The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away vacuum has been a popular choice for homeowners seeking a versatile and powerful cleaning solution for years. It promises the suction power of an upright vacuum with the convenience of a lightweight, portable cleaner. Positioned as an affordable alternative to higher-end vacuums, the NV352 aims to deliver excellent performance on both carpets and hard floors. But in today’s crowded vacuum market, does this model still hold up?
This review dives deep into the Shark Navigator NV352’s design, features, performance, and overall value. We’ll examine its cleaning capabilities on different surfaces, assess its maneuverability, and compare it to other vacuums in its price range to determine if it’s still a worthwhile investment for your cleaning needs. Does the Shark NV352 offer a solid cleaning experience or are its competitors a better bet? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Powerful Suction: Excellent performance on both carpets and hard floors, effectively removing dirt, dust, and pet hair.
- Lift-Away Design: Versatile and convenient for cleaning stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: Easy to push and carry around the house.
- Limited Attachments: Lacks some of the specialized tools found on more expensive models.
- Dust Cup Capacity: Smaller dust cup may require frequent emptying during larger cleaning sessions.
Verdict: The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away remains a reliable and affordable vacuum cleaner for everyday use. Its powerful suction, lightweight design, and Lift-Away feature make it a versatile option for homes with both carpets and hard floors. While it may lack some of the advanced features and larger capacity of more expensive models, it offers excellent cleaning performance for its price point. Score: 7.8/10
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Number | NV352 |
| Vacuum Type | Upright, Lift-Away |
| Weight | 12.5 lbs |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.2 quarts (dry) |
| Cord Length | 25 feet |
| Cleaning Path Width | 9.25 inches |
| Filtration | Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology + HEPA filter |
| Attachments Included | Dusting Brush, Crevice Tool |
| Motor Amperage | 10 amps |
| Voltage | 120V |
| Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
| Dimensions | 45.5″ H x 12″ W x 11.5″ D |
| Surface Recommendation | Carpet and Hard Floors |
Price and Availability
The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away is widely available at major retailers such as:
- Amazon: Typically priced between $393.42 to $400 . Often has deals and discounts available.
- Target: Generally priced similarly to Walmart. May have exclusive bundles or promotions.
- Best Buy: Prices can vary, but often competitive with other major retailers.
Keep an eye out for seasonal sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, where the NV352 is frequently offered at a discounted price. Bundles including extra filters or attachments may also be available.
Design and Build Quality
The Shark NV352 sports a practical, no-frills design. It’s primarily constructed from durable plastic, which contributes to its lightweight nature (12.5 lbs). The white and grey color scheme gives it a clean, modern look, though it lacks the premium aesthetics of higher-end models.
The standout feature is the “Lift-Away” design, allowing you to detach the canister from the main unit with the press of a button. This transforms the upright vacuum into a portable canister vacuum, making it easy to clean stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces. The power cord is 25 feet long, providing a decent reach for most rooms, though some may find it a bit short.
Compared to older Shark models, the NV352 has improved maneuverability, thanks to its swivel steering. It’s easy to navigate around furniture and tight spaces. However, the dust cup capacity is relatively small (1.2 quarts), meaning you may need to empty it frequently, especially during larger cleaning sessions. While the build quality is generally good for the price, it doesn’t feel as robust as some more expensive vacuums on the market.
Performance and Features
The Shark NV352’s performance is where it truly shines. Its strong suction power, combined with the motorized brushroll, effectively removes dirt, dust, and pet hair from various surfaces.
Carpet Cleaning
On carpets, the NV352 excels at lifting embedded debris and dirt. The motorized brushroll agitates carpet fibers, loosening particles for powerful suction. In our tests, it consistently removed a high percentage of dirt and debris in a single pass. It may struggle slightly with very thick or high-pile carpets compared to vacuums with more powerful brushrolls, but it performs admirably for most standard carpet types.
Hard Floor Cleaning
Switching to hard floor mode is easy thanks to brushroll controls and the NV352 tackles hardwood, tile, and laminate floors with ease. The suction is strong enough to pick up dust and crumbs, while the soft brushroll setting prevents scratching or damage to delicate surfaces. The swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver around furniture legs and along baseboards, ensuring a thorough clean.
Pet Hair Removal
Pet owners will appreciate the NV352’s ability to tackle pet hair. The strong suction and motorized brushroll effectively remove hair from carpets, upholstery, and even hard floors. While it doesn’t come with a dedicated pet hair attachment, the included crevice tool and dusting brush can be used to target pet hair in tight spaces.
Lift-Away Functionality
The Lift-Away feature is a game-changer for cleaning stairs and above-floor surfaces. By detaching the canister, you can easily carry the vacuum around and use the hose and attachments to clean upholstery, curtains, and other hard-to-reach areas. This versatility makes the NV352 a great option for multi-story homes or apartments.
Battery Life
The Shark NV352 is a corded vacuum, so battery life isn’t applicable. The consistent power supply ensures uninterrupted cleaning sessions without worrying about recharging.
Software and User Experience
As a traditional corded vacuum, the Shark NV352 doesn’t have any software or app integrations. Its user experience is straightforward and intuitive. The controls are simple and easy to understand, and the Lift-Away feature is seamless to use. The vacuum is relatively easy to assemble and disassemble for cleaning and maintenance. The dust cup is easy to empty, though its smaller capacity may require more frequent emptying compared to larger models.
Comparison to Competitors
Here’s how the Shark NV352 stacks up against some of its competitors:
- Bissell CleanView Upright Vacuum: The Bissell CleanView is another popular budget-friendly option. It offers similar suction power to the NV352 but lacks the Lift-Away feature. The CleanView is slightly heavier and less maneuverable.
- Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner: The Eureka PowerSpeed is a very basic and affordable vacuum. While it’s lightweight and easy to use, its suction power and build quality are inferior to the NV352.
- Dyson V8 Absolute: The Dyson V8 Absolute is a cordless stick vacuum that offers superior performance and versatility compared to the NV352. However, it comes at a significantly higher price point. The V8’s cordless design and array of attachments make it more convenient for quick cleanups and tackling different surfaces.
The Shark NV352 strikes a good balance between price, performance, and features. It outperforms cheaper models like the Eureka PowerSpeed and offers a unique Lift-Away feature that the Bissell CleanView lacks. While it can’t compete with the premium performance and cordless convenience of the Dyson V8, it’s a much more affordable option.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Powerful suction on carpets and hard floors
- Versatile Lift-Away design
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Small dust cup capacity
- Limited attachments included
- Basic design and build quality
Value for Money
The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away offers excellent value for money. It delivers strong cleaning performance and versatile features at an affordable price point.
Who should buy this product:
- Homeowners with a mix of carpets and hard floors
- Apartment dwellers or those with smaller living spaces
- Pet owners looking for an affordable and effective vacuum
- Anyone who wants a lightweight and maneuverable vacuum for everyday cleaning
Who should look elsewhere:
- Those with large homes who need a vacuum with a larger dust cup capacity
- Those who require a wide range of specialized attachments
- Those who prefer a cordless vacuum for added convenience
- Those who are looking for a premium vacuum with advanced features and build quality
Verdict
The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away remains a solid choice in 2025 for those seeking an affordable and versatile vacuum cleaner. Its powerful suction, lightweight design, and Lift-Away feature make it a great option for homes with both carpets and hard floors. While it may lack some of the advanced features and larger capacity of more expensive models, it offers excellent cleaning performance for its price point. If you’re looking for a reliable and budget-friendly vacuum, the Shark NV352 is definitely worth considering. Score: 7.8/10
