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
The HouseWire earns a commission through the following independently chosen links at no additional cost to you.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.
- Brush roll shut-off function
- A lot lighter than many other upright vacuum models
- Versatile tools: upholstery and crevice tools
- 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
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.
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- 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
- 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 |
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.
- Tangle-free turbine rotating brush tool
- HEPA washable filters
- Long cord of 35 feet
- 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 |
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.
- 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
- 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
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.
- 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
- 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 |
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.
- 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
- 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 |
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
- 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
- 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.

Types of Upright 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.

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.

Filters
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.

Capacity
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.

Weight
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.

Noise
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.

Attachments
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.

Brands
- Miele
- Shark
- Dyson
- Hoover
Upright Vacuums Comparison Chart
Product | Weight | Floors | Cord Length | Bin Volume | Our Ratings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 | 14 lbs | both carpeting and hardwood floors | 25 ft | 1.65 liters | |
BISSELL CleanView Bagless Vacuum | 12.5 lbs | low pile carpets, hard floors (hardwood floors, tile floors, laminate floors) | 27 ft | 1 liter | N/A |
Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum | 17.35 lbs | carpet, wood floors, vinyl, and tile floors | 35 ft | 1.8 liter | N/A |
Hoover Linx Signature Stick Vacuum | 10 lbs | multi-surface: carpet, hard floors | cordless | N/A | N/A |
Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum | 14 lbs | Carpet | 30 ft | N/A | N/A |
Miele Dynamic U1 | 21.4 lbs | all surface types | 39 ft | N/A | N/A |
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight | 7.7 lbs | all-floor-surfaces | 18 ft | 2.7 liters | N/A |
FAQs about Upright Vacuums
Before you choose your vacuum cleaner, here are some commonly asked questions about upright vacuums.

How Long Do Upright Vacuum Cleaners Last?
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.

What Affects an Upright Vacuum’s Suction Power?
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.