Whether you’re cleaning deep-pile carpets or hardwood floors, the right vacuum can make the process less of a hassle. To find the best vacuum cleaners for every task, our expert home team tapped cleaning professionals, analyzed user feedback and tested several top-rated models firsthand. Our top choice is the , a lightweight stick vacuum that illuminates hidden debris—and is backed by several testers. For budget-conscious shoppers, we recommend the , a versatile, HEPA-sealed bagless upright that excels at grabbing pet hair from carpets.
We’ve tested dozens of vacuums over the years (including a testing round earlier this year), and the Dyson V15 Detect still stands out as the best all-around option. It’s lightweight, powerful and has a versatile design that can handle everyday messes and deeper cleans. Also our home editors’ pick for the best Dyson vacuum overall, the V15 Detect comes with two cleaning heads—one for carpets and one for hardwood—along with three attachments for pet hair, fine dust and tight spaces. You get the best value by opting for the , sold exclusively on the Dyson site. The vacuum has a slightly stronger HEPA filter (99.99% filtration versus 99.97% filtration) and a gold finish, plus the bundle includes extra attachments.
A Cleaner Head Option That Illuminates Fine Dust On Hardwood
But possibly the most outstanding feature is the dust illumination of its hardwood cleaning head, according to one tester, a weekly user of the V15 Detect. “It shines a green laser light in the vacuum’s path that illuminates the floor—and all of the gnarly debris that is hard to see with the naked eye—so you can really make sure you are getting a good clean.” This is particularly helpful for pet owners, according to another one of our testers, who has an English cream golden retriever: “It’s super easy to see hair accumulation on our hardwood floors.” Plus, the real-time dirt tracking lets you see how much dust and debris is being picked up on the digital display.
Lightweight And Versatile, But Doesn’t Sacrifice Power
Beyond that, it’s incredibly easy to maneuver and adapts automatically as you clean. The vacuum boosts suction power when it detects a bigger mess, the HEPA filter traps fine particles and the hair-screw tool handles pet hair without tangles. (The last feature, says the pet-owning tester, “helps pick up embarrassingly large clumps of fur without clogging.”) In addition to its cord-free design, lightweight 7-pound build and versatility to switch to a handheld, a third tester notes: “It can easily be used in corners, on ceiling fans, for cleaning the car and more.” Despite its maneuverability, it doesn’t skimp on suction. “It’s powerful enough to vacuum my entire small house,” she adds.
The Relatively Short Battery Life And High Price Are Drawbacks
The only noticeable drawback of the V15 is its battery life. While Dyson advertises up to 60 minutes, one tester found that it’s closer to 30 minutes, especially when vacuuming high-traffic areas. “I live in a four-room apartment and can barely get through cleaning it all before having to recharge,” she says. That said, one of its three suction modes is Eco, which uses the lightest suction to conserve the battery, if you want to refine your cleaning in certain areas of your home to conserve more energy.
Further, the $850 sticker price is quite steep, even for such a well-equipped vacuum. However, we often see this vacuum on sale for $200 to $300 less, which our testers think is a fairer price for the value it offers. “While all Dyson’s products are (arguably) innovative, the V15 combines power, convenience, user-friendliness and versatility,” says one tester, who owns older Dyson vacuums. Dig further into this model’s real-world performance in our full review of the Dyson V15 Detect.
The 2026 Forbes Vetted Best Product Awards are here: Explore our 150 top-recommended items across categories after extensive research and testing.
If you want a solid upright vacuum that doesn’t cost a fortune, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is one of the best values out there due to its combination of powerful, consistent suction and all-around versatility. Its fully sealed HEPA filtration system is also an added value for pet owners and allergy sufferers: “It traps finer dust and allergens better than standard filters,” says professional home organizer Meaghan Kessman.
Strong, Consistent Suction
The Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe’s smooth, powerful suction was a standout feature for two testers. “I was particularly impressed by its ability to pick up cat hair from rugs and upholstery,” one says. Another reports, “I’m able to use one machine to deep-clean carpets, handle stairs and manage my dog’s pet hair. It feels like a true multi-surface vacuum that can handle whole-home cleaning rather than something optimized for only one floor type.” The key to its consistent suction across surfaces is the brushroll-shutoff feature. According to Kessman, this capability helps prevent scattered debris, which, combined with its suction power, “helps ensure a smooth transition.”
Indeed, it successfully picked up debris across surfaces: rice and crumbs on hardwood and tile in a one pass, dust from grout lines, and embedded dirt and hair on medium-pile carpet—“leaving the pile looking noticeably refreshed,” one tester notes. He adds, though, that long hair tended to wrap around the brushroll over time, “but it was easy enough to cut away and clear.” The Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe’s suction was equally strong on high-pile carpet—in fact, “it almost feels too strong, and the head can be harder to push, but that is a common tradeoff for a vacuum with this level of power,” our tester says.
A Versatile Lift-Away Design
Another big highlight of the Navigator Deluxe—and another key to its versatility—is the lift-away canister that detaches from the base, which, combined with this vacuum’s handy swivel steering that many traditional uprights lack, makes cleaning stairs, furniture and other above-floor areas a lot simpler. “I don’t have to drag the entire 16-pound body behind me,” notes one tester.
While this model isn’t without its drawbacks—the hose for the handheld attachment isn’t as long as it could be, for instance, and the any long hairs caught in the brushroll often needs to be cut away—both testers say they’re minor cons. For more details on how a similar Lift-Away upright vacuum performs in the real world, read one tester’s full review of the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away.
Most vacuums can handle pet hair, but few are actually built for it. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra, our top-choice vacuum for pet hair, falls into the second category with its industrial-strength suction. One tester says, “With the amount of dog hair and kid crumbs I have in my house, it’s the model we’ll reach for when it comes to whole-house deep cleaning.”
Quite Heavy, But Packed With Useful Features
At 17.3 pounds, the Ball Animal’s heft is its biggest downside, though our tester jokes that vacuuming with it doubles as an arm workout. The ball-style steering can take some getting used to, but she says that it makes gliding and swiveling the machine around effortless.
Of the four included attachments, our tester highlights the turbine and and combination tool. The turbine tool, which is designed to clean hair from various surfaces and furniture, was able to suck up the hair from her dog’s bed in single swipes. The combination tool, which is designed to clean corners and crevices (like in between couch cushions), has a small opening that our tester reports powerfully concentrated the suction for a deeper cleaning.
For Pet Owners: HEPA, A Tangle-Free Brushroll And A Grooming Tool
Unlike most uprights that struggle with long hair, the Ball Animal also actively prevents tangles: Its brushroll clears itself as you vacuum so you don’t have to stop and cut out knots of fur. The tangle-free turbine tool also easily pulls pet hair from couches, car seats and other upholstery, while the pet groom tool actually lets you remove loose fur directly from your dog. (However, if your pup is skittish like our tester’s dog is, this attachment might not be for you.) Dyson’s signature whole-machine HEPA filtration also helps trap pet dander and allergens, keeping the air cleaner as you vacuum.
Expert tip: If you’re looking for a way to keep fur at bay between deep cleans, consider one of our top robot vacuums for pet hair, recommended by pet owners.
The Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum “blew away” one tester thanks to its cleaning performance and versatility, excelling on both carpets and hard floors. And like our Best Overall pick, testers highlighted Shark’s Lift-Away technology in this model, with one saying “this made it simple to clean under low-profile furniture like my sofa.”
Dual-Brushroll Design Optimizes Cleaning
“It never needed more than two passes to pick up any type of debris, thanks to Shark’s dual-brushroll design,” she reports. Specifically, the PowerDetect Upright made easy work of uncooked grains of rice and cat litter on hard surfaces without scattering them. It also sucked up a “surprising amount” of pet hair and debris from an area rug that another upright she tested had missed.
She adds, “Despite collecting multiple canisters full of dog hair from my two golden retrievers, the brushroll never got tangled, and the dustbin was always easy to empty.” Other aspects of this upright vacuum will also please pet owners: a self-cleaning brushroll, odor-neutralizing technology and an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with HEPA filtration.
A Unique Feature: Self-Adjusting Suction And Brushroll Speed
One of the PowerDetect’s unique features is the so-called DuoClean Detect nozzle, which uses multiple sensors to pinpoint hidden dirt, then automatically increases suction and adjusts brushroll speed accordingly—regardless of floor type, whether you’re cleaning edges or corners, or vacuuming forward or backward. Beyond this intelligent cleaning, this vacuum offers three other cleaning modes that target either hard floors, low-pile carpet or high-pile carpet.
The Kenmore Intuition’s combination of versatile design, slew of additional features and ample suction power makes it one of the best-value vacuums for those with carpeted homes.
Even, Strong Suction That’s Ideal For Carpets
Our tester experienced the Intuition’s power firsthand: “During testing, I could feel the vacuum’s strong suction forming a solid seal with the carpet, easily picking up debris of all sizes in a single pass,” she reports. Its suction is also designed to maintain an even level of power as the bag fills up, so you’ll get efficient cleaning up until the “empty bag” indicator light turns on.
And while you might expect this vacuum cleaner to be quite heavy considering its impressive power, the Intuition only weighs 14 pounds. This light weight, combined with its swivel steering and a body with a “lift-up” detachable pod (similar to Shark’s Lift-Away vacuums), make it much easier to clean elevated surfaces and tricky-to-access areas.
Mess-Free, Allergy-Friendly Cleaning—And Then Some
Pet parents will also appreciate this bagged upright’s no-touch (read: mess-free) emptying process; the dust bags are self-sealing, so the only thing you’ll touch is a button to discard the contained dirt and debris. Furthermore, it’s equipped with an AllergenSeal HEPA filtration system, meaning it captures 99.97% of allergens like pet hair, dander and pollen. Bonus: You’ll also get a year’s worth of replacement HEPA bags with your purchase.
We’d be remiss not to highlight the Intuition’s other helpful tools that offer a lot more value than its price tag suggests: Its LED headlight illuminates hard-to-see dirt and debris, and the oversized upholstery brush, according to our tester, “is nearly 8 inches wide—twice the size of most other brushes I tested. This made it much faster to clean my sofa and other furniture.”
Dyson Gen5detect takes battery-powered vacuums to the next level with more power and smarter features. It has even stronger suction than previous Dyson models and up to 70 minutes of run time, which is a decent jump from the , our best overall pick. Note, however, that it’s also about $300 pricier.
Powerful And Equipped To Tackle Pet Hair And Messes
“It easily tackled large and small debris in just one or two passes,” says one tester. Further, both of our testers vouch for the Gen5detect’s effectiveness at tackling pet hair. One notes that the hair screw tool was especially helpful for cleaning hair from upholstery and car seats, while our tester says that “I never once had to stop to unclog tufts of pet fur from the vacuum head, an impressive feat considering that I live with three cats who simply love to shed.”
Designed For More Effortless Cleaning
The Gen5detect also takes the guesswork out of cleaning. Its motorbar head automatically adjusts to rugs, and the laser head highlights hidden dust on hardwood (just like on the V15 Detect). Its LCD screen also tracks the volume of dust being picked up in real time, as well as battery life and whether the filter needs to be replaced.
The Gen5detect has an on/off power button as opposed to the trigger-style button most stick vacuums have. It’s a tiny but clever design feature, according to a tester: “It may seem like a small thing, but it’s meaningful because too much time squeezing a vacuum trigger can lead to cramped, sore hands,” she says.
(Mainly) Small Quibbles
Like most Dyson stick vacuums, the Gen5detect is slightly top-heavy. It also doesn’t stand upright on its own, so it’s best stored on the wall-mounted charging dock. The biggest dock against this model is its high sticker price of $800 (and that’s already on sale). But if you’re willing to splurge for extra power and deep-cleaning technology in a cordless design, this is the one to get. For more of our testers’ findings, check out our detailed review of the Dyson Gen5detect.
Shark’s PowerDetect Ultra-Light Corded Stick Vacuum offers a lot of the benefits that the (above) does—powerful suction, Detect technology, HEPA filtration and a self-cleaning brushroll—but in a more compact form.
Consistent Power And Smart Features
Just like the upright, this 9-pound corded stick model uses various sensors to automatically adjust the brushroll spin speed based on floor type while maintaining suction strength, whether you’re pushing or pulling the vacuum. And compared with cordless stick vacuums, this corded model is both more powerful and won’t need mid-clean recharging, not to mention it can stand upright on its own.
Tackles Pet Odors And Allergens
Beyond its power and smart technology, the PowerDetect Ultra-Light is also designed to help keep your home free of smells and allergens, making it another great pick for pet parents. For instance, this model has an odor neutralizer (helpful when vacuuming things like cat litter) as well as an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with HEPA filtration to capture particles and allergens like dust and dander.
A User-Friendly Design, But Sacrifices Bin Space
Other features that contribute to this vacuum’s versatility are its low-profile design, swivel steering and detachable body for cleaning hard-to-reach spots. Note, however, that the one thing you’d be sacrificing by going with this version versus the bagless upright is its comparatively small dust bin—that said, it’s quite intuitive to empty.
While canister vacuums don’t always get the most attention, they offer serious cleaning power—and the Complete C3 Calima from trusted German appliance brand Miele is proof. According to Kessman, canister vacuums tend to be among the most versatile, and this model is a top example.
Powerfully Cleans Both Hardwood And Carpets
The Complete C3 Calima is well equipped for both carpets and hard floors, with a Turbo Brush floorhead that lifts pet hair and debris from rugs and a Parquet Twister head that’s gentle on wood and tile.
Canister vacs are also ideal for deep-cleaning hardwood floors, Kessman says: The C3 Calima achieves this with its suction power controls (which you can conveniently adjust with a foot switch) and two floor heads, depending on whether you’re cleaning smooth floors or low-pile carpets.
HEPA And Sealed System Benefit Those With Allergies
This model also demonstrates just how seriously Miele takes filtration. Its sealed HEPA system captures fine dust and allergens before they ever have a chance to escape, making it an especially good choice for allergy sufferers. The self-sealing bag system also means you’ll have less mess (and floating particles) when emptying, since all the debris stays contained.
Its Bulk Doesn’t Hinder Cleaning
And while canister vacuums can be bulkier than other types, the C3 Calima is surprisingly easy to maneuver. It features a 36-foot operating radius, smooth-rolling wheels and a flexible hose that lets you reach under furniture and around corners without too much effort.
With a sticker price hovering around $900 (though it’s currently $550 on sale), iRobot’s Roomba Max 705 robot vacuum seems like a splurge. But based on our testing, particularly in terms of debris suction and navigation, this model punches well above its weight. (For reference, it scored a perfect 10 in almost all categories.)
Intelligent, But User-Friendly
With iRobot’s accompanying app, testers found it intuitive to program a map of their homes and integrate with their smart home systems. It successfully recognized and distinguished individual rooms. “I didn’t have to draw borders, merge spaces or name rooms. It just worked. I like that,” says a tester.
They were also particularly impressed with the Max 705’s automatic dirt detection, which skillfully sought out messes to suction up. We’d be remiss not to mention how quiet it operates—the quietest robot vacuum we tested, in fact. “This is a bonus for an appliance that you want to run in the background for routine maintenance,” notes one tester.
Features That Make Cleaning More Effective
The Roomba Max 705 also features a double-pass setting that was flagged by our testers at particularly effective in debris tests, easily sucking up Cheerios, coffee grounds and hair. It’s also noteworthy to mention it was able to clean hair with just a single pass. One tester says the floors felt “noticeably cleaner” after she ran the vacuum due to its skillful automatic dirt detection: “It slows down and spends extra time on spots it senses are dirtier than others.” She also highlights the efficacy of the Carpet Boost setting.
The Roomba Max 705 is equipped with certain features that not only make cleaning more efficient, but also makes maintenance simpler. “The base includes a storage slot for an extra bag, as well as a tool to clean the brushroll of hair,” a tester points out. We want to note that despite its quiet suction, the self-emptying process can get noisy—but the process is quick. “You can adjust how often the dust bin empties—every 270 square feet, every 540 square feet or after every run,” she adds.
Most vacuum-mop combos can handle everyday spills, but the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam is built for tougher messes. One of our testers reports, “It delivers impressive stain removal and suction power and a solid cleaning performance.”
Steam And Self-Cleaning Add To Its Mopping Prowess
This wet-dry machine vacuums, mops and uses the added power of steam to break down sticky or dried-on debris, so you don’t have to scrub by hand. That makes it especially useful in kitchens, entryways and other high-traffic areas where spills and grime build up.
Because it’s designed for both hard floors and area rugs, this mop-vacuum combo can transition from tile or wood to carpeting without leaving behind excess moisture. The dual-tank system keeps clean and dirty water separate (so you’re never mopping with murky water), and the self-cleaning cycle helps prevent buildup inside the machine.
Extra User-Friendly Features (And Two Caveats)
Pet owners in particular will appreciate the tangle-free brushroll, which helps prevent hair from wrapping around the roller, as well as the LED headlights, which make it easier to spot dust and debris. Just keep in mind that it’s on the heavier side, especially while using the mop feature, so it’s best suited for deeper cleans. It also operates quite loudly at 85 decibels, our tester notes.
Most handheld vacuums are designed for quick cleanups, but this one has the power to do more—garnering it the title of Best Handheld Vacuum in Forbes Vetted’s Best Product Awards this year.
“Flawless” Suction During Testing
The motorized beater bar works like a mini upright vacuum, pulling up stubborn dirt and pet hair from upholstery, stairs and car seats—something most handhelds struggle with. One tester reports, “[It had] flawless performance during suction tests and the ability to handle tough messes like spilled baking soda on a medium-pile carpet without faltering.” It also includes a crevice tool and dust brush for tackling corners and baseboards.
Lengthy Runtime And A HEPA Filter
The battery life of the Ryobi 18V One+ is another plus. It runs for up to 18 minutes per charge (longer than many handheld models) and recharges in just 45 minutes; that’s a fraction of the time it takes most competitors to power back up. The washable HEPA filter is a thoughtful touch, keeping fine dust and allergens from recirculating.
The design takes a little getting used to—the handle is bigger than most, and the battery placement shifts some weight toward the wrist. But if you want a handheld vacuum that goes beyond just picking up crumbs, this one gets the job done.
How We Chose The Best Vacuum Cleaners
To find the best vacuums in 2026, we researched and compared different styles, price tags and features. Some models we have rigorously tested or use in our own homes, while others came recommended by trusted experts.
- We identified top-rated models from reputable brands like Dyson, Shark, Kenmore and Miele.
- We consulted a cleaning professional to understand what really matters in a vacuum, incorporating their insights on suction strength (in Airwatts for dry vacuums and Pascals for robot vacuums), brushrolls, filtration and more.
- We considered each vacuum’s most important features, like corded vs. cordless operation, bin capacity, brushroll, runtime and accessories.
- We included a variety of vacuum types to suit a wide range of needs, including upright, canister, stick, handheld and robot vacuums.
- We prioritized models with consistently strong customer feedback, focusing on vacuums with at least a 4-star average rating and consistently positive reviews.
What To Look For In The Best Vacuums
To find the best vacuum for your needs, it’s important to consider factors like your space and type of flooring, the style of vacuum, its suction power and maneuverability, included attachments, whether it has a filtration system and its ease of maintenance. Here are some key features to keep in mind as you shop.
Vacuum Type
There are four main types of vacuums: upright, canister, stick and robot. According to professional home organizer Meaghan Kessman, the best choice depends on your home and cleaning routine.
- Upright vacuums, such as the and the , work well “for homes with lots of carpet and pet hair” as they offer strong suction and a wider cleaning path.
- Canister vacuums like the are “great for versatility” because they’re easier to maneuver around furniture and work well across different surfaces.
- Stick vacuums like the and the are lightweight and convenient, making them a good option “for quick cleanups and smaller spaces.” Kessman’s preferred stick vacuums are from Dyson.
- Robot vacuums, such as the , are best for simple maintenance. While Kessman runs hers (also a Roomba) every night, she reminds us they “won’t replace a deep clean.”
Suction Power
For dry vacuum cleaners, true cleaning power is typically measure in Airwatts (AW), which is the volume of air the machine moves per minute. It’s considered a more accurate measure of suction over the basic electric wattage (Watts). That’s because Airwatts measures a vacuum’s energy use via the airflow that comes through its cleaning head, which is what actually lifts and moves debris from surfaces. While two vacuums can have the exact same listed electrical wattage, their power in Airwatts can highly differ based on factors like the design of their motor, fan and cleaner head. For cordless and/or stick models, look for suction power of around 200 AW or above; for cordless and/or upright vacuums, aim for around 300 AW. Handheld vacuums should have between 30 and 50 AW.
The suction power of robot vacuums, unlike traditional machines, are measured in Pascals (Pa). An average robot vacuum typically has about 2,000 to 3,000 Pa of suction power, but the most advanced models have about 5,000 Pa or above. Those with pets are busy households will do well with a higher Pa, like the (which features 13,000 Pa of suction power).
Filtration
If you have allergies or pets, Kessman says, “a HEPA filter is a must.” These filters trap fine dust, dander and allergens instead of releasing them back into the air. But filtration isn’t just about having a HEPA filter—it works best as part of a fully sealed system that keeps debris from leaking through the exhaust. If vacuuming tends to make you sneeze, a model with sealed filtration can help keep dust contained.
Brushroll
A vacuum’s brushroll plays a big role in how well it picks up dirt and hair, especially on carpets. Some models let you turn it off or have an automatic shut-off feature to keep debris from scattering on hard floors, while others are height-adjustable to handle different surfaces more effectively.
Furthermore, “A tangle-free brushroll is key if you deal with pet hair,” says Kessman. “Some brushrolls push dirt around on hard floors, so finding one designed for both surfaces is important.” If you have both carpet and hard flooring, look for a vacuum with an adjustable brushroll that won’t just move dirt around but will actually lift it.
Accessories
The right accessories can make vacuuming easier, but not every add-on is necessary. “Crevice tools and upholstery brushes get used the most,” says Kessman. “Some extra attachments just take up space.” If you have pets, a turbo brush or pet hair tool can help lift fur from furniture and carpets. A motorized brush head is great for deep cleaning stairs, while a soft dusting brush may be useful for blinds and baseboards. If you vacuum your car or upholstery often, a flexible hose extension can also come in handy.
Floor Type
The best vacuums can handle both carpets and hard floors, but some are better suited for specific surfaces. If your home has a mix of flooring, Kessman recommends looking for vacuums with adjustable height settings and a brushroll you can turn on and off to prevent scattering debris. Some vacuums also have automatic multi-surface floor detection to make transitioning between hard and carpeted surfaces easier. Finally, “strong suction, a sealed system and soft wheels also help ensure a smooth transition between surfaces,” Kessman says.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve spent years researching and reviewing home products, including cleaning appliances. Our team has tested, vetted and recommended dozens of vacuums, including the best vacuums for pet hair and the best Dyson vacuums, to help readers find the best models for their homes.
- This article was written by Fran Sales, a dedicated home updates writer who’s heavily involved in the maintenance of Forbes Vetted’s vacuums guides. It was co-authored by home editor and vacuum expert Kelly O’Sullivan, who contributed additional reporting. Collectively, they bring over a decade of experience in the lifestyle space.
- We recruited several testers to help put different vacuums through the paces in a variety of home environments. Our panel included Forbes Vetted editors who are adept at testing and evaluating products across categories.
- We regularly review this guide to ensure we’re still recommending the best vacuums in specific categories. This story was last updated in May 2026.
Our Experts
- Meaghan Kessman, a professional home organizer and founder of