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The 6 Best Vacuums, Tested and Loved by Our Editors

Our favorites in top categories: upright, stick, canister, and more

Canister, upright, stick, and robot vacuums.

Dera Burreson

I'm a cleaning editor, and as much as I love vacuums, I fully understand that most people just want to buy one vacuum and have it last a lifetime. It's one of those necessities that every house—big or small—requires, and one of those more adult purchases that you want to spend as little as possible on, while still reaping years and years of rewards.

The Spruce has tested over 350 vacuums (so far), in both The Lab and our editors' homes, from top-rated brands like Shark, Dyson, Bissell, Hoover, Levoit, Tineco, Kenmore, and more. Believe me when I say there's multiple vacuums out there that'll clean your floors well and easily survive routine bumps into table legs and baseboards. Our top pick does it all for $200. (Vacuums can range from $50 to up to $1,200.)

In this roundup, we focus on the top categories people typically shop when looking for their home's new vacuum: upright vacuums, stick vacuums, and canister vacuums. However, we also have plenty of picks if you're looking for a robot vacuum, vacuum-mop combo, vacuum for carpets, or budget vacuum that costs under $200 in other roundups. Either way, we're here to help you find your match so that you can enjoy a clean home with just one press of "add to cart."

A close-up of the Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum on a rug
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
What We Like
  • Battery charges quickly and can be easily removed

  • Cleans carpet, hardwood, tile, and stairs well

  • Super lightweight

  • Easy to empty and clean the filters

What We Don't Like
  • No major complaints

Category: Stick Vacuums

Stick vacuums are the most nimble, lightweight, and easy-to-use vacuums out there. In recent years, this style has become extremely competitive with traditional upright models, because stick vacuums can offer the same amount of suction power, in addition to a cordless design that's really freeing when cleaning.

I simply cannot stop raving about this vacuum. It's the only one you and I will ever need and, therefore, our pick for the best overall vacuum. The Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum is just as good as (if not better than) more expensive and high-tech models from innovative brands, such as Dyson or Tineco (it just lacks the smart features that you don't totally need), and is the full package.

My household vacuums daily—and sometimes multiple times per day to pick up my toddler's snack leftovers—and every time I use this vacuum for a whole-house clean, the dust bin is packed full afterwards. It humbles me, a vacuum expert and avid cleaner, and wraps up each 30- to 45-minute clean with battery life to spare. I can usually clean my house completely twice before needing to plug it in to charge, which is also a quick and easy process since the battery pack pops right out; you don't need to plug in the entire vacuum.

Meet the Tester

Marisa, a senior editor at The Spruce, lives in a split-level home with her husband and toddler. Her home has a mix of carpets, hardwood floors, and tile—plus, so many stairs—and her vacuums are regularly tasked with deep cleaning rugs and picking up cereal puffs, tiny pieces of spaghetti, and toast crumbs lovingly dropped around a high chair.

A common complaint with stick vacuums is that they don't offer the same suction power, particularly on your carpets, as an upright or canister vacuum. The Levoit LVAC-200 leaves behind noticeable carpet lines when I clean, though—and all that dust in the dust bin really speaks for itself.

Some hair will wrap around the filter, but you can easily pop the dust bin out of the cleaning machine when it's full, and twist the filter out to remove any tangles with your hands. (Or, I like to use a wooden appetizer skewer to help remove the tangles; the skewer is always strong enough for the job.)

The manual recommends cleaning the pre-motor filters (the felt filter and the foam filter that are visible when you remove the dust bin) once per month, and replacing them every three months. In my time owning this vac, I've honestly washed them once—but I can't stress how easy it was to do. The filters are easy to remove with a little tug, and rinsing them with water and squeezing them out makes a noticeable difference in their look. And, you can get a pack of two post-motor filters and four pre-motor filters for under $25—which is a real steal when compared to the price of a single air purifier replacement filter.

I love how easy this vacuum is to navigate and lift, too. At 3.2 pounds, it's well within our limits for a lightweight vacuum (15 pounds or less)—and that weight includes the battery pack, which can add some noticeable heft to other vacuums. The vacuum is quiet; my toddler isn't scared of it. Plus, you don't have to hold the power button down continuously, and the light on the floor head nicely illuminates areas under kitchen carts or on stairs.

Honestly, this vacuum is a steal—and while fashion is not as important as functionality when it comes to your vacuum, I love that the Levoit LVAC-200 feels and looks nice. At $200, I can't recommend it enough, especially if you can find it on sale. We've already seen it a discount during Amazon's Prime Day events and during early Black Friday sales.

Weight: 3.2 pounds | Battery Life: Up to 30 minutes (45 minutes in our experience) | Attachments: 2-in-1 crevice tool, 2-in-1 pet tool

What We Like
  • Self-cleaning brush roll and spacious dust bin

  • Lift-away pod

  • 30-foot cord

What We Don't Like
  • No automatic cord rewind

Category: Upright Vacuums

Upright vacuums offer the most suction power of any vacuum, making them a great option for cleaning carpets and rugs of all piles. Before cordless stick vacuums came into the picture, the upright vacuum was the fan-favorite vacuum cleaner because of its effectiveness, even though its build was (and still is) bulky, heavy, and hard to navigate and store.

Our favorite upright vacuum is the Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum. It's the perfect example of what an upright vacuum is: powerful, carpet-oriented but effective on multiple surfaces, and bulky yet spacious. The dust bin is 0.37 gallons, or roughly 47 ounces—which is bigger than a Stanley cup. It can handle multiple cleaning sessions at once, and it still won’t need to be emptied, making it a great option for deep cleaning and those with pets.

It has two brush rolls, which agitate surfaces and lift up dirt and dust. Our testing gave us a front row seat as it picked up hair, crumbs, flecks of dirt, and even particles of dust from carpet and hard flooring alike.

Shark counteracts the vacuum's bulky design with a lift-away pod, too. The pod is just the handle and dust bin detached from the rest of the vacuum, and it makes stair cleaning easier. We also love that the cord is 30 feet long, so you can clean entire rooms and hallways without needing to switch outlets. In a perfect world, there'd be an automatic cord rewind feature, but we were able to manage just fine without it.

Overall, Shark is a top vacuum and appliance brand that pairs quality with friendlier price points. You’ll most likely find this pick and others on sale during the holidays and Prime Day, but it’s worth the original price tag, too.

Weight: 16.71 pounds | Cord Length: 30 feet | Attachments: Crevice tool, upholstery tool, odor neutralizer cartridge

What We Like
  • Self-clean function

  • Cord automatically rewinds

  • Great for pet hair

What We Don’t Like
  • Not a good option for those with allergies

Category: Canister Vacuums

There are essentially two parts to every canister vacuum: the canister and the handle. The canister is usually situated on wheels so you can roll it with you as you clean, and houses the dust bin or dust bag. The handle is then attached to the floor head, and connected to the vacuum via a hose. Canister vacuums give you more flexibility and portability when cleaning, and more space for dust, debris, and fuzz, making canister vacuums a good choice for households with pets. They're also great for anyone who wants extra navigation to clean behind and under couches, or in a well-loved playroom.

When it comes to canister vacuums, we’ve historically been big fans of Miele products, given the quality and durability of the brand's models. They’re investment pieces, but you’re paying for what you get: a very reliable workhorse. We’re loving the Miele Blizzard CX1 Cat & Dog Bagless Canister Vacuum right now.

The Miele CX1’s most notable feature is its self-clean function which cleans the canister of dust and keeps it in tip-top shape. The bagless design also means you won’t have to budget for replacement bags—a perk since, as noted, this vacuum is what we’d call an investment. 

Now, the cord doesn’t auto-pull as you vacuum farther away, so be sure to pull out how much cord you need for your cleaning session from the start. (It does automatically rewind later on.) There are several settings you can make use of and all will be effective at picking up messes on hard floors and carpeting.

Five attachments come in the box: a crevice tool, upholstery tool, parquet twister floor head, handheld mini turbo brush, and electro plus floor head. Our only complaint is that emptying it isn’t easy or necessarily tidy—there’s really no great way to empty the bin without causing a ruckus at the trash can. For that reason, this pick is not the best for those with allergies.

There are also several versions of the CX1, but we tested and loved the cat and dog version. In our experience, it's the best option for those with animals—and any vacuum that’s suitable for picking up pet hair and kibble is suitable for households without pets, too (my hot take).

Weight: 19 pounds | Cord Length: 21 feet | Attachments: Crevice tool, upholstery tool, parquet twister floor head, handheld mini turbo brush, electro plus floor head

A person vacuuming a rug in a living room setting with the Kenmore DS4095 Brushless Cordless Stick Vacuum
PHOTO: The Spruce / Dera Burreson
What We Like
  • Bends under furniture

  • Evenly distributes its weight

  • Pretty good at picking up pet hair

What We Don't Like
  • Battery seems to die quick

  • Assembly is easier with two people

Category: Lightweight Vacuums

I’d define a lightweight vacuum as anything weighing less than 15 pounds, ideally 10 pounds. Most upright and canister vacuums don’t meet this requirement, but stick vacuums and smaller iterations (like handheld vacuums) absolutely can—and provide other elements that make them easier to navigate on carpet, hard floors, and more.

After several rounds of testing, the Kenmore Elite Cordless Stick Vacuum is our favorite in this category, and not just because it weighs about the same as my two MacBook Pros (just six pounds!). This vacuum operates so quietly, and can actually bend in half to reach under furniture, so you don’t have to.

Setting up the Kenmore Elite is easier with a friend, though. While you could do it by yourself, it's challenging to put this vacuum together since it needs to be upright the entire time.

In comparison to other stick vacuums we’ve tested, this model evenly distributes its weight once you’re up and running. Since it's cordless, you're also free to roam for up to 40 minutes—less if you use the vacuum on max mode versus its eco mode. (It does sometimes feel like the battery dies quicker than we'd like).

Meet the Tester

Jennifer lives in a one-story ranch with her husband and corgi. She uses this vacuum for both quick pickups (lots of dog hair), and more in-depth cleaning of both hardwood floors on the main level of her home and carpet on her finished, lower level.

Like other stick vacuums, Kenmore’s Elite Cordless Stick Vacuum can turn into a handheld version. We found that it picks up pet hair pretty well, too, which is a real, true signal of vacuum effectiveness, as we said above.

In our experience, it’s best for everyday cleaning, but not necessarily deep cleaning or sprucing up a couch cushion. There is only one attachment in the box: a combination crevice and dusting tool. You’ll also find a wall mount, which makes the vacuum easy to store and reach for.

What drives this pick into the top spot for best lightweight vacuum is what it offers at its price. The under-$200 price tag is incredibly fair for a vacuum that covers the basics and then some, all while being light. It's a tough combination to get right, but it manages to do it.

Weight: 6 pounds | Battery Life: 40 minutes | Attachments: Combination crevice and dusting tool

A person uses the Bissell MultiClean Allergen Rewind Pet Vacuum on carpet
PHOTO: The Spruce / Eric Brockob
What We Like
  • Excellent performance with pet hair

  • HEPA filter

  • Automatic cord rewind

What We Don't Like
  • Tougher to steer on smooth flooring

Pets come with their own cleaning challenges, and not every vacuum is up to the task—although, we did find a lot of our favorite picks are suitable for pet messes. Pet hair tends to stick to fabrics, can be fine, and can easily tangle in your rugs—not to mention, your vacuum’s brush roll. The Bissell MultiClean Allergen Pet Rewind is a corded upright vacuum that’s made for this sort of challenge, though.

It gives you 25 feet of cord to roam your house and two helpful attachments to truly tackle hair, kibble, or even non-pet-related messes. It’s also a pro at deep cleaning rugs, hard floors, and more; its cleaning power is just wrapped up in a heavy package.

An attachment that Bissell has dubbed a Pet TurboEraser tool gives you extra oomph on your upholstery and carpets, which really makes this pick extra suitable for pet owners. A crevice tool is ideal for in between couch cushions and other tight corners, too, but is a standard vacuum accessory.

Pets aside, the Bissell MultiClean Allergen Pet Rewind is a great all-around vacuum, and has the sort of strong suction power that pulled so much dust and dirt from deep within our carpets that it had had us questioning the efficiency of our previous vacuum.

The vacuum has a slight tendency to feel unwieldy on slick or smooth floors like hardwood, but the swivel steering helps you stay in control. We also love the LED lights on the head of the vacuum, a common but not guaranteed feature that helps you spot fur and fuzz in your path. (Notably, our top pick also has these lights.)

Weight: 15.5 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Attachments: Crevice tool and dusting brush, Pet TurboEraser tool

What We Like
  • LED display with digital readout

  • Four-stage HEPA filtration system

  • Doubles as a handheld vacuum

  • Quiet and lightweight

What We Don’t Like
  • Requires frequent charging

  • Requires frequent emptying

After years of testing, the Tineco Pure One S11 Tango still stands out to us. It rivals any Dyson vacuum, and we really love its mix of basic functionality and futuristic features, including a digital readout of what you have captured from your carpet.

Tineco’s original claim to fame was its Floor One S3 wet-dry vacuum, which expertly handles wet spills and dry crumbs on any hard flooring, and it remains a favorite among influencers and our editors after testing and real-world use. This pick, the Pure One S11 Tango, is purely for dry messes, but offers expert-level cleaning on hard and soft surfaces. It only struggled with larger debris like cereal.

You don’t need to put in much elbow grease, even if you are transitioning from an area rug to a hardwood floor. You don't even have to bend over to see if the brush roll is tangled from your dog’s hair. The LED display at the top of the vacuum will read out the facts (battery level, suction power) and give you a heads up if something is malfunctioning. It may not feel necessary, but you can also connect the vacuum to a smartphone app via Wi-Fi for more details on your cleaning endeavors.

Meet the Tester

Cecily lives in a two-bedroom apartment with her husband, toddler, and a long-haired cat. This vacuum gets a workout daily, picking up stray Goldfish crackers, cat litter, kitchen detritus, and hair.

Notably, these features don’t seem to add much to the price tag, which can’t be said for other stick vacuums with smart elements, such as Dyson's Gen5detect. While the Dyson is also a standout in our experience, it costs about $600 more than the Tineco, with many of the same features.

Intuitiveness aside, the Tineco Pure One S11 covers all the basics and then some. For larger debris (like that cereal), you can use one of its four attachments, each more complex than the last: crevice tool, 2-in-1 dusting brush, mini power brush, and full-size LED multi-task power brush. You can also turn the vacuum into a more handheld one by detaching the handle and using it with an attachment; this process was seamless for us.

Notably, the vacuum was quiet enough and light enough for us to use while holding a 20-pound baby, too, and it didn’t die out over the course of our testing. (The 40-minute battery life is about average, and may diminish quicker if you use the max mode.)

Weight: 5.84 pounds | Battery Life: 40 minutes | Attachments: Crevice tool, 2-in-1 dusting brush, mini power brush, full-size LED multi-task power brush

Final Verdict

I'm a cleaning editor who's tested dozens of vacuums, and my top pick for a vacuum is the Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum. There's a lot to love about it, including its lightweight build, its easy emptying process, and its cleaning power on hardwood, carpet, tile, and stairs. We also love the Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum (our best upright vacuum pick) because it offers attachments and a lift-away pod, great performance on carpet, and a spacious dust bin made for your weekly cleans.

How We Tested the Vacuums

We've tested over 350 vacuums (so far) side-by-side in The Lab and at home. I've been a part of both designing and leading those tests since they began, and I test new vacuums regularly in my home to compare their features, cleaning power, and ease of navigation (most recently, the Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Vacuum, our top vacuum pick).

At home, I'm regularly putting models up against high chair legs, cereal puffs, and everyday dust and debris. However, in the lab, our testing is much more methodical.

  • Setup: We start with the unboxing and setup of each vacuum, timing how long assembly takes and noting if the instructions are clear or confusing. We click components together, unwrap the attachments, and connect any robot vacuums to Wi-Fi and smartphone apps if they call for it. Then, we put each through its paces to test for the best (and weed out the rest).
  • Effectiveness: We use each vacuum on hard flooring and high, medium, and low-pile carpet. We test the cleaning effectiveness by challenging each vacuum to clean up measured amounts of hair, popcorn kernels, and every parent's constant companion: Cheerios (among other messes and spills). While testing, we note whether attachments are more (or less) effective, how many passes are needed to clean up the debris, and whether hair gets tangled in the brush roll. (Hair tangling, in particular, helps us decide which vacuum is best for pet hair!)
A person vacuuming a rug in a living room setting with another vacuum while the Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum rests against a white table
When testing vacuums, we consider how they clean, move, and empty in comparison to other larger or lighter styles.

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

  • Portability: We also evaluate the vacuum's weight and portability, and how well it can transition from smooth floors to carpeting. Some vacuums are particularly lightweight, but top-heavy. Others are bulky, so they're hard to store. We want to know that, so we can relay it to you.
  • Noise Level: During testing, we also take in the noise level and note whether we can comfortably talk over the vacuum.
  • Maneuverability: After testing for these attributes, we test maneuverability by running each model through a living room obstacle course, complete with a couch and coffee table, to see how it maneuvers tight areas and in corners.
  • Ease of Emptying: To wrap up our tests, we change the bag or pour out the dust bin to evaluate each vacuum’s ease of emptying.
  • Overall Value: We also rate each one's overall value based on our experience from beginning to end. At the end, we send home the vacuums we tested to individual members of our team, so they can put the vacuums through real-world cleaning situations for months on end, and rate their durability, longevity, and ease of storage.
group testing vacuums on different rugs
Here, you can see the different types of carpets we test vacuums on, including high-, medium-, and low-pile carpets.

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

What Else to Consider When Shopping for a Vacuum

The Overall Cost and Maintenance of Your Vacuum

The cost of vacuums really varies, and the deciding factor is really the type of vacuum you're looking at purchasing.

  • Stick vacuums have the widest price range, and some of the highest popularity due to their portability and effectiveness. They cost between $100 and $1,000, the latter consisting of Dyson’s high-tech, cordless series.
  • Upright commercial vacuums—like the Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum (best upright) and the Bissell MultiClean Allergen Rewind Pet Vacuum (best for pet hair)—generally cost anywhere between $100 and $800, and can be a value-packed pick for households that do a lot of deep cleaning.
  • Wet-dry vacuums start at $250 and cost upwards of $800, especially if you’re considering a Tineco Internet-loved Floor One model.
  • Robot vacuums are typically the most expensive option, with most models costing $500 or more. However, you can find more affordable models with less smart features closer to $150. 

Bagless vs. Bagged Designs

Most vacuums nowadays (including all of the ones on our list) have a bagless design, meaning debris collects in a reusable dust bin rather than a disposable bag. This is more cost-effective, but often means that when you empty your dust bin, you're exposed to the dirt, dust, and debris you vacuumed up. Bagged vacuums don’t expose you to the debris, since it all stays contained.

When taking the price of your vacuum into consideration, repairs and maintenance should not be overlooked. You may need to purchase replacement bags, if your vacuum has a dust bag versus a dust bin. You may also need to bring your vacuum to the shop for repairs if it begins to lose some suction power.

Clogs, for example, are the most common cause of vacuum suction loss. If something is blocking the filters in your appliance, it restricts the flow of air. Regularly cleaning your vacuum of dirt and debris extends its lifespan and ensures that it won't lose power. It's also important to check the operating belts of the vacuum to make sure there isn't a problem with the base unit. You can check the belts by following the instructions in your appliance's operating manual.

As I mentioned in my review of our best overall vacuum, caring for the filters is also a necessary part of owning, using, and maintaining a vacuum. It's easiest when the filters are washable, because you can often just rinse them with water and let them air dry. However, again, follow the instructions in your appliance's individual operating manual. For our best overall pick, for example, the pre- and post-motor filters can be rinsed monthly, but then should be replaced every three months, which adds to the overall cost.

How Often to Deep Clean Your Vacuum

Generally, you should deep clean your vacuum and its parts at least every 12 to 18 months. However, this also depends on how often you vacuum. If you use your appliance weekly or daily, then cleaning it more often will be beneficial.

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.

A person dumps out the debris canister on the OSOTEK Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Mop Combo
Some vacuums require more maintenance than others, such as vacuum-mop combos where you may need to clean up a wet mess from the collection bin.

The Spruce / Eric Brockob

How Easy It Is to Move With Your Vacuum

Vacuums can weigh as little as one pound if they’re a tiny dustbuster or handheld vac, or as much as 18 to 20 pounds if they’re a powerful upright or canister vacuum. The weight and portability of your vacuum matters because cleaning is not a light task for anyone—it requires lots of pushing, pulling, lifting, and bending over. If you or someone in your household has mobility-related disabilities or trouble bending over, consider a vacuum that’s lighter, easy to lift overhead, and does not require you to hold onto a power button continuously while cleaning. 

The lightest pick on our list is the Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum at 3.2 pounds (yep, our best overall pick). I found it to be super lightweight and easy to carry up and down the stairs in my split-level home; and the power button is located in such an easy, practical spot.

Our best lightweight vacuum, the Kenmore Elite Cordless Stick Vacuum, has a flexible wand for easily reaching under furniture. (We qualify a lightweight vacuum as weighing less than 15 pounds, ideally less than 10 pounds.) It weighs about 7 pounds, which is about the equivalent of two of my laptops. (I weighed them for good measure.)

A vacuum's cord, or lack of, can also affect its overall portability. A cordless vacuum can be easier to navigate and carry, but a corded pick will never run out of power since it’s not reliant on a battery, making it a great choice for longer cleaning sessions.

What Accessories Are Included in the Box

When you open your box, you may find a handful of attachments. Most vacuums will come with a crevice tool, at the very least, which is narrow and meant for picking up a mess in a corner or tight area. Other attachments include an upholstery tool, pet hair tool, combination tool, stair tool, and extension wand, which can all add to your vacuum's effectiveness and portability.

The Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum before assembly
Most vacuums come with a crevice tool, but other attachments may also be included in your box like a dusting brush or an additional floor head.

The Spruce / Marisa Viglione

When Is the Best Time to Buy Vacuums on Sale?

In our experience covering both vacuums and sale events, vacuums actually go on sale very, very regularly. More high-tech or feature-packed models may only go on sale a few times per year, during major events like Black Friday and Amazon's Prime Day events. However, you can find a selection on sale during the major holiday weekends and sale events. These vacuums will usually be between 15 and 60 percent off.

Spring is another great time to buy a vacuum cleaner on sale, aside from these major deal events. Since people like to get their spring cleaning done, retailers will often schedule sales around that time of year. Older picks may also be marked down if a retailer is about to release, or just released, a newer product; these older models have been some of our favorites during testing.

One More Thing

Most vacuums last an average of eight years. However, one important factor to consider when preserving the lifespan of your appliance is the type of model it is. If your vacuum is a cordless stick pick, for example, it'll have a shorter lifespan due to the use of a battery instead of a cord.

Group of people with stick vacuums standing around an area rug
After testing vacuums, we spend ample time comparing our notes to find the very best of the best.

The Spruce / Phoebe Cheong

Why Trust The Spruce?

Marisa Viglione is the senior editor for all things appliances, cleaning, organization, and home tech for The Spruce and has personally developed and run our vacuum tests at The Lab—using and then rating cordless stick, upright, handheld, and canister models.

She has additionally tested a handful of models right at home, and is continually reaching for her Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum and Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum these days to clean everyday messes in her home. She's lived in two apartments, and a split-level house with a little one and so many stairs.

For this roundup on the best vacuums, she consulted our firsthand testing insights. She has also researched the latest and greatest features of vacuums since 2020, and uses all of her expert-level knowledge and findings to create and regularly update this list of the very best vacuums.

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. How long do vacuum cleaners last? Consumer Reports.