Head-to-head · Best Upright Vacuum

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 vs Shark Stratos Upright AZ3002

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

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.

The short answer

Shark Stratos Upright AZ3002 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.2 vs 3.9). Shark Stratos Upright AZ3002 is best for: Homes with a mix of hard floors and low-pile carpet, and allergy-conscious buyers who want sealed HEPA filtration. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #4 in Best Upright Vacuum

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352

3.9

1 source$179.99as of Oct 11

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 has been a Wirecutter pick for years, on the strength of strong suction, durability, and lift-away operation that reaches high spots. TechGearLab's review confirms its solid carpet performance and HEPA filtration while noting it falls short on hardwood floors and tangles with pet hair. It is not the best vacuum available, but it holds up as a reliable budget option under $200 with a five-year motor warranty. The warranty's limited scope and the small dustbin are the 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

$179.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Upright Vacuum

Shark Stratos Upright AZ3002

4.2

2 sources$529.99as of Oct 16

The Shark Stratos AZ3002 is a corded upright with a dual-roller DuoClean head, a HEPA seal and a Lift-Away pod for above-floor cleaning. TechGearLab named it Best Overall in its upright test with a score of 81, picking up 97% of test debris on low-pile carpet and hardwood. TechRadar, after a year of use, rated it 4 out of 5. Both note limits: average results on shag carpet and pet hair (TechGearLab), and no Auto mode plus a self-propelled head that can run away from you (TechRadar).

Strengths

— Picked up 97% of test debris on both low-pile carpet and hardwood, per TechGearLab
— Aced TechGearLab's filtration test with its HEPA filter
— Lift-Away pod and wand reach under furniture and into tight corners

Watch-outs

— Only average on thick shag carpet and pet hair (64% in TechGearLab's pet hair test)
— No Auto mode, and the self-propelled head can feel like it is running away, per TechRadar
— Heavy and bulky next to a stick vacuum, per TechRadar

$529.99 · Buy at sharkninja.com Full review →

How they stack up

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 includes a HEPA filter, where the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252 uses a washable foam filter with poor filtration. It struggles with embedded pet hair that clumps and tangles, which the Dyson Ball Animal 3 handles with automatic detangling, and it costs less than the Dyson. Its dustbin holds less than a quart, against 1.2 dry quarts on the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360.

Shark Stratos Upright AZ3002

At 16.6 lb it is a little lighter than the Dyson Ball Animal 3 (17.3 lb) but heavier than the Shark Navigator NV360 (12.5 lb). It costs considerably more than the Navigator NV360 and NV352 and the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352	Shark Stratos Upright AZ3002
Dust Capacity	Less than a quart	—
Filter Type	HEPA	—
Warranty	Five-year motor warranty	—
Material	Plastic	—
Wattage	1200W	—
Model	—	AZ3002
Type	—	Corded upright with Lift-Away
Filtration	—	HEPA
Weight	—	16.6 lb
Dustbin Capacity	—	1.4 L
Cord Length	—	30 ft
Noise	—	77 dBA (TechGearLab)
Brushroll	—	DuoClean dual rollers with PowerFins

← See the full ranking of best upright vacuum