The Best Vacuums

Eliminate dirt, dust, and pet hair with one of the best vacuums on the market.

By Savannah Sher | Updated Nov 28, 2022 3:25 PM

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The Best Vacuums Option

Photo: amazon.com

A vacuum cleaner is an essential appliance in nearly every home, but with so many types of vacuums available, it can be difficult for shoppers to narrow down their options. In fact, choosing a vacuum today is harder than ever, since technology has allowed for a variety of new vacuum types to be introduced onto the market.

To help make the search easier, the following recommendations were selected for their power, value, and top-notch performance. Keep reading to learn about some of the key features to consider when shopping for the best vacuum for your home, and then explore some of the top picks organized by each product’s winning features.

  1. BEST OVERALL: Shark AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift Away Upright Vacuum
  2. RUNNER-UP: Eureka Stylus Cordless Stick Vacuum
  3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum
  4. UPGRADE PICK: Dyson v15 Detect Vacuum
  5. BEST CANISTER: Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team Canister Vacuum
  6. BEST STICK: Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
  7. BEST HANDHELD: Shark WV201 WandVac Cordless Handheld Vacuum
  8. BEST ROBOT: iRobot Wi-Fi Connected Roomba i3 EVO Robot Vacuum
  9. BEST FOR PET HAIR: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus
  10. ALSO CONSIDER: Hoover Elite Swivel XL Pet Upright Vacuum
The Best Vacuums Option

Photo: amazon.com

How We Chose the Best Vacuums

Years of experience covering home products and appliances as well as extensive product research went into creating this guide. We explored more than 50 vacuum cleaner options and weighed a number of practical considerations before making our recommendations.

  • Type: There are many different types of vacuums available, and we endeavored to offer options to cover a wide range of user preferences.
  • Corded vs. cordless: Since both corded and cordless vacuums have their own advantages, we included both types in our recommended picks.
  • Weight: A vacuum’s weight dictates how easy and comfortable it is to use. We therefore only included models weighing under 20 pounds and gave preference to lightweight models.

Our Top Picks

Now that you’ve learned more about vacuums, it’s time to start shopping. The following are the top picks for the best vacuums for your home. These recommendations for the best vacuums were selected because of their high value, excellent performance, and other bonus features.

Best Overall

The Best Vacuums Option: Shark AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift Away Upright Vacuum
Photo: amazon.com

Shark is known for making some of the highest-performing vacuums on the market, and its AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift Away Upright Vacuum is no exception. It’s a corded upright model that uses a bagless system, which features a self-cleaning brush roll that doesn’t require user intervention.

This model operates with the brand’s DuoClean Technology, which features a dual brush-roll system that’s ideal for deep cleaning both carpets and hard flooring. It’s completely sealed and uses a HEPA filter trap, which collects dust and other allergens inside the vacuum cleaner. While many high-powered vacuums are loud and disruptive, this one is designed to operate as quietly as possible.

Product Specs 

  • Type: Upright
  • Corded or cordless: Corded
  • Weight: 16 pounds

Pros

  • Ideal for allergy sufferers
  • Operates quietly with noise reduction
  • Features a self-cleaning brush roll
  • Ideal for carpets and hardwood flooring

Cons

  • Somewhat heavy

Get the Shark Apex vacuum on Amazon or at The Home Depot.

Runner-Up

The Best Vacuums Option: Eureka Stylus Cordless Stick Vacuum
Photo: amazon.com

This cordless stick vacuum from Eureka is compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for those with smaller homes. It’s well suited for cleaning both carpets and hardwood floors and has a lay-flat design that makes it easy to reach under furniture. As an added bonus feature, it easily converts into a hand vacuum for cleaning hard-to-reach spaces.

Like all cordless stick vacuums, this model does have a couple of downsides. It has a small dirt receptacle that will need to be emptied frequently, so it’s not ideal for pet owners or households that produce a lot of dirt and dust. It also only has a 45-minute battery life, so it’s better suited to small homes and apartments.

Product Specs 

  • Type: Stick
  • Corded or cordless: Cordless
  • Weight: 6.4 pounds

Pros

  • Lightweight design
  • Easily converts into a hand vacuum
  • Features a lay-flat design for optimal maneuverability

Cons

  • Small dirt receptacle
  • Low runtime

Get the Eureka vacuum on Amazon.

Best Bang For The Buck

The Best Vacuums Option: Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum
Photo: amazon.com

The Shark Navigator vacuum shares many of the same features of the brand’s top offerings but at a much lower price. It features a lift-away pod that allows it to be used like a hand vacuum on stairs and furniture. It also allows for extended reach on curtains and upholstery. It includes a wide upholstery tool, a crevice tool, and swivel steering, all of which make it easy to reach every nook and cranny. The brush roll is ideal for picking up dirt and pet hair from carpets and can be turned off when operating on hardwood floors.

Just like the higher-priced Apex model, the Navigator also features a tightly sealed dirt receptacle and a HEPA filter to catch and trap dust and other allergens.

Product Specs 

  • Type: Upright
  • Corded or cordless: Corded
  • Weight: 14 pounds

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Ideal for allergy sufferers
  • Lift-Away technology allows for easy maneuverability
  • Ideal for carpets and hardwood flooring

Cons

  • Somewhat heavy

Get the Shark Navigator vacuum on Amazon

Upgrade Pick

The Best Vacuums Option: Dyson v15 Detect Vacuum
Photo: amazon.com

Dyson is one of the top names in high-end vacuums, and this cordless stick model is an excellent pick for those looking for something high-powered and lightweight. What sets this Dyson model apart is that it features a laser that reveals small particles of dirt, ensuring that users vacuum up every bit. It automatically assesses particle sizes and increases the suction power as needed.

It comes with two brush heads: Laser Slim Fluffy and High Torque with an anti-tangle comb, the latter of which is ideal for pet owners. Each purchase also includes a variety of attachments, including a crevice tool and a stubborn dirt brush. It takes 4.5 hours to charge completely, and each charge lasts for approximately an hour, though the runtime is impacted by which mode is being used as well as a number of other factors.

Product Specs 

  • Type: Stick
  • Corded or cordless: Cordless
  • Weight: 6.8 pounds

Pros

  • Lightweight design
  • Features a smart suction system
  • Includes a variety of brush heads and attachments

Cons

  • Limited battery life

Get the Dyson v15 vacuum on Amazon or at Best Buy.

Best Canister

The Best Vacuums Option: Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team Canister Vacuum
Photo: amazon.com

The Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team is a bagless canister vacuum that’s high-powered and features four suction settings. Two brushes are included with the vacuum: the flexible Parquet Twister, which is ideal for gently cleaning hardwood floors, and a turbo brush that’s designed for carpeting. An upholstery nozzle and crevice nozzle are also included.

It features a HEPA lifetime filter, which never needs to be changed or replaced. The Gore CleanStream Fine Dust Filter traps dust, making this model perfect for allergy sufferers. While this is one of the heaviest models we recommend at 19 pounds, a canister model is easier to maneuver than an upright model and doesn’t feel as heavy to use.

Product Specs 

  • Type: Canister
  • Corded or cordless: Corded
  • Weight: 19 pounds

Pros

  • Features a HEPA lifetime filter
  • Comes with several nozzles and brushes

Cons

  • Heavy

Get the Miele Blizzard vacuum on Amazon or at Best Buy.

Best Stick

The Best Vacuums Option: Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Photo: amazon.com

A stick vacuum like the Tineco A11 Hero is a great option for those with smaller households who want a compact vacuum that doesn’t require much storage room. It’s cordless and at somewhere around 8 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight, making it easy to maneuver around the house. It converts into a hand vacuum and comes with several useful attachments, allowing users to clean every corner of the house with ease.

It operates quietly, at just 72 decibels. One downside is that this model can only run for 40 minutes, which may be too short to vacuum an entire large home. It does, however, come with a second battery, allowing users to double its runtime.

Product Specs 

  • Type: Stick
  • Corded or cordless: Cordless
  • Weight: About 8 pounds

Pros

  • Incredibly lightweight design
  • Operates quietly
  • Converts into a hand vacuum

Cons

  • Short runtime

Get the Tineco vacuum on Amazon or at Target.

Best Handheld

The Best Vacuums Option: Shark WV201 WandVac Cordless Handheld Vacuum
Photo: amazon.com

While a hand vacuum isn’t an essential in all households, it’s definitely nice to have when it comes to cleaning stairs, furniture, upholstery, and small messes without having to drag out a full-size vacuum. Like most hand vacuums, this one is very lightweight at just 1.4 pounds but features a powerful motor offering top-notch performance. The dirt receptacle opens with the push of a button, allowing users to empty it without getting their hands dirty. It’s cordless and comes with a charging dock as well as LED lights that indicate the charging status and how much battery life is left.

Product Specs 

  • Type: Hand vacuum
  • Corded or cordless: Cordless
  • Weight: 1.4 pounds

Pros

  • Small and lightweight
  • Debris can be emptied with the push of a button
  • Comes with a crevice attachment

Cons

  • Must be recharged

Get the Shark WandVac vacuum on Amazon or at Best Buy.

Best Robot

The Best Vacuums Option: iRobot Wi-Fi Connected Roomba i3 EVO Robot Vacuum
Photo: amazon.com

Those looking for a robot vacuum will be impressed by the high performance of the Roomba i3 EVO Robot Vacuum. Rather than operating erratically, it cleans in neat rows, ensuring total coverage. It uses sensors to avoid obstacles, including stairs. In fact, it creates smart maps of your home and recalls obstacles in the way in order to operate more efficiently. Dirt Detect technology identifies and focuses on dirty areas. The vacuum can be controlled via an app or even with voice-control technology when paired with a smart-home assistant. It’s even capable of emptying the bin on its own with an enclosed bag system.

Product Specs 

  • Type: Robot
  • Corded or cordless: Cordless
  • Weight: 7.44 pounds

Pros

  • Uses sensors to avoid obstacles
  • Operates in neat, straight lines
  • Automatically empties the dust bin when it’s full
  • Can be controlled via an app or voice control

Cons

  • May still get caught on obstacles and need assistance

Get the iRobot Roomba vacuum on Amazon or at Best Buy.

Best For Pet Hair

The Best Vacuums Option: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus
Photo: amazon.com

One of the reasons the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is ideal for pet owners is that it uses a tangle-free brush roll, which prevents long pet hairs from becoming tangled. The dirt tank empties cleanly and easily with the push of a button. A quick-release wand offers extended reach for accessing ceilings and other hard-to-reach areas.

This model is ideal for allergy sufferers because it features the brand’s Smart Seal Allergen System and comes with an optional Febreze filter, which traps dust and allergens while simultaneously eliminating pet odors. Several attachments are included with purchase: an LED Crevice Tool, a Pet TurboEraser Tool, and a 2-in-1 Pet Dusting Brush.

Product Specs 

  • Type: Upright
  • Corded or cordless: Corded
  • Weight: 14.2 pounds

Pros

  • Ideal for allergy sufferers
  • Designed to pick up pet hair
  • Includes a Febreze filter to eliminate odors

Cons

  • Somewhat heavy

Get the Bissell vacuum on Amazon.

Also Consider

The Best Vacuums Option: Hoover Elite Swivel XL Pet Upright Vacuum
Photo: amazon.com

Another option that’s perfect for pet owners is the Hoover Elite Swivel XL Pet Upright Vacuum, an upright corded model that’s designed to pick up pet hair thanks to its powerful motor. The built-in HEPA filter captures 99.97 percent of dust and other particles and a carbon pet filter helps to eliminate odors. It comes with a 10-inch telescopic extension wand, a dusting brush, a crevice tool, and an upholstery tool. Swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver the vacuum around obstacles. The vacuum performs well on multiple surfaces, from hardwood floors to high-pile rugs and carpets.

Product Specs 

  • Type: Upright
  • Corded or cordless: Corded
  • Weight: 16 pounds

Pros

  • Swivel steering makes maneuvering the vacuum a breeze
  • A HEPA filter captures dust and other particles
  • A range of accessories adds versatility

Cons

  • Somewhat heavy

Get the Hoover vacuum on Amazon or at Target.

A Recap of Recommendations 

  1. BEST OVERALL: Shark AZ1002 Apex Powered Lift Away Upright Vacuum
  2. RUNNER-UP: Eureka Stylus Cordless Stick Vacuum
  3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum
  4. UPGRADE PICK: Dyson v15 Detect Vacuum
  5. BEST CANISTER: Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team Canister Vacuum
  6. BEST STICK: Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
  7. BEST HANDHELD: Shark WV201 WandVac Cordless Handheld Vacuum
  8. BEST ROBOT: iRobot Wi-Fi Connected Roomba i3 EVO Robot Vacuum
  9. BEST FOR PET HAIR: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus
  10. ALSO CONSIDER: Hoover Elite Swivel XL Pet Upright Vacuum

Types of Vacuums

There are several different styles of vacuums, each of which has its advantages and benefits. The most popular types of vacuums are upright, canister, stick, robot, and handheld. Some types will work better for your home than others.

Upright

Upright vacuums have been popular for decades, and for good reason: They tend to offer high performance and are available for an affordable price. They can be corded or cordless and feature either bags or reusable dirt receptacles, offering variety to suit different needs. Most models have a built-in hose that comes with different attachments, allowing users to clean furniture and upholstery. Upright models are great for cleaning carpets and often offer adjustability to suit different pile heights. They’re also ideal for picking up pet hair. One downside is that they tend to be heavy and may be difficult to maneuver.

Canister 

This style of vacuum features a wheeled canister that rolls behind you as you work. They have large, powerful motors, making them some of the highest-performing vacuums available. They typically come with a variety of cleaning heads, allowing users to switch the head depending on the task at hand. Canister vacuums are ideal for those with delicate flooring types—like hand-woven rugs or soft-wood panels—because they come with cleaning heads designed to clean these areas gently without causing damage. They often have internal filtration systems that make them excellent for allergy sufferers. Their primary downside, however, is that they tend to be very expensive.

Stick

Stick vacuums tend to be cordless and feature small dirt receptacles that need to be cleaned out frequently due to their size. Their primary advantage is how easy they are to maneuver and use since they don’t need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Stick vacuums are slim and lightweight, making them ideal for older users and those with mobility issues. Because they take up very little space, they’re also a great choice for those living in small apartments with limited storage space. Some are even designed to be wall-mounted so they can be accessed quickly and easily as needed. The downside is that they tend to be less powerful than upright and canister models.

Robot

Robot vacuums have become increasingly popular because they run automatically on set schedules, cleaning your house while you’re taking care of other tasks. They can’t perform quite as well as traditional vacuums, especially when it comes to cleaning carpets, but they work well for picking up everyday dirt, dust, and pet hair. In fact, they’re a great choice for pet owners because they can be set to run frequently to keep your home tidy. High-end robot vacuums have intelligent internal mapping systems that allow them to establish the floor plan of a home and work accordingly. Robot vacuums aren’t perfect, however, and often get stuck or require user intervention.

Handheld

Handheld vacuums are small and portable, making them the perfect choice for cleaning small messes as well as hard-to-reach areas. While older handheld vacuums couldn’t compete with standard models in terms of power and performance, today’s models have excellent suction, allowing them to pick up just as much as an upright model. They can be corded or cordless, though a cordless model is generally recommended for ideal ease of use.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Vacuum

While it’s easy to assume that all vacuums offer similar performance, a number of factors affect their functionality. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the best vacuum for your home.

Intended Use

The first thing to consider when choosing a vacuum is your intended use. There’s no one vacuum that’s right for everyone; each household has its particular needs. Pet owners, for example, may seek out a different type of vacuum than a household without pets. The size of your home is another major consideration. Those with rugs and carpets will have different requirements than those with hardwood and tile floors. Robot vacuums offer a new level of convenience, but they’re not ideal for homes with lots of obstacles in place. Before you start shopping for a vacuum, take stock of how it will be used.

Weight and Maneuverability 

When shopping for a vacuum, weight and maneuverability are key considerations, especially for those with strength or mobility issues. Some types of vacuums are easier to maneuver than others. Canister vacuums, for example, are easier to carry up a flight of stairs and feel more lightweight to use because users are simply dragging the canister behind them while they work. Stick vacuums are designed to be lightweight and easy to move around the house, making them the top choice in terms of maneuverability. Upright vacuums, on the other hand, tend to be the heaviest and most cumbersome.

Corded vs. Cordless

There are two primary types of vacuums on the market today: corded and cordless. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages:

  • Cordless vacuums offer optimal convenience, allowing users to maneuver around the house without worrying about plugging in the vacuum in each space. The downside is that they need to be charged between uses and may not have a sufficient battery life to vacuum an entire large home.
  • Corded or plug-in vacuums tend to be more affordable and have longer lifespans than their cordless counterparts. Since they have unlimited runtimes, they’re ideal for those with larger homes since they won’t run out of battery before the job is done.

Bagged vs. Bagless

Vacuums use either a refillable canister or a vacuum bag to collect dirt and debris. Most modern vacuums are bagless, but there are still some well-reviewed bagged models on the market.

  • Bagged vacuums are ideal for allergy sufferers because the bag can be neatly thrown away without any dust or dirt reentering the home. They also improve a vacuum’s longevity because every speck of dirt is removed from the vacuum along with the bag. The biggest inconvenience is that users will need to repurchase bags periodically, adding another cost to their purchase.
  • Bagless vacuums are convenient to use because the canister can simply be emptied out into a trash can and reused. The disadvantage is that dirt, hair, and other debris can clog the vacuum over time.

Additional Features 

While all vacuums serve the same basic purpose, some models come with handy additional features.

  • Added cleaning tools like an edge cleaner, round brush, or upholstery brush make a vacuum more versatile.
  • A bare-floor feature is ideal for those with hardwood floors or other uncarpeted surfaces.
  • A brush agitator dislodges dirt from the carpet, making it easier to pick up.
  • Pile height adjustability is ideal for those with high-pile or shag carpets.
  • Suction control allows for lighter suction when cleaning curtains or upholstery.
  • A filtration system traps allergens to stop them from being dispersed into the air.
  • A cord control feature automatically rewinds the cord, making for easy cleanup.

FAQs

While you now know more about choosing the best vacuum for your home, you might still be looking for more information about how to use it. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about choosing and using a vacuum.

Q.How do I know which type of vacuum cleaner to buy?

The right type of vacuum for you depends on the size of your home, the type of flooring you have, and a number of other factors. This guide should provide advice for choosing the best vacuum for your particular situation.

Q.What is the best vacuum cleaner on the market?

Our pick for the best vacuum on the market is the Shark Apex vacuum.

Q.Which vacuum cleaner do professional cleaners use?

Professional cleaners typically use high-powered commercial vacuums that are capable of operating for hours each day. These models tend to be very expensive and are not necessary for everyday home use.

Q.What is the most popular vacuum brand?

Some of the most popular vacuum brands include Hoover, Shark, Dyson, Miele, and Bissell.

Q.How often should I clean my vacuum?

Luckily, vacuums don’t need to be cleaned frequently. The entire device should be wiped down and deep cleaned about once a year. Some vacuums have dirt canisters that should be cleaned more frequently in order to prevent clogs.

Q.What does the average vacuum cost?

A vacuum cleaner can cost under $100 or over $1,000. The average price of a high-quality residential vacuum is between $150 and $500.

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