The best way to test a vacuum cleaner is to compare it against its peers and in just about every category the Shark NV502, one of the most affordable upright vacuum cleaners on Amazon, matched its more expensive competitors in every aspect.
This is a versatile machine that comes equipped with more optional attachments than just about any vacuum in its category. It’s also easy to change the configuration of this machine for different uses. If you can clean it with a vacuum, this machine can do it.
In our full Shark NV502 review below, we looked at all aspects of this vacuum and it held up well against our scrutiny.
Shark Rotator NV502 Overview
The Shark Nv502 is nominally an upright vacuum cleaner, but it’s also a lot more than that. The canister easily detaches from the main body to be used in canister mode – basically, that means you can hold it in one hand and use the wand in the other to take the vacuum where a traditional upright doesn’t make a lot of sense. If you need to use the wand, but you don’t want to carry the canister around you can also use the caddy to wheel it around behind you.
This vacuum is designed to work on almost any surface. It’s great on low-pile carpet, medium-pile carpet and on hard surfaces. It comes with attachments for all uses – there’s a crevice tool, a tool for upholstery, a power brush for tackling pet hair and ground-in dirt, there’s a dusting brush and there’s even a car detail kit. You really won’t find better value for the price on Amazon or anywhere else.
User-Friendly Design of the NV502
What really makes the NV502 standout from the competition in 2020 is its user-friendly design and versatility. It doesn’t look very different from most upright vacuums on the market today, but it performs a lot differently. It holds up well against the many different types of vacuums we’ve reviewed at Spotless Mag.
It has a swiveling head that allows you to easily navigate around corners, under tables and any other minor obstacle you can think of in your home. The only downside to this design is that it is easier to tip the machine accidentally if it’s not set in the upright position properly when you’re done using it.
It’s 12.2 x 13.4 so it will fit in a lot of tight spaces. When attached to the body it weighs in at 15.5 pounds, but it’s only slightly over 5 pounds when you detach it and use it in canister mode, making it easy to handle for most users.
In any Shark NV502 reviews you can’t overlook the ability to detach the canister from the body. This makes it much easier to use on stairs than traditional uprights that force you to carry the whole body as you work. That can be awkward and tiring on the user.
The list of attachments and features that come standard with this vacuum are impressive. It has headlights to light the way as you work, it has a dusting brush, a crevice tool, a pet power brush, a straight nozzle, a wide upholstery tool, a canister caddy, car detail kit and an under appliance wand. If there’s something you need vacuuming this machine can do it.
Technical Specs
| Product Name | NV502 |
| Manufacturer | Shark |
| Dimensions | 12.2 x 13.4 45.7 |
| Weight | 15.5 lbs |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 1.3 Quarts |
| Warranty | 5-years |
| Features | LED headlights, dusting brush, crevice tool, pet brush, straight nozzle, upholstery tool, canister caddy, car detail kit, under appliance wand & dust-away with 1 microfiber pad |
Performance Highlights of the Shark NV502
Powerful and Adjustable Suction – The Shark NV502 has impressive suction power comparable or better than many more expensive uprights. It uses Sharks patented No Loss of Suction technology to ensure it maintains the same powerful suction capabilities no matter what surface you’re using it on.
Pet Hair and Ground-in Dirt – With the premium power brush this Shark vacuum easily handles pet hair and any debris your furry friends may leave behind. It doesn’t matter whether the dirt is ground-in to your carpet or sitting loosely on top, the NV502 will power through it and leave a clean carpet in its wake.
Get Shark NV502 Vacuum on Amazon
HEPA Filter System – The NV502 comes equipped with a HEPA filter that uses its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology and locks in 99.9% of dust and allergens. The only thing exhausted from this vacuum is clean breathable air. The filter does need to be cleaned on occasion and it will need to be replaced eventually, but it will provide allergen protection for 3 to 6 months depending on how often you use it.
Car Cleaning Capability – There aren’t too many affordable vacuums you can find with a standard car detail kit, but when we reviewed the Shark NV502, we found it to be one of the few exceptions that do. It comes with everything you need to keep your vehicle clean so you won’t need to buy a separate shop vac for the task. The inclusion of this accessory along with the others that come standard with the NV502 does make it a little more expensive than other budget upright vacuum cleaners.
Noise Level – The Shark Nv502 is surprisingly quiet for an upright vacuum cleaner. You will hear the vacuum when it’s being used in other rooms by another member of the household, but it’s quiet enough that you can still carry on a conversation or listen to the TV while another family member is happily vacuuming away.
The NV502 is Designed to Last
For an affordable vacuum, the NV502 is a well-built machine that feels solid and durable in your hand. The body is made from injection-molded plastic and each section slots together seamlessly to ensure proper function.
The wand is designed to last as well – it isn’t flimsy and it will hold up well with regular use and even the occasional bump. Shark hasn’t sacrificed flexibility with the design of the wand though – it still bends just as easily as those on comparable products. The company backs up their confidence in the design and durability of this vacuum with a 5-year limited warranty. They don’t cover obvious abuse, but their customer service will honor regular wear and tear.
Shark NV502 Pros & Cons
SpotlessMag Review Verdict
The Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV502 vacuum is one of the most affordably priced and versatile uprights we’ve reviewed. Its 3-in-1 design allows you use it as a traditional upright, remove the canister to use as a handheld device for cleaning stairs or you can place it in the canister and wheel it around for easy use in areas where you have to use the wand.
We appreciated the versatility of the swivel head that made it easy to navigate around obstacles and the headlights are great for guiding your way. It has powerful suction and it’s a relatively quiet machine. When you combine all that with the range of attachments that come with the NV502, you have a vacuum that may offer the best value for money available on Amazon in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Nv502 is essentially the same machine as the NV501 it just comes with more attachments.
How often you need to change the filter on the Shark NV502 will depend on how often you use it. Generally, it’s recommended to change the filter every 3 to 6 months.
In the many reviews we’ve written at Spotless Mag, we’ve found few upright vacuum cleaners that can compare with the Shark NV502 for versatility and usability. It’s easy to switch between upright and canister mode with this vacuum.
The NV502 works well on all surfaces. It’s powerful suction capabilities make it just as effective on carpets as it is on hard surfaces.
The NV502 comes with a 5-year limited warranty from the manufacturer.
