Finding the best vacuum upright cleaner can feel overwhelming with so many options on the market. Whether you’re battling stubborn pet hair, deep-cleaning plush carpets, or simply keeping hard floors sparkling, the right upright vacuum makes all the difference. We’ve put together a list of top contenders, testing their performance, features, and overall value to help you choose the perfect cleaning companion for your home.
Quick Product Comparison
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Our Top 5 Best Vacuum Upright Cleaner Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
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1. Kenmore DS1030 Cordless Stick Vacuum: Lightweight 2-in-1 Handheld with LED for Floors & Pet Hair.
The Kenmore DS1030 offers incredible versatility as a cordless stick vacuum that easily converts into a handheld unit. It’s incredibly lightweight, making it a breeze to maneuver around your home and even take to the car. With its specialized Easycut Nozzle and LED lights, this vacuum is designed to tackle pet hair and illuminate hidden dirt on both hard floors and carpets.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Cordless 2-in-1 Design: Seamlessly switches from an upright stick to a portable handheld for all cleaning needs.
- ✓ Easycut Nozzle: Unique feature that simplifies removing tangled hair from the brushroll without scissors.
- ✓ Long Runtime: Enjoy up to 45 minutes of continuous suction on low mode, perfect for extensive cleaning sessions.
- ✓ LED Headlights: Illuminates dust and debris on floors, ensuring no spot is missed, even in dimly lit areas.
- ✓ Lightweight & Maneuverable: Its minimal weight makes it easy to carry and navigate around furniture.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Kenmore DS1030 for its sheer convenience and thoughtful design, especially for pet owners. The cordless freedom means no more wrestling with cords, and the Easycut Nozzle is a game-changer for maintaining the brushroll. It’s truly one of the best vacuum upright cleaner options for quick, efficient, and versatile cleaning.
Best For
This upright vacuum cleaner is ideal for homes with pets, small to medium-sized living spaces, and individuals who appreciate the flexibility and ease of a cordless, lightweight cleaner for daily tidying and tricky spots.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent cordless freedom and portability.
- Innovative Easycut Nozzle for hassle-free maintenance.
- Effective on both hard floors and pet hair thanks to LED lights.
- Good battery life for a stick vacuum, offering sufficient cleaning time.
Cons:
- Dustbin capacity is smaller compared to traditional uprights.
- May not offer the same deep-pile carpet suction as heavy-duty corded models.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Great quality product. Easy to use; lightweight….good suction, good battery life…..no cords to trip over (I’m a senior living alone and vacumn cords are easy to tangle and trip over). Great to have handheld vac too to take to car or for small pieces of upholstered furniture or indoor windowsills”
Customer Review: “Lightweight, cleans well, great suction, perfect on stairs, you can use small vacuum on furniture/auto/hard to get to areas. Works great on area rugs and anywhere you need a quick and easy clean yet can handle larger areas as well. I highly recommend this product.”
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2. Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum for Carpets, Hard Floors & Pet Hair.
The Eureka PowerSpeed lightweight upright vacuum truly lives up to its name, offering powerful deep cleaning without the bulk. Weighing just 10 lbs, it’s incredibly easy to push and carry around, making stair cleaning a breeze. Its versatility shines with 5 height adjustment settings, allowing it to transition smoothly from delicate hard floors to thick carpets, effectively tackling pet hair and everyday messes.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Ultra-Lightweight Design: At only 10 pounds, it’s effortless to maneuver and transport, reducing cleaning fatigue.
- ✓ Powerful Multi-Surface Cleaning: Adaptable with 5 height settings for optimal suction on various floor types, from bare floors to deep carpets.
- ✓ Extra-Large Dust Cup: Features a generous 2.6L dust cup, meaning less frequent emptying and uninterrupted cleaning sessions.
- ✓ Effective Pet Hair Removal: Designed to powerfully pick up pet hair and dander from different surfaces.
- ✓ Easy Emptying: Bagless design with an easy-empty dust cup for quick and hygienic disposal of debris.
Why We Recommend It
For anyone seeking a no-nonsense, powerful, and easy-to-handle upright vacuum cleaner, the Eureka PowerSpeed is a fantastic choice. Its combination of lightweight design, strong suction, and multi-surface capability makes it a standout. It proves you don’t need a heavy machine to achieve a deep, satisfying clean.
Best For
This vacuum upright cleaner is perfect for homes with mixed flooring, pet owners, and individuals who need a lightweight yet powerful solution that’s simple to operate and store. It’s particularly great for those who find heavier vacuums cumbersome.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and portable, ideal for multi-level homes.
- Strong suction power effectively cleans various floor types.
- Large dust cup reduces the frequency of emptying.
- Affordable price point for its performance capabilities.
Cons:
- Corded design means you’re tethered to an outlet.
- May lack some premium features like advanced filtration systems.
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 am close to 80 years old and I have had about every brand of vacuum on the market. My last vacuum weight 16 lb. and was hard to manuver. I saw this Eureka power speed model NEU180D which was 10 lb. and said it had great suction, with a turbo brush. I am so glad I got it. I have 3 large bird cages “
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3. Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright: Swivel Steering, HEPA, Pet Hair, for Carpets & Hard Floors.
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is a powerhouse among upright vacuum cleaners, renowned for its incredible versatility and effectiveness on various surfaces. Its standout feature is the “Lift-Away” detachable pod, transforming it from a traditional upright into a portable canister vacuum for stairs, upholstery, and above-floor cleaning. Coupled with its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal and HEPA filter, it’s a top choice for maintaining a truly clean home environment.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Lift-Away Functionality: Detach the pod to easily clean hard-to-reach areas, stairs, and furniture.
- ✓ Anti-Allergen Complete Seal + HEPA Filter: Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, ideal for allergy sufferers.
- ✓ Brushroll Shutoff: Conveniently switch off the brushroll for gentle cleaning on delicate hard floors.
- ✓ Swivel Steering: Provides excellent maneuverability to navigate around furniture with ease.
- ✓ Powerful Suction: Delivers robust cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors, making it a great multi-surface vacuum.
Why We Recommend It
This Shark Navigator is truly a versatile workhorse, earning its spot as one of the best vacuum upright cleaner options, especially for homes with allergies or pets. The Lift-Away feature provides unmatched flexibility, while the HEPA filtration ensures a deeper, healthier clean. It’s an investment in a cleaner, more breathable home.
Best For
This upright vacuum is highly recommended for pet owners, allergy sufferers, and anyone needing a versatile vacuum that excels at both floor cleaning and above-floor tasks. Its performance on both carpets and hard floors makes it a superb all-rounder.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Exceptional versatility with the Lift-Away feature.
- Superior allergen trapping with HEPA filter and complete seal.
- Strong suction power for pet hair and deep carpet cleaning.
- Swivel steering enhances maneuverability around obstacles.
Cons:
- Can feel a bit heavy in upright mode compared to lightweight stick vacuums.
- Corded design requires plugging and unplugging between rooms.
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: “Definitely get this vacuum. I have a 1bd apartment that is 80% carpet and it works great. I am sure there are better vacuums out there but this vacuum will get a very good amount of your animals hair and dirt out of the carpet. The brush on it definitely works great however longer hair does get tan”
4. Bissell CleanView Swivel Upright Vacuum: Powerful Suction, Triple Action Brush Roll, Easy-Empty Tank.
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Upright Vacuum (2024 model) is designed with pet owners and busy households in mind. It boasts powerful suction combined with an innovative Triple Action Brush Roll that lifts, loosens, and removes embedded dirt and pet hair from multiple surfaces. The convenient Swivel Steering and Active Extension Wand make cleaning around furniture and reaching high spots effortless, solidifying its place among the best vacuum upright cleaner options.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Triple Action Brush Roll: Designed to clean deep into carpets, lifting embedded dirt and pet hair effectively.
- ✓ Powerful Suction: Ensures a thorough clean on both carpets and hard floors.
- ✓ Swivel Steering: Enhances maneuverability, allowing you to easily navigate around furniture and obstacles.
- ✓ Active Extension Wand: Provides extended reach for cleaning ceilings, curtains, and other hard-to-access areas.
- ✓ Easy-Empty Dirt Tank: Bagless design makes disposing of debris quick and mess-free.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the Bissell CleanView Swivel for its impressive cleaning power and thoughtful features for pet owners. The combination of its brush roll and powerful suction means less effort for a cleaner home, and the swivel steering adds a layer of convenience often missing in traditional uprights. Plus, every purchase helps pets in need!
Best For
This upright vacuum cleaner is an excellent choice for pet owners, homes with varied floor types (especially carpets), and users who appreciate maneuverability and powerful cleaning without breaking the bank. It’s a fantastic everyday cleaning solution.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent for pet hair removal with the Triple Action Brush Roll.
- Great maneuverability thanks to swivel steering.
- Active Extension Wand simplifies above-floor cleaning.
- Easy to empty dirt tank for hassle-free maintenance.
Cons:
- Still a corded model, limiting reach without changing outlets.
- Can be a bit bulky for very tight spaces under low furniture.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Vacuum is really nice and picks up very well. The pet remover tool works great as well on my cats tower and other furniture. I am happy with this product. It is not as loud as other vacuums. Easy to use and put together. Lightweight and swivel is nice along with the cord rewind. Long cord.”
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!😍”
5. Eureka PowerSpeed: Lightweight, Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum for Floors and Pet Hair.
The Eureka PowerSpeed continues to impress with its combination of a lightweight build and powerful suction. This bagless upright vacuum cleaner, weighing a mere 10 pounds, makes cleaning floors less of a chore. Equipped with a robust 960-watt motor, it effortlessly picks up dirt, debris, and pet hair across various floor types. Its extra-large dust cup minimizes interruptions, allowing for more cleaning and less emptying.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Lightweight Yet Powerful: Weighs only 10 lbs but delivers exceptional cleaning performance with a 960-watt motor.
- ✓ Strong Suction Across Surfaces: Offers consistent and powerful suction suitable for hardwood, tile, area rugs, and wall-to-wall carpeting.
- ✓ Extra-Large Dust Cup: Features a generous 2.6-liter capacity for fewer empties and extended cleaning sessions.
- ✓ Bagless & Easy-Empty: The flip-to-empty dust bin design makes disposal fast, hygienic, and mess-free.
- ✓ Pet Hair Friendly: Engineered to effectively capture pet hair and dander from various surfaces.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the Eureka PowerSpeed for its blend of power and portability. It’s an ideal choice for those who need a robust cleaning solution without the heavy lifting. The strong motor and large dust cup ensure an efficient and thorough clean every time, making it one of the top contenders for the best vacuum upright cleaner.
Best For
This upright vacuum is best for individuals and families looking for an affordable, straightforward, and powerful vacuum cleaner that can handle everyday messes and pet hair on multiple floor types without being cumbersome to use.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely light design makes it easy to maneuver and store.
- Powerful 960-watt motor ensures deep cleaning performance.
- Large dust cup minimizes emptying frequency, enhancing convenience.
- Affordable and effective solution for daily cleaning needs.
Cons:
- Corded operation can be less convenient than cordless models.
- May not include a wide array of specialized attachments found in premium vacuums.
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 am close to 80 years old and I have had about every brand of vacuum on the market. My last vacuum weight 16 lb. and was hard to manuver. I saw this Eureka power speed model NEU180D which was 10 lb. and said it had great suction, with a turbo brush. I am so glad I got it. I have 3 large bird cages “
Complete Buying Guide for Best Vacuum Upright Cleaner
Essential Factors We Consider
When searching for the best vacuum upright cleaner, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of specifications. We always prioritize a few key factors to ensure you’re getting a cleaner that truly meets your needs. First, consider suction power and whether it’s consistent across different floor types, from plush carpets to delicate hard floors. A good brush roll system is vital for carpets, while a shut-off feature is great for preventing scratches on bare floors. Next, think about maneuverability; swivel steering can make a huge difference in navigating around furniture. Filtration, especially HEPA filters, is crucial for allergy sufferers. Lastly, the ease of maintenance, like bagless designs and easy-to-empty dustbins, impacts your overall user experience.
Budget Planning
Your budget plays a significant role in determining the ideal upright vacuum cleaner for you. Entry-level models offer solid performance for basic cleaning tasks, often excelling at powerful suction without too many bells and whistles. Mid-range options usually introduce features like advanced filtration, better attachments, and enhanced maneuverability (like swivel steering). High-end models might offer cordless designs, smart features, or specialized cleaning heads. Remember, spending more doesn’t always guarantee the “best” for your specific situation. Focus on value—what features are most important to you and which vacuum delivers them effectively within your price range?
Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect vacuum upright cleaner is about balancing power, features, and your unique home needs. Think about your floor types, whether you have pets, and if allergies are a concern. A lightweight model is excellent for ease of use, while a Lift-Away feature offers versatility. Consider how often you’ll be using it and what kind of maintenance you’re comfortable with. Our top picks aim to cover a range of needs and budgets, ensuring you can find a reliable and efficient vacuum to keep your home spotless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes an upright vacuum good for pet hair?
A: The best vacuum upright cleaner for pet hair typically features strong suction, a powerful brush roll (often with tangle-free or self-cleaning technology like the Easycut Nozzle), and sometimes specialized pet tools. Look for models with excellent filtration, like a HEPA filter, to trap dander and allergens effectively.
Q: Are lightweight upright vacuums powerful enough?
A: Absolutely! Many modern lightweight upright vacuum models are engineered with powerful motors and efficient airflow designs that deliver comparable, if not superior, suction to heavier, older models. Brands like Eureka have proven that portability doesn’t have to sacrifice cleaning performance, making them a great option for the best vacuum upright cleaner.
Q: What is the benefit of a Lift-Away feature on an upright vacuum?
A: The Lift-Away feature, famously found in Shark Navigator models, allows you to detach the canister from the main vacuum body. This transforms your upright vacuum into a portable canister, making it much easier to clean stairs, upholstery, curtains, and other above-floor areas without moving the entire unit, offering incredible versatility.
Q: How often should I empty the dust cup on a bagless upright vacuum?
A: For optimal performance of your bagless upright vacuum, it’s best to empty the dust cup after each use, or when it reaches the “max fill” line. This ensures consistent suction power and prevents debris from accumulating excessively. Models with extra-large dust cups, like the Eureka PowerSpeed, allow for longer cleaning sessions before needing to be emptied.
Q: Is a HEPA filter necessary in an upright vacuum?
A: A HEPA filter is highly recommended, especially if you or anyone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, or if you have pets. It traps 99.9% of dust, pollen, pet dander, and other microscopic allergens, preventing them from being released back into the air. This significantly improves indoor air quality and contributes to a healthier living environment, making it a key feature in the best vacuum upright cleaner options.
Ultimately, choosing the best vacuum upright cleaner comes down to what matters most for your home and cleaning routine. We’ve highlighted some fantastic options, each with unique strengths to tackle different challenges. Take a moment to consider your priorities—whether it’s cordless convenience, powerful pet hair removal, allergen filtration, or an unbeatable budget-friendly option—and you’ll be well on your way to a cleaner home. Don’t wait to upgrade your cleaning experience; click on the links above to find your perfect upright vacuum on Amazon today!
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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.
