Through several tests of well over 50 vacuums in The Lab and at home in real, everyday situations, we’ve found them. During these tests, we time each vacuum’s setup process, evaluate its effectiveness on multiple types of flooring, and bring it through a living room-inspired obstacle course. We rate noise level, portability, value, and the ease of emptying the dust bin or bag, so you (and your pet who hates the vacuum cleaner) know what to expect from a particular vacuum and can choose the best option for you. From upright, cordless stick, and wet-dry, to robot, canister, and handheld, the selection of vacuums is anything but limited. But after all of our testing (so far), we love the Shark Vertex DuoClean Lightweight Cordless Vacuum. It’s lightweight, easy to use and store, and powerful, sucking up everything from cereal to hair on every surface we tested. Here, the best vacuums for chores that feel more gratifying than gross, backed by our testing. The Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Cordless Stick Vacuum was able to slip easily under a coffee table and couch, which sits fairly low to the ground, as well. Our tester noted that the vacuum remains quiet most of the time it’s in operation, too, so your pet may not be as spooked by this cleaning machine. Its quietness is no sign of its strength, though: two brush heads give this pick power, and while the collection canister could be bigger, you’ll find that it’s easy and painless to empty into your trash can. When your chores are all done, you can easily store this cordless stick vacuum, too, because it actually folds in half. This thoughtful design feature—on top of a 60-minute battery life that’s longer than most other cordless picks we’ve seen and tested—makes it suitable for both smaller apartments and larger households alike. Now, there are newer versions of this particular vacuum out there. We tested the Shark Cordless Pro with Clean Sense IQ, the newest model in this line, but found that the older version achieved a much better clean. The new version dropped debris and wasn’t effective at picking up pet hair on upholstery. While the older version comes with individually-wrapped pieces (which we didn’t love) and a heavy handheld component, we still believe it’s a top-notch option that’s worth every penny. Even with the wrapping, setup took our tester about three minutes—it doesn’t get much better than that! Price at time of publish: $315 Three power modes make it easy to adjust this vacuum’s suction when you’re dealing with different debris and floor types. Even stairs were easy to navigate and our tester didn’t need to change out the floor brush for any other attachments. Our tester did note that while the floor head did not have any hair wrapped around it—a huge win in our book—the motorized brush tool did have hair stuck on it. We recommend clipping and pulling out any hair after you use this attachment on upholstery to maintain its performance. When it came time to empty the dust cup, our tester recommended removing the filter first to avoid it falling into the trash can with the rest of the debris the vacuum collected. This vacuum comes with a charging stand that can be installed onto a wall, which also makes it easy to store when not in use. Keep in mind that like many other stick vacuums, this model does not lock into an upright position. You have to lay it down or prop it against a piece of furniture if you need to step away from the task. However, overall, our tester said this vacuum was hard to beat. Not only does it offer great performance, but it also includes plenty of attachments—all with a price tag under $150. Price at time of publish: $119 Although this vacuum may lack the bells and whistles that other higher-end stick vacuums have, our tester appreciated that she could move its compact floor head around furniture and that it didn’t spit out any debris—a common problem with many three-in-one stick designs. Hair does get caught on the floor brush, but our tester said she was able to pull most of it off or cut it off. We recommend cleaning out the brush roll after each use to avoid any clogs. This vacuum is also quite loud, which is surprising for its size. Our tester said the noise would definitely disrupt someone watching TV, and you can’t hold a conversation over it. We don’t completely fault the model for its noise level, though, because its suction is so impressive—the noise level can be justified. Overall, we were thoroughly impressed with this vacuum’s lightweight, compact, and easy-to-use design, making it a great option for anyone looking for a simple yet reliable vacuum for everyday messes. Price at time of publish: $90 This vacuum is heavier than average upright models because of its central ball joint, but this joint helps the vacuum swivel around furniture and corners, making it practically as versatile as a stick vacuum. This vacuum operates on three different settings, and each adjusts the roller brush position to clean everything from flat surfaces to high-pile carpets. Our tester also found these height settings essential for sucking up various debris sizes. She said, “The high-pile setting worked better on the flat floor surface to remove larger debris such as cereals, as well as hair.” You also won’t have to worry about hair becoming wrapped on the floor head’s roller because it’s equipped with enough suction to automatically detangle it. One thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t the most straightforward vacuum to assemble. Our tester noted some confusion when deciphering the photo-only instructions for connecting the pieces. The same applied for the attachments Dyson provides with this model. “While their use is intuitive, it would be helpful for Dyson to explain the intended purpose and ideal use of each attachment,” our tester said. Despite the lack of written instructions, our tester said the attachments were incredibly helpful for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and corners. Since the vacuum’s floor head was too large to clean the corners of our testing labs, the combination tool was essential for cleaning all of the debris. While the stair tool combined with the 15-foot extension hose is helpful for cleaning stairs, we found this upright vacuum’s weight to be challenging in this area of our testing lab. With its weight in mind, we also don’t recommend this model for users with limited mobility. However, its multi-surface cleaning power and intuitive attachments make it a great option for a busy household with kids and pets that may produce a variety of messes. Price at time of publish: $449
Now, this Kenmore vacuum does have a few quirks. For one, you’ll want to make sure you’re centered over your messes so the vacuum can easily suction them up. In our experience, the vacuum pulls hair and debris behind it and along its sides a bit. You may have to go over areas a few times to pick up any leftovers. However, there’s no other real issues with its cleaning effectiveness. Our tester wasn’t super impressed with the included brush, but noted that the crevice tool provided great suction power, and the whole vacuum picked up small and large debris with ease in The Lab. They were most impressed by its quiet operation—you could easily hold a conversation over it. “This was by far the quietest vacuum I have ever heard,” they said, adding that it truly outperformed the more expensive, cord-free options that they tested in every way. Just know: this pick doesn’t stand by itself and the attachments are a bit tricky to put on. You’ll need to lean it up against a couch or wall, and spend some time getting to know the cleaning machine before tackling messes on your surfaces. Price at time of publish: $160 However, the canister vacuum—like all canister vacuums—is a great contender for homes with small nooks and crannies that need to be cleaned. The slim handle and floor head make it easy to reach under a couch or near a coffee table. The 21-foot cord of this model can be rewound automatically when you’re finished as well. Plus, at 3.75 quarts, this little machine takes a while to fill up, which is convenient, since it’s bagged instead of bagless. It’s pricey, even before you purchase the replacement bags, but ultimately this vacuum’s positives outweigh any of its negatives. Per our tester, it’s “so quiet it’s ridiculous.” Even if you disrupt your wallet, you won’t likely disrupt the members of your household. Price at time of publish: $410 While you certainly would fight with this vacuum a bit on the stairs, since there’s no stair attachment and it has a 10-pound build, we appreciated that it’s easy to navigate on surfaces. The bag is also super easy to change—just press the release button to expose and dispose of the collection bag. Setup was a total breeze for our tester, who didn’t even have to look at the instructions to understand where everything goes, though they did say the vacuum’s noise level matches its power level. You probably couldn’t hold a conversation over this pick, and may want to warn your pets before turning it on. All in all, this pick doesn’t leave much to be desired, though. It has multiple settings for bare floors and carpet, which is a major plus for those who are worried about damaging their hardwood. With a 25-foot cord, 15-inch cleaning path, and more budget-friendly price tag, we feel more than happy recommending it for your home. Price at time of publish: $155 Not to mention, changing out the attachments was easy and the entire model transitioned seamlessly from a hard floor to a carpet, so you won’t need to worry about your cleaning session being interrupted by your living room’s area rug. They could also easily pick the vacuum up with one hand—a perk for those with lots of stairs—and an included charging dock keeps everything you need in one spot when your Saturday cleaning session is complete. Ultimately, we didn’t have any major complaints about this model or the very similar Tineco PURE ONE S15 PET that we also tested. In comparison, the PET model is $100 cheaper and doesn’t include the extra LED soft roller brush that the PRO has. This soft roller brush is great for hard flooring, which can be more prone to scratching or denting from your vacuum cleaner. However, if you don’t have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, take the PET model into consideration in order to save a few bucks. Price at time of publish: $599 That’s right. It will also mop your floors. Our at-home tester said this dual-functionality has been life-changing, and she loves that the model senses when it’s on carpet or hard flooring—and adjusts accordingly. This model’s packed with smart features, too. It maps out your home, and then you can choose to clean the entire layout or a specific room. It has laser technology to avoid large items, such as furniture or door frames, that it may come across along the way, and smaller items, like socks or jeans left on the floor. (Even so, our at-home tester says she usually picks up a bit before running this device.) You can program the ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ with a cleaning schedule or order it to start from your smartphone if you’re expecting last-minute guests. If this hands-off cleaning experience isn’t enough, it also self-empties—once it’s completed its run, all you have to do is change the dust bag every so often. In our lab testing, we were impressed by how quiet this vacuum was when operating, as well, although you might brace yourself for a loud roar when it self empties. Now, while robot vacuums may not be able to target specific messes or do a deep clean, if you have pets—and, therefore, a lot of visible and invisible pet hair—this ECOVACS robot vacuum and mop will suck up more pet hair than you ever thought possible, as it makes its daily run around your living room. Our tester found not only that it is an effective vacuum and mop, but also that it smartly navigated obstacles and could transition from floors to rugs with ease. They only had one complaint: according to the manufacturer, the mopping reservoir can only hold water (as opposed to a mix of water and floor cleaner). They got around this annoyance by soaking the mopping pad in their favorite floor cleaner, before attaching it to the device. They then said: “I hate to be dramatic, but this device has completely transformed my life. The time I spent vacuuming and mopping my floors is now free for other activities. Before incorporating this device into my home, it felt as if my floors were always dirty, no matter how much I vacuumed. Whenever I leave the house, I pick up dog toys and other small items off the floor and turn on the auto-clean function. My floors are clean by the time I get back home.” Price at time of publish: $500 The Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner excelled at our tests in The Lab. Its powerful suction impressed our testers, as it sucked up cereal, pet hair, popcorn kernels, and other debris in its path. We gave it high marks on maneuverability since our tester was able to clean hard-to-reach areas including under a couch, in a car’s cup holder, and along a baseboard with ease, thanks to its tapered nozzle. Setup also took less than two minutes, and when it came to the dust bin, emptying it was a total breeze. The battery pack detaches from the vacuum for easy charging, but our tester noted that the pack adds some weight when inserted into the vacuum, bringing this model up to 3 pounds. It may not be the best option for a deeper clean, or someone who wants something lightweight and easy to maneuver. It’s also quite expensive in comparison to other handheld vacuums, but since it’s such a strong, reliable cleaner, we believe it’s well worth the price. Price at time of publication: $99 Just like other models by the brand, the S15 PET features Tineco’s display screen, which turns from red to blue to signify whether there is dirt on the floor. It also clearly displays the battery’s percentage. The auto mode is a great option for everyday cleaning, but our tester found that switching to max mode—within the manual mode selections—worked best for ensuring that no dirt or pet hair was left behind. Keep in mind that this vacuum is not best for area rugs, because of its suction power. However, when in automatic mode, it does automatically increase suction when it encounters hair or debris. That helps the vac to conserve energy so you can clean up to 1,399 square feet on a single charge and capture more messes around your home. Aside from this vacuum’s impressive suction power, our tester appreciated its easy-to-empty dust bin. It has a lever that scrapes debris and dust off the filter and sides of the canister. Our tester said they still had to pull out some hair that was stuck up high in the canister, but overall appreciated the ease of emptying. Tineco delivers a tangle-free brush head that lifts hairs into the dust bin, too, so they don’t become trapped around the base of the vacuum. Most importantly, this vacuum’s brush head has LED lights on it that illuminate your path so you suck up every last pet hair. Our home tester noted that the LED light actually helped her to find tiny pet hairs in her home. “I thought my home was a pretty clean place, but when I used this Tineco for the first time, I realized I was very, very wrong,” she said. “The LED light on the head illuminated tiny white Chihuahua hairs all over my floors—even in rooms that she doesn’t usually go in! Now, I use this vacuum almost every day, and every time it illuminates and captures tiny pet hair that I wouldn’t have seen. Honestly, I had no idea my Chihuahua shed that much! I’m grateful that this vacuum can suck up all the stray hairs that I don’t see, so I can feel confident that my dog and I are lounging in a truly clean space.” Price at time of publishing: $500 Our tester noted that the slim profile is very lightweight, and the cleaning solution has a fresh scent that’s very mild. The disposable cleaning pad makes clean-up simple—especially because it’s paired with an easy-release button on the floor head that ensures you don’t need to touch what you just cleaned up. Notably, the VacMop comes with four ready-to-use replacement pads as well, so you don’t have to venture to the store after using it one time. The only real downsides to this model are that the dust bin isn’t very large and you have to hold down the power button consistently while using it. This could be tiring, especially after cleaning a larger home. The entire model operates very quietly though, and will be very suitable for your kitchen, bathroom, or any spot with hard floors. It also runs at a budget-friendly price, meaning you can achieve satisfying cleans for less. Price at time of publication: $80 Notably, the Dyson v12 Detect Slim is outfitted with much of the same technology as other Dyson vacuums. It features a Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head. The head shines a laser onto tiny particles, so you can see them and know to capture them. The vacuum also features an LCD screen that lets you know how much of its hour-long battery life is left and whether maintenance is required. Though, our tester noted that the full capabilities of it were not explained well in the instruction manual, so you’ll have to get to know the digital screen yourself. In addition, this vacuum was incredibly noisy when operating, but its noise level matches its power—which you need a lot of to thoroughly clean carpeted surfaces in your home. Ultimately, the power and lightweight design is what pushed this model over the edge for us and made it seem worthy of its more expensive price tag. Price at time of publishing: $548 Samsung Bespoke Jet Cordless Stick Vacuum: Despite this vacuum’s forward-thinking design and easy-to-assemble parts, it left our tester incredibly frustrated. It required several passes on all flooring types and our tester had a difficult time discerning the most effective tool on each type of flooring, especially stairs. “I used every single tool and all the speed settings and no combination worked well to get up the debris, only the pet hair tool on the JET setting got the hair out, but some hairs remained after so many passes that I gave up,” our tester said. Shark WS642AE Wandvac Cordless Stick Vacuum with Self-Empty Charging Base: This vacuum was potentially the most confusing model we tested. Our tester had to re-test it because it would not pick up any of the debris we laid out during the first test. After retesting it, our tester said she had no clue what changed, but all of the sudden the vacuum was able to handle all of the hair, dirt, and popcorn we placed in front of it. It’s a lightweight and very maneuverable model, but the initial performance failure left us slightly puzzled at its long-term potential.

How We Tested the Vacuums

We’ve purchased and tested over 50 vacuums side-by-side in The Lab and at home. In The Lab, we start with the unboxing and setup of each vacuum, timing how long each assembly process takes and noting whether the instructions are clear or confusing. Then, we put the models through their paces to test for the best and weed out the rest. Our testers use each vacuum on hard flooring and high, medium, and low-pile carpets. They test effectiveness by challenging each vacuum to clean up measured amounts of hair, popcorn kernels, and every parent’s constant companion: Cheerios. While testing, we note how many passes are needed to clean up the debris, and whether hair gets tangled in the beater bar. We also evaluate the vacuum’s weight and portability, and how well it can transition from smooth floors to carpeting. We rate the noise level and note whether we can comfortably talk over it. After testing for these attributes, we test maneuverability by running each model through a living room obstacle course, complete with a low-sitting couch and coffee table, to see how they maneuver in tight areas and around corners. To wrap up our tests, our testers change the bags and pour out the dust bins to gain insights into the ease of emptying each vacuum, and rate each one’s overall value based on their experience from beginning to end. At home, several testers put vacuums to the test in real-world situations to evaluate the same attributes, in addition to durability, longevity, and ease of storage. We take all of the consistently applied testing data and boil down the insights to the vacuums we believe are the very best—the ones that will help you achieve that gratifying clean.

What to Look for in a Vacuum Cleaner

Type

The first thing you need to consider when shopping for a vacuum is the type of vacuum you’re in the market for. There are several types of vacuums and each can help you achieve a different clean.

Upright: This is the most traditional type of vacuum cleaner. Upright vacuums usually feature a large dust bin or bag near the floor head, and have a bulkier design that makes them a bit harder to move and store. However, they’re great for whole-home cleaning and often can capture more debris at once, especially if they have a corded design. You can expect most upright vacuums to be champions at picking up messes on carpet and offer great suction power. Cordless stick: Cordless stick vacuums have become popular in recent years, because of their smaller profile and maneuverable design. They usually feature a smaller dust bin near the top of their handle, meaning you can’t necessarily pick up as much debris at one time. Not to mention, the battery life of your chosen model may limit you. However, continuous advances have made these models more intuitive, so they do often provide the same suction power as an upright vac. You can ultimately expect them to be lightweight, versatile, and easy to store. Our “best overall” pick, the Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Cordless Stick Vacuum, is a cordless stick option. Wet-dry: Models like the Shark VacMop, our “best wet-dry” pick, tackle two cleaning jobs at once. They can be used to vacuum up loose debris and mop your hard floors. The perk of these models is that you don’t need to purchase or store more than one appliance. However, they only work on hard, sealed surfaces, so you’ll need another vacuum to tackle messes on carpet. Some come in a stick design, while others look like an upright vacuum or function like a robot vacuum. Canister: Another very traditional style of vacuum is the canister vacuum. It marries the handle and floor head of a cordless stick vacuum with a (sometimes rolling) canister that collects debris and holds it in a dust bin or bag. This pick can be a great option for those with a lot of stairs. The canister vacuum is also known for being pretty powerful and maneuverable. However, you’ll want to find a pick that ideally has a set of wheels or a handle on the canister, otherwise it won’t be as portable as it could be. Handheld: Handheld vacuums—which are sometimes categorized as dustbusters—are great for all the spot-cleaning and smaller tasks throughout your home, car, or even garage. You can aim them at a particular mess, and use their smaller profile or included attachments to target those messes in tight areas like car cup holders. We recommend shopping for a handheld vacuum as a supplement to your larger vacuum, since these models aren’t meant for any weekly and whole-house cleans. Robot: Typically outfitted with lots of smart features including smart mapping, robot vacuums offer a hands-free experience to cleaning. With the touch of a button, they intuitively roam the surfaces of your home and pick up debris along the way. These models take time to set up, and you may need to prep your house before they run their cycle to remove obstacles they can get stuck on. Otherwise, they can be a great solution for those with kids and pets, and lots of high-traffic areas. Just note: they will be significantly more expensive than other vacuums out there. We love the ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ Robot Vacuum and Mop, which acts as a mop, too.

Weight and Portability

If you’ve ever pushed around a vacuum cleaner for an extended cleaning session, or even lugged it up and down a flight of stairs, you know the weight of your vacuum matters. It can be a real pain to maneuver a heavy product. Fortunately, many vacuum cleaners are designed to weigh less and be more nimble than the unwieldy machines that first entered home cleaning closets decades ago. Upright vacuums tend to weigh the most. However, their wider floor heads, more powerful motors, and larger dust bins account for the added weight and often make them more effective. If you opt for this type of vacuum, assume it’ll weigh between 12 and 18 pounds, with some models weighing less or more. Canister vacuums vary widely in terms of weight. Some lightweight models barely tip the scale at 8 pounds, while others that offer enhanced performance and features (to rival upright vacuums) can weigh as much as 18 or 20 pounds. Cordless stick vacuum cleaners are generally the most lightweight vacuums available. They typically weigh between 3 and 7 pounds.

Compatible Floor Type

It’s important to consider where you want to use your vacuum before purchasing it. Some picks are solely meant to be used with hardwood—like the Shark VacMop—while others are powerful on vinyl, tile, hardwood, and low to high-pile carpets. Some picks are also just more useful on one surface—like the Dyson v12 Detect Slim, which performed the best on carpet in our testing. Typically, the presence or absence of a brush roll on a vacuum can determine what type of flooring the product is best suited for. Vacuums with no brush roll are good for hardwood floors or tile, since the stiff fibers of a brush roll might scratch the finish on your floors or send dirt in all directions. But, notably, some vacuums with a brush roll offer the ability to turn the rotation of the brush off, making it safe for use on hardwood and effective on any type of hard surface flooring. If you have a mix of flooring and carpeting in your home, you will want to look for a pick with multiple settings for different surfaces.

Filter Type and Ease of Emptying

Many vacuum cleaners are equipped with a filtration system intended to trap fine particles of dust and dander that might otherwise be released with the exhaust of the vacuum cleaner. Some filters are washable, making them an affordable, easy-to-maintain choice. These filters are typically made of a sponge-like material that rinses easily and air dries quickly. Other filters are much more paper-like in appearance and must be replaced on a schedule (usually every 6 months or so) to maintain effectiveness. Notably, HEPA filters are a great option for those who suffer from allergies, as they effectively trap the dust, dander, and particles that may be triggers. These ultra-fine filters trap the tiniest of dust and dander particles, as small as 0.3 microns in the case of true HEPA filters. HEPA filters usually need to be replaced on a schedule to maintain their filtration capabilities, but some newer versions do offer the advantage of being washable, as well. If your household has pets, or you or someone in your household has allergies, consider a vacuum with a HEPA filter or a bagged design. That way, it won’t be easy to come in contact with the debris you’re collecting. While replacement bags can be a bit more expensive in the long run, they do seal away your debris. Dust bins are often emptied out in the trash can and may require that you use your hands to loosen up any stuck debris. The ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ Robot Vacuum and Mop self empties, so you don’t have to worry about emptying your vacuum or disposing of the debris for quite some time.

Included Attachments

Once you pick your perfect vacuum cleaner, make sure it’s equipped with the correct accessories to complete your cleaning tasks. Sometimes accessories are included with the purchase of your brand new vacuum, but other times, you may need to purchase them separately. Some common tools that may be included with your vacuum are crevice tools, extension wands, and upholstery brushes that will all come in handy when you are trying to deep clean your home. Some other popular accessories for vacuums are pet-related cleaning tools. These include nozzle attachments with grippy surfaces, fine-tooth combs, or stiff brushes to extract pet hair from your furniture upholstery, drapes, and more. If you’re a pet owner, you’ll certainly want to look into a pet-friendly attachment, as it can double the result of your cleaning efforts.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Marisa Casciano is the senior commerce editor for all things appliances, cleaning, and organization for The Spruce and has personally developed and run vacuum tests at The Lab, evaluating cordless stick, upright, handheld, and canister vacuums. For this piece, she not only consulted our firsthand testing insights, but also scoured brand and retailer websites and considered cost, verified reviews, features, and design when selecting our top vacuums. She did thorough research on the latest and greatest technology, and she considered real-life cleaning situations with the help of insights from real-world testers. There are many things you can do to ensure that your vacuum lasts as long as it possibly can. Emptying the bag and cleaning the filter regularly are both ways to make sure your vacuum doesn’t overfill or get clogged. Cleaning the attachments of any debris is also key toward helping your vacuum last, as any type of hair or tangled fibers in attachments can still cause other damage to the unit as a whole. Homes with hardwood floors should consider a vacuum that’s specifically designed for that type of surface, including a wet-dry vacuum that mops and vacuums. If you have pets, there are also plenty of options on the market to help eliminate dander and fur. As an example, bagless vacuums with washable filters should be cleaned at least once a month if they are used once or twice a week. Refer to your owner’s manual for a breakdown of cleaning information, as that will give you the best instructions on model maintenance. Emma Phelps, an updates writer for The Spruce, also added new testing insight to this roundup. She considered the performance of the latest models we tested in our lab and compared them to previous models selected for this roundup. She reviewed each tester’s experience—both good and bad—with the vacuums before making her final selections. Casciano and Phelps both own the Shark VacMop, which is effective at cleaning hard surfaces in their homes. They reach for it almost daily to pick up crumbs in the kitchen and to make their home feel new again.

What Is Spruce Approved?

Here at The Spruce, we want to ensure that we fully stand behind every product we recommend, and that when we say something is the best, we mean it. You might have noticed The Spruce Approved badge next to the products on this list. Every product with this badge has been rigorously tested in person and carefully selected by our expert team of lab testers and editors. In most cases, we buy all of these products ourselves, though occasionally we get samples provided to us directly by companies. No matter how we procure products, they all go through the same tests and must meet the same strict criteria to make the “best-of” cut. We also pride ourselves on transparency and will always let you know if we received a product for free.