360 distinguishes itself with a slightly larger dust cup capacity and a longer power cord, providing extended cleaning reach. It typically comes with additional attachments compared to the NV352, such as a pet power brush and a Dust-Away attachment for hard floors. These additions make the NV360 a more comprehensive cleaning solution for a variety of surfaces and cleaning needs.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Weight: NV352 is slightly lighter (around 12.5 lbs) than the NV360 (around 13 lbs).
- Cord Length: NV360 has a longer cord (30 feet) compared to the NV352 (25 feet).
- Dust Cup Capacity: NV360 has a slightly larger dust cup (1.2 quarts) than the NV352 (1.1 quarts).
- Attachments: NV360 typically includes more attachments, such as a pet power brush and a Dust-Away hard floor attachment.
- Price: NV352 is generally priced slightly lower than the NV360.
- Maneuverability: NV360’s swiveling motion is slightly better than the NV352.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark Navigator NV352 | Shark Navigator NV360 |
|---|---|---|
| Model Name | Navigator Lift-Away | Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe |
| Type | Upright | Upright |
| Bagless | Yes | Yes |
| Lift-Away | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | ~12.5 lbs | ~13 lbs |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.1 quarts | 1.2 quarts |
| Cord Length | 25 feet | 30 feet |
| Filtration | HEPA | HEPA |
| Brushroll Shutoff | Yes | Yes |
| Swivel Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Attachments | Crevice tool, Dusting brush | Crevice tool, Dusting brush, Pet Power Brush, Dust-Away Attachment (Varies) |
| Power Source | AC | Electricity |
| Dimensions | 15 x 11.4 x 45.5 inches | 14.96 x 11.4 x 45.5 inches |
Price Comparison
The Shark Navigator NV352 is generally the more budget-friendly option, typically found for under $150. The NV360, with its additional features and attachments, usually costs a bit more, ranging from $150 to $200. Both offer excellent value for their price point, but the NV352 provides a solid cleaning experience at the lowest possible cost. When assessing the cost-to-feature ratio, consider whether the NV360’s extra attachments and longer cord justify the price difference for your specific needs. If you have pets or a larger home, the NV360’s added features might be worth the investment.
Design and Build Quality
Both the NV352 and NV360 share a similar design, featuring a lightweight plastic construction and the signature Shark Lift-Away functionality. While the build quality is decent for their price range, some users have noted that the plastic components can feel somewhat cheap. The NV360 has a slightly better overall structure due to the inclusion of more tools.
Ergonomically, both vacuums are easy to handle thanks to their swivel steering and lightweight design. The Lift-Away feature enhances their versatility, allowing you to comfortably clean stairs and upholstery. However, some users have reported that the vacuums can be prone to tipping over, especially when using the hose and attachments.
Performance Face-Off
Carpet Cleaning
Both vacuums perform well on carpets, with strong suction and a motorized brushroll effectively removing dirt and debris. The NV352 has demonstrated impressive suction and airflow, outperforming some higher-priced models in tests. User reviews often praise their ability to lift pet hair and embedded dirt from carpets. However, some users have noted that larger debris might be pushed around rather than immediately sucked up.
Hard Floor Cleaning
Both the NV352 and NV360 are equipped with a brushroll shutoff feature, making them suitable for hard floor cleaning. This prevents the brushroll from scattering debris and damaging delicate surfaces. The NV360’s Dust-Away attachment provides an additional advantage on hard floors, offering a more thorough cleaning experience. User feedback indicates that both vacuums perform adequately on hard floors, though they may require multiple passes to pick up all debris.
Above-Floor Cleaning
The Lift-Away feature is a standout for above-floor cleaning, allowing you to detach the canister and use the hose and attachments to clean stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. The NV360’s longer hose might provide a slight advantage in terms of reach. However, some users have found the hose to be somewhat short and stiff, making it difficult to maneuver in tight spaces.
Suction Power
Both models feature good suction power for their price range. The NV360 has slightly better suction power, and a more effective filtration system. The NV352 also demonstrates impressive suction and airflow, outperforming many upright vacuums, even those at higher price points.
Special Features Comparison
- Lift-Away Technology: Both models have it, turning the upright into a handheld.
- HEPA Filtration: Both vacuums include HEPA filters, which are great for allergy sufferers.
- Swivel Steering: Both models feature swivel steering for enhanced maneuverability around furniture and obstacles.
- NV360 Exclusive – Dust-Away Attachment: Some NV360 models include a Dust-Away attachment specifically designed for hard floors.
- NV360 Exclusive – Pet Power Brush: Some NV360 models include a pet power brush designed to get pet hair.
Usability and User Experience
Both the Shark Navigator NV352 and NV360 are designed for ease of use. Their lightweight construction and swivel steering make them easy to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces. The Lift-Away feature is intuitive and allows for quick conversion to portable cleaning mode.
The NV360 has slightly better maneuverability than the NV352.
The dust cup is easy to empty on both models, and the filters are washable, which helps to reduce maintenance costs. However, some users have found the attachments to be somewhat flimsy and prone to falling off during use. Additionally, the short hose can be a limitation when using the attachments for above-floor cleaning.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both vacuums require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. This includes emptying the dust cup after each use, cleaning the filters regularly, and removing any hair or debris that may become tangled in the brushroll. The filters are washable, but they will eventually need to be replaced.
Some users have reported issues with the durability of these vacuums, particularly with the plastic components. The NV352 is one of the worst Sharks for user friendliness and quality.
Who Should Buy NV352?
Who Should Buy the Shark Navigator NV352?
- Budget-conscious shoppers: The NV352 offers a great balance of performance and affordability.
- Apartment dwellers: Its lightweight design and compact size make it ideal for smaller living spaces.
- Users with primarily carpeted floors: The strong suction and brushroll shutoff make it effective on both carpets and hard floors.
- Those seeking a basic, reliable vacuum: If you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles, the NV352 is a solid choice.
Who Should Buy NV360?
Who Should Buy the Shark Navigator NV360?
- Pet owners: The pet power brush (if included) makes it easier to remove pet hair from upholstery and carpets.
- Those with larger homes: The longer cord and slightly larger dust cup provide extended cleaning reach and capacity.
- Users with a mix of carpet and hard floors: The Dust-Away attachment (if included) enhances hard floor cleaning performance.
- Those willing to spend a bit more for extra features: The NV360 offers a few upgrades that may be worth the investment for some users.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark Navigator NV352 and NV360 are capable and versatile vacuum cleaners that offer good value for their price. The NV352 is the better choice for budget-conscious shoppers who need a lightweight and reliable vacuum for smaller spaces. The NV360 is a worthwhile upgrade for those who need a longer cord, slightly larger dust cup, and additional attachments for pet hair removal and enhanced hard floor cleaning. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific cleaning needs and budget.
