Finding the best vacuum for carpet and hardwood can feel like a quest, especially when your home features a mix of flooring types. You need a machine that’s gentle enough for delicate hardwood yet powerful enough to deep clean plush carpets, all while tackling everyday messes and pesky pet hair. We understand the challenge of wanting one versatile solution that truly works across all surfaces.
That’s why we’ve put together this expert-tested roundup of top vacuum cleaners designed to excel on both carpeted and hard floors. We’ve focused on models that offer seamless transitions, strong suction, and features that make your cleaning routine simpler and more effective. Let’s dive into our picks to help you find your perfect cleaning companion!
Quick Product Comparison
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Our Top 5 Best Vacuum For Carpet And Hardwood Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum. Great for Carpets, Hardwood, and Pet Hair with HEPA Filter.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is a standout choice for homes with diverse flooring, from deep pile carpets to delicate hardwood. Its unique Lift-Away functionality makes it incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily tackle messes in every corner of your home. Plus, it’s designed to handle pet hair effectively while ensuring a cleaner environment for allergy sufferers.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Lift-Away Functionality: Easily detach the pod to clean stairs, upholstery, and high-up areas without the bulk of the full upright.
- ✓ Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology + HEPA Filter: Captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, keeping them trapped inside the vacuum and out of your air.
- ✓ Brushroll Shutoff: Seamlessly transition between deep carpet cleaning and gentle bare floor vacuuming with a simple switch, preventing scratches on hardwood.
- ✓ Powerful Suction: Provides consistent, strong suction for thorough cleaning across multiple surfaces.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the Shark Navigator Lift-Away for its exceptional versatility and powerful performance as a best vacuum for carpet and hardwood. Its ability to convert from an upright to a portable canister, combined with advanced anti-allergen features, makes it ideal for pet owners and those concerned about air quality. This vacuum truly offers a comprehensive cleaning solution for any home.
Best For
This vacuum is best for pet owners, allergy sufferers, and homes with a mix of carpets, rugs, and hardwood floors who need a powerful and versatile cleaning tool.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent suction power on both carpets and hardwood.
- Versatile Lift-Away feature makes cleaning stairs and above-floor areas easy.
- HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal are great for allergy sufferers.
- Effective at picking up pet hair.
Cons:
- Can be a bit heavy and bulky in upright mode for some users.
- Corded design means limited reach and requires re-plugging.
- Smaller dust cup compared to some larger uprights.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Warning, it’s a long read, but I wanted to go into deep detail.To start, I have been a Rainbow vacuum user for so long. I love them and felt they worked amazingly.Next, I have 3 dogs & a cat. One is a thick coat lab and the cat sheds so much as well.Another next, I have horrible allergies and wanted”
Customer Review: “I actually was in the market for a new vacuum as there were parts breaking on my Bissell 2999. (Dust buildup inside the motor housing leading to bearing whine, brush roller wear that required modification to prevent additional damage, as well as handle damage that prevented the vacuum handle from st”
2. Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering. Best for Carpets and Hardwood.
For those who prioritize maneuverability and a lightweight design, the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum is an outstanding pick for the best vacuum for carpet and hardwood. Weighing under 9 lbs, it effortlessly transforms from an upright stick vacuum to a versatile handheld. Its powerful corded cleaning ensures consistent suction, making it a great daily driver for mixed floor types.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Ultra-Lightweight Design: At under 9 pounds, this vacuum is incredibly easy to carry and maneuver, perfect for quick cleanups and multi-level homes.
- ✓ 2-in-1 Versatility: Converts instantly to a handheld vacuum for easy above-floor cleaning, reaching tight spaces, and detailing furniture.
- ✓ Powerful Corded Suction: Delivers robust and continuous suction power for thorough cleaning on both carpets and hard floors, without battery fade.
- ✓ Swivel Steering and Fingertip Controls: Navigate around furniture with ease and switch between surface settings at the touch of a button.
Why We Recommend It
The Shark Rocket earns our Editor’s Choice for its winning combination of portability, power, and adaptability. It’s a fantastic solution for maintaining cleanliness on various surfaces without the bulk of a traditional upright. If you need a vacuum that’s easy to use for daily tidying and can reach high and low, this is an excellent contender for the best vacuum for carpet and hardwood.
Best For
This vacuum is best for individuals living in apartments or smaller homes, those needing a lightweight option for quick daily cleanups, and users who require a versatile tool for both floor and above-floor cleaning.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver with swivel steering.
- Converts into a convenient handheld for versatile cleaning tasks.
- Strong, consistent suction power thanks to its corded design.
- Excellent performance on both carpeted and hard floors.
Cons:
- Corded operation limits range and requires re-plugging.
- Smaller dust cup means more frequent emptying for larger homes.
- Doesn’t stand upright on its own, requires leaning against something.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “So this is my favorite stick. Vacuum always has been my other one held up until the stick didn’t want to stay up anymore. It kept falling over and so I donated it to my church and they use it and it works quite well. Still, it still sucks up everything. It still works. This one here is a bit differe”
Customer Review: “Don’t walk, RUN to buy this vacuum! Here are a few highlights: great at picking up dirt, dust bunnies, etc., long cable, works well on tile/wood floors, area rugs and carpet, strong suction, easy cleanup and affordable!”
3. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter and Swivel Steering. Great for Carpets and Hardwood.
If you’re looking for an affordable yet powerful option to handle both carpets and hardwood floors, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter is your answer for the best vacuum for carpet and hardwood on a budget. This vacuum delivers strong performance and versatility without breaking the bank. Its Lift-Away feature and excellent filtration system make it a reliable choice for maintaining a clean and allergen-free home.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Lift-Away Functionality: Convert your upright vacuum into a portable canister for easy cleaning of stairs, furniture, and other hard-to-reach areas.
- ✓ Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology + HEPA Filter: Effectively traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it perfect for homes with pets or allergy sufferers.
- ✓ Swivel Steering: Provides excellent maneuverability, allowing you to easily navigate around obstacles and furniture for a thorough clean.
- ✓ Powerful Suction: Ensures deep cleaning on carpets and efficient debris pickup on hardwood floors.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend this Shark Navigator as the best vacuum for carpet and hardwood for budget-conscious shoppers. It offers a fantastic balance of essential features found in more expensive models, including versatile cleaning modes and advanced filtration. You get reliable performance for mixed flooring without compromising on air quality.
Best For
This vacuum is ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want robust cleaning power, allergy sufferers, and homes with both carpeted and hardwood surfaces that require versatile cleaning solutions.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money, providing premium features at an affordable price.
- Versatile Lift-Away mode makes cleaning every corner of the home accessible.
- HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Seal contribute to a healthier home environment.
- Good maneuverability with swivel steering.
Cons:
- Can feel a bit heavy as a full upright for some users.
- Corded design might be less convenient than cordless models.
- Dust cup could be larger for very extensive cleaning sessions.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Warning, it’s a long read, but I wanted to go into deep detail.To start, I have been a Rainbow vacuum user for so long. I love them and felt they worked amazingly.Next, I have 3 dogs & a cat. One is a thick coat lab and the cat sheds so much as well.Another next, I have horrible allergies and wanted”
Customer Review: “I actually was in the market for a new vacuum as there were parts breaking on my Bissell 2999. (Dust buildup inside the motor housing leading to bearing whine, brush roller wear that required modification to prevent additional damage, as well as handle damage that prevented the vacuum handle from st”
4. Bissell CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum. Best for Carpets, Hardwood, and Pet Hair.
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is a fantastic solution for households battling pet hair on both carpets and hardwood. With its specialized Triple Action Brush Roll and swivel steering, it makes cleaning a breeze around furniture and various floor types. Plus, every purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, making it a purchase you can feel good about!
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Swivel Steering: Enjoy maximum maneuverability, effortlessly cleaning around furniture and tight spaces.
- ✓ Triple Action Brush Roll: Designed to loosen, lift, and remove embedded pet hair and dirt from multiple surfaces.
- ✓ Multi-Surface Cleaning: Transitions smoothly from carpets to hard floors, providing effective cleaning on both.
- ✓ Supports BISSELL Pet Foundation: Your purchase helps save homeless pets, adding an extra layer of satisfaction.
Why We Recommend It
We wholeheartedly recommend the Bissell CleanView Swivel for its exceptional pet hair removal capabilities and versatile performance as a best vacuum for carpet and hardwood. It’s a powerful, user-friendly vacuum that makes light work of everyday messes, especially for pet owners. The added benefit of supporting a good cause makes this vacuum an even more appealing choice.
Best For
This vacuum is best for pet owners, individuals seeking a vacuum with excellent maneuverability, and homes with a combination of carpets and hardwood floors where pet hair is a frequent challenge.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding at picking up pet hair and embedded dirt.
- Swivel steering provides easy navigation around obstacles.
- Strong suction power delivers a deep clean on varied surfaces.
- Bagless design for easy, mess-free emptying.
Cons:
- Can be slightly heavy for some users, making it a bit less agile.
- The upright design can be inconvenient for cleaning under low furniture.
- Corded operation means you’ll need to manage the power cord.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This vacuum cleaner is really good — the suction power is excellent. It picks up hair, pet fur, dust, and even crumbs very well. The only downside is that it’s a bit inconvenient to use under the bed or couch, and it’s slightly heavy. Overall, though, it works great!😍”
Customer Review: “We got this as a gift to a student headed off to college. They said it works very well, is light, picks up the dirt, and is easy to use.”
5. Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum. Great for Carpets, Hardwood, and Pet Hair.
The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum offers an impressive blend of power and portability, making it a strong contender for the best vacuum for carpet and hardwood. At a mere 10 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver and carry, yet its 960-watt motor delivers robust suction across all floor types. Its extra-large dust cup ensures you can clean more without constant interruptions.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Lightweight Yet Powerful: Weighing only 10 pounds, it’s easy to handle and carry, but still boasts a powerful 960-watt motor for deep cleaning.
- ✓ Strong Suction Across Surfaces: Provides consistent and powerful suction suitable for various floor types, from delicate hardwood to plush carpets.
- ✓ Extra-Large Dust Cup: Features a generous 2.6-liter capacity, minimizing the need for frequent emptying during cleaning sessions.
- ✓ Multi-Surface Brush Roll: Designed to effectively clean different flooring materials, making transitions smooth and efficient.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Eureka PowerSpeed for its exceptional performance-to-weight ratio. It’s truly a great option for anyone seeking a powerful upright that isn’t a chore to use, especially in homes with mixed flooring and pets. The large dust cup is a huge bonus for reducing cleaning interruptions, positioning it as a strong contender for the best vacuum for carpet and hardwood.
Best For
This vacuum is best for users who need a lightweight yet powerful upright for their home, suitable for extensive cleaning sessions thanks to its large dust cup, and effective on various floor types including carpets, hardwood, and pet hair cleanup.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Remarkably lightweight for an upright, making it easy to carry.
- Powerful 960-watt motor delivers strong suction on all surfaces.
- Extra-large dust cup reduces the frequency of emptying.
- Easy to assemble and begin using right out of the box.
Cons:
- Can be quite noisy during operation, which might be a concern for some.
- Corded design limits its reach and requires finding new outlets.
- Attachments might feel a bit basic compared to more premium models.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “My previous vacuum was by a very popular brand, and it was expensive. It had every feature that you could imagine and worked as an upright, canister, and handheld unit. I had it for years and hated it. Why? Because it was very heavy, unwieldy, and bulky. None of the accessories were mounted on the”
Customer Review: “I have a robot vacuum, I thought was doing a good job, until I bought this and used it. This vacuum works great!!! It came in quickly and was very easy to put together. It is a little noisy but most good vacuums are, no issues with that. Was easy to dump depris from cannister. Cord was plenty long e”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Vacuum For Carpet And Hardwood
Choosing the best vacuum for carpet and hardwood can be tricky because these two floor types have very different cleaning needs. Hardwood requires a gentle touch to avoid scratches, while carpets demand powerful suction and agitation to lift embedded dirt. Here’s what we considered to pick our top recommendations:
Essential Factors We Consider
When selecting a versatile vacuum, we meticulously evaluate several key aspects. First and foremost is suction power; a strong motor is crucial for deep cleaning carpets and efficiently picking up debris from hardwood. Equally important is the brush roll type and control. For hardwood, a soft brush roll or a brush roll shut-off feature is essential to prevent damage. For carpets, a spinning brush roll is vital for agitation. Filtration systems, especially HEPA filters, are a must-have for homes with allergies or pets, trapping microscopic particles. The vacuum’s weight and maneuverability significantly impact user experience; swivel steering and a lighter build make cleaning less of a chore. Lastly, we look at dust cup capacity for bagless models and the availability of useful attachments for above-floor cleaning.
Budget Planning
Vacuum cleaners come in a wide price range, and it’s helpful to know what to expect at different tiers. Entry-level models (typically under $150) can offer decent performance for basic cleaning, often focusing on one or two key features. Mid-range vacuums ($150-$300) provide a better balance of power, features like HEPA filtration or convertible designs, and improved durability, making them a sweet spot for many looking for the best vacuum for carpet and hardwood. High-end models (above $300) usually boast advanced technologies, premium build quality, extensive attachments, and often cordless convenience. Consider your budget alongside the features most important for your home’s size and specific cleaning challenges.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the perfect vacuum for your home will balance powerful cleaning capabilities with features that protect your specific flooring. Look for models that offer versatility, strong suction, and appropriate brush roll settings. Don’t forget about ease of use, maintenance, and features like allergen filtration if they’re important to your household’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the same vacuum for both carpet and hardwood floors?
A: Absolutely! Many modern vacuums are specifically designed to be versatile and function effectively on both carpet and hardwood floors. Look for models that feature a brush roll shut-off or adjustable height settings, allowing you to turn off the spinning brush on hard surfaces to prevent scratches and then activate it for deep carpet cleaning.
Q: What features are important for pet owners looking for the best vacuum for carpet and hardwood?
A: Pet owners should prioritize vacuums with strong suction to pick up stubborn pet hair. Key features include specialized pet tools (like a mini motorized brush), tangle-free brush rolls, and advanced filtration systems such as HEPA filters to trap pet dander and allergens, improving air quality.
Q: Is a bagless vacuum better than a bagged one for mixed flooring?
A: Both bagless and bagged vacuums have their advantages. Bagless vacuums offer convenience and save money on replacement bags, with easy-to-empty dust cups. Bagged vacuums, however, tend to be better for allergy sufferers as they seal dust and allergens more effectively when disposed of. For mixed flooring, the choice often comes down to personal preference for maintenance and allergy concerns.
Q: How often should I vacuum carpet and hardwood?
A: For optimal cleanliness, high-traffic areas on both carpet and hardwood should ideally be vacuumed 2-3 times a week. Less-used areas can typically be vacuumed once a week or every two weeks. Regular vacuuming helps prevent dirt and debris from accumulating and causing wear on your floors.
Q: What’s the benefit of “Lift-Away” technology in a vacuum?
A: “Lift-Away” technology, found in some upright vacuums, allows you to detach the main canister from the floorhead. This converts the upright into a portable canister vacuum, making it much easier to clean stairs, upholstery, curtains, and high-up areas that are difficult to reach with a full-sized upright. It significantly enhances the vacuum’s versatility.
Choosing the best vacuum for carpet and hardwood doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right information and a clear understanding of your specific needs, you can find a vacuum that makes cleaning less of a chore and more of a pleasure. We hope our detailed reviews and comprehensive buying guide have equipped you with the insights needed to make an informed decision.
Ready to upgrade your cleaning routine? Click through our recommended products to find the perfect vacuum that will keep your entire home spotless and sparkling!
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I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
