10 Best HEPA Vacuum Cleaners 2026 in the United States

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a strong choice for anyone looking for a HEPA vacuum cleaner, especially pet owners and people sensitive to allergens. Its HEPA filter, combined with an anti-allergen complete seal, captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, which helps keep your home air cleaner. Suction power is solid for tackling carpets and hard floors, and the brushroll shutoff lets you switch easily between floor types without hassle. The detachable Lift-Away pod is handy for cleaning stairs and upholstery, making the vacuum versatile.

With a dustbin capacity of 0.87 liters, it holds a decent amount of dirt, so you won’t need to empty it frequently during regular cleaning sessions. Weighing about 13.7 pounds, it’s on the heavier side but the swivel steering helps with maneuvering around furniture and tight spots. Noise level is moderate at around 80 decibels—not the quietest, but typical for upright vacuums.

This model is corded, so you get consistent power without worrying about battery life, though you do need an outlet nearby. Included attachments like the crevice tool and dusting brush add versatility for corners and delicate surfaces. While it lacks multiple power levels, its two-speed settings cover most cleaning needs. This vacuum fits well with allergy sufferers and pet owners looking for effective filtration and strong cleaning performance on various surfaces, with weight, corded design, and average noise level being the primary trade-offs.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a strong contender in the HEPA vacuum cleaner category, particularly for those who need a versatile cleaning tool for both carpets and hard floors. One of its standout features is the lift-away functionality, which allows you to detach the vacuum pod for easy cleaning of stairs and elevated surfaces, making it highly convenient for homes with multi-level spaces. The vacuum also boasts anti-allergen technology paired with a HEPA filter, effectively trapping dust and allergens, which is excellent for allergy sufferers.

When it comes to performance, the suction power is impressive, allowing it to deep clean carpets and efficiently handle pet hair, thanks to specialized attachments like the wide upholstery tool. Its swivel steering design enhances maneuverability, which is a big plus for getting into tight spots and around furniture.

Weighing in at 12.5 pounds, some users may find it slightly cumbersome compared to lighter models, especially during extended cleaning sessions. The noise level of 80 dB is on the higher side, which might be bothersome in quieter environments. Additionally, as a corded vacuum, you'll need to stay close to an outlet, which can limit your movement compared to cordless options. The dustbin capacity of 1.1 quarts is adequate for most cleaning tasks, but it may require frequent emptying for larger homes or heavy usage. Furthermore, the vacuum's 5-year limited warranty provides peace of mind, though assembly is required upon purchase. The Shark NV352 is well-suited for households with pets and various flooring types, offering powerful performance and convenience features. Just be mindful of its weight and noise level if those are critical factors for you.

The Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a high-performing vacuum, especially suitable for homes with pets and mixed flooring types like carpets and hardfloors. One of its primary strengths lies in its advanced HEPA filter that traps 99.99% of dust and allergens, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers.

The vacuum also features powerful suction, which is enhanced by DuoClean technology and various smart sensors that automatically adjust cleaning performance based on the type of floor and amount of dirt detected. Additionally, it comes with handy attachments such as the HairPro Self Cleaning Pet Power Brush, making it effective for pet hair pickup without the hassle of hair wrapping around the brushroll. The vacuum's odor neutralizer technology is a nice touch for maintaining a fresh-smelling home.

However, it is on the heavier side at 17.57 pounds, which may affect maneuverability for some users. The noise level is also relatively high at 80 dB, which could be a consideration if you prefer quieter appliances. Being a corded model, it doesn't offer the convenience of cordless mobility. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Shark POWERDETECT's advanced features and strong cleaning capabilities make it a solid choice for thorough home cleaning.