The 10 Best Upright Vacuums That Make Cleaning Floors A Breeze

Cleaning will always be a necessary chore, but the best upright vacuums are designed to make the process of trapping dirt underfoot easier than ever. These machines are designed with large dust bins and strong suction power to help lift away grime, dust, pet hair and other debris that continuously collects on your floors.

While many impressed us, our top pick is the Shark Rotator Powered Lift Away Upright Vacuum , which features a convertible design and range of helpful accessories. The best upright vacuums feature powerful suction, handy accessories and are designed to trap dirt ... [+] and debris with ease. Anyone can benefit from an upright vacuum, but these machines are particularly handy if you have many rooms with carpeting that need a deep clean, says Katie Dills, senior vice president of The Cleaning Authority .

“Upright vacuums are great because they often have stronger suction options,” says Dills. An upright machine can also tackle a large range of flooring in one pass. “It's especially useful for those with large areas to clean because of its wide cleaning path and ease of maneuverability,” says Donna Dougherty, founder and CEO of Go Green Cleaning Experts .

To choose the best upright vacuum for your interior spaces, consider what details and functions will be most effective in your home. For example, the size of the dust bin, suction power, weight of the machine and the best type of vacuum that would work for the flooring you have. Naturally, budget is also a factor, although there is typically a range of price options with these vacuums.

These are the best upright vacuums available now to help you create a cleaner home. Best Upright Vacuum Overall Amazon Dimensions : 13.2 x 11.9 x 45 inches | Weight : 15.4 pounds | Cord length : 30 feet | Battery power : N/A | Bin volume : 0.88 quart | Ideal for : Carpet, hard floors This vacuum has a surprising amount of perks built into the design.

It features a removable dirt pot which can be removed, allowing the user to direct the powered brush roll under furniture, in stair corners and in places that are difficult to reach (removing the pod turns it into a skinny handle with power suction for these exact cleaning situations). The vacuum boasts swivel steering to allow you to cruise around furniture, while LED headlights spotlight what’s in your path.

The vacuum has a built in HEPA filter and anti allergen seal to trap dust, dirt and other allergens, too. Enjoy accessories like a Pet Power Brush, upholstery tool and crevice tool for more specific cleaning. The Shark Rotator makes it easy to transition from hard floors to carpet with the flip of a switch.

Best Lightweight Upright Vacuum Amazon Dimensions : 11.42 x 11.93 x 41.34 inches | Weight : 7.7 pounds | Cord length : 18 feet | Battery power : N/A | Bin volume : 1.7 liters | Ideal for : Carpet, hard floors Upright vacuums typically have a little heft to them, but the Eureka Airspeed clocks in at just under 8 pounds—a weight that’s more similar to a stick vacuum.

The cleaner easily navigates hard floors and carpets, and has a filter that can be washed and reused. This vacuum is relatively compact, allowing you to carry it up stairs more easily than many other devices in this category. It also comes with a crevice tool and dusting brush that are stored directly on the vacuum, making it easy to quickly switch gears.

Best Upright Bagged Vacuum The Home Depot Dimensions : 15 x 15 x 47 inches | Weight : 15 pounds | Cord length : 30 feet | Battery power : N/A | Bin volume : 1 gallon | Ideal for : Carpet, hard floors Bagged vacuums aren’t for everyone—they require regular refills, for starters. But some people appreciate the ease of being able to remove a bag and toss it in the trash.

The Hoover WindTunnel Complete offers bagged technology, along with a HEPA filter that traps up to 99.7% of dirt, dust, pollen and other allergens. The bag itself is simple to remove: Just push a button and it dumps directly in the trash. The WindTunnel Max features special technology that creates channels of suction to remove dirt and dust from your floors.

Flip between four floor height adjustment settings and enjoy above ground cleaning with the help of a 12 foot hose and telescoping wand. Best Upright Corded Vacuum Amazon Dimensions : 11.02 x 12.2 x 46.46 inches | Weight : 16.7 pounds | Cord length : 30 feet | Battery power : N/A | Bin volume : 1.48 quarts | Ideal for : Carpet, hard floors The Shark AZ3002 Stratos offers seriously strong suction, with 1,416 watts of power to lift up pet hair, dirt, dust and whatever else is stuck on your floors.

The vacuum features a dual brush roll system that grips flooring as it cleans, while a self cleaning brush roll prevents hair from wrapping. Odor neutralizing technology helps keep your vacuum from becoming stinky over time (and delivering that scent back to your floors). The vacuum’s pod lifts away for spot cleaning above the ground.

There’s also an anti allergen seal, anti wrap dust cup and a slew of attachments, including a Pet Power Brush, crevice tool and upholstery tool. Best Upright Vacuum For Hardwood Floors Amazon Dimensions : 10 x 10.25 x 45.5 inches | Weight : 11.5 pounds | Cord length : NA | Battery power : 36 volts | Bin volume : 18.6 ounces | Ideal for : Carpet, hard floors Vacuuming hard floors only does so much to get them clean.

To make them spotless, it’s important to mop them, too. The Bissell 2554A CrossWave features both functions within one device. The appliance’s 36 volt lithium ion battery offers up to 30 minutes of cordless cleaning, whether you’re working over carpets or hard floors. The 2554A CrossWave has dual tank technology to keep clean and dirty water separate, along with a self cleaning cycle to maintain your machine after the work is done.

At under 12 pounds, this vacuuming mop is lighter in weight than many other uprights. Best Upright Vacuum For Carpets Amazon Dimensions : 13.2 x 11.9 x 45 inches | Weight : 17.3 pounds | Cord length : 35 feet | Battery power : N/A | Bin volume : 0.5 gallons | Ideal for : Carpet, hard floors The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is a game changer for uprights.

It rides on a ball for smooth steering that allows you to seamlessly work around your floors with minimal effort on your end. Dyson technology gives this vacuum serious suction power. That, along with stiff nylon bristles, help remove even stubborn items like caked on dirt and embedded pet hair from your carpets.

Three different modes allow for customized cleaning, while an extra long cord gives you plenty of coverage before you need to move to a different outlet. The vacuum’s roomy dustbin offers hands free removal—just push a button and it empties into the trash. Best Upright Vacuum For Pet Hair Amazon Dimensions : 12 x 13 x 44 inches | Weight : 17.7 pounds | Cord length : 30 feet | Battery power : N/A | Bin volume : 1 liter | Ideal for : Carpet, hard floors Pet hair can be a tricky foe.

It scatters across hard floors, gets embedded into carpet and threads itself into upholstery, making it tough to clean. The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lift Off is designed for the challenge. This vacuum has a tangle free brush roll that helps suck up pet hair without hair wrap. A Smartseal allergen system traps dust, dirt and dander inside where they won’t irritate you and others, while hands free emptying allows you to clean out your vacuum with the touch of a button.

The vacuum also transitions from an upright to a portable vacuum thanks to lift off technology, helping you to target upholstery and stairs with the same device. A nice perk: The vacuum’s crevice tool features LED headlights to help you spot specks of dust and dander. Best Cordless Upright Vacuum Amazon Dimensions : 8 x 12 x 27 inches | Weight : 8.2 pounds | Cord length : NA | Battery power : 20 volts | Bin volume : 1.2 liters | Ideal for : Carpet, hard floors This powerful machine is slightly larger than a stick vacuum.

The ONEPWR Evolve delivers 35 minutes of run time—enough to power around most floors—and is lighter in weight than many uprights. A generous 1.2 liter dust cup allows you to keep cleaning until the job is done. Flip between hard floors and carpet with a simple flick of a switch. A nice feature to consider, particularly if you have pets: The brush roll can be removed without tools, just in case you need to clean it.

An anti microbial brush roll and pet filter helps prevent bacteria from building up and causing odors to linger on your flooring. Best Value Upright Vacuum Amazon Dimensions : 13.4 x 13.8 x 44.5 inches | Weight : 11.5 pounds | Cord length : 25 feet | Battery power : NA | Bin volume : 1.9 liters | Ideal for : Carpet, hard floors It can be tricky to find an inexpensive vacuum that still delivers, but the Eureka PowerSpeed manages to do just that.

While this under $80 device isn’t the strongest vacuum on the market, it can still trap dirt and dust on most carpets and hardwoods with ease. The vacuum features built in machine lights to help you clearly see what’s in your path, along with swivel steering for working around furniture legs and other objects.

The brand’s dual cyclone filtration system is also specially designed to keep the same level of suction power, no matter how full the dust cup gets. The handle detaches for above ground cleaning, and there’s even a Turbo Pet Tool to tidy your upholstery. The 12.6 inch wide nozzle allows you to cover plenty of ground in one pass.

Best High End Upright Vacuum The Home Depot Dimensions : 14.5 x 14.5 x 44.3 inches | Weight : 19 pounds | Cord length : 30 feet | Battery power : NA | Bin volume : 1 gallon | Ideal for : Carpet, hard floors The Prolux 9000 is a workhorse that’s designed to deep clean any type of flooring. This machine features a 12 amp motor and boasts a floating head with a steel brush roll to really reach down and trap dirt.

The vacuum comes with an arsenal of accessories, including a crevice tool, duster brush, upholstery tool, hard floor tool and pet tool with a spinning brush roll. A floor selector makes it easy to turn the brush roll on and off, while dual LED lights illuminate whatever is in your path. This vacuum features specialized sealed motor bypass technology that keeps dirt and dust away from your motor, depositing it directly into your bag.

The whole thing is backed by an impressive seven year warranty. How We Chose The Best Upright Vacuums To choose the best upright vacuums, we consulted with two cleaning experts for their input on what to look for in these essential cleaning devices. From there, we scoured the market to analyze the most popular options available for a range of factors, including power, cord length, attachments and value.

Reviews from real owners were considered as well to ensure we had the best understanding on how these vacuums perform across a range of homes and flooring over time. What To Look For In Upright Vacuums There are a few different elements to keep in mind as you shop for an upright vacuum. Consider these details as you shop.

As a whole, upright vacuums have a basic structure: They feature a large dust bin and intact body that you push around. From there, you’ll see a little variety in the functionality and design. Some vacuums, including our top choice, the Shark Rotator Powered Lift Away Upright Vacuum , have lift away pods that allow for seamless cleaning in hard to reach areas.

Others offer different attachments to help you get a more targeted clean—between couch cushions, over upholstery, on stairs and more. The Bissell 2554A CrossWave Cordless Max even has a built in mop to help you tackle all your cleaning needs at once. Like many other forms of vacuums, there is the option of choosing a cordless upright.

However, these are not common. Only two options that made our list—the Bissell 2554A CrossWave Cordless Max and Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Cordless Upright Vacuum —are cordless. Both offer about 30 minutes of run time before they’re due for recharging. If you have a smaller home or want an upright vacuum to deliver more targeted clean ups, a cordless model offers convenience.

But corded vacuums can offer more consistent power without a time limit, and they often feature a higher level of suction than you’d get with a cordless model. It’s important to consider the weight of an upright vacuum before you purchase a model. If you have arthritis or dexterity issues, a lighter weight option is likely a good choice.

When it comes to a solid lightweight option, we like the Eureka Airspeed . With its under 8 pound weight, it’s simple for most people to push around. Consider the weight of your vacuum, too. Also, consider if you need to carry your machine between floors. You’ll want to be certain that you can easily hoist it up and down stairs as needed.

Vacuums are designed to be simple to use, but some are easier than others. If you want a vacuum you can quickly pull out, use and stow away, consider a cordless model like the Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Cordless Upright Vacuum . However, all of the vacuums that made our list are easy to get up and running quickly.

Many also boast features like a one touch dust bin emptying to make clean up a breeze. Not everyone needs or wants attachments, but they’re a nice feature to have. A crevice tool can help you get debris stuck between couch and seat cushions, and can also help tackle baseboards. Several models that made our list feature some kind of pet power tool that’s designed to suck up hair embedded on upholstery—that’s definitely an element worth considering if you have pets at home.

Other attachments like a dust brush and the ability to use your vacuum’s pod for above floor cleaning may also be helpful. Suction power is important for a vacuum, but it’s not necessarily everything. If you’ll primarily be using your vacuum on hard floors, you can get away with a lower level of suction power.

However, if your home is mostly carpeted, you’ll want a vacuum with strong suction. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Upright Vacuum Cleaner features powerful suction, along with stiff nylon bristles that dig dirt and dust out of your carpets, for a deep clean. Who Makes The Best Upright Vacuums? There are a lot of brands that make great upright vacuums, and there’s not necessarily one that will meet everyone’s needs.

If you have a pet, you may want to consider the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lift Off Upright Vacuum , which is specially designed to target pet hair. People who preferred bagged vacuums should consider the Hoover WindTunnel Max —it allows you to empty the bag without ever touching it. But for the vacuum that meets the needs of most, we like the Shark Rotator Powered Lift Away Upright Vacuum .

It features powerful suction and swivel steering, along with a lift away pod to allow for cleaning hard to reach spots. Who Should Consider Buying An Upright Vacuum? Experts say that pretty much everyone can benefit from an upright vacuum—but they’re particularly helpful for people with carpets.

“An upright vacuum can benefit anyone who has carpeted floors and wants a powerful and efficient way to clean them,” Dougherty says. When you shop, Dills suggests that you consider elements like the design and structure of the vacuum, filtration system and available accessories to see if it will work for you and your lifestyle.

“You may also want to look for features such as a bagless design, adjustable height and ease of maintenance,” Dougherty says. If you’re tight on storage space, an upright vacuum can also be a good fit—they typically stash away easily in most closets. Are Upright Vacuums Ideal for Cleaning Hardwood Floors Or Carpet? It depends on which upright vacuum you choose.

Upright vacuums have a reputation for being the best choice if you have carpets, given their large dust bins and powerful suction. “Upright vacuums are particularly great for cleaning carpets,” Dills says. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use them on hardwood floors. “Upright vacuums can work well on both hardwood floors and carpet, but it's important to choose a model with adjustable height settings and brush roll controls,” Dougherty says.

If you plan to use your upright vacuum on both hardwood and carpets, just be mindful of the settings you use. “For hardwood floors, you'll want to turn off the brush roll to avoid scratching the surface, while for carpet, you'll want to keep it on to agitate and lift dirt and debris,” Dougherty says.

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