Confused by Shark's model names? Learn the difference between a standard Navigator and a 'Lift-Away' model, and whether the extra feature is worth the price.
Shark uses many confusing model names. You might see “Navigator,” “Navigator Lift-Away,” “Lift-Away Pro,” and more. What do these terms actually mean, and which one should you buy?
Confused by Shark’s model names? Learn the difference between a standard Navigator and a ‘Lift-Away’ model, and whether the extra feature is worth the price.
- Symptoms: Confused by Shark model lineup, Unsure what Lift-Away means, Deciding between NV350 and NV352
- Tools: none
- Difficulty: Easy
This guide clears up the confusion.
1. What is a “Standard” Navigator?
A standard Shark Navigator is a traditional upright vacuum. The motor, dust bin, and floor nozzle are all connected as one unit. You push it along the floor, and all the weight moves with you.
- Pros: Simpler design, often slightly cheaper.
- Cons: Difficult to use on stairs or for above-floor cleaning. The entire machine must be lifted.
2. What is “Lift-Away”?
“Lift-Away” is Shark’s term for a detachable canister. With the push of a button, you can separate the motor and dust bin (the “pod”) from the floor nozzle.
- How it Works: Once detached, you carry the lightweight pod in one hand and use the hose and attachments with the other.
- Best For: Cleaning stairs, ceilings, upholstery, and inside cars.
3. “Powered” Lift-Away vs Standard Lift-Away
This is where it gets confusing.
- Standard Lift-Away (e.g., NV352): The brushroll in the floor nozzle STOPS spinning when you detach the pod. You only get suction through the hose, not the motorized floor nozzle.
- Powered Lift-Away (e.g., Rotator NV752): The brushroll CONTINUES to spin even when the pod is detached. This allows you to use the motorized floor nozzle remotely.
The Verdict: For most users, standard “Lift-Away” is sufficient because the primary use case is for stairs (where you use hose attachments, not the floor nozzle).
Navigator Model Comparison
| Model | Lift-Away? | Powered? | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Navigator NV350 | No | N/A | ~$120 |
| Shark Navigator NV352 | Yes | No | ~$150 |
| Shark Navigator NV360 | Yes | No | ~$180 |
| Shark Rotator NV752 | Yes | Yes | ~$280 |
Our Recommendation
- Choose Standard (NV350) if: You live in a single-story home or apartment with no stairs and rarely need to vacuum upholstery.
- Choose Lift-Away (NV352/NV360) if: You have stairs, pets on furniture, or need to reach high cobwebs. This is the sweet spot for most homes.
- Choose Powered Lift-Away (Rotator) if: You need to vacuum under heavy furniture without moving it. The “remote” floor nozzle is a unique advantage.
TIP: The NV352 and NV360 are nearly identical. The main difference is color and sometimes bundled attachments. Look for whichever is on sale.
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