Navigating the major players in the cleaning industry. It can feel overwhelming, right? You’re faced with a dizzying array of vacuum brands, each promising to be the ultimate solution for your home. From the iconic names you grew up with to sleek new direct-to-consumer models, the choice is huge. It’s easy to get lost in the specs and marketing.
But finding the right fit doesn’t have to be a chore. We’ve done the deep dive for you, testing suction, maneuverability, and those real-world messes. This guide cuts through the noise to help you find a vacuum that truly matches your floors—and your lifestyle. Let’s find your perfect clean.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Vacuum Brands
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away |…
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9.8 |
Read Review |
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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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Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum with Quick Release…
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9.4 |
Read Review |
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Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and…
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9.2 |
Read Review |
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Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, NEU10AE4,…
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9.0 |
Read Review |
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Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum with Triple Action Brush Roll,…
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8.8 |
Read Review |
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Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with HEPA…
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8.6 |
Read Review |
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Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum, Corded, 290AW, De-tangling…
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8.4 |
Read Review |
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Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and…
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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 Rewind Upright Bagless Vacuum with Automatic Cord…
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7.8 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Vacuum Brands
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 a standout choice for households with pets or allergy concerns, thanks to its thoughtful features and practical design.
One of the core features is the Lift-Away functionality. With a simple release, you can detach the pod from the vacuum’s body.
This lets you easily carry a lightweight, powerful unit to clean stairs, upholstery, or other above-floor areas without dragging the whole machine. Combined with the Swivel Steering, which makes navigating around furniture legs and through tight spaces effortless, you get manueverability that adapts to your cleaning tasks.
For air quality, this vacuum employs an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal system with a HEPA filter.
It’s engineered to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, so they aren’t released back into the air you breathe. This is especially important when dealing with pet dander and other fine particles. Speaking of pets, the vacuum is specifically noted for being perfect for pet owners.
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 common cleaning challenges in your home. Its core strength is multi-surface powerful suction, which means it can transition from deep-cleaning carpets to tackling bare floors without losing effectiveness.
A key feature of this model is its lift-away functionality. The main pod detaches from the vacuum’s body, allowing you to carry a lightweight, portable unit for cleaning above the floor.
This is incredibly useful for vacuuming stairs, upholstery, furniture, or even places like your car interior. It also makes it easy to reach under low furniture like beds and sofas without having to drag the entire vacuum.
For households with pets, this vacuum is a strong contender. It comes with a specialized upholstery tool that, combined with the powerful suction, makes removing embedded pet hair from couches, chairs, and carpets much more manageable.
The anti-allergen complete seal technology is another important aspect. It works with the included HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the dust cup, preventing them from being expelled back into the air you breathe.
Maneuverability is a highlight thanks to the swivel steering. The vacuum head pivots easily, letting you navigate around chair legs, through crowded corners, and along baseboards with minimal effort.
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 need a serious clean. If you’re in an apartment, dorm, or just have limited storage, this model aims to give you the performance of a full-size vacuum without the bulk. It’s a straightforward tool meant to simplify a routine chore.
At its core, this is a lightweight machine, coming in at about 10 pounds.
That makes it easy to carry from room to room or up a flight of stairs without feeling like a workout. Despite its compact frame, Bissell has built in what they call full-size power. You get strong suction intended to handle everyday debris, pet hair, and dust from both carpets and hard surfaces.
The compact design means it takes up minimal closet space and is easier to maneuver around tight corners and furniture legs compared to bulkier models.
A key feature for hard floors is the Scatter-Free Technology. We’ve all had the experience of trying to vacuum a hard surface only to watch crumbs and dust get blown around. This system is engineered to capture that mess directly into the vacuum’s path, reducing that frustrating scatter effect.
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 and effective solution for keeping your carpets and hard floors clean. Its core appeal lies in its simplicity and practical feature set, aiming to make the chore of vacuuming a bit less of a hassle.
One of the first things you’ll notice is how easy it is to move around. Weighing just 8.4 pounds, this vacuum feels noticeably lightweight compared to many bulkier models.
You won’t feel like your wrestling with it when moving from room to room or when you need to carry it up a flight of stairs. The 25-foot power cord is a significant helper here too, allowing you to cover a large area without constantly searching for a new outlet to plug into. This combination means you can focus on cleaning, not on managing the machine.
Versatility is another key point. The vacuum comes with two handy attachments: a crevice tool and an upholstery tool.
The crevice tool is perfect for getting into those tight spots along baseboards, in corners, or between couch cushions. The upholstery tool lets you quickly clean furniture, stairs, or even your car interior. The handle detaches easily, making above-floor cleaning tasks much more convenient. You’re not just getting a floor vacuum; your getting a more complete cleaning tool.
For maintenance, the design keeps things simple.
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 your routine quicker. It’s a versatile tool for any surface in your home.
One of its best features is how incredibly light it is. At only 7.7 pounds, this vacuum feels almost effortless to push and carry. You can take it up stairs, move it from room to room, and maneuver it around furniture without any strain. When you’re done, its compact and featherweight design allows for storage in even the tightest spaces, like a closet corner or under a low shelf. It truly goes anywhere. For cleaning above the floor, the quick-release handle is a game-changer.
Simply detach it from the main body, and you have a portable, powerful hand vac. The included crevice tool and dusting brush snap right onto the end of the handle, putting them within reach instantly. This lets you tackle upholstery, stairs, window tracks, blinds, and other hard-to-reach spots without switching to a seperate machine. Everything you need is right there. Maintenance is kept simple to save you time and money.
Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum with Triple Action Brush Roll, Swivel Steering, Extension Wand, Easy-Empty Dirt Tank, Multi-Cyclonic Suction System, New 2024 Model
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum with Triple Action Brush Roll, Swivel Steering, Extension Wand, Easy-Empty Dirt Tank, Multi-Cyclonic Suction System, New 2024 Model is designed to tackle the real-world messes a busy home creates. It’s a powerful upright vacuum built with practical features that focus on making cleaning more efficient and less of a chore.
At the heart of this 2024 model is the Triple Action Brush Roll.
This system is engineered to agitate carpet fibers to loosen deeply embedded dirt, lift the debris, and then remove it all in one pass. It’s particularly effective on stubborn pet hair, pulling it up from both carpets and hard surfaces. Speaking of hard floors, the included Scatter-Free Technology helps contain dust and debris during cleaning, so you’re not just pushing it around. You get a cleaner result with less frustration.
Maneuverability is a key strength.
The swivel steering lets you pivot smoothly around chair legs, under tables, and into tight corners without the usual back-and-forth tugging. It glides from room to room with minimal effort. When you need to clean above the floor, the new Active Extension Wand is a major upgrade. It easily detaches so you can quickly reach cobwebs in corners, dust ceiling fan blades, or clean upholstered stairs.
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 comprehensive range of cleaning challenges in your home. Its core innovation is the 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 and sofas without dragging the whole machine.
You can also detach just the nozzle, turning the pod into a portable, powerful canister for cleaning stairs, upholstery, and above-floor surfaces. 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 easy to navigate around chair legs, through crowded rooms, and into tight corners with minimal effort. To ensure you don’t miss anything, LED Headlights are built right into the nozzle.
They illuminate dark areas under furniture and in room corners, revealing hidden dust, debris, and pet hair that you would otherwise overlook. For households concerned with air quality, the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology is a critical feature. This system, combined with the HEPA filter, is designed to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This means that what you suck up stays in the bin, and isn’t released back into the air you breathe.
Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum, Corded, 290AW, De-tangling Motorbar Cleaner Head for All Floors, 3 Suction Modes
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum is designed for homes that see a lot of activity, especially those with pets. Its core promise is to handle the toughest cleaning jobs with a combination of raw power and smart features that aim to make the process more efficient and less of a chore.
At the heart of this machine is what Dyson calls its best cleaning performance for an upright de-tangling vacuum.
This is driven by a 290AW motor and their Radial Root Cyclone technology, which work together to maintain strong suction and pull deep-seated dirt from carpets. For homes with shedding pets, the Motorbar cleaner head includes a key feature: it automatically cuts and removes hair that wraps around the brush bar as you clean. This helps prevent the clogs and maintenance that often slow down cleaning with other vacuums.
Maneuverability is a focus, thanks to the iconic Ball technology.
The vacuum pivots around its ball joint, letting you steer around furniture and obstacles with a simple turn of the wrist instead of having to push and pull a bulky machine. You can also select from three specific suction modes. One mode is for deep-pile carpets, another for low-pile carpets and picking up larger debris, and a third optimized for hard floors and ground-in dirt.
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning with Swivel Steering (HV301), Gray/Orange
The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum (HV301) is designed for those who want a powerful clean without the heavy lifting. Weighing in at under nine pounds, its ultra-lightweight frame is a game-changer for carrying up stairs or using overhead. It’s a corded model, which means you get consistent, full-power suction from start to finish—there’s no battery to run down or lose charge.
You’ll never have to worry about it losing suction or power mid-clean, whether you’re on a bare floor or digging into a carpet. Maneuverability is a key strength here. The swivel steering lets you pivot around chair legs, under tables, and through tight spaces with excellent control. It feels nimble in your hand, not like your wrestling a bulky machine. Cleaning different surfaces is simple, thanks to the fingertip controls on the handle.
You can easily toggle between settings for carpets and hard floors, ensuring it picks up fine dust on tile while also providing a deep clean for rugs. This vacuum’s versatility really stands out. It converts from a full-size stick vacuum into a handheld unit in seconds. The wand detaches, allowing you to tackle stairs, upholstery, and even ceilings with the included tools. The upholstery tool and crevice tool are stored right on the vacuum, so they’re always ready for quick use.
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 specific upgrades aimed at making your cleaning routine simpler and more thorough.
At its core is an Upgraded Cyclone System. This new technology is key because it handles 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 inside the vacuum, which is a big help for maintaining better air quality in your home. The powerful suction doesn’t just skim the surface; it penetrates deep into carpet fibers to pull out embedded dirt and pet hair that other vacuums might leave behind.
Despite this power, the PowerSpeed remains notably lightweight. It does the heavy work so you don’t have too, making it easy to push around and carry up stairs without strain.
You can easily adjust it for different surfaces with its 5 height settings. It glides from plush carpets to shag rugs, and the wheels are designed to run smoothly on delicate hardwood floors to help prevent any scratches or gouges during use.
For cleaning beyond the floor, this model comes with multiple handy accessories. The quick-release handle connects to a stretch hose for above-floor tasks.
Bissell CleanView Rewind Upright Bagless Vacuum with Automatic Cord Rewind & Active Wand, 3534
The Bissell CleanView Rewind Upright Bagless Vacuum, model 3534, is designed to make your regular cleaning routine a bit simpler and a lot less frustrating. It tackles two of the most common annoyances with upright vacuums: dealing with the cord and reaching awkward spots. With its main features, it aims to be a straightforward, reliable tool for maintaining your floors. Let’s start with the Automatic Cord Rewind.
We’ve all been there—winding that cord back onto the hooks by hand, trying to keep it neat. This model eliminates that chore. When your done cleaning, you simply press a button and the cord retracts smoothly into the vacuum body. It’s a small feature that genuinely saves time and hassle after every single use. Paired with that is the Active Extension Wand. This isn’t just a tube; it’s a lightweight, integrated tool that extends your reach up to 10 feet.
You can easily clean ceiling corners, cobwebs in high corners, or under furniture without having to bend or drag the whole machine. It stores right on the vacuum, so it’s always ready when you need it. On the cleaning side, the CleanView Rewind incorporates Bissell’s OnePass Technology. The idea is that the vacuum’s suction and brush roll system are engineered to clean carpets thoroughly in a single pass, which can help you finish the job faster.
Vacuum Brands Buying Guide
Understanding teh major brands is key to finding your perfect cleaning match. Each one has a distinct personality and specializes in different areas. This quick guide will help you navigate the main players so you can focus on what matters most for your home.
Your Flooring Type
Do you have wall-to-wall carpet, hardwoods, or a mix? This is the first question to ask. Some brands are absolute champions on carpets, offering powerful brush rolls that dig deep. Others are designed to glide safely over delicate hard floors without a scratch. If you have both, look for a model that easily switches between settings.
Bagged vs. Bagless Models
This is a classic debate. Bagged vacuums tend to seal in dust and allergens better, which is a huge plus for allergy sufferers. But you have to buy replacements. Bagless are more convenient and save you that ongoing cost, but emptying the canister can be a dusty affair. Some brands strongly favor one system over the other, so know your preference.
Weight and Maneuverability
Think about where you’ll use it. If you’re carrying it up and down stairs or cleaning under furniture, a heavy vacuum quickly becomes a chore. Some brands are known for lightweight, swivel-steering models that make quick work of a room. Others offer more raw power but can be a bit more cumbersome to push around.
Specialized Filtration
For households with allergies or pets, this is critical. Look for brands that feature sealed HEPA filtration systems. This technology traps microscopic particles inside the vacuum, preventing them from blowing back into your room’s air. It’s a game-changer for air quality and can make cleaning much more pleasant for sensitive individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vacuum Brands
What’s teh difference between a bagged and bagless vacuum?
Bagged models use disposable bags to trap dust. They tend to be more hygenic when emptying. Bagless vacuums have a dust cup you empty and reuse. They save you from buying bags, but emptying them can be a bit messy. It often comes down to personal preference and if you have allergies.
Is Dyson really the best brand?
Dyson is a top brand known for strong suction and innovative designs. But “best” depends on your needs. Other brands like Miele or Shark might be better for your home or budget. It’s good to compare features instead of just the name.
Which brand is best for pet hair?
Look for brands with strong suction and specialized pet tools. Shark and Bissell often have great models for this. A vacuum with a motorized brush roll is key—it really grabs hair from carpets and upholstry.
How long should a good vacuum last?
A quality vacuum should last 8 to 10 years with proper care. Brands like Miele and Sebo are known for their long lifespans. Cheaper models might need replacing sooner, so think of it as a long-term investment.
Are cordless vacuums powerful enough?
Modern cordless vacuums are very powerful for daily clean-ups. Brands like Dyson and LG lead here. But for deep cleaning a whole house, a corded upright often still has more sustained power. They’re perfect for quick jobs, though.
What does HEPA filter mean?
A HEPA filter traps tiny particles like pollen and dust mites. It’s a must-have if you have allergies. Most major brands offer it. Just remember, the filter needs replacing every so often to work right.
Is a cheap vacuum a bad buy?
Not always. For a small apartment or light use, a budget brand can work fine. But for lots of carpet or big homes, spending more upfront on a reliable brand often pays off. You’ll get better performance and less frustration.
Key Takeaways
When comparing leading brands, focus on these defining factors. Think about your home’s specific needs. Do you have mostly carpets, hard floors, or a mix? Pets or allergies are a big consideration too. Your budget sets the stage, but remember a good vacuum is a long-term investment. It’s not just about the upfront price, but how well and how long it will work for you.
Ultimately, the best choice among vacuum brands is the one that makes your regular cleaning simpler. It should feel easy to use and actually get the job done well. Don’t get lost in every single feature. A straightforward model from a reliable brand that suits your main needs is often the smartest pick. Test a few if you can, and choose the tool that you’ll be happy to use for years to come.