Cleaning your floors shouldn’t feel like a full-body workout. If you have wall-to-wall carpeting or need a machine that can handle serious dirt, an upright vacuum is likely your best bet.
Upright vacuums are easy to steer, hold plenty of debris, and generally offer more power than their stick vacuum counterparts. They dig deep into carpet fibers to pull out stubborn dust. Plus, modern versions are versatile enough to handle hard floors and tight corners without breaking your back.
Ready to find the perfect cleaning companion? Here is a look at the best upright vacuum cleaners available right now.
- Anti-allergen technology
- TruePet motorized brush
- Powered lift-away technology
- Lift-away technology
- Wide selection of accessories
- Suction release feature
- One pass technology
- One-liter dirt cup capacity
- Specialty tools included
- Extremely lightweight & portable
- Extra large dust bin
- Wide cleaning path
- Tangle-free turbine tool
- Ball technology
- Whole machine HEPA filtration
Should You Buy an Upright Vacuum Cleaner?
Upright vacuums remain a staple in many homes for good reason. While canister vacuums are popular in Europe, the upright design dominates the US market.
If you have a large home with carpeted rooms, an upright model is usually the most efficient choice. They typically feature wider cleaning paths. This means you cover more ground in less time.
Raw power is another major advantage. Since the motor is close to the intake, there is less suction loss compared to canister models with long hoses. This direct airflow is fantastic for deep cleaning rugs and carpets.
Additionally, most modern uprights feature adjustable settings. You can raise or lower the brush roll to suit your specific flooring.
Here is a quick breakdown of carpet pile heights:
- Low-Pile: Short, tight loops; often found in offices or high-traffic areas.
- Medium-Pile: Standard residential carpet; softer but still dense.
- High-Pile: Long, loose fibers; shag carpets fall into this category.
How to Choose an Upright Vacuum Cleaner
The market is flooded with options, so narrowing down your choice can be tricky.
Here are the specific features you should prioritize to make the right buying decision.
Noise
Vacuum cleaners are naturally loud, but some are much worse than others. If you live in an apartment or have young children, decibel levels matter.
You want a machine that allows you to clean without shaking the walls. Look for a vacuum that operates in the 70-75 decibel range. This is roughly equivalent to a loud conversation or a busy restaurant (1). Anything louder can become uncomfortable during long cleaning sessions.
Allergies
If anyone in your home suffers from asthma or allergies, filtration is key.
You should look for a vacuum with a sealed system and a HEPA filter. These trap 99.97% of dust and allergens inside the machine. Without this, a vacuum might just blow fine dust back into the air you breathe.
Remember to maintain these filters. Some are washable, while others need to be replaced every six to twelve months to maintain performance.
Weight and Maneuverability
Upright vacuums can be heavy. If you have a multi-story home, you will need to carry the machine up and down stairs.
A lightweight model around 10 to 12 pounds is ideal for seniors or those with limited strength. Heavier models often pack more power, but they can be tiring to push.
Look for “swivel steering” features. This allows you to twist the handle to turn the vacuum head, making it much easier to navigate around furniture legs.
Pets
Our furry friends leave hair everywhere. An upright vacuum designed for pet owners is essential for keeping furniture and carpets clean.
Look for tangle-free brush rolls. Standard brushes often get clogged with long hair, requiring you to cut it out with scissors. Many pet-specific models now have self-cleaning designs that prevent this wrap.
You should also check the accessories. A motorized mini-brush is excellent for cleaning hair off sofas and stairs.
Bagged or Bagless
This is a matter of personal preference and ongoing cost.
Bagged Vacuums: These are generally more hygienic. You pull the bag out and toss it; no dust cloud escapes. They hold more dirt, but you have to buy replacement bags.
Bagless Vacuums: These save money since there are no bags to buy. However, emptying the dust cup can be messy. Dust often flies back into the air, which isn’t great for allergy sufferers. You also need to clean the bin and filters more frequently.
Corded vs. Cordless Uprights
Most traditional uprights are corded. This provides unlimited runtime and consistent high power. You never have to worry about charging a battery halfway through cleaning the living room.
However, full-size cordless uprights are entering the market. They are ultra-convenient and reduce tripping hazards. The downside is runtime; on high power settings, batteries may only last 15 to 20 minutes. Cordless models generally work best as secondary vacuums or for smaller apartments.
Power Ratings
Understanding vacuum power can be confusing. Manufacturers use different terms like Amps, Watts, and Air Watts.
Watts/Amps: This measures how much electricity the motor uses, not how well it sucks up dirt.
Air Watts (AW) or Pascals (Pa): This is a better measure of actual suction performance.
Generally, a higher Air Watt rating means better cleaning power. However, efficient airflow design is just as important. A well-designed 1000-watt machine can outperform a poorly designed 1200-watt machine.
Product Reviews
We’ve researched and reviewed the top models to help you find the right fit. Here are seven useful upright vacuums for deep cleaning your home.
Shark Rotator NV752 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Best Upright Vacuum Overall
If you need versatility and power, the Shark Rotator NV752 is a powerhouse. It balances strong suction with smart features designed for real-world homes.
This model is particularly good for allergy sufferers. It uses a sealed system to keep dust locked away.
The standout feature, however, is the “Lift-Away” mode. You can detach the canister from the floorhead, turning it into a portable unit. This makes cleaning stairs or overhead cobwebs incredibly easy.
What We Like
Anti-Allergen Complete Seal
Standard vacuums often leak dust through cracks in the casing. This Shark uses a completely sealed system combined with a HEPA filter. It traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, ensuring the air coming out is cleaner than the air going in.
TruePet Motorized Brush
Pet hair can be a nightmare to remove from upholstery. This unit comes with a specialized motorized mini-brush. It grabs stubborn fur from couches, pillows, and stairs better than standard suction tools.
Powered Lift-Away Technology
Most uprights are clumsy on stairs. With this feature, you lift the pod away while the motorized brush roll keeps spinning. You get the reach of a canister vacuum with the deep-cleaning power of an upright.
What We Don't Like
Top-Heavy Design
While versatile, the unit is slightly top-heavy. At 15.5 pounds, it isn’t the lightest option on our list. It requires a bit of muscle to push on thick carpets, as it is not self-propelled.
Product Specs
| Air Filters | Felt, Foam, HEPA |
| Weight | 15.5 pounds |
| Power Rating | 1200 watts |
| Cleaning Path Width | 12 inches |
| Warranty | 90 days limited warranty |
Our Ratings
Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
Best Upright Vacuum for Hard-to-Reach Areas
The Shark Navigator ZU561 is perfect for those who hate cleaning hair out of the vacuum brush. It features a self-cleaning brush roll that actively removes hair wrap as you clean.
It retains the popular Lift-Away feature, making it great for reaching tight spaces or cleaning above-floor areas.
The bagless design is easy to empty, and the swivel steering allows you to maneuver around furniture with a simple twist of the wrist.
It comes with several handy tools:
- Duster crevice tool.
- Hair-removal multi-tool.
- Wide upholstery tool.
What We Like
Zero-M Self-Cleaning Brush
Hair wrap is a common annoyance with upright vacuums. The Zero-M roll has a comb that separates hair from the bristles and sends it straight to the dust cup. It works on both long human hair and short pet fur.
Lift-Away Mode
Just like the Rotator, this Navigator allows you to detach the pod. It effectively gives you two vacuums in one. You can clean under low-profile furniture without the bulk of the entire unit getting in the way.
Suction Control Slider
This is a small but critical feature. If you are vacuuming a lightweight area rug, full power might suck the rug up. The suction release slider lets you lower the airflow instantly, making it safe for delicate drapes and smaller mats.
What We Don't Like
Smaller Dirt Cup
The dust cup capacity is decent but smaller than some competitors. If you have a large home with heavy shedding pets, you might find yourself emptying the bin more frequently than you would like.
Product Specs
| Dirt Bin Capacity | 2.1 liters |
| Weight | 13.4 pounds |
| Power Rating | 1200 watts |
| Air Filters | Felt, Foam, HEPA |
| Warranty | 5-year limited |
Our Ratings
Shark Apex Duo-Clean Upright Vacuum
Best Upright Vacuum for Quiet Operation
The Shark Apex AZ1002 represents the brand’s premier line of uprights. It is designed to handle everything from large debris to fine dust without swapping heads.
One of its best qualities is the noise level. It operates more quietly than most vacuums in its class, making it a solid choice for apartments or homes with nervous pets.
It also features DuoClean technology, which uses two brush rolls working in unison to polish floors and deep clean carpets.
What We Like
DuoClean Technology
This nozzle has two rollers: a soft front roller and a stiff bristle back roller. The soft roller pulls in large piles (like cereal) and dusts hard floors, while the bristles dig into carpets. You don’t get the “snowplow” effect where dirt is just pushed around.
Active Noise Reduction
Shark tuned the pitch of the motor to be less harsh. While no vacuum is silent, the Apex is significantly less grating on the ears than cheaper models. You can clean without feeling like you are standing next to a jet engine.
Advanced Headlights
Seeing dirt is half the battle. The LED lights on the floor nozzle are bright and positioned low to the ground. They illuminate dust and hair under furniture that you might otherwise miss.
What We Don't Like
Heavy and Bulky
This is a big machine. At over 17 pounds, it feels substantial. While the Lift-Away mode helps, the full unit can be tiring to push back and forth across thick carpeting for extended periods.
Product Specs
| Power Rating | 1350 watts |
| Weight | 16.3 pounds |
| Cleaning Path Width | 11.9 inches |
| Filters | Felt, Foam, HEPA |
| Warranty | 7 years limited |
Our Ratings
Bissell Cleanview Upright Bagless Vacuum
Best Upright Vacuum for Fast, Deep Cleaning
The Bissell Cleanview is a straightforward, budget-friendly workhorse. It doesn’t have fancy lift-away pods, but it cleans carpets exceptionally well for the price.
Users love the “OnePass” technology, which is designed to pick up surface debris on the first swipe. This saves you from constantly going back and forth over the same spot.
It is lightweight, easy to assemble, and comes with essential tools like a TurboBrush for pet hair and a crevice tool.
What We Like
Excellent Value
It is hard to beat the performance per dollar here. If you need a simple machine that gets the job done without breaking the bank, this is a top contender. It brings high-end suction to an affordable price point.
Large Capacity Bin
The dirt cup holds 1.0 liter of debris. It is transparent, so you get the satisfaction of seeing exactly how much dirt you pulled out of your rug. The bottom-empty design makes disposal quick and relatively mess-free.
Integrated Tools
All the accessories store directly on the vacuum body. The extension wand and dusting brush are always within reach, so you can switch from floors to baseboards in seconds.
What We Don't Like
Scatter on Hard Floors
Like many budget uprights, the brush roll spins quickly and can sometimes scatter kitty litter or crumbs on hard floors instead of sucking them up. It performs significantly better on carpet than on bare tile or wood.
Product Specs
| Cleaning System | Multi-cyclonic |
| Weight | 12.5 pounds |
| Power Rating | Not specified |
| Cleaning Path Width | 13.5” |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
Our Ratings
Eureka NEU100 Airspeed Upright Vacuum
Best Lightweight Upright Vacuum
Weighing in at just 7.7 pounds, the Eureka Airspeed is one of the lightest upright vacuums on the market. It is an excellent choice for small apartments, dorm rooms, or for anyone who struggles with heavy lifting.
Despite its compact size, it manages to pack a decent punch. It is easy to store and simple to maintain.
If you have a multi-level home and need a secondary vacuum for the upstairs bedrooms, this low-cost option is perfect.
What We Like
Ultra-Portable
You can carry this vacuum with one hand easily. It takes the physical strain out of cleaning. It is compact enough to fit in a small closet or even behind a door when not in use.
Surprisingly Large Bin
For such a small vacuum, the 1.7-liter dust cup is impressive. You won’t have to stop to empty it halfway through your cleaning routine. The filter is washable, which helps keep ongoing maintenance costs low.
Affordable
This is one of the most budget-friendly options available. It is a great “starter” vacuum or a backup unit for quick messes. You get basic, reliable suction without paying for bells and whistles you might not use.
What We Don't Like
Short Cord and Hose
To keep it light and cheap, Eureka compromised on reach. The power cord is shorter than average, meaning you will need to swap outlets often. The attachment hose is also quite short, limiting its use for high curtains or shelves.
Product Specs
| Cleaning System | Not specified |
| Weight | 7.7 pounds |
| Power Rating | N/A |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 1.7 liters |
| Warranty | 1 year limited |
Our Ratings
Dirt Devil Endura Reach Upright Vacuum
Best Budget Upright Vacuum
The Dirt Devil Endura Reach is designed for simplicity. It strips away complicated settings and focuses on direct suction power.
It features a bagless design with an easy-empty dirt cup. The filter is rinsable and accessible, which helps maintain suction over time.
Weighing only nine pounds, it is another lightweight contender that won’t tire you out. It is nimble enough to dart around furniture legs and compact enough to store easily.
What We Like
Multi-Floor Versatility
While basic, the nozzle handles both carpet and hard floors reasonably well. You can move from the living room rug to the kitchen linoleum without needing to change attachments or flip complicated switches.
Quick-Release Wand
The handle detaches to become an extension wand with 10 feet of reach. This is great for grabbing spiderwebs from ceiling corners or dusting off baseboards without bending down.
Consistent Suction
The “Endura” filtration system is designed to keep the filter cleaner for longer. This prevents the loss of suction that plagues many cheap bagless vacuums once the bin starts to fill up.
What We Don't Like
Noisy Operation
This vacuum is loud. The motor produces a high-pitched whine that some users find annoying. It isn’t the best choice if you need to clean while others are sleeping or watching TV.
Cord Length
The 20-foot cord is on the shorter side. In larger rooms, you may find yourself hunting for a new outlet more often than you would like.
Product Specs
| Filters | Cartridge |
| Weight | 9 pounds |
| Power Rating | Not specified |
| Lights | None |
| Warranty | 2-year limited |
Our Ratings
Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum
Best Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair Removal
If you want the strongest suction available, the Dyson Ball Animal 2 is the heavyweight champion. It is engineered specifically for homes with pets and deep-pile carpets.
The “Ball” technology looks unique, but it serves a purpose. It houses the motor and allows the vacuum to pivot on a dime.
It also comes with top-tier filtration and a hygienic bin emptying system that ejects the dirt without you needing to touch it.
What We Like
Incredible Suction Power
Dyson claims the strongest suction of any vacuum, and it shows. It pulls fine dust from deep within thick carpets that other vacuums leave behind. The cleaner head self-adjusts to seal in suction across different floor types.
Tangle-Free Turbine Tool
This attachment is a game-changer for pet owners. Unlike standard brushes that tangle, this tool uses counter-rotating heads to remove hair from upholstery and stairs without getting clogged.
Whole-Machine HEPA Filtration
Dyson’s sealed system ensures that allergens are trapped inside the machine. It is certified asthma and allergy-friendly. Plus, the filter is washable and meant to last the lifetime of the machine, saving you money on replacements.
What We Don't Like
Hard to Push on Deep Carpet
The suction is so strong that the vacuum head can essentially seal itself to the floor. On very thick or plush carpets, this can make the unit extremely difficult to push. It requires significant arm strength to maneuver in these conditions.
Product Specs
| Cleaning System | Radial Root Cyclone |
| Weight | 17.5 pounds |
| Power Rating | 1200 watts |
| Filter | Washable lifetime filter |
| Guarantee | 5 years |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Filters | Cleaning System | Weight | Power | Cleaning Path | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Rotator | Overall | Felt, Foam, HEPA | N/A | 15.5 lbs | 1200 W | 12″ | 90 days limited warranty |
| Shark Navigator | For Hard-to-Reach Areas | Felt, Foam, HEPA | N/A | 13.4 lbs | 1200 W | N/A | 5-year limited |
| Shark Apex | For Quiet Operation | Felt, Foam, HEPA | N/A | 16.3 lbs | 1350 W | 11.9″ | 7-year limited |
| Bissell Cleanview | For Fast, Deep Cleaning | HEPA filter | Multi-cyclonic | 12.5 lbs | N/A | 13.5” | 2-year limited |
| Eureka NEU100 Airspeed | For Lightweight | Foam | N/A | 7.7 lbs | N/A | 10.5” | 1-year limited |
| Endura Reach | Budget Vacuum | Cartridge | N/A | 9 lbs | N/A | 11” | 2-year limited |
| Dyson Ball Animal 2 | For Pet Hair Removal | Washable filter | Radial Root Cyclone | 17.5 lbs | 1200 W | N/A | 5 years |
FAQs
Are Upright Vacuums Better Than Cordless Stick Vacuums?
Generally, yes, for whole-house cleaning. Upright vacuums usually offer stronger suction, larger dust capacities, and unlimited runtime since they plug into the wall. Cordless stick vacuums are lighter and more convenient for quick cleanups but often lack the deep-cleaning power and battery life needed for large, carpeted homes.
Which Upright Vacuum Has the Most Suction?
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is widely considered to have the strongest raw suction power on the market. However, the Shark Rotator Lift-Away is a close competitor that many users find easier to handle due to its adjustable suction control.
What Is the Best Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair?
For pet hair, we recommend the Dyson Ball Animal 2 or the Shark AZ1002. The Dyson uses a tangle-free turbine tool for upholstery, while the Shark features a self-cleaning brush roll that actively prevents long hair from wrapping around the roller.
How Often Should I Change the Belt on My Upright Vacuum?
You should check your vacuum belt every 3 to 6 months. If it looks stretched, cracked, or worn, replace it immediately. A loose belt reduces the brush roll speed, which significantly lowers your vacuum’s ability to clean carpets effectively.
Can Upright Vacuums Clean Hard Floors?
Yes, most modern uprights can clean hard floors. Look for a model that allows you to turn off the spinning brush roll. This prevents the brush from scattering debris across the floor or scratching delicate wood surfaces.
