These tested models received top marks overall. We know you’re busy, so we did the hard work for you. We put the leading rated vacuum cleaners through their paces on carpets, hard floors, and pet hair. The results are in and we’re ready to share which ones truly earned there high scores.
You’ll find clear winners for every need and budget. Whether you need a powerful upright, a nimble stick, or a quiet canister, our review cuts through the noise. Let’s dive into the details so you can find your perfect cleaning match.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Rated Vacuum Cleaners
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away |…
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9.5 |
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Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe with Large Dust…
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9.3 |
Read Review |
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Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Carpet and…
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9.1 |
Read Review |
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Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with HEPA…
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8.9 |
Read Review |
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Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and…
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8.7 |
Read Review |
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Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner, Bagged Upright Vac for…
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8.6 |
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Dirt Devil Endura Lite Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for…
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8.4 |
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Kenmore BU4050 Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum, liftup Cleaner with…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
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Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum Lift-Up Carpet Cleaner 2-Motor…
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8.0 |
Read Review |
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Bissell 2998 MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet Vacuum with HEPA…
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7.8 |
Read Review |
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Hoover Commercial HushTone 13-Inch 2-Speed Upright Vacuum Cleaner with…
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7.6 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Rated Vacuum Cleaners
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 cleaning partner for your home. Its a model that really focuses on making whole-house cleaning more efficient, especially if you have pets or deal with allergies.
One of it’s core features is the Lift-Away functionality. You can detach the pod from the vacuum’s body with a simple click.
This lets you carry a lightweight, powerful canister to tackle stairs, upholstery, or even car interiors without dragging the whole unit. Combined with the swivel steering, the main unit glides effortlessly around furniture legs and through tight spaces, making the main floor cleaning surprisingly nimble.
For households with furry friends, this vacuum is particularly relevant. It’s built to handle pet hair, pulling it from both carpets and hard floors.
The included Pet Power Brush works with the strong suction to help remove embedded hair and dander from surfaces like sofas and curtains. This is supported by the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal system. It uses a HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, so the air it expels is cleaner, which is a big help for anyone sensitive to dust.
Switching between floor types is straightforward.
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 a variety of cleaning challenges in your home. Its core strength is multi-surface powerful suction, which means it can deep-clean carpets and effectively tackle bare floors without needing a separate machine.
A key feature is the lift-away functionality. The entire cleaning pod detaches from the vacuum’s body. This lets you easily clean under low furniture like beds or sofas.
You can also detach just the nozzle to carry a lightweight unit for cleaning stairs, upholstery, or shelves. It’s remarkably versatile for an upright model.
For households with allergies, the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology is a significant benefit. This system 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 breathe.
It’s a thoughtful design for maintaining cleaner indoor air.
If you have pets, this vacuum is well-suited for the job. The powerful suction, combined with the included upholstery tool, makes removing embedded pet hair from couches, chairs, and carpets much more manageable.
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. Its core promise is powerful suction across all your floors, from carpets to hard surfaces, without the bulk and hassle of older vacuums. Weighing just 7.7 pounds, its AirSpeed Ultra-Lightweight design means you can easily carry it up stairs or move it from room to room without fatigue.
This makes it a great option for quick daily cleanups or more thorough weekly sessions. A key feature is its 10.5-inch wide cleaning path. This broader head allows you to cover larger areas of your floor more quickly, reducing the time you spend pushing the vacuum back and forth. The powerful motor provides consistent suction to pull up embedded dirt, dust, and pet hair from both carpet fibers and smooth surfaces. When your done with the floors, the quick-release handle is a major convenience.
Simply detach it and attach either the included crevice tool or dusting brush to tackle above-floor areas like ceiling corners, window sills, upholstery, and blinds. Maintenance is kept simple and cost-effective. The vacuum is bagless, so you can see the dust cup fill and empty it as needed without buying replacement bags. It also includes a washable filter.
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 pod detaches from the vacuum’s body. This lets you easily clean under low furniture like beds or sofas. You can also detach just the nozzle to carry a lighter unit for cleaning stairs, upholstery, or other above-floor areas. It’s essentially two cleaners in one.
Maneuverability is a key strength of this model. The Advanced Swivel Steering allows the vacuum head to pivot sharply, making it simple to navigate around chair legs, into corners, and through cluttered spaces. You won’t have to constantly reposition the whole machine. Adding to its precision are the integrated LED Headlights on the nozzle. They illuminate dark areas under furniture and along baseboards, revealing dust, crumbs, and pet hair you might otherwise miss.
For household air quality, the vacuum employs Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology. This system, combined with a HEPA filter, is designed to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. It aims to prevent fine particles from escaping back into the air you breathe, which is a significant benefit for those with allergies or pets. The NV501 comes with a set of specialized tools to handle different surfaces.
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 solution for keeping your carpets and hard floors clean. This new model builds on a trusted name with some smart upgrades, aiming to make your cleaning routine a bit simpler and a lot more thorough.
At its core is an Upgraded Cyclone System. This new technology is key because it’s engineered to handle everything from larger debris you can see to the microscopic dust you can’t.
It works to trap 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens as you clean, which is a big help for maintaining better air quality in your home. The vacuum doesn’t just skim the surface; its powerful suction is meant to penetrate deep into carpet fibers to pull out embedded dirt and pet hair that settles over time.
Despite this power, the PowerSpeed remains notably lightweight.
It’s easy to push and maneuver around furniture, and you won’t feel like you’re wrestling with a heavy machine after cleaning a few rooms. It adapts to different surfaces with 5 height settings. You can adjust it for thick shag rugs, standard carpets, or bare hard floors.
Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner, Bagged Upright Vac for Carpets and Hard Floor, Lightweight, Automatic Height Adjust, High-Speed Brush Roll, Powerful Vacuum Cleaners for Commercial Use
The Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner is a bagged upright designed for demanding spaces. It brings serious commercial cleaning power into any environment that sees high traffic, from offices and lobbies to large homes. If you need a vacuum that can handle daily wear and tear without a fuss, this model is built for that job. Its core strength is commercial cleaning power. The motor provides powerful suction that lifts deeply embedded dirt from both carpets and hard floors.
It’s made to power through the toughest messes you encounter, picking up everything from fine dust to larger debris reliably. This isn’t a lightweight in performance, only in its physical design. That’s because it offers lightweight efficiency, weighing just 9 pounds. This makes it incredibly easy to carry up stairs or move between rooms without strain. You won’t feel fatigued after a long cleaning session. For carpeted areas, the vacuum employs powerful agitation.
A high-speed brush roll spins rapidly to agitate and lift debris trapped deep in the pile. This action, combined with the strong suction, ensures a thorough clean. It also includes side edge brushes to help get into corners and along baseboards where dirt often collects. The unit is designed for efficient maintenance and ease of use.
Dirt Devil Endura Lite Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor, Powerful, Lightweight, Corded Vacuum Cleaners for Home Use
The Dirt Devil Endura Lite Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is designed for those who want a straightforward, effective clean without the hassle. It combines a lightweight build with serious cleaning power, making it a practical choice for everyday messes on both carpet and hard floors.
At its core is the Endura filtration system. This technology is key because it maintains powerful suction throughout your cleaning session.
You won’t experience that frustrating loss of pull as the dirt cup fills up, which means a consistent, thorough clean from start to finish. The motor is strong enough to handle embedded pet hair and debris in carpets, yet gentle enough for hard surfaces. It’s a reliable performer for the whole home.
Weighing in at a lightweight design, this vacuum is easy to carry up and down stairs or from room to room. Its compact frame allows for simple storage in a closet or corner.
The multi-floor brush roll automatically adjusts between different surface types, so you can seamlessly move from cleaning an area rug to hardwood floors without stopping to change settings. It’s a real time-saver.
For those tricky spots, the quick-release extension wand gives you an extra 6 feet of reach. This lets you easily clean ceiling corners, cobwebs, or the top of shelves without dragging out a step stool.
Kenmore BU4050 Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum, liftup Cleaner with Hair Eliminator brushroll, pet Handi-Mate for Carpet, Hard Floor, Rose Gold
The Kenmore BU4050 Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum is designed to tackle the real cleaning challenges in a modern home, from pet hair to dust and everything in between. Its a full-sized upright that’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to maneuver, thanks to its swivel steering. At just 14lbs, it won’t feel like a chore to push around your carpet or hard floors.
A standout feature is the Hair Eliminator brushroll.
If you have pets or long hair in the household, you know how frustrating it is to constantly cut strands wrapped around the roller. This nozzle automaticly removes hair from the brushroll as you clean, keeping it clear and effective for the next use. It means you spend less time maintianing the vacuum and more time actually cleaning.
For versatility, the Lift-Up Canister is a game-changer.
With a simple button press, the main body detaches from the floor nozzle, turning into a lightweight pod you can carry. This makes cleaning stairs, upholstery, or under furniture much simpler. You get the deep clean of an upright with the convenience of a handheld, all in one machine.
Dealing with the dirt after vacuuming is often the worst part. The Kenmore BU4050 addresses this with its No Touch Bag Technology. When the bag is full, you press a single button to eject it.
Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum Lift-Up Carpet Cleaner 2-Motor Power Suction with HEPA Filter, 3-in-1 Combination Tool, HandiMate for Floor, Pet Hair, 14pounds, Green
The Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner is designed to handle the whole-home messes that come with daily life, from carpets to pet hair and everything in between. Its core feature, the Lift-Up system, gives you versatile handheld freedom at the press of a button. Simply detach the main body from the floor nozzle to instantly convert it into a powerful handheld unit for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and those hard-to-reach areas above the floor, making it a truly two-in-one machine.
One of the most significant conveniences is the No Touch Bag Technology. This system eliminates the messy, dusty process of emptying a canister. When the bag is full, you press a button to seal and release it without ever having to touch the dirt. The self-sealing bags help keep dust and allergens contained, contributing to a cleaner home environment during disposal. This is paired with the PowerFlow bag chamber, which is engineered to maintain strong suction power even as the bag fills up.
You won’t experience a noticeable loss in cleaning performance until it’s truly time for a replacement. Weighing in at only 14 pounds and featuring swivel steering, this vacuum is notably lightweight and maneuverable. It easily glides around furniture and navigates tight spaces without feeling like a chore to push and pull.
Bissell 2998 MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet Vacuum with HEPA Filter Sealed System, Lift-Off Portable Pod, LED Headlights, Specialized Pet Tools, Easy Empty Dirt Tank
The Bissell 2998 MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet Vacuum is designed specifically for homes with furry friends. It tackles the unique messes pets create, from ground-in dirt to shed hair and dander, focusing on clean air and easy operation.
Its core feature is the HEPA Sealed Allergen System. This isn’t just a standard filter.
Its a completely sealed pathway that traps 99.97% of dust, pollen, and pet allergens as small as 0.3 microns inside the vacuum, preventing them from leaking back into your room. This is tested to an industry standard (ASTM F1977), which is crucial if anyone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma. You can breath easier knowing your cleaning is actually removing these irritants.
Cleaning itself is made simpler with the 2-in-1 Lift-Off design.
The main vacuum handles carpets and floors, but with a click, the pod detaches. This lightweight, portable unit lets you easily carry power to stairs, upholstery, or the inside of your car. It comes with specialized pet tools, like a motorized brush, that are perfect for lifting hair from couches, curtains, and other fabric surfaces where your pets lounge.
Dealing with pet hair often means dealing with clogs and tangles.
Hoover Commercial HushTone 13-Inch 2-Speed Upright Vacuum Cleaner with IntelliBelt, Quiet Bagged HEPA Filtered Professional Rated, 40-Foot Long Cord, CH54113, Gray/Orange
The Hoover Commercial HushTone CH54113 is a upright vacuum designed for those who need serious cleaning power without the serious noise. It’s built with the durability and features that matter for daily use in homes or professional settings, focusing on efficiency and clean air.
Let’s start with it’s namesake feature: the HushTone 2-Speed Motor. You have two clear choices. For everyday cleaning, you can use the quiet setting, which operates at just 69 dB.
That’s significantly quieter than most vacuums, meaning you can clean without disturbing others in the room or nearby. When you encounter a high-traffic area or a deeply embedded mess, you toggle to Boost Mode. This gives you that extra surge of suction power to get the job done thoroughly, then you can switch right back to quiet operation.
Clean air is a major focus of this model.
Its Sealed Allergen System with a HEPA filter is designed to trap 99% of dust, dirt, and pollens as small as 0.5 microns. This means it’s not just picking up debris from your floors; it’s actively filtering the air it exhausts. The Hexaguard Technology helps ensure that what goes in the bag stays there, which is a key benefit for anyone with allergies or who simply wants a healthier environment.
Rated Vacuum Cleaners Buying Guide
These highly-rated cleaners have proven their performance and reliability with users. But with so many options, how do you pick teh right one for your home? This guide will help you focus on the key factors that truly matter, so you can find a machine that fits your life, not the other way around.
Flooring Type in Your Home
Do you have mostly carpet, hard floors, or a mix? This is the first question to ask. For deep carpets, you’ll want a vacuum with strong suction and a motorized brush roll to pull out embedded dirt. On delicate hardwoods or tile, a model that can easily switch off the brush roll is essential to prevent scratches. Many of the top-rated vacuum cleaners now handle both surfaces brilliantly, but it’s always smart to check.
Weight and Maneuverability
If you dread vacuuming day becuase the machine is a heavy beast, you’re not alone. A vacuum should make cleaning easier, not give you a workout. Consider how often you’ll carry it up stairs and how easily it navigates around furniture legs. Lightweight stick vacuums are great for quick daily clean-ups, while a canister model might offer easier steering under beds for a thorough weekly clean.
Filtration and Allergies
For households with allergies or pets, filtration is non-negotiable. A vacuum with a HEPA filter can trap 99.97% of microscopic particles like pollen and dust mites, preventing them from being blown back into your air. This feature is a game-changer for air quality. Just remember, these filters need regular replacement to stay effective, so factor that into your long-term cost.
Bagged vs. Bagless Models
This choice often comes down to personal preference and budget. Bagless vacuums let you see the dirt collected and save you from buying bags. However, emptying the canister can be a dusty affair. Bagged models tend to hold more debris and contain dust better when you dispose of the bag, which is a major plus for allergy sufferers. Think about which trade-off works best for your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rated Vacuum Cleaners
What does a vacuum’s rating actually mean?
A rating is like a report card for a vacuum. It’s based on tests for suction, how well it cleans different floors, and noise. High ratings usually mean it performed great in these test. They help you compare models quickly.
Is a higher-rated vacuum always better for me?
Not always! The best vacuum depends on your home. A top-rated heavy upright might be overkill for a small apartment. Think about your main floor type, if you have pets, and storage space first.
Bagged or bagless—which is better?
This is about convenience versus allergens. Bagless models save you buying bags, but emptying them can be messy. Bagged vacuums tend to seal dust better, which is great for allergies, but means an ongoing cost.
How important is teh suction power?
Suction is key, but it’s not the only thing. Airflow and brush roll design matter just as much for picking up dirt. A vacuum with great airflow and medium suction often cleans better than one with max suction and poor design.
Are cordless vacuums powerful enough?
Modern cordless models are very powerful for everyday cleaning. Their big limit is battery life. They’re perfect for quick clean-ups and smaller homes, but for deep cleaning large areas, a corded model is often more reliable.
What features are worth paying extra for?
Look for a HEPA filter if allergies are a concern. A good set of tools for upholstery and crevices is very handy. For homes with mixed flooring, a vacuum that automatically adjusts height between carpets and hard floors is a huge help.
How long should a good vacuum last?
You can expect a quality vacuum to last 8 to 10 years with proper care. This means regularly cleaning the filters, checking for clogs, and replacing parts like brushes or belts when thay wear out.
Bottom Line
Highly-rated cleaners share these proven and reliable performance traits. They offer strong suction for deep cleaning carpets and hard floors. They are built to last with durable materials and smart designs. Most importantly, they make your weekly chores simpler and more effective. You get a clean home without teh extra hassle.
When you choose one of these top rated vacuum cleaners, you’re investing in your time and your home’s cleanliness. You can trust that the machine will perform well for years to come. It’s about finding a reliable partner for your everyday cleaning needs. So, consider what features matter most to you, and pick the model that fits. Your floors will thank you for it.