The Shark Navigator Lift-Away series has become a staple in many homes, offering a blend of upright power and canister versatility. Two popular models in this lineup are the NV752 and NV501. Both vacuums promise powerful suction, HEPA filtration, and the convenience of Shark’s Lift-Away technology, but understanding their nuanced differences is key to choosing the right one for your needs. Are you a pet owner battling persistent hair? Do you have a mix of carpets and hard floors? Or are you simply seeking an agile and easy-to-use vacuum for everyday cleaning? This comparison dives deep into the NV752 and NV501, exploring their features, performance, and value to help you make an informed decision.
Both the Shark NV752 and NV501 are designed for homeowners who want a versatile cleaning solution. These vacuums cater to those who appreciate the power of an upright for large carpeted areas but also need the flexibility of a canister vacuum for stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach spots. Pet owners, allergy sufferers, and anyone looking for a multi-functional cleaning tool will find these models appealing. However, each vacuum has its strengths. The NV752 often comes with more specialized attachments, making it potentially better for pet owners or those with specific cleaning needs. On the other hand, the NV501 may be a more budget-friendly option that still offers excellent performance for general cleaning tasks.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Short Review of Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet
- Short Review of Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away
- 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 Shark NV752?
- Who Should Buy Shark NV501?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For Pet Owners: The Shark NV752 is the better choice due to its specialized pet hair attachments and powerful suction.
- For Mixed Flooring: The Shark NV752, with its motorized brushroll in Lift-Away mode, offers superior performance on both carpets and hard floors.
- For Budget-Conscious Buyers: The Shark NV501 provides a great balance of features and performance at a potentially lower price point.
- For Ease of Maneuverability: The Shark NV501 is slightly lighter, making it easier to maneuver, especially in smaller spaces.
Short Review of Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet
The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet is a versatile upright vacuum designed to tackle various cleaning tasks with ease. Its standout feature is the Powered Lift-Away technology, which allows you to detach the canister while still maintaining power to the brushroll. This makes it incredibly convenient for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and under furniture without sacrificing performance. The NV752 also boasts a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, trapping 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This is a great benefit for allergy sufferers.
This model excels in homes with pets, thanks to its specialized pet hair attachments. The powerful suction and motorized brushroll efficiently remove pet hair from carpets and upholstery. The NV752 also offers multiple floor settings. Those settings allow you to adjust the suction power. Fingertip controls on the handle provide easy access to these settings. While it may be slightly heavier than some other models, its maneuverability is enhanced by advanced swivel steering and LED headlights that illuminate hidden dirt.
Short Review of Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away
The Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away is a lightweight and versatile upright vacuum cleaner. The NV501 is designed to deliver powerful suction and ease of use. Like the NV752, it features Lift-Away technology. This technology allows you to detach the canister for portable cleaning. It also includes HEPA filtration. It traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum. The NV501 is a reliable option for whole-home cleaning.
This model is known for its strong suction, making it effective at removing pet hair, dust, and debris from carpets and hard floors. The NV501 includes several useful attachments. Those attachments include a dusting brush, crevice tool, and pet power brush. These attachments make it suitable for cleaning various surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the NV752, the NV501 offers a balanced combination of performance, versatility, and affordability, making it a popular choice for many households.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Powered Lift-Away: The NV752 features Powered Lift-Away, which keeps the brushroll spinning in Lift-Away mode for continuous cleaning power, while the NV501’s brushroll does not spin in Lift-Away mode.
- Attachments: The NV752 typically includes more specialized attachments, such as a powered pet brush, compared to the NV501.
- Weight: The NV501 is slightly lighter than the NV752, making it easier to maneuver.
- Cord Length: The NV501 has a longer power cord (approximately 30 feet) compared to the NV752 (approximately 25 feet).
- Floor Nozzle: The NV752 has a motorized floor nozzle with LED lights for deep cleaning, while the NV501 has a straight suction floor nozzle with LED lights.
- Suction Power: The NV752 generally offers stronger suction power.
- Price: The NV501 is typically more affordable than the NV752.
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet | Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Powered Lift-Away | Lift-Away |
| Filtration | HEPA with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal | HEPA with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.5 quarts | 1.3 quarts |
| Weight | 16.7 lbs | 15.5 lbs |
| Cord Length | 25 feet | 30 feet |
| Floor Settings | Hard Floor, Low Pile Carpet, High Pile Carpet | Carpet/Bare Floor |
| Brushroll Control | Yes | Yes |
| LED Headlights | Yes (on nozzle and handle) | Yes (on nozzle) |
| Swivel Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Attachments | Pet Power Brush, Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool | Dusting Brush, Crevice Tool, Pet Power Brush |
| Warranty | 7-year limited warranty | 5-year limited warranty |
| Dimensions | Varies | Varies |
| Power Source | Corded Electric | Corded Electric |
| Special Feature | Fingertip Controls | Swivel Head |
| Surface Recommendation | Hard Floor, Upholstery, Carpet | Carpet, Hard Floor |
Price Comparison
The Shark NV501 generally retails for a lower price than the NV752. While prices can fluctuate based on retailer and promotions, the NV501 typically offers a more budget-friendly entry point into the Shark Lift-Away series. Considering its robust performance and versatile features, the NV501 presents a strong value proposition for those seeking an affordable yet capable vacuum. However, if you require the additional power and specialized tools of the NV752, the higher price may be justified. Always compare current pricing from multiple retailers to ensure you get the best deal.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Shark NV752 and NV501 share a similar upright design with the signature Lift-Away feature. The NV752 has a dark red and white color scheme, while the NV501 comes in red and white. The NV752 has an edge in build quality. Both models feel sturdy and well-constructed, but some users report that the NV752 feels slightly more robust. The placement of buttons and controls is generally intuitive on both models, though the NV752’s handle controls are considered by some to be more conveniently located. The NV501 is lighter and easier to lift and maneuver.
Performance Face-Off
Suction Power
The NV752 has stronger suction power. This makes it more effective at deep cleaning carpets and removing embedded dirt and pet hair. In tests, the NV752 consistently outperforms the NV501 in suction tests, particularly on thicker carpets and rugs.
Bare Floor Cleaning
Both vacuums perform well on bare floors, but the NV752’s powered brushroll can sometimes scatter larger debris. The NV501’s straight suction nozzle is designed to avoid scattering and provide thorough cleaning. The NV752 has a “hard-floor hero accessory” for dealing with stuck-on messes.
Carpet Cleaning
The NV752 is very effective on carpets. The NV752 has settings for different pile heights and a powerful motorized brushroll. It excels at removing dirt, debris, and pet hair from both low and high-pile carpets. The NV501 performs well on carpets but may require more passes to achieve the same level of cleanliness as the NV752.
Pet Hair Removal
The NV752, with its TruePet designation and specialized pet power brush, excels at removing pet hair from various surfaces. The NV501 also performs well, but the NV752’s attachments and stronger suction give it an edge in this category.
Edge Cleaning
Both vacuums are capable of edge cleaning. Each vacuum has features that allow the user to get close to baseboards and walls. The NV501 does a slightly better job of edging.
Special Features Comparison
- Shark NV752: Powered Lift-Away (brushroll spins in Lift-Away mode), fingertip controls, LED headlights on both nozzle and handle, specialized pet hair attachments.
- Shark NV501: Lift-Away (brushroll does not spin in Lift-Away mode), LED headlights on nozzle, swivel head, XL dust cup.
The NV752’s Powered Lift-Away is a standout feature. It allows for continuous cleaning power even in portable mode. The NV752’s fingertip controls and additional LED lights provide added convenience and visibility.
Usability and User Experience
Both the NV752 and NV501 are designed for ease of use, featuring intuitive controls and Lift-Away technology. The NV501’s lighter weight makes it more maneuverable, particularly for users who may find the NV752 slightly cumbersome. Emptying the dust cup is straightforward on both models, and the swivel steering enhances maneuverability around furniture and obstacles. The NV752’s powered brushroll in Lift-Away mode can be tiring for some users.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both vacuums feature washable filters. The filters contribute to ease of maintenance. The NV752 has a longer warranty period (7 years) than the NV501 (5 years). The NV752 indicates a potentially longer lifespan. Users report that both models are generally reliable. Some users report the NV752 requiring occasional brushroll cleaning to remove tangled hair and debris.
Who Should Buy Shark NV752?
- Pet Owners: The NV752’s specialized pet hair attachments and powerful suction make it an ideal choice for homes with pets.
- Allergy Sufferers: The HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology ensure that dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum.
- Those with Mixed Flooring: The NV752’s multiple floor settings and powered brushroll provide effective cleaning on both carpets and hard floors.
- Users Who Value Convenience: The fingertip controls and LED headlights enhance the overall cleaning experience.
Who Should Buy Shark NV501?
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: The NV501 offers a great balance of features and performance at a more affordable price point.
- Those with Smaller Homes: The NV501’s lighter weight and maneuverability make it well-suited for smaller spaces.
- Users Seeking a Versatile Vacuum: The Lift-Away technology and included attachments make the NV501 suitable for various cleaning tasks.
- Those Who Prefer Simplicity: The NV501’s straightforward design and ease of use make it a great choice for those who want a reliable vacuum without extra bells and whistles.
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark NV752 and NV501 are excellent upright vacuums that offer versatility and powerful cleaning performance. The Shark NV752 stands out as the better option for pet owners and those with extensive carpeting. The Shark NV501 remains a compelling choice for budget-conscious buyers and those with smaller homes. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific cleaning needs and budget.
