Classic design meets powerful, all-in-one floor cleaning performance. That’s the promise of a great upright vacuum cleaner, and it’s one that can totally transform your weekly chores. You get that familiar, easy-to-push format but with modern suction that tackles everything from deep carpet to hard floors. No more switching between multiple tools for basic jobs.
But does it live up to the hype in a real, lived-in home? We put a top model through it’s paces, spilling cereal, pet hair, and all the usual debris. Here’s how it handled the mess and whether it’s truly the all-in-one solution it claims to be for your space.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
 |
Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe with Large Dust…
|
9.6 |
Read Review |
 |
Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away |…
|
9.4 |
Read Review |
 |
Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter,…
|
9.2 |
Read Review |
 |
Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum with Quick Release…
|
9.0 |
Read Review |
 |
Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits in Dorm Rooms…
|
8.8 |
Read Review |
 |
Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and…
|
8.6 |
Read Review |
 |
Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Carpet and…
|
8.4 |
Read Review |
 |
Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel…
|
8.2 |
Read Review |
 |
Shark Upright Vacuum, Stratos with DuoClean PowerFins, HairPro, Powered…
|
8.0 |
Read Review |
 |
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off with Powerful Suction,…
|
7.8 |
Read Review |
 |
Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with HEPA…
|
7.6 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Upright 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 can easily switch between surfaces thanks to the brushroll shutoff feature. Just turn it off for gentle bare floor cleaning, and turn it back on to agitate and lift dirt from carpets.
Maneuverability is a key highlight.
The swivel steering lets you navigate smoothly around furniture legs, into corners, and through cluttered spaces with minimal effort. When you need to clean above the floor, the lift-away functionality is incredibly useful. You can detach the entire pod from the vacuum body to carry with you, making it simple to clean stairs, upholstery, or even the inside of your car without hauling the whole machine.
For households with pets, this model is particularly adept.
The powerful suction, combined with the included upholstery tool, makes lifting embedded pet hair from sofas, curtains, and pet beds much more manageable. The anti-allergen complete seal technology is another important feature. It works with the HEPA filter to trap dust, dander, and pollen inside the dust cup, preventing them from escaping back into the air you breathe. This is a significant benefit for anyone with alergies.
You won’t have to stop and empty the vacuum constantly.
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 tackle the common challenges of home cleaning, especially in households with pets. Its core feature is the Lift-Away functionality. You can detach the pod from the vacuum’s body, which gives you a portable, powerful canister for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor areas without lugging the whole unit around.
This makes it incredibly versatile for whole-home cleaning.
For pet owners, this vacuum is particularly effective. It’s built to pick up pet hair and loose debris from floors, but it also deep-cleans dander out of carpets and furniture surfaces. The included Pet Power Brush works with the vacuum’s strong suction to pull hair from upholstery and carpets. Maneuverability is another key point, thanks to the Swivel Steering.
The vacuum head pivots smoothly, letting you navigate around chair legs, into corners, and through cluttered spaces with minimal effort, which really simplifies cleaning under and around furniture.
Cleaning different floor types is straightforward. The Brushroll Shutoff lets you instantly switch the rotating brush off. This is ideal for transitioning from deep-cleaning carpets to gently sweeping hard floors like wood or tile without scattering debris.
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 be a versatile and effective cleaning partner for your home. Its core feature is the innovative Lift-Away functionality. You can detach the pod from the upright body with a simple click, turning it into a portable, powerful canister vacuum. This makes cleaning stairs, upholstery, or under furniture much easier, as you’re not lugging the whole machine around. A major focus of this model is improving your indoor air quality.
It utilizes Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology combined with a HEPA filter. This system is designed to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from escaping back into the air you breath. For households with allergies or pets, this is a significant benefit, helping to keep the environment cleaner after you clean. Maneuverability is a strong point.
The Swivel Steering allows the vacuum to pivot smoothly around chair legs, into corners, and through cluttered spaces with minimal effort. It’s surprisingly lightweight for its power, which reduces arm fatigue during longer sessions. You also have control over the brushroll with the Brushroll Shutoff feature. Flip the switch to turn it off for gentle cleaning on bare floors, or engage it for a deep, agitating clean on carpets. This vacuum comes ready for various messes.
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 those who need serious cleaning power without the bulk of a full-sized machine. It’s built with apartments, dorms, and smaller homes in mind, where storage space is tight but messes are just as big. At only 10 pounds, it’s remarkably lightweight. This makes it easy for you to carry up stairs, maneuver around furniture, and use for longer periods without feeling fatigued.
Don’t let the small size fool you, though. It packs full-size suction power to tackle embedded dirt in carpets and rugs effectively. One of it’s standout features is the Scatter-Free Technology. If you’ve ever tried to vacuum crumbs or debris on hard floors, you know how frustrating it is to watch them blow around instead of getting sucked up. This technology helps minimize that scatter, directing more of the mess directly into the dirt tank.
For cleaning areas beyond the floor, the quick release extension wand is a major convenience. With a simple button press, you can detach the wand to reach under furniture, clean ceiling corners, or dust off blinds and vents. It adds a lot of versatility without needing a separate tool. The compact design means it takes up minimal closet space, and it’s easy to tuck away in a corner. The tank is easy to empty, keeping maintenance straightforward.
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. Its compact size means it won’t take up a whole closet, and it’s easy to tuck away when you need the floor space back. One of the first things you’ll notice is how light it is. Weighing less than eight pounds, it’s easy to carry up stairs or from room to room.
Maneuvering around furniture legs and tight corners is simple, so you’re not fighting with the machine while you clean. Despite it’s lightweight build, it doesn’t sacrifice on power. The motor provides strong suction to pull dirt and debris from both carpets and hard floors, making it a capable all-in-one cleaner for your entire home. Cleaning hard floors can sometimes just push debris around. This model includes Scatter-Free Technology, which aims to capture those messes with less scatter.
It helps contain the pile of crumbs or pet hair so you can get it in one pass. When you’re done, emptying the dirt container is straightforward. You just press a button to release the bottom, letting the debris fall right into the trash. There’s no bags to buy, and you avoid touching the messy contents. For those spots that are just out of reach, like under a low couch or in a ceiling corner, the vacuum comes with a removable extension wand.
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, reliable tool 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 your regular cleaning routine. First and foremost, this vacuum is built to be easy to handle.
Weighing just 8.4 pounds, it’s notably lightweight, which makes pushing it around furniture and carrying it up stairs much less of a chore. You won’t feel like your arm is getting a workout just from vacuuming the living room. The 25-foot power cord is a significant benefit too; it provides a wide cleaning radius from a single outlet, meaning you can often clean an entire room without having to stop and search for a new plug.
This combination of light weight and long reach genuinely simplifies maneuvering around your home. When it comes to actual cleaning, this model offers practical versatility. It comes with two essential attachments: a crevice tool and an upholstery tool. The crevice tool is perfect for those tight spots along baseboards, in car interiors, or between couch cushions, while the upholstery tool lets you quickly refresh sofas, stairs, and curtains.
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 task of keeping your floors clean less of a chore and more of a quick, simple routine. If you need a vacuum that just works well without complicated setups or heavy lifting, this model merits a close look. A central feature of this vacuum is its powerful all-floor suction.
It transitions easily from hard surfaces like wood or tile to carpets, pulling up dirt, dust, and pet hair without you needing to adjust settings. The 10.5-inch wide cleaning path means you cover more ground with each pass, speeding up the time it takes to clean larger rooms. It’s a practical design that gets the job done efficiently. Weighing just 7.7 pounds, the NEU10AE5 is notably lightweight. You can carry it up and down stairs or move it around furniture without strain.
Its compact shape also makes storage simple; it tucks neatly into a closet corner or a small utility space. When you need to clean above the floor, the handle has a quick-release function. This lets you detach it to use with the included crevice tool and dusting brush for furniture, blinds, or tight corners. Maintenance is kept simple to save you time and money. The filter is washable; you just rinse it under water, let it dry completely, and pop it back in.
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 households with pets, focusing on manuverability and specialized hair pickup. It combines strong suction with smart features to handle the constant challenge of pet messes and everyday dirt. A key feature is the swivel steering, which gives this vacuum incredible agility. It pivots smoothly around chair legs, under tables, and through tight spaces, making the whole process of cleaning less of a wrestling match.
You won’t have to constantly lift and reposition the vacuum, which saves time and effort. This is paired with Edge-to-Edge cleaning, meaning the brush roll extends to the sides of the unit. This allows you to get pet hair and dust bunnies that gather along baseboards and in room corners without needing a separate tool for every edge. For pet hair specifically, the Triple Action Brush Roll works in three stages.
It first loosens embedded hair and dirt from your carpet fibers, then lifts it, and finally suctions it away. This systematic approach helps get more hair in one pass. When you need to clean hard floors like tile or wood, the Scatter-Free Technology is a major benefit. It helps prevent the vacuum from blowing dry messes like kibble or litter across the room, so you can contain the mess instead of spreading it.
Shark Upright Vacuum, Stratos with DuoClean PowerFins, HairPro, Powered Lift-Away, Self-Cleaning Brushroll, & Odor Neutralizer Technology, Navy, AZ3002
The Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins HairPro, model AZ3002 in Navy, is designed to tackle the toughest cleaning challenges in your home. It starts with ultra-powerful suction, which Shark states is there best for picking up hair. This core power is the foundation for everything else it does. Its key feature is the DuoClean PowerFins HairPro system. Instead of one brushroll, it uses two.
A soft front brushroll directly engages hard floors to pull in large debris, while the PowerFins brushroll behind it digs deep into carpet fibers. They work together to pick up dirt, debris, and hair in a single pass, aiming for a thorough clean on all surfaces. A major concern with pet hair or long strands is wrap-around, which can slow down the vacuum.
The self-cleaning brushroll is engineered to actively resist this, delivering powerful pet hair pickup without the frustrating tangles that require manual cutting. For cleaning air quality, the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal works with a HEPA filter. This system is tested to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, so they aren’t released back into your room. It also includes Odor Neutralizer Technology.
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 frustrations. Its core feature is the 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 in one pass. A major highlight is the LIFT-OFF DETACHABLE POD.
This lightweight canister detaches from the main body with a quick-release, making it a handheld vacuum for stairs, furniture, and those hard-to-reach areas like under cabinets or in the car. It converts in seconds, giving you incredible flexibility without needing a seperate machine. You also get two handy INCLUDED TOOLS: a 2-In-1 Dusting Brush/Crevice Tool and the specialized TURBOERASER Pet Tool, which is fantastic for upholstery and embedded hair.
For air quality, the HEPA SEALED ALLERGEN SYSTEM is crucial. It traps 99.97% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, sealing them in so they don’t escape back into your home’s air. This is a key feature for anyone with allergies or asthma, as it means your cleaning process doesn’t just move dust around—it actually removes it. When your done, the XL TANK CAPACITY makes disposal simple. The 1L Easy Empty dirt tank releases debris with a single touch, minimizing mess and contact.
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 Lift-Away functionality. This means the main pod detaches from the vacuum’s body with a simple click. You can take this detachable pod to clean under low furniture like beds or sofas, where the full vacuum won’t fit.
Or, you can leave the pod on the dock and detach just the hose and nozzle to clean above-floor areas like stairs, upholstery, and shelves. This flexibility makes it feel like you have two cleaning tools in one. A major benefit of this vacuum is it’s focus on air quality. It uses Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology combined with a HEPA filter. This system is designed to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from escaping back into the air you breathe.
This is particularly helpful if you or someone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, as it captures fine particles that other vacuums might recirculate. Maneuverability is another strong point. The Advanced Swivel Steering allows the vacuum head to pivot sharply, making it easy to navigate around chair legs, through crowded rooms, and into corners without constant bumping and repositioning. Combined with the LED headlights on the nozzle, you won’t miss hidden debris.
Upright Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
Rely on classic, powerful design for whole-home cleaning. An upright vacuum cleaner is a workhorse, ideal for quickly covering large carpeted areas. But with so many models, how do you choose teh right one for your home? This guide highlights the key factors to consider before you buy.
Floor Type & Brush Roll
Is your home mostly carpet, hard floors, or a mix? This is the most important question. A motorized brush roll is essential for digging dirt out of carpets. For hard floors, look for a model where you can shut off the brush roll to prevent scattering debris, or one that automatically adjusts. Some even have a dedicated hard floor mode.
Suction Power & Filtration
Strong suction is a must, but it’s not everything. A good seal and airflow matter just as much. For air quality, especially if you have allergies, check the filtration system. A sealed HEPA filter is the gold standard—it traps 99.97% of fine particles, keeping them from blowing back into your room.
Maneuverability & Weight
You’ll be pushing and pulling this machine around furniture and into corners. A swivel steering head makes a world of difference for easy navigation. Also, consider the weight. A lighter model is easier to carry up stairs, but sometimes a bit more heft indicates a sturdier build.
Corded vs. Cordless
Corded uprights offer unlimited runtime and consistent, powerful suction—you never have to wait for a charge. Cordless models provide ultimate convenience and freedom from outlets, but runtime is limited, often 30-60 minutes. They’re fantastic for quick clean-ups but may struggle with deep, whole-house sessions.
Dust Capacity & Emptying
How often do you want to empty the bin? A larger capacity is great for big homes, so you’re not constantly stopping. Also, look at how you empty it. Bagless models let you see the dirt, but emptying them can be dusty. Bagged models contain allergens better and are often less messy to deal with, though you have to buy replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Upright Vacuum Cleaners
What is an upright vacuum cleaner best for?
It’s great for cleaning large, open floor areas quickly. Think carpets in living rooms and hallways. They’re usually more powerful for deep carpet cleaning than many stick vacuums.
Are upright vacuums good for hard floors?
Many are, but you need to check. Look for a model with a brush roll shut-off feature. This stops teh rotating brush so it won’t scatter debris. Some also come with a dedicated hard floor setting.
How does it differ from a canister vacuum?
An upright has the motor and dustbin all in one unit you push. A canister has a separate unit you pull behind you. Uprights are often easier to store and can feel simpler to push on carpets.
Is an upright vacuum hard to store?
Not usually! Most stand on thay’re own and fold down. This lets you tuck it into a closet corner without taking up much space. They don’t require wall mounting like some other types.
What should I look for in terms of power?
Look at airflow (CFM) and suction power (AW or air watts), not just motor volts. A good sealed system is key too—it keeps that strong suction from leaking out through the machine.
How important is the cord length?
Very important for convenience. A longer cord, say 25 feet or more, means you can clean a larger area without constantly changing outlets. It saves you a lot of hassle.
Are bagged or bagless models better?
This is personal preference. Bagless lets you see the dirt and avoids buying bags. Bagged models tend to hold more dust and can be less messy to empty, which is better for allergies.
Can I use it on stairs?
It can be awkward due to the size and weight. Most uprights come with hose and tools for this, but it’s not their strongest point. You’ll often need to carry the whole unit.
What’s a good filter to look for?
A HEPA filter is excellent if you have allergies. It traps tiny particles like pollen and pet dander. Just remember, you’ll need to wash or replace these filters occasionally for best performance.
Our Final Words
Classic, powerful upright cleaners stand ready for duty. They offer a straightforward solution for keeping your floors clean. You get reliable suction and a familiar design that makes quick work of carpets and rugs. It’s a tool that gets teh job done without any fuss, perfect for regular maintenance. You can trust it to handle the everyday messes that life brings into your home.
When you need a dependable workhorse for your floors, a good upright vacuum cleaner is a solid choice. It’s built for efficiency and ease, helping you maintain a clean space with minimal hassle. Consider your home’s layout and your specific needs to find the right model for you. A great vacuum is a partner in your cleaning routine, making the task just a bit simpler. We hope this guide helps you find a machine that serves you well for years to come.