Vacuum cleaners are essential for keeping homes clean, removing dust, pet hair, and debris from carpets, hard floors, and upholstery. They range from lightweight stick and handheld models for quick touch-ups to powerful uprights and canisters for deep cleaning, plus robot vacuums for automated maintenance. Each type targets different cleaning needs and living spaces, so choosing the right one depends on your routine and surfaces.

The most important factors to consider are suction power and filtration, followed by maneuverability, noise level, and how the machine handles pet hair and fine dust. Battery life and charge time matter for cordless models, while bagged versus bagless designs affect maintenance and allergen control. We tested a variety of stick, upright, canister, robot, and handheld vacuums to identify the top performers in cleaning power, ease of use, and value.

Best Vacuums

Below is our curated list of the top 10 vacuums available on Amazon, selected for performance, durability, and value. We tested features like suction, filtration, and ease of use to help you find the right model for your home.

Amazon Basics Upright Vacuum

We recommend this if you want a lightweight, no-frills upright that cleans carpets well and won’t break the budget.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to push around
• Strong suction for carpets at this price point
• Large 1.7L dust cup reduces trips to the trash

Cons

• Plastic build feels less durable than higher-end models
• Hose and attachments are short for above-floor work
• Single speed limits control on delicate floors

We used this vacuum across carpets and hardwood in a small-to-medium home and appreciated how nimble it felt. Moving around furniture was quick, and the 25-foot cord meant fewer outlet changes during a typical session.

On carpets it picked up embedded dirt better than we expected from an 8.4 lb unit. The motor’s suction felt consistently strong during a full clean, and emptying the dust cup was straightforward with the quick-release.

Cleaning stairs and upholstery worked, but the short hose and detachable handle made reaching high or awkward spots more fiddly than with a longer-hosed stick or canister. The plastic housing feels lightweight—good for storage and handling, but we’d prefer sturdier materials if you plan heavy, daily use.

Maintenance is simple: the washable filter and bagless design keep running costs down. We did notice louder operation under load and a few reports online about electrical issues, so inspect for burning smells and unplug immediately if anything seems off.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away (NV360)

We recommend this if you want a versatile, affordable upright that lifts away for stairs and upholstery while controlling allergens.

Pros

• Strong suction that handles both carpet and hard floors.
• Lift-Away pod makes stairs and furniture quick to clean.
• HEPA-sealed system helps keep dust and allergens contained.

Cons

• Heavier than true lightweight stick vacuums.
• Corded design limits reach compared with cordless models.
• Dust cup needs frequent emptying during big jobs.

We used the Navigator on a week of mixed cleaning: area rugs, hardwood, stairs and a pet-bed deep clean. Its suction felt impressive for an upright in this price range, and the brushroll shutoff switch spared delicate floors from scuffs.

The Lift-Away pod lived up to the claim. We detached it to power through stairs and couch cushions, and the onboard upholstery tool grabbed pet hair much better than previous uprights we’ve owned.

Maneuvering around furniture proved easy thanks to swivel steering, though the unit’s overall weight becomes noticeable when carrying it up and down stairs repeatedly. The cord length worked for most rooms but occasionally forced us to swap outlets.

Emptying the 0.9-quart dust cup cleared quickly but required a trash can nearby during longer sessions. Filters rinse clean under the tap, but plan on letting them dry fully before reinstalling to avoid odors.

If you want a reliable, allergy-conscious upright that still offers portable cleaning power, this Shark model hits a practical balance for everyday homes.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away (NV356E)

We recommend this if you want a versatile, pet-friendly upright that converts to a portable unit and reliably traps allergens.

Pros

• Strong suction for pet hair and deep-cleaning upholstery.
• Lift-Away pod makes stairs and above-floor work straightforward.
• HEPA seal and washable filters reduce airborne dust during use.

Cons

• Upright body feels bulky when carrying between floors.
• Cord limits reach compared with cordless models.
• Brushroll can be loud on high suction settings.

We pulled this out of the closet and ran it across our living room rug and hard floors. The suction grabbed embedded pet hair quickly and the pet power brush dug into the pile without snagging, which saved us a second pass.

Switching to Lift-Away was simple and actually useful for stairs and sofa cushions. The handheld pod felt solid and the hose reached standard corners, though the overall unit is heavier to lift than the smallest canisters we’ve used.

Emptying the 0.87L cup was a one-hand job and the washable HEPA and foam filters cleaned up easily; that made maintenance straightforward for a household with pets. Maneuvering around furniture was generally easy thanks to the swivel steering, but the cord length forced repositioning in larger rooms.

We’d pick this for a pet household that wants strong, affordable suction and good allergen control without upgrading to a high-end cordless model.

Bissell CleanView Swivel (2252)

We recommend this if you want a budget-friendly upright that actually tames pet hair and maneuvers around furniture.

Pros

• Strong suction that picks up embedded pet hair quickly.
• Swivel steering makes it easy to reach under and around furniture.
• Scatter-free brush is gentle on hard floors and contains messes.

Cons

• Upright, corded design limits reach compared with cordless models.
• Canister fills quickly in heavy-shedding homes.
• Motor noise is noticeable on higher-power pulls.

We pushed this through a week of real pet traffic and found the triple-action brush roll really does lift hair that our old cleaner missed. Moving it under couches and around legs felt noticeably easier thanks to the swivel head.

Emptying the dirt tank was straightforward and not messy, though we did end up dumping it more often than expected on high-shed days. The scatter-free feature kept dry food and litter from blowing outward on hard floors.

Tools included for pet messes helped tidy stairs and upholstery faster than a single brush would. Overall, it performs like a workhorse for the price and makes short work of routine pet cleaning without breaking the bank.

Eureka AirSpeed NEU10AE5

We recommend this if you want a very lightweight, budget upright that handles quick cleanups on hard floors and low-pile carpets.

Pros

• Extremely light and easy to carry for quick jobs.
• On-board tools make above-floor work convenient.
• Washable filter cuts ongoing costs.

Cons

• Single suction/power setting limits versatility.
• Roller and belt need regular cleaning to avoid clogs.
• Some users report electrical and durability issues.

We took this vacuum through a couple of everyday sessions and came away impressed by how easy it is to grab and move between rooms. The wide 10.5″ nozzle covers floors fast, and the unit glides across hardwood and low-pile rugs without fighting us.

Using the handle-mounted crevice tool and dusting brush felt practical for stairs and upholstery; swapping them on the end of the handle saved bending and kept the process smooth. Emptying the large dust cup and rinsing the foam filter took minutes, which keeps it low-maintenance for busy households.

We noticed limits on thicker carpet and heavier debris — the single-speed motor simply lacks power for deep-pile work. Also, we cleaned the brush roll frequently; hair builds up fast and the manufacturer’s warning about belt issues is worth heeding to avoid malfunctions.

Overall, this is a solid, inexpensive choice for apartment living or as a secondary vacuum for quick touch-ups, provided you accept modest power and commit to regular brush and belt care.

Amazon Basics Heavy Duty Upright

We recommend this if you want a straightforward, commercial-style upright that handles pet hair and high-traffic floors without fuss.

Pros

• Strong, adjustable suction that tackles pet hair and deep-set dirt.
• Lightweight for an upright and easy to maneuver around furniture.
• Bagged design keeps dust contained and simplifies disposal.

Cons

• Build quality can feel thin compared with pro-grade brands.
• Paper filter and bag mean ongoing consumable costs.
• Not cordless — cord limits reach unless you use frequent outlets.

We pushed this through rough, fur-heavy areas and found the suction genuinely impressive for the price. Low speed handled daily touch-ups well, while high speed pulled grit out of a dense runner we had thought cleaned.

The bagged system made emptying quick and less messy than bagless bins, but we noticed costs add up if you run it daily. The lightweight build helped us vacuum longer without fatigue, though a couple of plastic parts felt less durable than commercial models we’ve used.

Maneuvering around tight legs and under low furniture worked better than expected, and the headlight helped spot hidden debris. If you need a simple, powerful upright and don’t mind replacing bags, this model delivers solid cleaning for homes with pets and heavy foot traffic.

Eureka Airspeed (Compact)

We recommend this if you want an affordable, lightweight upright that handles hardwood and quick apartment cleanups well but don’t expect heavy-duty, long-term durability.

Pros

• Extremely light and easy to carry up stairs or store.
• Strong suction on hard floors and low-pile rugs for quick touch-ups.
• Handy detachable hose and onboard tools reach edges and upholstery.

Cons

• Build feels budget-grade and needs regular brush maintenance.
• Louder than many rivals — can startle pets and babies.
• A few users report electrical or overheating issues with longer use.

We used this around an apartment and appreciated how effortless it was to lift and move. The 7–8 pound weight makes vacuuming a short session rather than a chore.

On hardwood and tile the suction grabbed dust, crumbs, and pet hair without multiple passes. The narrow 10.5″ path meant we finished rooms quickly, though high-pile carpet needed more work.

The detachable handle and crevice tool actually got into baseboards and sofa seams, which saved time on spot cleaning. Emptying the dust cup felt straightforward, but the foam filter needs drying before reuse.

After a few weeks of regular runs we noticed the roller attracted hair and required twice-weekly cleaning to keep performance steady. Occasional reports of sparks or smoke in user feedback mean we’d avoid heavy continuous use and check the roller and belt often.

Overall, this is a solid choice for renters and small homes needing a lightweight, budget-friendly vacuum for hard floors and light carpet; just follow the maintenance warnings and monitor for electrical issues.

Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo

We recommend this for apartment and dorm buyers who want a lightweight upright that still feels powerful enough for daily pet hair and carpet touch-ups.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Strong suction for hair and surface dirt
• Compact footprint stores well in small spaces

Cons

• Small size may feel underpowered for deep-clean tasks
• Limited wand/accessory reach for high or tight spots
• Single power level limits suction control

We pulled this out of the box and used it across hardwood, area rugs, and a small sofa. It accelerated through hair and surface dust with less fuss than many stick vacs we’ve tried, and the short, nimble body let us pivot around furniture without strain.

Emptying the dustcup and swapping on the quick-release wand felt straightforward. The cord length gave us decent range in a one-bedroom layout, but we noticed the hose and accessory reach could be longer for stairs and curtains.

Over several runs it held up well and stayed light enough for quick cleanups. We’d pick this when storage space matters and you want a dependable, no-frills upright that handles pet hair and everyday messes efficiently.

Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A

We recommend this if you want a lightweight, affordable upright that actually handles pet hair and mixed floors well.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to carry up stairs.
• Strong suction across carpets and hard floors.
• Onboard pet and crevice tools for quick spot cleaning.

Cons

• Can be loud during use.
• Single suction speed limits fine control.
• Hose reach is short for extended above-floor work.

We took this vacuum through a few everyday cleaning sessions and appreciated how nimble it felt compared with bulkier uprights. Moving between tile and area rugs required only a quick height adjustment, and the brush roll grabbed embedded hair without constant effort.

Emptying the 2.6-liter cup cut down interruptions; the flip-to-empty action stayed tidy and straightforward. The washable filter was equally convenient — maintenance felt simple and low-cost.

We noticed the motor runs loud when cranked, which can be intrusive in small apartments. Still, for the price and portability, the trade-offs felt reasonable for routine home use.

Bissell CleanView 3536

We recommend this if you want a reliable, budget-friendly upright that tackles pet hair and daily messes without fuss.

Pros

• Strong suction that picks up pet hair and visible debris well.
• Easy to empty dirt tank and washable filters for low maintenance.
• Extension wand and TurboBrush make stairs and upholstery doable.

Cons

• Heavier than stick vacuums and takes more storage space.
• Single power level limits fine control on delicate rugs.
• Some parts feel plasticky and long-term durability can vary.

We pulled this out of the closet and put it through a week of real home use. It handled living-room traffic lanes and the dog’s shedding better than our lighter stick vacuums, grabbing hair on the first pass most of the time.

Moving it between carpet and hard floors felt straightforward thanks to the scatter-reduction design; crumbs stayed put instead of skittering away. The Active Extension Wand got into high shelves and the TurboBrush cleaned sofa creases without fuss.

Emptying the XL dirt container was satisfyingly simple with one push-button dump, and the washable filters make upkeep quick. We noticed it’s not as nimble as a cordless model and the single-speed motor means louder, constant suction at full power, but for the price it performs like a solid, no-nonsense upright.

Buying Guide

We start by identifying the cleaning tasks we need to handle. List the room types, floor surfaces, and how often we clean to match a vacuum’s capabilities to our routine.

We assess suction power and airflow; both affect performance. Check specifications and real-world tests when available, and compare wattage or air watts alongside manufacturer claims.

We evaluate filtration and allergen control. HEPA or multi-stage filters trap fine particles; look for sealed systems to prevent leaks.

Consider runtime and power source. Cordless models offer mobility but vary in battery life; corded units deliver consistent power for larger homes.

We weigh form factor and attachments. Upright, canister, stick, and handheld designs suit different tasks. Key attachments include crevice tools, motorized brushes, and upholstery nozzles.

Noise level affects comfort during use. Decibel ratings give a baseline; quieter units may trade off some suction, so balance noise with cleaning needs.

We check capacity and maintenance requirements. Larger dustbins reduce emptying frequency; washable filters and easy-access brush rolls simplify upkeep.

Budget and long-term costs matter. Compare warranty length, replaceable-filter price, and expected battery or belt replacements.

Warranty and support indicate reliability. Look for clear warranty terms and accessible customer service to reduce future hassles.

We recommend making a shortlist and reading multiple independent reviews. If possible, test a unit in-store or buy from retailers with flexible return policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

We highlight models and features that matter most: suction power, brushroll design, filtration level, battery life, and attachments. Expect specific model names, tested performance notes, and price-range guidance.

What are the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair removal?

We favor machines with high suction, tangle-resistant brushrolls, and sealed HEPA filtration. Examples: Dyson V15 Detect for suction and hair pickup, Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog for canister power and active charcoal filter, and Shark Navigator Lift-Away with a pet power brush for budget-friendly performance.

Which vacuum cleaners are top-rated by consumer reports?

We look at reliability, cleaning scores, and owner satisfaction. Recent Consumer Reports favorites include Miele models (Complete C3 series), Dyson upright and cordless lines, and high-scoring Shark uprights for value and versatility.

What is the best vacuum cleaner for home use?

We recommend matching the machine to your home: cordless stick for quick daily cleanups, canister for multi-surface deep cleaning, and upright for large carpeted areas. Popular all-rounders: Dyson V15 for cordless flexibility, Miele Complete C3 for thorough canister cleaning, and Shark Rocket for an affordable, versatile stick option.

Which brands are considered the best for vacuum cleaners?

We cite brands known for performance and durability: Miele for long-lasting canisters, Dyson for innovation and suction, Shark for value and practical features, and Sebo for commercial-grade reliability. Each brand has standout models for specific needs.

What are the top vacuums for maintaining hardwood floors?

We prefer low-profile brushrolls or soft roller heads to avoid scratching and to capture fine dust. Top picks: Dyson Omni-glide for maneuverability, Shark Vertex Pro for a soft roller and strong suction, and Bissell CrossWave (dry mode) for combined vacuuming and light wet cleaning with gentle floor care.

Which vacuum models offer the best mop integration?

We recommend hybrid units that separate wet and dry functions and prevent cross-contamination. Leading examples: Bissell CrossWave and Tineco Floor One S3 for true vacuum-plus-mop cordless systems, and Roborock S8 MaxV for robot vacuum-mop integration with controlled water flow.