When it comes to vacuum cleaners, Shark is a name synonymous with power, innovation, and reliability. Among their most popular models, the Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away and the Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet stand out as exceptional choices for homeowners looking for a versatile, high-performing vacuum cleaner. However, these two models are often compared due to their similar features and designs, which can make choosing between them a bit tricky. In this detailed comparison review, we’ll dive deep into the performance, design, and capabilities of each vacuum to help you determine which one best suits your cleaning needs.
Comparison Table: Shark NV501 vs. NV752
Overview of Shark NV501 and NV752
The Shark NV501 and NV752 are both upright vacuums that feature Shark’s innovative Lift-Away technology, allowing the main canister to be detached and used for portable cleaning. This feature gives both models a significant advantage when it comes to flexibility, as you can easily carry the canister and vacuum stairs, upholstery, and other hard-to-reach areas.
Despite these similarities, there are significant differences in their performance, especially when it comes to power, suction, and features tailored to pet owners.
Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor,...
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum...
- ADVANCED SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum to get in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around...
The Shark NV501 is a versatile vacuum cleaner that balances power, ease of use, and affordability. It’s equipped with Shark’s Rotator technology, designed to provide deep cleaning on carpets while being gentle on hard floors. The Lift-Away feature allows users to convert it into a portable vacuum, making it perfect for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and under furniture.
- Weight: 15.5 lbs
- Power Source: Corded electric
- Capacity: 0.88 quarts
- Hose Length: 8.4 feet
- Wattage: 1200 watts
- Surface Recommendation: Hard floors, upholstery, carpets
- Tools Included: Wide upholstery tool, dusting brush, crevice tool
- Price: Around $269.99 (subject to discounts)
Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet
- 2-IN-1 POWERED LIFT-AWAY TECHNOLOGY: Allows you to lift the pod away to deep-clean hard-to-reach areas, like under...
- ADVANCED SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum to get in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around...
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL: Works with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum...
The Shark NV752 builds upon the NV501’s design by incorporating Powered Lift-Away technology, which allows the brush roll to continue spinning even when the canister is detached. This makes the NV752 a better option for deep-cleaning carpets, especially when cleaning underneath furniture or other areas that are hard to reach.
This model is also marketed as a pet-specific vacuum, with additional features such as the Pet Power Brush, making it an excellent choice for pet owners who struggle with stubborn pet hair.
- Weight: 15.4 lbs
- Power Source: Corded electric
- Capacity: 0.88 quarts
- Hose Length: 6 feet
- Wattage: 1150 watts
- Surface Recommendation: Hard floors, upholstery, carpets
- Tools Included: Pet Power Brush, upholstery tool, crevice tool
- Price: Around $319.99
Pros and Cons of Shark NV501 and NV752
Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away
Pros:
- Affordable: It is more budget-friendly compared to the NV752.
- Longer Hose: With an 8.4-foot hose, it provides better reach for cleaning stairs and high surfaces.
- Lightweight: At 15.5 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver around the house.
- Versatile Tools: Comes with various attachments for a range of cleaning tasks.
- HEPA Filtration: Great for trapping allergens and improving air quality.
Cons:
- Lacks Powered Lift-Away: Brushroll stops spinning when the canister is detached, limiting deep carpet cleaning.
- No Pet-Specific Tools: Lacks the Pet Power Brush, making it less efficient for homes with heavy pet shedding.
- Less Suction Power: While powerful, it’s not as efficient on thick carpets as the NV752.
Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet
Pros:
- Powered Lift-Away: Allows the brushroll to keep spinning when the canister is detached, excellent for cleaning under furniture and deep into carpets.
- Pet Power Brush: Specifically designed for removing pet hair from upholstery and carpets.
- Better Suction Power: Slightly better suction, making it ideal for deep cleaning, especially on high-pile carpets.
- HEPA Filtration: Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, ensuring clean air in the home.
Cons:
- Heavier on the Wallet: The price is higher, making it less budget-friendly.
- Shorter Hose: At 6 feet, its hose is slightly shorter than the NV501, reducing its reach.
- Heavier: While not drastically different, it’s heavier and slightly bulkier, making it harder to carry for some users.
Head-to-Head Feature Comparison
Let’s break down the features of the Shark NV501 and NV752 to understand their differences and which model might be the better option for your home.
1. Lift-Away Technology: Basic vs. Powered Lift-Away
Both models feature Shark’s signature Lift-Away technology, which allows users to detach the main canister to clean areas like stairs and ceilings. This makes these vacuums much more versatile compared to standard upright models.
However, the NV752 takes it one step further with Powered Lift-Away technology. With this feature, the brushroll continues to spin even when the canister is detached. This allows for better carpet cleaning when you’re vacuuming under furniture or in tight spaces. The NV501, while it has the same Lift-Away feature, lacks this powered brushroll capability, making it less effective in certain situations where deep carpet cleaning is required.
- Winner: Shark NV752 – for the added functionality of the Powered Lift-Away feature.
2. Suction Power and Performance
Suction power is a critical feature when selecting a vacuum cleaner. The NV752 comes with slightly higher suction power, thanks to its 1150-watt motor. While the difference might seem small, it makes a noticeable difference when cleaning thick carpets and when removing embedded dirt and pet hair. Users with high-pile carpets or those who require intensive cleaning will likely notice the NV752’s superior performance.
The NV501, with its 1200-watt motor, offers excellent suction power as well, but it doesn’t quite match the deep-cleaning ability of the NV752, particularly on thicker carpet surfaces.
- Winner: Shark NV752 – more powerful suction for stubborn dirt and hair.
3. Pet Hair Removal
If you’re a pet owner, the NV752 is specifically designed with you in mind. It includes a Pet Power Brush, which is specially designed to remove pet hair from upholstery, stairs, and other soft surfaces. This makes it a standout choice for homes with multiple pets or heavily shedding animals. The NV501, on the other hand, lacks this specific pet tool, although it still does a decent job of removing pet hair with its general-purpose attachments.
While the NV501 can manage light pet hair, it’s not as effective as the NV752 when it comes to deeply embedded fur in carpets or upholstery.
- Winner: Shark NV752 – the go-to model for pet owners.
4. Weight and Maneuverability
Both models are quite similar in terms of weight, with the NV752 weighing 15.4 pounds and the NV501 coming in at 15.5 pounds. Neither vacuum is exceptionally lightweight, but both are designed to be easily maneuvered thanks to Advanced Swivel Steering. This feature helps you navigate around furniture and into tight corners with ease.
The NV501 edges out the NV752 in terms of reach and maneuverability due to its longer hose length (8.4 feet vs. 6 feet). This can make a significant difference when cleaning high shelves, drapes, or large staircases.
- Winner: Shark NV501 – slightly easier to maneuver with its longer hose.
5. Included Attachments
Both the NV501 and NV752 come with a suite of useful attachments. The NV501 includes a Wide Upholstery Tool, a Dusting Brush, and a Crevice Tool, which are perfect for cleaning furniture, small spaces, and delicate surfaces. The NV752, in addition to these, also includes the Pet Power Brush.
While both models have similar attachments, the NV752 has an edge because of the Pet Power Brush, which is essential for pet owners but equally useful for those who want extra tools for deep-cleaning upholstered surfaces.
- Winner: Shark NV752 – additional Pet Power Brush makes it more versatile.
6. Noise Level
Noise levels are important, especially for those living in apartments or households with young children or pets. Both the NV501 and NV752 operate at similar noise levels, typically around 80 decibels. Neither model is particularly quiet, but they aren’t excessively loud either. Most users won’t find a significant difference in terms of noise between the two models.
- Winner: Tie – both vacuums have comparable noise levels.
7. Filtration and Allergen Control
Both the Shark NV501 and NV752 feature HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology. This means that they can trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, ensuring that the air in your home remains clean and allergen-free. This feature is essential for homes with allergy sufferers or those with respiratory issues. There’s no significant difference between the two models in this regard.
- Winner: Tie – both models provide excellent filtration for allergy sufferers.
Price Comparison: Value for Money
When it comes to price, the Shark NV752 is the more expensive option, retailing at approximately $319.99, while the NV501 is priced around $269.99. The price difference reflects the NV752’s added features, particularly the Powered Lift-Away functionality and the specialized pet tool. While both vacuums offer great value for their price, the NV752 provides a bit more for pet owners and those needing extra suction power.
- Winner: Shark NV501 – for budget-conscious buyers seeking excellent value.
User Feedback: What Are Real Customers Saying?
Shark NV501:
Many users appreciate the NV501 for its versatility and ease of use, particularly the Lift-Away feature, which makes cleaning stairs and hard-to-reach areas much more manageable. The long hose is also frequently mentioned as a positive feature, especially for larger homes. However, some users with pets found the vacuum less effective at removing pet hair from upholstery, as it doesn’t come with pet-specific tools.
One user noted:
“The NV501 has been a great addition to my cleaning routine. It works well on both carpets and hard floors, and I love the Lift-Away feature for getting under furniture. However, pet hair can be challenging without a specialized brush.”
Shark NV752:
The NV752, on the other hand, receives high praise from pet owners for its ability to pick up pet hair efficiently. The Powered Lift-Away technology also garners positive feedback, as it allows for deep carpet cleaning, even in hard-to-reach areas. However, some users mention that the price is a bit steep and that the shorter hose can make cleaning high areas more difficult.
One user shared:
“As a pet owner, the NV752 has been a game-changer. The Pet Power Brush is excellent, and the Powered Lift-Away makes it easy to clean under my couch without losing suction. It’s a little pricier than I would have liked, but the performance is worth it.”
External Resource Link: Learn More About Shark Vacuums
For more detailed information about the features of both Shark NV501 and NV752 vacuums, visit Shark’s official website:
Shark Vacuums – Official Website
Final Verdict: Which Vacuum Is Best for You?
Choosing between the Shark NV501 and the NV752 comes down to your specific cleaning needs and budget. Here’s a quick summary of which vacuum might be best for you:
- Choose the Shark NV752 if:
- You have pets and need a vacuum designed to handle pet hair effectively.
- You require the enhanced cleaning power of Powered Lift-Away for deep cleaning under furniture and hard-to-reach areas.
- You have thick carpets or heavily soiled areas that require extra suction power.
- Choose the Shark NV501 if:
- You are looking for a more affordable vacuum without compromising on basic cleaning performance.
- You need a vacuum that is easier to maneuver, especially if you have a lot of stairs or tight spaces to clean.
- You don’t have pets or only need a general-purpose vacuum that works well on both hard floors and carpets.
Conclusion
Both the Shark NV501 and Shark NV752 are top-tier vacuum cleaners that deliver excellent performance across a wide range of surfaces. For pet owners or those with deep-cleaning needs, the NV752 is the better choice due to its Powered Lift-Away feature and superior suction power. However, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that still delivers great results, the NV501 is a fantastic alternative. Ultimately, both models are versatile, powerful, and reliable, making them excellent choices depending on your cleaning requirements.