The best vacuums for every need in 2024, per years of testing

November 12, 2024

Along with shopping for patio furniture, best-selling outdoor fire pits, and the full catalog of Amazon home items available, refreshing your space also calls for one of the best vacuums.

Truthfully, we’re suckers — pun totally intended — for any device, gadget or gizmo that will clean our homes like a charm. We reviewed the best Dyson vacuums, tried our hand at a variety of mops and experimented with all kinds of house cleaning products. Needless to say, we’re product experts and self-proclaimed professional cleaners.

So, it’s only fitting to curate a major edit of the top vacuums we’ve reviewed. From cordless to robot models, there’s something on this list for every space and every need.

Click to jump to a specific section: Best Vacuums We Reviewed | FAQ Section | How We Tested

Best Vacuums We Reviewed

Best Overall: Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System

Pros:

Multidirectional cleaning
Flexible under-furniture reach
Smart suction adjustment
Hassle-free auto-emptying
Long 70-minute runtime
Effective on various floor types
Powerful pet hair pickup

The Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System is an exceptional vacuum. Because of its powerful suction and advanced technology, it ensures a thorough cleaning across multiple surfaces.

One of its standout features is the PowerDetect technology, which automatically adjusts the suction power based on the surface it’s cleaning. Whether you’re transitioning from hardwood floors to thick carpets, the vacuum adapts and boasts optimal performance, picking up even the finest dust and debris with ease. This dynamic feature makes it perfect for households with varying floor types, which eliminates the need for manual adjustments.

“As soon as it hits a particularly messy spot, you can literally hear the motor kick into high gear,” Barret Wertz, commerce editorial director, shared after testing the model.

Another major advantage of the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System is its user-friendly design, including the Clean & Empty feature that makes maintenance a breeze. Unlike many other vacuums, which require you to wrestle with dirt canisters or messy filter cleaning, this model boasts an easy-to-empty bin with one-touch release. This simplifies disposal, keeping hands clean and minimizing the hassle of vacuum maintenance.

“The auto-emptying feature is a huge plus, especially for those with allergies — no more dust clouds when you’re trying to clean the canister,” Wertz added. “Elevate your cleaning game with Shark’s cutting-edge technology.”

Additionally, its lightweight and cordless design allows for greater maneuverability, whether you’re cleaning floors, upholstery or even high-up areas like ceiling corners or vents. This portability makes it a great choice for those who want powerful suction without the burden of a bulky machine.

With its sleek design, versatile attachments, and auto-empty dock, this Shark vacuum combines power and convenience.

Best Cordless Stick Vacuum: Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum

Pros:

Boasts powerful suction and a lightweight design
Comes with a built-in crevice tool that makes it simple to switch between a cordless and handheld cleaner
Built-in HEPA filter makes it great for those with allergies

Cons:

The price point is more expensive than most other Dyson vacuums

The Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum is, by far, the most impressive Dyson vacuum we’ve reviewed in the past four years. Namely, the impressiveness of this cordless model — from its incredible suction power to its ease of deep cleaning — makes it worth its high-ticket price tag.

When it comes down to it, you don’t want to keep repurchasing vacuum after vacuum because you didn’t invest in one originally. This all-in-one cordless option boasts up to 70 minutes of runtime and a 4.5-hour charge, making deep cleaning my home a snap.

“As a new homeowner, I knew I wanted to unbox the best vacuum so I could actually look forward to deep cleaning days,” Victoria Giardina, commerce journalist and content strategist, shared after testing it for at least two years. “The Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum didn’t disappoint; it’s simple for me to maneuver from my kitchen to my dining area to my living room, and then upstairs to suck up all of the dust and debris from my plush carpet. It tackles a variety of floors, from engineered laminate to tile and it’s so satisfying to see all the dust enter the dustbin, especially when I use the crevice tool to really capture everything.”

It comes with an easy-to-use Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head, along with the more traditional Digital Motorbar Cleaner Head characteristic of several other Dyson cordless models. “The Built-In Crevice Tool is ultra-convenient because I never have to think about finding a separate attachment,” Giardina added. “With the touch of a button, I can instantly transform my cordless vacuum into a handheld to tackle dust buildup on my second-floor vaulted ceilings.”

Best Robot Vacuum: Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop

Pros:

Leaves floors spotless as it scrubs up to 100 times per minute
Easy to follow, with limited to no learning curve
Easy to swap out the dustbin

Cons:

Must regularly clean and maintain the base station, which may be a downside for some

“I’m always buried in tasks and struggling to find time for cleaning, yet I can’t stand a messy home,” Emma Sutton-Williams, commerce writer/reporter, shared. “Meet Winston — my affectionate nickname for the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Self-Empty Robot Vacuum and Mop. It’s become my go-to helper.”

Not only does it clean Sutton-Williams’ floors, but it also sends her updates in whatever language she chooses (note: she went with UK English). “Thanks to the easy-to-follow app and quick setup videos, getting Winston up and running was a breeze,” she added.

What she loves most is that the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop cleans on command, letting her get back to her articles and product testing without interruption. It can also be scheduled and programmed to focus on specific areas for spot cleaning.

“Using advanced home mapping technology, the vacuum avoids my designated no-go zones and always knows where to dock after finishing its cleaning route,” she said. “It’s also equipped with smart sensors that can detect obstacles (including my dog) from nearly 5 inches away.”

Its singular side brush and powerful suction really impressed her, especially when it came to tackling corners and hard-to-reach spots. “The vacuum clears out the area under my floorboard heaters, which other vacuums can’t reach, blasting air to dislodge dirt, hairballs, and other debris,” she noted.

When it’s time to mop, swapping out the dustbin is simple, and the mopping capabilities don’t disappoint. “It scrubs up to 100 times per minute, leaving my sealed and stained floors looking spotless,” she highlighted. “Although it doesn’t have a drying function, I found any residual moisture evaporates quickly, so I don’t have to worry about slipping on wet floors.”

One of the best features is its self-emptying canister, which holds up to 60 days’ worth of dirt before needing to be emptied manually. Plus, there’s no need for bags, and the HEPA filtration system traps 99.97% of dust and allergens, making it great for anyone with sensitivities.

Best Vacuum for Pet Hair: Roborock Qrevo S Robot Vacuum and Mop

A white robot vac in its charger next to a smartphone. — Amazon

Pros:

Precise cleaning with the anti-tangle brush roll and powerful vacuum-mop cleaning combination
Available in both white and black finishes to best suit your aesthetic
Compatible with an app for convenience

Cons:

Longer time to charge than most vacuum models on this list, though not a dealbreaker given its run time

The Roborock Qrevo S Robot Vacuum and Mop is a game-changer, especially if you’re dealing with any amount of pet hair. “With two pups, Gloria and Mingo (and R.I.P. to our third, Margot), I needed something that could keep up, and the QRevo delivered,” Wertz said after reviewing the model.

This vacuum is a mid-level model, but don’t let that fool you, it’s packed with features that make it a serious contender for the best robot vacuum for pet hair. It features an anti-tangle brush roll that helps prevent fur from wrapping around the brush, giving a consistent performance even in homes with shedding pets. You’ll appreciate the model’s high suction power that picks up even the most stubborn strands from both carpets and hard floors, while the mopping function lifts and traps remaining residue for spotless, fresh floors.

The Roborock Qrevo S Robot Vacuum and Mop is worth buying because it combines powerful suction with advanced mopping functionality, allowing it to effectively clean both carpets and hard floors in one pass. Its intelligent navigation system ensures thorough coverage of your home, efficiently mapping rooms and avoiding obstacles while cleaning.

What’s more, its long-lasting battery and easy-to-use app control make it a convenient and reliable choice for anyone seeking a hands-off, high-performance cleaning solution.

“The QRevo is a vacuum and mop combo, which is already a big win in my book,” Wertz added. “It has a powerful 7,000 Pa suction system that easily pulls in dirt, dust, and pet hair. But what really sets it apart is the dual spinning mops that lift up when the vacuum detects carpet; this means you can have your hard floors mopped and your carpets vacuumed in one go without worrying about getting your rugs wet.”

He noted that the mopping system is quite impressive as well, with pads that spin at 200 revolutions per minute.

Wertz named its multifunctional dock the “star of the show” as it empties the vacuum’s dustbin, washes and dries the mop pads and refills the water tank. “I’ve never seen a robot vacuum dock do so much all by itself. It’s like having a little cleaning crew on standby, ready to spring into action whenever needed,” he said. “For someone like me, who doesn’t have time to fuss with cleaning supplies every other day, this level of automation is a dream.”

While it can occasionally bump into things or struggle with very cluttered spaces, it’s a small trade-off for the price.

Best Handheld Vacuum: BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum

Pros:

Most comparable to full-sized vacuums in terms of suction power and efficiency
Comes with a motorized brush tool
Features a spacious, easy-to-empty dirt tank

Cons:

Larger than most other models tested, which may be a dealbreaker for some
Shorter runtime

The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum is a compact, powerful tool — but pet owners aren’t the only ones to reap its benefits. It features a high-performance lithium-ion battery that offers consistent power throughout its runtime, making it ideal for spot cleaning upholstery, stairs, car interiors, and even tight corners. The vacuum’s sleek, lightweight design makes it easy to handle and maneuver, so you can tackle those harder-to-reach areas without strain.

“From the moment it first powered on, the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum impressed me,” Giardina shared. “It’s the ideal size for a handheld vacuum (though larger than most) but it has essentially the same power and efficiency as my cordless vacuums that cost upwards of $800. I know, total shock factor.“

This model is also low priced at less than $100 and ideal for any user — whether you’re in college, live in a studio apartment or own a five-bedroom home and want some convenience. It boasts nearly 32,000 applauding reviews on Amazon alone! The reason? It’s a pet vacuum, first and foremost, so its ability to pick up pet hair crosses over to the usual bathroom floor hair, under-bed dust and more.

“I don’t have a pet at home, and the fact that this handheld vacuum has ranked above the pack [of other handheld vacuums] is telling,” Giardina added. “Upon purchase, you’ll also receive a motorized brush tool and — one of the best parts — a large, easy-to-empty dirt tank.”

The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser also offers user-friendly features like an easy-to-empty dirt bin, which reduces the hassle of disposal, and a washable filter that helps maintain suction power. The lithium-ion battery provides up to 17 minutes of runtime on a full charge, which is perfect for smaller, quick cleaning sessions.

While the vacuum’s bin capacity is relatively small, it’s well-suited for short cleaning tasks, especially in areas where hair accumulates the most. Its affordable price and effective performance make it a must-have for any user, truly.

Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner: Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum

Pros:

Wonderful for deep-cleaning, especially on textured rugs, due to its generous bin capacity that’s greater than other models on this list
An upright design that prevents the vacuum from falling over when placed down for a few minutes
Boasts more of a traditional design, making it easy to navigate, especially for older users

Cons:

Isn’t cordless
Quite heavy, making it difficult to vacuum a multi-floor home in one session

The tried-and-true Dyson Ball Animal 2 Vacuum is the perfect cleaner for thick carpets. And when we say thick, we mean thick. Powered by Dyson’s patented Radial Root Cyclone technology, it delivers incredible suction that captures even the smallest dust particles, dirt, and pet hair. Whether you’re cleaning carpets, hard floors, or upholstery, the Dyson Ball Animal 2 excels at picking up debris.

Its self-adjusting cleaner head automatically adjusts to different floor types, ensuring optimal suction on both high-pile carpets and smooth hard surfaces, making it perfect for households with a mix of flooring.

It’s impressive that this model isn’t cordless but still comes with accessories to transform the power vac into a precise cleaning machine. And there’s even a mattress tool, which is ideal. Let’s face it — when’s the last time you gave your everyday mattress a spin clean?

“The textured rugs in my parents’ home aren’t fine; they have a crazy shag, deep-rooted Berber and macrame boho area rugs that I personally don’t know how to give a true deep cleaning to,” Giardina noted. “However, the Ball Animal 2 is an effective solution.”

One of the standout features of the Dyson Ball Animal 2 is its ball technology, which allows for easy steering and maneuverability around furniture and obstacles. The vacuum’s ball design pivots smoothly, making it much easier to navigate tight spaces compared to traditional upright vacuums.

The vacuum also comes with a range of attachments, including a tangle-free turbine tool that effectively removes pet hair from upholstery, stairs, and other surfaces without the hassle of hair wrapping around the brush bar.

Best Car Vacuum: Craftsman 2.5-Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vac

Pros:

Extremely generous bin capacity, allowing you to clean multiple times before emptying
Lightweight and simple to maneuver around your vehicle
Easy to store in your garage or shed

Cons:

Can be quite noisy, though not a dealbreaker given its performance

The Craftsman 2.5-Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vac is a compact and powerful vacuum designed for tackling both wet and dry messes in the workshop, garage or home. With a 2.5-gallon capacity, this shop vac strikes a balance between portability and functionality, making it ideal for smaller clean-up tasks without taking up too much storage space.

Its lightweight design (weighing only about 7 pounds) and built-in handle make it easy to carry around, whether you’re cleaning up dust, debris or liquid spills. Despite its compact size, the vacuum is equipped with a robust motor that delivers strong suction.

“My parents own this shop vac, and I’m constantly pulling my SUV into the driveway to deep clean my vehicle whenever I visit,” said Giardina. It’s by far the best deep-cleaning device for automobiles, particularly because of its easy-to-maneuver hose and ability to suck all of the dirt and debris from my seat floors, console area, and trunk rim.”

One of the standout features of the Craftsman 2.5-Gallon Wet/Dry Shop Vac is its versatility in handling both wet and dry messes. The vacuum comes with a 2.5 horsepower motor, offering strong suction power that can handle everything from dirt and sawdust to spilled liquids. The included accessories, such as the 1-1/4-inch hose, crevice tool, and utility nozzle.

What’s more, its 6-foot power cord gives ample reach, allowing her to clean larger areas without having to constantly switch outlets. “I never had to worry about cleaning my car straight from the garage,” Giardina added. “I always placed my shop vac on the driveway, moving the hose as I need to. It’s super convenient and surely a homeowner’s staple.”

Best Vacuum-Mop Combo: Roborock S8 Max Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop

Pros:

Boasts AI-powered obstacle avoidance
Incredible suction power at 10,000 Pa
Makes your floors gleam after each use

Cons:

Expensive price point
Longer time to charge than most vacuum models on this list, though not a dealbreaker given its run time

The Roborock S8 Max Ultra Robot Vacuum and Mop is a top-of-the-line cleaning robot that seamlessly combines powerful suction with advanced mopping capabilities. Featuring an upgraded 5500 Pa suction power, it easily picks up dirt, dust, pet hair and even larger debris from carpets, hardwood floors, and tiles.

This vacuum powerhouse is equipped with an auto-lifting mop, which raises the mop attachment when it detects carpet; this allows it to efficiently vacuum and mop in one go without getting the carpet wet. On that note, it’s perfect for homes with both hard floors and carpeted areas, offering a thorough cleaning without the need for manual intervention.

“If you’re looking for the ultimate cleaning machine, this is it. The Roborock S8 Max Ultra is the crème de la crème of robot vacuums,” Wertz said. “This beast has it all: 10,000 Pa of suction power, advanced mopping power, and a RockDock Ultra that takes care of everything from emptying to hot drying.”

The S8 Max Ultra is not just a vacuum; it’s a full-fledged cleaning system designed to make your life easier. Whether it’s spills in the kitchen, crumbs under the couch or dust bunnies under the bed, this vacuum picks up everything.

“If you’ve got hard floors, the advanced VibraRise 2.0 mopping system will leave them gleaming,” he said. “This system uses sonic vibrations to scrub floors at 4,000 vibrations per minute, which means even the most stubborn dirt doesn’t stand a chance. And let’s not forget the self-cleaning feature that keeps the dock itself spotless. It’s like having a personal cleaning assistant on call 24/7.”

The Roborock S8 Max Ultra excels in intelligent navigation, utilizing LiDAR and advanced mapping technologies to efficiently clean your home. It creates precise maps of your home’s layout, allowing it to navigate with precision and avoid obstacles. This model supports multi-level mapping, too, so it can remember different floors and areas of your home, providing consistent cleaning across levels.

What’s more, the vacuum’s AI-powered obstacle avoidance helps it detect and navigate around objects like furniture, cords and pet toys, reducing the risk of getting stuck or damaging items during cleaning. It can also automatically adjust suction power based on the type of flooring it encounters, maximizing cleaning efficiency while conserving energy.

“One of my favorite features of the S8 Max Ultra is the built-in video camera,” Wertz added. “As a dog dad who’s outright obsessed with my pups, I love being able to check in on them while the vacuum does its thing. The camera allows me to see what’s happening at home, which is especially reassuring when I’m out and about.”

Of course, all this luxury comes at a price. “The S8 Max Ultra is definitely an investment, but if you value convenience and want the best of the best, it’s worth every penny,” Wertz concluded.

Best Wet-Dry: Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze Complete Wet-Dry Vacuum

A white vacuum with accessories — Amazon

Pros:

Lightweight to maneuver while featuring unbelievable suction power
Quick-drying when used on hardwood floors
Chic, modern buttons and features
Also one of the best vacuums for hardwood floors

Cons:

Short runtime, compared to other vacuums we tested
Brand-specific cleaning solution sold separately
Bins could slide into the body of the vacuum more easily

As made viral on Amazon, the Tineco iFloor 3 Breeze Complete Wet-Dry Vacuum is a versatile and innovative cleaning tool designed to make both wet and dry cleaning more efficient and convenient. it combines the functions of a vacuum and a mop into one device and is equipped to clean hard floors like tile, wood and laminate with ease.

Its powerful suction picks up dirt, debris and liquid spills simultaneously, making it perfect for just about anyone looking to clean up a mess. The built-in smart sensors automatically adjust the suction power and water flow based on the floor type, ensuring optimal performance across different surfaces while preserving energy and water usage.

“When I first began using the Tineco model, I was floored at how modern and cutting-edge its technology was,” Giardina noted. I’m partial to my Dyson vacuums, but I do feel like this one has a more durable frame — and is *way* less expensive than most Dyson models. I visibly see it sucking up dust from a further distance away than some other vacuums I tried, too, a nod to its impressive suction power.”

A white upright cordless vacuum against a wall in a hallway. — Victoria Giardina

With more than 10,000 shoppers purchasing the Tineco wet-dry vacuum each month, it’s no surprise that it’s worth the cost. One of the standout features is its self-cleaning function, which keeps the vacuum and mop rollers free from dirt and debris after each use. With the push of a button, the device automatically cleans the roller and flushes the dirty water tank, making it easy to maintain.

The vacuum also includes a washable water tank, allowing you to refill and clean it when you need to. While it could move into the body of the vacuum more easily, it’s not a dealbreaker. Giardina usually lays the vacuum on the floor to pop into the water tank.

The vacuum also includes its compatible solution which not only smells amazing but is key for deep cleaning your floors. The con to this is that you’ll have to repurchase the solution, though it’s worth the routine pick-me-up. Its lightweight design is also wonderful, especially for your weekend deep-cleanings.

Best for Small Spaces: Dyson Omni-Glide Cordless Vacuum

Dyson Omni-glide Cordless Vacuum Cleaner — Amazon

Pros:

The most compact Dyson vacuum tested, making it great for small spaces
Glides into corners exceptionally well
Easy to maintain and store

Cons:

Low bin capacity, so not great for large spaces

When Giardina first unboxed Dyson’s Omni-Glide, she was shocked at how small it was. Sure, stick and cordless vacuums are the new wave, but this was only a few inches taller than her 4-year-old niece.

That said, the saying “small, but mighty” was certainly in mind when Dyson designed the Omni-Glide. In fact, it’s Dyson’s slimmest and most maneuverable vacuum for hard floors, featuring the brand’s first omnidirectional soft roller cleaner head that literally glides into hard-to-reach places.

“I vacuumed my living room, then walked upstairs to vacuum my bedroom, and then went outside to vacuum a small rug — and the whole cleaning process took me less than 10 minutes. Why? The vacuum is so lightweight!” she added.

Also a best stick vacuum, the Omni-Glide is a true answer to prayer for anyone who gets frustrated lifting a heavy cleaning tool. While it’s a surefire perfect match for handheld dusting with the included crevice tool, it’s also impressive at sucking up dirt on tile floor, debris in floor molding, and even in between your stair rails — all with velvet-like, soft nylon brush bars.

You can either store the Omni-Glide with the included wall-mounted charging dock — which is great for apartment closet storage — or concentrate the cleaning device in-line under your bed or couch.

With the help of Dyson’s follow-along video, it hasn’t been easier to learn how to properly care for the new tool. Plus, emptying the bin is hands-free and shoots out straight from the vacuum’s storage when ready.

Take note of the floors you’re looking to clean, too. “If you have intense shag (as my parents’ house does) or Berber-textured carpet, this isn’t the vacuum for you,” she noted. “While it does glide, I felt like it didn’t pick up embedded dust on coarser, soft floors. However, it’s dynamite on hard floors, especially the deep multi-colored brown tile in my kitchen, which is always difficult to spot where dirt lays.”

Most Lightweight: Dyson V12 Detect Slim+ Cordless Vacuum

Pros:

Precise, with advanced cleaning demographics that display on its screen in live time
Slim, space-saving design
Impressive runtime

Cons:

More expensive than other Dyson vacuums on this list
Not as “sturdy” as some other vacuums because of its slim composition (doesn’t have as firm of a grip as some others), but is effective and powerful nonetheless

Dyson’s V12 Detect Slim Vacuum is one of the most of-age vacuums we’ve ever tested — and that includes our experience with robot vacuums. It’s also one of the most lightweight models that still boasts incredible suction power.

Dubbed Dyson’s “most compact intelligent cordless vacuum,” it’s clad with laser technology that scientifically shows you how well it’s cleaning on its built-in LCD screen. The screen shows what has been sucked up, while its piezo sensor sizes and counts the number of dust particles to automatically increase the suction power. In short, it’s pretty ground-breaking.

In tandem with the crevice tool and easy-to-maneuver stick handle, the V12 Detect is incredibly high-tech and apt for all kinds of spaces. This is huge, especially if you’re really particular with your deep-cleaning sessions.

“Additionally, its LCD Screen proves to me, as a consumer, how much time and energy was put into designing this vacuum,” Giardina noted. “Dyson wants you to comprehend exactly how it’s getting the job done — and it gets the job done efficiently!”

It doesn’t take Giardina long to vacuum her smaller-sized spaces, so the up-to-60 minutes of run time is a wonderful aspect of the V12 Detect. “If I’m cleaning my entire house, it’s still amazing, and when I clean just one room, I know it’ll never die on me,” she added.

While all good vacuums locate and remove dust from your floors, the V12 Detect’s Laser Slim Fluffy cleaner head has built-in laser technology you can’t normally see, ensuring you won’t miss anything. At the end of your cleaning session, your rooms will never look more refreshed.

Dyson’s V12 Detect is anywhere from $500 to $700, depending on sales, which is comparable to some robot vacuums that do it all for you. That said, we still love working the vacuum ourselves as it’s so simple to use, but it’s one con to consider before purchasing.

An FAQ on Vacuums

Your shopping guide to vacuums

Ahead, the Post Wanted team put together a cheat sheet to reference before making your next vacuum purchase above.

Type

Upright Vacuums: Ideal for large homes with carpets, upright vacuums provide powerful suction and larger dustbin capacities. They are often bulkier and heavier but are great for deep cleaning.
Canister Vacuums: Offering more maneuverability, canister vacuums are ideal for hard-to-reach places and homes with a variety of surfaces. They are often lighter than upright models.
Stick Vacuums: Perfect for smaller spaces, quick clean-ups and homes with hard floors, stick vacuums are commonly lightweight and typically cordless, but may have smaller dustbins.
Robot Vacuums: Great for automation and hands-free cleaning, robot vacuums are ideal for maintenance cleaning, yet less effective for deep cleaning or handling larger debris.
Handheld Vacuums: Useful for small messes, upholstery, stairs and car interiors, handheld vacuums are compact but not ideal for whole-house cleaning.

Filtration System

HEPA Filters: Look for vacuums with HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, which trap fine particles, allergens and dust. These are especially beneficial for allergy sufferers and homes with pets.
Carbon or Anti-Bacterial Filters: Some vacuums feature filters designed to neutralize odors or reduce bacterial growth, which is a great option for homes with pets.
Cyclonic Filtration: Many modern vacuums, especially Dyson models, use cyclonic filtration to help maintain strong suction power by preventing dust from clogging the filter.

Motor

The motor is the heart of the vacuum, determining how powerful the suction will be. Brushless motors are more efficient, quieter, and longer-lasting than traditional brushed motors.
Higher wattage motors generally provide better suction power, especially in vacuums intended for carpet or deep cleaning.

Suction Power

Suction power is measured in air watts (AW) or Pascal (Pa) pressure for robotic vacuums. The higher the suction power, the more effectively the vacuum picks up dirt, debris, and pet hair.
For deep cleaning, especially on carpets, a vacuum with high suction power (usually 200-300 AW) is preferred.
Adjustable suction settings can be useful, allowing you to modify the power based on floor type (low for hard floors, high for carpets).

Noise Level

Noise level is measured in decibels (dB), with quieter vacuums typically falling under 70 dB. If noise is a concern, particularly in households with pets or young children, opt for quieter models that fall within the 60-70 dB range.
Some manufacturers provide decibel ratings, but keep in mind that suction power and noise level may be correlated; stronger suction may produce more noise.

Battery versus Corded

Cordless Vacuums: Provide more flexibility and are ideal for quick clean-ups or homes with limited storage. However, the runtime is limited by battery life (usually 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the model), and they need to be recharged.
Corded Vacuums: Offer continuous power, so you don’t need to worry about battery life or charging. They are often preferred for larger homes or deep cleaning, but the cord limits mobility.
Battery Capacity: For cordless vacuums, look for lithium-ion batteries that offer better performance, longer runtime, and faster charging compared to other battery types.

Price

Budget Models: Basic models with lower suction power and fewer features start at around $50-$100. These are good for light cleaning but may lack the durability and suction power of higher-end models.
Mid-Range Models: Typically priced between $150-$300, these vacuums offer a balance of power, durability and additional features like HEPA filtration, adjustable suction power or longer battery life.
High-End Models: $400 and above for premium models with advanced features such as strong suction power, advanced filtration, smart navigation (robot vacuums), quiet operation, or specialized attachments for pet hair and deep cleaning.

What is the best vacuum?

Based on our testing, the best vacuum is the Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean & Empty System. Given its price point and performance, it caters to a wide variety of shoppers, is easy to maneuver and hails from a top brand.

Are stick vacuums as good as regular vacuums?

To most people, stick vacuums can be just as good as regular vacuums, depending on your cleaning needs, home size and preferences. While upright and canister vacuums are typically more powerful and suited for deep cleaning larger areas, stick vacuums offer several advantages that make them a compelling choice for many households.

Stick vacuums are much lighter than traditional uprights or canister models, making them easier to carry and maneuver around furniture and tight spaces. Not to mention, most are cordless. They’re convenient for quick and easy cleanups and simple to empty.

However, stick vacuums tend to have limited suction power and smaller dustbins. If you have a larger home or desire a vacuum that can tackle a variety of cleaning tasks, a traditional vacuum — like the Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum or the Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum — may be more your speed.

How We Tested

Below, find the rigorous testing criteria the Post Wanted team followed when reviewing the best vacuums for years. Of course, several factors should be considered when shopping for your next quality vacuum to ensure it meets your specific cleaning needs and fits within your lifestyle.

Suction Power: Look for vacuums with adjustable suction settings so you can fine-tune the power for different surfaces. High suction power is particularly important for deep cleaning carpets, picking up pet hair or handling larger debris.
Filtration System: HEPA filters are great for those with allergies. Additionally, consider vacuums with multi-stage filtration or washable filters for easy maintenance and long-term performance.
Type: Whether cordless, upright, stick, vacuum, wet-dry or handheld, vacuums come in all shapes and sizes. It’s important to thoroughly read our individual reviews to note which one is best suited for your lifestyle.
Capacity: You’ll want to look for a vacuum with a spacious dustbin capacity to ensure it can last for long cleaning sessions. On this note, runtime is another important factor.
Noise level: Some vacuums are so exceptional, noise isn’t a big deal. However, it is something to note, especially if you tend to do your cleaning at times when other people in the household are sleeping or in need of some quiet time.
Attachments and special features: Varying from vacuum to vacuum, characteristics like built-in crevice tools and the ability to double as a mop add to certain models’ appeal. Not to mention, hands-free cleaning and smart home mapping, which you’ll find integrated into plenty of robot vacuums.

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