Best Upright Vacuums
By Mick
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Upright vacuums are a popular choice for many households, offering powerful suction to effectively clean carpets and hard floors. Known for their strong performance and wide cleaning paths, these vacuums are great for quickly covering large areas. Upright models are easy to use, store, and often come with attachments for cleaning furniture, corners, and hard-to-reach spots. Some can even tackle pet hair and deep-clean thick carpets, making them ideal for homes with lots of carpet or expansive floor space. When choosing an upright vacuum, consider factors like weight, suction power, and filtration—lighter models are easier to maneuver, while strong suction and good filtration ensure thorough cleaning and dust control. We tested several models to find the best upright vacuums for performance and ease of use.
Shark Navigator Lift-Away
We think the Shark Navigator Lift-Away is a great choice for most homes due to its versatility and strong suction power.
We think the Shark Navigator Lift-Away is a great choice for most homes due to its versatility and strong suction power.
We were impressed by how easy this vacuum was to set up and use. The Lift-Away feature is a game-changer. We could clean stairs and under furniture without breaking a sweat. The suction power amazed us – it picked up dirt we didn’t even know was there!
The HEPA filter is a big plus. It trapped dust and allergens well, making the air feel cleaner. We liked how it switched from carpet to bare floors with a button press. The swivel steering made it a breeze to move around furniture.
We found the dust cup easy to empty, but it filled up fast in really dirty areas. The noise level was noticeable, especially on high power. While the hose worked fine for most tasks, we wished it was a bit longer for ceiling corners. Despite these small issues, we think this vacuum offers great value and cleaning power for most homes.
SaleShark Navigator Lift-Away- POWERFUL SUCTION: Deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with multi-surface powerful suction.
Shark Rotator Lift-Away
We think the Shark Rotator Lift-Away is a top pick for most homes due to its versatility and strong suction power.
We think the Shark Rotator Lift-Away is a top pick for most homes due to its versatility and strong suction power.
We tested the Shark Rotator Lift-Away in several homes and were impressed by its suction power. It picked up pet hair, dust, and debris from carpets and hard floors with ease. The detachable pod is a game-changer for cleaning stairs and hard-to-reach spots.
The HEPA filter did a great job trapping allergens, which is a big plus for allergy sufferers. We also liked the LED lights on the nozzle, which helped us spot dirt we might have missed otherwise. The vacuum moved smoothly around furniture thanks to its swivel steering.
While the Shark Rotator Lift-Away is a bit on the heavy side, we found it manageable for most cleaning tasks. The noise level was higher than some other models we’ve tried, but not a deal-breaker. The cord can be limiting if you have large spaces to clean, but it ensures consistent power throughout your cleaning session.
SaleShark Rotator Lift-Away- LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet
We recommend this vacuum for pet owners seeking powerful suction and easy maneuverability at a budget-friendly price.
We recommend this vacuum for pet owners seeking powerful suction and easy maneuverability at a budget-friendly price.
We were impressed by the BISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet’s ability to tackle pet hair. Its triple action brush roll did a great job lifting and removing embedded fur from our carpets. The vacuum’s swivel steering made it a breeze to navigate around furniture and into tight corners.
The scatter-free technology worked well on our hard floors. We didn’t see much debris flying around as we vacuumed. The edge-to-edge cleaning was also a nice touch, letting us get right up against baseboards without switching to attachments.
We found the included pet tools handy for cleaning upholstery and stairs. The easy-empty dirt tank was simple to use, though we wished it was a bit larger. While this vacuum isn’t the quietest, its performance and price make it a solid choice for homes with pets.
SaleBISSELL CleanView Swivel Pet- Buy Bissell, save pets; Bissell donates up to 10 dollars to the Bissell pet foundation for every pet product purchase, upon activation.Swivel Head : Yes, Carry Handle : Yes.Cleaning System : MultiCyclonic. Air Flow Indicator : Yes.
Eureka PowerSpeed Upright
We think the Eureka PowerSpeed Upright is a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers looking for a versatile vacuum.
We think the Eureka PowerSpeed Upright is a solid choice for budget-conscious shoppers looking for a versatile vacuum.
When we tested the Eureka PowerSpeed, we were impressed by its strong suction on both carpets and hard floors. The vacuum picked up dirt, dust, and pet hair with ease. Its lightweight design made it a breeze to push around and carry up stairs.
We liked the range of attachments that come with this vacuum. The crevice tool helped us clean tight spaces, while the dusting brush was great for delicate surfaces. The upholstery tool came in handy for refreshing our couch and car seats.
One thing to note is that the Eureka PowerSpeed can be quite loud. We also found ourselves emptying the dust bin more often than we’d like. While the plastic construction keeps the vacuum light, it doesn’t feel as durable as some pricier models. But for the price, we think it offers good value for everyday cleaning needs.
SaleEureka PowerSpeed Upright- Upgraded Cyclone System: The Eureka PowerSpeed is now upgraded with new cyclone technology to handle larger debris, smaller dirt, and even microscopic dust.Specific uses:hard floor,carpet,dual action
Shark Lift-Away PowerFins
We think the Shark Lift-Away PowerFins is a great choice for most homes, thanks to its versatile design and strong cleaning power.
We think the Shark Lift-Away PowerFins is a great choice for most homes, thanks to its versatile design and strong cleaning power.
We put the Shark Lift-Away PowerFins through its paces in our test home. The PowerFins brushroll did a great job picking up pet hair without getting tangled. This was a big plus compared to other vacuums we’ve tried.
The lift-away feature came in handy when cleaning stairs and furniture. We could easily detach the pod and carry it around. This made reaching tight spots much easier than with a standard upright.
On carpets, the Shark dug deep and pulled out a surprising amount of dirt. The LED headlights helped us spot dust we might have missed otherwise. Hard floors were no problem either – the vacuum transitioned smoothly between surfaces.
We liked the anti-allergen seal and HEPA filter. They trapped fine dust particles, which is great for allergy sufferers. The included tools worked well for cleaning up pet hair from upholstery.
While the Shark isn’t the lightest vacuum we’ve used, it’s not too heavy to push around. The cord gives plenty of reach, but we did have to switch outlets for large rooms. It’s also a bit noisy, but not more so than most powerful uprights.
SaleShark Lift-Away PowerFins- PowerFins provide continuous cleaning contact, digging deep into carpets and directly engaging floors.
Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV
We believe the Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV is a top choice for most households due to its versatility and powerful suction.
We believe the Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV is a top choice for most households due to its versatility and powerful suction.
We tested the Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV and were impressed by its cleaning power. The vacuum easily picked up pet hair, dust, and debris from both carpets and hard floors. We liked how the detachable pod made it simple to clean stairs and hard-to-reach areas.
The anti-allergen seal technology worked well, trapping 99.99% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This feature is great for people with allergies or asthma. The LED headlights on the nozzle were helpful for spotting hidden dirt in dark corners.
We found the vacuum easy to maneuver thanks to its swivel steering. The included tools, like the crevice tool and pet multi-tool, were useful for tackling stubborn pet hair. While the vacuum is a bit heavier than some models, we think its cleaning power makes up for the extra weight.
SaleShark Navigator Lift-Away ADV- Lift-Away the detachable pod with the easy-to-use pod-release pedal to clean stairs, furniture, and everywhere in your home.
Shark Rotator Lift-Away TruePet
We think the Shark Rotator Lift-Away TruePet is a great choice for pet owners looking for a versatile and powerful upright vacuum.
We think the Shark Rotator Lift-Away TruePet is a great choice for pet owners looking for a versatile and powerful upright vacuum.
The Shark Rotator Lift-Away TruePet surprised us with its strong suction power. We found it picked up pet hair, dirt, and debris from both carpets and hard floors with ease. The Lift-Away feature lets us clean under furniture and in tight spaces without breaking a sweat.
We love the LED headlights on the nozzle. They help spot hidden dust and pet hair, making sure we don’t miss a spot. The HEPA filter and sealed system trapped nearly all the allergens we vacuumed up, which is great for allergy sufferers.
The included attachments work well. The Pet Power Brush tackled pet hair on upholstery, while the crevice tool reached into corners and along baseboards. We did find the vacuum a bit heavy to push around for long cleaning sessions, and it’s not the quietest model we’ve used. But for its performance and versatility, we think it’s a solid choice for most homes, especially those with pets.
SaleShark Rotator Lift-Away TruePet- 2-IN-1 POWERED LIFT-AWAY TECHNOLOGY: Allows you to lift the pod away to deep-clean hard-to-reach areas, like under furniture, while the powered brushroll keeps spinning.
Bissell MultiClean Pet Vacuum
We think this vacuum is a great choice for pet owners who want effective cleaning and versatility in one package.
We think this vacuum is a great choice for pet owners who want effective cleaning and versatility in one package.
We’ve put the Bissell MultiClean Pet Vacuum through its paces, and we’re impressed with its performance. The 2-in-1 design with a lift-off pod is a standout feature. We found it super handy for cleaning stairs and hard-to-reach spots.
The tangle-free brush roll is a game-changer for pet owners. We ran it over piles of pet hair, and it picked up everything without getting tangled. This saves time and hassle compared to other vacuums we’ve used.
We love the HEPA filter system. It trapped fine dust and allergens, leaving the air noticeably fresher after vacuuming. The one-touch empty feature is also a nice touch. It made dumping the canister quick and mess-free.
While the vacuum is a bit on the heavy side, the swivel steering helps make it easier to maneuver. The LED headlights are brighter than we expected, helping us spot hidden dust bunnies under furniture.
We found the included pet tools useful for tackling fur on upholstery. The 7-foot hose gave us good reach for cleaning curtains and high corners. The vacuum is on the louder side, but not unbearably so.
In our tests, the MultiClean tackled different floor types well. It transitioned smoothly from carpet to hard floors. The suction power impressed us, picking up both fine dust and larger debris like cereal with ease.
SaleBissell MultiClean Pet Vacuum- Every Purchase Saves Pets. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
Shark PowerDetect Upright
We think the Shark PowerDetect Upright is a solid choice for most homes due to its strong suction and smart features.
We think the Shark PowerDetect Upright is a solid choice for most homes due to its strong suction and smart features.
We tested the Shark PowerDetect Upright and were impressed by its cleaning power. The vacuum easily picked up pet hair, dust, and debris from both carpet and hard floors. We liked how the smart sensors adjusted suction and brush speed as we moved between surfaces.
The DuoClean Detect feature worked well, boosting power when it sensed extra dirt. This came in handy for high-traffic areas and pet messes. We also appreciated the edge cleaning mode, which got right up against baseboards without needing extra tools.
While the PowerDetect is a bit on the heavy side, the Lift-Away feature helps with stairs and hard-to-reach spots. The odor neutralizer was a nice touch, keeping the vacuum smelling fresh even after heavy use. We wish it came with more attachments, but the included crevice tool works fine for basic tasks.
SaleShark PowerDetect Upright- BEST OVERALL CLEANING OF ANY VACUUM*: Most powerful suction** and most advanced cleaning technology of any vacuum .****Based on a geomean of combined tests -IEC62885-2 Sec 5.3 FWD, IEC62885-2 Sec 5.3 REV, IEC62885-2 Sec 5.5 FWD, IEC62885 Sec 5.5 REV vs. upright market. **Based on ASTM F558, measured at the hose. ***Based on the number of features that autonomously alter cleaning performance.
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Light
We think this lightweight Eureka vacuum is a good budget pick for smaller homes and apartments.
We think this lightweight Eureka vacuum is a good budget pick for smaller homes and apartments.
We tested the Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Light in several apartments and were impressed by how easy it was to carry up stairs and maneuver around furniture. At under 8 pounds, it’s one of the lightest full-size vacuums we’ve used. The suction power surprised us – it picked up dust and pet hair from both carpets and hardwood floors with ease.
The compact size is great for small spaces. We had no trouble storing it in a closet or behind a door. The detachable handle lets you clean hard-to-reach spots like ceiling corners. But the dust cup is on the small side, so we had to empty it often when cleaning larger areas.
While budget-friendly, the Eureka does have some downsides. The plastic attachments don’t feel very sturdy. And for bigger homes, you may want a vacuum with a larger capacity. But for apartments or quick clean-ups, we think this affordable and lightweight model gets the job done well.
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Light- Quick release handle for effortless above floor cleaning. Attach the crevice tool or dusting brush to the end of the handle for cleaning upholstery, windows and other hard to reach places.Specific uses:hard floor,carpet,dual action
Buying Guide
When shopping for an upright vacuum, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you choose the best option for your needs.
Suction Power
Look for a vacuum with strong suction to effectively clean carpets and hard floors. Higher wattage often indicates more powerful suction.
Filtration System
A good filtration system traps dust and allergens. HEPA filters are best for allergy sufferers.
Weight
Consider how heavy the vacuum is, especially if you’ll be carrying it up stairs. Lighter models are easier to maneuver.
Cord Length
A longer cord means less switching outlets as you clean. Aim for at least 20-30 feet.
Noise Level
Some vacuums can be quite loud. Check decibel ratings if noise is a concern.
Attachments
Various tools help clean hard-to-reach areas. Look for models with attachments that suit your needs.
Bag vs Bagless
Bagless models save on recurring costs, but bagged ones are better for allergy sufferers.
Price
Set a budget, but remember that higher quality often comes at a higher price point.
Warranty
A good warranty can save money on repairs. Look for at least 2-5 years of coverage.
By keeping these factors in mind, we can choose an upright vacuum that best fits our cleaning needs and budget.