Finding the best upright vacuum cleaner can elevate your home cleaning routine and tackle everything from deep carpets to stubborn pet hair. In this comprehensive guide, we review leading options featuring powerful suction, advanced filtration, and versatile cleaning capabilities for all floor types. Compare top models from trusted brands like Shark, Bissell, Eureka, and Oreck to discover the upright vacuum that suits your needs. See the summary table below for a quick glance at the main features of our top picks.
| Product | Brand | Key Features | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 | Shark | Lift-away pod, HEPA filter, powerful suction, large dust cup, swivel steering |  |
| Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum | Bissell | Triple Action Brush Roll, swivel steering, extension wand, multi-cyclonic suction |  |
| Eureka PowerSpeed Upright NEU181A | Eureka | Lightweight, bagless, 5 height adjustments, extra-large dust cup |  |
| Shark NV752 Rotator TruePet | Shark | Powered lift-away, HEPA filter, LED headlights, pet tools |  |
| Oreck Commercial XL Upright | Oreck | Commercial power, lightweight (9 lbs), high-speed brush roll, bagged |  |
| Shark Stratos Upright AZ3002 | Shark | DuoClean PowerFins, odor neutralizer, self-cleaning brushroll, ultra-powerful suction |  |
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360
Need Flooring Help? Call 877-761-0420 for Local Quotes
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 stands out for its combination of powerful suction and versatile cleaning capabilities. It features multi-surface suction to deep-clean carpets and bare floors. The signature Lift-Away functionality enables the pod to detach for cleaning under furniture or to use the nozzle above the floor—ideal for upholstery, stairs, and more.
This model employs Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology paired with a HEPA filter, which helps trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum. With its large-capacity dust cup, you can tackle big cleaning jobs with fewer interruptions. The package includes essential tools such as an upholstery tool and a crevice tool, further extending its reach across your home. Swivel steering ensures easy navigation around furniture and in tight spaces.
Users looking for an all-rounder upright vacuum that caters to allergy concerns and offers strong suction may find this Shark model appealing. It is well-suited for both carpet and hard floor maintenance, with the added convenience of a detachable pod for above-floor and under-furniture cleaning.
- Multi-surface powerful suction
- Detachable Lift-Away pod
- HEPA filtration and sealed system
- Large dust cup capacity
- Includes upholstery and crevice tools
- Swivel steering for enhanced maneuverability
Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum With Triple Action Brush Roll
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Vacuum offers advanced pet-friendly features and enhanced maneuverability. Highlighted by its Triple Action Brush Roll, this vacuum lifts, loosens, and removes embedded dirt and pet hair from carpets and upholstery. The swivel steering ensures you can clean around furniture and into corners with ease.
This 2024 model introduces an active extension wand, allowing quick access to hard-to-reach areas such as ceilings and tight spots. The vacuum employs a multi-cyclonic suction system for maintaining intensive and consistent cleaning power across both carpets and bare floors. Its easy-empty dirt tank ensures mess-free disposal.
Need Flooring Help? Call 877-761-0420 for Local Quotes
An added bonus: Every purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation, contributing to the mission of saving homeless pets. With practical attachments and robust suction, this vacuum is a worthy choice for pet owners or anyone wanting a convenient, everyday upright vacuum for the whole home.
- Triple Action Brush Roll
- 2024 model with Active Extension Wand
- Swivel steering for easy navigation
- Supports BISSELL Pet Foundation
- Multi-cyclonic suction system
- Easy-empty dirt tank
Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright NEU181A
The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is engineered for ease of use and portability. This vacuum weighs only 10 pounds, making it easy to maneuver from room to room or up and down stairs. Its bagless design includes an extra-large 2.6L dust cup for uninterrupted cleaning sessions.
Offering five adjustable height settings, this vacuum can switch seamlessly between high-pile carpets and hard floors, providing deep cleaning performance on all floor types. The PowerSpeed delivers consistent, deep suction for home and pet owners alike. Its lightweight construction means less strain during use, and the dust cup is simple to detach and empty.
The versatility and convenience make this upright vacuum suitable for users seeking a lightweight but capable device. Its adaptability means you can tackle multiple rooms and surfaces without switching tools or machines.
- Lightweight design (10 lbs)
- Bagless extra-large dust cup (2.6L)
- Powerful multi-surface suction
- Five height adjustments for carpets and hard floors
- Easy emptying and maintenance
Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet NV752
The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet is a specialized vacuum for deep-cleaning and comprehensive allergen control. Its 2-in-1 Powered Lift-Away technology allows you to detach the canister while still using the powered brush roll, making it easy to clean under furniture or in other tough-to-reach areas.
It features Advanced Swivel Steering for tight corner navigation and LED headlights to illuminate dirt and debris in darker areas. The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, combined with a HEPA filter, traps up to 99.9% of dust and allergens, ideal for allergy-sensitive households (based on ASTM F1977 for particles .3 microns or larger).
Need Flooring Help? Call 877-761-0420 for Local Quotes
Included are the Perfect Pet Power Brush, upholstery tool, and crevice tool, making this model a practical choice for pet owners. The large dust cup and overall versatility make it a comprehensive solution for thorough, multi-surface cleaning.
- 2-in-1 Powered Lift-Away pod with brushroll
- Advanced Swivel Steering
- HEPA filtration with complete seal
- LED headlights for visibility
- Pet and crevice tools included
Oreck Commercial XL Upright Vacuum Cleaner
The Oreck Commercial XL Upright Vacuum Cleaner is designed for users seeking commercial-grade cleaning in a lightweight package. Weighing in at just 9 pounds, it is exceptionally easy to carry between rooms and up stairs. The high-speed brush roll provides powerful agitation, lifting embedded debris from deep within carpets as well as cleaning hard floors.
This bagged vacuum uses a simple design for reliable performance, suitable for offices or homes with heavy foot traffic. The upright features automatic height adjustment to transition smoothly from carpets to hard floors without manual intervention. Side edge brushes are included to tackle debris along baseboards and corners, ensuring a thorough clean.
Its streamlined construction, combined with consistent suction, makes it a go-to for both residential and commercial applications where efficiency and ease of use are paramount.
- Commercial power with lightweight efficiency (9 lbs)
- Bagged upright for fuss-free dust containment
- High-speed brush roll agitation
- Automatic height adjustment
- Side edge brushes for thorough cleaning
Shark Stratos Upright AZ3002 With DuoClean PowerFins
The Shark Stratos Upright AZ3002 integrates advanced DuoClean PowerFins HairPro technology for optimal debris and hair pickup on both carpets and hard floors. Its ultra-powerful suction tackles embedded dirt and makes it one of Shark’s most effective models for hair and pet debris.
A standout feature is the Odor Neutralizer Technology, designed to combat odor buildup in the vacuum, keeping your home fresher. The Powered Lift-Away system allows you to detach the pod to clean under furniture or above-floor areas with the same effective suction. The self-cleaning brushroll minimizes hair wrap, making maintenance easier and ensuring optimal performance.
This model is ideal for homes with pets, shedding hair, or anyone looking for a feature-rich vacuum that addresses both performance and odor control. It offers multi-surface adaptability with a deep clean on every pass.
- DuoClean PowerFins HairPro system
- Ultra-powerful suction for deep cleaning
- Odor Neutralizer Technology
- Self-cleaning brushroll
- Powered Lift-Away pod for versatile cleaning
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner
When selecting the best upright vacuum cleaner for your home, several important factors can help you find a model that matches your needs, cleaning preferences, and home environment.
Consider Floor Types and Versatility
Look for vacuums that offer multi-surface cleaning capabilities. Adjustable height settings or brushroll controls enable a smooth transition between carpets, rugs, and hard floors. Some models have dedicated tools and technologies—like the Shark NV752’s Powered Lift-Away or the Bissell CleanView’s brush roll—designed to handle specific surfaces or embedded dirt.
Suction Power and Filtration
Powerful suction is key for removing dirt, dust, and debris effectively. Multi-cyclonic or high-speed brush roll systems can improve pick-up performance. Households with allergy sufferers may benefit from a vacuum with a HEPA filter and sealed system, as seen in several Shark models, to capture fine particulate matter and allergens.
Bagged vs. Bagless Design
Bagged vacuums like the Oreck Commercial XL excel at containing dust and are easy to empty, making them suitable for users with allergies. Bagless options, such as those from Shark, Bissell, and Eureka, offer convenience with easily emptied dust cups, but may require more frequent maintenance to keep filters and cups clean.
Weight, Maneuverability, and Size
If you have multiple floors or mobility concerns, prioritize lightweight models under 15 pounds, like the Eureka PowerSpeed or Oreck Commercial XL. Features such as swivel steering and lift-away pods make maneuvering around furniture and cleaning stairs or above-floor areas much more manageable.
Special Features for Pets
Pet owners should consider vacuums with specialized attachments or technologies designed for hair pickup, such as self-cleaning brush rolls or pet power brushes. Odor neutralizing features, like those in the Shark Stratos, help combat lingering smells from pet hair and dander.
Tools, Attachments, and Dust Capacity
Versatile tools—extension wands, crevice tools, upholstery brushes—enhance a vacuum’s reach into corners, tight spaces, and furniture. Large dust cups reduce emptying frequency, making them ideal for bigger homes or frequent cleaning routines.
Noise Level and Maintenance
Some models are engineered for quieter operation, which is helpful in shared or apartment settings. Regular maintenance, such as filter cleaning or replacing vacuum bags, is necessary to sustain high performance over time.
Brand Reputation and Support
Reputable brands like Shark, Bissell, Eureka, and Oreck often offer reliable customer support, warranties, and readily available replacement parts and accessories, adding value to your investment.
Comparing Upright Vacuums: Key Perspectives
- Allergy Control: HEPA filters and sealed systems are essential.
- Pet Hair Management: Choose models with dedicated pet tools and anti-hair-wrap features.
- Portability: Lightweight models offer less strain and greater flexibility.
- Ease of Maintenance: Bagged vacuums are less messy to empty, while bagless models need regular filter care.
- Attachments: Evaluate if you need extension wands, motorized brushes, or crevice tools for niche tasks.
- Dust Capacity: Larger dust bins or bags mean fewer trips to the trash.
By weighing these considerations and comparing features outlined above, you can confidently select the best upright vacuum cleaner for your unique space and lifestyle needs.