Best Vacuum Cleaner Reviews 2023

A once-over from a high quality upright vacuum can make a huge difference in the way your home looks and feels. We arrived at the best vacuum cleaners by focusing on superior design and convenient features to make cleaning easier and more effective. We've chosen to feature five models from reliable brands to showcase a range of products you can depend on.

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Overview

PROS

CONS

SPECS

Type

Technology

Filtration

Hard Floors

Attachments

Our Top Choice

Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away Vacuum

One of the best vacuums on the market. Excellent filtration system for homes with allergy sufferers.

Swivel steering. Detachable canister. 3 versatile cleaning configurations. Heavy-duty suction. Cleans carpet and bare floors. LED lights.

None, unless you are on a tight budget – but the price is worth the features.

Bagless

Anti-Allergen Complete Seal®

HEPA filter w/ washable canister

Hard Floor Attachment

Multiple included

Best Value

Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind+ Upright Vac

Powerful wind tunnel suction, cyclonic filtration and other high-value features make the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind+ a smart purchase for any home.

Auto-retracting 27' Power Cord. System Check Indicator. Adjustable cleaning height. Cyclonic filtration. Good for pet hair. Brush roll control.

Not ideal for hard surfaces. No suction control.

Bagless

WindTunnel. Cyclonic Filtration.

HEPA filter w/ washable canister

Not designed for floor

Multiple included

Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Vac - Animal & Allergy Friendly

This innovative and maneuverable vacuum maintains consistent suction and advanced dust filtration. Options for pet owners and allergy suffers.

Powerful suction. Maneuverable ball control. Captures dust without clogging. No dirty filter to clean or replace. Available in non-allergy model.

No suction control.

Bagless & Filterless

Dyson Cinetic™ & Ball™

Certified whole HEPA unit

Not designed for floors

Multiple included

Miele Dynamic U1 Twist Upright Vacuum

The Miele Dynamic U1 Twist is an all-around dependable and easy to use with great maneuverability.

Rotary dial suction control. Automatic height adjustment. Built-in attachment storage. Brush roll control. Very long 39' cord. 12' flexible hose.

Base unit has non-HEPA filter (but can add HEPA filter bags and HEPA AirClean filter.). Uses bags. Heavy.

Bagged

Swivel neck technology

AirClean Filter Bag

Not designed for floors, does OK

Multiple included

Bissell CleanView Multi Cyclonic Vacuum Cleaner with Onepass

This small, lightweight vacuum is a powerful and reliable budget friendly choice.

Low price. Cyclonic Suction. Lightweight makes good for stairs and cleaning upholstery.

Not as powerful and less maneuverable than more expensive models. Non HEPA filter. No brush control. No suction control.

Bagless

Onepass brush technology

Multi-Level Filtration

Not designed for floors

TurboBrush tool only

Want to read buying guide first? Click Here

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What is the Best Vacuum Cleaner?

We searched the internet for powerful and reliable upright vacuums and found 5 top-quality contenders. We compared highly rated models for their construction, performance and features. Read on and find the model that fits your needs and your budget.

Our Top Choice

The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away Vacuum's extremely versatile design features a detachable canister to combine the power of an upright vacuum with the superior maneuverability of a stick or handheld vacuum. It’s available in two versions – XL Capacity or Deluxe. For an ultra-lightweight model with consistent and simple maneuverability, check out the Shark Rocket DeluxePro Ultra-light Upright Vacuum.

Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away Vacuum – 3 in 1 Vacuum, HEPA Filter, LED Lights

Features

The Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away is top-of-the-line when it comes to construction: Both the XL and the deluxe feature reliable and innovative design. The XL goes farther before needing to be emptied while the deluxe is smaller and more maneuverable. Sparkling user reviews tell us that these swiveling upright vacuums make for a trustworthy tool for any home.

When we get to the next section, we will discuss the useful design features of the Shark Rotator Lift Away, but for now let’s take a look at the accessories that make it easy to clean a variety of messes.

Mini Motorized Brush. This motorized brush makes it easy to deep clean your carpets with fewer passes.
Duster Crevice Tool. Clean inside deep crevices with this narrow tool.
Pet Upholstery Tool. Suck up loose pet hair with this specialized attachment.
Hard Floor Attachment. This attachment allows you to effectively clean your hard surfaces with included Dust-Away pads.
Dust-Away MicroFiber Pad. These included pads are designed to attract dust and make it easier to clean hard surfaces.
Canister Caddy. The canister caddy holds the canister when it's taken off to make this vacuum more portable.
Accessory Bag. This one is self-explanatory – you're going to need somewhere to keep all these high-quality accessories!

Construction and Design

The waste canister of the Shark Rotator upright vacuum pops right off when necessary, leaving you with a highly maneuverable "stick vacuum" that easily rolls under coffee tables, couches and other hard-to-reach areas. The included canister caddy makes this vacuum even more portable – it can hold any attachments you might need on your way around the house. For even more maneuverability, attachments clip to the handle to quickly deal with messes in the most inconvenient places. The wide assortment of attachments will allow you to clean on just about any surface in your home with ease – check out the accessories below.

The construction of this vacuum's air filter is unique and certainly makes it stand out amongst competitors. It uses HEPA filters – which provide top-of-the-line air filtration – and combines them with anti-allergen complete seal technology to keep dust particles safely inside the canister. That means this vacuum will freshen up the air in your home each time you clean.

Performance and Ease of Use

Part of what makes this vacuum a hit is its consistent, reliable suction. As with Shark's other high end vacuums, this model is built to keep a steady stream of suction no matter what the circumstances. You can clean for longer and continue cleaning as if the vacuum was brand new.

This vacuum is actually a good choice for pet owners: the suction is powerful and the built-in LED lights help you see any stubborn pet hair. That being said, Shark also offers a model with a special motorized brush attachment for pet hair removal (check out the Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet if your pet sheds frequently).

For the best vacuuming results, get the 3-in-1 Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away today.

Best Value

The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind+ Bagless Upright Vacuum features powerful wind tunnel suction and versatile cleaning features at a fraction of its competitors' price. If you're looking to really take the work out of vacuuming, check out the Hoover Anniversary WindTunnel Self-Propelled Bagged Upright.

Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind+ Bagless Upright Vacuum – HEPA Filter, 16.5lbs, 27' Cord, 8' Hose

Features

We've covered the technology that makes the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind+ a serious contender, but it also includes convenient features and accessories.

Retractable Power Cord.This vacuums long 27' cord automatically retracts with a little tug on the cord or a push button.
Adjustable Height. The adjustable height lets you match the brush to your surface so you can get the deepest clean possible. That being said, you'll have to bend over or crouch down to access the manual adjuster.
No Scuff Bumper. Avoid unsightly scuffs on your furniture with Hoovers reliable no-scuff bumper.
Air-Powered Hand Tool. This tool lets you easily clean surfaces that are high above the ground like counters and drapes.
12" Extension Wand. This handy want extends the reach of your hose to clean further.
Crevice Tool. Clean inside the smallest nooks and crannies around your home with this crevice tool.
Upholstery Tool. This tool makes it easy to clean upholstery and lets you dust around your home with ease.

Construction and Design

The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series models are well made and should last for many years. More expensive models may remain in good shape for longer, but the price more than justifies the difference. Still, even with the lower price tag, the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind+ Upright Vacuum packs high quality design you'd expect from a much more expensive model. Let's have a look at the central design features:

WindTunnel Technology. This vacuum uses an interior wind tunnel to create enormous suction and pick up the toughest dirt and debris.
Cyclonic Filtration. Cyclonic filtration improves air quality in your home by trapping dust without slowing down the suction power.
HEPA Filter. The advanced HEPA filter is the top-of-the-line choice for trapping dust and keeping the air in your home fresh.

Performance and Ease of Use

The Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Vacuum is quiet compared to the competition, but it still manages to pack plenty of power. This vacuum does away with stubborn messes and is able to deep clean carpets for stuck-in debris like pet hair. Many users are blown away and even "embarrassed" by the amount of dirt this vacuum can suck up out of an old carpet. This upright vacuum has the power to make your home look (and smell) better with a single cleaning.

When it comes to hard surfaces around your home, the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind+ falls a bit short of the competition. Some users complain that its motorized brush roll cannot be turned off and may push around debris or leave behind scratches or scuff marks on hard surfaces. That being said, its powerful WindTunnel technology and adjustable height mean you can get the job done quickly and easily – once the proper adjustments are made.

Make a smart purchase with the Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind Plus on Amazon.

The advanced Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Vacuums features innovative maneuverability and comes in models with or without advanced allergy-reducing technology. If you're looking to spend less on a similar model from Dyson, check out the Dyson Ball Compact Multi Floor Upright Vacuum.

Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal + Allergy Upright Ball Vacuum

Features

The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal and Allergy Vacuum comes with far more accessories than the average upright vacuum. Let's take a look at the different areas you can clean with these accessories:

Tangle-Free Turbine Tool.This tool is surprisingly innovative and effective for picking up pet hair from stairs, carpets and upholstery. It uses rotating disks to grab hair from all directions.
Carbon Fiber Soft Dusting Brush.This tool makes it easy to attract dust and clean it in a single swipe.
Reach Under Tool.This narrow tool makes it easy to clean inside deep crevices.
Multi-Angle Brush.This brush lets you clean at nearly any angle by adjusting the connecting tube or the brush itself.
Mattress Tool.The mattress tool is a wide-nozzled attachment that is perfect for soft surfaces like couches, beds and more.
Combination Tool.This narrow tool lets you clean in more intricate spaces.
Stair Tool.This tool lets you easily clean the underside of your stairs with its small, wide nozzle.
Accessory Tool Bag.With all these accessories, it makes sense to include a serious tool bag. With multiple pockets and a large strap, this tool bag makes all your accessories totally portable.

The model we chose comes with all these versatile accessories in the box, but Dyson also offers models with fewer "add-ons". The Dyson Ball Animal, for example, features a smaller ball and only includes the combination tool, stair tool, multi-angle brush and tangle-free turbine tool.

Construction and Design

The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal & Allergy Upright Vacuum Cleaner features a truly innovative design. Dyson's advanced ball-based vacuums roll in and around your home with incredible maneuverability compared to any design without a ball. Pivoting models come close to this level of maneuverability, but the ball design comes out on top.

Nearly all vacuum brands use filters to trap allergens before they're released back into your home. The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal & Allergy uses sonic tips to capture more dust on their way through the ball. This advanced technology provides three major benefits, which we will discuss in the next section.

You can find the same ball technology and powerful suction in the Dyson Ball Animal, Dyson Ball Multifloor and the Dyson Small Ball, but these models do not feature the "cinetic" sonic tips. Overall, Dyson is one of the most trustworthy vacuum brands out there. Their extensive testing is designed to make sure your vacuum lasts far longer than many competitors.

Performance and Ease of Use

The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal + Allergy no-filter design increases performance 3-fold:

Fewer allergens are released into your home, since the sonic tips are extremely effective at capturing dust. The lack of dust particles can make a huge difference, especially for anyone with dust allergies.
Your vacuum's suction won't decrease or stop due to a clogged filter.
No filter means less maintenance for you! You'll never have to worry about having a clogged up filter to wash or replace.

This particular model is built specifically for pet owners and allergy sufferers. That's why it's built for maximum performance. Not only is its filtration system certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, it also has the deep cleaning power to do away with deeply matted pet hair. Still, you will be exposed to the collected dust when cleaning out the bin, since the Dyson does not use HEPA filtration. Anyone with serious dust allergies may have a problem cleaning out a Dyson Cinetic.

Combined with its superior maneuverability, this vacuum is top-of-the-line in performance. Users are able to pick up more particles with fewer passes even after hours of cleaning. The Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal + Allergy upright vacuum does not offer suction control, so the high suction power might be too much for thin or delicate surfaces. Most of the time, however, users appreciate the high-powered suction. There is a button to control the roller brush so you can easily switch between carpet and hard surface cleaning. The vacuum adjusts to whatever surface you're cleaning and naturally creates a seal to maximize suction power.

Embrace the future of household cleaning with the Dyson Cinetic Ball Animal & Allergy.

The Miele Dynamic U1 Twist is a highly reliable upright vacuum that bends and swivels with you as it automatically adjusts to meet the floor height. For the same maneuverability in a model that's designed to clean pet hair, check out the Miele Dynamic U1 Cat & Dog Upright Vac.

Miele Dynamic U1 Twist Upright Vacuum Cleaner – Swivel Neck, Rotary Speed Control

Features

In addition to its reliable design, the Miele Dynamic U1 Twist includes a wide range of versatile features so you can clean the many surfaces in your home.

Built-in Attachment Storage.Easily store all your attachments in the back of the vacuum for convenient portable storage.
12' Hose.The long flexible hose gives you a second cleaning option for messes in hard to reach areas. The included attachments fit on to this hose for versatile cleaning options.
39' cord.The cord is by far the longest on our list, and will make cleaning easy no matter where you are in your home.
3' Telescopic Aluminum Wand.Clean up high and down low with this included extending wand attachment.
Dusting Brush.Dust away surfaces in your home with this attachment.
Upholstery Tool.This tool lets you easily clean upholstery and pick up stray hair and dirt.
Extended Crevice Tool.This tool gets deep inside crevices so that no mess will be safe from your cleaning spree.

Construction and Design

The Miele Dynamic U1 Twist doesn't feature the level of innovation that some of our other shortlisted vacuums had, but its components are high quality and dependable. Miele might be lesser known than some of the other brands on our list, but their long history in the vacuum business has taught them how to make a high-quality machine. The dynamic twisting head works extremely well along with 360 degree swivel wheels and puts this vacuum among the most easily maneuvered models on the market.

Performance and Ease of Use

This model does more than swivel. The design is so flexible that the entire design can become entirely flat to the floor, allowing you to clean under coffee tables and other low surfaces. Miele also offers other models in the same line, featuring the same twist technology but with specialized features. For example, the Dynamic U1 Jazz Vacuum comes in canary yellow and features a top-of-the-line HEPA filter and an LED headlight. Their other models include the U1 Cat & Dog (which features a hand-held turbo brush) and the U1 Homecare (which features more advanced speed control).

This model also offers more control than most upright vacuums: you can easily access the simple rotary dial at the top of the canister while you clean, which control the suction power. This model has a mode specifically designed for delicate surfaces like drapes. You can also control the brush with the touch of a button to easily switch between carpets and hard surfaces.

This model also uses bags which you will have to clean out and replace yourself. The Dynamic Twist offers Miele's AirClean sealed system, which features an AirClean Filter Bag and air clean filter that have been proven to capture and retain 99.9% of dirt, dust and allergens. People who do suffer from serious allergies can choose a model that comes with a HEPA AirClean filter that will retain even the tiniest of particles.

Check out the Miele Dynamic U1 Twist today.

The compact Bissell CleanView Multi Cyclonic Vacuum is Amazon's #1 best seller because of its reliable cyclonic suction technology, multi stage filter and low price. For portable cordless powerhouse vacuum from Bissell, check out the Bissell PowerGlide Cordless Upright Vacuum.

Bissell CleanView Multi Cyclonic Vacuum with Onepass – TurboBrush, Lightweight, Multi-level Filter

Features

When it comes to vacuum cleaners, Bissell is a name that speaks for itself. When it came to picking a brand that we could trust for a simple, basic and low cost vacuum, we knew we could trust to provide a great product even for a budget vacuum cleaner. The Bissell CleanView Multi Cyclonic Vacuum offers some great design features, at an affordable price point. In addition, it also includes standard attachments to make cleaning easier on varied surfaces. The standout attachment is definitely the TurboBrush tool, which provides serious power and maneuverability. Other accessories include the attached hose and hose extension, dusting brush and crevice tool for cleaning inside hard-to-reach areas.

Construction and Design

The first thing you'll notice about the Bissell CleanView Multi Cyclonic Vacuum is its small size, which is one of the reasons it can be so much less expensive than our other selected vacuums. For some jobs, the compact size is a life saver – cleaning the stairs, for example, is a breeze with this lightweight model.

For those with smaller homes and apartments, this vacuum can be an excellent choice that doesn't come close to breaking the bank. You might think that this vacuum wouldn't be very powerful - since it's relatively inexpensive and on the small size – but this little vacuum makes the most of its small frame with cyclonic technology to ramp up the suction. The cyclonic system also prevents the vacuum from slowing down or losing power during use.

Performance and Ease of Use

Onepass technology makes this vacuum extremely easy to use. The built-in motorized brush rotates downward into carpeting and picks up more than most competitors in a single pass so you can easily make your way around your home without continuously cleaning the same spots.

The filter and waste compartment are easy to remove and can be cleaned easily without the need for replacement. The filter is not HEPA, so some allergens may escape the vacuum – especially during the cleaning process.

Overall, the Bissell CleanView Multi Cyclonic Vacuum works well on carpeting and is incredibly easy to use. Unfortunately, the brush roll can't be turned off which can potentially scuff up hard floors. Still, user reviews on Amazon are overwhelmingly positive on this #1 best seller, so you know it really does the job well. It may not be the best choice for pet owners, but Bissell does offer a similar model – the Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet with OnePass Technology vacuum - with included pet tools including an odor absorbing carbon filter.

Good things come in small packages – get the Bissell CleanView Multi Cyclonic Vacuum now!

How Do I Choose the Best Vacuum Cleaner?

Before we discuss the ins and outs of the upright vacuum, let's talk about the various types of household vacuums. Consider the size of your home and the types of messes you tend to encounter – there's a vacuum built for every situation, so you need to decide what kind will fit your needs.

Wet and Dry combination vacuums – for example – are designed to reliably clean up both wet and dry messes. Wet/dry vacuums are typically durable and often include features like an extending hose or "leaf blower mode". Homeowners often rely on portable wet/dry vacs for cleaning heavier messes or sudden spills around the house. Wet/dry vacuums are especially useful for cleaning tough messes in workshops.

Next up, we have handheld vacuums – also known as "hand vacs". These maneuverable vacuums are built for convenience – they're ready at a moment's notice for quick messes. Hand vacs typically feature attachments to make them better suited for cleaning different areas like upholstery, stairs and deep crevices. For people who would like to have a portable vacuum for cleaning their cars, there are car vacs that are designed with special features and attachments to make it easy to clean in and around car seats and other interior surfaces – and they are great for the home too.

Finally, we come to the focus of this review: upright vacuums. These larger vacuums let you clean all the floors in your home without bending over. They often feature brush technology for carpet cleaning and attachments for various surfaces around your home. Some upright vacuums feature flexible designs to help you clean under coffee tables and in other tight spaces with a simple motion of your wrist.

By the way, homeowners with many carpeted floors may also want to consider purchasing their own carpet cleaner. These appliances are specifically designed to easily glide along carpets and provide a deep clean, either by use of a shampooing or steam cleaning process, depending upon your personal preference.

For homes with a mix of carpeted and hard surfaces, a standard upright vacuum is a versatile choice you can depend on. Read on and learn what you should look for in an upright vacuum.

Price

The price for a quality upright vacuum generally ranges from 100 to 800 dollars for the very top of the line model, though we found a high-value model for slightly under 100. While some expensive models sometimes fall short (meaning that price alone, does not determine the performance), they usually feature superior components. Higher prices should come along with high-end technology like HEPA filtration as well as versatile features and accessories to make it easy to clean any surface in your home.

When we did our research, we did come across some less expensive models, however we found that cheap vacuums don’t always perform as well, or last as long. For example, it may do perfectly well on low pile carpets but not deeper shags, while simply pushing around debris on hard surfaces. If you are going to pay more for a vacuum, it need to have superior suction capabilities and should come with accessories like an upholstery tool, crevice tool and other similar features.

Features

Pay attention to size and length as you consider an upright vacuum. A long cord can save you the hassle of making extra little trips around your home or just barely reaching one section of the floor. A large canister or bag is also convenient when it comes to cleaning, since it takes longer to fill up. Consider the types of surfaces you want to clean and look for accessories that will help you clean those surfaces. If you don't already have a handheld vacuum for small messes, you may want to invest in an upright vacuum with a lightweight, maneuverable attachment.

Construction and Design

It can be difficult to tell exactly how powerful or well-made a vacuum is just by looking at it or reading the amount of watts it uses. Some vacuums are built to maintain consistent suction even when dirt is filling up the canister, while others will slowly become weaker and more difficult to use. Look for a model with cyclonic filtration technology, which is one reliable solution to this problem.

Consider the filtration system of each vacuum before making a purchase. A high-quality filter helps to keep your home fresh and can drastically reduce the effects of allergies and asthma. HEPA filters are extremely high quality, but they often drive up the price of a vacuum. We chose some vacuums with other advanced filtration system that come close to HEPA quality.

Performance and Ease of Use

The vacuums on our short list feature unique technologies to offer superior performance. If you're unsure about how effective a particular technology is, check out real user reviews on Amazon. High quality models often have hundreds of reviews that are easier to read than a bunch of technical terms about suction technology.

You can also read about a vacuum's weight and maneuverability. Lighter upright vacuums are often more expensive or less powerful, but it can be worth the sacrifice. When you're lugging the vacuum up and down the stairs or across your home, you'll want a nice lightweight model. A light vacuum is also easier to use!

Go back to the start of the reviews

Get the Best Vacuum Cleaner of 2023!

Choosing the best upright vacuum for your home depends on the size of your home and the surfaces you want to clean. We're showcasing the following brands so you can choose a high-quality model in any price range.

Our Top Choice

Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away Vacuum

Best Value

Hoover WindTunnel T-Series Rewind+ Upright Vac

Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Vac - Animal & Allergy Friendly

Miele Dynamic U1 Twist Upright Vacuum

Bissell CleanView Multi Cyclonic Vacuum Cleaner with Onepass

Go back to the start of the reviews

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