Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.
If you press links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Our research reveals some of the top picks for quick spruce ups and deep cleans.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Before wading through all the eye-catching vacuums on the market, you have to consider your specific situation.
Some have even been tested for months in our homes to determine if they keep providing useful service.
To learn more about how we tested vacuums, check outour testing processbelow.
Credit: Amazon
Its the loudest vacuum on our list at 103.9 decibels.
Strong power and a sophisticated design combine to make this the best vacuum on our list.
Its performance didnt falter while transitioning between flooring types or along edges and corners.
It worked on stairs, too, though we found it a bit heavy and awkward.
Initially, we found the 15.96-pound vacuum difficult to push on higher-pile carpets.
The clear dustbin made it easy to tell when it needed to be emptied or cleaned.
We are less likely to reach for it for quicker cleans or upholstery, since it features fewer attachments.
Its not designed for carpeting.
For a vacuum that wont break the bank, the Simplicity Spiffy S60 Stick Vacuum is a solid pick.
From the moment we got our hands on this cleaning gadget, it was intuitive to use.
Due to its lightweight nature, we found this vacuum easy to maneuver into those hard-to-reach crevices.
Product Details: Vacuum pop in:Corded stick |Weight:7.9 lbs.
You may have to put your hand inside of the dustbin to properly clean it out.
Carpets can be difficult to vacuum, but not when using the Bissell CleanView.
Furthermore, we only needed to empty the bin after cleaning our whole house.
While this is a corded model, the cord didn’t get in our way.
Keep in mind, one of the first things we noticed was how loud this vacuum was in use.
However, it didnt disrupt us from engaging in conversations while vacuuming.
Considering its modest price tag, we thought that it offered good value overall.
Its the most expensive model on our list, and its intended solely for hard flooring.
The Dyson effortlessly glides over flooring, like wood and tile.
In fact, it’s designed exclusively for hard flooring .
However, we did repeatedly fill the canister beyond the max fill line without losing suction.
It weighs 22.64 pounds, which is about 7 pounds heavier than our best overall pick.
The Shark NV360 turns into a handheld when you lift the canister off the base and pull out the hose.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
With a motorized brush and multiple power controls, it effortlessly removed hair from low- and high-pile carpets.
It is easy to maneuver despite being the heaviest model on our list at 22.64 pounds.
The various attachments make it convenient for all areas of the house, including under beds and couches.
Its on the louder side.
Its app made it easy to learn how to navigate, too, which we appreciated.
When the vacuuming is complete, it returns to its base to self-empty.
While we were impressed with its cleaning abilities, the vacuum is loud.
We could hear it running from upstairs.
And like all self-emptying vacuums, the emptying process is even louder than the vacuuming.
Product Details: Vacuum jot down:Robot |Weight:21.8 lbs.
It only offers one level of suction.
As far as handheld vacuums go, we loved theShark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum.
The equipment comes with two attachments (a crevice tool and a scrubbing brush) and a charger.
We were pleasantly surprised that it suctioned the hairs that were further into our carpet.
And, its equipped with a large bin that didnt require as much emptying as other handheld models.
We were able to hold normal conversations while using it.
Besides these small hiccups, we were still impressed with its performance overall.
During our six-month testing session, its battery required six hours of charge for 18 minutes of runtime.
Product Details: Vacuum bang out:Handheld |Weight:2 lbs.
It doesnt maneuver into tight spaces well.
Product Details: Vacuum pop in:Stick |Weight:5.5 lbs.
We also examined how easy each canister was able to be emptied and accessories used and cleaned.
For cordless stick vacuums, we accounted for how easily and and efficiently each gadget charged.
These factorsalong with comfort and ease of use for you personallywill determine the best punch in for you.
Through testing, weve found upright and canister vacuums are traditional, powerful, and excellent at deeper cleans.
They are also bulkier and require the most storage space.
Robot vacuums and hand-held vacuums often work as a complement to uprights and canisters.
Both are relatively small and require less space when it comes to storage.
Hand-held models andstick vacuumsare perfect for quick spot cleanings.
Weight
Weight plays a key role in how easily youll be able to use a vacuum.
The Simplicity S60 worked best on hardwood, cleaning debris like dry oatmeal and sprinkles out of the crevices.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Theyre easier to carry over thresholds, to your car, or put back into a closet for storage.
There are benefits to a little heft, too.
Consider your own body pop in and physical abilities when comparing vacuums.
Weight can also make a difference with robot vacuums, according to Brown.
Battery Life
Vacuums are corded or cordless (battery powered).
Corded models are traditionalthey can run as long as you need them and generally have excellent suction.
For cordless models, battery life is an important factor to consider when shopping for the best vacuum.
A cordless model should run as long as you need it to without losing suction as the time passes.
Accessories
The best vacuums offer attachments that increase your vacuums baseline versatility.
Pet hair brushes are common now, too.
The most popular vacuum attachment used by professional cleaners is the crevice tool," Brown says.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you determine a vacuums suction power?
“A vacuum’s suction power is determined by the amount of airwatts it produces, Gomasi says.
We considered how quickly each vacuum picked up the debris and how many passes it took to clean entirely.
Do I need a HEPA filter on my vacuum?
In short, no, you do not need a HEPA filter on your vacuum.
A HEPA filterwhich stands for high-efficiency particulate air filtertraps particularly small particles and pollutants, like pollen and dust.
However, HEPA filters are popular because of what you cant see when cleaning.
Cleaning and replacing HEPA filtersor any filter in a vacuum, for that matteris critical to this functionality.
But Hawk also notes that not all HEPA filters are the same.
When shopping for a vacuum with a HEPA filter, consumers should look for whole systems (i.e.
Our top pick, theShark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum, features a HEPA filter.
How long should a vacuum last?
Consumer data tells us that the average life expectancy is around six years, Hawk says.
A good feature to look for when shopping for your vacuum is the inclusion of a washable filter.
This allows you to wash after every use to avoid losing performance, Hawk says.
How often and what you subject the vacuum to will also play a role in its longevity.
Who We Are
Our best vacuums were selected after hours of testing by a team of professionals.
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed ourBHG Recommends seal of approval.
The Bissell CleanView vacuum impressed us with its performance on both medium- and high-pile carpet and rugs.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.
The Dyson Omni Glide’s combo crevice tool made short work of cleaning debris in nooks and crannies.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The Kenmore had trouble picking up hair on hard floor because it lacks a brush roll to help trap it.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The Dreame D10 Plus effectively cleaned both wet and dry messes on different floor types.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The Shark UltraCyclone Pro came fully assembled and ready to clean right out of the box.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The Samsung Jet 75 Cordless Stick Vacuum picked up all the debris on grouted floors during our tests.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock
We found this vacuum very easy to maneuver and lightweight compared to many other upright vacuums.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
The Shark vacuum has useful attachments such as an upholstery brush and a crevice tool.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
