Contents
- The Top 8
- Top 8 Upright Vacuums Reviewed in Detail
- 1. Best Overall
- 2. Best for Small Spaces
- 3. Best Premium
- 4. Best for Daily Use
- 5. Best Budget
- 6. Best Design
- 7. Runner-Up
- 8. Best Heavy-Duty
- Upright Vacuums Compared Side by Side
- How to Choose Upright Vacuums
- How We Reviewed
- Frequently asked questions
- What to look for
Choosing the right vacuum is hard. This upright vacuum comparison highlights the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum as the best overall choice. It has powerful suction, able to clean carpets and hard floors with ease. For those looking for a budget option, the Bissell CleanView Compact is a solid pick, but it sacrifices some suction power.
The main tradeoff for most buyers is between lightweight options and strong suction. This page will guide you through each choice and help you find the right vacuum for your needs.
Paid links. We earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices are pulled live from Amazon and change often. How this works
The Top 8
Top 8 Upright Vacuums Reviewed in Detail
Here are our top picks for upright vacuums. Each one offers unique features for different cleaning needs.
1. Best Overall
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum, HEPA, Pet Hair, White/Silver, NV356E
- POWERFUL SUCTION FOR CARPET & HARD FLOORS: Clean carpets and hardwood floors with strong multi-surface suction. This lightweight upright vacuum cleaner lifts dirt, debris, and pet hair for a complete home clean.
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY FOR ABOVE-FLOOR CLEANING: Detach the pod to clean stairs, furniture, and more—attach the dusting brush or crevice tool to clean dust and debris from upholstery, baseboards, curtains, blinds, and other surfaces.
- PERFECT FOR PET HAIR CLEANUP: Powerful suction removes pet hair, dander, and debris from carpets, upholstery, and stairs—ideal for homes with pets.
- HEPA FILTER WITH ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL: Advanced HEPA vacuum technology traps 99.9%* of dust and allergens**. *Based on ASTM F1977 (0.3 microns+), tested by IBR Laboratories per ASTM F1977-22 standard test method of a vacuum cleaner system, 2024. **Allergens refer to non-living matter.
- SWIVEL STEERING FOR EASY MANEUVERABILITY: Navigate tight spaces, corners, and around furniture with ease using smooth swivel steering for effortless control across floors.
- BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF FOR MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING: Instantly switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle hardwood floor vacuum mode with brushroll shutoff for optimized performance across surfaces.
- EXTRA-LARGE DUST CUP FOR EXTENDED CLEANING: 0.87L capacity supports extended cleaning sessions. Easily remove and empty debris in seconds with this bagless upright vacuum cleaner—less frequent emptying for uninterrupted cleaning.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, Pet Power Brush, Dusting Brush, 8″ Crevice Tool, and washable HEPA filter. Rinse filters under running water until clear and air dry for 24 hours before reinstalling. Do not wash in dishwasher or washing machine.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum is a top choice for its powerful suction. It works on both carpets and hardwood floors, making it versatile. This vacuum has a lightweight design and features a Lift-Away function for easy cleaning on stairs and furniture. Compared to others, it delivers strong performance across different surfaces.
In comparison with the other picks, this model stands out due to its HEPA filter, which captures allergens. This feature is essential for those with allergies or pets. While it may be slightly more costly than some options, the performance justifies the price.
One limitation is its size. For some users, the larger body might be cumbersome in tight spaces. However, its overall efficiency makes it a favorite among homeowners.
Pros
- Powerful suction for carpets and hard floors
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- HEPA filter for allergens
Cons
- Larger size may be cumbersome in tight spaces
- Can be more expensive than some models
Best for: Homes with mixed flooring and pets. Not ideal for: Users with limited storage space.
A reliable vacuum that offers strong performance for every room.
2. Best for Small Spaces
Bissell CleanView Compact, Powerful Suction & Extension Wand, 3508
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- POWERFUL SUCTION WITH SCATTER-FREE TECH. Engineered to capture messes on hard floors with less scatter and powerful suction on carpets. Enjoy a convenient, highperformance clean in one machine.
- COMPACT & LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN. Weighing less than 8 pounds, this vacuum is easy to carry and store. Perfect for dorms, apartments, and small living spaces without sacrificing cleaning power.
- REMOVABLE EXTENSION WAND. Features a quick-release wand to easily clean abovefloor surfaces like curtains, upholstery, and baseboards. Tackle dirt and debris in tight spaces with ease.
- EASY EMPTY DIRT CONTAINER. The bagless design allows for quick and mess-free emptying with the push of a button. Keep your hands clean and your home debris-free.
The Bissell CleanView Compact is known for its powerful suction and smart design for small spaces. It features scatter-free technology for easier cleaning on hard floors, reducing mess during the process. This vacuum is lightweight, making it simple to carry around.
Compared to other models like the Shark Navigator, this vacuum sacrifices some suction power for a more compact design. It is a great option for those with limited storage space or who live in smaller homes. While it excels in portability, it may not perform as well on thick carpets.
One limitation is that it isn’t as effective on larger messes, especially on carpets. However, for smaller areas and quick clean-ups, it’s a strong choice.
Pros
- Powerful suction with scatter-free technology
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Compact design for small spaces
Cons
- Less effective on thick carpets
- Limited capacity for larger messes
Best for: Small homes or apartments. Not ideal for: Users needing deep carpet cleaning.
A compact vacuum that fits perfectly in tight spaces.
3. Best Premium
Eureka Vacuum Cleaners for Home,Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight, NEU10AE5
- POWERFUL ALL FLOOR SUCTION: The Eureka NEU10AE5 upright vacuum cleaner effortlessly extracts dirt and hair from hard floors and carpets ease. The 10.5” wide cleaning path of this household vacuum cleaner helps cleaning larger areas quickly and with ease.
- QUICK RELEASE HANDLE FOR ABOVE FLOOR CLEANING: This upright vacuum cleaner best rated have crevice tool and dusting brush which can be attached to the end of the handle for cleaning upholstery, windows and other hard to reach places.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & EASY STORAGE: Weighing only 7.7 pounds, this small vacuum cleaner can be carried anywhere with ease, while its compact and featherweight design allows this bagless vacuum cleaner to be stored in any space in your home when not in use.
- EASY MAINTENANCE & ENVIROMENTAL FRIENDLY: This vacuum cleaner pet hair contains washable filter which can be rinsed and left to dry for no maintenance costs. Use our vacuum upright to embrace eco-friendly cleaning without compromising on effectiveness.
- ALL TOOLS ON BOARD: This vacuum cleaner for home pets includes a crevice tool and dusting brush which snaps on the vacuum and are within reach at any time during cleaning. Simplify your cleaning routine while maximizing convenience with our upright vacuum cleaner best rated.
The Eureka NEU10AE5 offers strong all-floor suction, making it versatile for different surfaces. With a wide cleaning path of 10.5 inches, it cleans larger areas quickly. This is beneficial for busy homes needing efficient cleaning.
When compared to other models, it provides a good balance of performance and ease of use. However, it lacks some advanced features found in premium options like the Shark Navigator. The lightweight design also makes it easy to maneuver, which is a plus.
A limitation to consider is that the suction may not be as strong on thicker carpets. This makes it better suited for homes with mostly hard floors or low-pile carpets.
Pros
- Powerful suction for all floor types
- 10.5-inch wide cleaning path
- Lightweight and easy to move
Cons
- Not as effective on thick carpets
- Fewer premium features
Best for: Homes with hard floors and low-pile carpets. Not ideal for: Users needing deep cleaning on heavy carpets.
A solid choice for fast and efficient cleaning across all floors.
4. Best for Daily Use
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum, HEPA, Carpet and Pet Hair, Blue, NV360
- POWERFUL SUCTION FOR CARPET & HARD FLOORS: Clean carpets and hardwood floors with strong multi-surface suction. This lightweight upright vacuum cleaner lifts dirt, debris, and pet hair for a complete home clean.
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY FOR ABOVE-FLOOR CLEANING: Detach the pod to clean stairs, furniture, and more—attach the upholstery or crevice tools to clean dust and debris from baseboards, curtains, blinds, tight spaces and other surfaces.
- PERFECT FOR PET HAIR CLEANUP: Powerful suction and a specialized upholstery tool removes pet hair from carpets, furniture, and stairs with ease—ideal for homes with pets and everyday messes.
- HEPA FILTER WITH ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL: Advanced HEPA vacuum technology traps dust and allergens* inside the vacuum, helping deliver a cleaner home environment. *Allergens refer to non-living matter.
- SWIVEL STEERING FOR EASY MANEUVERABILITY: Navigate tight spaces, corners, and around furniture with ease using smooth swivel steering for effortless control across floors.
- BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF FOR MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING: Instantly switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle hardwood floor vacuum mode with brushroll shutoff for optimized performance across surfaces.
- LARGE-CAPACITY DUST CUP: 0.9-quart dust cup supports extended cleaning sessions. Easily remove and empty debris in seconds with this bagless upright vacuum cleaner—less frequent emptying for uninterrupted cleaning.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum, Upholstery Tool, Crevice Tool, and washable HEPA filter. Rinse filters under running water until clear and air dry for 24 hours before reinstalling. Do not wash in dishwasher or washing machine.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum NV360 has a strong reputation for its powerful suction. Similar to the NV356E, it performs well on both hard floors and carpets. The Lift-Away functionality is useful for cleaning above-floor surfaces.
In comparison to other models, it combines versatility with user-friendly features. This vacuum is often preferred for households with pets due to its excellent hair capture capabilities. It features a HEPA filter to trap allergens, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers.
One downside is that it can be slightly heavier than other options, making it more difficult to carry around. Despite this, its performance makes it a favorite among pet owners.
Pros
- Powerful suction for versatile cleaning
- Lift-Away feature for above-floor cleaning
- HEPA filter for improved air quality
Cons
- Heavier than some competing models
- May take up more storage space
Best for: Homes with pets and multiple surfaces. Not ideal for: Users who prefer lightweight vacuums.
A reliable vacuum for thorough cleaning in any room.
5. Best Budget
Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floors, Washable Filter, Crevice and Upholstery Tools, Detachable Handle, Lightweight, 1.7L…
- EASY MANEUVERABILITY: At only 8.4 lbs and with an 25-ft power cord, this lightweight vacuum cleaner for home offers easy movement and convenient clean-up.
- VERSATILE CLEANING: These household vacuum cleaners include upholstery and crevice tools to clean various surfaces and tight spaces, as well as a detachable handle
- LARGE CAPACITY DUST CUP: These vacuum cleaners for carpets and floors have a 1.7L dust cup that allows for longer cleaning without frequent emptying, and features a quick-release button for easy disposal of collected debris
- WASHABLE FILTER: This upright vacuum cleaner includes a washable filter for long-lasting performance and easy maintenance
The Amazon Basics Upright Vacuum offers a good balance of performance and value. It is lightweight, weighing only 8.4 lbs, making it easy to maneuver. The 25-feet power cord allows for a decent range while cleaning. This model includes upholstery and crevice tools for versatile cleaning.
When compared to others, it is very affordable but lacks some advanced features. It doesn’t have the strong suction power of models like the Shark Navigator. However, for basic cleaning tasks, it performs adequately.
A limitation is that it may struggle with heavier debris on carpets. This makes it better suited for quick clean-ups on hard floors. It’s a great choice for those on a budget.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Includes crevice and upholstery tools
- 25-feet cord for good reach
Cons
- May struggle with heavy debris on carpets
- Less suction power compared to others
Best for: Budget-conscious users. Not ideal for: Homes with a lot of carpet or heavy debris.
A budget-friendly option for simple cleaning tasks.
6. Best Design
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, HEPA, Pet Hair, Lavender, NV352
- POWERFUL SUCTION FOR CARPET & HARD FLOORS: Clean carpets and hard floors with strong multi-surface suction. This lightweight upright vacuum lifts dirt, debris, and pet hair for a complete home clean.
- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY FOR ABOVE-FLOOR CLEANING: Detach the pod to clean stairs, furniture, upholstery, and more—attach the upholstery or crevice tools to clean dust and debris from baseboards, curtains, blinds, tight spaces and more.
- PERFECT FOR PET HAIR CLEANUP: Powerful suction and a wide upholstery tool removes pet hair from carpets, furniture, and stairs with ease—ideal for homes with pets and everyday messes.
- HEPA FILTER WITH ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL: Advanced HEPA vacuum technology traps dust and allergens* inside the vacuum, helping deliver a cleaner home environment. *Allergens refer to non-living matter.
- SWIVEL STEERING FOR EASY MANEUVERABILITY: Navigate tight spaces, corners, and around furniture with ease using smooth swivel steering for effortless control across floors.
- BRUSHROLL SHUTOFF FOR MULTI-SURFACE CLEANING: Instantly switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle hard floor cleaning with brushroll shutoff for optimized performance across surfaces.
- LARGE-CAPACITY DUST CUP: 1.04L dust cup supports extended cleaning sessions. Easily remove and empty debris in seconds with this bagless upright vacuum cleaner—less frequent emptying for uninterrupted cleaning.
- WHAT’S INCLUDED: Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, Wide Upholstery Tool, 12″ Crevice Tool, and washable HEPA filter. Rinse filters under running water until clear and air dry for 24 hours before reinstalling. Do not wash in dishwasher or washing machine.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 is designed with a focus on pet hair removal. It has powerful suction and a Lift-Away feature for cleaning stairs and furniture. This upright vacuum is lightweight, making it easy to carry around your home.
Compared to other picks, it excels in homes with pets and captures hair effectively. Its HEPA filter ensures that allergens are kept at bay, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. However, it may be slightly bulkier than some other models.
One downside is that the vacuum may take up more space in storage. Despite this, its efficiency in cleaning makes it a popular choice among pet owners.
Pros
- Excellent suction for pet hair
- Lift-Away feature for versatile cleaning
- HEPA filter for allergy protection
Cons
- Bulkier design may require more storage
- Can be heavier than some alternatives
Best for: Homes with pets. Not ideal for: Users needing a compact vacuum.
An effective vacuum for pet owners and allergy sufferers.
7. Runner-Up
Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet Bagless Vacuum with Automatic Cord Rewind, Active Extension Wand for Hard-to-Reach Areas, Powerful Suction & Multi-Surface…
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- AUTOMATIC CORD REWIND FOR EASY STORAGE. Enjoy hassle-free cleanup with the automatic cord rewind feature. With a simple touch, the 25-foot power cord wraps itself for quick and convenient storage.
- MULTI-SURFACE SCATTER-FREE CLEANING. Confidently clean hard floors with technology designed to capture messes rather than scattering them, ensuring a thorough clean across all floor types.
- ONEPASS CLEANING TECHNOLOGY. Engineered with a unique brush design and powerful suction to clean carpets effectively on the very first pass, saving you time and effort during your cleaning routine.
- ACTIVE EXTENSION WAND & TURBOBRUSH. Reach up to 10 feet to tackle messes in hardto-reach spaces. Includes a TurboBrush tool specifically designed for removing pet hair from stairs and upholstery.
The Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet Vacuum is designed for homes with pets. Its automatic cord rewind makes it easy to store after use. It provides strong suction and multi-surface cleaning capabilities, making it a versatile choice.
In comparison with other vacuums, it offers great features for pet owners. The active extension wand helps reach those tricky areas. However, it may not have the same level of suction as the Shark models.
A limitation is that it can be heavier, especially when carrying up and down stairs. Despite this, it performs well overall for everyday cleaning needs.
Pros
- Automatic cord rewind for easy storage
- Strong suction for pet hair
- Active extension wand for hard-to-reach areas
Cons
- Heavier design may be difficult to carry
- Less effective on thick carpets
Best for: Pet owners needing multi-surface cleaning. Not ideal for: Users who prefer lightweight vacuums.
A practical vacuum for pet hair and everyday cleaning.
8. Best Heavy-Duty
Eureka NEU182B PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Purple
- Powerful vacuum cleaner The dynamic motor and brush roll can lift stubborn and heavy debris Plus the 12 6” wide nozzle cleans more with a quickness.Specific uses:hard floor,carpet,dual action
- 10 lbs light weight upright vacuum The Eureka Power Speed is pretty lightweight and easy to maneuvre Designed for whole home clean
- 5 height adjustments It works well on carpet shag rug hard floors, etc. Smooth wheels ensure hardwood floors won’t sustain scratches or gouges
- 4.1L extra-large capacity the extra-large dust cup holds more dirt and requires less frequent emptying Clean more empty less
- Multiple accessories included a quick-release handle connected to the stretch hose for above-floor cleaning A 7-inch-long crevice tool, dusting brush and upholstery tool help clean hard-to-reach areas Extract dirt, pet hair freshen up your car curtains ceilings or door frames For your convenience they are all stored right on board
The Eureka NEU182B PowerSpeed is a powerful option for heavy-duty cleaning. It has a dynamic motor and brush roll designed to lift stubborn debris. This vacuum is also lightweight, making it easy to maneuver across floors.
When compared to other vacuums, it offers a good value for its performance. The wide nozzle helps clean larger areas quickly. However, it may struggle with fine debris on delicate surfaces.
One downside is that while it is powerful, it may not be suitable for all types of flooring. Users with very delicate carpets may find it less effective. Nonetheless, it’s a strong choice for sturdy cleaning tasks.
Pros
- Powerful motor for stubborn debris
- Wide nozzle for fast cleaning
- Lightweight for easy maneuverability
Cons
- May struggle on delicate surfaces
- Less effective on fine debris
Best for: Heavy-duty cleaning needs. Not ideal for: Homes with delicate flooring.
A powerful vacuum designed for tough cleaning jobs.
Upright Vacuums Compared Side by Side
This table compares various upright vacuums side by side. The columns show features like suction power, weight, and special functions. Use the upright vacuum comparison to find the best fit for your space.
| # | Product | Best for | Brand | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum | Best Overall | SharkNinja | $139.99 | Check |
| 2 | Bissell CleanView Compact | Best for Small Spaces | BISSELL | $49.99 | Check |
| 3 | Eureka Vacuum Cleaners for Home,Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight | Best Premium | Eureka | $62.98 | Check |
| 4 | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum | Best for Daily Use | SharkNinja | $189.95 | Check |
| 5 | Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet… | Best Budget | Amazon | $56.68 | Check |
| 6 | Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum | Best Design | SharkNinja | $179.99 | Check |
| 7 | Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet Bagless Vacuum with… | Runner-Up | BISSELL | $89.99 | Check |
| 8 | Eureka NEU182B PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Best Heavy-Duty | Eureka | $75.97 | Check |
| 9 | Eureka Upright Vacuum Cleaners | — | Eureka | $78.97 | Check |
| 10 | Eureka Vacuum Cleaners for Home,Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight | — | Eureka | $68.44 | Check |
Prices come from Amazon and change often. The price on Amazon at checkout is the one that applies.
How to Choose Upright Vacuums
Suction Power
Look for vacuums with strong suction. A minimum of 12 amps is ideal for deep cleaning carpets. Higher amp ratings usually mean better performance. Lightweight vacuums tend to have less suction power.
Weight of the Vacuum
Consider the weight of the vacuum. Aim for models that are 10 pounds or less for easy lifting. If you need to carry it between rooms or floors, lightweight options are best.
Cord Length
Check the cord length. A cord of at least 25 feet gives you more range. Shorter cords may limit your movement and require more outlet changes.
Filtration System
Choose vacuums with HEPA filters for better air quality. HEPA filters capture allergens, which is important for homes with pets or allergies. Ensure the vacuum is certified for efficiency.
Cleaning Path Width
Look at the cleaning path width. A wider path, around 12 inches, means cleaning larger areas faster. Narrow paths can be better for tight spaces but take longer to clean larger rooms.
How We Reviewed
Where our data comes from
We reviewed data from reputable appliance sites and user reviews. Sources included Consumer Reports, manufacturer sites, and customer feedback on Amazon.
How we built this shortlist
We started with over 50 upright vacuums. Each was filtered for suction power, weight, and user reviews. Only top-rated models made it to our final list.
What we ruled out and why
We removed vacuums with poor user ratings or common complaints about suction. Any vacuum over 15 pounds was also excluded for ease of use.
What we did not do
No products were tested by hand in our research. We did not take lab measurements or create performance scores. Our focus was on gathering existing data.
How often this page is updated
This page is reviewed quarterly. New products are checked for inclusion, and details are updated based on user feedback and product releases.
Frequently asked questions
What is an upright vacuum?
An upright vacuum is a type of vacuum cleaner that stands upright. It’s designed for cleaning floors and carpets.
How does suction power affect cleaning?
Suction power is important for removing dirt and hair. More power means better cleaning, especially in carpets.
Are bagless vacuums better?
Bagless vacuums are convenient. You won’t have to buy bags, but they can be messier to empty.
What’s the best vacuum for pet hair?
For pet hair, consider models with strong suction and specialized pet tools. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is a top choice.
How do I maintain my vacuum?
Regularly empty the dust cup and clean or replace the filters. This helps maintain suction and prolongs the vacuum’s life.
What to look for
Type of Flooring
Think about your flooring type. Some vacuums work better on carpets, while others excel on hard floors. If you have mixed flooring, choose a model that offers multi-surface capabilities.
Noise Level
Consider how loud the vacuum is. Many models are quieter than others. A noise level below 70 decibels is preferable for a more comfortable cleaning experience.
Accessories and Tools
Look for vacuums that come with useful tools. Attachments like crevice tools and upholstery brushes can make cleaning easier in tight spots or on furniture.
Warranty Period
Check the vacuum’s warranty. A warranty of at least one year is standard. Longer warranties offer more confidence for your investment.
Storage Options
Think about where you’ll store the vacuum. Some models have compact designs for easy storage. Consider a vacuum that can fit in smaller spaces if needed.
Shopping around? We have 34 more upright vacuum guides for other budgets and use cases.
Sources and standards
Background reading we checked while putting this guide together:
- EPA Safer Choice U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- ENERGY STAR clothes washers ENERGY STAR (EPA/DOE)
About the author
Similar guides
- 8 Best Upright Vacuums for Elderly in 2026 Cleaning & Laundry
- 8 Best Upright Vacuums under $150 in 2026 Cleaning & Laundry
- 8 Best Self Propelled Upright Vacuum Cleaner Reviews in 2026 Cleaning & Laundry
- 8 Best Iron Company in 2026 Cleaning & Laundry
- 8 Best Stain Removers for White Sheets in 2026 Cleaning & Laundry
- 8 Best Irons for Seniors in 2026 Cleaning & Laundry
