Shark AX912 vs. NV752: Which Vacuum Cleans Up the Competition?

The Shark AX912 APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Speed and the Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet are both upright vacuums designed for whole-home cleaning, but they cater to slightly different needs. The AX912, part of Shark’s APEX series, aims to deliver powerful cleaning in a more compact and maneuverable package. It’s marketed towards those who want advanced features like DuoClean technology without the bulk of a full-sized upright. On the other hand, the NV752, from the Rotator series, is a versatile machine known for its strong suction and extensive set of attachments, making it a popular choice for pet owners and those tackling a variety of cleaning tasks.

These vacuums both offer Shark’s signature Lift-Away feature, allowing you to detach the canister for portable cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas. Deciding between them depends on your priorities: Do you value maneuverability and advanced brushroll technology, or are you looking for raw power and a comprehensive set of tools? This comparison dives deep into the specifics of each model to help you make the right choice for your home.

Quick Verdict

• For Maneuverability and Hard Floors: The Shark AX912 is the better choice due to its DuoClean technology, which excels at picking up both large and small debris on hard floors, and its more compact design, making it easier to maneuver around furniture.
• For Pet Owners and Versatility: The Shark NV752 wins with its strong suction, specialized pet tools, and larger dust cup capacity, making it better suited for homes with pets and a variety of cleaning needs.

Short Review of the Shark AX912 APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Speed

The Shark AX912 APEX DuoClean Powered Lift-Away Speed is a compact upright vacuum designed to deliver powerful cleaning performance. Its defining feature is the DuoClean technology, which incorporates two brushrolls working in tandem: a soft brushroll in the front to capture large debris and a bristle brushroll in the back to deep clean carpets. This combination makes it exceptionally effective on both hard floors and carpets. The AX912 also features the Powered Lift-Away function, allowing you to detach the canister and use the wand and attachments for cleaning above-floor areas.

This model also includes advanced features like a HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum. The AX912 is also equipped with Noise Reduction Technology. Its compact size and Active-Glide Technology contribute to its maneuverability, making it easy to navigate around furniture and tight spaces.

Short Review of the Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet

The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet is a versatile upright vacuum known for its powerful suction and comprehensive set of tools, particularly those designed for pet owners. It features the Lift-Away design, enabling users to detach the canister for portable cleaning while maintaining power to the brushroll. The NV752 excels at picking up pet hair and embedded dirt from carpets and upholstery thanks to its strong suction and specialized TruePet motorized brush.

This model comes with a HEPA filter to capture allergens and dust, and it has a large-capacity dust cup, reducing the frequency of emptying. The NV752 also offers swivel steering for enhanced maneuverability, though it is generally heavier than the AX912. It’s a popular choice for those who need a reliable vacuum for a variety of cleaning tasks and who prioritize strong suction and pet hair removal capabilities.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Brushroll Technology: The AX912 features DuoClean technology (two brushrolls), while the NV752 has a standard bristle brushroll.
• Size and Weight: The AX912 is more compact and lighter than the NV752.
• Pet-Specific Tools: The NV752 includes a TruePet motorized brush designed for pet hair removal, which may not be included or as effective on the AX912, depending on the specific configuration.
• Dust Cup Capacity: The NV752 typically has a larger dust cup capacity than the AX912.
• Maneuverability: The AX912 is generally easier to maneuver due to its lighter weight and more compact design.

Specifications Comparison

Price Comparison

Pricing for both the Shark AX912 and NV752 can vary depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. Generally, the AX912 tends to be slightly more expensive due to its advanced DuoClean technology. The NV752, while still a capable machine, often comes in at a slightly lower price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious shoppers.

Value Proposition: Both vacuums offer good value for their price. The AX912’s DuoClean technology provides superior performance on hard floors, justifying its higher cost for some users. The NV752 offers a balance of power, versatility, and affordability, making it a solid choice for those who need a reliable all-around vacuum without breaking the bank.

Cost-to-Feature Ratio: If you prioritize advanced features like DuoClean, the AX912 offers a better cost-to-feature ratio. However, if you’re looking for the most suction power and a comprehensive set of attachments at a lower price, the NV752 provides excellent value.

Design and Build Quality

Aesthetics: Both vacuums have a similar upright design with a detachable canister for Lift-Away mode. The AX912 features a more modern and streamlined look, while the NV752 has a more traditional upright vacuum appearance.

Materials: Both vacuums are constructed primarily of hard plastic, with metal wands for durability. The build quality is decent for both, but neither feels exceptionally premium. The NV752 has a metal wand, while the rest of the vacuum is made of hard plastic. It feels like it could be sturdier.

Durability: Both vacuums are reasonably durable for their price range. Some owners report that the NV752’s dirt compartment could break if dropped.

Ergonomics: The AX912 is lighter and more compact, making it easier to maneuver and carry. The NV752, while not excessively heavy, can feel a bit bulky, especially when using the Lift-Away function. The buttons on the Rotator are conveniently placed.

Overall Construction: Both vacuums are easy to assemble and disassemble for maintenance and storage. The AX912 may have a slight edge in terms of overall construction due to its more refined design.

Performance Face-Off

Bare Floors

The Shark AX912 is the winner here, due to its DuoClean technology. The two brushrolls work in tandem to capture both large and small debris on bare floors. The front soft brushroll gently sweeps up dust and crumbs, while the bristle brushroll agitates and lifts stuck-on messes. The spinning brushroll on the ZU632 (similar to the AX912) did not cause scatter and it provided better debris pickup on tile surfaces.

The Shark NV752 is still effective on bare floors, but it relies solely on suction, as the brushroll can be turned off. This can sometimes result in the brushroll pushing larger debris around rather than directly picking it up.

Carpets

Both vacuums perform well on carpets, but the Shark NV752 has a slight edge due to its powerful suction. The strong suction is able to dig deep into carpet fibers and extract embedded dirt and pet hair. The NV752 scored a perfect 100 in embedded sand in the carpet deep clean test.

The Shark AX912 with its bristle brushroll, can also effectively clean carpets, and the DuoClean technology helps to pull in surface debris. However, it may not have the same level of deep-cleaning power as the NV752 on thick or high-pile carpets.

Pet Hair

The Shark NV752 is the clear winner for pet hair removal. It includes a TruePet motorized brush specifically designed to lift pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and other surfaces. The powerful suction also helps to pull embedded pet hair from carpet fibers. The pet hair attachment works very well and is reportedly also good at cleaning upholstery.

The Shark AX912 can pick up some pet hair, but it may not be as effective as the NV752, especially on thick carpets or upholstery.

Edge Cleaning

Both vacuums perform well at edge cleaning, effectively picking up debris along baseboards and walls. Both vacuums picked up almost all of the chili flakes and were able to pull up chili flakes that were tight against the wall.

Stairs

Both vacuums are suitable for cleaning stairs thanks to their Lift-Away feature, which allows you to detach the canister and use the wand and attachments for portable cleaning. However, the Shark AX912 is lighter and more compact, making it easier to carry up and down stairs.

Weight

The Shark AX912 weighs less, making it easier to carry.

Special Features Comparison

Shark AX912 APEX DuoClean:

• DuoClean Technology: Two brushrolls (soft brushroll and bristle brushroll) work together to clean both hard floors and carpets effectively.
• Active-Glide Technology: Provides smooth maneuverability on floors and carpets.
• Noise Reduction Technology: Reduces noise levels during operation.

Shark NV752 Rotator TruePet:

• TruePet Motorized Brush: Designed specifically for removing pet hair from carpets and upholstery.
• Large Dust Cup Capacity: Reduces the frequency of emptying.
• 3-in-1 Functionality: Can be used as an upright, canister, or handheld vacuum.

Usability and User Experience

Shark AX912 APEX DuoClean:

• Ease of Use: Lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it suitable for users of all ages and physical abilities.
• Learning Curve: Minimal learning curve due to its straightforward design and controls.

Shark NV752 Rotator TruePet:

• Ease of Use: Versatile with multiple cleaning modes and attachments, but can be slightly bulky and heavier than the AX912.
• Learning Curve: May require some initial familiarization with the different attachments and cleaning modes.

Maintenance and Longevity

Shark AX912 APEX DuoClean:

• Maintenance: Brushroll maintenance is easy to perform. Both brushrolls are very easy to access and clean. The soft brushroll can even be washed in water. The main brushroll (stiff bristle brushroll) can be accessed through the top of the nozzle.
• Warranty: 7-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.

Shark NV752 Rotator TruePet:

• Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning of the brushroll to remove tangled hair and debris.
• Longevity: Known for its durability and long-lasting performance with proper maintenance.
• Warranty: Varies, typically a 5-year limited warranty.

Who Should Buy the Shark AX912?

• Those who have a mix of hard floors and carpets and want a vacuum that excels on both surfaces.
• Individuals who prioritize maneuverability and ease of use.
• Users who appreciate advanced features like DuoClean technology and noise reduction.

Who Should Buy the Shark NV752?

• Pet owners who need a powerful vacuum with specialized tools for pet hair removal.
• Those who have a large home and need a vacuum with a large dust cup capacity.
• Users who want a versatile vacuum that can handle a variety of cleaning tasks.

Final Recommendation

Both the Shark AX912 and NV752 are excellent upright vacuums that offer a range of features and benefits. The Shark AX912 is the better choice for those who prioritize maneuverability, ease of use, and superior performance on hard floors. Its DuoClean technology and lightweight design make it a joy to use for everyday cleaning.

On the other hand, the Shark NV752 is the winner for pet owners and those who need a versatile vacuum with strong suction and a comprehensive set of attachments. Its TruePet motorized brush and large dust cup capacity make it well-suited for tackling pet hair and large messes.