Switch seamlessly between floor types without compromising cleaning power. That’s the dream, right? Finding a truly great vacuum for hardwood and carpet feels like a unicorn. You don’t want to scratch your floors or leave pet hair behind on the rug. It’s a constant battle, and most machines just aren’t built for both jobs effectively.
Well, we put one to the test that promises to end the compromise. This review dives into how it handles the daily mess—from cereal crumbs in the kitchen to ground-in dirt in the living room. Let’s see if it really can do it all without you needing to switch tools or, worse, vacuums.
Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Vacuum For Hardwood And Carpet
| Image | Why We Like This Product | Editor’s Rating | |
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Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away |…
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9.6 |
Read Review |
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Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits in Dorm Rooms…
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9.5 |
Read Review |
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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 Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and…
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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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9.0 |
Read Review |
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Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum with Quick Release…
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8.9 |
Read Review |
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Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and…
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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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8.6 |
Read Review |
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Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, NEU10AE4,…
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8.5 |
Read Review |
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Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter,…
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8.3 |
Read Review |
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Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum with Triple Action Brush Roll,…
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8.2 |
Read Review |
Quick Review For Top 11 Vacuum For Hardwood And Carpet
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 handle the real messes of everyday life, especially if you have pets. Its core feature is the Lift-Away functionality. You can detach the pod from the vacuum’s body, which instantly converts it into a portable, powerful canister vacuum.
This lets you easily carry it upstairs to clean steps or to lift it up for cleaning furniture, curtains, and other above-floor areas where a full-sized upright just won’t reach.
Maneuvering this vacuum is notably easy thanks to its Swivel Steering. The head pivots smoothly, allowing you to guide it around chair legs, into room corners, and through cluttered spaces with minimal effort. You won’t be constantly bumping into things or having to make wide, awkward turns.
When you move from a carpeted room to one with hard floors, the Brushroll Shutoff feature comes in handy. You can instantly turn off the rotating brushroll, which prevents it from scattering debris on hard surfaces and gives you gentler, more effective cleaning for wood, tile, or laminate.
For households with furry friends, this model is particularly effective. It’s built as a vacuum for pet hair, with strong suction that pulls hair from carpets and upholstery.
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 tucks away in a closet or corner without taking up much room, making it a practical choice for keeping your space tidy without the hassle of a bulky machine. One of its standout features is its lightweight build.
Weighing less than eight pounds, it’s easy to carry up stairs, from room to room, or even to your car if you need to move it. This makes cleaning less of a chore. Despite its light weight, it doesn’t compromise on power. The CleanView Compact offers strong suction to pull dirt and debris from both carpets and hard floors, handling everyday messes effectively. For hard floors, the Scatter-Free Technology is a real help.
It aims to capture crumbs and debris with less blow-around, so you’re not chasing dust across the room. This means you can clean up kitchen spills or tracked-in dirt without making more of a mess. The machine also includes a removable extension wand. This tool lets you reach under furniture, into corners, or above the floor to clean vents and edges, adding veratility to its compact design. Emptying the vacuum 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 tasks 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 of this model is its lift-away functionality. The main cleaning pod detaches from the vacuum’s body with ease.
This lets you carry a lightweight, portable unit for cleaning under low furniture like beds or sofas. You can also detach the nozzle to clean above-floor areas such as stairs, upholstery, and car interiors, making it incredibly versatile.
For households with allergy concerns, the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology is a significant benefit.
This system works in conjunction with a HEPA filter to trap dust, dander, and pollen inside the vacuum, preventing them from escaping back into the air you breathe. It’s especially usefull for maintaining a cleaner environment.
If you have pets, this vacuum is well-suited for the job. The powerful suction, combined with the included upholstery tool, makes lifting embedded pet hair from furniture, curtains, and carpets much more manageable.
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 for capturing everything from larger debris you can see to the microscopic dust and allergens you can’t.
It’s engineered to trap 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens as you clean, which is a significant benefit for households with pets or allergy concerns. The vacuum doesn’t just skim the surface; its powerful suction is made to penetrate deep into carpet fibers to pull out embedded dirt that other vacuums might leave behind.
Despite this power, the PowerSpeed remains notably lightweight. It’s easy to push and maneuver around furniture, and easy to carry up stairs when you need to.
You won’t feel like your fighting the machine. It adapts to different surfaces with five height settings. You can quickly adjust it for a thick shag rug, a standard carpet, or a bare hard floor. The wheels are designed to roll smoothly on delicate surfaces like hardwood to help prevent any scratches or marks during use.
For cleaning beyond the floor, this model includes several handy accessories. The quick-release handle connects to a stretch hose for above-floor tasks.
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 hassle. This stick vacuum combines powerful suction with a lightweight, cordless design, giving you the freedom to move quickly from room to room or even out to your car. With a runtime of up to 50 minutes on a single charge, it’s built to handle most cleaning sessions in one go, so you don’t have to stop and recharge constantly. A standout feature is it’s tangle-resistant design.
The specialized roller is engineered to pick up human and pet hair without it wrapping tightly around the brush. This means less time spent cutting hair off the roller and more time actually cleaning. For pet owners and those with allergies, the 5-stage filtration system is a key benefit. It effectively captures fine dust, pet dander, and allergens, trapping them inside the dust bin so they aren’t released back into your home’s air.
The included 2-in-1 pet tool is perfect for lifting hair from upholstery and stairs, while the 2-in-1 crevice tool helps you reach into tight spaces. Maintenance is straightforward. The easy-empty dust bin releases debris with a single click directly into your trash, minimizing mess. Both the washable filters and the detachable roller can be rinsed clean under water, which helps maintain suction power and extends the life of your accessories.
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 to carry up stairs, maneuver around furniture, and use for longer periods without fatigue. Don’t let the compact size fool you, though.
It delivers 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 with a regular vacuum, you know how frustrating it can be to watch particles get blown around instead of sucked up. This technology helps minimize that scatter, directing more of the mess directly into the dirt tank.
This makes cleaning hardwood, tile, or laminate floors much more efficient and less of a chase. The vacuum also includes a Quick Release Extension Wand. With a simple button press, the wand detaches, allowing you to quickly reach under furniture, clean ceiling corners, or tackle dust on blinds and upholstery. It’s a seamless transition from floor cleaning to above-floor tasks.
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 for extended periods without arm fatigue. This core feature makes it a practical choice for multi-level homes or anyone who finds bulkier vacuums cumbersome to handle.
This is a corded model, which means you never have to worry about battery life or a loss of suction mid-clean. It provides consistent, ultra-powerful cleaning power on both carpets and hard floors. To switch between surfaces, simple fingertip controls on the handle let you toggle the setting instantly—no bending down to adjust the vacuum head.
The swivel steering is a standout, offering excellent control that lets you navigate around chair legs, under tables, and through tight spaces with a simple twist of the wrist. Versatility is a key strength. The vacuum quickly converts from a full-size stick vacuum to a handheld unit. This, combined with the included Upholstery Tool and Crevice Tool, allows for true floor-to-ceiling cleaning.
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 floor types, from bare floors to carpets, making it a versatile choice. The 10.5-inch wide cleaning path means you can cover more ground with each pass, which really speeds up cleaning larger rooms and open spaces. It pulls up dirt and embedded hair with a efficiency that belies its simple design.
One of the first things you’ll notice is how light it is. At just 7.7 pounds, it’s easy to carry up and down stairs or from room to room without feeling like a chore. When you’re done, its compact shape allows for simple storage in a closet or corner. The handle also features a quick-release mechanism. This lets you detach it instantly to use with the included crevice tool and dusting brush for above-floor cleaning tasks like ceiling corners, upholstery, or window sills.
All the tools you need are stored directly on the vacuum itself. The crevice tool and dusting brush snap securely onto the body, so they’re always within reach when you need to tackle a bookshelf, keyboard, or a tight space between appliances. You won’t have to go searching for attachments in another closet, which simplifies your whole routine. This is especially handy for quick clean-ups where you need to switch tasks fast. Maintenance is kept intentionally 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 simple, 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 a dual-action tool ready for whatever surface you need to tackle.
One of its biggest advantages is how easy it is to handle and store. Weighing only 7.7 pounds, this vacuum feels noticeably light when you’re pushing it around or carrying it up stairs. Its compact, featherweight design allows it to tuck into a closet corner, behind a door, or in any small storage space in your home. You won’t have to fight to get it out or put it away, which makes the whole process of cleaning just a bit simpler.
For cleaning above the floor, the quick-release handle is a standout feature. Simply detach it from the main body, and you have a portable, powerful hand vac. The included crevice tool and dusting brush snap directly onto the end of this handle, so they’re always within reach during your cleaning session. This lets you easily clean upholstery, blinds, ceiling corners, window sills, and other hard-to-reach places without switching to a separate machine. Everything you need is right there.
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 tool for your entire home. Its core feature is the innovative Lift-Away functionality. You can detach the main pod from the vacuum’s body with a simple click, converting the upright into a portable, canister-style cleaner. This makes cleaning stairs, upholstery, or under low furniture much easier, as you’re not lugging the whole machine around.
A key benefit of this Shark is its focus on cleaner air. 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 room you’re cleaning. For households with allergies or pets, this is a significant feature that contributes to a healthier environment. Maneuverability is a strong point.
The Swivel Steering allows the vacuum to pivot smoothly around furniture legs, into corners, and through cluttered spaces with minimal effort. The vacuum itself is lightweight and easy to push and pull. When you move from carpets to hard surfaces like wood or tile, the Brushroll Shutoff feature lets you instantly turn off the rotating brush. This prevents debris from being scattered and protects your bare floors from potential scratches. For pet owners, this model is particularly adept.
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 for homes that see a lot of activity, especially if you have pets or kids. This 2024 model builds on a trusted design with some key updates that focus on making cleaning less of a chore. One of the first things you’ll notice is the swivel steering.
It lets the vacuum pivot easily around chair legs, under tables, and into tight corners without the usual back-and-forth struggle. You get where you need to go without constantly repositioning the whole machine. The heart of its cleaning power is the Triple Action Brush Roll. It’s engineered to agitate carpet fibers to loosen deep-down dirt, lift the debris, and remove it all in one pass. It’s particularly effective on stubborn pet hair that seems to weave itself into your carpets.
For hard floors, Bissell has included Scatter-Free Technology. This feature helps control the airflow so that when you go to suck up a pile of crumbs or tracked-in debris, it doesn’t blow it all across the room first. It captures the mess directly, saving you from having to chase after it. Another new addition for 2024 is the Active Extension Wand.
Vacuum For Hardwood And Carpet Buying Guide
Switch seamlessly between different floor surfaces. That’s the dream, right? You don’t want to drag out two different cleaners or worry about scattering debris instead of sucking it up. The right vacuum for hardwood and carpet makes this easy, but you need to look for a few key things.
Adjustable Suction & Brushroll
This is non-negotiable. On carpets, you need a spinning brushroll to agitate and lift dirt. On hard floors, that same brush can scatter dust bunnies like a hockey puck. Look for a model where you can easily turn the brushroll off, or better yet, one that auto-adjusts height and suction. It protects your beautiful hardwood from scratches while still deep-cleaning your rugs.
Effective Filtration
What goes in must’nt come out—especially dust and allergens. A vacuum with a sealed HEPA filter is a game-changer for air quality. It traps the fine particles that other vacs recirculate back into your room. This is crucial for any home, but especially if you have family members with allergies. No one wants to sneeze after cleaning.
Maneuverability & Weight
You’ll be using this appliance a lot, so it shouldn’t feel like a chore. A lightweight, swivel-steer design is ideal for navigating around furniture legs and under tables. Cordless stick vacs offer amazing freedom, but check their runtime. For whole-home cleans, a powerful corded canister or upright might be better. Think about your storage space too; does it need to tuck into a closet?
Attachments for Edges & Furniture
Floors are just part of the story. Crevice tools get into tight corners, dusting brushes handle blinds and shelves, and a soft bristle tool is safe for hardwood. A good set of attachments means you can tackle your stairs, upholstery, and those pesky baseboards without needing a seperate tool. It’s about getting a truly clean home, not just clean floors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vacuum For Hardwood And Carpet
What’s teh best type of vacuum for both surfaces?
A canister or an upright vacuum with adjustable settings is often best. You want a model that can turn off the brush roll for hardwood floors. This prevents scratches and scatters debris. For carpets, you need that brush roll to agitate and lift dirt.
Do I need special attachments?
Yes, a few key attachments help alot. A soft bristle brush or a dedicated hard floor tool is gentle on wood. A motorized brush head is powerful for carpets. A crevice tool and dusting brush are also great for all-around cleaning.
Is a bagged or bagless vacuum better?
This depends on your preference. Bagless models let you see the dirt and avoid buying bags. But, emptying them can be dusty. Bagged vacuums tend to seal in dust and allergens better, which is good for allergies. They require ongoing bag purchases, though.
Can I use my regular vacuum on hardwood?
You can, but you should be careful. If the brush roll is always on, it can act like a broom and scatter dust. It might also scratch the floor over time. Always check if you can switch the brush roll off or use a bare floor setting.
What features should I look for?
Look for adjustable suction power and a brush roll shut-off. Good filtration, like a HEPA filter, traps fine dust. A long cord and easy-to-maneuver design are practical. Also, check the vacuum’s height adjusts easily for different carpet piles.
How often should I vacuum each surface?
For carpets, aim for once a week to keep dirt from settling deep down. High-traffic areas might need more. For hardwood, a quick pass once or twice a week picks up dust and grit that can cause wear. It’s a good habit to get into.
Are robot vacuums good for this combo?
Many newer robot vacuums are excellent for both. They often have sensors to switch modes between carpet and hardwood. They’re perfect for daily maintenance cleaning. For a deep clean, you’ll probably still want your main vacuum occasionally.
Our Final Words
One versatile machine for your home’s different flooring. You don’t need a closet full of cleaners for every surface. The right vacuum simplifies your routine. It saves you time and effort during your weekly clean. You get great results without switching tools or making a big mess.
Finding a great vacuum for hardwood and carpet means finding freedom. You can move from room to room without a second thought. Your floors will look clean and feel fresh. It’s a simple choice that makes a real difference in your day-to-day life. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect match for your home.