The Best Vacuum Cleaners for 2024

Marina

Jul. 15, 2024

The Best Vacuum Cleaners for

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Cleaning your house is one task that never quite feels complete. Just when you think everything is perfect, someone spills milk on the counter, or your dog chews up a new toy. All the pet hair removers or decluttering tips in the world can&#;t change that! But one thing you can arm yourself with to make the ongoing process easier is having the best vacuum cleaners on hand. A reliable vacuum cleaner is a necessary tool in any household, big or small, for faster, more efficient cleanup.

But even finding the right vacuum can be a chore. Do you need a handheld vacuum made for pets? Are the cordless options really worth it? Can you find an affordable vacuum that actually works? How do you know if it&#;s going to hold up over time? Here&#;s the good news: Our staff has those very same issues! So, we polled our DrewandJonathan.com editors to see which vacuum cleaners have earned a spot in our homes. Below you&#;ll find options that we use in our own homes to tackle a variety of problems, whether it&#;s pet dander or kids&#; crumbs. We&#;ve found a handful we love, including cordless, handheld, upright options, and more in hopes that we can help get your cleaning routine just a little better. Plus, we&#;ve answered some common questions to make the whole process less confusing.

What Is the Best Vacuum Cleaner?

Like many things in the home, this isn&#;t a one-size-fits-all answer! The best vacuum will differ for everyone based on your needs, how many people live in your household, how big your space is, the flooring you have, and more. However, the most popular brand picks among our staff were Shark and Bissell.

How Do You Choose the Best Vacuum for You?

First, assess your must-haves and your prefer-to-haves. Do you have a larger space or need the versatility of a cordless vacuum cleaner? Maybe you have pets or long hair, and need your vacuum to have a good anti-tangle brushroll to keep up? Or instead, do you want a lightweight vacuum that you can easily move around or carry up and down stairs? Make a checklist and note the vacuums that fit your needs best.

How Much Should You Spend on a Vacuum?

Your budget also plays a big role in deciding your best fit! Your personal answer is going to be dependent on how much you&#;re willing to spend, as well as what your expectations are. A vacuum can cost anywhere from $100 to upwards of $1,000, so consider factors like who&#;s using the vacuum, how often it will be used, and how long you expect it to last. Do you need something fast to send with your college-aged kid to school? A budget-friendly vacuum may be perfect. But if you&#;re constantly facing headaches with your vacuum and are ready to invest in something with a longer lifeline, a pricier option may be in the cards.

01

Best Vacuum for Pets

BISSELL Little Green Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner

Amazon

$123.59

Staff Pick

&#;I have seen this thing all over the internet and everyone claims it&#;s worth the hype, especially if you have pets. (I have two!) I&#;m here to report&#;it lives up to the chatter. You don&#;t even want to know what kind of dirt and grime I emptied out of it after using this for the first time on my sofa. It has several formula options (I chose the pet-specific one) and it does require some drying time, but my couch has never been cleaner. Here&#;s my full review, if you&#;re interested.&#; &#;Megan, Editorial Director

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02

Best Cordless Vacuum

Shark IX141 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum

Amazon

$149.99

Staff Pick

&#;This vacuum is absolutely a must living in an apartment with a furry dog! It&#;s quiet, lightweight, and easy to charge and dump. Plus, it doesn&#;t freak out my pup, Parker, when I use it. I also love that it has different settings and ends to reach all the nooks and crannies where dog hair and dust settle!&#; &#;Aly, Community Manager

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03

Best Vacuum Mop

Tineco iFLOOR 3 Breeze Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum

Amazon

$279.99

Staff Pick

&#;I tested out several vacuum mops, but the Tineco stole my heart (and cleaned my floors like a dream). It&#;s a little pricier than others on the market, but it really sucked up all the dirt and grime on my floors. Totally worth it.&#; &#;Bree, Digital Editor

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04

Best Upright Vacuum

Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum

Amazon

$179.99

Staff Pick

&#;I&#;ve been using the Shark Navigator vacuum cleaner for over ten years, and it is still as wonderful as the first day I got it! It&#;s so satisfying to empty the canister after vacuuming rugs, mattresses, and bare floors. It seems to pick up every bit of dust, dirt, and debris in my home. I&#;ve never had any issues with this vacuum and hope to use it for another ten years.&#; &#;Kelly, Digital Marketing Manager

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05

Best Affordable Vacuum

Bissell Featherweight Stick Vacuum With Crevice Tool

Amazon

$29.96

Staff Pick

&#;When it comes to affordability, a slim profile, and actually working pretty dang well, this vacuum can&#;t be beat. It can convert to a stick, hand, or stair vacuum and has a crevice tool for those little spaces that drive you nuts. I&#;ve been using it as my primary vacuum for about a month, and I&#;ve been seriously impressed with how it tackles all the dirt in my house. Plus, it&#;s under $40 and comes in a ton of cute colors. I mean&#;&#; &#;Megan

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06

Best Overall

Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Amazon

$292.00

Staff Pick

&#;I&#;ve had version 2 of the Dyson Ball Animal for years and it&#;s far and away the best vacuum I&#;ve ever owned. Its suction power is still strong (unlike others that seem to grow weaker over time), the unique ball design helps it maneuver around various household obstacles, and the hose attachment allows you to reach any tight (or high) spots. I haven&#;t yet tried version 3, but it&#;s definitely also worth a consideration as the newest model in the line.&#; &#;Barb, Director, Digital Strategy and Operations

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07

Best Handheld Vacuum

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum

Amazon

$72.09

Staff Pick

&#;I am (admittedly) a clean freak, and while my adorable dog Nashie is the love of my life, she sheds&#;everywhere! It drives me nuts. Thankfully, this vacuum has been such a game-changer. I use it on a daily basis. From the sofa to the carpet, it quickly takes care of all the irritating hair. (Which also leaves more time for important doggy snuggles!) Plus it&#;s quiet, which means it&#;s Nashie-approved too. Do all dogs hate vacuums as much as mine?&#; &#;Erica, Social Media Senior Director

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08

BEST BAGGED VACUUM CLEANER

Titan T Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner

Amazon

$449.00

Staff Pick

&#;Call me old-fashioned, but I am at the point in my life where no vacuum other than a canister-style vacuum will do. I finally gave up on Dyson and went back to this tried-and-true method of cleaning.&#; &#;Jimmy, Art Director

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09

Best Robot Vacuum

iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum

Amazon

$569.00

Staff Pick

&#;The Roomba is a classic for a reason. What&#;s better than taking the chore out of the actual chore? This is an easy way to maintain your floors in-between deep cleans, and bonus points that you can control it with your . I&#;ve had one and I&#;ve also purchased one as a gift.&#; &#;Megan

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Tips, tricks, and hacks to *actually* keep your house clean.

The 18 Best Vacuums of , Tested on Real Debris

Read more about the best vacuums PEOPLE Tested as well as what to consider when shopping for a vacuum for your home.

We spent countless hours testing over 350 vacuums in our lab and at home to determine specific metrics as well as gauge the ease of use for everyday vacuum users. For each vacuum, we assessed the setup, user-friendliness, and how effective the overall performance was in terms of maneuverability, cleaning ability, and versatility.

A house is hardly a home until it has at least one vacuum cleaner. But with so many vacuums on the market &#; from upright vacuums to robot vacuums &#; how are you supposed to know which one is perfect for you?

Best Cordless Vacuum

Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

$150 at Amazon

$158 at Wayfair

$243 at Office Depot

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

5
/5
Effectiveness

5
/5
Maneuverability

4.8
/5
Ease of Emptying

4
/5
Portability

4.8
/5

Star Qualities

Picked up debris easily while on its lowest setting
Long battery life and cleaned for 25 minutes straight
Lightweight and cordless design makes it easy to move around, use, and store in a small home

Red Flags

Hard time transitioning from the rug to the hardwood floor

Very little beats the convenience of a cordless vacuum cleaner and the Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is one of the best we tested. It excelled at debris cleanup with impressive suction even on the lower mode (our testers didn&#;t even need the high mode). The Shark vacuum even grabbed dirt and pet hair from a Ruggable rug without separating the top layer from the bottom (a feat, trust us).

It did get stuck on the edge of the rug, but once addressed, the vacuum carried on with impressive efficiency. It easily maneuvered around furniture and into corners. Its light weight makes carrying it from room to room a breeze, and the battery lasts for 25 minutes straight on the lowest mode (11 minutes on the high mode). While this battery life isn&#;t as long as a Dyson&#;s (some can run up to an hour on the lowest setting), for a standard cordless stick vacuum, 25 minutes is a great run time. Plus, it has a HEPA filter.

People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Laura Gurfein
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson

Experts Say

Dr. Shyam Joshi, MD and CMO of Nectar finds HEPA filters to be one of the most important aspects of anyone's vacuum search. He says a vacuum should be &#;used with an appropriately designed HEPA filter and seal, thus reducing the risk of contaminants escaping into the air when vacuuming.&#; While size, price, dustbin capacity, and attachments are extra components to consider, this is one to keep top of mind throughout the process.

Best Upright Vacuum

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

$170 at Amazon

$200 at Target

$220 at Walmart

Our Ratings

Effectiveness

5
/5
Maneuverability

5
/5
Ease of Emptying

4
/5
Portability

4.8
/5
Noise Level

2.5
/5

Star Qualities

Works on carpets, hardwoods, and tile
Built-in HEPA filter
Large canister aids emptying process

Red Flags

Tough to manuever on carpet
Not great for stairs

The Shark Navigator Deluxe is one of those vacuums that makes the chore go by faster due to its ease of use and powerful suction. Assembly was quick &#; it only has three sections that clip in together easily. When it came to performance, this upright vacuum was lightweight to maneuver around furniture and across floors like hardwood and tile (carpet requires a little extra push). It suctioned up all stray crumbs, pet hair, and dirt. Plus, the HEPA filter grabs any pollen and other allergens. Other reasons to love this vacuum: It's quiet, simple to empty, and reasonably priced compared to other large vacuums.

How It's Held Up

Six months into testing, the Shark Navigator Deluxe continues to impress. It has some wear but suctions up pet hair and other debris without issue. It's simple to maneuver, lightweight to carry and store, and easy to clean out when you're finished vacuuming.

Dimensions: 45.5 x 15 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 16 pounds | Dirt Cup Size: 3.4 liters | Cord Length: 25 feet | Attachments: Pet brush, duster, crevice tool, long-reach hose, floor brush nozzle

People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock

Best Robot Vacuum

iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

$250 at Amazon

$246 at Walmart

$250 at Home Depot

Our Ratings

Setup

5
/5
Effectiveness

5
/5
Noise Level

3.5
/5
Maneuverability

5
/5
Features

3
/5

Star Qualities

Works well on hard flooring and carpets, and navigates around furniture
Technology allows it to effectively vacuum unsupervised
Super easy to use

Red Flags

Sensory issues at the edges of carpets and rugs
No mapping capabilities

If a list of vacuums makes you exhausted just thinking about the task of vacuuming your house, then the iRobot Roomba 694 Robot Vacuum may be the one for you. The iRobot was the crowned winner in our robot vacuum test, thanks to its effectiveness on all types of flooring, from hardwood and tile to carpeting. It took us less than five minutes to get this robot vacuum going after removing it from the box (including the app and scheduling setup on our phones).

As robots can only do so much that humans cannot, the Roomba had some issues detecting the edges of rugs and carpeting, staying away from those areas as if it sensed a drop-off or staircase. With this in mind, you may have to nudge it along when it gets to the edge of a surface, but it is fantastic at maneuvering around obstacles like chair legs and couches. This robot vacuum doesn't have mapping technology, but for an appliance that can effectively clean for you while you go about your day, we'd say this model is as good as it gets.

How It's Held Up

Our tester used the iRobot vacuum weekly for six months and continued to be delighted by how efficiently it sucked up dirt, debris, hair, and more. They disliked the chore of vacuuming so they appreciated the self-sufficient nature of the robot vacuum. They noted it was impressive and disgusting how much grime the vacuum got off their floors. Essentially, the vacuum continues to earn its best overall title.

People / Henry Wortock
People / Rachel Marek
People / Rachel Marek
People / Rachel Marek

Best Budget Pick

Dirt Devil Versa 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

$90 at Amazon

$90 at Target

$150 at Walmart

Our Ratings

Effectiveness

5
/5
Maneuverability

4
/5
Ease of Emptying

4
/5
Portability

5
/5
Noise Level

2
/5

Star Qualities

Most inexpensive vacuum on our list, yet it still performs incredibly well
Easy to set up and maneuver around multiple floor types and furniture
Spacious dustbin, so you can go longer before having to empty it

Red Flags

Noticeably noisier than the others we tested
No included attachments

Vacuums are one of those household items that usually require an upfront investment, which is why this under-$100 DirtDevil is something to write home about. The Versa Cordless 3-in-1 Stick Vac is a powerful machine, gliding around any type of flooring effortlessly. Its lightweight frame and cordless design help you get into every corner without having to switch a cord to a closer socket.

It was extremely easy to set up, as the body of the vacuum came pre-assembled. It doesn't come with any additional attachments, but we think that's okay given its effective cleaning. As we maneuvered it around an obstacle course of furniture and a variety of floor types, we were impressed with its power and light weight &#; it glided around chair legs with ease (made easier by its cordless design).

It would be difficult to carry on a conversation while vacuuming since it's a little loud, but who's really doing that, anyway? For all of our tests, whether it be coffee grounds on carpet or hair strewn on tile, the DirtDevil rose up to the challenge (and did so at a fabulous price).

People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson

The 11 Best Vacuums Under $200 We&#;ve Tested from Kenmore, Shark, Bissell, and More

Best Shark Vacuum

Shark Vertex Cordless Stick Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

$375 at Amazon

$290 at Walmart

$247 at Lowe's

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

4
/5
Effectiveness

5
/5
Maneuverability

5
/5
Ease of Emptying

5
/5
Noise Level

4.5
/5

Star Qualities

Cordless yet powerful
Good suction and maneuvers efficiently
Impressive battery life of almost 50 minutes on the low mode

Red Flags

Weighs around nine pounds so it&#;s heavier than other cordless stick vacuums

Continually impressed by this popular vacuum cleaner brand, we set out to find the best Shark vacuums and put them head to head in a series of tests. Cordless stick vacuums tend to be user-friendly and efficient, so the Shark Vertex was all but guaranteed a top spot on our list. Throughout all of our tests, the Shark Vertex received nearly perfect scores, thanks to its easy setup, incredible suction, low noise level, and more.

Plus, the battery lasts a surprisingly long time &#; 50 minutes! It&#;s also a bit of a shape-shifter because it has a series of attachments that you can interchange to grab debris in various places, like a crevice tool, a handheld attachment, an anti-allergen brush, and a multipurpose attachment to grab pet hair. It&#;s just under nine pounds, so it&#;s lighter than most upright vacuums but a little bulkier than other cordless stick vacuum cleaners.

Best Wet-Dry Vacuum

Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner

PHOTO: Bissell

$146 at Amazon

$146 at Wayfair

Star Qualities

Self-cleaning function is user-friendly
Lightweight to maneuver
Cleans wet and dry debris effectively at the same time

Red Flags

Challenged by large debris
Has a small water tank you have to refill often

When you live in a home with multiple floor types, a wet-dry vacuum can be a huge timesaver. The Bissell TurboClean Cordless Hard Floor Cleaner delivered on both fronts, proving equally effective at cleaning dry and wet debris. It vacuums and sanitizes (though we learned it prefers small bits of dirt to larger debris).

The wet/dry vacuum has a sleek design that's easy to maneuver around your home. Your floors will definitely have that shiny clean look to them, you just might have to stop once or twice to empty the water tank because it's small and dirties as quickly as the machine cleans.

Weight: 8.37 pounds | Dimensions: 27.44 inches x 13.03 inches x 10.67 inches | Battery Life: 30 minutes | Capacity: 17 ounces

People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock

Best Handheld Vacuum

Shark UltraCyclone Pro Handheld Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

$79 at Amazon

$79 at Walmart

$80 at Wayfair

Our Ratings

Effectiveness

5
/5
Ease of Emptying

5
/5
Portability

4.8
/5
Noise Level

3
/5
Setup

5
/5

Star Qualities

Design is sleek, but it doesn&#;t sacrifice power
Incredibly strong suction and left all of our testing surfaces completely clean
Easy to clean and doesn&#;t make a mess (just empty the chamber over a trash can)

Red Flags

Suction is so strong it actually got a bit of the upholstery
More expensive than many other handheld vacuums we tested

When we tested dustbusters and handheld vacuums, this handheld vacuum blew us away with its design and functionality. First, it&#;s just pretty to look at with a sleek, seamless design that looks so nice you could leave it out. And the performance was stellar too: It easily lifted all debris from upholstery, even suctioning the fabric a little with its power.

The attachments, such as the crevice tool, simplified the cleaning process and got hard-to-reach crumbs without much effort. Once it was filled with crumbs, feathers, and more, the vacuum&#;s dustbin was simple to empty and clean, without making any kind of mess.

Battery Life: 10-15 minutes | Weight: 1.4 pounds | Bin Capacity: 0.54 quarts | Attachments: Duster crevice tool, multi-surface pet tool | HEPA Filter: No

People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson

Best Dyson Vacuum

Dyson V12 Detect Slim Vacuum

PHOTO: Walmart

$453 at Amazon

$650 at Target

$650 at Nordstrom

Our Ratings

Effectiveness

5
/5
Maneuverability

4.5
/5
Ease of Emptying

5
/5
Portability

5
/5
Noise Level

4
/5

Star Qualities

Easy to see hidden dirt and debris with a built-in laser light on the brush head
Has a single-touch power button instead of the &#;trigger&#; button on other Dyson models
Incredibly lightweight

Red Flags

Didn't perform as well on bare floors
Some hair remained twisted in the dustbin while emptying

We've tried many of the best Dyson vacuums, with more being tested as we speak (or write, as the case may be). It's hard to narrow down a favorite when all Dyson vacuums offer such impressive power. If you're willing to spend, then rest assured, the best Dyson is the Gen5Detect Cordless Stick Vacuum. If you'd prefer to save a little, then we'd recommend the reliable V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum. However, for the majority of daily vacuuming needs, we're sticking with the V12 Detect Slim Vacuum.

It's a solid pick with upgraded features like a single-touch power button, so you don't have to hold down a trigger button while you vacuum. At just over 5 pounds, it's super lightweight, making it easy to maneuver from one room to another during its extended 60-minute battery run time. Plus, it comes with a laser light on the brush head that illuminates dirt, dust, pet hair, and more, so that you can efficiently clean your space.

That said, even the most handsome prospects have a few red flags: While the dust bin was incredibly easy to empty, there was some hair stuck inside that had to be manually fetched out at the end of its cleaning run. And the vacuum prefers carpet to bare floors. (25 passes later, it struggled to pick up popcorn kernels and Cheerios from hard flooring.) However, for Dyson collectors who already own the Omni-Glide model for your bare floors, then this outstanding upgraded option is a worthy purchase for your carpets.

How It's Held Up

Our long-term tester was pleased with the vacuum's performance over the six months they tested it at home. They use the vacuum weekly and haven't noticed any changes in the quality, apart from occasional discrepancies with the run time monitor. That said, the vacuum cleans our tester's whole apartment without needing a charge. The suction continues to be effective and our tester hasn't needed to pull any hair from the rollers.

Type: Bagless, cordless | Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.9 x 49.1 inches | Weight: 5.2 pounds | Filter Type: Whole machine filtration | Capacity: 0.1 gallons | Cord Length: Not applicable | Included Accessories: Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head, Motorbar cleaner head, crevice tool, hair screw tool, combination tool

People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Rachel Marek
People / Dera Burreson
People / Rachel Marek

Best Roomba

iRobot Roomba i3 EVO Robot Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

$160 at Amazon

$350 at Target

$349 at Walmart

Our Ratings

Setup

3
/5

Felici Machinery contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
Effectiveness

3.5
/5
Noise Level

4
/5
Maneuverability

4
/5
Features

4
/5

Star Qualities

Works on many types of flooring
Suctioned up 90 percent of dirt and debris with solid efficiency
Smart mapping and an (optional) self-emptying base

Red Flags

Gets stuck when faced with certain objects and corners

While we love the iRobot Roomba 694 for its quality and price, there&#;s no doubt the iRobot Roomba i3 EVO vacuum is an equally competitive option &#; especially when the two were compared in our best roombas test. Its versatile design works effectively on both hardwood floors and carpets, makes hardly any noise, and suctioned up 90 percent of dirt and debris during our initial test.

We like that the iRobot i3 EVO has smart mapping technology to help avoid dings in your furniture legs, though it did get stuck in corners and when faced with curtains, cords, and other stray objects. It&#;s fairly easy to empty, but you can also upgrade to the i3+ EVO model, which comes with a self-emptying base. iRobot has also upgraded this model on its website to the i4 EVO which has 20 minutes longer worth of battery life &#; an impressive feat considering the i3 already has a 75-minute run time.

How It&#;s Held Up

After bringing the vacuum cleaner home to test for an additional six months, we only have good things to say about the i3 EVO robot vacuum. Not only has it maintained its initial level of efficiency, grabbing all sorts of debris and maneuvering with ease, but it also has a user-friendly app that makes the entire cleaning process that much easier.

People / Donna Freydkin
People / Henry Wortock

Best Vacuum for Pet Hair

Samsung Jet 75 Stick Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

$346 at Amazon

$400 at Target

$499 at Walmart

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

4
/5
Effectiveness

4.8
/5
Maneuverability

4.3
/5
Ease of Emptying

4.3
/5
Portability

3.5
/5

Star Qualities

Easy to assemble
Powerful suction of hair on all floor types
Helpful attachments, like a crevice tool for furniture

Red Flags

Short battery life
Loud volume

We love our pets dearly, but there's always going to be a trail of fur left in their paths &#; which calls for a great pet hair vacuum that can clean up after them. The Samsung Jet 75 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner worked tirelessly to scoop up pet hair across all surfaces, from tile to high-pile carpets, leaving only a clean space in its wake.

It assembled quickly and performed exceptionally well picking up hair on all flooring types. You can use it as a cordless stick model or detach the handle to convert it into a sleek, shorter handheld wand. The crevice tool came in handy when getting into those small corners, as the regular vacuum struggled to get debris at the very end of the base.

We did notice, however, that the volume was quite loud for our taste. Also, the battery lost power a bit faster than we expected, but it charged quickly, so this wasn't a big problem.

People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock

Best Canister Vacuum

Kenmore Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

$120 at Amazon

View on Kenmorefloorcare.com

Our Ratings

Effectiveness

4.8
/5
Maneuverability

5
/5
Ease of Emptying

4.8
/5
Portability

4.8
/5
Noise Level

4.5
/5

Star Qualities

Powerful suction lifted dirt, pet hair, and debris from all floor types
Lightweight, easy to maneuver into tight spaces, and rolls smoothly along the floor
HEPA filter reduces dust, allergens, and other irritants

Red Flags

Pet hair got stuck in the brush rollers on several occasions
Power cord is just 16 feet, which is short, comparatively

Canister vacuums offer many benefits &#; which we put to the test &#; but the primary two are powerful suction and low noise level. The Kenmore Bagless Canister Vacuum efficiently lifted dirt and debris from carpets, hardwood floors, and rugs. The canister portion rolled smoothly across all surfaces as well, which helped with the overall maneuverability. Plus, at less than 10 pounds, you can easily carry it around, too.

While the vacuum picked up pet hair easily, the fur got stuck in the brush&#;s rollers several times. Attachments like the crevice tool sucked up dirt from couch cushions quickly, and the other vacuum components were equally helpful. The bagless design made for simple cleaning &#; the dustbin can be rinsed out with water. And thanks to the HEPA filter, the vacuum also promises to reduce allergens, dust, and other irritants from your home. While we wish the cord was a little longer (it&#;s 16 feet), this bagless canister vacuum is a really good value.

People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson

Best Robotic Pool Vacuum

Aiper Scuba S1 Pool Cleaner

PHOTO: Amazon

$700 at Amazon

View on Aiper.com

Star Qualities

Worked effortlessly with no navigation issues
Convenient basket traps dirt
Auto, eco, wall-only, and floor-only smart modes

Red Flags

Not equipped to skim the water's surface

While you might not think good vacuums are useful outside, we tested a handful of robotic pool vacuums that really dazzled us: specifically, the Aiper Scuba S1 Pool Cleaner. The little vacuum was fully assembled in less than five minutes. Once it's charged and placed in the pool, it will impress you with how efficiently it scrubs tile, catching debris like leaves and dirt along the way.

The cordless design simplifies everything and the four cleaning modes &#; floor-only, wall-only, eco, and auto &#; ensure a thorough and deep clean for any pool area of concern. While we wish it would skim the pool's surface, it's not a dealbreaker considering the efficiency and power of this machine.

People / Paden Reich
People / Paden Reich

Best Smart Vacuum

Tineco Pure One S15 Pro

PHOTO: Tineco

$400 at Amazon

View on Tineco.com

Our Ratings

Effectiveness

4.5
/5
Maneuverability

5
/5
Ease of Emptying

5
/5
Portability

5
/5
Noise Level

4
/5

Star Qualities

LED light that illuminates debris
Standing dock for easy storage
Digital screen keeps track of your floor's cleanliness

Red Flags

Most expensive model on our list
Motor head is a bit heavy

This Tineco vacuum cleaner is an amazing option for those looking to geek out on smart features or anyone who needs extra help supercharging their clean. The digital screen turns red when encountering dirt and blue when the area has been sufficiently cleaned, but this model also automatically goes into a short max power mode when it comes into contact with a big mess &#; so it's really putting in the extra elbow grease for you.

It comes with a standing dock, so you don't have to mount anything to a wall (great for renters). It also has helpful attachments and a place to store them. The LED light on the brush head helps to illuminate any pet hair, crumbs, or other debris that might be lurking in your corners or along your baseboards. However, these features come with a high price tag and our at-home tester noted that the motor portion of the vacuum gets to be a bit heavy after using it for an extended period of time.

How It's Held Up

We continued testing this vacuum for six months to see how it held up in a real-world setting. Our tester appreciated the consistency of the battery life and the convenience of the docking station &#; which charges the vacuum and holds all the accessories. It's a great vacuum for hardwood floors and quick cleanups. Plus, you can make changes manually or use the auto-pilot functions, and the vacuum will adjust its action based on the level of dirt present.

People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson

Quietest Vacuum

Kenmore Elite Cordless Stick Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

$127 at Amazon

Our Ratings

Effectiveness

4
/5
Maneuverability

5
/5
Ease of Emptying

3.5
/5
Portability

4.5
/5
Noise Level

5
/5

Star Qualities

Super lightweight at just 3 pounds
Extremely quiet, clocking in at only 65 decibels
Easy to maneuver around any obstacle

Red Flags

A bit difficult to empty
Hair stuck in the dustbin from our first testing day despite our efforts to clean it

We'd go as far as to say that the Kenmore Elite Cordless Stick Vacuum was the quietest vacuum we've ever used. Clocking in at only 65 decibels, it was incredibly easy to carry on a conversation while the vacuum sucked up everything in its path. On top of its quiet operation, it only weighs three pounds. We were impressed with how easily it maneuvered around corners, furniture, and any obstacle that stood in the way.

Even though it was an effective, quiet, and easy-to-use vacuum, the size and shape of the dustbin made it difficult to empty. We also had to manually fetch some of the hair out of the dustbin, and unfortunately, we weren't able to retrieve all of it. But if you don't live in a household that's constantly shedding, that might not be a dealbreaker for you, so we're still including this quiet vacuum on our list for those who like to clean while babies are sleeping or while they simultaneously conduct FaceTime calls.

How It's Held Up

At the six-month mark of testing, our team was still really pleased with the performance of this vacuum. It picks up most debris with ease, including dog hair, and has been a tried-and-true resource for quick daily cleans. The battery still doesn't last as long as we'd like, but it's not a dealbreaker.

PEOPLE / Dera Burreson
PEOPLE / Dera Burreson
PEOPLE / Dera Burreson
PEOPLE / Dera Burreson

Best Self-Emptying Vacuum

Shark Wandvac Self-Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

$200 at Amazon

$330 at Wayfair

$280 at QVC

Our Ratings

Setup

4.9
/5
Effectiveness

4.6
/5
Noise Level

4.2
/5
Maneuverability

5
/5
Ease of Emptying

4.7
/5

Star Qualities

Maneuvers easily around furniture
Slim, lightweight design
Works well on upholstery

Red Flags

Requires multiple passes to fully suction up debris
Not as powerful as its volume implies

What's better than a vacuum that will do the dirty work (i.e. emptying the dustbin) for you? The Shark Wandvac Cordless Stick Vacuum does just that, emptying itself into a HEPA filter bag every time it's attached to the charging base. And because it's cordless, you can move this lightweight vacuum from room to room with ease. You can even remove the wand from the base to get into all of those hard-to-reach spots, like between couch cushions and behind furniture, for a deeper clean.

Though we loved this model for its easily mobile functions and conveniently slim design (which makes for easy storage), we did notice that it took a few passes to fully vacuum all of the messes we made &#; and it was considerably louder than the other Shark vacuums we tested. However, it effectively performs on upholstery, making this a great option for cleaning up after popcorn movie nights in the family room.

People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson

Best Vacuum for Hardwood Floors

Dyson Omni-Glide Cordless Vacuum

PHOTO: Dyson

$286 at Amazon

$350 at Target

$350 at QVC

Our Ratings

Ease of Setup

4.5
/5
Effectiveness

5
/5
Maneuverability

5
/5
Ease of Emptying

2.5
/5
Portability

4.8
/5

Star Qualities

Quieter than most models we tested
Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Small swivel head makes it easy to get in corners and under couches

Red Flags

No storage compartments for attachments
Canister fills up quickly

The Omni-Glide + was a standout for us when testing vacuums for hardwood floors, due to its sleek design, lightweight feel, and easy mobility. And because it detaches from the base to become a handheld vac, you can reach heights like never before (i.e. tops of bookshelves and cabinets) to get an even deeper clean in your home.

Though we didn't test this model on carpets or rugs, we thought it performed fabulously on tile, hardwood floors, and even stairs. In under one minute, each mess of hair, popcorn, and other pieces of debris were effectively sucked up into the machine's canister. Not to mention that its noise level was considerably lower than others we've tried, making this a huge plus in our book.

We think this is the perfect vacuum for small spots and quick cleanups because of its agile design. (You can fold it flat to fit under low furniture!) However, its slender canister can only hold about 0.2 liters of debris. So, you'll have to empty it more frequently when vacuuming large areas, but its quick cleans and maneuverability make the trash visits well worth it. You also get a cleaner head, mini motorized tool, combination crevice tool, light pipe crevice tool, docking station, and charger in the mix &#; just without built-in storage.

For a slightly cheaper option, the original Dyson Omni-Glide model is available for about $50 less at Target and Walmart. Expect the same stellar performance, but note that the Omni-Glide+ comes with an additional attachment and a slightly different color scheme than the original Omni-Glide model.

Type: Bagless, cordless | Dimensions: 42.4 x 8.89 x 3.62 inches | Weight: 4.19 | Filter Type: Whole-machine filtration | Capacity: 0.2 liters | Cord Length: Not applicable | Included Accessories: Cleaner head, combination crevice tool, docking station, mini motorized tool, light pipe crevice tool, charger

People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock
People / Henry Wortock

Best Dyson Alternative

Eureka Cordless Vacuum

PHOTO: Amazon

View on Amazon

View on Sylvane.com

Our Ratings

Effectiveness

3
/5
Maneuverability

3.5
/5
Ease of Emptying

2
/5
Portability

1.5
/5
Noise Level

4.8
/5

Star Qualities

Similar features to the Dyson but at a more cost-conscious price
LED headlights illuminate dust and debris
Lightweight and effectively cleaned upholstery

Red Flags

Struggles with high-pile carpeting

While Dyson might be a household name when it comes to high-quality tech products, it comes at a high cost. So, we found a series of vacuum cleaners that are good alternatives to this popular brand with more budget-conscious pricing. If you like the Dyson V12 Detect for its LED headlights, you&#;ll be happy to know the Eureka Lightweight Cordless Vacuum has them too. The cordless design is lightweight, easy to maneuver around tight spaces, and the battery life lasts 30 minutes.

We loved the removable attachments, which allowed us to quickly and easily clean upholstery. It thrived on hardwood floors and tile but wasn&#;t the most effective on carpeted floors. Once you&#;re finished cleaning, the vacuum is easy to empty and clean.

Battery Life: 30 minutes | Weight: 7.15 lbs. | Attachments: Removable battery stick vacuum, LED headlights, crevice tool, dusting brush, wall mount

People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson

Best Car Vacuum

Ridgid Hand Vacuum

PHOTO: Home Depot

$80 at Amazon

$60 at Home Depot

Our Ratings

Setup

5
/5
Effectiveness

4.5
/5
Maneuverability

4
/5
Ease of Emptying

4
/5
Portability

5
/5

Star Qualities

Expert-recommended and works with impressive efficiency
Picks up everything and doesn&#;t have to be emptied often thanks to the large chamber
Filter is washable; can clean even the grimiest debris without worry

Red Flags

Little bulky
Battery and charger are sold separately

Cars hold many memories, but if we&#;re being honest, they also hold a lot of crumbs, dirt, and debris from every outing. That&#;s why it&#;s good to have a car vacuum so you can keep your car not only tidy but really clean. We love the Rigid Hand Vacuum for many reasons, and we&#;re not alone &#; this vacuum comes expert-recommended.

Between the high suction and huge debris chamber, there&#;s no mess too messy for this vacuum. The design allows for a comfortable grip so you can hold it for extended periods of time and the filter is washable so now matter how much grime it suctions up, it&#;s easily cleanable.

Since it has such a large chamber, it&#;s a little bulky to store, but you can easily keep it in the trunk of your vehicle or in your garage, so this isn&#;t a dealbreaker. If we have one gripe, it&#;s that the battery and charger are sold separately, but it&#;s a one-time inconvenience, so we&#;ll let it slide given the high quality of this machine.

People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson
People / Dera Burreson

The company is the world’s best Heavy Duty Vacuum Cleaner supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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