Skip the bags with this convenient container system. A good bagless vacuum cleaner is a total game-changer for your cleaning routine. You just empty the dirt cup and go—no more hunting for expensive, specific bags. It’s simpler and honestly, way more satisfying to see all the dust and debris you’ve collected.
But are all bagless models created equal? We tested a popular one to see if it’s hype or truly helpful. From pet hair on the rug to crumbs in the kitchen, we put it through its paces. Here’s what we found about its real-world performance and if its worth the investment for your home.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe with Large Dust…
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9.7 |
Read Review |
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Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum with Quick Release…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits in Dorm Rooms…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Carpet and…
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8.9 |
Read Review |
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Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, NEU10AE4,…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel…
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8.6 |
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Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off with Powerful Suction,…
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8.4 |
Read Review |
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Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with HEPA…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and…
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8.0 |
Read Review |
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Bissell CleanView Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner with Active Wand,…
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7.8 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe with Large Dust Cup Capacity, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Crevice Tool, Blue, NV360
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 is an upright vacuum designed to handle the varied messes of a busy home. Its core strength lies in its powerful suction, which is built to deep-clean carpets and effectively tackle bare floors in one go. You won’t need to switch machines for different surfaces.
A key feature of this model is its Lift-Away functionality. The entire cleaning pod detaches from the vacuum’s body with a simple button press.
This lets you easily clean under low furniture like beds or sofas. Or, you can detach just the nozzle to carry a lighter unit for cleaning stairs, upholstery, curtains, and other above-floor areas. It’s remarkably versatile.
For households with allergies or pets, this vacuum offers important benefits. Its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology works with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the dust cup, preventing them from escaping back into the air you breath.
The included upholstery tool is particularly effective for pulling pet hair from couches, chairs, and car seats. It makes managing pet messes much simpler.
Maneuverability is a strong point thanks to swivel steering. The vacuum head pivots smoothly, allowing you to navigate tight spaces, around chair legs, and into corners with minimal effort. Another helpful feature is the brushroll shutoff.
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 Vacuum with Quick Release Wand, 3437F, is designed for smaller living spaces that still demand a serious clean. If you’re in an apartment, dorm, or just have limited storage, this model aims to give you the power of a full-size vacuum without the bulky footprint. It’s a straightforward solution for keeping your floors tidy without a complicated machine. A key highlight is it’s surprisingly lightweight, at just 10 pounds.
This makes it easy to carry from room to room or up a flight of stairs. Maneuvering around furniture and into tight corners feels less like a chore. Despite it’s compact frame, Bissell hasn’t compromised on suction. They call it “Full Size Power, Compact Design,” meaning it’s built to handle everyday debris, pet hair, and dust from carpets and area rugs effectively. Cleaning hard floors can sometimes be frustrating if the vacuum just blows dust around.
The Scatter-Free Technology here is meant to tackle that. It helps capture crumbs and debris on surfaces like tile, laminate, or wood with less blow-around, so you’re not chasing the same mess across the room. For those spots a bit out of reach, the Quick Release Extension Wand is a simple but useful feature. You can easily detach it to clean ceiling corners, window sills, or under furniture without needing to drag the whole vacuum. It snaps on and off without any fuss.
Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits in Dorm Rooms & Apartments, Lightweight with Powerful Suction and Removable Extension Wand, 3508
The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, 3508 is designed for life in smaller spaces. If you live in a dorm room, apartment, or just have limited storage, this vacuum understands the assignment. Its compact size means it tucks away easily in a closet or corner without taking up your valuable floor space. But don’t let the small footprint fool you—this machine is built to handle the big messes of everyday life. One of its standout features is the incredible lightweight design.
Weighing less than eight pounds, it’s easy to carry up stairs, from room to room, or even to your car if you need to. The maneuverability is a real plus, allowing you to navigate around furniture legs and into tight spots without a struggle. This makes quick clean-ups actually quick, not a chore you dread. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to use everyday. When it comes to performance, powerful suction is at its core.
It offers convenient, thorough cleaning in one straightforward machine, pulling dirt and debris from both carpets and hard surfaces. A particularly smart feature is the Scatter-Free Technology. This helps capture messes on hard floors like tile or laminate with less scatter, so you’re not chasing dust bunnies across the room. It gets the job done efficiently. Cleaning the vacuum itself is refreshingly simple.
Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floors, With Crevice and Upholstery Tools, Detachable Handle, Lightweight (8.4 lbs), 1.7L Dust Cup, 720W, 25ft Cord, Black/White
The Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is designed to be a straightforward, effective solution for keeping your carpets and hard floors clean without complicating the process. Its core appeal lies in its simplicity and thoughtful design, focusing on the features that actually matter during everyday cleaning. Right away, you’ll notice the EASY MANEUVERABILITY.
Weighing just 8.4 pounds, this vacuum feels noticeably light in your hand, making it easy to push around furniture and carry up stairs. The 25-foot power cord gives you a wide cleaning radius from a single outlet, meaning you won’t be constantly stopping to switch plugs. You can cover a whole room, or even move between rooms, without interuption. For VERSATILE CLEANING, this model includes two key attachments: an upholstery tool and a crevice tool.
The upholstery tool lets you quickly refresh sofas, chairs, and car interiors, while the slim crevice tool is perfect for getting into tight spots along baseboards, in corners, or between cushions. The handle itself is detachable, converting the main unit into a portable hand vac for above-floor tasks, adding to its flexibility. A major convenience is the LARGE CAPACITY DUST CUP. At 1.7 liters, it holds a significant amount of dirt, dust, and pet hair before needing to be emptied.
Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Carpet and Floor, AirSpeed Ultra-Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner, w/ Replacement Filter, Blue
The Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is designed to be a straightforward, effective cleaning partner for your home. It focuses on core functionality, making the chore of vacuuming less of a burden with its thoughtful design and practical features. A central benefit of this vacuum is its powerful all-floor suction. It transitions easily from hard surfaces to carpets, pulling up dirt and pet hair without you needing to switch modes or adjust settings.
The 10.5-inch wide cleaning path means you cover more ground with each pass, which really does speed up cleaning larger rooms. It’s a simple idea that has a big impact on your time and effort. Maneuverability and storage are where this model truly shines. Weighing just 7.7 pounds, it’s exceptionally lightweight. You can carry it up stairs, move it from room to room, and push it around furniture without fatigue.
When you’re done, its compact, upright design tucks neatly into a closet corner or a small utility space, solving the common problem of where to put a bulky appliance. For cleaning above the floor, the quick-release handle is a key feature. Simply detach it from the main body, and you can attach the included crevice tool or dusting brush. This lets you tackle curtains, upholstery, ceiling corners, and window sills directly.
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, NEU10AE4, Green
The Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, NEU10AE4, is designed for one thing: making cleaning less of a chore. It starts with its weight, or rather, lack of it. At just 7.7 pounds, this vacuum feels noticeably light when you carry it up stairs or move it from room to room. Its compact body means it tucks away easily in a closet corner or even a small cupboard, which is a real advantage if your storage space is limited.
Where it really counts, this model delivers strong suction powered by 700 watts. It’s built for all floor types, from hard surfaces to carpets, so you don’t need to switch machines. The 10.5-inch cleaning path is wide enough to cover areas efficiently, helping you finish faster. It handles everyday dirt and pesky pet hair without much fuss, pulling it from both surfaces with ease. A clever feature is the quick-release handle.
You simply detach it from the main body for instant above-floor cleaning. The included crevice tool and dusting brush attach directly to the end of this handle. This lets you reach under furniture, clean blinds, tackle upholstery, or get into tight corners without bending over or searching for separate attachments. The tools snap right onto the vacuum’s body too, so they’re always within reach when you need them. Maintenance is kept simple to save you money and hassle.
Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering, Powerful Pet Hair Pick Up, Specialized Pet Tools, Large Capacity Dirt Tank, Easy Empty
The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is designed for homes with pets, focusing on maneuverability and specialized hair pickup. Its a machine built to handle the constant challenge of pet messes without the hassle of bags. A key feature is the swivel steering, which gives you maximum control. It lets you pivot smoothly around chair legs, under tables, and through tight spaces without constantly lifting and repositioning the whole vacuum.
This makes the whole cleaning process less of a chore and more efficient. The core of its cleaning power is the Triple Action Brush Roll. This system doesn’t just skim the surface; it actively loosens, lifts, and suctions embedded pet hair from your carpets, helping to get out what other vacuums might leave behind. For hard floors, the Multi-Surface Cleaning mode with Scatter-Free Technology is a real help.
It prevents the frustrating blow-around of dry kibble or litter, so you can actually clean it up instead of just chasing it across the room. The vacuum also includes specialized pet tools, like an upholstery tool, to tackle hair on stairs, furniture, and in the car. Getting into corners is easier with the Edge-to-Edge Cleaning design, which aims to pull in dirt and debris from along baseboards and edges where it often accumulates.
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off with Powerful Suction, HEPA, Tangle-Free Brush Roll, 39883
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off, model 39883, is designed for homes with pets that need a thorough, practical clean. Its core mission is to tackle pet hair and allergens effectively, without creating more work for you in the process. Let’s break down what it offers so you can see if it fits your needs. First, the powerful suction is the foundation. It’s built to pull in dirt, fur, and dust from both carpets and hard floors, ensuring a deep clean.
This power is paired with Scatter-Free Technology, which aims to prevent debris from blowing around on hard surfaces as you vacuum. This means you shouldn’t have to chase dust bunnies across your kitchen floor; they get sucked in on the first pass. A major highlight is the HEPA Sealed Allergen System. This isn’t just a filter you pop in. The entire system is sealed to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum’s dirt tank.
The goal is to prevent those fine particles from escaping back into your home’s air after you’ve cleaned, which is a key consideration for anyone with allergies or asthma. When it’s time to empty, the XL 1-liter tank is designed for easy, one-touch release to minimize mess and contact with the dirt. Dealing with hair wrap is a common frustration.
Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, LED Headlights, Wide Upholstery Tool, Dusting Brush & Crevice Tool, White/Red
The Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is designed to tackle a variety of cleaning challenges in your home. Its core feature is the innovative Lift-Away functionality. With a simple release, the main pod detaches from the upright body. This lets you easily clean under low furniture like beds or sofas. You can also detach just the nozzle and wand to clean above-floor areas, making stairs, upholstery, and shelves much more accessible.
It essentially converts your upright into a portable, powerful canister vac in seconds. A key benefit of this vacuum is its focus on air quality. It utilizes Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology combined with a HEPA filter. This system is engineered to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from escaping back into the air you breath.
This is a critical feature for households with allergy sufferers or pets, as it helps capture fine particles that other vacuums might recirculate. Maneuverability is a strong point for the NV501. The Advanced Swivel Steering allows the vacuum head to pivot smoothly around tight corners, furniture legs, and other obstacles. This reduces the back-and-forth struggling often associated with upright vacuums. To aid in thorough cleaning, LED headlights are mounted on the nozzle.
Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor, PowerSpeed, New Model,Blue,black/New Model
The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner is designed to be a straightforward, effective cleaning partner for your home. This new model builds on a trusted name with thoughtful upgrades aimed at making your routine easier and more thorough.
At its core is an Upgraded Cyclone System. This new technology is key for capturing everything from larger debris to microscopic dust and allergens, trapping 99.9% of particles as it cleans.
It provides powerful pick-up that reaches deep into carpet fibers to pull out embedded dirt you might not even see. Despite this strong suction, the vacum remains pleasantly lightweight, so moving it from room to room or carrying it up stairs isn’t a chore.
Versatility is a major highlight. With five height settings, you can easily adjust it to work on everything from plush shag rugs to bare hard floors. The wheels are designed to glide smoothly on hardwood to prevent scratches.
It’s ready for dual-action cleaning on all your surfaces. For above-floor tasks, a quick-release handle connects to the stretch hose. You’ll find a 7-inch crevice tool, a dusting brush, and an upholstery tool stored right on board. These attachments help you extract dirt and pet hair from furniture, curtains, car interiors, and tight spaces like ceiling corners or door frames, making it a comprehensive tool.
It’s important to note a bit of regular maintenance to keep it running its best.
Bissell CleanView Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner with Active Wand, 3536
The Bissell CleanView Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner with Active Wand, 3536, is designed to tackle the everyday messes that accumulate in a busy home. It combines powerful suction with thoughtful features to make cleaning less of a chore and more efficient. If you’re dealing with a mix of carpets and hard floors, this model aims to cover both without needing constant adjustments or multiple passes.
One of it’s standout features is the Active Extension Wand.
This tool extends up to 10 feet, letting you clean ceiling corners, cobwebs behind furniture, or the tops of shelves without dragging out a step stool. It’s integrated right into the vacuum, so it’s always there when you need it for a quick reach. For your carpets, the OnePass Technology is engineered to provide a thorough clean on the first go-over.
This means you can spend less time going back and forth over the same patch of carpet, which is a real time-saver when you’re trying to clean quickly.
Switching to hard floors like tile, wood, or laminate can sometimes just blow debris around. The Scatter-Free Technology on the CleanView helps contain the mess. It focuses suction to capture crumbs, pet food, and other particles with less scatter, so you’re not chasing dust bunnies across the room.
Bagless Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
Bagless models offer convenience but require regular filter maintenance. You save money on bags and see exactly what you’ve picked up, but you’ll need to empty teh dust bin and clean filters often to keep performance strong. This guide helps you choose the right one for your home.
Suction Power & Motor Type
Don’t just look at watts; consider airflow and sealed suction. A strong, modern motor is key for pulling dirt from carpets. Ask yourself: Does it handle pet hair and ground-in crumbs? Cyclonic action is common, using spinning air to fling debris into the bin and help maintain suction as you clean.
Filtration System
This is crucial, especially for allergy sufferers. A HEPA filter is your best friend—it traps the tiniest particles. Remember, a bagless vacuum cleaner can blow dust back into the air if the filter is clogged or poor quality. Check how easy it is to remove and wash the filters; you’ll be doing it regularly.
Dust Bin Capacity & Emptying
How big is the bin? A small bin means frequent trips to the trash, which can be messy. Look for a design that minimizes dust clouds when you empty it. Some have hygienic ejector mechanisms—a simple button push that dumps the contents without you touching the dirt. It’s a small feature that makes a big difference.
Maneuverability & Weight
You’ll be pushing this around furniture and up stairs. Lightweight models are easier to carry, but sometimes sacrifice power or bin size. Check the cord length if it’s not cordless; a short cord limits your range. Swivel steering is a game-changer for navigating tight spaces without bumping into everything.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
What is a bagless vacuum cleaner?
It’s a vacuum that collects dirt in a clear, removable container instead of a disposable bag. You empty teh container into the trash when it gets full.
What are the main benefits of going bagless?
You save money since you don’t need to buy replacement bags. You also see when the container is full, so you never lose suction mid-clean. It’s generally more convenient for most homes.
Are bagless vacuums good for allergies?
They can be, but you need to check the filter. Look for a vacuum with a good HEPA filter. This traps tiny particles like pollen and dust. Just remember, you have to clean the filters regularly for it to work well.
Is it messy to empty the dust container?
It can be a bit dusty if you’re not careful. The key is to empty it outside or over a trash can. Many models have a release button that makes the bottom drop open, which helps contain the mess.
How often do I need to clean the filters?
You should rinse the main filters every few months, depending on use. Always check your manual for specifics. If the filters get clogged, your vacuum won’t work as good.
Do bagless vacuums lose suction over time?
All vacuums can lose suction if not maintained. For bagless models, the main causes are a full container or dirty filters. A quick empty and a filter rinse usually restores power right away.
What should I look for when buying one?
Think about your floors. Do you have mostly carpet, or hard floors? Check for tools like a crevice tool or a pet hair attachment if you need them. Suction power, filter type, and bin capacity are other important things to consider.
Are they more expensive than bagged models?
Not necessarily. Prices vary widely based on features and brand. While you pay more upfront sometimes, you eliminate the ongoing cost of bags, which can save you money in the long run.
Our Final Words
Going bagless requires managing these maintenance and convenience factors yourself. It’s about finding the right balance for your home. If you don’t mind a quick empty and rinse every few weeks, the benefits are clear. You get consistent suction and save money on bags. It’s a simple trade-off that works well for many people.
Think about your own routine and what you value most. For a tidy home without ongoing costs, a modern bagless vacuum cleaner is a fantastic choice. Just remember to keep up with its simple care. You’ll enjoy a powerful clean for years to come, making it a smart investment for your household.