If you’re looking to buy a new vacuum, you probably want to know what is the best rated vacuum cleaner on the market. The answer isn’t as simple as one model, because the “best” depends entirely on your home and needs.
This guide cuts through the noise. We’ll look at the top-rated types and models based on expert reviews and user feedback. You’ll learn how to match the right vacuum to your floors, lifestyle, and budget.
What Is The Best Rated Vacuum Cleaner
There is no single “best” vacuum for everyone. Instead, the best-rated vacuum cleaner for you is the one that solves your specific cleaning problems. A lightweight stick vacuum might be top-rated for a small apartment, while a powerful canister could be best for a large home with pets.
Ratings come from professional testing labs and thousands of user reviews. They consider suction power, ease of use, noise, and durability. By understanding the categories, you can find the highest-rated option in the right class for you.
Key Factors That Define a Top-Rated Vacuum
Before looking at models, know what makes a vacuum stand out. High ratings are earned through performance across several areas.
Suction Power and Filtration
Strong suction is essential for deep cleaning carpets and grabbing debris from cracks. Look for measurements in Air Watts (AW) or cubic feet per minute (CFM). A good sealing filtration system, like HEPA, is crucial for trapping allergens and keeping dust out of the air.
Maneuverability and Design
A top-rated vacuum should be easy to push, pull, and steer around furniture. The design should feel balanced in your hand. Features like a swivel head make cleaning under and around things much simpler.
Floor Type Versatility
Most homes have multiple floor types. The best vacuums easily transition from carpet to hardwood to tile. They often have an automatic height adjustment or a manual switch you can flip with your foot.
Capacity and Emptying
For bagless models, a larger dustbin means less frequent emptying. The emptying process itself should be hygienic and mess-free—a sealed system that doesn’t blow dust back into your face is a major plus.
Noise Level
While all vacuums make noise, some are significantly quieter than others. If you have sleeping children or noise-sensitive pets, this is a important factor to consider.
Top-Rated Vacuum Cleaner Types
Each vacuum type excels in different situations. Here’s how the top-rated models in each category break down.
1. Upright Vacuums
These are the classic, all-in-one powerhouses. They’re great for homes with lots of carpet.
- Best For: Large carpeted areas, deep cleaning.
- Pros: Often have the strongest suction for carpets, large capacity, wide cleaning path.
- Cons: Can be heavy and bulky, harder to use on stairs and under furniture.
- Top-Rated Example: Models from brands like SEBO and Miele often lead in reliability and cleaning performance. Many Shark uprights also recieve high marks for their versatility and anti-hair wrap technology.
2. Canister Vacuums
These have a separate unit (the canister) connected to a wand and floor tool by a hose. They are known for there superior maneuverability.
- Best For: Homes with mixed flooring (lots of hard floors and area rugs), cleaning under furniture, above-floor cleaning.
- Pros: Extremely versatile, excellent on hard floors, usually quieter and easier to carry than uprights.
- Cons: The canister can be awkward to pull behind you, storage requires more space.
- Top-Rated Example: Miele and Numatic (Henry) canisters are consistently top-rated for their build quality, filtration, and longevity.
3. Stick Vacuums
Lightweight and cordless, these are designed for quick daily cleanups.
- Best For: Apartments, quick pick-ups, supplementing a deeper clean vacuum.
- Pros: Incredibly convenient and easy to grab, great for hard floors and low-pile rugs.
- Cons: Limited battery life, smaller dustbins, less powerful suction than corded models.
- Top-Rated Example: Dyson cordless stick vacuums, like the V15 Detect, are highly rated for their powerful suction and laser dust detection. Tineco and LG also make excellent models.
4. Robot Vacuums
These autonomous cleaners maintain your floors between manual vacuuming sessions.
- Best For: Automated maintenance, busy households, keeping pet hair under control daily.
- Pros: Hands-off cleaning, can schedule cleanings, many map your home for efficient routes.
- Cons: Can get stuck, require maintenance (cleaning brushes, emptying bin), may miss corners.
- Top-Rated Example: iRobot Roomba j7+ and Roborock S8 Pro Ultra are top-rated for their navigation, self-emptying bases, and effective mopping features on some models.
5. Handheld Vacuums
Small, portable, and perfect for spot cleaning.
- Best For: Cars, stairs, furniture, and small messes.
- Pros: Very portable and easy to use, often cordless.
- Cons: Very limited runtime and capacity, not for whole-home cleaning.
- Top-Rated Example: The Black+Decker Dustbuster series remains a reliable and affordable top-rated choice for basic handheld needs.
How to Choose Your Best Rated Vacuum: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to narrow down your search effectively.
Step 1: Assess Your Home’s Flooring
List your floor types and their square footage. Mostly thick carpet? You’ll want a powerful upright or canister with a motorized brush. Mostly hardwoods? A canister or stick vacuum with a soft roller brush is ideal to avoid scratches.
Step 2: Identify Your Primary Cleaning Challenges
What do you fight with most?
- Pet Hair: Look for specialized pet tools, tangle-free brush rolls, and strong suction.
- Allergies: A vacuum with a certified HEPA sealed system is non-negotiable.
- Heavy Debris/Sand: Prioritize strong suction and a large, easy-to-empty bin.
- Stairs and Multi-Level Homes: Consider a lightweight stick or a canister which is easier to carry.
Step 3: Consider Your Physical Needs
Be honest about weight and storage. If you have back problems or limited strength, a heavy upright might be a poor choice. A lightweight stick or canister with easy-rolling wheels would be better. Also measure your storage space.
Step 4: Set a Realistic Budget
Vacuums range from under $100 to over $1,000. Determine what you’re willing to spend for quality. Remember, a $500 vacuum that lasts 15 years is often a better value than a $150 vacuum replaced every 3 years.
Step 5: Research and Compare Specific Models
Once you know your type and budget, look at 2-3 top-rated models. Read professional reviews from sources like Consumer Reports and Wirecutter. Also read user reviews on retail sites to see long-term reliability feedback.
Maintaining Your Vacuum for Peak Performance
A top-rated vacuum only stays top-rated if you care for it. Neglect is the main reason suction power fades.
- Empty the Bin Frequently: Never let it fill more than 2/3 full. This keeps airflow optimal.
- Clean Filters Regularly: Wash or replace filters according to the manual—often every 1-3 months. A clogged filter destroys suction.
- Clear Brush Rolls: Weekly, cut away hair, strings, and carpet fibers wrapped around the brush roll. This prevents motor strain and maintains agitation.
- Check for Clogs: If suction seems low, check the hose, wand, and inlet for blockages. A common issue people overlook.
- Replace Parts as Needed: Brushes, belts, and filters are wear items. Plan to replace them to keep your vacuum running like new.
Common Vacuum Buying Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these pitfalls to ensure you get a machine you’ll love.
- Buying on Brand Name Alone: Even great brands have less stellar models. Research the specific model number.
- Ignoring Weight and Noise: If possible, try a demo in store. A vacuum that’s too heavy or loud will collect dust in the closet.
- Forgetting About Ongoing Costs: Bagged models need bags. All models need filter replacements. Factor these into your long-term cost.
- Choosing Gimmicks Over Fundamentals: Extra “smart” features are nice, but they don’t matter if the suction and basic maneuverability are poor.
FAQ Section
What is the highest rated vacuum cleaner for pet hair?
The highest-rated vacuums for pet hair typically are powerful uprights or canisters with a specialized tangle-free brush roll. Brands like SEBO, Miele, and Shark have models designed specifically to handle large amounts of hair without clogging.
Which vacuum cleaner has the best ratings for allergies?
Vacuums with a completely sealed HEPA filtration system get the best ratings for allergy sufferers. This ensures all dust and allergens sucked up are trapped inside the vacuum and not leaked back into the air. Miele canisters are often highlighted in this category.
What is the best rated cordless vacuum?
The best rated cordless stick vacuums balance power, battery life, and ease of use. Currently, Dyson’s Detect series and models from LG and Tineco recieve top marks. The “best” depends on your runtime needs and floor type.
Are expensive vacuum cleaners worth the higher ratings?
Often, yes. Higher-priced vacuums from brands like Miele, SEBO, and Numatic are built to last 15-20 years with repairable parts. Their performance and durability over time justify the cost for many users, leading to their consistently high ratings.
What’s the best rated cheap vacuum cleaner?
For a budget-friendly option, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away series often gets excellent ratings for its performance at a lower price point. It offers strong suction and good versatility without the premium cost.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best rated vacuum cleaner is a personal journey. It starts with understanding your own home’s layout, your dominant flooring, and your biggest cleaning headaches. By focusing on the type of vacuum that suits your situation—be it a nimble canister for hardwoods, a powerful upright for carpets, or a convenient robot for maintenance—you can then zoom in on the top-rated models in that category.
Remember to consider the long-term: a slightly more expensive vacuum that’s easy to maintain and built to last will save you money and frustration over the years. Take care of your investment with regular filter cleaning and brush roll maintenance, and it will keep your home clean for a long time to come. The perfect vacuum is out there, it just needs to match your life.