Buying a vacuum cleaner can become complicated by the myriad of choices out there. Naturally, you want the best vacuum cleaner. But where do you begin? This review is going to help you in this quest.
As this is a comprehensive vacuum cleaner review, with plenty of options, we’ve made things simpler for you by listing them in logical categories. That includes cleaning on bare floors, carpeting, and upholstery, as well as specialty jobs, like picking up pet hair. We have choices for both budget buyers and those looking to splurge, as well as the best choices from popular brands. If you have a good idea of what you’re looking for, you can save time by scrolling down to one of the headings listed below:
Best Vacuum Cleaner Models That are the Cream of the Crop
We all have a different idea as to what makes a vacuum cleaner great. Our needs vary and so do our budgets. If we’re going to look at the top vacuum cleaner brands, and are prepared to pay for this, the decision may be a little easier. To this end, we will be reviewing a number of the best models from brands like Dyson, Shark. Miele, Bissell, Oreck and other top vacuum cleaner brands.
Best Shark Vacuum Cleaners
The original Navigator became an instant hit when it debuted, thanks to its flexible design, excellent filtration and high suction power for the price. Since then, Shark, maker of some of the best vacuums, has continued to push the limits of vacuum design, increasing power and performance while still keeping their vacuum cleaners affordable.
1. Shark AZ2002 Vertex
The Shark AZ2002 Vertex DuoClean, with PowerFin brush roll, is a truly magnificent machine. I believe this is the best vacuum cleaner in the Shark repertoire. It is a recent upgrade to the highly acclaimed AZ1002, which was already hailed of one of the best and most powerful vacuum cleaners on the market. The New AZ2002 is just as powerful as its predecessor, with an incredible 1,350W. This power is utilized in a manner that places it streaks ahead of the competition, thanks to Vertex technology, providing a class-leading 105 CFM.
It also shares the much-loved powered Lift Away technology. This means an upright vacuum cleaner that quickly converts into a handheld canister vacuum. It has the additional advantage of a powered mini pet brush roll for removing pet hair and lint from upholstery, curtains, and bed linen. The Shark AZ2002 has new look. A really elegant design, though a little more bulky. This increased size brings with it the convenience of a slightly larger dust cup – 1 quart. The real magic of the new design comes in the form of the PowerFin brush roll. Like many Shark vacuums, this is a self-cleaning, anti-hair wrap brush roll. It is also a DuoClean model, making for an effortless transition from hard floors to carpet. This machine performs fantastically on plush carpets , with a pretty high pile.
So what’s all the buzz about PowerFin? Basically this is an improvement on the traditional bristle brush roll. Not only is the cleaning path up an inch, from 11” to 12”, but the redesigned brush roll makes contact with every inch of the floor. There are no gaps between the bristles which improves cleaning performance on both hard floors, carpets, and area rugs. The very best vacuum cleaners never come cheap. The Shark AZ2002 DuoClean PowerFin is amongst the most expensive. When compared to top models from leading brands, Like Dyson, the headliner in the Shark lineup is expensive, but competitive. Many feel that the technology that has been incorporated into the latest AZ2002 model can’t be matched by any other. I’m inclined to agree. This is certainly a mind-blowing machine of the highest order.
2. Shark Navigator ZU561
Navigator vacuum cleaners have been segment leaders since they debuted over a decade ago, and this latest iteration continues to lead with new technology. A new vacuum head provides better performance and easier maintenance than any past model.
This vacuum is a sort of hybrid between upright and stick vacuums, thanks to its lift-away design. The main body of the vacuum can be separated from the head, turning it into a portable canister vacuum. This makes it easy to carry when vacuuming stairs, and lets the head reach under furniture.
The New Zero M self-cleaning brush bar has small hooks lined up behind it to pull off pet hair automatically, so they don’t need to be cut off after cleaning up after pets. This vacuum is HEPA certified, and it has an excellent sealing system that keeps dust from leaving the canister.
The dust cup has also been redesigned. It now uses a single release switch instead of multiple latches, making it easier to remove. It has a 2.2 quart dust cup capacity, nearly double that of other Navigator models. Swivel steering makes this 13.4lb. vacuum easy to maneuver. This model comes with a crevice tool, an upholstery tool and a hair removal tool.
The ZU561 only has a 800 watt motor, but vacuuming performance is on par with 1,200 watt models thanks to the head’s better sealing ability. It also has a new, stronger hose. Unfortunately, it still makes due with a 25 foot power cord.
Shark guarantees this vacuum for 5 years.
3. Shark APEX AZ1002
The APEX AZ1002 has Shark’s latest innovations, making it one of the most effective pet vacuum cleaners on the market.
It has a version of the new Zero M head that uses a soft roller together with a standard brush roller. This makes it more effective at picking up both large and small debris. There’s also a bare floor mode that shuts off the brush bar and spins the soft roller faster to pick up dirt. A hooked comb at the back of the head removes pet hair automatically, keeping the brush bar clean and free of tangles.
The cleaning head stays attached to the wand in power lift-away mode, converting the AZ1002 into a sort of handheld canister vacuum. In this mode, the head can slide under furniture with ease. LED lights in the nozzle and handle help you see debris on all surfaces and in all modes.
The 1,350 watt motor is the most powerful Shark offers. At 16 lbs, it’s also Shark’s heaviest vacuum. However, the swivel steering makes it feel lighter. Part of this weight goes toward stronger hose and better wheels, as well as added sound insulation. A 30 foot cord cuts down on the number of times you’ll need to change outlets while vacuuming. The 1.5 quart dust cup requires less frequent emptying than the smaller cups found on most other Shark models.
Shark includes a crevice tool, upholstery tool, anti-allergen tool, and under appliance wand with this vacuum cleaner. The appliance tool is long and flat, easily sliding under low furniture where vacuums normally can’t reach.
The APEX is covered by a 5 year warranty.
Best Dyson Vacuum Cleaners
When James Dyson attached his trademark ball-shaped wheel to an upright vacuum, he radically changed the way vacuums move. Since then, his company has remained at the cutting edge of design, focusing on building appliances that are easy to use. The Dyson brand has now become synonymous as the best vacuum maker in the market today.
4. Dyson Ball Animal 2
While it has “animal” in the name, what makes the Dyson Ball Animal 2 stand out isn’t pet hair cleanup, it’s allergen removal. This upright vacuum is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, and it comes with all the tools you need to eliminate dust and pollen from your home.
When this vacuum cleaner came out, it had the strongest suction of any upright on the market. However, it can sometimes be too powerful, making it difficult to vacuum thick pile rugs.
Dyson includes 6 tools with this model. There’s a turbine counter-rotating hair tool, which works great at removing pet hair. A combination brush/crevice tool gets into tight spaces, while the soft dusting brush is gentle enough for furniture surfaces. There’s also a mattress tool that pulls allergens out of bedding. The multi-angle brush gets into hard-to-reach plates, and the stair tool works well on small sections of carpet. The reach under tool has a joint between the hose and its long suction surface, letting you slip it under appliances and furniture. This lets you get 100% coverage of your home’s dust collecting surfaces. Dyson includes a bag for all these tools.
At 17.3 lbs, this vacuum cleaner is heavy, but the ball makes it surprisingly easy to move. However, the size of the ball keeps this vacuum from sliding under furniture. The 2.2 quart dust cup is the largest you’ll find in an upright vacuum.
Dyson backs the Animal 2 with a 5 year warranty.
5. Dyson Big Ball Multi Floor Canister Vacuum
Dyson’s take on the canister vacuum is a design that eliminates common problems, including tipping. How? The majority of the vacuum’s weight is in the bottom of the canister. This weight rolls the vacuum upright if it’s knocked over.
Unlike most canister vacuums, the Big Ball’s head has a built-in brush bar, helping the vacuum lift and remove dirt buried deep in carpet. The self-adjusting cleaner head uses an accordion mount, pushing the head against the surface for maximum suction. However, this makes it hard to pick up large debris.
This vacuum offers HEPA filtration certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The dust cup holds 0.47 gallons, or about 1.8 quarts.
This model weighs 17.6 lbs, but most of that is in the canister, leaving you with just a few pounds to move around for the hose and wand. The hose can easily pull the canister around without having to stop and pick it up.
This vacuum cleaner comes with a crevice tool, dusting brush, stair tool, and a wand rotating attachment. This last tool replaces the wand, providing a hand position akin to a handheld vacuum.
On hard floors, the Big Ball has problems vacuuming up large debris, like cereal and rice. However, it vacuums all debris easily on short pile carpet, and only has minor problems with large debris on thick carpeting. The cleaning head and wand can lay almost flat, making it easy to get under furniture.
The Big Ball is backed by a 5 year warranty.
Best Canister Vacuum
The debate regarding upright vs canister vacuums is not an easy one to resolve. I guess some see upright vacuums as the most convenient, while others prefer the easy reach of a canister vacuum. While upright vacuums seem to be the most common, I prefer a Canister machine. It really is a matter of personal preference, nothing more.
6. Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum
Miele has a reputation for making high quality, high priced vacuum cleaners. However, their Classic C1 canister vacuum has a reasonable price with most of the benefits of their higher tier models.
This vacuum cleaner comes with a 1,200 watt motor that has 6 suction settings. This lets you use maximum power on low pile carpet, while also having gentle suction for delicate tasks, like vacuuming curtains. A foot switch on the head makes it easy to go between carpet to floors. There’s no brush bar in the head, but it still works effectively on carpet.
Weighing just 11.4 lbs, the canister is surprisingly easy to move around. However, you won’t have to do it often, thanks to a wand and hose that gives this vacuum a 29.5 foot cleaning radius. The C1 comes with a dusting brush, crevice tool and upholstery tool that clip to a holder on the base of hose.
Miele’s AirClean system uses filters in combination with a HEPA filtration bag to remove allergens. This bag holds 4.76 quarts of dirt.
Miele covers the C1 with a 7 year warranty on the motor and casing, while parts and labor on the entire vacuum is covered for one year.
Best Stick Vacuum
Lightweight stick vacuums are immensely popular. I suppose this would be because they are so easy to use and don’t take up much storage space. Smaller dust cups might mean more regular emptying, but this doesn’t seem to deter most vacuum cleaner buyers. They often have a removable canister, converting easily into a handheld vacuum. Adding to the ease of use, most manufacturers are now turning toward, high-efficiency battery powered technology.
7. Shark Vertex HZ2002 Corded Stick Vacuum
Do you need something that works on pet hair, and want something smaller than an upright? Are you looking for a better way to clean stairs? Then the Shark Vertex HZ2002 corded stick vacuum may be just what you’re looking for.
The updated DuoClean Powerfins head on the HZ2002 cleans using a pair of rollers. One roller uses fine bristles to lift dirt out of carpet and pick up small debris, while the other roller has fins that pick up everything from dirt to pebbles and cereal.
The result is a vacuum that can pick up any type of dirt on any surface. It also has the best self-cleaning system on the market. You may go months before you need to remove wrapped hair from the rollers, even if you have pets.
The head of this stick vacuum can attach directly to the vacuum head or an accessory. The same goes for the wand, which means you can use any combination of components for the job at hand. Vacuuming stairs? Use the AZ2002 in handheld mode with the 8 inch wide head attached. Need to clean out the cobwebs on your ceiling? Snap the crevice tool onto the wand to reach up high. At under three pounds, this vacuum is easy to manage in any mode.
There are a couple drawbacks to the Vertex’s design. The vacuum can’t support itself, so you have to lean it on something when you set it down. However, the motor can hang from a wand-mounted hook, letting the vacuum stand upright during storage. The motor also isn’t the most powerful in this segment at 680 watts, but this is understandable considering the low weight.
The HZ2002 is backed by a 5 year warranty.
8. Shark APEX DuoClean ZS360
When you want a stick vacuum that can handle serious cleaning, few do it better than Shark’s APEX DuoClean. This is largely thanks to the new “Zero-M” head. It has teeth that automatically remove pet hair on brush bar. The Duo Clean head combines this bar with a soft roller, giving the ZS360 the ability to pick up every type of dirt and debris from sand to cereal on any surface.
At 600 watts, the motor power is about average in this segment. However, the superior sealing ability of the new head helps this vacuum punch above its weight. The dust cup has a 0.74 quart capacity, which is large for a stick vacuum. Total weight is 10 lbs.
The APEX Shark stick vacuum has LED lights built into the motor and head, so you can see what you’re picking up, whether you’re using the full vacuum, or you removed the tube to turn it into a hand vac. Shark includes a standard crevice tool, a long crevice tool with a brush, and a pet hair tool with this model. The ZS360 has pre- and post-motor filters, but this vacuum is not HEPA certified.
This vacuum cleaner is backed by a 5 year warranty, far longer than you’ll get with a cordless vacuum.
9. Dyson V11
The V11 Animal is the best cordless vacuum period! So naturally it comes with a heavy price tag. It is the benchmark standard. All other cordless vacuums are measured against it. The V11 packs more power and a longer battery life than anything else on the market. It’s also one of the most expensive cordless vacuums on the market, but we think the price is justified considering its superior performance.
The motor has two speeds: Eco and Boost. On its lowest speed, this vacuum can run up to 60 minutes on a charge. That’s longer than anything else on the market. There’s also an auto mode that switches between the two speeds as needed, balancing power and battery drain based on information from a built-in load sensor.
Dyson says users can expect this vacuum to run about 20% longer than their Cyclone V10. The larger battery adds weight, but this model still weighs under 7 lbs. Suction power in boost mode is on par with most mid-range upright vacuums.
This vacuum isn’t certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. However, it does have a HEPA filter and tight-sealing cyclone filtration system, a rarity in this segment.
The Animal head has the same advantages as it does on other Dyson vacuum cleaners. However, it handles thick carpeting better, thanks to adjustable gates. When open, the gates reduce vacuum pressure, so the head can move freely on thick carpeting. The brush bar doesn’t self clean, but it also doesn’t get tangles of pet hair on it as easily as most cordless vacuums. Early models had trouble with the brush roller breaking away from the drive system. Dyson has addressed this problem by upgrading the attachment point between these components.
The Dyson cordless stick vacuum includes a mini-motorized tool for picking up pet hair, a crevice tool, a “stubborn dirt” brush, and a combination brush/crevice tool. Removing the wand turns this model into a handheld vacuum, making it perfect for pickup up pet hair and dirt off of furniture, curtains and vents. When you’re done, you can slide the V11 into a wall-mounted charger for storage.
Dyson covers the entire vacuum with a 2 year warranty.
10. Tineco A11 Hero Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Technically, the Dyson V11 should take the coveted top spot as the best stick vacuum. At least, that would be my take on things. Though we can’t look past the glaringly obvious elephant in the room, the huge price tag attached to the V11. Because the Tineco A11 is a good deal cheaper than the Dyson equivalent, it could make better sense. Generally, it has most of the same advantages. The A11 has a powerful 450W motor and utilizes outstanding battery technology.
In terms of design, the Tineco A11 cordless stick vacuum is superb. It’s elegant, blissfully lightweight and wonderfully practical. Durable materials and expert engineering make this a high-quality item. The batteries are great, using the low power setting, you can easily work for up to 60-minutes. Though this means using two batteries. Fortunately, your purchase includes both batteries and the Powerhouse charging station is capable of charging both batteries simultaneously. Suction is comparable to any of the best cordless vacuums (battery-powered or cordless), and the A11 is deceptively quiet for such a powerful machine.
Like so many cordless stick vacuums, the Tineco A11 converts into a handheld vac in seconds. Despite the beautifully compact and lightweight (5.5 LBS) design, the A11 has a huge dust cup, 0.6 liters (20.2 Ounces). This dust cup has a press button release to empty function, similar to those found on Dyson, Shark, and other top vacuum cleaners. The 4-stage fully sealed filtration is amongst the best I’ve seen. They also include a handy prefilter cleaning tool and an additional microfiber filter cartridge.
Best Bagged Upright Vacuum
Bagged vs bagless vacuums, which is best? Bagless vacuums save you money, you don’t have to buy replacement bags. Though bags are more convenient when it comes to hassle-free emptying, you just remove the bag and toss it into the trash without any dust or mess. Bags also help with filtration by using the fiber of the bag to clean the air, reducing the need for a complex array of filters that need regular cleaning. Bagged vacuums usually hold more debris than the dust cups of bagless vacuums.
11. Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS
You would think a “commercial” vacuum has tons of power. However, that’s not the case with the XL2100RHS. Performance-wise, it’s on par with a good stick vacuum. Instead, this professional vacuum is built primarily for people who will be using it all day. That means maximum comfort and easy maintenance. It’s also surprisingly cheap, yet manages to provide HEPA filtration.
The XL2100RHS has some problems. This vacuum is one of the loudest made today. Suction power is in line with other commercial vacuums, which means it only has about half as powerful as the top upright bagless vacuums. There are no attachments or wand included, so it only vacuums floors.
Where this vacuum really shines is its ease of use. It weighs just 9 lbs, so it’s easy to move around. It also comes with Oreck’s forward-mounted “helping hand” handle, which won award from the Arthritis Foundation for comfort. The Commercial XL also has a 35 foot cord. That’s on the short side for a commercial vacuum, but far longer than most residential vacuums. This vacuum has automatic height adjustment. The beater bar can’t be shut off. However, a rubber seal behind the bar traps dirt on flat surfaces, making the XL effective on flooring. These features make this vacuum the easiest-to-use model you can buy, especially if you have mobility or grip problems.
The ease of use also extends to maintenance. The belt can be replaced via a side door held in by a single screw. Storage for extra belt is built into the base. This vacuum cleaner also has a non-marring bumper that prevents scuffs on walls and furniture. It can be pulled off and replaced by hand. The bag holds 11 quarts of dust, so replacements will be infrequent. Fit and finish is also far better than you’d expect for the price tag. When used with a HEPA filter bag, this is the cheapest vacuum you can get that can effectively remove allergens.
Oreck backs this vacuum with a 1 year warranty for residential and commercial use.
Best Budget Upright Vacuum
Along with producing some of the best high-end vacuums, Bissell have some amazing more affordable options. When buying cheap products, on a budget, it’s understandable that one would be concerned about quality and after sales service. That’s what makes the budget-friendly Bissell products such a great buy. They may not be the very cheapest; but can compete well when it comes to affordability. The best part is that you’re buying a Bissell product, a recognized brand, concerned with upholding a solid reputation and have an established customer friendly support network.
It is little wonder then that our choice for the best budget upright vacuum hails from this respected brand.
12. BISSELL Cleanview 2252
In most cases, inexpensive vacuums aren’t worth buying. They have low power motors that burn out easily and plastics that crack at the slightest provocation. Their poor manufacturing quality creates leaks that force dust out as soon as it’s picked up. However, the Bissell Cleanview manages to avoid most of these pitfalls. This makes it one of the few budget vacuum cleaners worth looking at.
This vacuum cleaner has a 13.5 inch cleaning width, which is wide in any segment. It weighs a hefty 17.7 lbs, but thanks to swivel steering, this weight isn’t that noticeable.
The dust cup looks massive, but since the fill line is only 1/3 up the side, it only holds a quart of dust. The cup and filter use a single button release, and it’s easy to disassemble for thorough cleaning. The 25 foot power cord will have you hunting for an outlet more frequently than other vacuums.
The Cleanview has a washable filter, but it’s not HEPA certified. Suction power is about a third of what you’ll get from high end vacuums, but the head design works to make the most of this power. It’s even effective at drawing dirt from crevices, something even top quality vacuums struggle with. There’s no way to shut off the brush roller, so dirt and dust is flung away before it can be picked up. However, carpet performance is generally good, thanks in part to a manual height adjuster. Lift it all the way, and it can pick up large debris, even on shag carpet.
The triple action brush head doesn’t have the trick hair removal systems found in higher end vacuums. However, the action of this beater bar will push most of the pet hair you pick up into the dust cup. This makes it a great choice for pet owners on a budget. Bissell also includes a pet hair head, which is great on stairs, and a corner head attachment.
The 2252 has a two year warranty, which is longer than many pricier vacuums.
Best Robot Vacuum
Improvements in battery technology, intelligent computer controls, better capacity and all sorts of upgrades over the years have placed robot vacuums at the top of the wish list for many homeowners. Let’s face it, no one looks forward to vacuuming their homes. So, if you have a competent bot to do it for you, it’s worth paying for. Even though robot vacuums have become more affordable over the years, the top models are expensive.
13. iRobot Roomba i7+ (7550) Robot Vacuum
iRobot practically invented the robot vacuum industry, and they continue to be a leader in the segment The i7+ comes with the company’s latest innovations, including better mapping, increased power, and, most importantly, a better dust collection system.
One of the biggest annoyances with robot vacuum cleaners is the dust bin. It has to be tiny to fit in these units, which means it may need to be emptied several times before the robot can vacuum your entire house. The i7+ has a 0.48 quart dust bin, which is smaller than previous iRobot models. However, that’s not a problem thanks to the Clean Base. It acts as both a recharging station and dirt container.
When the vacuum docks, it reverses motor flow, pushing debris into a small bag at the top of the base. iRobot says this bag can store up to 60 days of dirt. That means your vacuum can clean your whole house without human intervention. The base bag blocks allergens, but the vacuum itself isn’t HEPA certified. The new Smart Mapping system doesn’t just map out your house, it also identified different rooms. That means you can tell it to vacuum a specific room or area. The app lets you schedule vacuuming times by room. It also supports multiple maps, so the vacuum can clean homes with more than one story. “No zones” can be set to avoid obstacles, like your dog’s water dish.
A self-adjusting plate helps keep the rollers close to the floor for better suction. The i7+ runs at 17 CFM all the time, which was the high speed on earlier models. One charge can keep the vacuum running for 75 minutes, while recharging takes 120 minutes. It’s also significantly quieter than its predecessors. Like other vacuum cleaners in this segment, it’s not great for deep cleaning, nor can it reach edges or corners.
At 3.6 inches tall, this vacuum can slip under furniture. However, it struggles with climbing steep door thresholds.
iRobot offers a 1 year warranty on the i7+.
14. iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum
Buying a cheap robotic vacuum is not the best idea if the brand is unknown. These are sophisticated machines and only a few companies have invested in the best technology. So, what do you do if you can’t afford the high price of the latest models from top brands?
Bargain hunters should find great solace in the idea that older models from brands like iRobot are much cheaper than the current top-rated offerings. Robotic technology changes so quickly. The ultimate top of the line bot of today is going to be second best in a year or two. This means that with each new model, the older version becomes cheaper.
That makes the Roomba 675 such great value for money. Costing a third or less of the price you’d be paying for the latest model from iRobot, the i7+, the 675 still offers you much more than many of the current models from other brands.
The older technology used in the 675 means it’s not quite as powerful as the 900 series or i7+. It’s not quite as smart but still has most of the essentials that you find on the newer models. This model has the 3-stage cleaning system that makes all modern Roombas so effective across the entire home. It also has the Auto Adjust cleaning head, adapting to the varying types of floors surfaces in your home.
For a cheap product using older technology, the fact that the Roomba 675 offers the convenience of the HOME App, is more than a bargain. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Proof that older technology from iRobot is still more advanced than many of the new cheap robot vacs out there.
Best Vacuum Cleaner for Carpets
Vacuum cleaners designed to clean carpets are generally more expensive. They need better suction and, to effectively clean deep pile carpets, a good bristle brush roll is essential. All vacuum cleaners perform well on hard floors, thin carpets and area rugs, few are the best for thick plush carpets.
If you want the best vacuum for carpets, you should expect a higher price tag. So, the two models chosen for this section of the review are amongst the most expensive.
15. Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Ball Multi Floor 2
The Ball Multi Floor 2 is basically a lighter, cheaper version of the Animal 2. On paper, it also seems less powerful. However, due to a similar head design and 1,400 watt motor, suction performance is actually very close between the two models. The brush roller agitates carpeting more than anything else on the market, which helps it remove dust.
This vacuum cleaner is also certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Between the high power, agitation, and filtration performance, this vacuum performs better on short pile carpets than any other vacuum available today.
The self-adjusting head maintains suction as you move between floors and carpet, as well as carpet of different lengths. However, it struggles with deep pile carpets, pulling so hard that it’s difficult to move the vacuum. The gate on the head of the vacuum is also too low for larger debris, like cereal and clumps of pet hair. However, it still does better at picking up this dirt than the Animal 2.
A weight of 15.6 lbs. isn’t bad for a vacuum this powerful, and Dyson’s trademark ball makes it very easier to maneuver than the weight suggests. The instant release wand is easy to remove for spot cleaning, and the extra long hose gives this vacuum the reach of a canister vac. A 31 foot cord also means you won’t have to stop frequently to switch to different sockets while vacuuming.
Dyson backs the Ball Multi Floor 2 with a 5 year parts and labor warranty.
16. Miele Complete C3
Miele has a reputation for building the most reliable vacuums available today. Add in plentiful dealer support, and you have a vacuum that’s easy to get repaired if it ever breaks down. However, it’s the flexibility of their C3 vacuum cleaner that makes it such a great pick for cleaning carpets.
Inside the canister, you’ll find a 1,200 watt motor. It’s controlled by foot switches on the canister, letting you choose between 6 power settings. This lets you use maximum power for deep cleaning and hard floors, and low power for cleaning rugs without having them get stuck to the cleaning head. The vacuum also has an automatic setting, which can sense when you move between floors and carpeting.
There’s a second motor in the cleaning head that spins the brush bar. This vacuum cleaner head can be set to 5 heights, covering everything from bare floors to shag carpeting. A separate hard floor nozzle is included. However, Miele says this model provides the best performance on low and medium pile carpet.
A telescopic wand and long hose lets the head reach up to 36 feet, so you’ll rarely need to move the canister. Attachments are hidden in compartment underneath the canister’s lid. These include an upholstery nozzle, a crevice nozzle and a dusting brush.
This vacuum uses 4.6 quart high filtration bags and a HEPA filter, making it highly effective at removing allergens.
The C3 only has a 3 year warranty, while higher end models have 10 years. However, you aren’t going to notice a difference in build quality.
17. Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner
This is one of the few vacuum cleaners designed specifically for carpets of every description. The sonic vibration technology is truly unique, and it is also designed to move effortlessly on thick carpet, something most other vacuum cleaners fail at. This model has been reviewed under the heading: Best Bagged Upright Vacuum. You can get the full review by scrolling back to this section.
18. Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet
While the Rotator focuses on pet hair removal with its tools, it also shares a lot of the trademark features that people love in their Shark vacuums. The end result is a great vacuum for cleaning carpets, even if you don’t own pets.
On this model, Shark’s lift away mode converts this from an upright vacuum to a sort of canister vacuum. Instead of separating the head from the wand, the motor separates from the rest of the vacuum.
This lets you carry the motor in one hand, while sliding the wand and head around over carpets, hard floors and under furniture. Removing the weight of the motor can make the lightweight head grab onto the carpet, but this doesn’t happen on bare floors with the brush bar turned off. A 30 foot cord gives you plenty of reach between outlets, while a switch on the handle adjusts the head for floors, short and long carpet. The fixed head height can cause problems with shag carpeting, but it works fine everywhere else.
The 1,150 watt motor isn’t paired with the latest Shark head, but this is still one of the most powerful vacuums on the market. Shark includes a pet multi-tool, pet power brush and 12 inch crevice tool for cleaning on stairs and around furniture. The power brush removes dust and dirt from upholstery, and has an independent motor to lift pet hair. This model does not include a canister cart or bare floor attachment, despite these parts being listed on some websites.
LED lights on the nozzle and handle make it easy to see what you’re cleaning. This model has HEPA filtration with complete seal technology, so the dust you pick up doesn’t leave the vacuum.
Shark backs the Rotator with a 7 year warranty.
Best Vacuum Cleaner for Hardwood Floors
If you have hardwood floors in your home, they are probably your pride and joy. An investment like this is worth preserving. Keeping your hardwood floors gleaming and scratch-free requires a vacuum designed to gently clean and polish as it vacuums.
The great thing about vacuums for any type of hard floor, is that they generally cost less than those designed for carpets. Hardwood floors require a good soft brush roll, more than what you’d use for other hard surfaces, like tiles. While these machines are certainly the best for hardwood floors, they are also the best for any hard floor and are perfectly capable on thin carpet and area rugs.
19. Shark Navigator NV356e
The NV356E is the top-of-the-line vacuum in Shark’s popular 300 series. While it may look similar to other models in this line, it has unique features that make it superior for cleaning hardwood floors.
Despite packing a 1,200 watt motor, this vacuum cleaner weighs just 13.7 lbs. Suction is in line with Shark’s other 300 Series models, so you should expect better than average performance.
Shark’s Complete Seal system keeps dust from exiting between seals on the vacuum’s components. This makes the HEPA filter effective at removing fine dust and allergens while you clean. The dust cup holds 2.2 quarts, almost double the capacity of the NV352 and NV360. The beater bar can be turned off by flipping a switch, so you can go between carpet and floors with ease.
Shark’s Lift Away system lets you remove the head, turning this into a sort of canister vacuum that you carry. This makes it convenient for vacuuming stairs and high areas. It’s also great for cleaning floors, since this lets you slide the wand under and between legs on chairs and tables. The NV356E has a 5 foot hose, giving you plenty of reach. It also comes with a 30 foot cord, 5 feet longer than the other 300 models.
The Lift-Away Pro comes with a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and a powered pet brush for picking up pet hair. You can also fit this vacuum cleaner with Shark’s optional Hard Floor Hero attachment, which has a reusable microfiber pad behind the head. This lets you vacuum and do some light mopping with each pass.
Shark backs this vacuum with a 5 year warranty.
20. Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Elite
Hoover is a legend in the world of vacuum cleaners and the brand is renowned for high-quality at a very reasonable price. To this end, the Hoover ONEPWR bagless vacuum could possibly be the best budget vacuum for hardwood floors. An incredible price from a brand with a legacy for the most part of a century.
Non-marring wheels and superb soft brush roll are exactly what you need for the best results on hardwood floors. Then there are a few bonus features. Side bristles clean right up to the walls and an extra wide front opening makes the Hoover perfect at gobbling up large debris from hard floors.
The sleek design and low weight of around 8-pounds can be a little deceptive. The Hoover ONEPWR is a breeze to use around the home and a fully reclining handle, along with a low profile design, is perfect for cleaning under furniture. Although slim and elegant, the little linx is incredibly powerful, thanks to the cyclonic suction and wind tunnel technology. Washable filters are another money saver.
There are no fancy gadgets on the Hoover ONEPWR. Good old-fashioned quality design and build, with very little to go wrong, make this a sound investment. Without spending a fortune, you’re buying one of the best vacuums for hardwood floors that is lightweight and easy to use.
What Do I Need to Look for in a Good Vacuum Cleaner?
There’s no one best vacuum cleaner. Like many products, the best vacuum cleaner is the one that fits your needs, whether that includes hard floors, thick carpet, or hard-to-reach areas.
What Features Should I Look For in a Vacuum?
Increasing motor power usually increases cleaning power, but a good cleaning head design can be equally as important. Too much power can make it difficult to clean rugs and curtains, while heads that sit too close to the ground can't pick up pet hair. For effective cleaning on bare floors, you must be able to turn off the brush bar.
HEPA filtration removes particles that can trigger allergies and asthma, but it must be paired with tight seals. Cheap vacuums have poor fit and finish, creating leaks that let particles escape before they reach the filter. Bagged vacuums are the way to go for inexpensive HEPA filtration.
Weight isn’t everything. While a lightweight vacuum will always be easy to maneuver, a good steering system can make a heavy vacuum seem lighter.