The 10 Best Vacuums of 2026

The Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV501 is a 2-in-1 upright vacuum designed to provide powerful cleaning on both carpets and hard floors. Its standout feature is the detachable pod that allows you to easily clean stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas without carrying the entire unit. This makes it an excellent choice for multi-level homes and pet owners who need to tackle hair on upholstery and rugs.

The vacuum boasts a HEPA filter with an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, which traps dust, pollen, and other allergens inside the machine. This is a significant advantage for households with allergy sufferers or those sensitive to airborne particles. The sealed system ensures that the air expelled is cleaner than what enters, contributing to a healthier home environment.

Swivel steering provides excellent maneuverability around furniture and into tight corners, reducing the effort needed to navigate cluttered spaces. LED headlights on the front illuminate hidden debris under couches and in dark corners, ensuring no mess is missed. The included wide upholstery tool is particularly effective at removing pet hair from fabric surfaces, while the dusting brush and crevice tool handle baseboards, blinds, and tight gaps.

However, the 0.9-quart dust cup is on the smaller side, requiring more frequent emptying during larger cleaning sessions. Additionally, as a corded vacuum, its reach is limited by the cord length (though the cord is standard for upright models), and there are no adjustable suction settings for delicate area rugs or drapes. The lightweight build (though exact weight is not specified) makes it easy to carry up and down stairs, but the plastic construction may feel less durable than metal-bodied vacuums.

Overall, the Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV501 offers a strong balance of power, versatility, and allergen control at a reasonable price point. It is best suited for pet owners, allergy-prone individuals, and those who need a flexible vacuum for both floor and above-floor cleaning. While it has minor drawbacks in dust cup capacity and lack of suction control, its performance and convenience make it a solid choice in the upright vacuum category.

The JELLYPIG X100 cordless stick vacuum cleaner is a powerful and convenient cleaning solution designed for homes with pets and varied floor types. With a 650W brushless motor delivering 55KPa of suction, it easily lifts embedded dirt, pet hair, and debris from carpets, hardwood, and tile.

This vacuum is ideal for large homes, offering up to 70 minutes of runtime on low suction mode. The V-shaped anti-tangle brush effectively prevents hair wrap, reducing maintenance. The self-standing design lets you pause cleaning without leaning it against a wall, and the smart LED touch screen provides easy access to suction settings and battery status.

Build quality is solid, with a lightweight feel (though exact weight is not stated). The HEPA filter captures allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. However, the adapter can get warm during charging, and the vacuum requires you to disconnect the charger before turning it on. The dustbin capacity is not specified, which may be a concern for some users.

Overall, the JELLYPIG X100 offers strong performance and thoughtful features at a competitive price point. It is best suited for pet owners and those needing a versatile, long-lasting cordless vacuum for whole-home cleaning.

The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum (model 2252) is a corded upright vacuum specifically designed for pet owners. It combines powerful suction with a triple action brush roll to effectively lift and remove embedded pet hair from carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. The swivel steering allows for easy maneuvering around furniture, while the scatter-free technology ensures dry pet messes are captured without being pushed around.

This vacuum is ideal for households with multiple pets or heavy shedding. The large capacity dirt tank (1.0 liter) reduces the need for frequent emptying, and the included Pet TurboEraser tool makes it easy to clean stairs and upholstery. The multi-cyclonic suction system helps maintain consistent performance over time, and the washable filters simplify maintenance.

Design-wise, the CleanView Swivel Pet features a sturdy build with a 27-foot cord and a height adjustment knob for different carpet types. The easy empty dirt tank empties with a single button press, minimizing mess. However, the vacuum lacks automatic cord rewind, which may be inconvenient for some users.

Drawbacks include the corded nature, which limits range to 27 feet, and the weight of 15 pounds, which may be heavy for some users to carry up stairs. Additionally, no warranty information is provided in the available data.

Overall, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet is a reliable and effective choice for pet owners seeking a maneuverable, pet-hair-focused vacuum at a reasonable price. Its combination of swivel steering, triple action brush roll, and scatter-free technology makes it a strong contender in the pet vacuum category.

The Shark ZU561 Navigator Lift-Away Speed is a lightweight upright vacuum designed for homes with pets. Its standout feature is the self-cleaning brushroll, which actively removes hair wrap during operation, making it one of the best choices for pet owners who struggle with tangled brush rolls. The vacuum also includes Lift-Away technology, allowing the main pod to detach for portable cleaning of stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas.

This model is powered by an 800-watt motor and weighs only 13.4 lbs, making it easy to carry and maneuver. The swivel steering provides excellent control, and the suction control slider lets you adjust power for hard floors or carpets. The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, combined with a HEPA filter, traps over 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a good option for allergy sufferers.

In terms of build quality, the Shark ZU561 feels solid for its weight class. The dust cup is bagless and easy to empty, though its capacity is not stated. The included accessories cover tight spaces and upholstery. However, the cord length is only 25 feet, which may require switching outlets in larger rooms. Also, this model lacks the DuoClean or PowerFins technology found in higher-end Sharks, so deep carpet cleaning might be less effective on plush carpets.

Overall, the Shark ZU561 Navigator Lift-Away Speed is a reliable, lightweight vacuum that excels at pet hair pickup and above-floor cleaning. It is best suited for pet owners in apartments or smaller homes who value maneuverability and allergen control over maximum carpet deep cleaning.

The Eureka Whirlwind NEN110A is a bagless canister vacuum designed for lightweight cleaning on carpets and hard floors. Weighing only 8.15 pounds, it is easy to carry up stairs and maneuver around furniture. The 960-watt motor provides adequate suction for everyday dirt and debris.

This vacuum is ideal for small apartments or dorms where storage space is limited. Its compact design and telescopic metal wand allow it to clean under beds and sofas with ease. The automatic cord rewind is a standout feature that prevents messy cord storage.

The integrated 2-in-1 crevice tool and dusting brush are built into the hose handle, so you never lose them. Switching between tools is quick, making it convenient for cleaning corners, windowsills, and upholstery. The bagless dust cup uses a washable foam filter, eliminating the need for replacement bags.

However, the dust cup capacity is only 1.3 liters, which may require frequent emptying during larger cleaning sessions. The foam filter needs regular rinsing to maintain performance, and it does not capture fine allergens like a HEPA filter would. Noise level is rated at 82 dB, which is typical for a canister vacuum.

Overall, the Eureka Whirlwind NEN110A offers good value for budget-conscious buyers seeking a lightweight, corded canister vacuum with convenient features. It is best suited for small spaces and quick cleanups rather than whole-house deep cleaning.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is an upright vacuum designed for multi-surface cleaning in homes with pets. It combines powerful suction with a detachable Lift-Away pod, letting you clean carpets and hard floors in upright mode, then remove the pod for stairs, furniture, curtains, and other above-floor areas.

Its standout features include swivel steering for tight corners, a brushroll shutoff to protect delicate rugs and hard floors, and a 0.87L dust cup. The included dusting brush and 8-inch crevice tool add versatility for baseboards, upholstery, and tight gaps. A HEPA anti-allergen complete seal captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a practical option for allergy sufferers.

In daily use, the vacuum is lightweight and easy to move, and the Lift-Away pod makes reaching ceiling corners and stair risers much simpler than with a standard upright. The dust cup is clear and easy to empty, though its 0.87L capacity may need frequent emptying during large cleaning sessions or homes with heavy pet hair.

Drawbacks are limited. The dust cup is on the smaller side, and users with very large homes might wish for a larger bin. The corded design means you will change outlets as you move from room to room, but it also ensures consistent suction without battery anxiety.

Overall, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a reliable, budget-friendly upright vacuum for pet owners and allergy sufferers who want strong suction, HEPA filtration, and above-floor versatility in one machine. It is especially well suited to apartments, stairs, and homes with mixed flooring.

The Shark Rocket Pet Plus Corded Stick Vacuum HV322 is a lightweight powerhouse designed for pet owners and those who need a versatile cleaning solution. Weighing under 10 pounds, this stick vacuum easily converts into a handheld unit, making it perfect for stairs, furniture, car interiors, and above-floor cleaning. Its corded design ensures you never have to wait for a battery to charge, delivering consistent suction throughout your cleaning session.

Key features include advanced swivel steering for effortless navigation around furniture and tight corners, bright LED headlights that reveal hidden dust and debris in low-light areas, and an XL easy-empty dust cup that holds 0.68 quarts of dirt and pet hair. The included pet multi-tool and crevice tool are specifically designed to tackle embedded pet hair on carpets, upholstery, and stairs, making this an ideal choice for households with dogs and cats.

Design and build quality are solid for a lightweight model, with a low-profile floor nozzle that slides easily under couches, beds, and cabinets. The freestanding storage design allows you to detach the hand vac and clip it to the base of the wand for compact storage in closets or laundry rooms. While the corded power is a plus for uninterrupted cleaning, it does limit your range to the length of the cord, which may require switching outlets in larger homes.

Overall, the Shark Rocket Pet Plus HV322 is a reliable, user-friendly stick vacuum that excels at pet hair removal and daily quick cleanups. Its lightweight design and versatile 2-in-1 functionality make it a great choice for apartments, small homes, or as a secondary vacuum for tackling stairs and upholstery.

The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off (model 39883) is an upright vacuum designed specifically for pet owners and allergy sufferers. It combines a full-size upright cleaner with a detachable canister, allowing you to clean both large floor areas and hard-to-reach spots like stairs and furniture. The standout feature is its HEPA Sealed Allergen System, which captures dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, preventing them from recirculating into the air.

This vacuum excels at pet hair removal thanks to the tangle-free brush roll, which eliminates the need to cut hair off the brush. The scatter-free technology is a welcome addition for hard floors, ensuring debris is picked up without scattering. The included TurboEraser pet tool is perfect for upholstery and car interiors, and the 2-in-1 dusting brush/crevice tool covers tight spaces. With a 1L dirt tank, emptying is quick and hygienic via the one-touch release.

Build quality is typical of BISSELL, with durable plastic construction. The 30-foot cord provides a decent range, but it is corded, so you'll need to switch outlets for larger homes. The vacuum lacks LED headlights, which some competitors offer, and the dustbin, while easy to empty, may require frequent emptying during heavy cleaning sessions. Overall, it's a well-rounded pet vacuum that offers great value for the price.

Who should buy it? If you have pets that shed heavily and suffer from allergies, this vacuum's HEPA filtration and specialized pet tools make it a strong choice. It's also a good option for multi-floor homes where you need a portable canister for stairs. For those who prefer a cordless vacuum or need advanced features like headlights or self-cleaning brush rolls, consider other models. However, for the combination of powerful suction, allergen control, and pet-focused design, the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off is a reliable and effective cleaner.

The Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is designed for homeowners who demand powerful cleaning across multiple surfaces. It features DuoClean PowerFins that combine a soft roller for polished floors and PowerFins for deep carpet cleaning, ensuring no debris is left behind. The self-cleaning brushroll is a standout for pet owners, actively removing hair wrap during use.

With HyperVelocity accelerated suction, this vacuum delivers exceptional performance on both carpets and hard floors. The Powered Lift-Away functionality allows you to detach the pod for motorized cleaning under furniture or convert it to a portable unit for stairs, upholstery, and above-floor areas. This versatility makes it suitable for homes with varied floor types and furniture layouts.

Build quality is solid with a durable plastic construction and a silver/rose gold finish. The large dust cup (capacity not specified) is easy to empty, and the included tools—Pet Power Brush, Pet Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, and Power Brush—cover most cleaning needs. The 30-foot cord provides a decent range, though larger rooms may require outlet changes.

Drawbacks include the lack of a HEPA filter, which may concern allergy sufferers, and the corded design limits mobility compared to cordless models. Additionally, the dust cup volume is not disclosed, potentially requiring more frequent emptying in larger homes. However, for pet owners and those seeking a powerful, versatile upright vacuum, the Shark Vertex AZ2002 is a strong contender.

Overall, the Shark Vertex AZ2002 excels in suction power, hair removal, and cleaning flexibility. It is best suited for pet households and multi-surface homes where deep cleaning and above-floor versatility are priorities.

The Eureka PowerSpeed upright vacuum cleaner offers a compelling combination of power, lightness, and affordability. With an upgraded cyclone system that delivers 960 watts of suction, it effectively removes embedded dirt and pet hair from carpets and hard floors. Weighing just 11.5 pounds, it is easy to carry up stairs and maneuver around furniture, making it a great choice for seniors or those with limited mobility.

This vacuum features five height settings, allowing seamless transitions between low-pile carpets, shag rugs, and bare floors. The included accessories—a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool—attach to a quick-release hose for cleaning stairs, curtains, and car interiors. All tools store on board for convenience.

Build quality is solid for its price point, though the plastic construction feels durable enough for regular use. The large dustbin empties easily with a single button, and the washable filter reduces ongoing costs. However, Eureka recommends cleaning the roller brush every two weeks to prevent hair tangles and maintain performance—a minor maintenance task.

Drawbacks include the corded design (no cordless freedom) and the lack of automatic cord rewind, which means you must manually wrap the cord. Additionally, the vacuum is not as quiet as premium models, but it is acceptable for home use.

Overall, the Eureka PowerSpeed is an outstanding budget-friendly upright vacuum that punches above its weight class. It is ideal for pet owners, apartment dwellers, and anyone seeking a lightweight yet powerful cleaner without breaking the bank.