The essential appliance for household floor care. It’s the humble home vacuum cleaner, your first line of defense against dust bunnies and tracked-in dirt. You rely on it weekly, maybe even daily. But let’s be real, not all vacuums are created equal. Some are a joy to use, while others feel like a chore you have to drag out of the closet.
Finding the right one can feel overwhelming with so many models. We tested a popular option to see if it lives up to the hype. Could it be the machine that finally makes quick clean-ups actually quick? Here’s our honest take.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Home 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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9.6 |
Read Review |
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Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away |…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum with Quick Release…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter,…
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9.2 |
Read Review |
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LEVOIT Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Stick Vac with Tangle-Resistant Design,…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and…
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8.9 |
Read Review |
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Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits in Dorm Rooms…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Carpet and…
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8.7 |
Read Review |
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Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, NEU10AE4,…
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8.6 |
Read Review |
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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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KARDV Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, 500W/40Kpa Vacuum Cleaners for Home,…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Home 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 for versatile, whole-home cleaning. Its core strength is powerful suction that handles both carpets and bare floors effectively, pulling up embedded dirt and surface debris in one pass.
A key feature is the Lift-Away functionality. The entire cleaning pod detaches from the vacuum’s base. This lets you easily clean under low furniture like beds or sofas.
You can also detach just the hose and wand to clean above-floor areas, making it simple to tackle stairs, upholstery, and shelves without lugging the whole machine.
For households with allergies, the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology is a significant benefit. It works with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from escaping back into the air you breath.
This system helps maintain a cleaner environment.
If you have pets, this model is particularly suited for the job. The powerful suction, combined with the included upholstery tool, makes removing pet hair from furniture, curtains, and carpets much more manageable. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability, allowing you to navigate smoothly around chair legs, through crowded rooms, and into corners with minimal effort.
Switching between floor types is straightforward.
Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away | Swivel Steering | HEPA Filter | Vacuum for Pet Hair | Crevice Tool & Dusting Brush Included | For Carpets & Hard Floors | White/Silver | NV356E
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E upright vacuum cleaner is designed to be a versatile and powerful cleaning partner for your home. Its standout feature is the Lift-Away functionality. You can detach the pod from the main body with ease, which turns it into a portable, powerful canister vacuum. This makes cleaning stairs, upholstery, or under low furniture much simpler, as you’re not lugging the whole unit around.
For households with pets, this model is particularly effective.
It’s built to pick up pet hair and loose debris from floors, but its real strength is deep-cleaning dander out of carpets and upholstery. The included Pet Power Brush tackles embedded hair, while the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal system works with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, so they aren’t released back into the air you breath. This is a major benefit for anyone with allergies or asthma.
Maneuverability is a key focus.
The Swivel Steering lets the vacuum pivot smoothly around furniture legs, through tight corners, and in cluttered spaces. You get precise control without the usual wrestling match. Furthermore, the Brushroll Shutoff feature gives you flexibility for different floor types.
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 tackles the core challenge: getting full-sized cleaning performance without the full-sized bulk.
It packs the suction power you’d expect from a much larger machine into a unit that weighs only about 10 pounds and has a notably slim footprint.
Maneuvering this vacuum is straightforward. Its lightweight build means you can easily guide it around furniture legs, into tight corners, and from room to room without it feeling like a chore. The compact design makes it simple to tuck away in a closet or behind a door, solving one of the biggest headaches in small-space living.
You won’t have to leave it out in the middle of the floor because theres nowhere to put it.
One of its key features for hard floors is the Scatter-Free Technology. When you’re dealing with crumbs, pet food, or debris on hard surfaces, a standard vacuum can sometimes blow it around before sucking it up. This system aims to capture that mess with less scatter on the first pass, making your cleaning more efficient.
Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter, Anti-Allergen Technology, Swivel Steering, Ideal for Carpet, Stairs, & Bare Floors, with Wide Upholstery & Crevice Tools, Lavender
The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is designed to handle the diverse messes of a real home. Its core innovation is the Lift-Away functionality. With a simple release, you can detach the pod from the upright base, turning it into a portable, powerful canister vacuum.
This makes cleaning stairs, upholstery, or under low furniture much simpler, as you’re not lugging the whole machine around.
For households concerned about air quality, the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology is a key feature. It works in tandem with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, so they’re not released back into the air you breath. This is especially helpful for pet owners or anyone with allergies.
Speaking of pets, the included wide upholstery tool is fantastic for lifting embedded pet hair from sofas, chairs, and car interiors.
Maneuverability is a strong point. The Swivel Steering lets you navigate smoothly around table legs, through crowded rooms, and into corners with minimal effort. The vacuum is also lightweight, which reduces arm fatigue during longer cleaning sessions.
LEVOIT Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Stick Vac with Tangle-Resistant Design, Up to 50 Minutes, Powerful Suction, Rechargeable, Lightweight, and Versatile for Carpet, Hard Floor, Pet Hair, LVAC-200
The LEVOIT Cordless Vacuum Cleaner LVAC-200 is designed to simplify your cleaning routine without the fuss. Its core promise is straightforward: a lightweight, cordless stick vacuum that handles everyday messes efficiently, from crumbs on hard floors to pet hair embedded in carpets. A standout feature is its tangle-resistant design. The specially engineered roller significantly reduces hair wrap, whether it’s from your long hair or your pets shedding.
This means you spend more time cleaning and less time cutting hair of the brush roll. The easy-to-clean roller is also fully detachable and washable, making maintenance simple. For pet owners and those with allergies, the 5-stage filtration system is a key benefit. It works to capture and lock in fine dust, dander, and allergens as you vacuum, helping to keep them out of the air you breath.
The included 2-in-1 pet tool is perfect for upholstery and stairs, while the 2-in-1 crevice tool gets into tight spaces. With up to 50 minutes of runtime on a single charge, you can cover a lot of ground without interuption. The vacuum is rechargeable, eliminating the need for cords that get in the way or limit your reach. Its lightweight build makes it easy to carry up stairs or use for above-floor cleaning without arm fatigue. Versatile cleaning is built in.
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 tool for keeping your carpets and hard floors clean without a lot of fuss. It’s the new model, and it brings some smart upgrades to a familiar, user-friendly design. A key improvement is the Upgraded Cyclone System.
This new technology is built to handle everything from larger debris you can see to the microscopic dust you can’t, aiming to trap 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens inside the bin. This makes it a solid choice for households with pets or allergy concerns. The power behind this system is serious—it’s built to penetrate deep into carpet fibers to pull out embedded dirt that sometimes gets left behind. Despite this power, a major highlight is it’s lightweight nature.
It does the heavy lifting so you don’t have to, making it easier to carry up stairs or use for longer cleaning sessions without arm fatigue. Versatility is a strong point. With 5 height settings, you can quickly adjust from thick shag rugs to low-pile carpet and bare hard floors. The wheels are designed to roll smoothly on surfaces like hardwood to help prevent any scratches or gouges, which is a common worry. For all those other cleaning tasks, the included accessories have you covered.
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 fits right in. It’s built to be your go-to tool for quick cleanups without the bulk of a full-sized machine. At less than eight pounds, it’s genuinely lightweight and maneuverable. You can easily carry it up stairs, move it around furniture, and tuck it away in a closet without a struggle.
One of its standout features is the powerful suction. For such a compact unit, it delivers convenient, powerful cleaning in one machine. It pulls dirt and debris from both carpets and hard floors effectively. The specially designed Scatter-Free Technology helps contain messes on hard surfaces like tile or laminate. This means less chasing dust and crumbs around the room—it gets captured on the first pass. Cleaning up after the vacuum is simple, too.
The easy empty dirt container lets you dispose of debris with a push of a button. You don’t have to touch the collected dirt directly, which is a nice plus. The vacuum also includes a removable extension wand. This tool is perfect for reaching under low furniture like beds and sofas, or for tackling cobwebs in corners and along baseboards. It adds veratility without adding complexity. A note that comes with every Bissell product is their commitment to pets. Every purchase saves pets.
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 solution for your everyday cleaning. It’s built with a focus on power, convenience, and simplicity, aiming to handle the common messes in your home without complication. At its core, this vacuum offers POWERFUL ALL FLOOR SUCTION. It pulls dirt and hair from both carpets and hard floors effectively.
The 10.5-inch wide cleaning path means you can cover more area with each pass, making quick work of larger rooms. It’s a practical tool for general upkeep. For cleaning above the floor, the QUICK RELEASE HANDLE is a key feature. Simply detach the handle and attach either the included crevice tool or dusting brush. This lets you clean furniture, blinds, ceilings, and tight spaces without needing a separate machine. It’s a versatile setup that adapts to different tasks.
One of the most noticable things about this model is its LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY STORAGE design. Weighing just 7.7 pounds, it’s easy to carry up and down stairs or around furniture. Its compact shape allows it to tuck away in a closet or corner without taking up much space, which is great for smaller homes or apartments. Maintenance is kept simple to. The vacuum is bagless, so you empty the dirt cup as needed. It also features EASY MAINTENANCE & ENVIROMENTAL FRIENDLY aspects with a washable filter.
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 easy, effective cleaning without the hassle. It starts with its core strength: powerful all-floor suction. With 700 watts of power, it pulls dirt and hair from both hard floors and carpets with ease. The 10.5-inch wide cleaning path means you cover more area in fewer passes, making quick work of entire rooms. It’s built for dual action on any surface in your home.
A major highlight is its incredible lightweight design. At only 7.7 pounds, this vacuum feels noticeably lighter than most uprights. You can carry it up and down stairs without strain, and its compact shape allows it to tuck into any closet or corner for storage. Maneuvering around furniture is simple and effortless. This is a vacuum that won’t weigh you down during your chores. For above-floor cleaning, the quick-release handle is a game-changer.
You simply detach it from the main body, and then you can attach either the included crevice tool or dusting brush directly to the handle’s end. This creates a long, lightweight wand perfect for cleaning upholstery, window tracks, ceiling corners, and under furniture. The tools snap right onto the vacuum itself, so they’re always within reach when you need them. No more searching for seperate attachments in a closet. Maintenance is straightforward and cost-effective.
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, focusing on removing hair and allergens without the typical hassle. Its core feature is powerful suction, which ensures dirt, fur, and dust are effectively pulled from both carpets and hard floors. This isn’t just about surface cleaning; it’s about getting a deep clean that you can actually see and feel. A major highlight is the Lift-Off detachable pod.
This lightweight canister seperates from the main vacuum body with a quick-release, making it incredibly easy to carry upstairs, use under furniture, or tackle tight corners. It comes with a extension wand and tools, so you’re equipped for almost any cleaning task without needing a second machine.
The included TURBOERASER Pet Tool is specifically engineered to pull embedded pet hair from upholstery and stairs, while the 2-in-1 dusting brush and crevice tool handles everything from blinds to car interiors. For air quality, the HEPA sealed allergen system is crucial. It traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from escaping back into your home’s air.
KARDV Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, 500W/40Kpa Vacuum Cleaners for Home, 60Mins Stick Vacuum with LED Display, Anti-Tangle & Wall Mount Charging, 8 in 1 Lightweight Vacuum for Hard Floors Carpet Pet Hair
The KARDV Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is designed to tackle your everyday messes without the hassle of a cord. It combines strong suction with thoughtful features to make cleaning simpler and more efficient, especially in homes with pets or mixed flooring.
At its core is a 500W motor that delivers 40KPa of suction power in MAX mode. This means it can instantly pull up dust, crumbs, and embedded pet hair from both hard floors and carpets.
You won’t have to go over the same spot multiple times. The runtime is a standout feature, offering up to 60 minutes of cleaning on the lower power setting. That’s enough to cover a good amount of space without interuption, and the higher suction mode still gives you 20-25 minutes for tougher jobs.
One of the most practical features is the V-Shape anti-tangle floor brush. It’s built to prevent hair—whether from pets or people—from wrapping tightly around the roller.
This saves you the tedious task of cutting strands free. The brush also has a helpful LED light that illuminates dust under furniture and in dim corners, so you can see what you’re cleaning. The vacuum’s smart LED display clearly shows your suction mode, remaining battery life, and even alerts you if the brush gets tangled, putting all the key info right at your fingertips.
For air quality, it uses a sealed multi-layer filtration system.
Home Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
Your home vacuum cleaner is a central tool; consider whole-home cleaning needs. Do you have mostly carpets, hard floors, or a mix? Are pet hair and allergens a concern? Answering these questions first will point you toward teh right machine for your daily battles against dust and dirt.
Floor Type & Surface Agility
Not all vacuums handle all floors well. For plush carpets, you’ll want strong suction and a motorized brush roll to lift embedded dirt. For hardwoods or tile, look for a model that can switch off that brush roll to prevent scattering debris or causing scratches. Many now offer a soft roller head specifically for hard floors, which is a fantastic feature for picking up fine dust and larger crumbs in one pass.
Weight & Maneuverability
If you dread dragging a heavy machine up the stairs, this is crucial. Uprights are powerful but can be bulky. Stick vacuums are incredibly light and easy to tote around, but their dust bins are smaller. Canister vacuums offer a great middle ground—the main unit stays on the floor while you glide the wand and head. Think about storage space, too. Where will it live when not in use?
Filtration & Allergen Control
For households with allergies or asthma, this factor is non-negotiable. A vacuum with a HEPA filter is essential. It traps microscopic particles like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, preventing them from being blown back into your home’s air. Remember, you need a sealed system along with the HEPA filter for it to be truly effective. Check the bags or bins are easy to empty without creating a huge dust cloud.
Attachments & Versatility
Your vacuum should do more than just floors. Check what tools come included. A crevice tool is vital for tight spaces, an upholstery brush refreshes sofas, and a dusting brush is perfect for blinds and shelves. Some even come with a motorized pet tool that tackles stubborn hair on stairs and furniture. These attachments turn a basic cleaner into a complete cleaning system, saving you time and effort on detail work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Vacuum Cleaner
What’s the difference between an upright and a canister vacuum?
Upright vacuums are all-in-one units good for carpets and large areas. Canister vacuums have a separate body and wand. They’re often more maneuverable for stairs and under furniture.
Is a bagged or bagless model better?
Bagless vacuums let you see what you’ve collected and save money on bags. Bagged models tend to hold more dust and are often better for allergies, as emptying them is less messy. It’s a trade-off between convenience and containment.
How important is the suction power?
Suction is key, but airflow matters just as much. Look for a good seal and strong airflow to pick up dirt effectively. A high wattage motor doesn’t always mean the best clean if the design is poor.
Do I need a vacuum with a HEPA filter?
If you have allergies or pets, a true HEPA filter is a great choice. It traps tiny particles like pollen and dander. Not all vacuums labeled “HEPA-type” are true HEPA, so check the specs if it’s important to you.
Are cordless vacuums powerful enough?
Modern cordless models are very powerful for daily clean-ups. Their runtime is limited, usually 20 to 60 minutes. They’re perfect for quick jobs but a corded model is better for deep cleaning a whole house.
What attachments are actually useful?
A crevice tool and an upholstery brush are essentials for corners and furniture. A motorized brush roll is crucial for carpets. Pet hair tools and dusting brushes are handy extras if you need them.
How often should I replace the filters?
Check your manual, but pre-motor filters might need cleaning monthly. Post-motor and HEPA filters often last 6 to 12 months. A loss of suction is a good sign it’s time for a check or replacement.
Can one vacuum work on all floor types?
Most can, but you need the right settings. Look for a vacuum that lets you turn off the brush roll for hard floors. This stops it from scattering debris. Some models even do this automatically, which is really nice.
Our Final Words
Choosing the right tool makes all the difference. It turns a big chore into a quick task. You deserve a clean home without the hassle. We’ve looked at the features that matter most to you. Think about your floors, your space, and your routine. The best choice is the one that fits seamlessly into your life.
Your household’s perfect cleaning partner awaits below. Review our top picks and compare their strengths. Whether you need powerful suction for carpets or a lightweight stick for daily touch-ups, there’s a home vacuum cleaner ready to help. Take the next step toward a fresher, more manageable home today. We’re confident you’ll find a great match for your needs.