Shark Navigator NV352 Review
What owners & reviewers say
A summary of what owners and professional reviewers report, drawn from 47 sources.
- Lightweight design with swivel steering for easy maneuverability in tight areas and under furniture.
- Provides strong suction and high cleaning power on hard floors and low-to-medium carpets.
- Durable build quality that can withstand heavy use over many years.
The Verdict
The Shark Navigator NV352 stands out for its exceptional HEPA filtration and versatile Lift-Away pod, making it highly effective for allergy sufferers and cleaning stairs or upholstery. Its lightweight frame and swivel steering ensure easy maneuverability across hard floors and low-pile carpets.
Trade-offs include a primarily plastic construction prone to cracking and difficulty handling large debris or high-pile rugs. Despite these durability concerns and struggles with thick carpets, it remains a strong choice for those needing a nimble, allergen-trapping vacuum for mixed-surface homes.
What owners and reviewers say
- Performance7.2
It offers strong suction and high cleaning power on hard floors and low-to-medium carpets, though it can struggle with larger debris and high-pile rugs.
- Reliability7.0
While many users report long-term durability and a strong motor warranty, some plastic components and hoses are prone to cracking over time.
- Ease of Use8.0
It is easy to operate and maintain thanks to a modular design and simple controls, though a few users find the dustbin capacity and cord length limiting.
- Filtration & Air Quality9.0
Features a HEPA filter and a complete seal system that effectively traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, with strong positive feedback from allergy sufferers.
- Versatility9.0
Highly versatile with a detachable Lift-Away canister for stairs and upholstery, plus a brushroll switch for seamless transitions between carpets and hard floors.
- Maneuverability8.8
Highly praised for its lightweight design and responsive swivel steering, though a few users find it slightly top-heavy during tight turns.
- Noise Level7.0
It performs at a typical noise level for upright vacuums, though some users report it can be louder than comparable models.
- Size & Weight8.5
Widely regarded as a lightweight and compact upright vacuum, though a small minority find it bulky for storage.
The Shark Navigator NV352 is a lightweight, bagless upright vacuum featuring a detachable Lift-Away pod for portable cleaning. Users generally appreciate its maneuverability and HEPA filtration, though some note its primarily plastic construction.
Owners generally value the vacuum's lightweight maneuverability and cleaning power, though some express concerns regarding the durability of its plastic components.
What people like
- Lightweight design with swivel steering for easy maneuverability in tight areas and under furniture.
- Provides strong suction and high cleaning power on hard floors and low-to-medium carpets.
- Durable build quality that can withstand heavy use over many years.
- Features a HEPA filtration system that effectively traps allergens and reduces sneezing for allergy sufferers.
- Versatile Lift-Away mode and 2-in-1 design allow for portable cleaning of stairs and upholstery.
- Features a large dust cup that is easy to empty.
What could be better
- Struggles to pick up larger debris, such as Cheerios or birdseed, and may snowplow these items.
- The exterior construction is primarily plastic, which can feel cheap, flimsy, or scuff easily.
- Swivel steering is not optimal and the unit can feel top-heavy or less nimble on tight turns.
- Cleaning performance is less effective on hard floors, including parallel passes and flat surfaces.
- Performance is mediocre with deeply embedded pet hair and the unit is prone to hair clumping and tangling.
- Struggles or chokes on thick, high-pile carpets and fluffy rugs.
Common issues owners report
- Plastic components, including the handle, wand assembly, and hose connections, can be brittle and prone to cracking or snapping.
- The brush roll may stop rotating or develop grinding noises due to debris buildup, wear, or the brush switch being off.
- Loss of suction or failure to pick up dirt may be caused by dirty filters, a full dust cup, clogged hoses, or a broken suction motor.
- Hair and fibers can tangle around the brush roller, requiring routine manual clearing to prevent belt strain or bearing noise.
- Hoses and latches may experience durability issues, including cracking, tearing, or developing air leaks under heavy use.
- The vacuum may fail to power on due to issues with the on/off button, power connection, faulty cord, or internal wiring.
Great for
Maybe not for
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Key facts
- Features a Lift-Away detachable pod/canister for portable cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and above-floor areas.
- Equipped with a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens.
- The Shark Navigator NV352 is a lightweight, bagless upright vacuum cleaner in lavender/purple.
- Weight ranges from 12.5 to 16 lbs.
- Features a brushroll with an on/off control switch for transitioning between carpets and bare floors.
- Includes swivel steering and a swivel head for enhanced maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces.
- Includes a 1200W motor, operating at 120V, 60Hz, and 10A.
- Power cord length is 25 feet.
- Designed for mixed flooring types, including carpet and hard floors.
- Product dimensions are 11.4"D x 15"W x 45.5"H.
How it compares
| PriceRank |  | | — | | | | — |
| Rating | 8.1SmartScore | 7.6SmartScore | 7.6SmartScore | 8.0SmartScore | |||
| Model | NV352 | NV360 | — | NV356E 26 | ZU503AMZ | NV501 | NV380 |
| Color | Lavender | Navy | — | White | Teal | — | — |
| Surface Type | Carpet, Hardwood Floors, Laminate, Tile | Carpet, Hardwood Floors, Laminate, Tile | Carpet, Hardwood Floors, Laminate, Tile | Carpet, Hardwood Floors, Laminate, Tile | Area Rugs, Carpet, Hardwood Floors, Laminate, Tile | Hardwood Floors, Laminate, Tile | Carpet, Hardwood Floors, Laminate, Tile |
| Use Case | Allergies | Pet Hair | Pet Hair | Pet Hair | Pet Hair | Allergies | Allergies |
| Attachments | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool | Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Pet Hair Tool | Crevice Tool, Pet Hair Tool, Upholstery Tool | Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Upholstery Tool | Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool |
| Weight | Standard (8 - 14 lbs) | Heavy Duty (Over 14 lbs) | — | Standard (8 - 14 lbs) | Standard (8 - 14 lbs) | Heavy Duty (Over 14 lbs) | Heavy Duty (Over 14 lbs) |
| Features | Convertible to Handheld | Convertible to Handheld | Convertible to Handheld | Convertible to Handheld | Self-Cleaning Brush Roll, Convertible to Handheld | Convertible to Handheld, LED Headlights | Convertible to Handheld |
| Filters | HEPA, Sealed Allergen System | HEPA, Sealed Allergen System, Washable Filter | HEPA, Washable Filter, Sealed Allergen System | HEPA, Sealed Allergen System | HEPA, Sealed Allergen System | HEPA, Sealed Allergen System | HEPA, Sealed Allergen System |
| Type | Upright | Upright | Upright | Upright | Upright | Upright | Upright |
| Cord Type | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded | Corded |
Common questions
What is the typical lifespan of a Shark Navigator vacuum?
The estimated lifespan is 5 to 10+ years, provided the unit is maintained properly.
Is the Shark NV352 a good vacuum?
It is described as a durable, budget-friendly vacuum with strong suction on hard floors and low-to-medium carpets, though it may struggle with larger debris or thick, high-pile carpets.
Can the NV352 be used on hard floors?
Yes, it features a brush roll on/off switch that allows for seamless transitioning to hard floors by using suction only.
What is the Lift-Away feature?
The Lift-Away feature allows the dustbin pod to be detached from the main unit, making it portable for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and above-floor areas while maintaining full suction strength.
How does the vacuum handle allergens?
It is equipped with a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens.
Is it easy to maintain?
Yes, it has an open canister design for easy emptying and a modular design with widely available replacement parts. Filters can be rinsed under water, with pre-motor filters typically cleaned every 3 weeks to 3 months and the HEPA filter every 1 to 2 years.