1. Design & Build Quality

Both the Shark HV322 and HV371 are designed as sleek, corded stick vacuums that convert into handheld units. However, there are some key differences in how they’re built for use. 

The HV322 emphasizes lightweight portability—it feels light in hand, making it suitable for users who want to move around the house with ease, especially when cleaning stairs, ceilings, or curtains.

On the other hand, the HV371 is slightly heavier but includes enhancements like an easy-release foot pedal and advanced swivel steering, which make it more convenient for users who clean large floor areas frequently. 

Its low-profile nozzle design is ideal for cleaning under couches or furniture without having to move them, giving it an ergonomic edge in tight spaces.

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2. Suction Power & Performance

When it comes to suction, both vacuums offer strong, consistent power, suitable for deep cleaning carpets and picking up pet hair from various surfaces. 

The HV322 is designed for multi-surface cleaning, including carpets, hard floors, stairs, and upholstery. It performs well across all these surfaces and has excellent feedback for picking up fine dust and pet hair.

The HV371, while also delivering deep carpet cleaning, is slightly more focused on carpeted floors. It performs exceptionally well on thick carpet fibers but may require a few extra passes on hardwood or tile floors. Overall, both are excellent performers, but the HV322 edges ahead for versatility on a variety of surfaces.

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3. Dust Cup Capacity & Cleaning Efficiency

Both the HV322 and HV371 come with a 0.68-quart XL dust cup, which means you can vacuum for longer without needing to empty the bin frequently. This is particularly useful in larger homes or homes with shedding pets.

However, the HV371 offers an easy-release foot pedal, which makes detaching the wand from the base simpler and faster. This minor convenience can improve the flow of your cleaning routine but doesn’t drastically improve overall cleaning performance. The HV322 doesn’t have this pedal but still offers easy-empty functionality.

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4. Portability & Maneuverability

In terms of portability, HV322 wins for users looking for ultra-lightweight operation. It’s easy to carry up and down stairs, and the ergonomic design reduces wrist fatigue during long cleaning sessions. It’s particularly well-suited for people with mobility concerns or for multi-level homes.

Meanwhile, the HV371 is slightly heavier but makes up for it with advanced swivel steering. This feature allows smoother turns and easier navigation around furniture and corners, which is great for open floor plans or cluttered rooms. Its low-profile cleaning head also means you can get under beds, couches, and cabinets without hassle.

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5. Pet Hair Pickup & Specialized Tools

Both models are great for pet owners, but they include different attachments. The HV322 comes with a Pet Multi-Tool and Pet Crevice Tool, both of which are designed to dig deep into upholstery and tight corners to lift stubborn pet hair and dander.

The HV371, while also equipped for pet hair, includes a Crevice Tool, Upholstery Tool, and an Anti-Allergen Dust Brush. The anti-allergen brush is especially useful for those who suffer from allergies, as it helps capture and contain fine particles.

 If pet hair is your top concern, the HV322’s pet-focused attachments may provide better results. However, if you need allergen control, the HV371 has the edge.

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6. LED Headlights & Visibility

Both models are equipped with LED headlights on the nozzle and handheld unit. These lights do a great job of illuminating hidden debris, dust, and pet hair in darker areas, such as under furniture or along baseboards. This feature is often underrated but incredibly useful during evening cleans or in homes with limited lighting.

There’s no noticeable difference in the brightness or performance of the headlights between the two models—they both enhance visibility equally well.

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7. Versatility & Handheld Conversion

Both the HV322 and HV371 can convert into handheld vacuums, offering floor-to-ceiling cleaning versatility. This makes them excellent for tackling car interiors, bookshelves, furniture, or even ceiling corners.

The HV322 feels more agile in handheld mode due to its lower weight, which can be appreciated when using it overhead. The HV371 is still comfortable to use, and its accessory set (especially the anti-allergen brush) makes it more functional in detailed handheld cleaning tasks.

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8. Advanced Features

The HV371 stands out with two advanced design features: advanced swivel steering and low-profile cleaning head. 

These allow for improved control while vacuuming and make it easier to clean under furniture without lifting or moving it. It also has a convenient foot pedal release mechanism, allowing for quick detachment of the vacuum wand.

The HV322 doesn’t include these ergonomic enhancements but keeps things simple and effective. It relies more on its lightweight build and strong suction to get the job done without frills.

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9. Customer Ratings & Trust

The HV322 has a significant edge when it comes to user trust. With over 41,000 customer reviews and an average 4.4-star rating, it is one of the most popular stick vacuums in its category. This kind of track record often speaks louder than specs, showing the vacuum performs well in real homes over time.

The HV371 also has a solid 4.4-star rating but from just over 8,600 users, indicating it’s a newer or less popular model. While still trusted, it lacks the long-term user feedback that the HV322 offers.

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10. Price & Overall Value

Finally, pricing plays a major role in deciding which to buy. The Shark HV322 is priced at $139, making it a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on core features like suction, pet tools, or LED lights.

In contrast, the HV371 costs $199, which is $60 more. While it does offer a few extras like advanced swivel steering and allergen-specific attachments, the jump in price may not justify the marginal difference in functionality for most users.