The Shark AX951 APEX DuoClean and the Shark NV752 Rotator TruePet are both full-sized upright vacuums designed for whole-home cleaning, with a particular emphasis on tackling pet hair and allergens. Both models feature Shark’s signature “Lift-Away” technology, allowing users to detach the canister for easier cleaning of stairs, furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas. Consumers in the market for a powerful, versatile, and feature-rich vacuum cleaner often find themselves comparing these two models. The AX951, often positioned as the newer, more advanced option, boasts features like DuoClean technology and enhanced noise reduction. On the other hand, the NV752 remains a popular choice due to its proven performance, comprehensive set of attachments, and often more attractive price point.
These Shark vacuums are aimed at homeowners with a mix of carpeted and hard floors, and those who need powerful suction and specialized tools for pet hair removal. Families with allergy concerns will also appreciate the sealed HEPA filtration systems on both models. While both offer similar functionality, subtle differences in suction power, brushroll technology, and included accessories can make one a better fit than the other depending on individual needs and priorities. In this comparison, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and value of each vacuum to help you determine which Shark is right for your home.
Table of Contents
- Quick Verdict
- Shark APEX DuoClean AX951
- Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet NV752
- 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 the Shark AX951?
- Who Should Buy the Shark NV752?
- Final Recommendation
Quick Verdict
- For overall cleaning performance and advanced features: The Shark AX951 APEX DuoClean is the winner. Its DuoClean technology excels at picking up both large and small debris on all floor types, and its enhanced suction provides superior cleaning power.
- For the budget-conscious shopper: The Shark NV752 Rotator TruePet offers excellent value for its price. It provides powerful suction, a comprehensive set of attachments, and reliable performance for everyday cleaning tasks.
- For those with mostly carpeted homes: The NV752 is the better choice, it is known to perform better on carpets due to the strong suction and specialized brushroll.
The Shark APEX DuoClean AX951 is a premium upright vacuum designed to deliver powerful cleaning performance across all floor types. Its standout feature is the DuoClean technology, which incorporates two brushrolls working in tandem: a soft brushroll in front to capture large particles and directly engage hard floors, and a bristle brushroll behind to deep clean carpets. This combination ensures effective dirt and debris removal in a single pass, saving time and effort. The AX951 also features Shark’s Powered Lift-Away, allowing users to detach the canister and use the motorized brushroll for extended reach under furniture and in tight spaces.
Beyond its cleaning prowess, the AX951 focuses on user experience with features like Advanced Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and noise reduction. The sealed HEPA filtration system traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, making it ideal for allergy sufferers. The added noise reduction technology minimizes operational noise. Its also equipped with LED headlights on the nozzle which illuminates the cleaning path in dark areas, ensuring no dirt is left behind.
The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet NV752 is a versatile upright vacuum designed to tackle pet hair and everyday messes with ease. Its key feature is the Powered Lift-Away design, which allows users to detach the canister from the motorized nozzle. This is useful for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas without sacrificing the power of the brushroll. The NV752 also comes with a comprehensive set of attachments, including the TruePet Motorized Brush, designed to lift embedded pet hair from carpets and upholstery.
The NV752 is equipped with a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, trapping dust and allergens inside the vacuum for cleaner air. Swivel steering provides enhanced maneuverability around furniture and obstacles. The NV752 offers powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities in a user-friendly design.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Shark AX951 | Shark NV752 |
|---|---|---|
| Brushroll Tech | DuoClean (soft brushroll + bristle brushroll) | Single bristle brushroll |
| Suction Power | Generally higher suction | Strong suction, but typically less than AX951 |
| Noise Reduction | Advanced noise reduction technology | Standard noise level |
| Specialized Tools | Under-appliance wand, more specialized tool options are often included. | TruePet Motorized Brush, Hard-Floor Hero |
| Weight | Typically slightly heavier | Slightly lighter |
| Price | Higher price point | Lower price point |
| Maneuverability | Known for smooth maneuverability | Decent maneuverability, but can be bulky |
Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Shark AX951 | Shark NV752 |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Type | Upright, Lift-Away | Upright, Lift-Away |
| Technology | DuoClean, Lift-Away, Anti-Allergen Seal | Lift-Away, Anti-Allergen Seal |
| Filtration | HEPA Filter | HEPA Filter |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.5 dry quarts | 3.3 dry quarts |
| Cord Length | 30 feet | 30 feet |
| Weight | ~16 lbs | ~15.6 lbs |
| Dimensions | Varies | Varies |
| Attachments | Varies (Pet Multi-Tool, Duster Crevice, etc.) | Varies (TruePet Brush, Hard-Floor Hero, etc.) |
| Model Numbers | AX951, AX952 | NV751, NV752, NV753 |
Price Comparison
The Shark AX951 APEX DuoClean typically retails at a higher price point compared to the Shark NV752 Rotator TruePet. The AX951’s premium features, such as DuoClean technology and advanced noise reduction, contribute to its higher cost. The NV752, while still offering powerful cleaning and a versatile design, is often available at a more budget-friendly price.
From a value perspective, the AX951 justifies its higher price for users who prioritize top-of-the-line cleaning performance and advanced features. The DuoClean brushroll system excels at capturing all types of debris on various floor types, while the noise reduction technology enhances the overall user experience. However, for users who are primarily concerned with pet hair removal and general cleaning, the NV752 offers a compelling cost-to-feature ratio. It provides powerful suction, a comprehensive set of attachments, and the convenience of Lift-Away functionality at a more accessible price.
Design and Build Quality
Both the Shark AX951 and NV752 share a similar upright design with the Lift-Away feature, allowing the canister to detach for greater portability. However, subtle differences in aesthetics and materials give each vacuum a distinct feel. The AX951 generally boasts a more modern and refined look, often featuring premium finishes and a more streamlined silhouette. Build quality on the APEX vacuums feels and looks to be a step up as well compared to less expensive models, like the Shark Rotator and Shark Navigator Pro series.
In terms of durability, both vacuums are constructed primarily from hard plastics, with metal wands for added strength. The AX951 may incorporate slightly higher-grade plastics and more robust construction in certain areas. Both models have swivel steering for maneuverability. The NV752 is known to have exceptional suction and Shark even report that it has stronger suction than the Dyson DC65 upright.
Performance Face-Off
Bare Floors
The Shark AX951 with its DuoClean technology, excels on bare floors. The soft brushroll gently polishes hard surfaces while effectively capturing large and small debris. The NV752 performs well on bare floors, especially when using the Hard-Floor Hero attachment, but the single bristle brushroll may not be as effective at picking up fine dust and debris.
Low-Pile Carpets
Both vacuums offer strong performance on low-pile carpets. The AX951’s DuoClean technology provides an edge, agitating and lifting dirt and debris more effectively than the NV752’s single brushroll. The NV752 still delivers good suction and brush agitation for thorough cleaning.
High-Pile Carpets
The AX951 maintains its advantage on high-pile carpets, thanks to its enhanced suction and DuoClean brushroll system. The NV752 can struggle with very thick or plush carpets, as the brushroll may bog down or lose suction. However, the NV752 is still quite capable on carpet and the self-cleaning brushroll is a very handy feature.
Pet Hair Removal
Both vacuums are designed with pet owners in mind and come equipped with specialized tools for pet hair removal. The NV752’s TruePet Motorized Brush is highly effective at lifting embedded pet hair from carpets and upholstery. The AX951 also performs well in pet hair removal, especially when paired with its pet multi-tool attachment.
Special Features Comparison
- Shark AX951: The standout special feature of the AX951 is its DuoClean technology, with the two brushrolls working together to provide exceptional cleaning performance on all floor types. Additionally, the AX951 often includes an under-appliance wand, which makes cleaning under low-profile furniture much easier.
- Shark NV752: The NV752’s key special feature is its Powered Lift-Away design, which allows users to detach the canister and use the motorized brushroll for extended reach and versatile cleaning. The TruePet Motorized Brush is also a valuable addition for pet owners.
Usability and User Experience
Both the Shark AX951 and NV752 are designed with user-friendliness in mind. The Lift-Away feature makes both vacuums easy to maneuver and carry. Both models feature intuitive controls and simple assembly. The AX951’s noise reduction technology can make it more pleasant to operate for those sensitive to noise.
Maintenance and Longevity
Both the Shark AX951 and NV752 feature washable filters, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Regular cleaning of the brushrolls and dust cups is essential for maintaining optimal performance. The build quality of both vacuums is decent, but some users have reported issues with plastic components breaking over time.
Who Should Buy the Shark AX951?
The Shark AX951 APEX DuoClean is the ideal choice for:
- Homeowners who want the best possible cleaning performance on all floor types
- Users who appreciate advanced features like DuoClean technology and noise reduction
- Allergy sufferers who need a vacuum with a sealed HEPA filtration system
- Those willing to invest in a premium vacuum for superior cleaning results
Who Should Buy the Shark NV752?
The Shark NV752 Rotator TruePet is the better choice for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers who want a powerful and versatile vacuum at a lower price
- Pet owners who need a vacuum with specialized tools for pet hair removal
- Users who want the convenience of Lift-Away functionality for versatile cleaning
- Those who primarily clean carpets and need strong suction and brush agitation
Final Recommendation
Both the Shark AX951 APEX DuoClean and the Shark NV752 Rotator TruePet are excellent upright vacuums that offer powerful cleaning and versatile features. The Shark AX951 emerges as the winner due to its superior cleaning performance, advanced features, and enhanced user experience. The DuoClean technology excels at picking up all types of debris on various floor types, while the noise reduction technology makes it more pleasant to use. However, the Shark NV752 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious shoppers who want a reliable and versatile vacuum at a more affordable price.
