Head-to-head · Best Upright Vacuum

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV351 vs Shark S3500 Lift-Away Deluxe

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Shark S3500 Lift-Away Deluxe comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.9 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about multi-floor users seeking good filtration — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Upright Vacuum

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV351

3.9

$199.99as of Jul 1

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 has been a long-time Wirecutter pick, praised for its strong suction, durability, and lift-away functionality that makes it versatile for high-up cleaning. TechGearLab's review confirms its solid carpet performance and HEPA filtration, though it falls short on hardwood floors and struggles with pet hair tangling. While it's not the best vacuum available, it remains a reliable budget option under $200 with a five-year motor warranty, though the warranty's limited scope and small dustbin are noted drawbacks.

Strengths

— Impressive suction and airflow that easily picks up sand, glitter, and fur
— Lift-away feature transforms it into a handheld tool for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and shelves
— Durable design with many users reporting years of consistent performance

Watch-outs

— Struggles with deeply embedded pet hair that tends to clump and tangle
— Tiny dustbin holds less than a quart, requiring frequent emptying
— Warranty only covers the motor, not other components like the brush roll which is a common failure point

$199.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Upright Vacuum

Shark S3500 Lift-Away Deluxe

4.2

$149as of Jul 1

The Shark S3500 Lift-Away Deluxe offers solid value with its Lift-Away feature, washable filters, and decent performance on various floor types. Reviewers noted it's well-built for its price range and effective at picking up debris, though it lacks sharp turning capability and has a short power cord. Some users found the brushroll tangling with pet hair to be an issue, and the vacuum's balance makes it somewhat unstable when upright. It's best suited for users seeking an affordable, multi-floor vacuum with good filtration but may not appeal to those needing superior edge cleaning or sharp maneuverability.

Strengths

— Solid build quality for the price point
— Lift-Away feature allows for easy access to stairs and vehicle interiors
— Three washable filters including a HEPA filter

Watch-outs

— Poor balance and tendency to topple over
— Short power cord at 25 feet

$149 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV351

While the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV351 offers strong suction and a lift-away feature that the Dyson Ball Animal 3 lacks, it falls short on hardwood floors and struggles with deeply embedded pet hair that the Hoover WindTunnel Max Pet Power Drive UH72600 handles better. Its small dustbin and limited warranty coverage make it less appealing than the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252, which provides better value despite lower suction control.

Shark S3500 Lift-Away Deluxe

The Shark S3500 Lift-Away Deluxe offers better build quality and washable filters than the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252, but it's less maneuverable than the Dyson Ball Animal 3 and lacks the tangle-free operation of the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV351. Compared to the Hoover WindTunnel Max Pet Power Drive UH72600, it provides quieter operation and better filtration, though it has a shorter power cord and less powerful suction.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV351	Shark S3500 Lift-Away Deluxe
Cord Length	25 ft	25 feet
Weight	14.42 lb	12.5 lb
Filter Type	HEPA	Washable HEPA + Foam Filters
Dust Capacity	Less than a quart	1.2 dry quarts
Motor Power	1200W	1200W, 10 Amps, 120V
Cleaning Head	—	Swivel Head

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