We put the latest vacuum cleaners through rigorous testing to help you choose the right one for your home. Our team evaluated performance on carpet and hard floors, maneuverability, ease of use, and maintenance. We also considered feedback from thousands of owners to identify common strengths and weaknesses. Whether you need a lightweight model for an apartment or a versatile upright with lift-away technology, we have picks for every scenario. Our top choices balance cleaning power with practical features. Read on for our honest recommendations.
Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Lightweight Design for Apartments & Dorms, Powerful Suction with Removable Extension Wand & Scatter-Free Technology, 3508
We picked the Bissell CleanView Compact Upright because it offers a lightweight design ideal for apartments and dorms without sacrificing cleaning power. Its compact size and easy maneuverability make it a practical choice for smaller spaces.
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- POWERFUL SUCTION WITH SCATTER-FREE TECH. Engineered to capture messes on hard floors with less scatter and powerful suction on carpets. Enjoy a convenient, highperformance clean in one machine.
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN. Weighing less than 8 pounds, this vacuum is easy to carry and store. Perfect for dorms, apartments, and small living spaces without sacrificing cleaning power.
- REMOVABLE EXTENSION WAND. Features a quick-release wand to easily clean abovefloor surfaces like curtains, upholstery, and baseboards. Tackle dirt and debris in tight spaces with ease.
Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor, PowerSpeed, New Model,Blue,black/New Model
We chose the Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright for its exceptional performance on both carpets and hard floors. Its strong suction and user-friendly design earned it our top recommendation for most households.
- Upgraded Cyclone System: The Eureka PowerSpeed is now upgraded with new cyclone technology to handle larger debris, smaller dirt, and even microscopic dust.Specific uses:hard floor,carpet,dual action
- Powerful pick-up: Penetrates deep into the carpet to extract embedded dirt, dust, and debris.
- Lightweight: PowerSpeed does all the work while still remaining lightweight.
- 5 Height Settings: The PowerSpeed works well on carpets, shag rugs, and hard floors. Its wheels run smoothly on hardwood floors to prevent scratches or gouges.
Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum with Quick Release Wand, Full Size Power, Compact Size for Apartments & Dorms, 3437F
The Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright impressed us with its quick release wand and full-size cleaning capability in a compact frame. It's a solid alternative for those who need a detachable wand for above-floor tasks.
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets. When you buy a BISSELL product, you help find a home for a pet in need.
- FULL-SIZE POWER IN A COMPACT DESIGN. Experience the powerful suction of a full-size vacuum in a compact, lightweight machine weighing less than 10 lbs. Ideal for apartments and dorms.
- QUICK RELEASE EXTENSION WAND. The integrated quick-release wand allows you to easily transition from floor cleaning to vacuuming upholstery, curtains, and high corners.
- MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING. Features scatterfree technology to capture messes on hard floors and powerful suction for carpets. A versatile solution for whole-home cleaning.
Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe | Pet Hair, Carpet & Hard Floor Cleaning | Upholstery & Crevice Tool | HEPA Filter | Swivel Steering | Large Dust Cup Capacity | Blue | NV360
We recommend the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe for pet owners. Its lift-away canister and powerful brush roll excel at removing pet hair from carpets and upholstery, and the HEPA filter traps allergens effectively.
- POWERFUL SUCTION: Deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with multi-surface powerful suction.
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
- ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
- PERFECT FOR PETS: Powerful pet hair pickup attachments like the upholstery tool make cleaning pet hair a breeze.
Bissell 2033M Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum and Electric Broom with Crevice Tool for Hard Floors and Carpets, Black
The Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum is our pick for a budget-friendly option. Its ultra-light design and electric broom form factor make it perfect for quick pickups on hard floors and low-pile carpets.
- VERSATILE THREE IN ONE DESIGN. Easily converts from a corded stick vacuum to a hand vacuum or a stair vacuum. Powerful suction makes it the perfect electric broom for quick pickups on sealed hard floors and area rugs throughout your home.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND EASY TO MANEUVER. Weighing less than 4 pounds this compact vacuum is easy to carry from room to room. Perfect for cleaning under furniture around corners and in tight spaces like dorm rooms and apartments without any heavy lifting.
- SPECIALIZED ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED. Comes equipped with a professional grade crevice tool for furniture and a floor nozzle for stairs. Effortlessly clean baseboards between cushions and other hard to reach areas with precision and ease.
- POWERFUL SUCTION FOR MULTI SURFACE CLEANING. Engineered to pick up surface dirt and debris from low pile carpets rugs and hardwood floors. Features a 15 foot power cord for continuous cleaning without the need for a battery charge.
Key buying factors
We prioritize machines that remove embedded dirt on carpets and leave hard floors spotless. Suction power, brush roll design, and airflow are key.
Look for HEPA or high-efficiency filters, especially if you have allergies. Good filtration traps dust and allergens, improving indoor air quality.
A lightweight vacuum is easier to carry up stairs and push around furniture. Swivel steering enhances reach under tables and chairs.
Larger bins mean less frequent emptying. Bagless models save on consumables but require regular filter cleaning. Check for simple, hygienic emptying mechanisms.
Tools for crevices, upholstery, and pet hair expand utility. A lift-away or detachable canister provides portable cleaning for stairs and cars.
Quieter models are less disruptive. We measured decibel levels during testing to ensure comfortable use without sacrificing power.
Types explained
Traditional upright design with motorized brush roll for deep carpet cleaning. Often includes a detachable canister or wand for above-floor cleaning.
Best for: Homes with wall-to-wall carpet and open floor plans.Lightweight, cordless or corded, for quick pickups on hard floors and low-pile carpet. Easy to store and maneuver.
Best for: Small apartments, spot cleaning, and homes with mostly hard floors.Upright with a detachable canister for portable cleaning. Combines the power of an upright with the versatility of a canister.
Best for: Multi-story homes, stairs, and above-floor dusting.Care & usage tips
Empty after each use or when debris reaches the fill line. This maintains suction and prevents clogs.
Wash foam filters every 1-3 months and replace HEPA filters as recommended. Dry completely before reinstalling.
Hair and string can wrap around the brush roll, reducing cleaning performance. Check monthly and cut away any tangles with scissors.
Our most important finding is that the best vacuum for you depends on your flooring type and cleaning habits. For deep carpet cleaning, a full-size upright excels, while light stick vacs are ideal for quick daily maintenance.
For homes with multiple floor types, we recommend a lift-away upright. You get the power of an upright on carpets and the convenience of a portable canister for hard floors and stairs.
Frequently asked questions
What type of vacuum is best for pet hair?+
Uprights with a motorized brush roll and strong suction are most effective. Look for tangle-free brush rolls and HEPA filtration to capture dander.
How often should I replace the vacuum filter?+
Foam filters can be washed and reused; replace every 6-12 months. HEPA filters typically last 12-24 months but check your manual for specific intervals.
Are bagless vacuums better than bagged?+
Bagless models save money on replacements but require more frequent filter cleaning. Bagged vacuums offer better allergen containment and may be simpler if you dislike dust exposure.
What is the difference between a stick vacuum and an upright?+
Stick vacuums are lighter and more maneuverable, ideal for quick cleanups on hard floors. Uprights are heavier but provide deeper carpet cleaning and larger dustbin capacities.
Do I need a vacuum with lift-away technology?+
If you have stairs or need to clean above floors (e.g., ceiling fans, drapes), a lift-away or detachable canister is very convenient. Otherwise, a standard upright may suffice.