What Are The Best Vacuum Cleaners for 2021?

Are you on a hunt for a new vacuum? If so, you probably noticed the many different types often making it tricky to pick just one.

The market offers many models with different features and specifications. For this reason, it’s important to think about your needs and preferences beforehand.

We researched the market and included only the best vacuum cleaners for you to choose from. Plus, we included a detailed buyer’s guide to help you pick.

If you’re short on time, here’s our quick breakdown by categories:

Product NameWeightDimensionsCord Length
Dyson V75.3 lbs8.2 x 9.8 x 49 inN/A
Shark NV50121.1 lbs29.7 x 15.1 x 13.2 in30 ft
Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless 183115.4 lbs13.2 x 13.5 x 44 in25 ft
Shark NV36012.5 lbs15 x 11.4 x 45.5 in25 ft
Eureka Lightweight NES2103.97 lbs6 x 10 x 44 in18 ft
Shark NV356E13.7 lbs15 x 11.4 x 45.5 in25 ft
Bissell Cleanview Swivel (Bagless)17.45 lbs13 x 14 x 44.5 in25 ft
Oreck XL2100RHS8.2 lbs6 x 13 x 35 in35 ft
Shark NV75215.4 lbs13.2 x 11.9 x 45 in30 ft
Eureka Lightweight NES21020.9 lbs13.8 x 13.4 x 44.5 in25 ft
Hoover WindTunnel 318.1 lbs16.5 x 12.5 x 34 in40 ft
Bissell 9595A15 lbs12.5 x 13.5 x 44 in25 ft
Black Decker HHVI315JO422.11 lbs13.9 x 7.9 x 5.3 inN/A
Dyson V85.75 lbs9.9 x 8.9 x 49 inN/A
Shark NV35220.2 lbs11.8 x 15.7 x 28.8 in25 ft
Dyson Cyclone V105.88 lbs9.8 x 10.1 x 49.2 inN/A
Kenmore 8161422 lbs27.9 x 16.2 x 13.8 in28 ft
Dirt Devil 3-in-13.4 lbs6.5 x 6 x 17.2 in15 ft
Miele Classic C116.1 lbs18.2 x 8.7 x 11 in18 ft
Hoover BH5001010 lbs10.6 x 8 x 25 inN/A

Top Recommended Vacuum Cleaners

Dyson V7
(Best Overall)

Coming from such a well-known brand, V7 is an excellent cordless vacuum cleaner that’s convenient and easy to use. This is one of the best cordless stick vacuum models thanks to the several useful cleaning abilities it has.

It’s a cordless stick vacuum with a battery that lasts for up to half an hour with a non-motorized tool. Using the Direct Drive cleaner head on Max mode allows only 6 minutes of battery life.

On the plus side, V7 cordless vacuum has an instant-release trigger, meaning it uses power only when it’s cleaning. It takes about 3.5 hours to recharge and comes with a charger that acts as a dock/storage station as well.

The Dyson digital motor V7 powers the vacuum cleaner, making it equally suitable for both hard surfaces and carpets. Lastly, this cordless stick vacuum cleaner comes with a hygienic 0.14-gallon canister that’s easy to empty.

Dyson V7 Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 5.3 lbs
  • Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 9.8 x 49 in
  • Bin Size: 0.14 GAL
  • Run Time: up to 30 min
  • Modes: Powerful suction mode, MAX mode

Shark NV501

This is a well-known brand with the NV501 being one of its best-selling upright vacuum cleaners to this day.

It weighs 15.5 pounds which isn’t the most lightweight, but its plenty features make up for that. It’s important to mention that, despite its weight, NV501 is quite easy to control.

It’s bulky, much like nearly every upright vacuum cleaner, but its swivel steering and LED lights improve maneuverability, especially around furniture and other obstacles.

Although NV501 vacuum isn’t the most lightweight, it’s convertible with a press of the Lift-Away button. This allows you to lift the canister away and vacuum hard-to-reach areas and above-floor surfaces.

It comes with a Premium Pet Power Brush that picks up all debris and long hair from various surfaces. Also, its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and HEPA make it that much more suitable for pet owners and allergy-prone people.

Shark NV501

Specifications

  • Weight: 21.1 lbs
  • Dimensions: 29.7 x 15.1 x 13.2 in
  • Suction Power: 1200 W
  • Cord Length: 30 ft
  • Receptacle Capacity: 3.1 qt

Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless 1831

The 1831 Cleanview bagless upright vacuum cleaner has Bissell’s One Pass Technology along with continuous power and innovative design. It cleans on a single pass and is equally suitable on hard floors, low pile carpet, furniture, stairs, sealed hard floors, and others.

This bagless vacuum cleaner has the Multi-Cyclonic Suction System for continuous suction that captures different dirt, debris, and pet hair.

Its multi-level filtration has washable filters you can clean with just water. You don’t need detergents for this but make sure to allow the filters to thoroughly dry before using the vacuum again.

Though it doesn’t have a cord rewind, there’s a hook where you can store the 25-foot cord. It comes with an extension wand and a 6ft hose, so you won’t have to re-plug the vacuum cleaner as frequently.

Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless 1831 Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 15.4 lbs
  • Dimensions: 13.2 x 13.5 x 44 in
  • Cleaning Path Width: 13.5 in
  • Cord Length: 25 ft
  • Hose Length: 6 ft

Shark NV360 Vacuum Cleaner

The NV360 vacuum is a part of the Navigator series that includes some of the best vacuum cleaners on the market.

This model has a Lift-Away button that allows you to lift the canister and use the vacuum cleaner as a handheld. This makes it easier to vacuum above-floor surfaces and hard-to-reach areas.

It has the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology along with the HEPA filter. The combination makes the vacuum suitable for fighting allergies caused by pet hair.

Although it’s a bit bulky like most upright vacuums, it’s easy to maneuver with thanks to the swivel steering. It would probably not fit all the way under your furniture, but you won’t have issues with steering it around various obstacles and stairs.

This vacuum weighs 12.5 pounds with a 7.5-pound canister. Its capacity is about 12 dry quarts and is quite easy to empty.

Shark NV360 Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 12.5 lbs
  • Dimensions: 15 x 11.4 x 45.5 in
  • Wattage: 1200
  • Cord Length: 25 ft
  • Amps: 10

Eureka Lightweight NES210

If you want a versatile and easy-to-use vacuum cleaner, you should think about this Eureka vacuum. Its 3-in-1 design includes a crevice tool, allowing you to customize the vacuum to your preferences and needs.

It’s one of the brand’s lightest vacuums, weighing only 4 pounds. On top of that, it has swivel steering, so it’s quite easy to work with for an extended period.

The NES210 comes with a capture nozzle that’s excellent to pick up larger debris without pushing them around. The vacuum works on area rugs, low pile carpets, and hardwood floors.

The 2-amp motor provides continuous power to pick up different dirt and debris. It also collects cat and dog hair and pollen, trapping them in the washable filter.

For added convenience, the vacuum folds all the way to the floor, allowing you to vacuum under furniture.

Eureka Lightweight NES210 Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 3.97 lbs
  • Dimensions: 6 x 10 x 44 in
  • Cleaning Path Width: 9.5 in
  • Cord Length: 18 ft
  • Dust Cup: 0.55 l

Shark NV356E

The Navigator series has some of the best and most popular vacuums from the brand. The NV356E could be the best vacuum cleaner from the brand if you’re looking for HEPA and Lift-Away technology.

The Lift-Away technology allows it to work as a handheld vacuum as well. This means you can easily vacuum any above-floor surface and areas that are tricky to reach.

It also comes with the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology that works along the HEPA filter to pick up the finest hair, dust, and allergens.

The NV356E is made for both carpets and bare floors though you should shut the brush off when using it on the hardwood.

This corded upright vacuum cleaner weighs about 13.7 pounds and has a power cord that’s 30ft long. For maintenance, you should wash the pre-motor foam every three months and the HEPA filter every two years.

Shark NV356E Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 13.7 lbs
  • Dimensions: 15 x 11.4 x 45.5 in
  • Wattage: 1200
  • Cord Length: 25 ft
  • Amps: 10

Bissell Cleanview Swivel

If you’re looking for an all-around vacuum cleaner, you should choose this Bissell vacuum. It’s a bagless upright vacuum cleaner and provides superior edge-to-edge cleaning regardless of the surface you have.

Its triple-action brush roll uses scatter-free technology for the easiest pet hair removal. It works on dense carpet equally as well as on bare floors and low pile carpets even if the pet hair is embedded.

It’s an upright vacuum cleaner with a 27’ power cord and automatic rewind for easier storage. It also has an extension hose for floor-to-ceiling cleaning.

Swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver with around furniture and various obstacles. Plus, the bristles along the cleaning path provide edge-to-edge cleaning allowing you to reach walls, corners, crevices.

This vacuum comes with a specialized pet tool for vacuuming even the most embedded pet hair from your floors and furniture.

Bissell Cleanview Swivel (Bagless) Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 17.45 lbs
  • Dimensions: 13 x 14 x 44.5 in
  • Hose Length: 6 ft
  • Cord Length: 25 ft
  • Replacement Filter Style: 1214

Oreck XL2100RHS

(Best Commercial Vacuum)

This is a commercial vacuum cleaner that’s powerful and suitable for high-pile carpets, area rugs, and more. It measures 6x13x35 inches in total while weighing some 8.2 pounds.

It’s a bagged upright vacuum cleaner with a cleaning path measuring 12 inches in width. The high-speed brush has double-helix brushes that whirl at 6,500 RPM and move the debris towards the vacuum inlet.

It comes with a Helping Hand handle that received the Ease-of-Use Commendation from Arthritis Foundation. On top of that, the on/off switch is within hands reach for a more comfortable performance.

The XL2100RHS vacuum has automatic floor adjustment, which enables you to go from carpet to bare floors without any manual assistance and hassle.

It’s a bagged vacuum, but the suction remains powerful even as the bag fills. Another convenient feature is its ability to fold to the floor, meaning you can easily reach under the furniture.

Oreck XL2100RHS Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 8.2 lbs
  • Dimensions: 6 x 13 x 35 in
  • Cord Length: 35 ft
  • Cleaning Path Width: 12 in
  • Warranty: 1-Year Commercial Warranty & 1-Year Warranty on the Belt

Shark NV752

If you’re a fan of Shark’s Navigator vacuums, you should look into its Rotator series. One of the best-selling vacuums is the NV752.

It’s a 3-in-1 design that provides versatility, convenience, and ease of use regardless of the type of flooring you have. The powerful motor is what delivers suction, though its Lift-Away feature is what makes the vacuum cleaner as convenient.

You can convert it into a handheld vacuum, which allows you to easily clean various hard-to-reach areas. It converts easily and quickly, so you can vacuum your car, upholstery, high-pile rugs, and other above-floor surfaces.

This upright vacuum cleaner has a complete-sealed HEPA filter that captures and holds allergens, hair, and dust inside the vacuum. This prevents all the dirt, hair, and dust from ending up back into the air you breathe.

It comes with several attachments such as a dusting brush, dusting genie, upholstery brush, True Pet Mini motorized brush, caddy, and hard floor genie for a more versatile performance.

Shark NV752 Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 15.4 lbs
  • Dimensions: 13.2 x 11.9 x 45 in
  • Cord Length: 30 ft
  • Wattage: 1150
  • Amps: 9.5

Eureka NEU202

If your home features combined floors and need a vacuum to tackle both bare floors and carpet, you should look into the Eureka NEU202 as the best vacuum cleaner with a five-floor dial.

Its 12.6’’-wide cleaning path makes it easy to cover larger areas on a single pass. The cleaner comes with a 25’-long cord and automatic cord rewind for easier and more convenient storage.

The vacuum weighs some 12.3 pounds which could be a bit too heavy for some. However, it’s quite easy to push and pull despite its weight. This vacuum has an ergonomic handle allowing you to carry it throughout your home with ease.

Its 2.1-liter dust canister is simple to empty and wash whenever you feel the need to. It’s large enough to allow hassle-free cleaning without frequent trips to the trash can.

Eureka NEU202 Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 20.9 lbs
  • Dimensions: 13.8 x 13.4 x 44.5 in
  • Cord Length: 25 ft
  • Extended Hose Reach: 8 ft
  • Cleaning Path: 12.6 in

Hoover WindTunnel 3

Hoover is among the best brands if you’re looking for a convenient vacuum. Its WindTunnel 3 is one of the best vacuum cleaners from the brand due to the filtration and suction power.

It’s an upright bagless vacuum cleaner equipped with some of the brand’s latest technology. It’s suitable for fighting allergies, especially if you usually have to vacuum frequently.

The WindTunnel 3 technology consists of three channels, creating efficient air flow from the nozzle to the dust bin. It also has 13 powerful cyclones allowing continuous power that doesn’t lose power as the dirt canister fills.

This upright vacuum has a Carbon HEPA filter that includes odor-absorbing filters. This makes the vacuum especially suitable for a pet-friendly home.

It works on every surface type, including bare floors, as it transitions between surfaces with the touch of a button. It’s also equipped with several tools and a 15ft-long extension hose.

Hoover WindTunnel 3 Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 18.1 lbs
  • Dimensions: 16.5 x 12.5 x 34 in
  • Noozle Width: 15 ft
  • Cord Length: 40 ft
  • Dirt Cup Capacity: 1.42 l

Bissell 9595A

If you want a lightweight vacuum to clean quickly and easily, you should check the Bissell 9595a. It sports powerful suction and comes with quite a few innovative features to help you along the way.

The cleaner picks up more hair and dust on an initial pass thanks to its Cyclonic System and innovative brush design.

The brush rotates down into the carpet and rug to pick up even the most persistent dirt, pet hair, dust, and allergens. It operates with Cyclonic System that provides powerful and long-lasting suction at all times.

Bissell 9595a might be the best vacuum cleaner with Multi-Level filtration and washable foam tank filter. It has a large dirt tank that’s easy to empty and see-through allowing you to see when it’s time to empty it.

This lightweight vacuum also comes with a TurboBrush for upholstery, furniture, and stairs.

Bissell 9595A Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 15 lbs
  • Dimensions: 12.5 x 13.5 x 44 in
  • Hose Length: 6 in
  • Cord Length: 25 ft
  • Dirt Tank Capacity: 2 l

Black Decker HHVI315JO42

If you already have an amazing full-size vacuum cleaner but need something for the small daily messes, you should look into the Black Decker HHVI315JO42 cordless vacuum. It’s a handheld vacuum cleaner that’s simple to use for those times you don’t want to bring out the full-sized vacuum.

This handheld vacuum uses lithium technology that provides long-lasting and powerful suction. When it’s new, it requires 16 hours for the first charge, but after that, this cordless vacuum cleaner recharges in about 9 hours. You get around half an hour of run time on a full charge.

It’s larger than most handheld vacuums, so you can pick up more dirt and hair without emptying it as often. Also, the bowl, as well as the filter, is washable. The cleaning mouth is wide to pick up more dirt and larger debris on a single pass.

Black Decker HHVI315JO42 Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 2.11 lbs
  • Dimensions: 13.9 x 7.9 x 5.3 in
  • Bowl Capacity: 31.8 oz
  • Runtime: 30 min
  • Power Source: Cordless

Dyson V8

This is a great choice if you want a lightweight cordless stick vacuum that’s simple and easy to store away. It’s hassle-free thanks to its slim design and innovative technologies.

The vacuum is among the best lightweight models thanks to its features and ease of use. It provides 8 minutes of fade-free performance in MAX mode, 40 minutes without a motorized brush in a regular mode, and approximately half an hour with a motorized tool. This cordless vacuum requires about four hours of charging before use.

The easy-release trigger saves battery life by only using it when you’re cleaning. Its Direct Drive cleaner head has stiff nylon bristles for cleaning embedded dirt from your carpets and rugs. For bare floors, you should vacuum with a non-motorized tool.

The Dyson V8 cordless stick vacuum cleaner has several filters that capture fine hair, dust particles, and allergens, expelling only clean air back into your space.

Dyson V8 Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 5.75 lbs
  • Dimensions: 9.9 x 8.9 x 49 in
  • Suction Power: 115 AW
  • Run Time: up to 40 min
  • HEPA Filter

Shark NV352

The NV352 is one of the best vacuum cleaners from the Navigator series. It’s an upright vacuum suitable for various surfaces and types of dirt, allowing versatile and straightforward operation.

Its Lift-Away button allows you to lift the canister away. This upright vacuum is especially convenient when it comes to cleaning hard-to-reach areas, upholstery, stairs, and other above-floor surfaces.

It has the brand’s well-known Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter that’s especially useful to eliminate dog and cat hair that cause allergies. This makes it perfect for pet owners.

The NV352 upright vacuum has swivel steering that makes it easier to maneuver with even though it weighs some 12.5 pounds. Despite its weight, it’s easy to work with around furniture and other such obstacles.

It’s among the best vacuums for all floor surface types, but make sure to shut the brush roll off when switching to hardwood and bare floors.

Shark NV352 Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 20.2 lbs
  • Dimensions: 11.8 x 15.7 x 28.8 in
  • Receptacle Capacity: 3.0 qt
  • Crevice Tool Length: 24 in
  • Hose Reach: 10 ft

Dyson Cyclone V10

Dyson has big claims when it comes to this stick vacuum cleaner. It’s tested to ASTM F558, against the market of the best cordless stick vacuums where it ranked quite highly.

The Dyson V10 is an all-around vacuum that provides plenty of useful features, tools, long-lasting suction, and longer battery life.

You get around 60 minutes of run time if you’re using a non-motorized tool. With a motorized brush, you get about 20 minutes depending on the mode you select.

Much like all Dyson stick vacuums, this vacuum also has an instant-release trigger which allows you to save battery life by only using it when it’s cleaning. Make sure to charge it for at least 3.5 hours before first use.

Its Direct Drive cleaner head is made for carpets and rugs. It has stiff nylon bristles that go deep into the carpet, pulling out even the most persistent dirt and pet hair.

Dyson Cyclone V10 Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 5.88 lbs
  • Dimensions: 9.8 x 10.1 x 49.2 in
  • Run Time: up to 60 min
  • Bin Size: 77 l
  • Filtration: Fully Sealed

Miele Classic C1

(Best Canister Vacuum)

Miele Classic C1 is another excellent option if you’re searching for a canister vacuum cleaner. It has a classic design but is also equipped with powerful suction and thermal protection.

The Gentle-Start motor features C1 Pure Suction technology, allowing continuous suction at all times. On top of that, this Miele canister vacuum cleaner features a built-in temperature limiter that protects it from overheating, which is especially useful if you’re cleaning for an extended period.

Its floorhead, handle, and tube lock into each other for some added convenience. It also has a small metal strip in the handle that works like a lightning conductor. It’s what prevents static discharge and provides a safer performance.

You can adjust the power by using the 6-setting rotary dial. The Miele AirClean System includes a filter bag, motor protection filter, and AirClean exhaust filter for capturing even the smallest particles.

Miele Classic C1 Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 16.1 lbs
  • Dimensions: 18.2 x 8.7 x 11 in
  • Suction Power: 1200 W
  • Operating Radius: 29.5 ft
  • Attachments: Parquet Floor Attachment

Hoover BH50010

Linx cordless vacuum is another one of the best vacuums from Hoover. It’s compact and suitable for both carpet and bare floors. It has the brand’s unique technologies and several features that make cleaning a breeze.

It’s among the best cordless vacuums, working with interchangeable lithium-ion batteries. This gives you the freedom to vacuum anywhere since you can always have batteries available.

The WindTunnel Technology creates channels to lift and remove debris and dirt deeply embedded into your carpet and bare floors. Since it’s a multi-floor vacuum cleaner, it easily transitions from one surface to another.

Thanks to the Extreme Recline Handle, this cordless vacuum cleaner reaches under furniture, allowing you to clean without having to move things each time. It also comes with a battery indicator and a bottom-release dirt canister that’s easy to empty.

Hoover BH50010 Product Image

Specifications

  • Weight: 10 lbs
  • Dimensions: 10.6 x 8 x 25 in
  • Battery Volts: 18
  • Dirt Path: Center Dirt Path
  • Warranty: 2-Year Limited

Best Vacuum Cleaner by Type

Some vacuums work better for certain floors and dirt than others. In the guide below, you’ll find some of the best vacuums for all your needs and preferences in terms of cleaning, convenience, and floor type.

Backpack

Otherwise known as over the shoulder vacuums, backpacks are a convenient and lightweight option. These eliminate the need to bend down as frequently in order to adjust the controls or the accessories.

Related Post: Which Backpack Vacuum is best?

Stick Vacuums

This is the best vacuum if you’re looking for a quiet and lightweight cleaner. These are usually bagless and can be both corded and cordless.

They come with all kinds of tools and can often be converted into handheld vacuums. Some of the best vacuums for apartments are sticks because they’re slim, lightweight, and easy to store.

Shop Vacs

This is the best type for you if you’re into woodworking or construction. A shop vac is a high-powered vacuum cleaner that easily picks up debris, dirt, and chunks of various materials. It’s often made for cleaning wet messes too.

They feature a tough hose and a large canister for all the dirt, debris, water, and other wet messes. It’s not the best vacuum for regular use around your home because most aren’t as lightweight.

Related Post: Best Shop Vac

Upright

Upright vacuum cleaners are among the best models on the market for several reasons like ease of use, strong suction, large capacity, and versatility.

In most cases, they’re considered to be full-size vacuums and have several extra features such as suction modes, floor adjustments, various indicators, etc.

Related Post: Top Picks for Upright Vacuums

Robot Vacuum

Robot vacuum cleaners are lightweight and best for maintaining your bare floors and carpet as clean as possible in between deep-cleaning with a full-sized vac.

Newer vacuum models have plenty of useful features. The best robot vacuum cleaners have obstacle sensors and allow scheduling and remote controlling for some added convenience.

Handheld

Handheld vacuums are compact, lightweight, and perfect to use in small areas and messes. These are among the best vacuum cleaners for spot-cleaning cars, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces.

A handheld vacuum is typically available as corded and cordless, ranging in suction power, battery life, and also dust cup capacity. Some of the best upright vacuums can be converted into lightweight handhelds.

These are among the best vacuums for car interior.

Bagged

Bagged vacuums use dust bags, which is why most homeowners consider these to be old-school, but possibly still among the best choices on the market.

Most of the newer vacuum models are bagless, but they might not be the best option for allergy-prone people. Bags trap all the dust particles inside even when you go out to throw it away. No dirt, hair, or dust goes back into your air, which is really important.

Keep in mind that this isn’t the most eco-friendly choice and there’s also the prospect of extra costs of the replacement bags.

Related Post: Top Bagged Vacuums

Bagless

Bagless vacuum cleaners might be a bit more popular, especially after upright and stick vacuums showed up in the market. They don’t have bags like bagged vacuums, but a canister in which all the dust particles are collected.

These vacuum cleaners eliminate the need for having to buy extra dust bags all the time, and they’re more eco-friendly than their bagged counterparts. However, dust canisters range in size and are harder to empty than others. This might not be the best for allergy-prone people.

Related Post: Highest Rated Bagless Vacuum Cleaners

Central

Though central vacuum systems typically cost far more money than regular vacuums, they’re more convenient and portable.

Installing such a system is costly and might require some mild construction, but the results it provides are unmatched. By installing a web of pipes throughout your home, you can pull the vacuum hose out in every room for easier cleaning.

Still, these differ in terms of capacity, onboard tools, suction power, and type of flooring they can clean.

Ash

Ash vacuums are made to pick up ash from your BBQ, fireplace, and pellet and wood stoves. They range in features, but the essential thing to consider is whether you’ll clean hot or cold ash.

These vacuums are the best for cleaning this often dangerous type of a mess. They’re made of mostly aluminum and metal components to ensure no heat could damage the internal parts. They’re not the most lightweight.

Most Popular Vacuums For Floors

If you have combined flooring, you’ll maybe need various vacuums or a single one that’s versatile enough to vacuum both carpet and bare floors.

Multi-surface vacuums are all-in-one vacuums that clean various floor types, carpet, and bare floors. In most cases, they have several attachments and a cleaner head that adjusts in height, allowing you to switch from one type of floor to another with ease.

If you have stairs, you should look for a convertible vacuum cleaner that works a full-sized vacuum as well as a hand vacuum. The best vacuums for stairs come with a few small attachments like a crevice tool.

A vacuum for carpets should have a shut-off brush and variable suction. This way, you can adjust its brush and power based on the type of low-pile or high-pile carpet you’re cleaning.

Hardwood is delicate and usually easy to scratch and damage. For this reason, you need a vacuum cleaner that will carefully pick up different dirt, dust, and hair without damaging the floor. Upright vacuum cleaners are among the best vacuum cleaners for hardwood floors.

Tiles are easy to clean, although some require gentler maintenance than others. The best vacuum for tile floors should have non-motorized tools and attachments with soft bristles.

Top of the Line Vacuum Brands

Buying from a known brand is often the best choice, but inform yourself about the company’s reliability. Here are some of the biggest names in the industry and what you could expect from them.

Shark is probably the best known for its upright vacuum cleaners, especially those from Navigator and Rotator series. Still, it’s a versatile brand that has other vacs such as handheld and vacuums for pet hair. The NV501 is one of the most outstanding vacuums under $200.

Dyson is among the most versatile names, offering some of the best sticks and upright vacuum cleaners.

Bissell has been around since the late 1880s, offering some of the best and most affordable uprights, sticks, and handhelds. Bissell’s Cleanview Upright Bagless is one of the best vacuum cleaners for less than $100.

The story of Hoover began in 1907 and today, the company sells a large number of high-performance vacuums for at-home and commercial purpose.

Miele is another well-known brand that offers a wide range of canister vacuum cleaners and other appliances.

Kenmore makes sticks, handhelds, and upright and canister vacuum cleaners. The company was founded in 1913 and now sells pretty much every appliance a home could need, vacuums included.

Oreck makes a wide range of household appliances such as vacuums, air care units, and various accessories.

iRobot manufactured the award-winning Roomba that we’ve all heard of. Since it was founded in 1990 by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, iRobot sold more than 25 million robot vacuum cleaners around the globe.

Electrolux has been one of the best vacuum cleaner brands since 1924 when it was founded in North America. It makes robot, central, and canister vacuums.

Dirt Devil is another option if you’re looking for upright vacuum cleaners and handhelds that are easy to use and have non-fading suction.

Recommended Vacuums Used For Pets

Pet owners know the struggle of constantly battling with pet hair and litter around the house. Luckily, some vacuums specialize in cleaning hair, dander, and scattered litter. Some can even vacuum aquariums.

Consider bagless upright vacuums or stick vacuum cleaners for kitty litter. For pet hair, you should consider HEPA as it’s the best for these allergens.

The best vacuums for pet hair have powerful suction, specialized and motorized tools, and HEPA filters.

Shark Rotator TruePet, Dyson Ball Animal 2, and Miele Complete C3 Cat&Dog are some of the best vacuum models for pet hair.

Suction

Suction power affects its cleaning performance, so it’s among the most important things to think about before you choose a vacuum cleaner.

Think about how much dirt you’re cleaning and how frequently you vacuum. For example, if you have pets or live near the beach, you’re probably cleaning more often because of the dust, sand, or pet hair.

Also, think about the floor surface that’s dominant throughout your home. High-pile carpets require a powerful vacuum cleaner, especially when it comes to cleaning pet hair. Keep in mind that too much suction power can make handling a bit tricky.

Types of Filters

Probably the best option to choose is HEPA filtration. It’s the best filter found in the best vacuums for allergies. This filtration ensures the air expelled back into your space is clean and dust-free.

Washable filters are eco-friendly and cost-effective since they usually last as long as the vacuum cleaner itself. However, washing the filters could be a bit troublesome if you’re prone to allergies even though they should only be cleaned every three to six months.

Replaceable filters are easier to use since you just throw them in the garbage which is easier for allergy-prone homeowners. However, these aren’t as eco-friendly and are also an extra expense you’d have to deal with every three to six months.

Related Post: Vacuum Cleaner Filters

Accessories and Attachments

Accessories and attachments are a large part of how useful and versatile your vacuum is. The more attachments you have, the more versatility you can get out of the vacuum cleaner.

Think about which attachments would be useful to you depending on whether you’re cleaning pet hair, dirt, or dust. Also, consider the type of flooring you have since you’ll need a motorized head for low-pile carpets that you can shut off when transitioning to hard floors.

Some of the best and most useful accessories to consider are:

  • Crevice tool
  • Upholstery tool
  • Dusting brush
  • Turbo brush
  • Pet tool

Dust Capacity

Some vacs have bags while others feature canisters, but in both cases, you should consider the capacity they come with.

This is something you should think about yourself since there’s no saying what capacity would be the best. Generally speaking, the bag/canister should be large enough for your home.

Upright and canister vacuum cleaners have the biggest capacity while sticks and handheld require frequent emptying.

Final Thoughts

Buying a vacuum cleaner is a big step and an investment that should last a long time. For this reason, it’s important not to rush things. Use the information above to think about what kind of cleaner would work the best for your cleaning needs.

Luckily, you can always come back to this article and remind yourself of the most critical factors. Use them to compare our best vacuum picks to one another, which can help you make the final decision.

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I’ve been a dedicated writer for Clean That Floor for approximately 3 years. I’ve written about various topics, mostly focusing on cleaning products, vacuum cleaners, mops, and simple cleaning solutions for homeowners. I enjoy testing tips and tricks on house maintenance, reviewing both the process and results.

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