Selecting the right vacuum cleaner is more than just about cleaning; it’s about finding the perfect match for your home’s specific needs and your personal preferences. Whether you live in a small apartment with a few area rugs or a large house with wall-to-wall carpeting, the ideal vacuum varies greatly. Factors like physical strength, ergonomic preferences, cleaning habits, and specific needs such as dealing with pet hair, allergies, or delicate hardwood floors significantly influence the choice.
No single vacuum can cater to all these diverse requirements. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the best vacuum cleaners, each excelling in its own right. From powerful plug-in vacuums and convenient cordless sticks to budget-friendly handhelds and even robotic vacuums, we’ve got you covered for every type of home and user.
What We Looked For
- Type: Bagless vacuums have become more popular due to their ease of cleaning and no need for extra bags. However, bagged vacuums are better at containing dust. The main types are upright, stick, and canister vacuums.
- Cord Length/Run Time: For corded vacuums, the length varies from 15 to 27 feet. Cordless vacuums have a run time as stated by the manufacturer, which can vary based on usage.
- Weight: A lighter vacuum is generally more desirable for ease of use.
- Attachments: Additional tools can make a vacuum more versatile, suitable for different surfaces and cleaning needs.
Our Top Picks For Best Vacuums For All Use Cases
- Best Overall Vacuum – Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- Best Less Expensive Vacuum – Shark IZ862H Stratos Cordless Vacuum
- Best Vacuum for Hard Floors – Bissell Zing Canister, 2156A Bagless Vacuum
- Best Vacuum for Carpet and Rugs – Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner
- Best Canister Vacuum – Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum
- Best Vacuum for Pets – Dyson V8 Animal Extra Vacuum
- Best Vacuum for Allergy Sufferers – Miele Triflex HX2 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
- Best Vacuum for Small Spaces – Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Stick Vacuum
- Best Vacuums for Storage – LG CordZero All in One Cordless Stick Vacuum
- Best Wet/Dry Vacuum – Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Wet Dry Vacuum
- Best Vacuum for Cars – Dyson Humdinger
Best Overall Vacuum
Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
- Type: Cordless stick, bagless
- Run time: 70 minutes
- Weight: 7.72 lbs.
- Attachments: Various, including a Digital Motorbar cleaner head and a Fluffy Optic cleaner head
The Dyson Gen5detect is a marvel in the world of vacuum cleaners, setting a new standard for household cleaning. Its standout feature is the dust-illuminating technology, which reveals the unseen particles and pet hair that often go unnoticed. This feature not only ensures a deeper clean but also adds a level of satisfaction to the cleaning process, as you can literally see the difference it makes.
During my time with the Gen5detect, I was particularly impressed by its adaptability. The transition from a full-sized stick vacuum to a handheld device is seamless, making it perfect for quick cleanups on furniture or in the car. The variety of attachments, including the Digital Motorbar cleaner head, adapts effortlessly to different surfaces, from delicate hardwood floors to dense carpets.
The 70-minute run time is more than sufficient for thorough cleaning sessions in larger homes without the need for a recharge. The vacuum’s weight and balance are also noteworthy; it’s light enough for easy maneuverability yet feels robust and well-constructed.
Another aspect where the Dyson Gen5detect shines is in its maintenance and storage. The dustbin empties with a single action, reducing the mess often associated with bagless vacuums. Storing the vacuum and its attachments is straightforward, thanks to its compact design and wall-mounted docking station.
Best Cheap Vacuum
Shark IZ862H Stratos Cordless Vacuum
- Type: Cordless stick, bagless
- Run time: 60 minutes
- Weight: 8.9 lbs.
- Attachments: Duster crevice tool, anti-allergen brush
In the realm of high-performance, budget-friendly vacuums, the Shark IZ862H Stratos Cordless Vacuum stands out as a stellar option. This vacuum strikes a perfect balance between affordability and functionality, offering features that rival its more expensive counterparts.
During my hands-on experience with the Shark Stratos, I was immediately impressed by its intuitive design and ease of use. The 60-minute run time is ample for covering large areas or multiple rooms in one go. Despite its relatively lightweight design, the vacuum feels sturdy and well-built, making it easy to maneuver around furniture and tight corners.
One of the most notable features of the Shark Stratos is its duster crevice tool, which excels in reaching those hard-to-clean areas like under furniture and along baseboards. The anti-allergen brush is another standout attachment, proving particularly effective for homes with pets or allergy sufferers. It efficiently captures pet hair and dander, as well as dust and pollen, leaving the air noticeably fresher.
The vacuum’s suction power is impressive, handling everything from fine dust on hardwood floors to larger debris on carpets with ease. The transition between different floor types is seamless, thanks to its adjustable settings. Additionally, the dustbin is straightforward to empty and clean, adding to the overall convenience.
Storage is also a breeze with the Shark Stratos. Its slim profile doesn’t take up much space, making it ideal for smaller homes or apartments. The wall mount provides a neat storage solution, keeping the vacuum and its attachments organized and readily accessible.
Best Vacuum for Hard Floors
Bissell Zing Canister, 2156A Bagless Vacuum
- Type: Canister, bagless
- Cord length: 16 feet
- Weight: 10.23 lbs.
- Attachments: Multi-surface brush, crevice tool
The Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum is a standout choice for those with hard flooring, offering a blend of efficiency, maneuverability, and lightweight design. Its performance on hard surfaces like tile, hardwood, and laminate is exceptional, making it a go-to option for homes with these types of floors.
During my evaluation of the Bissell Zing, I was particularly impressed by its ease of use. The canister is compact and light enough to carry around, which is a significant advantage when cleaning multiple rooms or spaces with stairs. The 16-foot cord provides ample reach, reducing the need to switch outlets frequently.
The multi-surface brush attachment is a key feature of this vacuum. It transitions smoothly across different hard floor types, picking up everything from fine dust to larger debris. The suction power is robust and consistent, ensuring that dirt and particles are effectively removed from the floor’s surface.
Another aspect where the Bissell Zing excels is its versatility. The crevice tool comes in handy for getting into tight spaces and corners, areas that are often challenging to clean with larger vacuums. This makes the Zing not just great for floors, but also for cleaning baseboards, around furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas.
Emptying the dustbin is straightforward and mess-free, a notable advantage for a bagless canister vacuum. The filter maintenance is also simple, contributing to the overall low-maintenance aspect of the vacuum.
In terms of storage, the Bissell Zing’s compact size is a significant plus. It fits easily in a closet or storage space, making it ideal for apartments or smaller homes where storage space is at a premium.
Best Vacuum for Carpet and Rugs
Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner
- Type: Upright, bagless
- Cord length: 27 feet
- Weight: 13.65 lbs.
- Attachments: Pet TurboEraser tool, 2-in-1 dusting brush and crevice tool
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner is a top performer for carpets and rugs, earning high marks for its effectiveness in deep cleaning and pet hair removal. Its design and features cater specifically to the challenges of keeping carpets and rugs pristine.
During my testing, the Bissell CleanView demonstrated exceptional suction power, which is crucial for extracting dirt, dust, and pet hair embedded deep within carpet fibers. The Pet TurboEraser tool is a standout attachment; it effortlessly removes pet hair from carpets and upholstery, making it a must-have for pet owners.
The vacuum’s swivel steering enhances its maneuverability, allowing it to navigate around furniture and other obstacles with ease. This feature, combined with the 27-foot cord, provides extensive reach and flexibility, enabling thorough cleaning of large rooms and areas without the need to constantly switch power outlets.
Another aspect where the Bissell CleanView shines is in its user-friendly design. The 2-in-1 dusting brush and crevice tool attachment are particularly useful for cleaning edges, corners, and other hard-to-reach areas often overlooked in carpet cleaning. The vacuum’s height adjustment feature also allows for optimal cleaning performance across various carpet pile heights, from low-pile rugs to plush carpets.
The bagless design and easy-to-empty dustbin add to the convenience, making maintenance straightforward and hassle-free. Despite its relatively heavier weight, the vacuum’s design ensures it remains easy to handle and operate.
In terms of storage, the Bissell CleanView’s cord rewind feature is a significant advantage, allowing for neat and tidy storage without the hassle of manually winding the cord.
Best Canister Vacuum
Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum
- Type: Canister, bagged
- Cord length: 18 feet
- Weight: 13 lbs.
- Attachments: Combination floorhead, dusting brush, crevice tool, upholstery tool
The Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum stands out in the canister vacuum category for its exceptional build quality, versatile performance, and user-friendly features. Renowned for its reliability and durability, the Miele Classic C1 is a favorite among those who prioritize long-term value and efficiency in their cleaning tools.
During my evaluation, the Miele Classic C1 impressed with its powerful suction capabilities, which are effective on a variety of surfaces, from hard floors to low-pile carpets. The combination floorhead is particularly versatile, easily transitioning from smooth surfaces to carpeted areas without losing suction or efficiency.
The vacuum’s design is both practical and thoughtful. Despite its robust construction, it is surprisingly easy to maneuver around the house. The 18-foot cord, combined with the extendable wand and flexible hose, provides excellent reach, allowing for thorough cleaning of large rooms and hard-to-reach areas.
One of the standout features of the Miele Classic C1 is its array of attachments. The dusting brush is gentle yet effective on delicate surfaces, the crevice tool is perfect for tight spaces and corners, and the upholstery tool makes quick work of furniture and draperies. These tools enhance the vacuum’s versatility, making it a comprehensive cleaning solution for the entire home.
The bagged design of the Miele Classic C1 is a significant advantage for those concerned with indoor air quality. The bags are easy to replace and do an excellent job of containing dust and allergens, making the vacuum a great choice for allergy sufferers.
In terms of maintenance, the Miele Classic C1 is straightforward and low-effort. The bags are simple to change, and the filters require minimal attention, contributing to the overall convenience of the vacuum.
Best Vacuum for Pets
Dyson V8 Animal Extra Vacuum
- Type: Cordless stick, bagless
- Run time: 40 minutes
- Weight: 5.58 lbs.
- Attachments: Various, including a Digital Motorbar cleaner head and a Fluffy Optic cleaner head
The Dyson V8 Animal Extra Vacuum is a standout choice for pet owners, combining powerful suction, versatility, and a lightweight design to tackle pet hair and dander effectively. Its specialized features make it an indispensable tool for maintaining a clean and allergen-free home for both pets and their owners.
During my hands-on experience with the Dyson V8 Animal Extra, I was particularly impressed by its ability to capture pet hair from various surfaces. The Digital Motorbar cleaner head is adept at deep cleaning carpets, pulling out embedded pet hair and dander that standard vacuums often miss. The Fluffy Optic cleaner head, on the other hand, is perfect for hard floors, picking up fine dust and pet hair with ease.
The 40-minute run time is ample for most cleaning sessions, allowing you to cover a significant area without needing a recharge. This feature, combined with the vacuum’s cordless design, offers unparalleled convenience and flexibility, enabling you to move freely around your home without being tethered to a power outlet.
One of the most notable aspects of the Dyson V8 Animal Extra is its transformation into a handheld vacuum. This feature is particularly useful for cleaning pet hair from furniture, stairs, and car interiors. The various attachments, including tools specifically designed for upholstery, enhance its versatility, making it a comprehensive solution for pet-related cleaning tasks.
The vacuum’s weight and ergonomic design deserve special mention. At just 5.58 lbs, it is easy to maneuver and operate, even for extended periods, reducing the strain on your arms and back.
Emptying the dustbin is a hassle-free process, thanks to its hygienic dirt ejector, which minimizes contact with the collected dirt and allergens. The vacuum’s maintenance is straightforward, with washable filters and no bags to replace.
Best Vacuum for Allergy Sufferers
Miele Triflex HX2 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
- Type: Cordless stick, bagless
- Run time: 60 minutes
- Weight: 8 lbs.
- Attachments: Crevice nozzle, dusting brush, upholstery nozzle, multi-floor electric brush
The Miele Triflex HX2 stands out as a top choice for allergy sufferers, thanks to its advanced filtration system and versatile design. Its HEPA lifetime filter is a game-changer, capturing a high percentage of dust, allergens, and viruses, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.
During my time with the Miele Triflex HX2, I was impressed by its powerful suction and the efficiency with which it removed allergens from various surfaces. The multi-floor electric brush adapts seamlessly to different floor types, from hardwood to high-pile carpets, ensuring thorough cleaning without spreading allergens.
The 60-minute run time is ample for comprehensive cleaning sessions in larger homes, and the cordless design adds to the convenience, allowing for easy maneuverability without the hassle of a cord. The vacuum’s weight is well-balanced, making it comfortable to use, even for extended periods.
The range of attachments enhances the Triflex HX2’s versatility. The crevice nozzle is perfect for tight spaces where allergens often accumulate, the dusting brush gently cleans delicate surfaces, and the upholstery nozzle is ideal for furniture and curtains. These tools ensure that every corner of your home can be effectively cleaned, reducing the presence of allergens.
One of the most notable features of the Miele Triflex HX2 is its bagless design with a HEPA filter, which is rare and highly beneficial for allergy sufferers. The dustbin is easy to empty, and the filter maintenance is straightforward, contributing to the overall user-friendly experience.
In terms of storage, the vacuum’s compact design makes it easy to store in a closet or corner, saving valuable space in your home. The charging station is convenient, ensuring that the vacuum is always ready for use.
Best Vacuum for Small Spaces
Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Stick Vacuum
- Type: Cordless stick, bagless
- Run time: 60 minutes
- Weight: 6.8 lbs.
- Attachments: Digital Motorbar cleaner head, Fluffy Optic cleaner head, crevice tool, hair screw tool, combination tool
The Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Stick Vacuum is an ideal solution for small spaces, blending high-end functionality with a compact and agile design. Its array of advanced features makes it a powerful tool for maintaining cleanliness in smaller homes or apartments.
During my evaluation of the Dyson V15, I was particularly impressed by its adaptability to various cleaning needs. The Digital Motorbar cleaner head is effective on multiple surfaces, from hardwood floors to carpets, ensuring thorough cleaning without the need for multiple tools. The Fluffy Optic cleaner head is a standout for hard floors, adeptly picking up fine dust and larger debris.
The 60-minute run time is more than sufficient for cleaning smaller spaces in one go, and the cordless design enhances its convenience, allowing for easy maneuvering without the constraints of a power cord. The vacuum’s weight, at just 6.8 lbs, ensures it is easy to handle, particularly when cleaning high areas or carrying it between floors.
The additional attachments, including the crevice tool and hair screw tool, add to the V15’s versatility. The crevice tool is perfect for tight spaces and corners, while the hair screw tool excels in picking up pet hair and human hair, a common challenge in smaller living spaces.
One of the most innovative features of the Dyson V15 is its laser dust detection technology, which illuminates particles on the floor, ensuring you don’t miss any dirt or dust during cleaning. This feature is particularly useful in smaller spaces where every inch counts.
The vacuum’s maintenance is straightforward, with a simple-to-empty dustbin and washable filters, reducing the ongoing costs and effort required. Its compact size also makes it easy to store, a crucial factor in smaller living spaces.
Best Vacuums for Storage
LG CordZero All in One Cordless Stick Vacuum
- Type: Cordless stick, self-emptying, bagless body, bagged storage tower
- Run time: 60 minutes
- Weight: 5.95 lbs.
- Attachments: Various, including a Power Carpet/Universal nozzle and Power Mop nozzle
The LG CordZero All in One Cordless Stick Vacuum is a standout choice for those who value both performance and storage efficiency. Its unique self-emptying feature and innovative storage tower design make it a highly convenient and space-saving solution for any home.
During my hands-on experience with the LG CordZero, I was immediately impressed by its sleek design and powerful cleaning capabilities. The vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it suitable for a variety of cleaning tasks, from carpets to hard floors. The Power Carpet/Universal nozzle and Power Mop nozzle are particularly effective, adapting seamlessly to different surfaces and ensuring thorough cleaning.
The 60-minute run time is ample for most cleaning sessions, and the cordless design adds to the vacuum’s convenience, allowing for easy movement around the house without the limitations of a cord. The vacuum’s weight is well-balanced, making it comfortable to use, even for extended periods.
However, what truly sets the LG CordZero apart is its storage tower. This feature not only charges the vacuum but also automatically empties the dustbin into a bag within the tower, significantly reducing the mess and hassle associated with emptying the vacuum. This self-emptying mechanism is especially beneficial for allergy sufferers, as it minimizes exposure to dust and allergens.
The storage tower also neatly houses the vacuum and its attachments, saving valuable floor space and keeping everything organized and easily accessible. This is a major advantage for those with limited storage space or who prefer a clutter-free environment.
In terms of maintenance, the LG CordZero is user-friendly, with washable filters and a straightforward process for replacing the dustbin bags in the tower. The vacuum’s design ensures that it remains easy to handle and operate.
Best Wet/Dry Vacuum
Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Wet Dry Vacuum
- Type: Upright, bagless
- Cord length: 25 feet
- Weight: 12.5 lbs.
- Attachments: None
The Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Wet Dry Vacuum is a groundbreaking addition to the world of home cleaning, offering the unique capability to vacuum, mop, and steam all with a single machine. This versatility makes it an invaluable tool for those who want to streamline their cleaning process without compromising on effectiveness.
During my testing of the CrossWave HydroSteam, I was particularly impressed by its multifunctionality. The ability to switch between vacuuming and mopping modes is seamless, making it incredibly efficient for cleaning up mixed messes on various surfaces. The steam function adds another layer of cleaning, perfect for sanitizing floors without the use of harsh chemicals.
The 25-foot cord provides ample reach, allowing you to clean large areas without constantly switching outlets. Despite its relatively heavier weight, the CrossWave HydroSteam is surprisingly easy to maneuver, thanks to its well-designed handle and responsive controls.
One of the standout features of this vacuum is its performance on both hard floors and area rugs. It effectively picks up dry debris while simultaneously mopping, saving time and effort. The steam function heats up quickly and provides a consistent flow, enhancing the cleaning power and leaving floors spotless and streak-free.
The absence of additional attachments is hardly noticed, given the all-in-one design of the CrossWave HydroSteam. Its main cleaning head is adept at handling a variety of cleaning tasks, from removing stubborn stains to picking up larger debris.
Maintenance is straightforward with this vacuum. The water tanks for clean and dirty water are easy to fill and empty, and the self-cleaning cycle for the brush roll is a convenient feature, ensuring the machine is ready for its next use.
Best Vacuum for Cars
Dyson Humdinger
- Type: Cordless handheld, bagless
- Run time: 25 minutes
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- Attachments: Hair screw tool, combination tool, worktop tool
The Dyson Humdinger emerges as a top contender in the realm of car vacuums, combining a lightweight design with powerful suction and versatility. Its features are specifically tailored to meet the unique challenges of cleaning a vehicle’s interior, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
During my use of the Dyson Humdinger, I was immediately struck by its ergonomic design. Weighing just 2.2 lbs, it’s incredibly easy to handle, allowing for extended use without fatigue. This is particularly beneficial when cleaning the various surfaces and hard-to-reach areas inside a car.
The vacuum’s 25-minute run time is impressive for its size and more than adequate for thorough car cleanups. It outperforms many handheld vacuums in this aspect, ensuring you can complete your cleaning session without the need for a recharge.
The attachments that come with the Dyson Humdinger are thoughtfully designed for automotive use. The hair screw tool is particularly effective at removing pet hair and human hair from car upholstery and carpets. The combination tool, with its versatile design, is excellent for cleaning dashboard surfaces, vents, and other nooks and crannies. The worktop tool provides a wider cleaning path for seats and larger areas.
One of the standout features of the Humdinger is its suction power. Despite its compact size, it doesn’t compromise on performance. It easily picks up dirt, dust, and debris, leaving car interiors spotless. The bagless design and easy-to-empty dustbin add to the overall convenience, making maintenance hassle-free.
In terms of storage, the Dyson Humdinger’s compact size makes it ideal for keeping in the car or garage. It’s always on hand for quick cleanups, from daily dirt accumulation to more significant spills.
