The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 has been on the market since 2010 and remains one of the most recognizable upright vacuums in the budget category. Its combination of strong suction, effective filtration, and practical versatility has helped it maintain long-term popularity with consumers.
At Vacuum Wars, we’ve tested hundreds of upright vacuums using standardized, data-driven methods. In one of our annual evaluations, the NV352 stood out as a top-performing budget model, making it worth revisiting in detail. In this review, we take a closer look at its features and real-world performance to understand why it continues to hold its own despite years of competition and ongoing advances in vacuum technology.
We think that the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 is a triumph in budget vacuum design, demonstrating robust suction and versatile cleaning capabilities. Its well-designed swivel steering and light weight make it incredibly user-friendly, while the HEPA filtration and seal technology ensure that it effectively keeps dust and allergens contained. The Lift-Away feature adds significant versatility, allowing easy transition to cleaning stairs, upholstery, or other challenging areas. With its commendable performance on both carpet and hard floors, combined with a thoughtful attachment set, the NV352 offers exceptional value and functionality, standing the test of time as a beloved model in the vacuum cleaner market. See additional info
Price as of December 25, 2025
Cleaning Heads: Swivel Head | Lift Away
Attachments*: Upholstery Tool | Crevice Tool
Air Filtration: HEPA Filtration
| Scores | Shark Navigator NV352 | Average Upright Vacuum Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Wars Overall | 4.15 | 2.66 |
| Performance | 3.53 | 2.84 |
| Features | 2.75 | 1.70 |
| Hard Floor | 3.40 | 2.98 |
| Carpet | 4.63 | 3.10 |
| Attachments | 4.70 | 2.96 |
| Specs | Shark Navigator NV352 | Average Upright Vacuum Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 13.8 lb | 15.27 lb |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 1.32 l | 2.56 l |
| Cord Length | 25 ft | 30.54 ft |
| In the Box*: Upholstery Tool | Crevice Tool | ||
HEPA Filtration and Sealed System Performance
One of the standout features of the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 is its exceptional filtration system. This vacuum boasts a HEPA filter combined with Shark’s Complete Seal Technology, ensuring that all the dust and allergens stay inside the vacuum and don’t escape back into the air. This is a rare quality, especially in vacuums at this price point, which often require spending more to achieve similar filtration performance.
Lightweight Design and Swivel Steering Maneuverability
Weighing in at just 13 pounds, the NV352 is significantly lighter than the average upright vacuum. This lightweight design, paired with one of the best swivel steering mechanisms in any price range, makes it incredibly easy to handle. Its superior maneuverability means navigating around furniture and tight corners is a breeze, outperforming many of its competitors.
Versatile Cleaning on Carpet, Hard Floors, and Stairs
The NV352 shines in its versatility. Thanks to the brush roll on/off switch, transitioning from carpets to hard floors is seamless. Many budget vacuums lack this feature, making the NV352 stand out. Additionally, the Lift-Away mode allows users to detach the canister from the floor nozzle, transforming it into a portable unit ideal for stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas. The vacuum also comes with a well-designed set of attachments, including a brush tool, upholstery tool, and two crevice tools, enhancing its above-floor cleaning capabilities.
Dustbin Design and Ongoing Maintenance
One of the most underrated innovations of the NV352 is its open canister design. This makes it not only easy to empty but also simple to clean and maintain. There are no closed or hard-to-reach areas, and as long as you keep the metal grate and components free of debris, the vacuum maintains its suction power throughout its lifespan.
Suction Power, Airflow, and Deep Carpet Cleaning Performance
In our tests, the NV352 demonstrated impressive suction and airflow, outperforming many upright vacuums, even those at higher price points. For example, it surpassed commercial upright vacuums in suction tests and held its own in airflow measurements.
It also excelled in the crevice pickup test and achieved a perfect score in carpet deep cleaning, where we embedded sand into medium pile carpet and measured the amount removed. This performance is due to its powerful suction, well-designed stiff bristles on the brush roll, and gear-driven belt, making it excellent for removing deep-down dirt from carpets.
Debris Pickup on Hard Floors and Carpet
The NV352 is highly effective at picking up both fine and larger debris on carpets and hard floors. It handled fine debris with ease and even tackled larger items like Cheerios on hard floors. The only limitation we found was with Fruit Loop-sized debris, but even then, it performed admirably. The ease of using the hose and wand for larger debris adds to its convenience, making it a time-saver compared to other models.
What’s Included with the Shark Navigator NV352
Build Quality, Replacement Parts, and Warranty Coverage
While the NV352 features mostly exterior plastic construction, which some may see as a drawback, it contributes to its lightweight and affordability. Over the years, some parts have worn out, but the availability of replacement parts online, both from Shark and third parties, makes maintenance straightforward. Additionally, it comes with an impressive five-year warranty, adding to its long-term value.
Limitations to Consider
No product is without its flaws. The floor head, while well-designed for getting under furniture, can occasionally bump into overhanging objects. This issue is not unique to the NV352 but is worth mentioning. The mostly plastic construction, while contributing to its lightweight, can wear over time, though replacement parts are readily available.
Conclusion
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 has stood the test of time, and for good reason. Its combination of powerful suction, exceptional filtration, lightweight design, and versatility makes it one of the best budget vacuums ever built. Despite a decade of advancements in vacuum technology, the NV352 remains a reliable and efficient choice for households around the world. Whether you’re looking for a vacuum for carpets, hard floors, or above-floor cleaning, the NV352 remains a top contender.
