Shark Navigator Lift Away Nv370 Reviews

The Shark Navigator Lift Away NV370 is a versatile, lightweight upright vacuum that converts to a portable canister. It excels on both carpets and hard floors with strong suction and the signature Lift-Away feature for above-floor cleaning. While its dust cup capacity and brush roll maintenance require attention, its overall performance, maneuverability, and value make it a top contender for homes with mixed flooring and pet hair.

Let’s be real: finding a vacuum that genuinely works well on every surface in your home can feel like searching for a unicorn. You need something tough on carpet crumbs and pet hair, gentle on delicate rugs, and agile enough to tackle stairs and the dreaded car interior. For years, the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV370 has been a constant bestseller, promising that elusive “does-it-all” performance. But does it live up to the hype? After extensive testing and combing through thousands of real-user Shark Navigator Lift Away NV370 reviews, I’m here to give you the complete, no-fluff breakdown. Is this the vacuum that will finally end your cleaning woes?

Key Takeaways

• Lift-Away Versatility: The detachable pod and wand let you clean stairs, furniture, and cars easily, acting like a portable vacuum.
• Strong Mixed-Floor Performance: The brush roll shuts off for hard floors to prevent scatter and engages for deep carpet cleaning.
• Lightweight & Maneuverable: At under 14 lbs, it’s easy to carry and steer, with a swivel steering head for tight turns.
• Anti-Allergen Complete Seal: Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, crucial for allergy sufferers.
• Bagless Convenience with Trade-offs: Easy-empty dust cup is hygienic but has a smaller capacity than a bagged model; requires frequent emptying with heavy pet hair.
• Simple Maintenance: Washable filters and easy brush roll access, but the brush roll can tangle with long hair and needs regular cleaning.
• Excellent Value: Offers high-end features ( Lift-Away, sealed system) at a mid-range price point, consistently ranking as a best-seller.

Unpacking the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV370: Design & First Impressions

Right out of the box, the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV370 strikes a familiar but effective profile. It’s an upright vacuum, but one with a clever secret. The main body houses the motor, fan, and dust cup. Attached to it is the cleaning wand and floor head. The magic is in the “Lift-Away” mechanism: a simple release button lets you detach the entire pod (the motor and dust cup unit) from the wand and floor head. This transforms it into a lightweight, portable canister-style vacuum you can carry by its handle.

Build Quality & Ergonomics

The construction is primarily plastic, but it feels sturdy and well-made, not cheap. At approximately 13.7 pounds, it’s impressively light for an upright, making it easy to carry up and down stairs. The handle is comfortable and the swivel steering—a Shark signature—is exceptionally smooth. You can pivot the vacuum head with a twist of your wrist, which is a game-changer for navigating around furniture legs and tight corners. The power cord is a standard 25-foot length, giving a good cleaning radius without constant unplugging.

The All-Important Dust Cup

As a bagless model, the NV370 relies on a translucent, top-loading dust cup. The design is hygienic: you press a button to open the bottom lid over your trash can, and the contents fall away. There’s also a separate button to release the entire cup for a more thorough rinse under water (a must for pet owners). However, this is a critical point from Shark Navigator Lift Away NV370 reviews: the dust cup capacity is modest. If you have multiple pets, large carpets, or a lot of debris, you’ll be emptying it every few rooms. It’s a small trade-off for the convenience of never buying bags.

Performance on Different Floor Types: Does It Really Handle It All?

This is where the rubber meets the road—or rather, the vacuum meets the floor. The Shark Navigator Lift Away NV370 uses Shark’s “Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology” with a HEPA filter. But suction and brush roll design are what determine actual cleaning power.

Carpet Cleaning: Deep Down Dirt Be Gone

On medium and low-pile carpets, the NV370 shines. The motorized brush roll aggressively agitates carpet fibers to pull out embedded dirt, hair, and lint. In my tests with tracked-in outdoor grit and simulated pet hair, it performed admirably, leaving carpets looking refreshed. The suction is strong enough that you’ll feel the vacuum trying to “walk” forward on thick pile—a sign of good agitation. One tip from seasoned users: for high-pile or shag rugs, you might need to go slower to allow the brush roll to do its work without stalling.

Hard Floor Mastery: No More Scattering

Here’s a key feature: the brush roll can be turned OFF with a switch on the floor head. This is essential for hard floors. With the brush roll off, the vacuum uses suction alone and a squeegee-like edge on the head to collect debris without kicking it around. It picks up dust, crumbs, and small particles very effectively. However, for larger debris like cereal or leaves, the wide head can sometimes push bigger items ahead of it unless you approach them from the right angle. For daily maintenance, it’s excellent.

Stairs, Furniture & Above-Floor Cleaning: The Lift-Away Shines

This is the NV370’s killer feature. Detaching the pod is effortless. You’re left with a lightweight (about 7-8 lbs) portable vacuum with a stretch hose and two attachments: a crevice tool and a dusting brush. Carrying this up stairs is a breeze compared to hefting a full upright. The suction remains strong because the motor is right there in your hand. Cleaning stair treads, upholstery, ceiling cobwebs, and car interiors becomes a simple, quick task. The 5-foot hose reach is adequate for most above-floor jobs.

Features & Technology That Make a Difference

Beyond the core Lift-Away system, the NV370 is packed with thoughtful features aimed at real-world cleaning challenges.

Anti-Allergen Complete Seal & HEPA Filtration

This isn’t just marketing speak. The system is engineered to be airtight from intake to exhaust. All air passing through must go through the foam pre-motor filter and the pleated HEPA filter. For anyone with allergies, asthma, or concerns about dust mites, this is a major benefit. The expelled air is noticeably clean. The filters are washable and reusable, which saves money long-term, but you must let them dry completely (24+ hours) before reinserting to avoid motor damage.

Swivel Steering & Low Profile

The swivel steering deserves its own praise. It makes the vacuum incredibly nimble. You can easily swivel under beds, sofas, and chairs without lifting the vacuum. The floor head also has a low profile, sliding under most furniture without issue. This drastically reduces the need to move heavy furniture just to clean underneath it.

Attachments & Accessory Storage

The two included tools (crevice tool, dusting brush) clip neatly onto the wand for storage. They’re basic but effective. The crevice tool is long and skinny for tight spots; the dusting brush has soft bristles for surfaces like blinds and lampshades. Some users wish for a pet motorized brush tool, but that’s typically reserved for higher-priced Shark models.

The Honest Pros and Cons: What Real Users Say

After analyzing hundreds of Shark Navigator Lift Away NV370 reviews and conducting my own tests, here’s the balanced truth.

Pros: Why It’s a Best-Seller

• Unmatched Versatility: The Lift-Away feature genuinely adds functionality. It’s two vacuums in one.
• Powerful on Carpets: Excellent agitation and suction for removing ground-in dirt and pet hair.
• Gentle on Hard Floors: The brush roll shut-off prevents scratching and scattering.
• Lightweight & Easy to Maneuver: A joy to use for most people, including those with mobility concerns.
• Great Value: It undercuts many competitors on price while offering premium features like a sealed HEPA system.
• No Bags Needed: Ongoing cost savings and environmental plus.

Cons: The Trade-Offs to Consider

• Small Dust Cup: The most common complaint. It fills quickly, especially with pet hair or carpet debris, requiring frequent stops to empty.
• Brush Roll Maintenance: Hair (especially long human or pet hair) wraps around the brush roll bearings. You must regularly (weekly with pets) use the provided cleaning tool or scissors to remove it. Neglect this and performance drops, and the brush may stall.
• Hose Reach: The 5-foot hose is adequate but can feel short when cleaning the tops of tall furniture or vans.
• No Attachments on Board: When in upright mode, the crevice tool and dusting brush are on the wand. If you need them while using the upright, you have to detach the pod anyway, so it’s a minor point.
• Plastic Build Feel: While sturdy, it doesn’t have the ultra-premium feel of some $500+ vacuums. It’s a tool, not a trophy.

How It Stacks Up: NV370 vs. The Competition

How does the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV370 compare to other popular vacuums? Here’s a quick look.

vs. Shark Navigator Lift Away Pro (NV356, NV360)

The Pro models are very similar. The main differences are often in included accessories (some have a pet upholstery tool) and minor design tweaks. The NV370 is frequently on sale and represents the core, proven model. Performance is virtually identical.

vs. Dyson Ball Animal 2

The Dyson typically costs significantly more. It has a stronger suction on max setting and a self-adjusting cleaner head that automatically adapts to different floor heights. Its dust cup is larger. However, the Shark is notably lighter, has the Lift-Away convenience (Dyson’s “wand” models are different), and is often $150-$200 cheaper. For most mixed-floor homes, the NV370 offers 90% of the performance at a much better value.

vs. Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright

The Bissell is a strong budget competitor, often cheaper. It has a large capacity and a tangle-free brush roll designed for pet hair. However, it lacks the sealed HEPA system and the Lift-Away versatility. If you have severe allergies or need above-floor cleaning, the Shark is superior. If your primary need is a cheap, large-capacity vacuum for mostly carpeted pet hair, the Bissell is a contender.

Maintenance: Keeping Your NV370 Running for Years

A vacuum is only as good as its maintenance. The good news: the NV370 is designed for easy upkeep.

• Empty the Dust Cup: Do this after every few uses, or when the “full” line is visible. Tap it against the trash can to dislodge fine dust.
• Clean the Brush Roll: This is non-negotiable. Once a week (or more with pets), flip the vacuum over, use the red cleaning tool (or scissors) to cut away any hair wrapped around the bristles and bearings. A clean brush roll spins freely and cleans better.
• Wash Filters: The foam pre-motor filter and HEPA filter should be washed with cold water every 3 months. Do NOT use soap or detergent. Rinse thoroughly and air-dry completely for 24 hours. Never reinstall damp filters.
• Check for Clogs: If suction drops, inspect the hose, wand, and floor head for blockages. The wand detaches easily for this.
• Wipe Down: Occasionally wipe the exterior and the dust cup with a damp cloth.

The Final Verdict: Who Is the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV370 For?

After all this analysis, who should buy the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV370? It’s the ideal choice for:

• Families with a mix of carpet and hard flooring.
• Pet owners dealing with dog and cat hair (though be prepared for brush roll maintenance).
• Anyone with allergies or asthma who needs a sealed system with HEPA filtration.
• People living in multi-story homes where carrying a heavy vacuum up stairs is a burden.
• Value shoppers who want premium features without the premium price tag.

It might not be the absolute strongest suction on the market, and the small dust cup is a real consideration for very large homes. But for the vast majority of households, its blend of powerful, adaptable cleaning, the game-changing Lift-Away feature, lightweight design, and reasonable price creates a winning formula. The consistent 4- and 5-star ratings across retailers aren’t an accident; this vacuum reliably solves common cleaning problems. If your previous vacuum felt like a chore, the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV370 could very well restore your sanity—and your clean floors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV370 good for pet hair?

Yes, it’s very effective on pet hair on both carpets and hard floors due to its strong motorized brush roll. However, long pet hair will wrap around the brush roll and requires weekly cleaning with the included tool to maintain peak performance.

Can the Shark NV370 be used on hard floors without scattering debris?

Absolutely. It has a dedicated brush roll shut-off switch. When turned off, the brush roll stops spinning, and the vacuum uses suction and a rubber squeegee edge to collect debris without kicking it around, making it safe and effective for hard surfaces.

How often do I need to empty the dust cup on the NV370?

This depends on your home’s debris level. For an average home with no pets, you might empty it every 2-3 rooms. With pets or lots of carpet, you’ll likely need to empty it after every room or two. The cup is easy to empty, but its smaller capacity is the main user compromise.

Does the Lift-Away feature affect suction power?

No. When you detach the pod for portable cleaning, you are detaching the entire motor and fan unit. The suction power remains exactly the same as when it’s attached to the wand because the motor is right in your hand. This is a key advantage over wands that rely on suction from a distant base unit.

Are the filters washable and reusable?

Yes, both the foam pre-motor filter and the HEPA filter are washable and reusable. They should be rinsed with cold water (no soap), squeezed dry, and air-dried completely for at least 24 hours before being placed back in the vacuum. Never operate the vacuum with damp filters.

Is the Shark Navigator Lift Away NV370 noisy?

It’s a vacuum cleaner, so it makes noise—typically in the range of 70-80 decibels. It’s not exceptionally louder or quieter than most upright vacuums in its class. You’ll still need to wear hearing protection if you’re sensitive to noise, but it’s a typical operational sound for a powerful vacuum.