Choosing the right vacuum cleaner for your home can feel like a challenge. With numerous options out there, finding the perfect fit can be tricky. Each home is unique, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. You have to think about factors like the size of your space, the type of flooring you have, and what kind of model you prefer.
Investing in the right vacuum can make cleaning easier. But with so many advanced and pricey models out there, picking the perfect one can seem overwhelming. To simplify your search, we’ve personally tested over 200 vacuums. We’ve looked at how well they clean, how easy they are to move around, how simple they are to empty, their size and weight, setup process, noise level, and whether they offer good value for money.
Whether you’re after an upright, handheld, cordless, or any other type of vacuum, we’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to. So, sit back, relax, and let us guide you to the best vacuum cleaners for your needs.
1. Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra – Best Overall Upright Vacuum
| Type | Upright |
| Weight | 17.3 pounds |
| Cord Length | 35 feet |
| Battery Life/Runtime | N/A |
| Dust Capacity | 1.7 liters |
| Attachments | Motorbar cleaner head, combination tool, tangle-free turbine tool, stair tool, wand, pet groom tool, hose |
We were surprised when we switched to the Dyson from our previous vacuums. It absorbed more dust, filth, and hair than planned. This upright vacuum tackles long hair and pet hair like a pro. It easily removes cereal, coffee grounds, hair, and lint.
Designed for pet lovers, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra has a strong Motorbar cleaning head that automatically removes hair. It extracted even the hardest hair in one go without tangles on the roller. The tangle-free turbine mechanism removes hair from rugs, vehicles, and upholstery, while the pet groom tool extracts the pet fur straight into the vacuum.
This vacuum’s three suction settings make switching between carpets and hard floors easy. Its large hose and wand make washing furniture and upholstery easy. The 35-foot rope lets you roam freely in huge spaces without seeking outlets.
Durability and tremendous suction make the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra worth its noise. It’s hefty and may struggle with heavier trash in the upright position, but its unequaled performance and anti-tangle layout make it our top choice.
| Our Ratings Out of 5 |
| Effectiveness: 5 |
| Maneuverability: 4.5 |
| Ease of Emptying: 4.8 |
| Portability: 4.5 |
| Noise Level: 4 |
Pros- One thing we like about the cleaner head is its ability to swiftly detangle pet and long hair.
Cons- The hose may be difficult to use on stairs owing to resistance.
2. Tineco Pure One S11 Vacuum – Best Overall Cordless Stick Vacuum
| Type | Cordless stick |
| Weight | 6 pounds |
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Battery Life/Runtime | 40 minutes |
| Dust Capacity | 0.6 liters |
| Attachments | LED soft-roller power brush, LED multi-tasker power brush, mini power brush, 2-in-1 dusting brush, crevice tool |
We named this vacuum the best cordless stick vacuum after evaluating it. Its high suction easily removes cereal, coffee grounds, and hair in under 45 seconds.
It weighs 6 pounds and is lightweight and maneuverable. In handheld mode, it cleaned upholstery well, making it ideal for weekend vacuuming. It has a dusting brush, a tiny power tool, and a crevice tool for tight spots. Also available are the soft-roller brush and multi-tasker power brush for fragile hard floors.
Its iLoop Smart Sensor Technology adapts suction power to dirt level, saving battery life. The WiFi-enabled Tineco app lets you track its performance. The battery lasts forty minutes, but you may buy another for prolonged cleaning.
Exceptionally quiet, it won’t disrupt conversations or adjoining rooms. The dustbin is painless to empty; however, hair is wrapped across the brush roll. Although renters and people who hate wall drilling may not like the wall-mounted port, it is a terrific bargain despite its sophisticated capabilities.
| Our Ratings Out of 5 |
| Easy Setup: 5 |
| Maneuverability: 5 |
| Ease of Emptying: 4.8 |
| Portability: 5 |
| Effectiveness: 5 |
Pros- This vacuum is lightweight, has high suction, and is portable. It also has smart features.
Cons- This vacuum requires a wall-mounted docking station.
3. Kenmore Pet Friendly Pop-N-Go Canister Vacuum – Best Overall Canister Vacuum
| Type | Canister |
| Weight | 24 pounds |
| Cord Length | 26 feet |
| Battery Life/Runtime | N/A |
| Dust Capacity | 2.5 liters |
| Attachments | Pet PowerMate brush, crevice tool, dusting brush, bare floor tool, telescopic wand |
The Kenmore Pet-Friendly POP-N-GO easily vacuums up 2 ounces on a dog bed and 4 ounces of pet fur on a carpet in our testing. Somehow, the hair didn’t coil over the brush roll. Though less successful on rigid surfaces, it picked up practically all the kibble we scattered on the floor. Despite its powerful suction, the vacuum ran silently on high.
The model has a HEPA filter and cotton bag to collect dust and pet hair for allergy sufferers. You may dispose of a full bag without releasing allergens. There are two bags in the box, and more are available.
Its hose-connected main unit with a Pet PowerMate brush, telescopic wand, and upholstery brush makes it flexible for cleaning. Attachments and wand height are simple to change. The 24-pound container is easy to carry. The onboard tool repository is organized, and the retractable cord offers slack. The Kenmore POP-N-GO provides handy daily cleaning solutions despite its weight.
| Our Ratings Out of 5 |
| Effectiveness: 5 |
| Maneuverability: 5 |
| Ease of Emptying: 5 |
| Portability: 5 |
| Noise Level: 4.9 |
Pros- The HEPA filter is excellent at containing dust and pet dander while also capturing allergens.
Cons- You will need to purchase more bags.
4. Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik Vacuum Cleaner – Best Budget Vacuum
| Type | Upright Corded Bagless |
| Weight | 3.7 pounds |
| Cord Length | 16 ft. |
| Battery Life/Runtime | – |
| Dust Capacity | 0.35 liters |
| Attachments | Dry Nozzle Brush Type – Hard Floor Straight Suction, On-Board Tools |
In some cases, simplicity is essential when selecting the best vacuums. Despite lacking any glitzy add-ons or features, the Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik Vacuum shocked us during testing with its remarkable performance. Across all floor styles, it cleaned up hair and dirt with ease, requiring just a few passes. Its small size makes it simple to reach corners and steer close to the furniture, and at less than 4 pounds, it is exceptionally light.
With or without extensions, a separable hand vacuum is a useful tool for cleaning confined spaces like worktops and furniture. Nonetheless, we observed that it is quite noisy considering its dimensions, and hair would often get trapped across the brush roll, demanding hand detangling. Notwithstanding these shortcomings, we think it’s a fantastic supplementary vacuum for fast cleanups or even a main choice for those in dormitories or with mobility issues because of its cost and performance.
| Our Ratings Out of 5 |
| Effectiveness: 5 |
| Maneuverability: 4.1 |
| Ease of Emptying: 4 |
| Portability: 4.8 |
| Noise Level: 2.1 |
Pros- This vacuum is simple to move in small spaces and on various kinds of floors since it weighs less than five pounds.
Cons- The brush roll tends to tangle hair and is rather noisy.
5. iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum – Best Robot Vacuum
| Type | Robot |
| Weight | 6.8 pounds |
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Battery Life/Runtime | 90 minutes |
| Dust Capacity | 0.35 liters |
| Attachments | N/A |
When it comes to keeping your floors clean, a robot vacuum performs the hard work for you. This is particularly helpful for pet parents who must clean up after their animals often or for anybody who just detests cleaning. They are ideal for those who are always on the go or have hectic schedules since you can even program them to operate while you’re away. Among all the robot vacuums we evaluated, the Roomba 694 was our top selection because it is well-priced and effectively removes a variety of dirt, such as sand, cereal, and pet hair, from diverse surfaces.
Although it doesn’t include smart mapping or object avoidance technology, this vacuum manages to maneuver around obstacles rather effectively, so some pre-cleaning is still advised. When the battery runs low, it travels back to its dock after moving about erratically for a while. Although more expensive versions could provide more methodical coverage, the 694 accomplishes the same final result.
With the help of a voice aide or app, you can start, pause, and even schedule cleanings with this WiFi-enabled gadget. We were so pleased with its performance after 6 months of usage that it replaced our other vacuum in many of our houses.
| Our Ratings Out of 5 |
| Effectiveness: 5 |
| Maneuverability: 4.9 |
| Ease of Emptying: 4.8 |
| Portability: 5 |
| Noise Level: 3.9 |
Pros- Sand, cereal, and pet hair are all successfully cleaned off various surfaces by the reasonably priced Roomba 694.
Cons- It lacks sophisticated features like object avoidance and smart mapping.
6. Tineco Pure One S15 Pro – Best Vacuum For Pet Hair
| Type | Cordless stick |
| Weight | 6.8 pounds |
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Battery Life/Runtime | 40 minutes |
| Dust Capacity | 0.47 liters |
| Attachments | Mini-power brush, 2-in-1 dust brush, crevice tool |
The brand’s cordless stick vacuums simplify cleaning. At just 7 pounds, it’s light and effortless to carry across the stairs single-handedly. In our testing, it sucked up cereal and pet hair, easily switching between carpets and naked floors.
Even after months of usage, its tangle-free brush stowed pet hair and long hair off the brush roll. Tineco’s iLoop Smart Sensor Technology adapts suction power to the problem, saving battery life. In addition, five levels of filtration, comprising a HEPA filter, ensure complete cleaning.
Smart characteristics distinguish this Tineco model: WiFi-enabled and app-connected, you can follow cleaning progress and alter settings. A touch bar adjusts suction intensity, and an LCD screen displays junk detection and battery life on the handle.
A distinctive feature is its independent charging base that neatly holds all accessories. The trigger releases dustbin contents and scrapes trash from the inside, making cleanup easy. We had to manually remove some hair. After 6 months, it was our must-have for fast cleanups, but the upholstery extension was hefty.
However, its tiny dustbin and 40-minute runtime make it perfect for preening a single room at a time.
| Our Ratings Out of 5 |
| Effectiveness: 4.6 |
| Maneuverability: 5 |
| Ease of Emptying: 5 |
| Portability: 5 |
| Noise Level: 4.1 |
Pros- This lightweight, tangle-free stick vacuum has a handy freestanding docking station. It also comes with a cordless operation.
Cons- The dustbin may be too tiny to clean the whole house, and the duration may not be long enough.
7. Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Upright Vacuum – Best Vacuum For Carpet
| Type | Upright |
| Weight | 15.5 pounds |
| Cord Length | 25 feet |
| Battery Life/Runtime | N/A |
| Dust Capacity | 0.8 liters |
| Attachments | Upholstery tool, dusting brush, crevice tool |
This upright shark vacuum cleaner is our best option for cleaning carpets because of its strong suction. Its powerful brush roll penetrates deeply to remove embedded debris and dust. Not only is it multipurpose, but you can also modify the suction and disable the beater brush for hardwood floors to avoid scratches.
This vacuum amazed us with its flexibility, even beyond its suction capability. It is not as efficacious on hardwood bases, but it is still very good on a variety of surfaces, such as curtains, upholstery, and stairs. The extended-reach hose makes it easier to access tight spaces like ceiling fans, and the “Lift-Away” module allows you to sweep past the floor without hauling the whole vacuum. It has easy-to-use attachments such as a dusting brush, upholstery tool, and crevice tool.
It is quite easy to move around furniture with the swivel top, and the 25-foot rope gives you plenty of space to move around. Its HEPA filter collects allergens in the dust mug, which is simple to unload without touching the contents, making it a great option for allergy sufferers. It makes no unwanted sounds, but it’s not whisper silent either. All things considered, this vacuum simplifies cleaning, making carpeted houses a need for it. Robust, nimble, and potent, it guarantees a complete cleaning every time.
| Our Ratings Out of 5 |
| Effectiveness: 5 |
| Maneuverability: 4.2 |
| Ease of Emptying: 5 |
| Portability: 4.6 |
| Noise Level: 5 |
Pros- This vacuum is adaptable, works well on a variety of surfaces, and efficiently removes embedded dust and debris from carpets.
Cons- In comparison to lightweight or cordless variants, it is somewhat more cumbersome and heavier.
8. Dyson Omni-Glide Cordless Vacuum – Best Vacuum For Hardwood
| Type | Cordless stick |
| Weight | 4.2 pounds |
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Battery Life/Runtime | 20 minutes |
| Dust Capacity | 0.2 liters |
| Attachments | Double Fluffy cleaner head, combination crevice tool, mini motorized tool, light pipe crevice tool |
With its smooth glide across fragile hardwood floors, the Omni-Glide+ effectively collects debris and dust without causing any harm. Our #1 choice for cleaning hardwood floors is this one because of its strong suction and lightweight design.
The product’s clever design prevents it from having a beater brush, making it unsuitable for cleaning carpets. But in our tests on hardwood floors, it performed very well, removing 98% of the material in only one minute. The soft nylon covering of the Double Fluffy cleaning head collects larger dirt, while the static-resistant carbon fiber filaments handle small particles. It also comes with useful add-ons like a small motorized brush head and a crevice tool for upholstery and other difficult-to-reach places. Cleaning is a breeze since it glides easily across chair legs and tight places. Additionally, it may be quickly and simply transformed into a handheld vacuum for jobs above the floor or spot cleaning. We were delighted with almost every feature of this vacuum after 6 months of usage. However, we did find the upright handle to be a little awkward to hold.
However, due to its tiny size, the trashcan only holds 0.2 liters, so you’ll need to empty it more often. When paired with its twenty-minute battery life, it is ideal for tiny areas and speedy cleanups. Although it’s simple to empty the garbage using the point-and-shoot function, we did find some tangled hair within. Even though Dyson vacuums are more expensive, they could be worth the expenditure for those who have a lot of hardwood floors in order to keep their floors spotless and clean.
| Our Ratings Out of 5 |
| Effectiveness: 5 |
| Maneuverability: 4.9 |
| Ease of Emptying: 2 |
| Portability: 5 |
| Noise Level: 5 |
Pros- We like how this vacuum glides smoothly across hardwood floors, eliminating dust and dirt without damage.
Cons- It doesn’t have a beater brush for cleaning carpets, and its dustbin capacity is somewhat inadequate.
9. Shark Vacmop Pro Wet/Dry Vacuum – Best Lightweight Vacuum
| Type | Cordless stick |
| Weight | 5 pounds |
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Battery Life/Runtime | 20 minutes |
| Dust Capacity | 0.15 liters |
| Attachments | Disposable mop pads |
Once you try this tiny yet powerful cordless stick vacuum mop, you’ll never go back. We liked its sleek appearance and effortless agility at slightly under 5 pounds. A bottle of cleaning spray and four disposable pads make your place smell fresh after each clean. Impressive suction power and no-touch disposal make disposing of old pads easy and mess-free. We found this vacuum mop combination great for kitchen spills and persistent filth. LED headlights brighten dark cleaning areas.
Setting it up was easy—we didn’t need the instructions. Add the cleanser and pad, and viola! This machine simply needs the pad replaced, unlike others that need regular filter changes. The battery lasts twenty minutes, which is typical for this size cordless vacuum cleaner. This effective dry/wet vac works well despite lacking some of our other models’ accessories. The 0.15-liter dustbin requires regular emptying, which is our sole complaint. It was a dependable and nimble vacuum mop for tiny messes but not for heavy-duty work.
| Our Ratings Out of 5 |
| Effectiveness: 5 |
| Maneuverability: 5 |
| Ease of Emptying: 4.8 |
| Portability: 5 |
| Noise Level: 5 |
Pros- Mopping is ideal for tough grime.
Cons- Small dustbins require regular emptying.
10. Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Plus Wet Dry Vac – Best Vacuum And Mop Combo
| Type | Upright vacuum/steam mop |
| Weight | 12.5 pounds |
| Cord Length | 25 feet |
| Battery Life/Runtime | N/A |
| Dust Capacity | 0.83 liters |
| Attachments | LED lights, carpet compatibility, dual water tanks, motorized brush roll, steam on demand trigger |
Cleaning is easy with this vacuum-steam mop combo. Setting for hard floors, runner rugs, and steam cleaning makes it flexible. Features include twin water depositories—one for clean water and one for dirty water—and a mechanical brush roll to minimize hair knots. LED lights simplify cleaning in poorly lit spaces. In our testing, it cleaned a carpet within 21 seconds and dried it fully. It took longer on hardwood, but the results were worth it.
Simply fill the container with water and detergent and click “clean.” Furnishings and table legs are simple to navigate with the rotating handle. The plastic filter handle made emptying and cleaning easy. Throughout our testing, we did not feel the need to unload the basket or restock the tank since the combination was mopped and vacuumed well. The steam element was impressive, sanitizing our room without chemicals. 6 months of usage showed no performance reduction.
This model is noisy, so don’t watch TV or talk when using it. Although the 25-foot cable can clean vast rooms, it may sometimes get in the way. Despite these small issues, this model works well on almost any exterior, making it perfect for switching between hardwood and carpet without changing units.
| Our Ratings Out of 5 |
| Effectiveness: 4.7 |
| Maneuverability: 4.9 |
| Ease of Emptying: 4.9 |
| Portability: 5 |
| Noise Level: 4 |
Pros- This tool works well on carpets and rougher surfaces.
Cons- As you clean, the cord could get in the way.
11. Dyson Outsize+
| Type | Cordless stick |
| Weight | 8 pounds |
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Battery Life/Runtime | 120 minutes |
| Dust Capacity | 1.9 liters |
| Attachments | Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head, hair screw tool, combination tool, mini soft dusting brush, Digital Motorbar XL cleaner head, crevice tool, stubborn dirt brush |
Dyson Outsize vacuums to clean the entire house. The Outsize+ deep cleans big areas, unlike other stick vacuums. Its 120-minute runtime and approximately 2-liter dustbin make it a great cordless stick vacuum.
The Outsize+’s laser reveals even the smallest floor particles. It has extensions and a “point and shoot” dust cup emptying function like previous Dyson vacuums. We liked switching heads to clean thick carpets, hardwood floors, and upholstery.
Regardless, this vacuum has downsides. Due to the big dust cup, oversized vacuums may be top-heavy and strain the wrist. The vacuum worked effectively after 6 months of regular cleaning. While bigger cleaning attachments remained useful, smaller equipment was less efficient, and suction power diminished. Additionally, it’s our most costly model. It can clean the entire house, so individuals with bigger homes can find it worth the money.
| Our Ratings Out of 5 |
| Effectiveness: 5 |
| Maneuverability: 4.5 |
| Ease of Emptying: 5 |
| Portability: 4.5 |
| Noise Level: 4 |
Pros- Large cleaning chores are ideal for using the extra-long duration.
Cons- Using the top-heavy design might cause wrist discomfort.
12. Shark UltraCyclone Pro Handheld Vacuum
| Type | Handheld |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds |
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Battery Life/Runtime | 15 minutes |
| Dust Capacity | 0.4 liters |
| Attachments | Crevice tool, scrubbing brush |
Our testing showed that this Shark model was the top rated vacuums for taking up strands from upholstery, carpet, and automobile interiors. It was our favorite for short kitchen counter clutter and floor hubs since it grabbed crumbs. Its high suction and large 0.4-liter dustbin meant we only had to empty it once throughout testing, even though it wasn’t full.
Battery life was impressive, lasting months of regular usage and enabling many cleaning sessions per charge. Although powerful, it weighs merely two pounds and can fit into tiny spots with the elongated crevice adapter. Also included is a scrubbing brush for tough dirt.
The hands-free filth ejector throws debris and dust into the garbage with a button, making vacuuming easy. Moreover, its washable filter eliminates replacements. We like its small size and strong performance, as well as its huge dustbin for continuous cleaning.
| Our Ratings Out of 5 |
| Effectiveness: 5 |
| Maneuverability: 5 |
| Ease of Emptying: 5 |
| Portability: 4.9 |
| Noise Level: 2.5 |
Pros- The high-capacity canister is easy to empty thanks to the hands-free dirt ejector.
Cons- It isn’t appropriate for routine cleaning duties.
13. Black+Decker Flex Handheld Vacuum
| Type | Handheld |
| Weight | 5 pounds |
| Cord Length | N/A |
| Battery Life/Runtime | Not listed |
| Dust Capacity | 0.5 liters |
| Attachments | 2-in-1 nozzle + brush, pet brush |
Our favorite vehicle vacuum is this one. We liked its strong suction and a four-foot hose that reaches every part of your car. The tiny, lightweight base makes it simple to use with one hand while manipulating the hose.
It has pet brushes and a flip-up/ nozzle brush that conveniently converts between dusting and vacuuming to facilitate vehicle cleaning. Apart from automobile cleaning, it has a shaft vacuum floor attachment and a hose for cleaning high shelves and ceiling fans.
A washable half-liter bowl and filter make maintenance simple. The charging dock maintains everything orderly, but the battery drains quickly. Our tests showed eight minutes of runtime after a four-hour charge. This vacuum still performs well for fast auto cleanups.
| Our Ratings Out of 5 |
| Effectiveness: 5 |
| Maneuverability: 5 |
| Ease of Emptying: 5 |
| Portability: 5 |
| Noise Level: 5 |
Pros- It has a lengthy hose that reaches every crevice of your car and powerful suction.
Cons- While the duration is just approximately eight minutes, charging takes four hours.
Our Testing Process
We have rigorously tested over 200 vacuums so far and tested each vacuum’s performance on different kinds of floors, including upholstery where appropriate. We also examined their setup procedure, noise level, overall value, and ease of maneuvering, emptying, and carrying. Also evaluated the ability of pet-owner-designed vacuums to effectively remove actual pet hair. We also evaluated unique features like obstacle avoidance technologies for robot vacuums and mop functionalities for vacuum-mop combinations.
Following testing, we brought the vacuums home to do further analysis. After one, three, and six months of consistent usage, we evaluated their durability and whether they had a discernible positive impact on our cleaning practices.
Types of Vacuums
- Traditional upright vacuums have a hose, bag or dustbin, and engine in one body. Their weight and powered brush attachments loosen embedded hair and dirt in carpets, particularly if you have pets. They usually include an extension hose and attachments for stairs, upholstery, and tight areas.
- Cordless stick vacuums are lightweight and simple to store, making them ideal for short cleanups and smaller settings. They’re becoming stronger and weigh less than 10 pounds. Cordless models are convenient, although battery-powered ones have limited runtime.
- Canister vacuums are the best home vacuum cleaners. They contain a motor and a hose for attachments. The vacuums include attachment storage and are ideal for hard-to-reach spots. They outperform upright vacuums on stairs and hard floors.
- Automated robot vacuums clean for you. While they may not remove dirt as well as typical vacuums, they’re perfect for routine care, particularly for pets. They may have difficulty with confined places and loose things.
Vacuum Selection Considerations
- Weight – A good vacuum should be hefty enough to clean yet light enough to move. Make sure it’s comfy to hold.
- Storage – Think about vacuum size and storage. The tiny, wall-mounted stick vacuums may have limited runtime and suction capability.
- Suction – Choose a vacuum with powerful suction and several surface settings. Typically, upright vacuums have 100 air watts and canister vacuums have 220.
- Attachments – Make sure the vacuum has crevices, dust, upholstery, and turbo tools. These are usually available individually.
- Price – Good vacuums start at $100-150, but investing extra gets you perks like longer battery life or intelligent mapping for robotic vacuums. Spend less on features you won’t utilize.
Final Takeaway
For the most powerful vacuum cleaner, we chose the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra because of its strong suction and automatic brush head clearing. We suggest the Tineo Pure One S11 Tango Smart Stick/Handheld Vacuum as a cordless stick vacuum since it has cutting-edge technology and a strong suction yet is lightweight.
Last but not least, the Kenmore Pet-Friendly POP-N-GO Bagged Canister Vacuum is our top pick for canister vacuums because of its reputation for effectively removing allergens and hair while keeping them contained within.
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