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10 Best Upright Vacuums 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away | Swivel Steering | HEPA Filter | Vacuum for Pet Hair | Crevice Tool & Dusting Brush Included | For Carpets & Hard Floors | White/Silver | NV356E

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,471
Suction Power
Filtration System
Weight

Most important from
115819 reviews

Suction Power
This vacuum's suction is amazing, easily outshining my previous Bissell and Hoover vacuums.
Filtration System
The HEPA filtration system is excellent for allergy sufferers, with no incidents of dust leakage.
Weight
Despite being slightly heavier, the vacuum glides smoothly over both carpet and laminate floors.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Emptying the dustbin is more involved but ensures a better seal, keeping dust contained.
Noise Level
It's quieter than other models, which is a plus for apartment living.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away (model NV356E), is a versatile and powerful vacuum designed to meet various cleaning needs, particularly for pet owners. Its lift-away functionality allows you to detach the pod for easy cleaning of above-floor areas like stairs and furniture. The vacuum features a robust HEPA filtration system combined with an anti-allergen complete seal, trapping 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is excellent for allergy sufferers.

The vacuum is slightly on the heavier side at 13.7 pounds, but it compensates with swivel steering for easy maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces. The brushroll shutoff feature allows you to switch between deep carpet cleaning and gentle bare floor cleaning effortlessly. The extra-large dust cup (0.87 liters) means fewer trips to the trash can during extended cleaning sessions. It also comes with useful attachments like a pet power brush, dusting brush, and an 8-inch crevice tool, making it highly versatile.

However, it is not cordless, which could limit mobility, and its noise level at 80 dB may be considered loud by some users. Despite these drawbacks, its powerful suction, excellent filtration, and multiple attachments make it a top choice for households with pets and varied flooring types.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,471
Suction Power
Filtration System
Weight

Most important from
115819 reviews

Suction Power
This vacuum's suction is amazing, easily outshining my previous Bissell and Hoover vacuums.
Filtration System
The HEPA filtration system is excellent for allergy sufferers, with no incidents of dust leakage.
Weight
Despite being slightly heavier, the vacuum glides smoothly over both carpet and laminate floors.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Emptying the dustbin is more involved but ensures a better seal, keeping dust contained.
Noise Level
It's quieter than other models, which is a plus for apartment living.
#2

Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe with Large Dust Cup Capacity, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Crevice Tool, Blue, NV360

Rating
9.8
Suction Power
Bagged vs. Bagless
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
115819 reviews

Suction Power
The suction is powerful and effective on both carpets and hard floors.
Bagged vs. Bagless
You may need to empty the dust cup more frequently due to the amount of debris it picks up.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments are useful but can feel awkward to use.
Noise Level
Quieter than previous vacuums, which is great for apartment living.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360, offers a solid combination of features and performance, making it a great choice for households dealing with pet hair and allergens. One of its standout strengths is its powerful suction, which effectively cleans both carpets and hard floors. The detachable pod enhances usability by allowing users to clean under furniture and reach high-up areas with ease.

Its anti-allergen complete seal technology, paired with a HEPA filter, significantly reduces allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. Additionally, the large dust cup capacity means less frequent emptying, which is a plus for longer cleaning sessions. The included upholstery tool and crevice tool are handy attachments for tackling pet hair, while the swivel steering makes maneuverability around furniture effortless.

There are some drawbacks to consider. Weighing nearly 16 pounds, it might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially during extended cleaning. The noise level at 80 dB is reasonably loud, which could be a concern for those who prefer quieter appliances. Also, being corded, it limits mobility compared to cordless models, although the cord length is sufficient for most rooms.

Rating
9.8
Suction Power
Bagged vs. Bagless
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
115819 reviews

Suction Power
The suction is powerful and effective on both carpets and hard floors.
Bagged vs. Bagless
You may need to empty the dust cup more frequently due to the amount of debris it picks up.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments are useful but can feel awkward to use.
Noise Level
Quieter than previous vacuums, which is great for apartment living.
#3

Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter, Anti-Allergen Technology, Swivel Steering, Ideal for Carpet, Stairs, & Bare Floors, with Wide Upholstery & Crevice Tools, Lavender

Rating
9.6
Suction Power
Filtration System
Bagged vs. Bagless

Most important from
115819 reviews

Suction Power
Suction on this vacuum is amazing, especially compared to my previous Bissell 2999.
Filtration System
It's highly effective for those with allergies, trapping dust and allergens without any incidents.
Bagged vs. Bagless
The dual latch on the dustbin provides a better seal, preventing dust from leaking.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments are very functional, especially on stairs and upholstery.
Noise Level
This vacuum is quieter than previous models, which is a plus for apartment living.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a versatile cleaning tool with several notable strengths. Boasting powerful suction and a lightweight design, it can effectively clean both carpets and bare floors. The lift-away functionality further enhances its versatility, allowing easy cleaning of stairs and furniture.

The vacuum is equipped with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter, making it an excellent choice for those with allergies as it traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum. The swivel steering feature ensures easy maneuverability around tight spaces and furniture, while the brushroll shutoff allows users to transition smoothly between different floor types.

Rating
9.6
Suction Power
Filtration System
Bagged vs. Bagless

Most important from
115819 reviews

Suction Power
Suction on this vacuum is amazing, especially compared to my previous Bissell 2999.
Filtration System
It's highly effective for those with allergies, trapping dust and allergens without any incidents.
Bagged vs. Bagless
The dual latch on the dustbin provides a better seal, preventing dust from leaking.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments are very functional, especially on stairs and upholstery.
Noise Level
This vacuum is quieter than previous models, which is a plus for apartment living.

Buying Guide for the Best Upright Vacuums

Choosing an upright vacuum can seem overwhelming with so many options and features available. It’s important to start by understanding your cleaning needs, the surfaces in your home, and how the features of different models can make cleaning easier for you. Focusing on the key specifications and how they relate to your everyday use will help you pick a vacuum that’s both effective and convenient.
Suction PowerSuction power refers to how strongly the vacuum can pull in dust, dirt, and debris from surfaces. This is important because higher suction power generally means better cleaning, especially on carpets or thick rugs. You’ll see values measured in air watts or simply advertised as strong/regular suction. For homes with lots of carpets, higher suction is useful, but for mainly hard floors, moderate suction may be sufficient. Suction power over time can also depend on how often you maintain the filters and dust bin.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system determines how well the vacuum traps dust and allergens instead of releasing them back into the air. This is especially important for allergy sufferers or homes with pets. HEPA filters capture very fine particles and are ideal for cleaner air, while standard filters are adequate for basic dust and dirt. Consider a vacuum with a higher-quality filter if you are sensitive to dust or want to reduce airborne particles.
WeightWeight tells you how heavy the vacuum is, which influences how easy it is to move around and use, especially if you need to carry it upstairs or have limited mobility. Lighter models (usually under 12 pounds) are easier for frequent or extended use, while heavier models may feel sturdier and sometimes have larger capacity but can be harder to maneuver.
Corded vs CordlessThis specification is about whether the vacuum requires plugging into a power outlet (corded) or runs on a rechargeable battery (cordless). Corded vacuums tend to offer continuous power and are good for longer cleaning sessions, while cordless versions provide more freedom to move but require recharging and have a limited run time. If you have larger areas to clean at once, corded might suit you better, while smaller homes or quick cleanups can benefit from cordless convenience.
Brush Roll TypeThe brush roll is what agitates and lifts dirt from carpets. Some upright vacuums have fixed brush rolls that are always spinning, while others allow you to switch the brush roll on or off depending on the surface. Models with an adjustable or multi-surface brush are more versatile, making them good if you have a combination of carpeted and hard floors.
Dust CapacityThis refers to the size of the vacuum’s dust bin or bag and determines how often you’ll need to empty it. Larger capacity means fewer emptying trips, which is useful for bigger homes or people with pets that shed. If storage space is an issue or you don’t mind frequent emptying, a smaller dust bin may be okay.
Attachments and ToolsMany upright vacuums come with extra tools such as crevice wands, upholstery brushes, or pet hair attachments. These make it easier to clean furniture, stairs, and tight spots. If you have pets, children, or a variety of surfaces, choosing a vacuum with a range of attachment options can make your cleaning more effective and flexible.
Noise LevelNoise level is how loud the vacuum is during use, typically measured in decibels. If you need to clean while others are home or are sensitive to noise, look for quieter models. Loud vacuums can be disruptive, especially in small or echo-prone spaces. Consider this feature if you want a more comfortable cleaning experience.

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