The Best Vacuums for Any Type of Flooring According to Our Tests

A vacuum cleaner is an essential appliance in nearly every home, but with so many types on the market, choosing one can be a challenge. That’s why we tested 11 of the highest-rated vacuums, pitting them against piles of dirt, food crumbs, and hair to evaluate their performance, ease of use, and value.

Our top pick is the Dyson v15 Detect Cordless Vacuum, thanks to its powerful suction, illumination light that reveals hidden dust, versatile design, and long battery life. As a lightweight stick vacuum, it’s capable of conveniently and efficiently cleaning both hard floors and carpeted areas.

We also found several other upright, canister, robot, handheld, and additional stick vacuums to recommend. Keep reading to see how our choices for the best vacuums available today fared in testing and which features to consider when selecting one for your needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum
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2. RUNNER-UP: Samsung Jet 75 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum
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3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum
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4. BEST UPRIGHT: Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum
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5. BEST CANISTER: Miele Blizzard CX1 TurboTeam Canister Vacuum
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6. BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Tineco Pure One S11 Cordless Stick Vacuum 
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7. BEST HANDHELD: Black+Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
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8. BEST ROBOT: Shark Detect Pro Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
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9. BEST FOR PET HAIR: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Vacuum
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Vacuums Comparison

Our Top Picks

The following vacuums are our top picks. We chose each model based on its value, performance, and features.

Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5

If your floors still seem dirty after you vacuum, you may be missing dust and hair that are too small to see. The Dyson V15 Detect tackles that problem with a laser illumination light and smart suction technology. The Fluffy Optic cleaner head for hard floors uses a green laser light to highlight fine dust and hair, and the Digital Motorbar cleaner automatically adjusts suction based on floor type to clean everything from high-pile carpets to hard surfaces.

The Dyson V15 has three cleaning modes: Eco (low), Auto (medium), and Boost (high). In our tests, Eco mode provided plenty of suction for daily vacuuming, while Auto excelled at pulling embedded hair from carpet. Boost mode was powerful enough to lift area rugs as we worked, so we reserved it for heavy-traffic areas like stairs and sucking kitty litter out of carpet.

We appreciated that Eco and Auto modes were so effective, since the mode you use has a direct impact on runtime. With those two settings, we vacuumed our entire 2,500-square-foot home on a single charge with power to spare. The vacuum’s digital display shows remaining battery life in minutes, the size and amount of dust particles captured, and the cleaning mode. The only thing we’d wish for is a larger-capacity dustbin. 

What our tester says: “We’ve tested several Dyson vacuums, and this model was almost perfect. It’s powerful, easy to maneuver, and the laser feature makes sure we get a thorough clean. ”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Dyson V15 vacuum at Amazon, Wayfair, Target, Best Buy, or Dyson.

Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5

Weighing in at only 6.2 pounds, the Samsung Jet 75 Pet is a cordless stick vacuum with four suction modes and two useful attachments. It works on all types of flooring, from vinyl and hardwoods to thick area rugs and carpet. A single battery charge allows it to run up to 1 hour, and since its battery is removable, you can purchase extras (sold separately) if you’d like an even longer runtime.

This lightweight stick vacuum was one of our favorites for cleaning messes quickly. We used it to suction M&Ms, rice, and flour from our hardwood floors and area rugs, and it had no problem tackling any of these substances. It has three vacuum setting levels, including Min, Mid, and Max, plus a “Jet” level we could activate to suction up especially tough messes.

The Samsung Jet 75 Pet comes with two attachments: a long crevice tool for reaching tight spots and a mini motorized tool that can clean pet hair and dirt off furniture and mattresses. Since this model was so lightweight, it was easy to hold overhead when we needed to vacuum cobwebs from the ceiling or dust from our curtains. The only thing we didn’t like was the dust canister. We had to remove the canister from the vacuum each time it needed emptying and then line it up to snap it in place, which often took a couple of tries.

Get the Samsung vacuum at Best Buy or Samsung.

Our Ratings: Performance 4.8/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 4.3/5; Value 4.5/5

Though it has many of the same features as Shark’s top offerings, the Navigator upright vacuum cleaner comes at a much lower price. It includes a lift-away pod that converts it to a hand vacuum for use on stairs, furniture, and curtains, as well as a wide upholstery tool, a crevice tool, and swivel steering for reaching every nook and cranny. Plus, unlike some of the higher-priced picks on our list, it even has a completely sealed HEPA system that traps 99.99 percent of dust and allergens.

The Shark Navigator has two settings: one for bare floors and another that activates the brush roll for carpet. During testing, it easily picked up flour, rice, dirt, and small candies in both modes. Removing the lift-off pod for stair cleaning was simple—just press a button, step on the vacuum head, and lift. The upholstery and crevice tools worked well for sweeping up every bit of dirt on our steps and proved equally convenient for cleaning our car.

Although the plastic construction makes this vacuum look lower quality than others on our list, it didn’t affect its performance. In fact, it did such a great job of cleaning and provided so much versatility that we think it’s a true standout among cheap vacuum cleaners. 

Get the Shark vacuum at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Performance 4.8/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 4.3/5; Value 4.5/5

Dyson has earned a reputation as one of the best vacuum brands, and after testing the Ball Animal 3 Extra, it’s easy to see why. This model has settings for hard floors as well as low- and high-pile carpets. Its ergonomic ball design made it easy to maneuver around our home, and its powerful suction picked up every type of test debris we put in its path.

When we first received the Ball Animal 3 Extra, we used it daily for a week on hardwood floors, carpet, area rugs, and stairs to see how it performed in everyday use. Compared to the cordless vacuum we typically rely on, it felt heavier and bulkier but still convenient.

This upright corded vacuum has a 35-foot cord and a hose with 15 feet of reach, and when combined with the stair tool attachment, it made cleaning our stairs easy. It also comes with a pet-grooming attachment that gently suctions hair from medium- to long-haired dogs, making it incredibly versatile. The only con we could find was that its thicker vacuum head didn’t fit under all of our low-to-the-ground furniture.

Get the Dyson Ball Animal 3 vacuum at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Best Buy.

Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 4.3/5; Value 4.5/5

The Miele Blizzard CX1 TurboTeam is a high-powered bagless canister vacuum with four suction settings. It comes with two brushes: a flexible Parquet Twister, ideal for gently cleaning hardwood floors, and a turbo brush designed for carpeting. An upholstery nozzle and crevice nozzle are also included, which both store directly on the canister for easy access.

The Blizzard features a HEPA lifetime filter that never needs to be changed or replaced, and its Gore CleanStream Fine Dust Filter traps dust—making this model perfect for allergy sufferers. In our tests, it was one of the easiest and most efficient vacuums to use. Its strong suction picked up all dirt and debris in its path, allowing us to clean each room quickly. Emptying the dustbin was simple: it lifts from the canister and empties from the bottom. At 19 pounds, it was the heaviest vacuum on our list, which wasn’t too much to carry from room to room, but it did feel a little heavy going up and down our stairs.

What our tester says: “Even though I’m used to an upright or stick vacuum, the caster wheels on this canister vacuum maneuver so smoothly that this is one of my favorites for my hardwood floors.”—Katie Barton, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Miele vacuum at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, Wayfair, or Miele.

Our Ratings: Performance 4/5; Versatility 4.5/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5

The Tineco Pure One S11 is handy for overhead tasks, such as removing cobwebs from ceilings or vacuuming curtains, as well as everyday cleaning of spilled food crumbs and tracked-in dirt. This lightweight vacuum cleaner converts easily to a handheld cordless vacuum and comes with a crevice tool, a two-in-one dusting brush, and a mini power brush.

The Tineco S11 also includes smart features: an iLoop dust sensor that detects dirt levels and automatically adjusts suction. Its LED display has indicators for battery level and dust detection as well as alerts for a tangled roller or blocked air channels, and you can connect this model to a smartphone-compatible app for additional controls.

During testing, this small vacuum cleaner was easy to maneuver around and provided adequate suction on both hard floors and carpet. It pulled pet hair from a variety of surfaces well, and we appreciated that the display provided a clear visual indication of the dirt level on our floors. The only drawbacks were its small dustbin that required frequent emptying, and a shorter battery life than comparable stick vacuums, which only lasted about 40 minutes.

Get the Tineco vacuum at Amazon, Walmart, or Tineco.

Our Ratings: Performance 4.5/5; Versatility 4/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 5/5

Cordless dust busters are convenient for cleaning food spills, sweeping out cars, and tackling stairs, but some don’t have enough battery life or suction power to make them worthwhile. The Black+Decker portable vacuum comes equipped with a 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery, which ran for 30 minutes during our testing. Its suction power was adequate for cleaning up large and small messes, and the washable filter and prefilter made it easy to clean.

The included long crevice tool was helpful when cleaning our car’s interior, letting us reach into tight spaces under the gas pedals and between seats. We could switch between two speed levels or hit the PowerBoost button when we needed extra suction. Cleaning the dustbin after use was as simple as pressing a button and emptying the collected debris into the trash.

While we were happy with the Black+Decker’s ease of use, light weight, and functionality as a portable car vacuum, we were disappointed that it didn’t come with any attachments for upholstery or pet hair. The only attachment it comes with is the built-in extra-long crevice tool.

Get the Black+Decker vacuum at Amazon or Black+Decker.

Our Ratings: Performance 4.5/5; Versatility 4/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Value 4/5

This robotic automatic vacuum​ from Shark impressed us from setup to cleanup. We started our tests by connecting it to our WIFi and sprinkling rice and flour on the floor while it mapped the perimeter. Once the robot vac was ready, it moved in a precise back-and-forth pattern across the room, collecting everyday debris as well as our test materials—even the bits lodged in the crevice between the area rug and the floor. Of its three modes, Eco was best for light dust on tile and hardwood, Normal easily handled the rice and flour, and Maximum was necessary to pull pet hair from our carpet.

Unlike some robot vacuums we’ve used, the Detect Pro did an excellent job navigating around hazards. Its sensors prevented it from tumbling down our open stairway, and it even knew the difference between debris and electric wires, picking up the former while avoiding the latter. After it finished, it returned to its charging station and emptied its bin into a disposable bag. Because the docking station has an odor-neutralizing pod that keeps the base from smelling sour, the room filled with a fresh scent every time the vacuum emptied itself, which was much appreciated. 

Get the Shark vacuum at Amazon.

Our Ratings: Performance 4.4/5; Versatility 4/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 4.5/5

One reason 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 getting stuck. A quick-release wand offers extended reach for accessing ceilings and other hard-to-reach areas, and it comes with useful attachments like an LED crevice tool, a pet TurboEraser tool, and a two-in-one pet dusting brush. 

We tested the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser on our hardwood floors, low-pile carpet, and high-pile area rugs. A switch at the top made it easy to toggle between the carpet type we were cleaning, and a button activated the brush roll. This vacuum performed exceptionally well on carpet, suctioning hair, dust, and crumbs. On hard floors, it picked up small dust and dirt particles but missed larger food crumbs. After use, the dustbin is easy to empty with the push of a button.

Thanks to its Smart Seal Allergen System, this pet hair vacuum is ideal for allergy sufferers. It also comes with an optional Febreze filter that traps dust and allergens while helping eliminate pet odors. 

Get the Bissell vacuum at Amazon, Wayfair, or Bissell.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Vacuums

Years of experience covering home products and appliances, as well as extensive product research, went into choosing the products for this guide. We explored over 50 of the best vacuums available and weighed several practical considerations before narrowing the list to 11 models for hands-on testing. 

To begin testing, we used each vacuum in our homes for several weeks to evaluate real-world performance. For more rigorous trials, we littered our floors with rice, dirt, and small candies to assess suction power. We also evaluated included attachments, extra features, noise levels, and portability. We rated each model using a standardized rubric, awarding it a score from 0 to 5 based on performance, versatility, ease of use, and value. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Vacuum

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

Intended Use

The first thing to consider when choosing a vacuum is its intended use. No one vacuum is right for every task or every user. 

Pet owners, for example, may seek out a different type of vacuum than a household without pets. The size of your home and flooring types are other major considerations. Those with rugs, carpets, and stairs will have different requirements than those with hardwood and tile floors all on one level. Before you start shopping for a vacuum, take stock of how it will be used. 

Weight and Maneuverability 

Weight and maneuverability are key considerations, especially for shoppers with strength or mobility issues. Some types of vacuums are easier to maneuver than others. Canister vacuums, for example, may be better for stairs because you simply drag the canister behind you while using the long hose to clean. 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, though they’re also often more powerful. 

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 sufficient battery life to vacuum your entire home at once. 
• 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, though they do require an outlet in every area. 

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 vacuum cleaners on the market. 

• Bagged vacuums are ideal for allergy sufferers because they can throw the bag away, preventing collected dust or dirt from 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 vacuum purchase. 
• Bagless vacuums are convenient 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 such as an edge cleaner, round brush, or upholstery brush make a vacuum more versatile. 
• A bare-floor feature is ideal for vacuuming hardwood floors or other uncarpeted surfaces.
• A brush agitator dislodges dirt from the carpet, making dirt 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. 

Types of Vacuums

There are several different styles of vacuums, each of which has advantages and benefits. The most popular types of vacuums are upright, canister, stick, robot, handheld, and wet dry vacuums. 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 handwoven rugs or softwood 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 are often 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.

As slim and lightweight vacuums, stick models are especially nice for older users and those with mobility issues. Because they take up very little space, they’re also a great choice for those 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 can 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 don’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.

Robot vacuums are a great choice for pet owners because they can be set to run frequently to keep the home tidy. A high-end robot vacuum may go a step further, combining intelligent mapping with a docking station that empties the bin automatically, essentially making it a self-cleaning vacuum. Robot vacuums aren’t perfect, however, and sometimes get stuck, requiring 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 upright models. They can be corded or cordless, though cordless models are generally recommended for ideal ease of use. 

FAQs

While you now know more about choosing a vacuum, you might want some additional 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 the other factors covered above. 

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 heavy-duty vacuum cleaner models tend to be very expensive and are not necessary for standard home use. 

Q. What is the most popular vacuum brand?

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

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. For more information, see our guide on how to clean a vacuum.

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. 

Q. Does higher wattage mean better suction?

No. Higher wattage in a vacuum only means the motor consumes more power, not that it necessarily has better suction. Suction depends on factors like airflow and a sealed design. 

Q. Are bagged or bagless vacuums better?

Bagged vacuums are generally better at trapping dust and allergens, making them ideal for allergy sufferers. Bagless models offer easier maintenance and avoid recurring bag purchases but can be messier to empty and may get clogged over time.

Q. How many years should a vacuum last?

How long a vacuum lasts depends on its type, usage frequency, and how well it’s maintained. Most vacuums will last an average of about 5 to 8 years, though premium upright and canister models may last 10 years or more.

Meet the Testers

Katie Barton is a writer focusing on home improvement and cleaning. With three kids in tow, she’s spent the last 15 years vacuuming food crumbs and small pieces of paper from her floors. She looks for vacuums with high suction power and long lifespans.

Beth Cranston is an editor, writer, and product tester who has cleaned high-pile carpets covered in crumbs, dirt, and fur for more than 10 years. She looks for reasonably priced vacuums that can transform her carpet from flat to plush.

Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer focusing primarily on construction, DIY tools, and home appliances. Living in a very pet-friendly home, she’s learned what to look for in a quality vacuum. 

Anne Holub is a Montana-based writer and first-time homeowner. With two dogs and a bunch of hardwood floors in her home, she knows how to put a vacuum through its paces. She’s tested handheld vacs, robot vacuums, mops, and more for BobVila.com, along with other household must-haves.

Debbie Wolfe is a writer, editor, and product tester who focuses on gardening and home improvement. She is the mom of several pets and boys, so vacuuming fur and crumbs are part of her daily routine. She prefers quality over bells and whistles, and her recommendations are always budget-minded.

Additional research provided by Savannah Sher.

 

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