The Best Vacuum Cleaner
We analyzed top-rated vacuum cleaners from Oreck, Shark, Eureka, and Bissell, evaluating suction, filtration, and value to help you find the perfect model for carpets, hard floors, and pet hair.
By Tara Russell
Updated September 10, 2026
Keeping your home clean is easier with a reliable vacuum cleaner that matches your flooring and lifestyle. With so many options, from lightweight uprights to versatile cordless sticks, finding the right model can feel overwhelming. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
BestProducts uses a thorough research method to evaluate vacuum cleaners. We analyze specifications, expert review consensus, verified buyer feedback, and published data to assign each product a BP Score out of 10.
Our roundup highlights top performers across different categories, so you can shop with confidence. Explore our home and furniture guides for more cleaning essentials.
JELLYPIG X100 55KPa Cordless Vacuum
With a massive 55,000Pa of suction and a 70-minute runtime, the JELLYPIG X100 is built for deep cleaning large homes. Its V-shaped anti-tangle brush and self-standing design add convenience, while the LED touch screen gives you real-time battery and dust cup status.
Pros
- Powerful 55KPa suction for deep cleaning
- Up to 70 minutes of runtime on low mode
- V-shaped brush resists hair tangles
- Self-standing design for hands-free parking
- LED touch screen with status indicators
Cons
- Heavy at 6.3 pounds
- Requires regular filter and brush cleaning
- Must use original adapter and disconnect after charging
Eureka PowerSpeed NEU280 Upright Vacuum
Lightweight and straightforward, the Eureka PowerSpeed NEU280 pairs an upgraded cyclone system with five height settings for easy transitions between carpets and hard floors. A quick-release hose and onboard tools cover above-floor cleaning, while the filter traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens. It is a practical choice for everyday multi-surface cleaning.
Pros
- Lightweight 11.5-pound design
- Five height settings for multiple surfaces
- Traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens
- Powerful pickup for embedded carpet dirt
- Onboard tools and hose included
Cons
- Roller brush and belt need cleaning every two weeks
- Hair and debris can clog the floor brush
- Serious clogs risk belt damage if ignored
Oreck Commercial XL Upright Vacuum (9 lb)
At just 9 pounds, the Oreck Commercial XL is a lightweight upright vacuum designed for powerful cleaning on carpets. Its high-speed brush roll and side brushes tackle embedded dirt, while automatic height adjustment simplifies use across different floor types. Ideal for quick, efficient daily cleaning.
Pros
- Lightweight at 9 pounds
- Powerful commercial-grade suction
- High-speed brush roll for deep carpet cleaning
- Automatic height adjustment
- Side edge brushes for corners
Cons
- Bagged design requires ongoing bag purchases
Bissell CleanView 3536 Upright Vacuum with 2L Tank
With a 2L dirt tank and a 10-foot active extension wand, the Bissell CleanView 3536 is built for whole-home vacuuming with fewer bin stops. Its OnePass brush design targets carpets in one pass, while scatter-free hard floor mode helps keep dust and debris from spreading.
Pros
- Extra-large 2L dirt tank
- 10-foot active extension wand
- OnePass carpet cleaning
- Scatter-free hard floor performance
- Supports BISSELL Pet Foundation with each purchase
Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away HEPA Vacuum
The Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away combines strong multi-surface suction with a detachable pod for convenient above-floor cleaning. Its HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal help trap dust and allergens, while swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver around furniture. A versatile upright vacuum for pet owners and everyday messes.
Pros
- Powerful suction for carpets and hard floors
- Lift-away pod for stairs and furniture
- HEPA filter traps dust and allergens
- Swivel steering for easy maneuverability
- Specialized tool for pet hair removal
Cons
- At 15.96 pounds, not the lightest option
Eureka Whirlwind NEN110A Bagless Canister
This lightweight bagless canister vacuum weighs just over 8 pounds and features a telescoping wand for easy maneuvering under furniture. It includes an integrated crevice tool and dusting brush, plus an automatic cord rewind for quick storage. Washable filters and a bagless design help keep maintenance simple.
Pros
- Lightweight at 8.15 pounds
- Bagless with washable filters
- Integrated 2-in-1 crevice tool
- Automatic cord rewind
- Multi-surface cleaning capability
Cons
- Corded design limits reach
- No additional attachments included
Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4 Ultra-Lightweight Vacuum
This 7.7-pound stick vacuum offers quick-release handle for above-floor cleaning and strong suction on both hard floors and carpets. Its compact build and washable filter make it a low-maintenance option for small spaces.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Strong suction on hard floors and carpets
- Quick release handle for above-floor cleaning
- Compact storage
- Washable filter saves money
Cons
- No HEPA filter included
- Small dustbin capacity likely
- No pet-specific attachment
Levoit LVAC-200 Essential Cordless Vacuum
The Levoit LVAC-200 Essential is a lightweight cordless vacuum designed for quick cleanups. Its anti-tangle brush and 2-in-1 pet tool make it easy to handle pet hair, while the 5-stage filtration captures fine particles. With up to 50 minutes of runtime in Eco mode, it's suitable for daily maintenance.
Pros
- Lightweight at 6.17 pounds
- Anti-tangle brush reduces hair wrap
- Up to 50 minutes runtime in Eco mode
- LED lights help see dust in dark areas
- One-click empty dustbin for easy disposal
Cons
- Not designed for wet spills or liquids
- Filter needs replacement every 3 months
- Turbo mode runtime only 12 minutes
Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away Upright
The Shark Navigator NV352 is a lightweight upright vacuum with strong multi-surface suction and a Lift-Away pod that detaches for cleaning stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas. Its HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal trap allergens, making it a solid choice for pet owners. The swivel steering helps maneuver around furniture and tight spaces.
Pros
- Powerful multi-surface suction for carpets and hard floors
- Lift-Away detachable pod for above-floor cleaning
- HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal
- Effective pet hair removal with wide upholstery tool
- Swivel steering for easy maneuverability
Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away combines powerful suction with a detachable pod for versatile cleaning of carpets, hard floors, and above-floor surfaces. Its HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal make it a strong choice for pet owners, while swivel steering enhances maneuverability.
Pros
- Strong multi-surface suction
- Lift-away pod for above-floor cleaning
- HEPA filter traps 99.9% of allergens
- Swivel steering for easy navigation
- Effective pet hair removal
Eureka NEU10AE5 Ultra-Lightweight Upright Vacuum
This bagless upright weighs just 7.7 pounds and uses a 10.5-inch cleaning path to cover hard floors and carpets efficiently. A quick-release handle brings the included crevice tool and dusting brush into reach for above-floor chores, while the washable filter supports low-maintenance use.
Pros
- Lightweight at 7.7 pounds
- Washable filter cuts maintenance costs
- On-board crevice tool and dusting brush
- Bagless design, no bags needed
- Wide 10.5-inch cleaning path
Cons
- Only two included tools
- Washable filter must dry before reuse
- Dust cup requires regular emptying
Eureka NEU182B PowerSpeed 10 lb Upright Vacuum
This lightweight upright vacuum (10 lbs) combines a powerful motor with a brush roll for lifting stubborn debris. With 5 height adjustments and a 4.1L dust cup, it suits mixed flooring from carpets to hardwood, and includes onboard tools for above-floor cleaning.
Pros
- Lightweight at 10 lbs
- Large 4.1L dust cup requires less frequent emptying
- 5 height adjustments for different surfaces
- Onboard accessories for above-floor cleaning
- Smooth wheels protect hardwood floors
Cons
- No HEPA or sealed filtration specified
- Cord length not provided in specs
- No variable speed or suction control
Best Vacuum Cleaner Buying Guide
Type of Vacuum Cleaner
Upright vacuums are powerful and ideal for carpets, while canister models offer flexibility for hard floors and stairs. Stick vacuums are lightweight and convenient for quick cleanups. For automated cleaning, consider a robot vacuum for daily maintenance.
Choose based on your home’s floor types and how often you clean.
Suction Power and Motor
Strong suction is key for deep cleaning carpets and removing embedded dirt. Look for models with adjustable suction settings to transition between surfaces. Motor wattage and airflow (CFM) are good indicators, but real-world performance matters most.
For tougher messes, a pressure washer for outdoor cleaning complements your indoor vacuum routine.
Filtration System
HEPA filters trap fine particles like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, making them essential for allergy sufferers. Bagless models are convenient but require filter washing; bagged models contain dust better during disposal. Pair your vacuum with a HEPA air purifier for whole-home air quality.
Ease of Use and Maneuverability
Weight, swivel steering, and cord length affect how easily you can move around furniture and up stairs. A lightweight design reduces fatigue, while a long cord or cordless operation offers greater reach.
For whole-home comfort, a portable space heater can keep you warm while you clean.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagged vacuums seal dirt better and are hygienic to empty, but you need to buy replacement bags. Bagless models save ongoing costs but require regular filter and bin cleaning.
Both types can perform well, choose based on your preference for maintenance. A grill brush is great for cleaning barbecue grates, but your vacuum handles indoor messes.
Noise Level
Vacuum noise can disturb family members or pets. Look for models with decibel (dB) ratings below 70 for quieter operation. Cordless stick vacuums tend to be quieter than powerful uprights.
If you prefer a quiet cleaning experience, check out our wireless earbud recommendations to enjoy music while you vacuum.
Why You Should Trust Us
BestProducts is an independent review site that does not sell products. We evaluate each vacuum cleaner using a consistent set of criteria, then assign a BP Score on a 0, 10 scale.
Our ratings are based on thorough research: we analyze manufacturer specifications, expert review consensus, verified buyer feedback, and published data.
We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback. This transparent methodology helps you make an informed purchase.
Final Thoughts
After analyzing dozens of models, these vacuum cleaners earned top marks in their categories for performance, value, and user satisfaction.
- Best Overall: Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner, This lightweight bagged upright delivers powerful, consistent suction and is built to last, earning the highest BP Score in our lineup for its reliable performance and commercial-grade durability.
- Best Value: Eureka PowerSpeed New Model, With a top-tier BP Score and an affordable price, this upright offers strong suction, a large dirt cup, and versatility for carpets and hard floors, making it a budget-friendly standout.
- Best for Pet Hair: Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360, The Lift-Away canister and HEPA filtration capture embedded pet hair and allergens, earning high marks from verified buyers and experts alike.
- Best Cordless: JELLYPIG Cordless Vacuum, This stick vacuum offers long battery life, strong suction, and an anti-tangle brush, making it ideal for quick daily cleanups on multiple surfaces.
- Best Canister: Eureka Whirlwind Bagless Canister Cleaner, Lightweight and compact, this canister excels on hard floors and stairs, with excellent maneuverability and a high BP Score for its price.
Use this guide to match a vacuum to your home’s needs. For more cleaning solutions, explore our portable air conditioner roundup to keep your space comfortable year‑round.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair?
Models with strong suction, a motorized brush roll, and HEPA filtration work best for pet hair. The Shark Navigator NV360 and Levoit Cordless Vacuum are top picks from our research for tackling fur on carpets and upholstery.
Pair with a small room HEPA air purifier to capture airborne dander.
Are bagless vacuums better than bagged?
Bagless vacuums save money on replacements and let you see when the bin is full, but they release dust during emptying and require filter cleaning. Bagged models seal dirt more hygienically and need less maintenance.
Both types can perform well; it comes down to personal preference. For cordless convenience, see our roundup of wireless security cameras that work without subscriptions, similar to how bagless vacuums save on bags.
How often should I replace my vacuum filter?
Washable foam filters should be rinsed every 1, 2 months, while HEPA filters typically need replacement every 6, 12 months depending on usage. Check your model’s manual for specific intervals. Regular filter maintenance keeps suction strong and improves air quality.
What is BP Score in vacuum reviews?
BP Score is BestProducts’ proprietary rating system based on our research methodology. Each product receives a score out of 10 after we evaluate specifications, expert consensus, verified buyer feedback, and published data. A higher score indicates better overall value and performance.
Can a cordless vacuum replace a corded upright?
While cordless sticks are convenient for quick cleanups and smaller homes, they typically have less sustained suction and shorter run times than corded uprights. For deep cleaning large carpeted areas, a corded upright like the Oreck Commercial XL remains the more powerful choice.
About the author
Tara writes about wall decor and vacuum cleaners for BestProducts, balancing print and frame quality against suction, filtration, and ease of emptying. She helps readers finish a room and then keep it clean.