If you’re in the market for a new upright vacuum, you may be considering the Shark NV352 and NV356 models. As two of Shark’s most popular vacuums, these lightweight and maneuverable cleaners share some similarities but also have key differences.
This comprehensive guide examines the pros, cons, features, and performance of the NV352 VS. NV356 to help you decide which is the better fit for your home cleaning needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | Shark NV352 | Shark NV356 |
| Cleaning Path Width | 9.25 inches | 9.25 inches |
| Weight | 14.96 lbs | 14.96 lbs |
| Dimensions | 45.7 x 12.2 x 12.2 in | 45.7 x 12.2 x 12.2 in |
| Cord Length | 30 feet | 30 feet |
| Swivel Steering | Yes | Yes |
| Brushroll On/Off | Yes | Yes |
| Lift-Away | Yes | Yes |
| Filtration | Foam filter, Anti-Allergen Complete Seal | Foam filter, Anti-Allergen Complete Seal |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.55 quarts | 0.55 quarts |
| Attachments | Pet Power Brush, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush | Pet Power Brush, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Straight Suction Floor Nozzle |
| LED Lights | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 5 years limited | 5 years limited |
Shark NV352 Overview
The Shark NV352 is a corded, bagless upright vacuum cleaner. Key features include:
- Multi-Surface Cleaning: Designed to tackle carpets and hard floors with ease. The brushroll can be turned on or off to optimize cleaning performance.
- Lift-Away Technology: The detachable canister provides portable cleaning power, allowing you to lift the canister away and easily clean stairs, furniture, and other areas.
- Swivel Steering: Smooth maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces. The vacuum head pivots easily side-to-side.
- Advanced Filtration: Features a washable foam filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
- Large Capacity: Extra-large dust cup capacity means less frequent emptying. Holds up to 0.55 quarts.
- Cleaning Attachments: Comes with a pet power brush, crevice tool, and dusting brush.
The NV352 measures 45.7 x 12.2 x 12.2 inches and weighs just under 15 pounds. It has a cleaning path width of 9.25 inches. The 30 foot power cord provides ample cleaning reach.
Shark NV356 Overview
The Shark NV356 is very similar to the NV352 but boasts a few extra conveniences. Key features include:
- Multi-Surface Cleaning: Powerful brushroll for carpets can be turned off for hard floors.
- Lift-Away Technology: Detach the canister for portable cleaning.
- Swivel Steering: Excellent maneuverability for cleaning around furniture. Vacuum head pivots smoothly.
- Advanced Filtration: Traps dust and allergens inside with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology.
- Large Capacity: Holds up to 0.55 quarts of debris before needing to be emptied.
- Cleaning Attachments: Comes with a pet power brush, crevice tool, dusting brush and straight suction floor attachment.
- LED Headlights: Bright headlights illuminate dark areas to help locate hidden dirt and debris.
- 5 Year Limited Warranty: Backed by a longer warranty for added peace of mind.
The NV356 has the same dimensions (45.7 x 12.2 x 12.2 inches) and weight (15 pounds) as the NV352. It also has a 9.25 inch cleaning path width and 30 foot power cord.
As you can see, the NV352 and NV356 share many of the same vacuum features and performance specs. The main differences are:
- Attachments: The NV356 includes an extra straight suction floor attachment.
- LED Lights: The NV356 features bright LED headlights to illuminate dark areas. The NV352 does not have lights.
- Warranty: The NV356 has a 5 year limited warranty compared to just 1 year for the NV352.
Cleaning Performance
When it comes to actual cleaning performance, the Shark NV352 and NV356 are quite comparable.
Both vacuums use the same powerful motorized brushroll and lift-away canister. The brushroll digs deep into carpeting to remove ground-in dirt and pet hair. It can be shut off with the flick of a switch for gentle cleaning of hard flooring.
The lift-away feature lets you detach the canister to easily clean stairs, upholstery, and other areas. This provides the cleaning versatility of a detachable canister vacuum but with the added convenience of being able to clean in upright mode as well.
Suction power is excellent on both models. They perform well at pulling dirt from carpets and bare floors. The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal and foam filter help trap dust and allergens.
One advantage of the NV356 is the LED headlights. These help illuminate dark areas like under furniture to help you locate hidden debris. So you may get slightly improved cleaning performance in low-light conditions with the NV356.
Overall though, both offer strong upright vacuum cleaning for multi-surface homes. They have comparable suction, filtration, and brushroll performance.
Also Read: Choose Between Shark NV360 And NV380.
Ease Of Use
The NV352 and NV356 are both fairly easy to use and maintain. They have intuitive controls and great maneuverability.
They’re lightweight at around 15 pounds and have swivel steering. You can easily pivot the vacuum head to maneuver around furniture legs and other tight areas.
The lift-away canister clicks in and out of the body smoothly. Emptying the dust cup is simple – just hold it over the trash and push a button to release the bottom lid.
The filters are washable to help reduce maintenance costs. Replacing belts and brushrolls is straightforward when needed.
One advantage of the NV356 is the LED headlights make cleaning dark spots effortless. You don’t have to reposition furniture or shine an external light to see where you’re vacuuming.
Overall, both vacuums provide user-friendly operation suitable for most homeowners. Novices should find them easy to learn how to use.
Design And Accessories
As upright vacuums, the NV352 and NV356 share a very similar design. They both have the lift-away canister, swivel head, and slim profile.
In terms of accessories, the NV352 comes with 3 cleaning attachments – a pet power brush, crevice tool, and dusting brush.
The NV356 includes those 3 tools plus an additional straight suction floor attachment. This is useful for cleaning delicate hard floors when you don’t want the brushroll spinning.
So the NV356 offers slightly greater flexibility with its extra accessory. But both models provide a versatile set of attachments for cleaning furniture, stairs, upholstery, and more.
Cost Comparison
As you would expect, the Shark NV356 usually costs a little more than the NV352. Here are some typical pricing examples:
- Shark NV352 on Amazon: $179
- Shark NV356 on Amazon: $199
The $20 price difference reflects the LED headlights and extra accessory that you get with the NV356 model.
Considering these vacuums retail for $200+, a $20 difference is relatively small. Overall they are very competitively priced upright vacuums that offer great value.
Also Read: Is Bissell 2987 Better Than 2910 Carpet Cleaners?
Warranty
One significant advantage of the Shark NV356 is the longer warranty coverage:
- Shark NV352: 1 year limited warranty
- Shark NV356: 5 years limited warranty
The 5 year warranty provides extra peace of mind should anything go wrong down the line. It’s a good indication of Shark’s confidence in the reliability of this model.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The main differences are the NV356 has LED headlights to illuminate dark areas, an extra straight suction floor attachment, and a longer 5 year warranty compared to just 1 year for the NV352. Otherwise, their cleaning performance, lift-away feature, and overall design are the same.
Shark makes several different vacuum lines. Key differences include:
Upright VS. stick vacuums
With or without lift-away canister
Bagged VS. bagless
Corded VS. cordless
Suction power
Filtration systems
Accessories/tools
Within a particular type like upright vacuums, models may vary in weight, LED lights, warranties or included attachments. Always check the specs to understand the differences.
The Performance and Navigator lines are both upright vacuums with detachable canisters (Lift-Away technology). Key differences:
The Performance series is newer with more premium features like LED headlights.
Navigators are lighter and more affordable.
Navigators typically have shorter warranties.
Performance models include more attachments/accessories.
Performance Lift-Away vacuums provide greater convenience and cleaning versatility. Navigators are still quite effective for more budget-friendly cleaning.
Standard lift-away vacuums allow you to detach the canister portion for portable cleaning.
Powered lift-away models go a step further – they can operate in portable canister mode while powered on. This gives you upright and canister vacuuming capabilities in one cleaner.
So powered lift-away vacuums offer greater flexibility to clean floors and other surfaces without needing to constantly re-attach the canister. However, they are more expensive than basic lift-aways.
Also Read: Differences Between Tineco A11 Hero And Pure One X.
The Verdict
So in the battle of Shark NV352 VS. NV356, which model reigns supreme?
For most users, the Shark NV356 makes the most sense.
It includes all the same great features as the NV352 but with a few handy bonuses:
- LED headlights improve cleaning visibility
- Straight suction floor attachment adds cleaning versatility
- 5 year warranty offers longer protection
However, if you don’t need the lights or extra tool, the NV352 still provides robust cleaning performance and excellent value. It’s a good choice if you want to save $20-30.
Either way, you really can’t go wrong. Shark’s lift-away upright vacuums are easy to use, offer great suction and filtration, and provide the flexibility of a detachable canister. Keeping your home free of dust, dirt, and pet hair has never been easier.