Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners of 2023, Tested by TheHouseWire

By
Jeneva Aaron
Jeneva is the founder and CEO of thehousewire.com where she provides honest and objective reviews on home and cleaning products. She is a cleaning enthusiast. She got inspired to build her own cleaning blog when she realized how cleaning can make an impact on our lives and how a cleaner home can affect a person's mood.
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Updated June 3, 2023

Finding the (up)right vacuum for your floors!

Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners of 2023, Tested by TheHouseWire
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Are you fed up with your bulky canister vacuum cleaner making it too hard to clean your floors? Are you tired of your plug-in vacuum not reaching the power outlet?

Having large areas to vacuum can be a big hassle, especially if you have pet hair. Trust us, we know! But, with an upright vacuum cleaner, the task can be a lot easier.

Upright vacuums are easy to maneuver, store and versatile for many different floor surfaces.

We’ve put together a list of the features you should look for, so you can find the best vacuum for your floors. Here’s our list of the seven best upright vacuum cleaners on the market.

Our Top Picks

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Best Upright Vacuums of 2023
Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter, Anti-Allergen Technology, Swivel Steering, Ideal for Carpet, Stairs, & Bare Floors, with Wide Upholstery & Crevice Tools, LavenderBest Overall

Shark NV352 Lift-Away

Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter, Anti-Allergen Technology, Swivel Steering, Ideal for Carpet, Stairs, & Bare Floors, with Wide Upholstery & Crevice Tools, Lavender

  • Brushroll Shutoff

  • Lightweight.

  • Versatile tools.

BISSELL 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering, Powerful Pet Hair Pick Up, Specialized Pet Tools, Large Capacity Dirt Tank, Easy Empty, GreenBest Affordable

BISSELL CleanView

BISSELL 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering, Powerful Pet Hair Pick Up, Specialized Pet Tools, Large Capacity Dirt Tank, Easy Empty, Green

  • Scatter-Free Technology

  • Controlled Swivel Steering .

  • Specialized Pet Hair Tools.

Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Ball Animal 2, Iron/PurpleBest for Pet Hair

Dyson Ball Animal 2

Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Ball Animal 2, Iron/Purple

  • Tangle-Free Turbine Tool

  • Washable Filter .

  • Long Cord.

Hoover Linx Signature Stick Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery, Lightweight, BH50020PC, BlackBest Cordless

Hoover Linx

Hoover Linx Signature Stick Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Rechargeable Lithium Ion Battery, Lightweight, BH50020PC, Black

  • Lightweight

  • Fade-Free Battery.

  • WindTunnel Technology.

Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum Lift-Up Carpet Cleaner 2-Motor Power Suction with HEPA Filter, 3-in-1 Combination Tool, HandiMate for Floor, Pet Hair, GreenBest Bagged

Kenmore Intuition

Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum Lift-Up Carpet Cleaner 2-Motor Power Suction with HEPA Filter, 3-in-1 Combination Tool, HandiMate for Floor, Pet Hair, Green

  • No-Touch Bag Technology

  • LED Headlights.

  • Lift-Up Technology.

Miele Complete C3 Cat and Dog Canister HEPA Canister Vacuum Cleaner with SEB228 Powerhead Bundle - Includes Miele Performance Pack 16 Type GN AirClean Genuine FilterBags + Genuine AH50 HEPA FilterBest High-End

Miele Dynamic U1

Miele Complete C3 Cat and Dog Canister HEPA Canister Vacuum Cleaner with SEB228 Powerhead Bundle - Includes Miele Performance Pack 16 Type GN AirClean Genuine FilterBags + Genuine AH50 HEPA Filter

  • AirClean Sealed System

  • Absorbs Odors.

  • Mini Turbobrush Tool.

Eureka Powerful Bagless Upright Carpet and Floor Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner, w/Replacement Filter, GreenBest Lightweight

Eureka Airspeed

Eureka Powerful Bagless Upright Carpet and Floor Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner, w/Replacement Filter, Green

  • All-Floor Suction

  • Tool Storage.

  • Wide Cleaning Path.

 

1. Best Overall Upright Vacuum - Shark Navigator Lift-Away

Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352
4View on AmazonView on Walmart
Our Ratings
  • Maneuverability 4.5/5
  • Performance 4.4/5
  • Maintenance 4/5
  • Capacity 3.5/5

This Shark Navigator Lift-Away is a powerful and efficient upright vacuum cleaner for almost any surface.

This 10-amp cleaner provides strong suction with a 1200-watt motor featuring cyclonic technology. So it can tackle stubborn or ground-in dirt on your floors.

It features anti-allergen technology that completely seals and traps dust and debris from your floors. This makes it a perfect choice for anyone who has allergies in the home. The HEPA filter traps allergens so they don’t circulate in your air.

It also has swivel steering for easy control while you’re vacuuming. You can easily maneuver this unit around furniture or tight corners without a hassle.

But what we love most about this upright vacuum is that it has a detachable pod that can transform into a handheld vacuum canister model. The lift-away hose function provides portability for cleaning upholstery, tight spots, and stairs as well as low-pile carpet.

Shark Navigator Lift Away Maneuverability 1

Pros
  • Brush roll shut-off function
  • A lot lighter than many other upright vacuum models
  • Versatile tools: upholstery and crevice tools
Cons
  • Power Cord Gets In The Way

Technical Specs

Weight 14 lbs
Cord Length 25 ft
Bin Volume 1.65 liters
Floors both carpeting and hardwood floors
Special Features HEPA filter, brush roll shutoff, lift away detachable pod for handheld vacuum canister
Accessories Included XX

2. Best Budget Upright Vacuum - BISSELL CleanView Upright Bagless Vacuum

BISSELL CleanView Upright Bagless Vacuum

This Bissell CleanView upright vacuum offers convenience and cleaning power at an affordable price!

Featuring Bissel’s one-pass technology, this vacuum cleaner only needs one sweep to lift the dirt from your floors. You’ll notice the clean difference on the first attempt. You won’t need to drag your vacuum over the same area more than once with this model!

It also has edge-to-edge cleaning capabilities. The wide cleaning path width of 13.5 inches can easily clean the edges and corners of your floors without any extra effort.

Plus, it has an easy empty dirt bin that releases from the bottom. This makes it easy as well as mess-free to empty the dirt from your dust cup after cleaning. Plus, the cover is also transparent so you’ll always be able to see when it’s full.

Read Next: Best Affordable Vacuums in 2023

Pros
  • Scatter-free technology to pick up pet hair and debris
  • Easy to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles thanks to the controlled swivel steering
  • Comes with a pet turbo eraser brush attachment, a crevice tool, as well as a pet hair corner tool
Cons
  • Bulky and can take some time to get used to maneuvering it

Technical Specs

Weight 12.5 lbs
Cord Length 27 ft
Bin Volume 1 liter
Floors low pile carpets, hard floors
Special Features bagless
Accessories Included pet turbo eraser brush tool, crevice tool, a pet hair corner tool

3. Best Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair - Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum

Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum

When you have pets, your floors can often become a magnet for pet hair. But, this Dyson Ball Animal upright vacuum was designed for the task!

Built for power, this versatile vacuum can tackle even the most ground-in dirt or pet hairs on your floors. With 270 air watts of suction, this vacuum makes removing pet hair effortless.

What we love most about this vacuum is the self-adjusting cleaner head. It has an active base plate that raises and lowers to the floor automatically. This seals in the suction as you clean for a deeper vacuum.

It also adjusts as you go, no matter what surface you’re cleaning. It automatically transitions across different surfaces. You don’t need to change settings or add any attachments. So it’s perfect if you have multiple floor types in your home.

Pros
  • Tangle-free turbine rotating brush tool
  • HEPA washable filters
  • Long cord of 35 feet
Cons
  • Several reviewers noted that they received refurbished second-hand items

Technical Specs

Weight 17.35 lbs
Cord Length 35 ft
Bin Volume 1.8 liters
Floors carpet, wood floors, vinyl, and tile floors
Special Features HEPA filter, self-adjusting cleaner head
Accessories Included tangle-free turbine tool, stair tool, combination tool

4. Best Cordless - Hoover Linx Signature Stick Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Hoover Linx Signature Stick Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

A cordless vacuum can make cleaning a lot faster and easier. This Hoover Linx cordless upright stick vacuum is great for cleaning any area of your house with efficiency.

With a slim design, you can easily reach more places with this upright stick vacuum. Especially underneath furniture! Plus, it’s fitted with edge brushes that effectively clean close to edges and corners.

This upright stick vacuum is also suitable for any flooring with a multi-floor electronic brushroll. It will easily transition from high-pile carpets or rugs to hardwood floors.

And the fingertip control also adds extra convenience. You can switch the brushroll on and off from the top of your handle while you’re vacuuming.

Pros
  • Lightweight & easy to move around the house
  • Fade-free lithium ion battery life + additional battery
  • WindTunnel technology for a strong as well as concentrated suction
Cons
  • The handle can suddenly fall if you leave your vacuum standing upright unattended.

Technical Specs

Weight 10 lbs
Cord Length cordless
Bin Volume Not specified
Flooring multi-surface: carpet, hard floors
Special Features multi-floor electronic brush roll
Accessories Included none

5. Best Bagged Upright Vacuum - Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum

Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum

If someone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, this upright bagged vacuum is a great choice.

Bagged vacuums are easy to empty without releasing dust or allergens into the air. Once the bag is full, you can simply remove it and throw it away.

This Kenmore Intuition upright vacuum has a PowerFlow bag chamber designed for strong suction even as the bag gets full. Plus, it also has a bag full indicator that tells you when the bag is ready to be replaced.

It’s also lightweight and easy to maneuver. It weighs only 14 pounds, so you won’t be hurting your back moving this cleaner around. It also has height adjustments for optimal airflow and cleaning efficiency.

Finally, this vacuum comes with a 5-Year warranty. So you can rest knowing you’ll be covered for years of use with this model.

Pros
  • No-touch bag technology
  • LED headlights light up the area in front of your vacuum while you’re cleaning
  • Built-in high-grade HEPA filtration
  • Lift-up technology lifts the floor nozzle to access hard-to-reach places
Cons
  • The cord on this vacuum isn’t retractable and it can be hard to store.

Technical Specs

Weight 14 lbs
Cord Length 30 ft
Bin Volume N/A
Flooring Carpet
Special Features bag, HEPA, lightweight
Accessories Included 3 in 1 combination tool, pet HandiMate, upholstery tool, 66 HEPA bags

6. Best High-End Upright Vacuum - Miele Dynamic U1

Miele Dynamic U1

For a high-end model, this Miele Dynamic U1 upright is one to consider.

With a vortex 200-watt motor, this vacuum can tackle any challenge with its powerful suction. It’s designed to dig deep into carpet fibers and soft materials to remove stubborn dirt and small debris.

This upright vacuum cleaner has a unique electro-brush. It follows the contours of your floor and automatically adjusts. It’s perfect for different carpet depths, such as long pile carpet, and surface coverings.

It also has a spring-loaded brush roller that automatically adjusts to the surface that you’re cleaning. You can enjoy consistently strong suction across any soft flooring as well as hard floors!

Lastly, the patented SwivelNeck offers maximum maneuverability. You can effortlessly swivel around chair legs as well as under low furniture.

Pros
  • Sealed System consisting of an AirClean filter bag and an Active AirClean filter
  • The Active AirClean filter has active charcoal layers to neutralize and absorb unwanted odors
  • Mini turbo brush tool, ideal for vacuuming thick carpets, low-pile carpet, and delicate furniture
Cons
  • Heavy

Technical Specs

Weight 21.4 lbs
Cord Length 39 ft
Bin Volume N/A
Flooring all surface types
Special Features bagged vacuum, long cord, AirClean Sealed System
Accessories Included handheld vacuum turbo brush, nozzle, crevice tool

7. Best Lightweight - Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Upright Vacuum

Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Upright Vacuum

This Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight upright vacuum is built for portability and efficiency.

The super-lightweight design of this vacuum makes it easy to transport around your home. Weighing 7.7 pounds, you won’t have any hassle carrying this unit. The lightweight design also makes it a breeze to store in small or tight spaces.

We also love the quick-release handle. It makes above floor cleaning easy and quick. Plus, it comes with tools you can attach to provide even more convenience. For example, it includes a dusting brush that can be attached to the handle. This makes it easy to clean upholstery, hard-to-reach spaces as well as windows!

Finally, it also includes a washable filter. So you don’t have to worry about buying replacement filters for this vacuum.

Read Next: Best Lightweight Vacuums

Pros
  • All-floor suction extracts deeply embedded dust and dirt from carpets as well as bare floors
  • Comes with two tools that you can store on the vacuum
  • 10.5-inch wide cleaning path
Cons
  • At only 18-feet, this cord is a lot shorter than most vacuum models.

Technical Specs

Weight 7.7 lbs
Cord Length 18 ft
Bin Volume 2.7 liters
Flooring all-floor-surfaces
Special Features quick-release handle, ultra-lightweight, compact
Accessories Included dusting brush, crevice tool, replacement filter

What to Look for in a Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Here are some key features to keep in mind to find the perfect upright vacuum for your needs.

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Types of Upright Vacuums

Upright vacuums come in different types: bagged, bagless, corded, or cordless vacuums.

Bagged

Bagged upright vacuums tend to have the largest capacity. They collect the dust and dirt in a bag that needs to be disposed of and replaced when full.

If you’re cleaning a large space or vacuuming often, you should consider an upright vacuum with a big bag. This is so it lasts longer and you don’t have to replace the bag too often.

Some bags automatically seal the dust inside for cleaner disposal. If you have someone in the house with allergies or asthma, you should consider a sealed bag.

For example, this Hoover WindTunnel.

Bagless

Bagless upright vacuums have an in-built dust canister that holds the dirt and dust. This removes the need to buy and replace a vacuum bag when you clean. However, when you empty the dust canister on a bagless model it can be a messy job. And dust or tiny particles can be recirculated into the air.

Tiny dust particles and debris can also get stuck inside the dirt canister after a lot of use. And this can affect the performance of your vacuum’s suction power.

But, bagless upright vacuums are a cost-effective and environment-friendly option. This is because you have no bags to replace.

For example, this Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuum is a bagless model.

Corded

Corded upright vacuums are not as portable as cordless models because you’re limited by the length of the cord. However, they often have more suction power than cordless vacuum cleaners do.

When you’re choosing a vacuum you’ll need to think about the closest power outlet in each room. Make sure you choose a vacuum that has a cord-length that can reach wherever your power outlets are.

Upright vacuums with long cords allow you to reach more floor as you clean before needing to move to a new power outlet. A vacuum with a retractable cord can also offer a lot of conveniences and can be easier to store.

The cord retracts back into the unit so you don’t have any visible cords lying around on the floor. For example, see this Shark APEX DuoClean corded vacuum.

Cordless

Cordless upright vacuum cleaners give you more freedom to move around your house without needing to think about where a power plug is available.

Higher voltage cordless vacuums have more power and they also have a larger battery life. These models have a longer run-time, so you can clean a lot of space before you need to recharge them.

The average battery life of cordless models is between 15 to 40 minutes before they need recharging.

It’s important to note that the rechargeable battery on your vacuum does have a limited lifespan. This means that they only handle a certain number of charges before you’ll need to buy a new battery.

For an example of a cordless vacuum model, see this Dyson DC33 Multi Floor Cordless Vacuum.

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Suction Power

Then, consider the suction power of your upright vacuum. There are different ways that you can measure suction. However, there’s no agreed standard across the industry for measuring suction power.

For example, you’ll find some vacuums boasting 2000pa. This unit of measurement called Pascals indicates the unit of pressure. Whereas other vacuums will state wattage, how much RPM the motor does, or their air wattage.

So there’s no simple way to measure the suction power of one vacuum compared to another.

As an example, this Hoover vac has good suction according to reviewers. But, according to the manufacturer, they don’t show the measure of suction power.

So you should look for customer reviews to trust the suction power of your vacuum cleaner.

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Filters

Next, consider the filter system on your upright vacuum. Each vacuum model has a filter system built into the unit.

The best type of filter that you should look for is certified HEPA filters. These filters trap more dirt than other filter types. HEPA filters have been tested and certified to remove 99.97% of microscopic particulates and airborne fine particles larger than 0.3 microns (1).

Most vacuum models have foam filters that are easy to access and clean. These filters need regular cleaning so that the vacuum doesn’t expel dust back into the air.

If your vacuum utilizes water, such as a steam mop, you’ll need to clean out the filter more often. With water coming into contact with the filter it can get pretty nasty quickly if you don’t clean it.

For example, this Shark Navigator has a HEPA filter.

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Capacity

It’s important to consider the capacity of your upright depending on your cleaning needs.

The capacity size indicates how much dust your vacuum can pick up before you’ll need to empty it. A larger capacity will mean you’ll have to empty it less while you’re cleaning. And this can save you a lot of time.

Think about the size of the space that you intend to clean with your vacuum. If you’re cleaning a small space, you won’t need a vacuum with an overly large capacity.

But, for a larger house, you should consider a bigger capacity. This way you can concentrate on cleaning your floors without needing to empty your vacuum too often.

For example, this Bissell model has a dust cup with a 1-liter capacity. Whereas this Eureka model has a dust cup that can hold 3.9 liters of dust.

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Weight

Considering the weight of your upright vacuum depends on where you need to use it.

If you have a house with lots of stairs, you should consider a lightweight model that’s easy to transport. The last thing you want is to be lugging a heavy unit up and down the stairs. A lighter model will make this a lot easier.

On the other hand, if your cleaning can be done on one level, weight isn’t too big of a factor.

Plus, the weight of your vacuum can factor into how powerful it is. A lighter model might not be powerful enough if you have a lot of dirt and debris to clean up. For this, you should consider a heavier vacuum that offers more power.

For example, this Hoover vacuum weighs 17 pounds. Whereas this upright Dirt Devil weighs much less at 9 pounds.

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Noise

If you live close to neighbors, you might need to consider the noise level of your vacuum cleaner. Vacuum cleaners are loud units, especially upright vacuums.

Low noise is considered to be a decibel output between 57-62 dBA. This level of noise can be operated during the day without disturbing others in the same building.

The average vacuum cleaner makes 84-89 dB. But a cordless stick model makes less noise than other types of vacuum cleaners.

If you live in a small apartment or have close neighbors, a noisy machine can be a nuisance. Look for units that have a noise level around or below 55dB which is a similar noise range as most conversations. Or, choose a unit with power settings that allow for quieter operation when you need it.

For example, this Shark Apex has noise reduction technology that’s tuned to reduce noise and soften pitch.

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Attachments

All upright vacuums offer a range of attachments to increase the versatility of your unit. However, it’s important to consider exactly what your requirements are so you don’t end up paying for unnecessary extras.

For carpet floors, better suction is needed to get rid of debris stuck in the fibers. So some of the best models offer motorized carpet brushing tools to deep clean the high pile carpet.

For wood floors, a soft brush is required so that your vacuum doesn’t scratch the surface. But we recommend focusing on how well the unit manages to transition between modes of bare floors and carpet cleaning.

Some vacuum cleaner models also include a pet tool nozzle to deep clean stubborn pet hair from carpet or furniture. This is perfect if you have pets in the house.

An upholstery tool can be helpful to use to vacuum furniture such as your couch without damaging the fabric. Mini motorized nozzles are also very efficient for this.

If you have hard-to-reach areas, a crevice tool is perfect for cleaning these spaces. It can reach down the side of appliances, along skirting boards, as well as other areas.

Lastly, if you have a lot of tight spaces or elevated areas, look for a model that has an extension hose attachment. This hose tool gives you the flexibility that some traditional vacuum models have lacked. They’re perfect for stair-cleaning, walls, and for reaching high areas in your home.

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Brands

Many different brands offer different benefits. But, we recommend sticking to cordless upright vacuums. Some of the best selling upright vacuum brands are:

  • Miele
  • Shark
  • Dyson
  • Hoover

Upright Vacuums Comparison Chart

ProductWeightFloorsCord LengthBin VolumeOur Ratings
Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV35214 lbsboth carpeting and hardwood floors25 ft1.65 liters4
BISSELL CleanView Bagless Vacuum12.5 lbslow pile carpets, hard floors (hardwood floors, tile floors, laminate floors)
27 ft1 literN/A
Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum17.35 lbscarpet, wood floors, vinyl, and tile floors35 ft
1.8 literN/A
Hoover Linx Signature Stick Vacuum10 lbsmulti-surface: carpet, hard floorscordlessN/AN/A
Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum14 lbsCarpet30 ftN/AN/A
Miele Dynamic U121.4 lbsall surface types39 ftN/AN/A
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight7.7 lbsall-floor-surfaces18 ft2.7 litersN/A
Jump to the Full Upright Vacuums Reviews

FAQs about Upright Vacuums

Before you choose your vacuum cleaner, here are some commonly asked questions about upright vacuums.

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How Long Do Upright Vacuum Cleaners Last?

Upright vacuums have an average lifespan of 5 to 8 years. But this can depend on the brand and quality of your vacuum model.

According to the Canadian Electrical Stewardship Association (CESA), an upright model has an average lifetime of 9 years
(2).

But keep in mind that the lifespan of your vacuum will depend on how often you use it. It will also depend on how often you clean and maintain it.

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What Affects an Upright Vacuum’s Suction Power?

Many factors can affect the suction power of an upright vacuum cleaner. These include the airflow, the nozzle design, and the filtration.

Having more fans and filters, as well as a nozzle, will increase airflow. And this can help your vacuum suction more efficiently for a deep clean.

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