Canister vacuums and upright vacuums are the best picker-uppers for everything from embedded dirt to piles of pet hair, according to CR&#;s experts. But they&#;re also some of the largest and most bulky of the vacuum types out there, especially compared with the more sleek and light stick, handheld, and robotic vacuums, which have been picking up steam in recent years&#;they&#;ve also been improving their performance recently, according to our tests. These latter vacuum types are useful, but they&#;re better suited for smaller cleanups. 

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&#;For some people, it might make sense to have multiple vacuums for different situations,&#; says Frank Rizzi, an assistant project leader who tests vacuums at CR. &#;A robotic vacuum can help with maintaining your pristine floors, and a lighter stick can help with quick messes alongside your bigger upright or canister.&#;

Regardless, we evaluate each vacuum we test for its ease of use (or how it feels to push, pull, and carry), its ability to pick up debris without scattering it, and its ability to lift sand from a medium-pile carpet. While each vacuum is tested on the same performance factors, we calibrate these tests to assess the capabilities of each type&#;from canister to robotic.

Below are reviews of the best vacuums available today. For even more information and choices, see our vacuum buying guide and complete vacuum ratings.

The 6 Best Vacuum Cleaners - Summer

Reviews

We've tested over 140 vacuums, and below are our recommendations for the best vacuum cleaners you can buy. If you're looking for more vacuums, check out our recommendations for the best lightweight vacuums , the best cordless vacuums , and the best bagless vacuums .

Depending on what kind of floors you have and the debris you encounter, having the right vacuum for the job is crucial to keeping your space clean. The best option for your needs might vary depending on your specific needs. If you have staircases or bare floors, you may want to consider canister vacuums for their portability and range. An upright vacuum can help pick up debris and hair on high-pile textiles if you live in a carpeted home. Lightweight stick/handheld vacuums are also a good choice if you need your vacuum to be highly maneuverable.

It's worth noting that some new versions of the Mighty Mite lack the requisite mounting points to use aftermarket HEPA filters, which would help improve its air filtration performance. It also has a short power cable, so you'll probably have to swap outlets when cleaning bigger areas. Thankfully, it's very compact and easy to maintain.

The Eureka Mighty Mite is a fantastic choice for something corded and budget-friendly. Compared to a mid-range model like the Miele Classic C1 , it doesn't feel as well-built and lacks convenience features like a self-winding power cable or a tool clip. However, it does have a fairly powerful 12-amp motor. While the straight suction head sits too close to the ground to easily pass over larger debris, it excels in clearing away smaller material. Unfortunately, this head doesn't provide much surface agitation on carpets. If you plan on cleaning a lot of dense carpeting on a budget, go for an upright with a height-adjustable powerhead for improved surface agitation, like the BISSELL PowerForce Helix . However, it's important to note that the BISSELL takes up more room, is more challenging to maneuver, especially in smaller rooms, and feels even less sturdy.

This vacuum lacks an onboard tool storage compartment and feels less well-built than the C3, though the build quality is still good overall. User maintenance is also remarkably simple and hygienic, with easily accessible filters and compatibility with self-sealing dirtbags. The compact size and trio of caster-mounted wheels make it easy to maneuver in tight spots.

Check out the Miele Classic C1 if you want a mid-range corded vacuum. The Pure Suction model is much cheaper than even entry-level variants of the Miele Complete C3 but still has the same W suction motor, which has little trouble drawing up material embedded deep within crevices. That said, this version of the C1 doesn't have an electrosocket at the base of its hose, so it's incompatible with powered floorheads, and the standard STB 285-3 floorhead doesn't provide enough surface agitation to draw out debris embedded deep within carpet fibers. If you have a lot of thick carpeting in your home and are considering a Miele C1, spend a bit more on a C1 variant with an electrosocket, like the C1 Cat & Dog.

If you don't need as many attachments and can live without the handle-mounted controls, automatic power setting, and additional sound deadening, the C3 Kona variant delivers a similar user experience at a lower price. Alternatively, if you're looking for a different kind of canister vacuum, consider the SEBO Airbelt D4 Premium , which incurs lower ownership costs thanks to its higher-capacity dirtbags, which won't need to be replaced as often, and longer-lasting filters. It also has a longer operating range of nearly 50 feet, enabling you to clean far-away areas more easily than the Miele. However, its bulkier design and stiffer hose make it less maneuverable than the Miele.

If you don't mind exchanging the portability and convenience of a cordless model like the Dyson V15 Detect for more raw power, sturdier build quality, and not having to worry about keeping your vacuum's battery charged, put the Miele Complete C3 on your shopping list. The Brilliant variant sits at the top of the C3 lineup, and unsurprisingly, it's loaded with convenience features. There are additional handle-mounted controls and an extra 'Auto' setting that allows the vacuum to automatically adjust suction power depending on the surface you're cleaning. There's also additional sound insulation for its already quiet motor. This flagship variant also comes with a lightweight parquet floorhead, another straight-suction floorhead with retractable bristles, and Miele's top-of-the-line SEB 236 powerhead with five levels of height adjustment, which is great if your home has a wide variety of different carpet types.

Unfortunately, compared to pricier models like the Samsung Jet 75 , the Wyze's build quality is somewhat cheap and flimsy-feeling, with a body made mainly from thinner plastic. Its dirt compartment feels particularly fragile, and its floorhead scratches rather easily. The rubber gasket that seals the dustbin door can also fall out when shaking out the dirt compartment if you aren't careful.

The Wyze Cordless Vacuum is a good option to save money on a vacuum cleaner. Performance isn't anything special compared to pricier models, as its rotating brushroll can scatter around larger debris on hard floors and has a hard time with fine debris that's been worked deep into carpet fibers. The bundled straight-suction upholstery tool isn't all that effective for dealing with hair on fabric furniture too, and you're better off purchasing the miniature turbo brush tool from Wyze's website if you have a pet that sheds heavily and want to keep your couches and armchairs clean. That said, it's very well-equipped for a cordless vacuum in this price range. It comes with an onboard HEPA filter that's pretty effective in sealing in allergens. Battery performance isn't bad for a cordless model in this price bracket. While its runtime is very limited in its high-power 'Turbo' mode, it can run for almost an hour in its most energy-efficient 'ECO' setting.

The Pet variant of the Jet 75 comes with a miniature turbo brush for cleaning fabric surfaces, though it's worth noting this attachment is a little bulky and can miss really short strands of hair. If you're hung up on the Samsung vacuum's lack of an automatic power adjustment feature but aren't willing to spend that much more, the Shark Stratos Cordless is worth a look. It's noticeably bulkier and heavier than the Samsung, though the Shark's folding wand makes cleaning under tables and chairs easier.

The Samsung Jet 75+ is a great option if you want a mid-priced vacuum that can handle a variety of messes. Unlike the Dyson V15 Detect , it has no automatic power adjustment mode or an onboard dirt sensor. However, it offers similarly strong debris pickup performance on bare floors and carpeting at a considerably more affordable price than the Dyson. That's ultimately down to its powerful 200 AW suction motor, which is remarkably powerful for a cordless model at this price point. Unlike the Dyson, this vacuum is also fully compatible with a self-emptying base station, which sucks debris from the vacuum's dustbin into a disposable dirtbag inside. That said, this accessory is rather expensive, and buying it with the vacuum pushes it into a higher price bracket, similar to the more feature-packed Dyson.

Consider the Samsung Bespoke Jet if you're looking for something sturdier. It has a uniquely designed standup charging rack that doubles as a self-emptying base station for its dustbin, making it easier and more hygienic to dispose of debris. However, its bulkier twin-roller floorhead makes it more difficult to maneuver than the Dyson, and this model lacks the V15's surface detection system.

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The best vacuum cleaner we've tested is the Dyson V15 Detect, especially if you want something cordless. This high-end stick vacuum is remarkably potent, delivering debris-pickup performance similar to many corded models. However, it has the advantage of being remarkably easy to deploy and maneuver. Its surface detection system enables it to automatically adjust its suction power setting depending on the surface that it's on, and it also features a dirt sensor to count and measure the size of particles sucked into the dustbin. However, it feels somewhat fragile, which is disappointing for a vacuum at this price point, and it has a relatively basic floorhead with no height adjustment or brushroll off switch, meaning it can get stuck on thicker carpeting pretty often.

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FAQ

What is the best type of vacuum cleaner?

This depends entirely on your particular needs. If you have a bigger home with thick carpeting, you should look into a full-size canister or upright vacuum. Their powerful motors and corded design make them ideal for stubborn messes and longer cleaning sessions. You also might want to invest in a higher-end corded upright or canister model with a motorized floorhead if you have thick carpeting and rugs since a vacuum with a beater bar will do a much better job dealing with embedded dirt.

On the other hand, if you live in a smaller home, condo, or apartment and would prefer something smaller, lighter, and more maneuverable, a cordless stick vacuum is worth a look. Compared to a mid-range or higher-end corded vacuum, you'll give up some degree of overall capability. As a general rule, these sorts of vacuums prioritize portability and maneuverability over out-and-out performance, and they'll generally only ship with more rudimentary powerheads that lack a brushroll off switch or height adjustment, so they'll have a harder time cleaning carpets. That said, high-end models, like the Dyson Gen5detect, give some corded models a run for their money in terms of pure power.

If you'd prefer not having to clean, there's no shortage of robot vacuums to suit every budget. Once again, though, there are tradeoffs. Robot vacuums aren't intended for heavy-duty cleaning of large debris and are best suited to low-intensity but frequent cleaning sessions.

How much should you spend on a vacuum cleaner?

Once again, it depends on your exact needs. You don't need anything too fancy if you mostly have hard floors or a really low-pile carpet at home. If you want something corded, it's hard to go wrong with a basic canister model like the Eureka Mighty Mite, which features a relatively powerful motor, a compact body, and an easy-to-maintain design, all for a little under $100. If you'd prefer something cordless, you'll probably spend a little more. Still, you can often find the Wyze Cordless Vacuum for under $150, and it delivers a performance that isn't far off of alternatives costing twice or even thrice as much. In both these cases, however, you'll have to contend with less-than-stellar build quality.

Cleaning surfaces like thicker carpeting necessitates a more complex, expensive appliance, but you still won't have to spend a fortune. A bagged upright like the Kenmore Intuition Bagged, or even the Hoover Windtunnel Tempo Bagged, has powered heads for clearing away messes on carpets; both can be found on sale for well under $200. Past this point, you're essentially paying for additional niceties, which, in fairness, can make vacuuming a far more pleasant experience. The Miele Complete C3, for instance, features a powerful yet quiet W motor, a high-grade plastic construction, onboard tool storage, and an allergen-sealed construction, but you'll end up paying well north of $600 for the privilege.

How long does a vacuum last?

As per the results of a Consumer Reports reliability survey, vacuums last for a median of eight years. That's not the end of the story, though. We'd hate to repeat ourselves, but how long a vacuum lasts is only partly down to inherent reliability: how you use it arguably plays a larger part. Consider the difference in long-term wear and tear for a vacuum used to clean a one-bedroom apartment versus one used to vacuum a three-story house with a few heavily shedding pets and kids.

Generally, you can do a few things to ensure you aren't putting additional wear and tear on your vacuum. Clean the vacuum filters according to manufacturer recommendations, ensure the hose or wand isn't clogged, and ensure there isn't a lump of stuck-on debris or tangled hair jamming the vacuum's motorized brushroll (if applicable).

That said, it's worth noting that we're a little more skeptical of long-term reliability for cordless models, mainly those with non-replaceable batteries. Like any cordless appliance, a battery's ability to hold a charge degrades over time, and you'll inevitably have to replace it if you plan on keeping your vacuum around for more than a couple of years. Making this component difficult to replace for most people simply makes it more likely to be tossed in a landfill when its performance degrades. If you're shopping for a cordless model, we recommend purchasing one with a replaceable battery pack.

Are bagless vacuums better than bagged ones?

Each type of vacuum comes with their own strengths and weaknesses. Bagless vacuums tend to incur lower ownership costs in the short term. Some models use filters that are supposed to last the life of the vacuum, and you obviously won't have to think about replacing those disposable dirtbags. However, that missing layer of filtration media (in the form of a dirtbag) does mean that the filters inside the vacuum get really dirty quickly. Emptying debris from a vacuum's dustbin can also release a cloud of dust and debris. Some companies have attempted to get around this with self-emptying docking stations, as seen on the Samsung Bespoke Jet. This concept resembles the self-empty stations bundled with robot vacuums like the Roborock Q Revo. The Samsung's dock sucks out debris from the vacuum's dustbin through an airtight seal and into a disposable dirtbag inside the stand-up station, meaning you don't have to worry about emptying its dustbin manually. Still, these accessories are bulky, noisy, and expensive. They can also offset the advantage in recurring costs that bagless vacuums have over bagged alternatives since these docks use disposable dirtbags that need to be disposed of once they're filled.

In comparison, bagged vacuums are almost always a better option for those who suffer from allergies, especially if you go for one with an allergen-sealed body that uses cloth (as opposed to thinner paper) dirtbags, like the Miele Complete C3. Tossing out a filled dirtbag is a much easier, more hygienic process than shaking out a vacuum's dustbin.

When is the best time to buy a vacuum?

There isn't necessarily a defined 'vacuum season,' in which new models are released simultaneously, and manufacturers synchronize major discounts. Vacuums are just one of those products that you can find on sale at any point in the year. You'll likely find a good deal on Black Friday or Amazon Prime Day. However, it's also worth looking at some manufacturer websites at the end of February or the beginning of March, as some companies will drop prices on a few of their models to sway folks looking to start their spring cleaning routine.

All Reviews

Our recommendations above are some of the most well-rounded vacuums for most people. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability.

If you would like to choose for yourself, here is the list of all our vacuum reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While there's no single best vacuum for every conceivable use, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.

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