We put a variety of vacuums to the test to uncover the top performers in every category.

Best Upright

We thought our old vacuums were picking up most of the debris on our floors, but then we tried the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra. We were blown away by the amount of dust, dirt, and hair it collected. Heavy-duty messes—particularly pet hair and long hair—are no match for this powerhouse of an upright vacuum. Whether it's coffee grounds, cereal, corn kernels, hair, or lint, it cleared away all debris in just a few quick passes.

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is specially crafted for pet owners, featuring a powerful Motorbar cleaner head with hair detangling vanes that automatically clear hair as you clean, effortlessly removing even the thickest, longest hair in one pass. It also includes hair-specific attachments like the tangle-free turbine tool, with counter-rotating heads for picking up hair from carpets, cars, and upholstery. Additionally, the pet groom tool can be used to brush your pet’s fur, funneling the hair directly into the vacuum.

This vacuum easily shifts from hard floors to carpets, offering three different suction modes to suit various floor types and pile heights. With its hose, wand, and accessories, it effortlessly navigates around furniture and cleans upholstery. The 35-foot cord makes it ideal for large rooms and open spaces without needing to constantly switch outlets. Plus, the sizable dustbin means you won’t need to empty it frequently.

Despite its strength, the vacuum isn't exactly whisper-quiet, though it's no louder than other comparable models. We also appreciate its durability—after six months of use, it performed just as well as when it was first used.

Two drawbacks were noted: first, the vacuum tends to scatter larger debris when in the upright position (as opposed to using the hose). Also, it is somewhat heavy, and though the hose makes it easier to clean stairs without lifting the base, there’s a bit of resistance, making stair cleaning harder for those with limited mobility. Nevertheless, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra remains our top upright vacuum due to its impressive suction power and anti-tangle features.

Type: Upright | Weight: 17.3 pounds | Cord Length: 35 feet | Dustbin Capacity: 1.7 liters | Attachments: Motorbar cleaner head, tangle-free turbine tool, combination tool, stair tool, pet groom tool, wand, hose

Top Cordless Model

The Tineco Pure One S11 achieved a near-perfect score in our tests, earning it the title of our best cordless vacuum. With its exceptional suction, it tackled various debris like cereal, popcorn kernels, coffee grounds, hair, and cotton balls in under 45 seconds. The battery lasted the entire test without any noticeable decrease in suction performance.

Weighing just 6 pounds, it’s incredibly lightweight and effortless to maneuver. When transformed into a handheld vacuum, it excelled at cleaning upholstery—ideal for weekly maintenance to remove dust and loose dirt. It includes several attachments for hard-to-reach areas, such as a mini power brush, a dusting brush, and a crevice tool, along with a multitasker power brush and a soft-roller brush designed for delicate hard floors. Both brushes feature an LED light to guide your cleaning path.

The Mytour Team Evaluates the Tineco Pure One S11 Vacuum

Similar to other Tineco vacuums, the Pure One S11 uses iLoop Smart Sensor Technology, which automatically adjusts suction power based on the level of dirt and debris, optimizing battery life. It also features Wi-Fi connectivity, syncing with the Tineco app to monitor performance, receive maintenance reminders, and more. The vacuum offers a maximum runtime of around 40 minutes, and since the battery is removable, recharging is convenient when needed.

One of the most impressive features of this stick vacuum is how quietly it operates; it’s silent enough to carry on a conversation or run without disturbing others in nearby rooms. Emptying the dustbin is simple, and the brushroll can be detached for cleaning (although we did encounter some hair entangling on it). This vacuum delivers the high performance and advanced features typically found in pricier models. Just note that it includes a wall-mounted docking station, which could be problematic for renters or those who cannot drill holes in their walls.

Type: Cordless stick | Weight: 6 pounds | Battery Life/Runtime: 40 minutes | Dustbin Capacity: 0.6 liters | Attachments: LED soft-roller power brush, LED multi-tasker power brush, mini power brush, 2-in-1 dusting brush, crevice tool

Best Canister

Miele is well-regarded for producing long-lasting and reliable vacuums, and the Classic C1 Turbo Team Powerline proves that. It delivered excellent performance across all surfaces, especially on carpets and stairs, and we were particularly impressed with how well it handled upholstery.

Using the upholstery attachment, it took only 46 seconds to remove all debris. Although cleaning hardwood required a few extra passes, switching to the correct setting and attachment made it much easier. However, we faced challenges when trying to pick up hair from the grouted floor and car mat, as it tangled in the roller, and there wasn’t a tool for untangling or cutting it out.

Although canister vacuums are typically bulky and hard to maneuver, we were pleasantly surprised by how effortless this one was. Unlike other models that feel laborious to push, this one glided smoothly between surfaces with minimal effort. The wheels rolled with ease, and the long cord reached every part of our large testing space. We also appreciated the convenient retractable cord, which could be easily activated with a foot button. The vacuum head was also highly responsive and easy to swivel.

On the lowest setting, the machine ran quietly, but on the highest, it was noticeably louder. Interestingly, the sound resembled that of a running fan rather than a typical vacuum. Thanks to its 4.5-liter dustbin, we completed the entire test without needing to empty it. When it did fill up, the emptying process was straightforward and mess-free.

After six months of use, this vacuum continues to perform just as effectively as it did on day one. The various settings allow us to clean nearly any surface with confidence, and the long hose provides flexibility for easy movement around our space.

Type: Canister | Weight: 13 pounds | Dustbin Capacity: 4.5 liters | Accessories: Upholstery nozzle, crevice nozzle, dusting brush, small parquet floorhead, turbo brush floorhead

Top Robot

A robot vacuum takes the effort out of cleaning your floors, making it an excellent choice for pet owners who require frequent cleaning or anyone who dislikes vacuuming. You can even schedule them to run while you’re away, making them perfect for frequent travelers or individuals with packed schedules.

We selected the Roomba 694 as our top pick from all the robot vacuums we tested due to its affordability and ability to clean a variety of debris, including pet hair, cereal, and even sand from different surfaces. 

This vacuum also performed well in navigating the obstacles we placed in its way. However, keep in mind that it lacks object avoidance or smart mapping technology, so it’s recommended to do some tidying before use. It moves randomly through your space rather than following a grid pattern and will return to its dock once the battery starts running low. While some may prefer the systematic coverage provided by pricier models, the 694 effectively achieves the same outcome. 

The vacuum is Wi-Fi enabled and can be controlled via an app or voice assistant, allowing you to turn it on or off and even set a cleaning schedule. After six months of use, we were so impressed by its performance that it has become the primary vacuum in several of our households.

Type: Robot | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Battery Life/Runtime: 90 minutes | Dustbin Capacity: 0.35 liters | Attachments: None

Best for Pet Hair

As its name suggests, the Kenmore Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner is perfect for pet owners but also a solid choice for anyone in search of a dependable canister vacuum. After six months of use, it remains an integral part of our cleaning routine, and we’re not planning on replacing it anytime soon.

In our tests, the vacuum was able to pick up kibble from the carpet in a single pass, performing especially well on medium and high suction settings. We were impressed by its effectiveness in picking up dog hair, as it effortlessly removed large clumps in one or two passes, even on the lowest setting. However, it had some difficulty on harder surfaces.

The vacuum features adjustable height and suction settings, with attachments that make switching between different surfaces a breeze. We found the motorized pet tool particularly useful for cleaning furniture and hard-to-reach areas, while the long cord enabled us to clean large spaces without constantly changing outlets. It's also quite lightweight and easy to maneuver, and we appreciate the fact that the attachments can be conveniently stored onboard.

Allergy sufferers will benefit from the fully sealed HEPA filter AllergenSeal system, which captures 99.97% of dust and particles—even those as small as 0.3 microns. Additionally, since this is a bagged vacuum, all debris stays contained inside the bag, which can be easily removed and emptied when full. However, you will need to purchase replacement bags as required.

Type: Canister | Weight: 24 pounds | Dustbin Capacity: 2.5 liters | Accessories: Pet PowerMate brush, crevice tool, bare floor tool, dusting brush, and telescopic wand

Best for Carpet

The strong suction power of this upright vacuum proved most effective on medium- and high-pile carpets, securing its place as our overall best vacuum for carpet. The powerful brushroll is excellent for lifting dirt and dust that is deeply embedded. If you need to use it on hardwood floors, you can adjust the suction power and even turn off the beater brush to reduce kickback and prevent scratching.

Along with its impressive suction, this vacuum also impressed us with its versatility: it works well on various surface types (though it performed slightly less efficiently on hardwood floors compared to carpets), as well as upholstery, stairs, drapes, and more. The “Lift-Away” pod detaches from the main unit, allowing you to clean above the floor without carrying the whole vacuum, and the extended-reach hose helps clean hard-to-reach spots like ceiling fans.

Additionally, it includes an upholstery tool, a dusting brush, and a crevice tool. We found the attachments very user-friendly and appreciated that the lift-away feature allowed us to take the canister along with us. Even after six months of use, the vacuum’s attachments remained in excellent condition.

The Mytour Team Tests the Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Upright Vacuum

The swivel head makes it easy to maneuver around furniture effortlessly, while the 25-foot cord provides ample room to move around the room. For those with allergies, it features a HEPA filter that traps allergens in the 0.8-liter dust cup, which can be emptied without having to touch the contents.

The noise level is typical for an upright vacuum, but it did not produce any unpleasant grinding or whistling sounds like some vacuums we’ve tested. Overall, this vacuum is an effective tool that saves time on cleaning, which is ideal for those with extensive carpeting. It’s durable, easy to maneuver, and powerful enough for even the deepest cleans.

Type: Upright | Weight: 15.5 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Dustbin Capacity: 0.8 liters | Attachments: Upholstery tool, dusting brush, crevice tool

Ideal for Hardwood Floors

The Dyson Omni-Glide+ smoothly moves across delicate hardwood floors, capturing dust and debris without causing any damage. Thanks to its smart design, lightweight construction, and powerful suction, it has earned its place as our top choice for hardwood floors.

While the Omni-Glide+ lacks a beater brush, making it less effective on carpets, it truly shines on hardwood floors. During testing, it captured 98% of debris in just one minute. The Double Fluffy cleaner head features soft nylon to grab large debris, while the anti-static carbon fiber filaments handle fine dust. It also comes with a crevice tool and a mini motorized brush head, perfect for upholstery and tight spaces.

The Mytour Team Tests the Dyson Omni-Glide Cordless Vacuum

It moved effortlessly through our home, effortlessly tackling tight corners and slipping around furniture with ease. Plus, this vacuum easily converts into a handheld cleaner for quick spot cleaning or for reaching higher places. After six months of use, we loved almost everything about it. Our only small issue was with the upright handle, which we found to be slightly uncomfortable to grip.

The primary drawback of this vacuum's compact size is its relatively small dustbin, holding only 0.2 liters. This meant that we had to empty the canister more often. Combined with its 20-minute battery life, the Omni-Glide+ is best suited for quick, small-scale cleanups and spaces.

The point-and-shoot feature allows you to eject the contents of the dustbin directly into the trash, though we noticed some hair remaining tangled inside. While Dyson's name comes with a higher price tag, if you have a lot of hardwood floors, this vacuum might be worth the investment to keep them clean and free from scratches.

Type: Cordless stick | Weight: 4.2 pounds | Battery Life/Runtime: 20 minutes | Dustbin Capacity: 0.2 liters | Attachments: Double Fluffy cleaner head, combination crevice tool, mini motorized tool, light pipe crevice tool

Top Choice for Vacuum and Mop Combo

This dual-purpose vacuum and steam mop simplifies your cleaning routine. The adaptable vacuum offers three settings: one for hard floors, another for area rugs, and a steam option. It features two water tanks—one for clean water and one for dirty—and includes a motorized brush roll that helps prevent hair tangling.

The built-in LED lights make cleaning easier in low-light areas. In our lab tests, it performed exceptionally well on carpet, finishing the cleaning in 21 seconds and leaving the surface completely dry. On hardwood, it took a bit longer, requiring one minute and 27 seconds, but the excellent results were worth the extra time.

Using this device is incredibly straightforward: simply fill the tank with water and cleaner, then press 'clean.' The pivoting handle ensures it can maneuver easily around furniture and chair legs. Additionally, the plastic filter's handle made it easy to remove and empty the water without creating a mess.

This combo worked flawlessly as both a vacuum and mop, and its large capacity impressed us. Despite completing all four lab tests, we never had to empty the bin or refill the tank. We were particularly fond of the steam feature, which sanitized the space thoroughly without any chemicals. After six months of use, it showed no significant decline in performance.

The unit is quite loud, so you may not be able to watch TV or hold a conversation while using it. The 25-foot cord was handy for cleaning large areas but occasionally got in the way. Despite these minor issues, this Bissell model excels on nearly every surface, making it perfect for those who need to switch between carpet and hardwood without needing to change machines.

Type: Upright vacuum and steam mop | Weight: 12.5 lbs | Cord Length: 25 ft | Dustbin Capacity: 0.83 liters | Attachments: LED lights, carpet compatibility, dual water tanks, motorized brush roll, steam-on-demand trigger

Best Handheld

The Shark UltraCyclone Pro was the top performer among the handheld vacuums we tested when it came to picking up debris, including hair, from carpets, furniture, and car interiors. It excelled at collecting crumbs, making it our top choice for quick clean-ups on kitchen counters and floor edges. With its strong suction power and a large 0.4-liter dust bin, we only needed to empty it once during our testing, even though it wasn't full.

We were also impressed with the battery life: After two months of daily use, it still worked multiple times on a single charge. Despite its impressive power and capacity, it remains easy to handle—at just 2 pounds, it fits easily between couch cushions and tight spaces with the extended crevice attachment. Plus, it includes a scrubbing brush for tackling stuck-on dirt.

Emptying the vacuum is a breeze thanks to the hands-free dirt ejector, which releases dust and debris directly into the trash with just a button press. It also features a washable filter, eliminating the need for replacements. We love how much power this vacuum offers in such a compact form, along with its spacious dustbin for uninterrupted cleaning.

Type: Handheld | Weight: 2.2 lbs | Battery Life/Runtime: 15 minutes | Dustbin Capacity: 0.4 liters | Attachments: Crevice tool, scrubbing brush

Final Verdict

Our top pick for an upright vacuum is the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra, thanks to its robust suction power and a brush head that automatically detangles hair while you clean. For pet owners, the Kenmore Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner excels at removing pet hair and allergens, trapping them securely inside.

Our Testing Process

To date, we’ve evaluated 290 vacuums, gathering results from both thorough lab tests and several months of hands-on use at home. In our lab testing, each vacuum was judged on its cleaning performance across various floor types (including upholstery when necessary), as well as its maneuverability, ease of emptying, portability, noise level, setup process, and overall value.

For vacuums made for pet owners, we assessed each model’s ability to effectively clean real pet hair. We also focused on testing additional features, such as mop functions in vacuum-mop hybrids and object avoidance technology in robot vacuums.

After completing our lab assessments, we brought the vacuums into real homes to evaluate their long-term performance after one month, three months, and six months of regular use, seeing how they impacted our cleaning routines.

How to Shop for Vacuums Like a Pro

Type

Upright Vacuums: Upright vacuums are typically seen as the “traditional” choice for vacuum cleaners. These vacuums are self-contained units that combine a hose, bag or dustbin, and motor all in one body. Upright models are ideal for carpeted areas, especially in homes with pets, due to their combined weight and motorized brush heads that effectively lift dirt and hair from carpet fibers. Many also come with an extendable hose that allows you to use various attachments for cleaning upholstery, stairs, crevices, and more—great for cleaning a microfiber couch with a vacuum. Upright vacuums are available in both corded and cordless versions, with the latter being lighter and easier to carry, especially up and down stairs.

Cordless Stick Vacuums: If you're looking to clean smaller spaces, low-pile carpeting, or handle quick messes, stick vacuums are an ideal lightweight choice. These vacuums have surged in popularity, and newer models are closing the gap on suction power compared to traditional uprights. They’re slim, easy to store, and generally weigh under 10 pounds. Many are cordless, giving you the freedom to move around without being plugged in. However, since they are usually battery-powered, their runtime is limited, typically ranging from 30 minutes to an hour. This makes them less suited for large homes or whole-house cleaning tasks.

Canister Vacuums: If you need to clean floor-to-ceiling or tackle the entire house, a canister vacuum could be a great fit. These versatile devices consist of a motor and dustbin or bag in the main unit, which is connected to a hose that can be paired with various attachments for hard-to-reach spots like drapes, under furniture, or tight corners. Many canister vacuums offer onboard storage, so you can easily keep attachments together. While canister vacuums are fantastic for stairs and hard surfaces, they take up more space and tend to be pricier than upright models.

Robot Vacuums: Though they’re relatively new, robot vacuums have gained a lot of traction and are smarter and more powerful than ever before. With the press of a button, these vacuums clean for you, and many can even be scheduled to run automatically. While they don’t have the same dirt-lifting power as traditional vacuums, they can keep your floors tidy with minimal effort. Pet owners might find them useful for picking up hair and dander between deeper cleanings. Despite their advanced features like object avoidance and smart mapping, they can still get stuck on loose objects or struggle in tight spaces, so a quick tidy-up before running is often helpful.

Weight

Finding the right weight for your vacuum is essential—it should be heavy enough to clean effectively, but not so heavy that it’s difficult to maneuver. According to Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations at Two Maids, "A heavy-duty vacuum may look great, but if it’s too heavy, moving it around the house can become a tiring chore, and you could even risk injury. Try holding the vacuum before you buy it to make sure it’s comfortable to carry."

When thinking about storage, keep in mind that stick vacuums are compact and can even be mounted on the wall, making them a space-saving option. However, they do have a few downsides, such as shorter run times and reduced suction power. The Shark UltraCyclone Pro Cordless Handheld Vacuum, which is the lightest model on our list, weighs just 2.2 pounds, offering ultimate portability in a handheld design.

Suction Power

For the best value, Cohoon recommends choosing a vacuum with powerful suction and multiple settings to handle various floor types, carpeting, and upholstery. Many models now offer adjustable suction, perfect for cleaning delicate fabrics like curtains.

Suction power is typically gauged in air watts (AW). Generally, an upright vacuum should offer around 100 AW, while a canister model should provide roughly 220 AW. However, many manufacturers tend to leave this detail out of their product specs.

Attachments

While having strong suction is crucial, it's not the only factor in making a vacuum efficient at capturing dust, dirt, and debris. The design of the brush roll also plays a significant role, and it’s important to ensure you have the right attachments if you're cleaning upholstery, drapes, hard floors, or shelves.

Commonly found attachments include crevice tools for cleaning tight corners, a dust brush for gently dusting surfaces like shelves and tables, an upholstery tool, and a turbo tool designed for deep carpet cleaning. If these aren’t included with your vacuum, they are usually available for separate purchase.

Price

While it's not rare to see vacuums priced over $1,000, most buyers won't require the full range of features offered by these high-end models. For a reliable vacuum that will last more than a year, you should expect to pay somewhere between $100 and $150. However, if you're willing to spend more, you'll get added benefits like longer battery life for cordless options or smart mapping capabilities in robot vacuums.

Additional Vacuums Worth Considering

Eureka NEC700 Innova Cordless Stick Vacuum: Though this vacuum is among the priciest on our list, its flexibility, long battery life, and impressive suction power justify the investment. We were particularly pleased with how easy it was to maneuver and appreciated the detachable anti-tangle pet tool. However, the handle became uncomfortable after a while, so it may not be the best choice for long cleaning sessions. 

Amazon Basics Cordless Vacuum Cleaner: This affordable cordless vacuum performs well despite its budget-friendly price. It’s lightweight, weighing around 5 pounds, features a five-stage filtration system, and even converts into a handheld vacuum. The downside, though, is that it only works effectively on medium to high suction levels, and the noise level is quite loud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is more suitable: a bagged or a bagless vacuum?

For individuals with allergies, the type of vacuum—bagged or bagless—can be a crucial consideration. According to Cohoon, “A bagged vacuum eliminates the risk of dust being released into the air when emptied and doesn’t require as frequent filter cleanings as a bagless vacuum.” The only bagged vacuum featured in our list is the Kenmore Pet Friendly Lightweight Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner.

On the other hand, bagless vacuums, which use dustbins that you dump into the trash, tend to be more budget-friendly. “Bagless vacuums are ideal for those who want to avoid the recurring cost of replacement bags, but it's essential to clean the filter regularly to prevent damage to the vacuum or reduce its cleaning effectiveness,” says Cohoon.

Which brand is superior: Shark or Dyson? 

Both Shark and Dyson are well-known for creating dependable, high-performance vacuums. In our bracket-style comparison of Shark and Dyson models, we discovered that both brands offer great options, but Dyson emerged as the clear winner, securing the top spot in two key categories. The Dyson V15 Detect was chosen as the best cordless vacuum, while the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra topped the upright vacuum category.

Trust Our Expertise

This article was authored by Melanie Fincher, a former associate editor for Mytour, and later updated by Jamie Fischer, a shopping writer for Mytour. To compile this list, we tested 290 vacuum cleaners in both our lab and homes over several months. Each vacuum was assessed on its cleaning performance, maneuverability, ease of emptying, portability, noise level, setup, and overall value.

Melanie was also one of the long-term testers and now uses her robot vacuum almost daily to tackle pet hair and other debris. For expert advice, we consulted Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations at Two Maids.