Shark NV352 vs NV501: This is a debate between two products from the Shark Navigator and Shark Rotator lines, respectively. Each has its own pros and cons, but the latter is generally better.
The Shark NV501 feels a bit higher-end, has better overall performance and comes with a few nifty features. However, it is only suitable for those who are willing to spend a considerable amount of money to get all of that.
The Shark NV352 doesn’t have as many bells and whistles as the winner, but it’s still worth buying. Its cleaning performance is good enough to please anyone, making it the perfect choice for budget-oriented users.
Shark NV352 vs NV501: Comparison Chart
Shark NV352 vs NV501: Differences
The Shark NV501 wins 3-0 and ties twice against the NV352. It has better overall performance, comes with some nice-to-have features, and is packed with a few more advanced accessories.
Cleaning Performance
Winner: NV501
My cleaning performance tests were conducted on three different types of surfaces, including bare floor, low pile carpet, and high pile carpet:
Bare Floor
On my bare floor, both the Shark NV352 vs NV501 had good performance, but they had a little trouble with large debris like cereal: the NV352 only sucked up 83% of the cereal, whereas the NV501 only gathered 77%.
But note that I used the large cleaning heads when testing, and I believe using the wide-mouth hose will allow you to easily capture the larger debris.
Low Pile Carpet
These machines have impressive performance on low-pile carpets, with each machine capturing about 95% of the cereal. As for my ultra-fine sugar test, they both quarreled the most: the NV352 captured 92%, and the NV501 sucked up 86%.
High Pile Carpet
On high-pile carpets, the NV501 had better cleaning performance, while the NV352 seemed to struggle slightly with all debris types. In fact, the second one didn’t capture more than 80% on any cleaning test.
On the other hand, my testing showed that the first one gathered about 92% of kitty litter, 99% of rice, and 78% of sugar. Still, it had the hardest time with the cereal, just like its competitor.
Design
Winner: Tie
The design of these vacuums is pretty similar, as they are both full-size corded uprights with a 2-in-1 design. That means you can use them as an upright vacuum or a handheld one to clean your stairs or upholstery. They also share a 30-feet power cord, allowing you to reach further than many other models.
Vacuuming can be your daily task, which may require you to move your bulky machine from room to room or up and down stairs. That is why the dimensions and weight should be taken into account. And they are also where these Shark vacuums differ.
The overall dimensions of the NV352 are 15 x 11.4 x 45.5 inches, and it weighs 12.5 lbs. Meanwhile, the NV501 is a bit larger and heavier, with dimensions and weights of 45.7 x 12.1 x 12.2 inches and 15.5 lbs, respectively.
Shark Navigator NV356E is lighter and more compact, making your cleaning task easier and faster. So I give it the winning ticket in this category.
Parts
Winner: Tie
Both the Shark NV352 vs NV501 are designed with four essential parts that are easy to put together. These include:
- A Canister
- An Upright wand
- A Cleaning head
- Attachments.
From my perspective, the NV501 has more user-friendly connections.
The Shark NV352 vs NV501 have two cleaning head options: one for hard surface flooring and the other for carpeted floors.
Large capacity dust bins are also another thing in common between these models. The NV352 can hold 70.4 ounces of dry debris, while the NV501 comes with a 41.6-ounce dust cup. Also, it is a breeze to empty these dust cups. Each vacuum has a latch, and when it is unclasped, the dust cup lid will open and enable debris to fall into the trash bin below.
Included accessories and tools are where the NV501 outperforms its competition. The NV501 comes with a few more advanced accessories, while the NV352 ‘s accessories are more basic:
| Shark NV352 | Shark NV501 |
| Crevice tool. Upholstery tool. | Dusting Brush. 12″ Crevice Tool. Wide Upholstery Tool. |
Note that depending on when you buy each model, the exact accessories may differ.
Utilities
Winner: NV501
When it came to bells and whistles, the NV501 got my nod.
Both machines have an advanced swivel steering mechanism, making maneuvering them around obstacles or getting them in and out of tight areas as easy as pie. However, the NV501 has more advanced accessories, as mentioned above, and some nifty features, such as LED headlights and a brush roll indicator light, as well as more text direction than the NV352.
Filtration
Winner: NV501
Both the Shark NV352 vs NV501 come with HEPA filters, which are efficient in capturing up to 99.9% of the dirt and allergens that are present in the air.
Still, the NV501 takes the lead with its sealed vacuum technology, making it best for allergy sufferers. This technology ensures that all the sucked allergens don’t escape into the atmosphere.
Shark NV352 vs NV501: Similarities
Maintenance
Regarding the maintenance task, I call it a “draw,” as these machines are basically identical. They have the same central brush roll, the Dust-Away Genie pad, and the filters.
You should replace their HEPA filters and brush rolls every two years, while their foam & felt filters and Dust-Away Genie pad should be replaced annually. The annual maintenance costs are $20 for the Shark NV352 and about $17 for the other.
Noise
I tested the noise levels of these vacuums by placing a sound meter 3 feet away from each model while operating. My testing showed that the NV352 generated about 77 dB of noise, whereas the noise level of the NV501 was approximately 80 dB. These machines are generally quite loud, and you won’t want to use them early in the morning.
Cleaning Heads
These vacuum models share a 9.5” cleaning path, wide enough to clean your entire home quickly without struggling to reach tight areas.
Quick Rundown Of The Shark NV501
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- ADVANCED SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum to get in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
- LED HEADLIGHTS: Powerful lights on the nozzle reveal hidden debris and pet hair around your home.
- WIDE UPHOLSTERY TOOL: The wide cleaning path helps remove pet hair, dust, and large debris from mattresses, couches, curtains, lampshades, and other delicate upholstered surfaces.
Quick Rundown Of The Shark NV352
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: lift away the detachable pod and easily clean above-floor areas like stairs, furniture, and more.
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- POWERFUL & LIGHTWEIGHT : Powerful suction to deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with a lightweight design for effortless portability.
- BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF: Feature allows you to instantly switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor cleaning.
- SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
Product Video
Victor K. Giles is a leading consultant and expert in vacuum cleaner technology with over a decade of experience. As a mechanical engineering graduate in the University of Michigan, he specializes in product development, design optimization, and performance analysis. Victor collaborates with manufacturers and educates consumers, making her a sought-after guest speaker at industry events. His work has been featured in renowned publications, and he shares his expertise on his blog, “The Vacuum Teria”. Victor’s passion for cleaner, healthier living spaces drives his to help clients choose the best vacuum solutions for their needs.