Key Features
Dual-action floor suitability
Anti-allergen complete seal
Lift away canister
Powerful and lightweight
Easy control swivel steering
Accessories included
Our best choice for the best HEPA vacuum is the Shark Navigator Upright HEPA Filter Lift Away Vacuum. The dual-action design makes it suitable for both hard floors and carpets, and it boasts an anti-allergen seal that will protect allergy sufferers from the worst particles and pet dander, enhancing comfort and air quality.
The lift-away canister helps you tackle hard-to-reach areas, while its lightweight design will provide one of the best experiences around for comfort. This vacuum is also easy to use, with a swivel head that allows you to glide through the house and between furniture. It doesn’t have the best balance, so it may topple over, and we wish the hose was longer. However, most will consider these minor issues.
Pros
25 foot cord length
1200 watts
Brush roll shutoff
Suitable for hard-to-reach areas
Cons
Not as balanced as we’d like
Hose could be longer
Key Features
Deep cleaning performance
Self-cleaning function
Powerful floor and carpet cleaning
Anti-allergen complete seal technology
Easy swivel steering
Lift-away mode
If you need a vacuum cleaner that offers power and reliability, the Shark Navigator Upright Zero-M Anti-Allergen HEPA Filter Vacuum is our best upright pick, standing up confidently amongst a range of options.
We love the deep cleaning performance that digs into the heavy carpet and removes trodden in the dirt, while the self-cleaning function minimizes maintenance and ensures consistent quality for many years to come. It’s safe for allergy sufferers, too, while the swivel steering ensures convenience. Despite this, the lack of cord rewind makes storage cumbersome, and there’s also nowhere to store the accessories, so you’ll need to keep an eye on them to ensure you get all the benefits its range of attachments bring.
Pros
Dual modes
Lightweight design
800 watts
25 – 30 foot power cord
Cons
No cord rewind
No accessory storage port
3. Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance HEPA Media Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
3 colors
Suitable for hard floor and carpet
Windtunnel 3 technology
13 powerful suction cyclones
On/Off brush roll
Pet Hair Turbo tool
Many people consider Hoover as one of the best vacuum brands, and the Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance HEPA Media Vacuum Cleaner makes an excellent case for this. It is suitable for hardwood and carpet, and the Windtunnel technology provides some of the deepest cleaning and high suction that we have found.
It makes this possible with 13 powerful cyclones that prevent suction loss, whether you’re vacuuming for ten minutes or for an hour. The Pet Hair Turbo tool also provides versatility, as does the extra-wide nozzle and cleaning path. Some may find it too heavy, especially with a large house, and the tank can be tricky to detach. Other than this, though, it’s one of those vacuums that continues to impress with every application.
Pros
Ideal for homes with pets
Extra-wide nozzle
15 foot reach
Easy fingertip controls
Cons
Might be too heavy
Tank is difficult to detach
4. Hoover WindTunnel 2 Rewind HEPA Filter Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
Dual Action surface suitability
Hand control operation
Hassle-free cord rewind
Deep cleaning power
16 foot extended reach
1.29 liter dirt cup
For vacuums that provide the best value of all options, consider the Hoover WindTunnel 2 Rewind HEPA Filter Vacuum Cleaner. Its dual-action approach makes it ideal for multiple hard floors, and simple operation is most clear with the fingertip touch controls.
Hassle-free cord rewind is also present, as is deep cleaning power and extended reach for high areas infested with cobwebs. For households with pets, this is another great option, so much so that you’ll never fret about stray cat hairs all over the sofas ever again. It’s quite heavy, though, and the cord doesn’t offer the mobility that we love from our vacuum cleaners. Still, this makes it a suitable choice for smaller spaces.
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Pros
Great for pet hair
Advanced anti-allergen block technology
Range of accessories
No suction loss
Cons
On the heavy side
Cord could be a longer
5. Hoover WindTunnel MAX Bagged Upright HEPA Vacuum
Key Features
Three-channel dirt removal
30 foot power cord
15-inch nozzle
Above-the-floor cleaning convenience
One-touch bag door release
Low maintenance care
With three-channel dirt removal, 30-foot power cord, and 15-inch nozzle, the Hoover WindTunnel MAX Bagged Upright HEPA Vacuum covers a range of demands and is an excellent choice for residential and commercial applications.
The one-touch bag door release is healthy and convenient, while above-the-floor cleaning will allow you to reach high places that you can’t always manage with other vacuums. It easy to care for, making it one of the best HEPA vacuum choices around and ensuring a long lifespan. There’s also a powerful and dependable motor. However, this will add to the weight which could make maneuverability tricky for multiple stories and tight spaces.
Pros
Adjustable nozzle
Ideal for allergy sufferers
Less scattered dirt
Single-pass performance
Cons
Bristles may be too short
Powerful motor means there is more weight
6. Vacmaster Pro 8 Gallon Certified HEPA Wet/Dry Vacuum
Key Features
8 gallon crush-proof tank
Certified HEPA system
2-stage industrial motor
78 inch water lift
30 foot cord length
4 stage filtration
Our shop vac pick is definitely one of the best vacuum cleaners that you will find. The mighty, impressive, and mightily impressive Vacmaster Pro 8 Gallon Certified HEPA Wet/Dry Vacuum delivers durability, high performance, and enduring quality that will provide everything a professional cleaner needs.
The certified HEPA vacuum system and 4-stage filtration provide quality results and excellent air quality, removing allergens and keeping the area safe for those suffering from allergies. The 2-stage industrial motor delivers fantastic power, while the water lift adds extra elements to its overall performance. It’s durable and boasts a range of storage options for the cord and hose, but replacement bags are expensive, and you may need an adapter to plug it in, making it only really suitable for the pros.
Pros
Rear storage caddy
Ideal for industrial and commercial demands
10 foot crush-proof hose
Power cord storage hook
Cons
Replacement bags are expensive
Adapter required for accessories
7. Atrix HEPA Backpack Vacuum
Key Features
1400 watts
Ergonomic backpack design
8-quart HEPA filter
Range of included attachments
106 CFM output
Lightweight, safe, and low profile
For convenience and mobility, the Atrix HEPA Backpack Vacuum is arguably the best overall backpack pick for all vacuum cleaners on the market. It’s small and portable, but still boasts fantastic power and performance that allows it to stand up with the very best upright vacuum and canister vacuum products.
It’s also comfortable and includes an 8-quart HEPA filtration system that will improve air quality wherever you go. Besides this, the low-profile design makes it easy to store, and if you need the best vacuum for large areas, this could be the answer, especially if you’re working in a professional capacity. For added versatility, it will convert to a blower for garden application, too. The vacuum comes with a range of accessories, but these can be tricky to keep organized as they don’t always stay on the belt. The base also gets very hot, too, which could impact how long you can use it.
Pros
Suitable for commercial or residential applications
Comfortable and portable vacuuming
Ideal for sizeable areas
Converts into a blower
Cons
Accessories do not clip to belt easily
Bottom of the backpack heats up quickly
8. Atrix AHC-1 Turbo Canister Vacuum
Key Features
Dual Action and upholstery suitability
6 quart HEPA bag filtration
3 variable speed suction
Telescopic metal wand
Variety of attachments included
1400 watts
The Atrix AHC-1 Turbo Canister Vacuum is a fantastic option if you are looking for the best canister pick for your vacuum cleaner. The 6-quart HEPA bagh filtration removes dangerous particles and tracks them, without allowing them back into the air to ensure consistent quality, while the three variable suction speeds make it suitable for a range of surfaces.
With a telescopic metal wand, you can prevent back strain and poor posture while also reaching those high corners, and even do your vacuuming from the comfort of your sofa if you’re feeling especially lazy. There are a variety of attachments included, too, giving further versatility that ensures top-quality cleaning. However, as the cord is only 20 feet long, you don’t get the mobility that other vacuums offer, and the lack of a carry handle means it’s as convenient as other best HEPA vacuums that we have selected.
Pros
Ideal for home and office
Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Suitable for hardwood floors
6 foot hose
Cons
Cord is only 20 feet long
No top carry handle
9. Miele Electro+ Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
Suitable for hard floors
1200 watts
Air clean seal system
3.5 liter filter bag
Electrobrush for intensive deep cleaning
Telescopic suction wand
For our premium pick of the best HEPA vacuum cleaners, the Miele Electro+ Canister Vacuum Cleaner will provide endless satisfaction that stands up to similar models from the Miele brand. This includes the Miele Complete C3 as well as the Kenmore Elite vacuum. Its air clean seal system is perfect for allergy sufferers, and while it may not boast the convenience of an upright vacuum, the swivel head at the end of the wand is still easy to maneuver.
It also comes with an effective Miele Electrobrush for deep cleaning, and the 3.5-liter bag gives you plenty of space and reduces replacement frequency. There are 3 accessories included which sit comfortably in the Miele accessory port, but the cord is not as long as other options, and it’s difficult to store, especially when compared to upright vacuum alternatives.
Pros
Suction control dial
Easy to remove and replace filter bag
Pure suction floorhead
3 accessories plus storage compartment
Cons
Cord could be longer
Difficult to store due to size
Features To Consider With HEPA Vacuums
Fillters
You should expect a vacuum that claims to use a HEPA filter will have one. However, some vacuums do not use a certified HEPA model, but rather something similar, yet ultimately inferior. When searching for HEPA vacuum cleaners, it's essential that you identify one that uses a legitimate HEPA filter to guarantee superb filtration and improved air quality. If not, you risk exacerbating an allergy which may earn you some problems along the way.
Weight
Vacuum cleaners are not the heaviest of household items, but some of them still boast considerable weight. This is usually related to the size of the motor, but also the size of the vacuum overall. While this may not seem like a colossal problem, it can make the vacuum difficult to maneuver throughout the house and could make it an issue to carry upstairs. An upright vacuum is usually lighter, but this is not true all the time, while a canister vacuum can be more cumbersome to navigate due to the uneven weight distribution.
Noise Level
We all know that vacuum cleaners can be noisy; it is something that we accept as part of the system. Again, the noise level will be impacted by the size and power of the motor, so you need to find a decent balance between power and low noise. This is especially true if you live with pets or in an apartment with thin walls. You don't want to make your neighbors up too early on a Sunday morning, after all. Some vacuums will come with low-noise settings, although this could impact their effectiveness.
Power
The higher the power, the more suction you can enjoy, and the more effective your vacuuming will be. As we've already mentioned, however, high power can impact the weight and noise level. A powerful motor is ideal for carpets where dust, dirt, pet hair, and debris are trodden in, as it digs deep into the fibers to clean them, making your carpets as good as new.
Accessories
Vacuums with a wide range of accessories will maximize your vacuuming potential and allow you to clean a variety of different areas of the home with ease. This can include crevice tools for getting between cushions and in other tight spaces, while a pet hair tool will remove pet dander and help fight your allergy. You may also want to look for upholstery tools for vacuums to clean sofas, and it's also useful to have a compartment to store these accessories so you don't lose them.
Cord Length
A long cord length is very useful if you live in a large house. It means you don't need to unplug the vacuum cleaner when moving between rooms and allows you better mobility. Long cord power cords will also avoid the possibility of you accidentally tugging at and stretching the plug which could damage the parts. To completely avoid this problem, you can get a robot vacuum.
Suction
High suction is another feature that you should consider, especially for carpets that have not been cleaned often enough. A powerful suction system is another way to guarantee that dirt and dust are sufficiently loosened from the ground, leaving a clean path wherever you go. Some vacuums will offer suction control settings, which enable to you select a specific level depending on the surface you are cleaning.
Carpet Type
There is not one single type of carpet that you may have in your home. Some may be thick, heavy carpets, while others may be thinner, with more delicate fibers. Ideally, you need a HEPA vacuum that offers an option for both, as you can find with Miele vacuums, as well as the ability to clean hard floors and upholstery. When searching for the perfect option, look for vacuums that give you an On/Off brush roll selection to prevent any damage to the floor. If you have a hardwood floor or parquet, you should probably get a steam cleaner or a steam mop.
Capacity
The final feature to consider is the dust bowl capacity. The higher the capacity, the less frequently you will need to empty and replace it. This is ideal for large spaces, as bigger houses may require you to empty the dust bowl several times before completing your vacuuming. For smaller spaces, you won't need as large of capacity, but you should still make sure to empty it regularly. Otherwise, it could clog up, as there is no more room for dust and debris to settle.
HEPA Vacuum FAQ
Q: Are all HEPA filters the same?
Not all HEPA filters for vacuums are the same. This is because there is a range of different HEPA filter brands that have their own unique way of developing and manufacturing HEPA filters. Because of this, the quality and effectiveness may vary between the different models and vacuum cleaners.
The differences may be subtle, but they are there. Some HEPA brands use an ionizer with an electronic charge, whereas other options rely on removing airborne particles and bacteria to provide the best air quality.
You should also be careful when purchasing a vacuum that claims to use HEPA-like or air filters. While these will still provide filtration, they do not compare to legitimate HEPA filters, and they will not provide the sufficient air filtration you need to ensure comfort for allergy sufferers and removing pet hair from the carpets and upholstery. They may only be able to remove as much as 3 microns. While this sounds suitable sometimes, a legitimate HEPA-Pure filter, like those found in the Kenmore Elite or Miele, will remove microns as small as 0.3.
To ensure that you do not fall victim to this, look for a certified HEPA filter with at least 99.97% filtration performance. Anything less will not provide the best overall performance and will not ensure excellent air quality.
Q: How many times can you wash a HEPA filter?
Experts recommend that you wash your HEPA filter every three to six months. This will allow it to filter allergens, including dust and 0.3 microns, most effectively without potentially damaging the filter system from over-washing. You should only do this if it specifically states that your filter is reusable and/or washable. Otherwise, you risk damaging it beyond use.
The more you use it, the dirtier it will get, however. Because of this, you will need to consider the dust levels where you live, and it could mean that you will need to clean your filter more frequently. Despite the advice, you shouldn’t be afraid to clean your filter more often if you believe it is not working as it should. You can also check your user manual to find out how often you should clean your filter, and this will typically vary depending on the brand of a vacuum cleaner.
When you come to clean your filter, you should rinse it under a running tap, tap the dust away into a bowl, or use another vacuum system to remove excess dust and debris that is clinging to the filter. When you have finished, wipe it and allow it to dry before placing it back in your vacuum. If you take proper care of your filter, it is likely that you can use it for years without requiring a replacement.
Q: How do HEPA filters work?
Standing for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, a HEPA filter will use one of two types of filtration system to trap dust and dirt, cleaning the air and limiting air pollution from allergens and microns in the process. Unlike a standard filter that works a lot like a sieve that traps some debris but allows smaller particles through, a HEPA filter relies on one (or more) outer filters that trap larger specs of dust or strands of pet or human hair, in this way helping you significantly reduce dust in your home.
However, this is not the end. Inside this filter is another part, which is made from glass fibers and looks a lot like a folded piece of paper. This is used to trap even smaller particles that make it through the exterior system. This part uses three separate systems that catch the particles as it sucks the air in by the motor. By working together, it ensures that 99.97% of dust and debris is removed and not sent back into the air, allowing you to clean or replace it depending on the age of the filter and how well you have taken care of it.
Because of the four-stage system, HEPA filters for vacuums are more reliable and effective compared to a regular filtration system that you find in standard vacuum cleaners. Aside from our selection, you can find these filters in the Kenmore Elite and Miele Complete C3.