The Best Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with HEPA filter
Suction release to adjust power
Weighs 12.5lb
Dust cup capacity of 1.1 quarts
Swivel steering
Known for producing powerful vacuum cleaners, this upright model from Shark is our best choice for vacuuming performance. The Shark Navigator Upright Vacuum Cleaner is incredibly lightweight at just 12.5lb, this machine can be effortlessly moved around to capture dirt in every corner of your home and with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology plus a HEPA filter, this vacuum will trap up to 99.9% of dust and allergens while cleaning. What’s more, the suction release feature allows you to adjust the suction levels so you can get just the right amount of cleaning power, whether you’re using the turbo brush or are vacuuming a loose rug.
Pros
Great suction power
Brilliant edge cleaning
Lightweight; easy to move
Decent attachments
Compact design
HEPA filter improves air quality
Cons
Top-heavy design easy to knock over
Power button in an unusual place
Cord length may be too short for large rooms
2. BISSELL CleanView Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
OnePass and Scatter-Free Technology
Multi-level filtration with washable filters
Onboard storage for attachments
Large capacity, easy-empty dirt tank
25ft power cord and 6ft hose
Coming from Bissell, our cleaners vacuum choice for value is BISSELL CleanView Bagless Vacuum Cleaner with OnePass Technology, powerful suction, and innovative brush design that makes vacuuming quicker and easier than ever. With onboard storage for your attachments and a large capacity, easy-empty dirt tank, plus a 25ft power cord, 6ft hose, and 13.5″ cleaning path, getting a whole room clean takes minutes. The OnePass Brush Roll and Scatter-Free Technology ensure you pick up even the smallest particles on the first go, and it even has a multi-level filtration system and washable filters. If that’s not enough, every purchase helps the BISSELL Pet Foundation rescue homeless pets!
Pros
Lightweight plastic construction
Not too loud
Onboard tool storage
Low profile head fits in small gaps
Easy to detach dust canister
Cons
Need to reach down to adjust settings
Attachments can be tricky to fit
Non-retractable cord
3. Dyson V7 Animal Pro+ Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
Up to 30 minutes of fade-free cleaning with drop-in docking
Comes with attachment and tools
Hygienic bin emptying system
Transforms into a handheld vacuum
Comes with whole-machine filtration
Cord-free, hassle-free, and with strong suction, it’s no surprise Dyson created our Premium Pick of the best vacuums around. The Dyson V7 Animal Pro+ Cordless Vacuum Cleaner includes tools for all your home improvement tasks and even transforms into one of the best handheld vacuum cleaners available. With features like a Direct Dive cleaner head that drives bristles deeper into the carpet and a mini motorized tool, this Dyson removes even the toughest ground-in dirt and dog hair, making it one of the best cordless vacuums available. The hygienic dirt ejector empties the bin in a single action, and with up to 30 minutes of fade-free run time, you don’t need to be restricted by a power cord ever again.
Pros
Quality suction power
Can adjust suction power
Good selection of attachments
Easy to empty; quiet
Lightweight
Great for allergy sufferers and pet owners
Cons
Battery power may not be sufficient for some homes
Need to hold the trigger to keep it on
Bin capacity could be increased
4. Eureka NES210 Blaze 3-in-1 Lightweight Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
Transforms from stick to handheld to stair vacuum cleaner
Swivel steering
18 ft power cord
2 amp motor
Washable filtration system
With a powerful 2amp motor and washable filtration system, the Eureka NES210 Blaze 3-in-1 Lightweight Stick Vacuum Cleaner effortlessly transforms from a stick, handheld, or stair vacuum that picks up the biggest and smallest dirt and debris particles from the floor and air to make your home cleaner and fresher without the hassle. The signature swivel steering makes cleaning easier than ever, and with an 18′ power cord and X-large dust cup you can clean your whole room in one go. What’s more, the onboard storage contains a convenient crevice tool for those hard-to-reach areas.
Pros
Lightweight
Strong suction power
Easy maneuverability
Long power cord
Compact design
Versatile
Sturdy
Rubber wheels don’t scuff
Cons
Container can be tricky to get on/off
Can’t adjust suction power
On/off button slightly inconvenient
Better on bare floors than carpets or rugs
5. BISSELL Featherweight Bagless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
3-in-1 stick, handheld, and stair vacuum
Compact and lightweight
Easy-empty bagless design
2amp motor
Although this has taken the position of best stick vacuum in our list, this BISSELL Featherweight Bagless Stick Vacuum Cleaner is actually a 3-in-1 design, transforming from a stick into a handheld or stair vacuum easily with an included crevice tool for those tricky spots. The powerful suction combined with a lightweight design makes this multi-purpose tool great for cleaning a variety of surfaces, and the easy-to-empty bin ensures cleaning is a breeze. What’s more, the compact design allows easy storage, and every purchase helps the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
Pros
Good suction
Lightweight
Compact
Easy to empty
Not too loud
Versatile
Cons
Power cord could be longer
Small collection chamber
Best for smaller jobs
No onboard attachment storage
6. BISSELL CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
27’ power cord with automatic rewind
Triple-action brush roll and Scatter-Free Technology
1-liter dirt cup capacity
Comes with attachments including specialized pet tools
Weights 16lb
With automatic cord rewind, triple-action brush roll, scatter-free technology, and edge-to-edge cleaning, the BISSELL CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is designed to make your life easier. The machine has been created to effortlessly clean across all different flooring types, flying over bare floors with no scattering and picking up even the most ground-in dirt or pet/dog hair from carpets. With a lightweight design and swivel steering, it’s easy to maneuver, and the onboard storage makes switching attachments incredibly convenient. The multi-cyclone technology keeps all the dirt and debris collected securely in the dirt tank, ready to be emptied easily. What’s more, this product also helps support the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
Pros
Lightweight
Plenty of attachments
Strong suction
Particularly good for collecting hair (human or pet)
Cord rewind
Good maneuverability
Cons
Rotating floor brush can’t be turned off
Pet hair can tangle around rotating brush
Can be loud
7. Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
Highspeed balanced brush roll with double Helix brushes and edge brushes
Weighs just 9lb
12″ cleaning path
Automatic floor adjustment
Disposable, top-filling inner bag
The Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS Upright Vacuum Cleaner is weighing just 9 pounds with automatic floor adjustment technology, this upright vacuum is great for your commercial needs. The 12″ cleaning area ensures you can cover more ground faster, and the vacuum can get up close to any cabinets or baseboards (best baseboard heater) and even fits conveniently underneath most items of furniture, clothes racks, chairs, and desks. The vacuum can be used on practically all furniture without you needing to manually adjust the hight settings, and the ingenious top-fill design ensure you can maintain maximum power even as the bag fills.
Pros
Lightweight
Easy to maintain
Strong suction
Easy to swap bags
Good value
Works on a variety of flooring from the kitchen to the bedroom
Long power cord
Cons
No attachments
Loud
Bag may disconnect when heavy
8. BISSELL Zing 2156A Canister Vacuum
Key Features
15ft power cord with automatic rewind
Weighs under 8lb
Change from carpets to bare floors with a switch
Easy empty dirt cup capacity of 2liters
Includes floor tool, crevice tool, dusting brush
Another pick from BISSELL, the BISSELL Zing 2156A Canister Vacuum is our pick for the best canister vacuum cleaner in our list thanks to the cyclonic action and powerful suction that effortlessly glides over bare floors to carpet with the flick of a switch. With washable DIRT cup filters and a Post Motor filter, this machine captures more dirt and fine particles, and with a 2liter dirt cup capacity, you can go longer without needing to empty your vacuum cleaner. The 15ft power cord retracts with the touch of a button, and the lightweight design (less than 15lb) and swivel steering makes it easy to carry around your home.
Pros
Supports BISSELL Pet Foundation
Strong, adjustable suction
Lightweight
Easy to clean canisters
Comes with accessories
Auto rewind
Cons
No rotating brushes
Power cord could be longer
Loud in some settings
Some attachments are too small for purpose
9. Hoover Linx Signature Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
Powered by Fade-Free, rechargeable, Lithium-Ion batteries
Controls at your fingertips
Multi-floor electronic brush roll works on a variety of flooring
Weighs 10lb
11” nozzle width
Weighing just 10lb and unrestricted by annoying power cords, this cordless stick vacuum is an excellent choice. The Hoover Linx Signature Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner is especially handy if you want to enjoy effortless cleaning with a machine that easily transitions over a variety of carpeted or bare floors and can even lie flat to reach under your furniture. With all the controls at your fingertips and a handy battery gage, you don’t ever need to feel caught out by run time or irritating need to change the settings as you vacuum. Not only that but with the addition of WindTunnel technology, even stubborn embedded dirt can be as easily removed.
Pros
Easy to recharge
Convenient battery gage
Fingertip controls
Easy emptying canister
Good suction
Lightweight
Washable filter
Cons
Running time could be improved
No hose attachment
No swivel steering
10. Black & Decker 3-in-1 Corded Handheld and Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
3-in-1 stick/handheld/stair vacuum cleaner with crevice tool
Swivel steering
16.5ft power cord
Easy-empty 0.65L dust cup
Weighs 2.75lb
Just because you’re on a tight budget shouldn’t mean you can’t experience the best cleaning possible! This model Black & Decker 3-in-1 Corded Handheld and Stick Vacuum Cleaner is lightweight and maneuverable with plenty of suction and low maintenance for everyday use. Easily converting from a stick to handheld to stair vacuum modes and coming with a whole range of attachments, including a crevice tool, this 3-in-1 is perfect for almost any task. There’s no bristle brush but plenty of power, so this vacuum is great on a whole range of surfaces and won’t scratch your bare floors. Plus, the easy-empty bagless bin and washable filters make maintaining the highest performance simple.
Pros
Lightweight
Strong suction power
Relatively quiet
Washable filters
Versatile
Easy assembly
Long power cord
Good attachments
Cons
No rotating brush
Small dust cup
Filter needs regular cleaning
11. Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
Weighs 7lb
Transforms into a handheld vacuum
Swivel steering
Comes with a range of attachments
Never loses suction or power
Offering versatile cleaning power from “floor to ceiling”, the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is a great machine with a lightweight and convenient design coupled with a powerful suction that never looses power. Designed to offer the same cleaning power as a bagless upright, this ultra-light model incorporates swivel steering and all the attachments you might need for your home improvement tasks. The versatile design and attachments let you vacuum everywhere from the highest corners of your ceiling, the narrowest spaces, and underneath furniture. It can even transform into a handheld vacuum cleaner for cleaning the stairs or small areas.
Pros
Lightweight
Versatile
Range of attachments
Can convert to handheld
Easy maneuverability
Strong suction
Compact design
Cons
Attachments not covered under warranty
Can’t stand up on its own
Small dust canister needs regular emptying
12. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
Rechargeable 14V Lithium-Ion battery
Easy-empty large dirt bin
Comes with motorized brush, upholstery tool and crevice tool
Triple level filtration
Up to 17 minutes of continuous run time
Based on BISSELL’s commitment to pets with their Pet Foundation, we’re not surprised to see them creating the best vacuums for pet owners. The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Cordless Hand Vacuum Cleaner is designed specifically with pet fur and dander in mind, this small and lightweight handheld vacuum cleaner picks up more embedded dirt and pet hair. Thanks to a motorized brush tool and triple-level filtration process, even allergens are removed. The rechargeable 14V Lithium-Ion battery provides maximum running time, and the large, easy-emptying dirt bin ensures you can go longer without needing to recharge or empty your vacuum.
Pros
Great for picking up pet hair
Decent running time for a handheld vacuum
Good selection of attachments
Powerful suction
Cons
Slow charging
Crevice tool could be longer
13. Hoover Commercial Lightweight Backpack Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
Weighs 9.2lb
Chiropractor-designed harness
48ft 3-wire quick-change cord
Hypercone filter with HEPA media
Comes with cleaning accessory pack and essential tools
The lightweight design of this commercial backpack vacuum from Hoover ensures maximum mobility and ease of use while the chiropractor designed harness means you can clean for longer without strain. The Hoover Commercial Lightweight Backpack Vacuum has an extra-long 48ft 3-wire quick-change power cord and accessory pack, you don’t need to let anything get in your way when using this powerful yet lightweight beast. If that’s not enough, this Hoover incorporates a hypercone filter made with HEPA media to improve air quality as you go. Able to carry up to 6.4quarts of dust and debris with a clear lid that allows you to see when the bag needs emptying, this is our favorite backpack vacuum cleaner.
Pros
Lightweight
Easy to clean and empty
Comfortable harness
Powerful suction
Versatile
Plenty of attachments
Long extensions and power cord
Cons
No beater brush
Wand can’t be shortened
May take some getting used to
14. iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Key Features
Patented 3-Stage cleaning system
Up to 90-minute running time before automatically docking for recharging
Control from anywhere via the iRobot Home App
Able to connect to Alexa or Google Home for voice control
Auto-adjust cleaning head and sensors allow Roomba to get everywhere
Naturally, the best robot vacuum cleaner really had to be a Roomba! The iRobot Roomba 675 Robot Vacuum Cleaner comes with super-fast Wi-Fi connectivity and can be controlled from anywhere via the iRobot Home App. It’s even compatible with Alexa and Google Home for voice control! The 3 stage cleaning system is able to loosen, lift, and suck every type of dirt or debris from all types of flooring and will automatically adjust the hight as it rolls over carpet or bare floors. The patented Dirt Detector sensors tell Roomba to work harder when needed, and other sensors effortlessly navigate under and around furniture, so you don’t need to worry about a thing. Roomba is able to run for up to 90 minutes before it will take itself to the docking station for recharging before it returns to work. An incredibly smart little machine!
Pros
Automatically returns to charge
Quiet operation
Decent suction
Capable of a variety of flooring
Downloadable app
Works in corners
Cons
May appear haphazard, need to trust Roomba to do its job properly
Can get stuck on unexpected items
Be wary of wet spots
Features To Consider With Vacuum Cleaners
When shopping for vacuums, you'll notice that there are loads of things to consider. To make this decision-making process easier, we've outlined some key features to look for in a vacuum cleaner so you can get the most out of every purchase.
Attachments
Most vacuums come with a whole host of attachments that very few of us use properly! But if you can be bothered to learn what attachment does what we promise, you'll discover a whole new world of thorough cleaning and will wonder how you ever went without! If you want to stick to the basics, however, you should expect vacuums to come with a minimum of a main head and crevice tool. Other useful attachments include a dusting brush, upholstery tool, extension tool, or pet grooming attachment.
Filters
If you have allergies or asthma (or just generally want to improve the air quality of your home while you vacuum), you're going to want a vacuum cleaner with a decent filter. We recommend aiming for a True HEPA filter for the maximum quality clean (don't go for a HEPA-like filter, as these offer nowhere near the same performance). Bear in mind that a good filter won't substitute for a poorly "sealed" vacuum cleaner, as this will stop the filter from working properly. Keep an eye on whether your chosen vacuum cleaner needs the filters replacing or whether you can just wash them.
Noise Level
Unfortunately, vacuum cleaners do tend to be a little noisy while they're running! If this is something that bothers you, check the dBA levels and customer reviews to see whether it seems like the vacuum is going to be too much for you. Generally, big vacuums tend to be noisier as the bigger motors work to remove more dirt.
Cord Length
Naturally, the cord length is going to be an important consideration when you come to actually vacuuming but can easily be overlooked! You want to be sure you can reach every corner of at least one room without having to unplug and move your vacuum cleaner every 5 minutes. If you don't want to worry about cord length, you could consider the best cordless vacuums – but remember batteries only last so long before they need recharging, so check the run time carefully!
Canister Capacity
The next thing to consider is the canister capacity if you go for a canister or bagless vacuum cleaner. The bigger the canister capacity, the longer you can go without needing to empty your vacuum. This should be a particular consideration for pet owners as they'll need to consider the extra pet hair and mess.
Bags
Similarly, if you prefer a bagged vacuum cleaner, consider how large the bags are and how frequently they need to be replaced. Bagless vacuum cleaners are increasingly popular as they can just be emptied without needing new bags. On the other hand, bagged vacuum cleaners tend to be best for allergy sufferers as dust is kept inside the bag.
Energy Efficiency
Whether you're an eco-warrior or are on a budget, you're going to want to consider the energy efficiency of the best vacuum cleaners so you don't have to end up shelling out a small fortune every time you plug in your new device! There are loads of low-energy vacuum cleaners out there these days that perform just as well (if not better) than high-energy alternatives, so don't be turned off if the best vacuum cleaner happens to be 'eco'.
Suction
Although you might think that a vacuum cleaner offering the highest possible suction power would be best, this isn't always the case. The best vacuum cleaner will provide you with control over the suction, with higher settings for solid or carpeted floors and lighter modes that won't damage your flooring or continuously try to suck up your rugs!
Position Of Controls
It might seem obvious, but give some thought to the location of the controls on your vacuum cleaner to make your life considerably easier. Most people like a foot pedal on the main head of the vacuum, and some thought should be given to the placement of other controls such as suction control and where the on/off button is.
Power
Similar to energy efficiency and suction, checking the power levels on your new vacuum can make the difference between your new favorite home improvement tool or a useless machine you'll regret buying.
Weight
If you have loads of stairs in your home, a heavy vacuum cleaner is the last thing you want! That said, sometimes, it's not all about getting the most lightweight device as the weight can help attachments dig deeper into piled carpets. Consider the practicalities of how you intend to use your vacuum and what sort of weight you're comfortable moving around. After all, there's no point in a vacuum cleaner that's too heavy!
Self-Propelled
Also referred to as 'robotic', self-propelled vacuum cleaners will maneuver themselves around your home while you put your feet up! They tend not to be as powerful as regular vacuum cleaners, but sticking on robot vacuums while you're at work or out for the night can save hours of cleaning when you'd rather be getting on with your life!
Floor Type
Another important thing to think about before buying a vacuum cleaner is what type of flooring you have in your home. If you have a variety of different floorings, then a vacuum with loads of attachments might be the easiest solution as hardwood, softwood, and different carpet lengths will all behave differently under the power of a good cleaning. Make sure to check out our selection of steam cleaners and steam mops for more cleaning devices like this.
Battery Life
If you go for a cordless vacuum, then think about the battery life. You're going to want the vacuum cleaner to be able to run for long enough to get at least a couple of rooms done in one go. Think about the size of your rooms and home to figure out what battery life you need. You may need to get used to vacuuming one room at a time and recharging if you have a big home and want a cordless vacuum cleaner.
Lights
There are a few roles lights might play on vacuums. Some might indicate that your filters need changing, others could let you know that your cordless vacuum cleaner is running low on battery (and will probably light up when charging / fully charged). Check what the lights are for before use to ensure you know what the machine is trying to tell you!
Blockages
Sadly, even the best vacuum cleaners can suffer from blockages! You can avoid them by picking up large pieces of dirt, hair, or debris before you start vacuuming and never try to clean anything wet (unless, of course, you have a wet/dry vacuum). If you do get a blockage, most vacuums can easily be cleaned out if you follow the instruction manual and properly maintain your machine.
Types Of Vacuum Cleaners
Upright Vacuums
Upright vacuums are probably what comes to mind when most people think "vacuum cleaner". They work with most types of flooring and debris and tend to last at least 5 years without any sort of vacuum maintenance required. They're particularly effective on carpet, and their wide-body makes them great for large areas.
Canister Vacuums
Similarly, canister vacuum cleaners are an incredibly versatile option that can clean almost anything you put it to. They usually come with a large tank, long hose, and plenty of attachments to help you get the most out of every task.
Robot Vacuums
Robot vacuums, in our opinion, are the most fun option for your home improvement needs! Simply turn them on, and they will create a virtual 'map' of your home, moving around systematically to clean every inch, including the hard-to-reach areas you might not be bothered with. They don't clean quite as thoroughly as canister or upright vacuums might, but the convenience of being able to leave one to get on with the job while you do something else is ideal for many people. Some can even be controlled via your smartphone and programmed from anywhere!
Handheld Vacuums
Particularly useful for cleaning smaller areas such as your car or desk, handheld vacuum cleaners are pretty much exactly what it says on the tin: a small vacuum cleaner that can be picked up and used with one hand. Naturally, they're no competition for a proper vacuum cleaner. Still, they're super handy where you might have previously used a dustpan and brush or to get into those tight crevices your standard vacuum just can't reach!
Wet/Dry Vacuums
Although you should generally try to avoid vacuuming anything wet to protect your vacuum cleaner, some models have wet/dry options that have been specifically designed to help clean up damp messes like a wet/dry shop vac. If you are looking for something to give your carpets a deep clean, a carpet cleaner machine might be what you are looking for.
