The 9 best vacuums for every home, floor type, and budget

Our team of cleaning obsessed editors and product testers are on a mission to find the best vacuum. We've tested dozens across various types and budgets, prioritizing features like powerful suction, brushrolls that don't tangle with hair, advanced filtration, and easy dust disposal. We've figured out to how to identify a great vacuum designed to last you for years from an OK one that inevitably lands up in the dreaded vacuum graveyard.

The products in this guide represent the best of the best vacuum cleaners in their respective categories, including the best budget options to models optimized for tackling pet hair.

Find out more about how Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products.

Our top picks of the best vacuum cleaners

Best cordless

Our best overall cordless is packed with luxe features at a mid-range price point. The Shark Cordless PowerDetect Clean and Empty showcased excellent pick up performance on both carpets and hard floors in our testing and in daily use. Plus it features automatic dirt detection to maximize suction power and battery life and a self-emptying base that limits how often you come into contact with dust.

• See the best cordless vacuums.

A dual brushroll system tackles everything from fine dust to embedded carpet debris. A soft front roller captures small particles and prevents debris scatter, while a bristled rear brushroll digs deep into carpet. Strands of hair do not wrap around the brushroll, making it an ideal pick for households with pets or even long human hair. It struggled slightly with very fine particles like flour, requiring a few extra passes, but handled everyday messes with ease. The lightweight vacuum maneuvers easily under low furniture thanks to its bendable wand and swivel head, while LED lights illuminate debris along the cleaning path.

Shark's most advanced sensor tech optimizes suction and battery life in real time. The PowerDetect automatically adjusts power based on floor type, debris levels, and proximity to walls, enabling it to reach just under an hour of runtime in auto mode and up to 70 minutes on eco. A battery life indicator shows remaining charge in 25% increments.

The Clean & Empty Station is a game-changer. After each use, the Clean & Empty Station transfers debris into a larger dustbin — reminiscent of the stations found on robot models — that Shark says can hold up to 45 days of dirt. It's loud but effective. The dock also charges the vacuum and provides space to store accessories like the crevice tool and dusting brush. The base station also incorporates Shark's odor-neutralizing technology — a puck to mask odors and leave floors smelling fresher. After testing several Shark models with this feature, we're ambivalent toward the extra cost of replacing them once the scent runs out, as it doesn't affect cleaning performance. If you want to save a $100 and forgo the base station, the PowerDetect Essential offers the identical cleaning performance but without the self-emptying base.

Our guide to the best Shark vacuums details the lineup and breaks down the models.

Best upright

Serious cleaning power with classic upright reliability. The Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum features powerful suction and Shark's signature dual brushrolls that make it a standout among the best upright vacuums. Its powerful 1,416-watt motor propels you forward across hard floors and carpets, while the 30-foot-long cord ensures you can make it across a room without switching outlets. Built-in LED lights illuminate the path ahead.

• See more of the best upright vacuums

It excels at deep cleaning on both hard floors and carpet. In testing, the Stratos picked up all debris types on hardwood, including pet hair and fine particles like flour. On carpet, it left behind only trace amounts of flour and powered through heavier messes with ease — often collecting more dirt than was visibly present on the surface.

Despite its weight, the self-propelled design keeps it manageable. At 16 pounds, it's heavier than cordless models and may be cumbersome on stairs, but the powerful motor reduce push effort during use. Shark's Lift-Away design adds versatility for stairs and upholstery, though included attachments are basic, and our reviewer wished there was a dusting brush for baseboards. Since testing, Shark now includes a motorized pet tool.

Maintenance quirks are worth noting if you clean frequently. The large dustbin empties via a wide trap-door mechanism that works best over a deep trash can, otherwise spills are possible. The bin also looks larger than it appears, with a Max Fill line that can quickly reach capacity when dealing with carpet or pet hair. An odor-neutralizing puck adds a light scent, but testers didn't find it essential or plan to replace it.

Read our Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum review for more details.

Best budget

A straightforward, budget-friendly corded upright. The Bissell Cleanview Swivel Pet Vacuum delivers reliable cleaning performance without the bells and whistles of pricier models, earning it's ranking as the best budget vacuum. While the cord limits mobility compared to cordless options, Bissell offsets that with thoughtful design touches that keep it easy to use

• See the best cheap vacuum cleaners

The wide cleaner head and brush roll handle pet hair and debris with ease. In testing, the Cleanview quickly picked up everything from whole Cheerios to fine flour and performed especially well with pet hair on hard floors and carpet. Suction remained consistent across mess types, which isn't always a given at this price.

Simple controls make everyday cleaning intuitive. The vacuum offers five settings for different floor types, though adjusting them requires bending down at the cleaner head. Powering on and steering is operated with foot pedals.

Low-maintenance design and included tools add to its value. The large dust bin is easy to remove and empties from the bottom, minimizing contact with debris, and a top handle makes it easier to carry. Onboard attachments — including tools for upholstery and crevices — store directly on the vacuum and connect to a six-foot hose for above-floor cleaning.

Best splurge

If price isn't of concern, this is vacuum I'm always wanting to reach for. The Dyson V15 Detect delivers premium cleaning performance paired with genuinely innovative tech. Automatic suction adjustment, strong battery life, and consistently powerful pickup put it among the best Dyson vacuums, but its laser dust-detection technology is what truly sets it apart.

The laser-equipped hard floor head reveals dirt you didn't know was there. The Fluffy Optic Cleaner Head uses a green diode laser to illuminate fine dust and debris on hard floors that standard LED lights can miss, making cleaning both more effective and oddly satisfying. For carpets and rugs, the Digital Motorbar Cleaner Head provides strong suction and excellent hair-wrap resistance, working well on mixed surfaces.

Both cleaner heads perform exceptionally, with slight strengths depending on floor type. The Fluffy Optic head was marginally better at capturing fine flour on hard floors and powered through larger debris with ease. The Digital Motorbar head handled carpet more smoothly but required suction-height adjustments to fully pick up debris like Cheerios on hard flooring.

Lightweight handling and smart sensors help justify the splurge. Battery life reaches up to an hour, lasting longest on hard floors and less on carpet. A piezo sensor counts dust particles to automatically adjust suction and preserve battery life in Auto mode. The 0.2-gallon dust bin uses Dyson's hygienic eject system to push debris directly into the trash, though overfilling past the Max line can cause debris to stick — an issue common to most bagless vacuums.

Best for pet hair

Extreme suction makes it especially well suited for homes with pets and wall-to-wall carpet. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is one of the most powerful vacuums on the market, and our top choice for ridding your home of pet hair. Dyson includes pet-focused tools for lifting embedded hair from upholstery, with an optional grooming attachment available for those who want to go all in.

• See the best vacuums for pet hair

A stiff-bristled cleaner head pulls hair and dirt from deep within carpet fibers. The brush roll resists hair wrap and, paired with the massive suction, makes quick work of fine debris and pet hair. Larger particles like cereal sometimes get pushed forward and require a second pass, but overall cleaning performance is impressive— often pulling up more dirt than expected from carpeted floors.

The oversized dust bin supports deep, uninterrupted cleaning sessions. The 0.45-gallon bin holds a large volume of debris and empties via a button on the handle, though it can fill quickly in especially dirty or high-traffic carpeted areas—a testament to how aggressively this vacuum cleans.

Power comes at the cost of weight and some stiffness. At 17 pounds, carrying it up and down stairs takes effort, and the telescoping hose felt rigid during above-floor cleaning. That said, Dyson's signature spherical ball design improves maneuverability, and the long 35-foot cord lets you clean multiple rooms without unplugging — just be mindful of tangling as you go.

Best lightweight

At under 3.5 pounds, it's one of the lightest cordless vacuums we've tested. The Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Stick Vacuum stands out for its ultra-lightweight design. That makes it especially easy to carry between floors, use for above-floor cleaning, and grab for quick everyday messes — far lighter than most stick vacuums, which typically weigh four to seven pounds.

Comfortable handling and a low price make it easy to live with. The vacuum is easy to maneuver, offers a comfortable grip that doesn't strain the arm, and costs under $200. It can also stand upright on its own, a convenience that's still surprisingly rare among cordless stick models.

Delivers solid everyday cleaning performance. The LVAC-200 offers three power modes (eco, mid, and turbo) with up to 50 minutes of battery life depending on the setting. It handled small debris like rice, sugar, and flour well on both hard floors and carpet, while larger pieces such as cereal required a few extra passes. Pet hair didn't wrap around the brush roll. The dust bin was large enough to avoid constant emptying, and the noise level remained unobtrusive during cleaning.

A few tradeoffs to keep in mind. Our reviewer wished the LED headlights cast light further, and sometimes had to reach her hand into the dust cup to pull out stuck pieces of debris. The vacuum is also not HEPA-rated, though Levoit says its five-stage filtration system captures 99.9% of 0.3-micron particles.

Read our full Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum review.

Best robot vacuum and mop

The most advanced robot vacuums today combine wet and dry features to streamline floor cleaning. In fact, robots that just vacuum are becoming far less commonplace; the most exciting advancements in robotic cleaning are these robot vacuum mops with a full suite of automatic features with base stations that can also wash and dry the mop pads in addition to storing weeks worth of debris. In our search for the best robot vacuum, the mid-range Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro Robot Vacuum emerged as our favorite, presenting a balance of value, features, and performance.

• See the best robot vacuum and mop combo

The effective floor cleaner outperformed pricier options in both vacuuming and mopping. It features a microfiber mopping pad that shifts back and forth and applies pressure to scrub up residue. It was extra thorough in its approach to get at all angles of a mess, though a little bit slower. We particularly liked that the robot had the foresight to "leave behind" the mop pad at the base station for vacuuming only tasks, but still has good carpet avoidance features including the ability to raise up the mop pad to avoid carpet when mopping.

The Shark PowerDetect is designed for a hands-off experience. the all-in-one base station can hold up to 60 days of debris, and 30 days worth of water for mopping, though those numbers will vary based on how often you run the robot and the size of your home. It also air dries and flushes the mop pad with water to keep it clean.

The app is a bit rudimentary in terms of cleaning customizations. Though, it covers the basics in terms of setting schedules, editing the floor plan, and creating no-go zones. It has all the features without the extra frills that could complicate usage.

Read our full Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum and Mop review.

Best handheld

While the Dusbuster's NASA-era origin story is notable, its real strength is how well it performs on everyday messes. The Black+Decker Dustbuster Cordless Handheld Vacuum (HHVI315JO42) stood out as the top-performing handheld in our testing with surprisingly strong suction for a compact, car-friendly vacuum.

• See the best handheld vacuums

Its compact size makes it ideal for cars and quick above-floor cleanup. The Dustbuster was one of the best handhelds we tested for car interiors and performed well on both hardwood and carpet. It outperformed competitors on hard floors, easily picking up flour and Cheerios where other models struggled.

Lightweight handling offsets its short runtime. Weighing just over 2 pounds, it's comfortable to use for longer spot-cleaning sessions, but runtime is limited to about 12 minutes, among the shortest of the handhelds we tested. There's also no battery indicator, so it can shut off without warning. While it was among the quietest handhelds we tested, it's still roughly as loud as a busy restaurant.

A simple, low-maintenance design rounds out the experience. The Dustbuster uses straightforward on/off controls and a quick-release dustbin, which is notably larger than most competitors. The washable filter can be rinsed and air-dried, making upkeep easy between cleanings.

Best wet-dry

Wet-dry vacuums have gained popularity for their ability to vacuum and mop simultaneously. They're best for deep-cleaning hard floors, not replacing a traditional vacuum. While they won't fully replace upright or cordless stick vacuums—especially for carpet or above-floor cleaning—they can be a major time-saver for thorough hard-floor care. The Tineco Floor One S7 Stretch Ultra is the most advanced wet-dry vacuum we've tested.

• See the best wet-dry vacuum cleaners

Convenient features make this the best wet-dry vacuum. It features automatic dirt detection that adjusts suction and water flow and alerts you when floors are clean. A self-propelling design, improved edge cleaning, lie-flat capability for reaching under furniture, and a 50-minute runtime round out its premium feature set. In testing, we only needed to refill the clean water tank once per full cleaning session.

Smart modes make it effective on everything from spills to stuck-on stains. The S7 offers auto, max, suction, and custom modes, with Auto using sensors to balance performance and battery life. It typically took just one or two passes to clean dry debris, liquid spills, and stains. While the lie-flat design worked well under beds, the thicker cleaner head couldn't always reach under cabinet toe kicks.

Maintenance is easier than most wet-dry models, but the price is high. Wet-dry vacuums require immediate cleaning after use to prevent odors, mold, and bacteria build-up. Fortunately, Tineco's hot-water self-cleaning system flushes and dries the brush roll in about five minutes. The main drawback is cost; for a more affordable alternative, the Tineco Floor One S5 delivers strong cleaning performance but lacks a suction-only mode for liquid spills and has shorter runtime.

Read our Tineco wet-dry vacuum review.

What to look for in a vacuum cleaner

When choosing from the best vacuums, your primary considerations are the vacuum type (see FAQ), reliable suction and cleaning performance, mess-free debris disposal, a strong warranty, a long battery life (if cordless), a well-designed brush head, and ease of use.

Here are some other important features:

Cleanerhead and attachments

Your vacuum needs a well-designed cleanerhead (brushroll) to collect the dust and dirt on your floors. These can vary in material from soft roller to silicone or hard plastic with strategically placed bristles and should have some sort of hair-resistance feature. In addition to a durable brush head, you'll also want to look for vacuums with the following attachments:

• Crevice tool: A long, flat attachment with an angled tip. It's good for getting into tight corners, including baseboards, stairs, and between couch cushions.
• Upholstery tool: A wide, flat attachment that allows for strong suction. It's good for furniture with fabric upholstery, like mattresses, chairs, and couches.
• Dusting Brush: These attachments have bristles ideal for clearing dust from baseboards, molding, blinds, and more without scratching surfaces.
• Wand: Often featured on upright vacuums, wands detach from the main body to allow you to reach spots the head can't go. They're useful for cleaning stairs, corners, and upholstery.

Weight

When cleaning your whole house, you want a machine that is light enough to carry from room to room and up and down stairs, and not too difficult to push. Cordless stick vacuums should weigh under 10 pounds, while uprights can hover in the 15 to 20 pound range. For smaller jobs and above-floor cleaning, a handheld vacuum or a cordless that converts into a handheld, you'll want something under five pounds to reduce strain on your arms, though lighter is even more ideal.

Dust bin

Most of the vacuums we recommend are bagless. They are designed to allow clean air to pass through the motor without impeding suction or clogging. Instead of collecting in a bag, the debris collects in a reusable dust bin that can be easily emptied after each use.

Traditional vacuum bags have tiny holes that act as filters, trapping dust and dirt while allowing air to pass through. However, they're harder to empty and clean. Some vacuums use disposable bags, but this is an added cost you have to factor into the lifetime value of your vacuum. However, Bagged vacuums are a good option for people with severe allergies and sensitivities to dust.

Also, consider dust bin size. If it's too small, you'll find yourself constantly stopping to visit the trash. Those with carpets and pets that shed will want to want to consider higher-volume bins. We like bins that can handle at least 0.2 gallons, though the Shark Stratos falls just below that at 0.18 gallons.

Filter

We recommend looking for vacuums with a HEPA filter, particularly if anyone in your home is prone to allergies. To meet HEPA standards, a high-efficiency particulate or HEPA filter must filter 99.97% of airborne particles. Most high-quality vacuum cleaners contain HEPA filters. Many are washable and reusable and should be cleaned regularly.

Warranty

If problems arise, you want your vacuum's warranty to cover them. Most vacuum warranties range from one to five years. These typically apply to electric and mechanical failure or any manufacturer defects but do not cover misuse such as vacuuming up liquids or neglecting routine maintain like cleaning filters.

How we test the best vacuum cleaners

Vacuuming performance: We tested the vacuums on carpeting, hardwood, and tile, picking up flour, ground coffee, cat litter, Cheerios, and fur. We assessed how well each vacuum picked up the materials and weighed the dust bins to evaluate how much was picked up. If a vacuum came with attachments, we tested them on the appropriate surfaces, like baseboards and furniture. We also tested the obstacle avoidance and corner cleaning capabilities of robot vacuums.

Battery runtime: We timed how long cordless vacuums ran until their batteries died and how long it took to recharge them.

Ease of use and comfort: We assessed the experience of powering the vacuum, maneuverability, and how tiring it is to hold, and even noise emitted. We noted if it could fit under low-profile furniture and if it had additional features that improved functionality, such as a headlight.

Debris disposal: After cleaning sessions, we evaluated how easy and clean emptying the dust bin was. The vacuum lost points if we came in contact with the debris when disposing of it or if it was otherwise messy.

Storage: We looked at how easy it was to store the vacuum, including if it broke down into a smaller footprint or if it came with a docking station or wall mount.

Meet the expert behind this guide

Jaclyn Turner, senior home editor: I've been testing the latest vacuum releases over the last five years, including cordless stick, upright, and robot vacuums to the chagrin of my reactive cavapoo. I've tested many of the top vacuums firsthand and collaborated with a team of expert product testers to put each vacuum through a range of standardized tests to measure performance and ease of use. I analyze the data over the nearly 50 vacuums we've tested to maintain this list of the best vacuums. The vacuums I use on repeat are the Shark Cordless Power Detect Clean and Empty and the Dyson V15 Detect.

Vacuum cleaner FAQs

What is the best type of vacuum cleaner?

Generally, it comes down to your needs. Upright vacuums are cost-effective and perform well with endless suction power. Stick vacuums are versatile, lightweight, and convenient but typically have smaller dust bins. Cordless models have started to rival the performance of corded ones, but battery life can range across brands. Handheld vacs are compact and can get into tight spots, but most cordless stick vacuums can also convert into handhelds. Canister vacuums are pricey yet powerful, and robot vacuums automate cleaning.

Each type of vacuum comes with its own benefits and considerations:

• Upright vacuum: Most people envision an upright vacuum when you mention a "vacuum." The dust bin, head, and motor are all in one unit. The upright vacuum stands independently, and the body tilts back as you clean. It offers versatility and power but can be cumbersome to use at times. Most models have a removable hose to reach hard-to-reach spots.
• Cordless stick vacuum: Stick vacuums have become popular thanks to their portability and convenience. Yet, these cordless vacuums lack the power of upright and canister vacuums and must be recharged frequently. The dust bins are also smaller. Most cannot stand on their own. On the plus side, the low-profile design makes these lightweight vacuums great for cleaning under furniture, and they're lightweight and easy to maneuver with little effort.
• Canister vacuum: The head and handle of a canister vacuum are connected to the canister by a long hose. The dust bin and motor are located within the canister, usually on wheels to follow you around as you clean. This configuration makes the canister vacuum annoying to move around the house. Still, they are perhaps the most powerful vacuum type. Canister vacuums can also be referred to as cylinder vacuums.
• Robot vacuum: Robot vacuums automate your floor cleaning but are typically less powerful than other vacuum types. They're great for routine cleaning but may not replace deep cleaning. You set a schedule, and the vacuum cleans independently and returns to its charging dock when done. However, you still need to empty the tiny dust bin after each cleaning unless it has an auto-empty dock, and the vacs can get stuck on cords or in tight spots. Models get more expensive when you opt for features with home mapping, auto-empty dust bins and mopping.
• Handheld vacuum: Often referred to as "Dustbusters" after the famous Black & Decker vacuum, handheld vacuums are small and designed for small messes, such as dust after sweeping, stray cat litter, and spilled cereal. They're great for spot cleaning small messes, but not suitable for cleaning your entire house.
• Wet-dry vacuums: Not to be confused with industrial-style shop vacs, wet-dry vacuums or vacuum mops can wash and vacuum your hard floors simultaneously. They feature clean and dirty water tanks to catch the debris and some will wash and dry the brushroll after cleaning. They're available in corded and cordless varieties.

How much should you spend on a vacuum cleaner?

Our guides feature vacuums ranging in price from $40 for a handheld to $2,000 for a fully loaded robot vacuum will all the bells and whistles on the market. Expect to spend at least $100 on a new upright vacuum. If you're looking for a good stick, canister, or robot vacuum, the best can cost $300 or more.

How long does a vacuum last?

According to a Consumer Reports survey, a vacuum's median life is eight years.

Leslie Tam, a cofounder of the cleaning service UrbanMop, said it might be time to replace your vacuum once it shows a drastic reduction in suction. He recommended prolonging your vacuum's life by performing regular maintenance, including cleaning the filter often, removing hairs and other debris from the brush roll, and emptying the dust bin before it gets too full.

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