Does it take forever to clean your home? Are your floors covered in wall-to-wall carpeting that seems to trap stubborn dirt? An upright vacuum cleaner might be for you.
Upright vacuum cleaners are easy to maneuver, and they hold more dirt than other models. You can use them in a forward or reverse motion with little effort. Most can also be set to a low angle, ideal for reaching under furniture without bending over.
Want to know what you should look out for when buying one? Let’s take a closer look at some of the best upright vacuum cleaners you can select for your home today.
- 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
Product Reviews
Here are seven useful upright vacuums for deep cleaning your home.
Shark Rotator NV752 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Best Upright Vacuum Overall
Do you or your loved ones suffer from allergies?
Then, you’re not alone. Especially if you have pets, keeping your living space spotless is important.
After long consideration, our choice as best for alleviating allergies is the Shark Rotator NV752.
This machine is incredible at capturing dust, dirt, and pet hair from any surface.
What We Like
Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology
The Anti-allergen Complete Seal Technology plus HEPA filter system ensures maximum reduction of allergens in your home.
TruePet Motorized Brush Included
This attachment is included with the machine. Pet hair is a leading cause of allergies. This attachment will eliminate even the smallest traces left behind by your beloved animals.
Powered Lift-Away Technology
You can easily detach the dirt bin for deep cleaning of hard-to-reach areas. This machine also features LED lights to illuminate hidden dirt and swivel steering for effortless maneuvering.
What We Don't Like
Heavy to Use
The machine weighs 15.5 pounds, but it is not self-propelling. If you’re looking for a very lightweight and portable upright vacuum, this one may not be for you.
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
Looking for an ultra-quiet, portable upright bagless vacuum that can reach areas of difficult access?
This model may be for you.
With the Lift-Away technology, the push of a button is enough to detach the dust bin.
It’s ideal for you to clean anywhere, anytime. Moreover, it offers excellent maneuverability with its swivel steering technology.
It also comes with the following accessories included:
- Duster crevice tool.
- Hair-removal multi-tool.
- Wide upholstery tool.
- Anti-allergen complete seal technology.
What We Like
Lift-Away Technology
Lift-Away Technology is a great idea when you need to clean small or difficult to access places. You won’t need to move the furniture or overexert yourself, but simply press a button to detach the dust bin. In lift-away mode, the bin becomes a portable, ultra-light vacuum.
It also features swivel steering for excellent control. The Brushroll Shutoff button switches from carpet to bare floor surfaces. It makes it ideal for different parts of the house.
Wide Selection of Accessories
This upright vacuum cleaner comes fully equipped with different tools and brushes. But if you’re a fan of extras, it offers a wide selection of additional accessories to purchase for any cleaning need. There are thirteen options to choose from, from the handle with a hose to the motorized floor nozzle.
Suction Release Feature
Have you ever vacuumed a lightweight carpet that sticks to the vacuum cleaner and lifts off the floor? The suction release feature avoids this from happening. It regulates the suction power so you can clean upholstery or lightweight materials without having them sucked into the vacuum.
It is also safe to use on more delicate fabrics such as upholstery or drapes.
What We Don't Like
Inefficient Anti-Hair Wrap Technology
The one aspect of this product that some users were not happy with was the anti-hair wrap technology.
The hair does wrap around the brush, especially fine pet hair. This does not prevent the vacuum from removing it from carpets or surfaces. However, the brush is not completely self-cleaning.
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
This model has been voted one of the top vacuum cleaners for quiet operation in the category of uprights.
If you live in an apartment or have a baby in the house, the noise output may be the deciding factor when you choose your vacuum cleaner.
The noise level of this one is just under 70 dB.
That value is among the lowest found on the market today.
What We Like
Lowest Noise Output of Its Category
This appliance is as silent as an upright vacuum can be. Its noise level is slightly higher than that of general office noises. You’ll be able to take care of your vacuuming even in the evening, without the risk of annoying your neighbors.
Dual Motorized Brushes
Two brushes work together to clean more efficiently. One is soft and lifts the dust and dirt, while the other is hard and takes care of more stubborn grime. Whether it’s upholstery, carpets, or bare floors, your house will be spotless.
If you have pets, this vacuum cleaner does a great job of removing pet hair. It’s a top-of-the-line machine, and reviews are impressive.
LED Lights for Illuminating Dust
Shark Apex Duo Clean features two LED lights to pick up even the smallest speck of dust. Plus, there’s an extra LED light near the handle.
It also features fingertip controls so you can change floor modes with a touch.
What We Don't Like
No Suction Control
While a great feature of this vacuum cleaner is that it’s very powerful, some users wished that they could regulate the suction power.
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
Do you like to see how much dirt can come off your seemingly-clean carpets and floors?
Most users were amazed at how much filth this upright bagless vacuum cleaner sucks up.
Many mentioned that they could finally see the bright colors of their carpets again.
You can also choose a variety of accessories for your cleaning needs. For example, there’s the pet brush, the handheld vacuum, and different kinds of filters.
What We Like
One Pass Technology
Wouldn’t it be great to get the dirt off any surface in one go? This Bissell Cleanview features One Pass Technology to clean on the first attempt. No need to go over the same area again for optimal results.
It is excellent at removing pet hair, allowing you to bring back your carpets and surfaces to their original state.
Easy-Empty One-Liter Dirt Cup
Thanks to the transparent cover, you’ll see the dirt piling up in the bin. So, you’ll always know when the dirt cup needs to be emptied. It can hold up to one liter and is very easy to remove and clean, saving you time and energy.
This Bissell is lightweight and easy to push and carry without sacrificing suction power. It features a special brush that lifts dirt particles and effortlessly captures them inside the dirt cup.
Specialty Tools Included
This vacuum features a turbo brush tool, a crevice tool, a dusting brush, and an extension wand to accommodate any cleaning requirement. These extra tools give you more versatility when cleaning to spruce up every inch of the home.
What We Don't Like
Not for Long Hair
If you are someone who has long hair or your pet has, we must warn you that there might be a need for you to disassemble the bottom brush to remove these long hairs once it gets stuck for it may cause hazards as it easily dangles up in the belts if left unchecked.
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
This upright bagless vacuum has been voted by consumers as one of the best models for seniors.
It is one of the most lightweight uprights available, weighing 7.7 pounds. Obviously, there are many reasons why having an easily portable vacuum can be a priority.
If you live in a house with lots of stairs, you’d appreciate this. Or perhaps, if you don’t have a lot of upper body strength, this machine could be a great choice.
What We Like
Extremely Lightweight and Portable
With a weight of just under eight pounds, this upright vacuum is one of the most portable available. You’ll be able to carry it without overexerting yourself. It won’t be difficult for any family member to use this vacuum easily.
Extra Large Dust Bin
How many of us get annoyed if we have to interrupt our cleaning because the vacuum dust cup needs emptying? This upright vacuum cleaner features an extra-large one that holds up to 1.7 liters. You will get the whole house done before this dust cup needs dumping.
The maintenance of this upright vacuum is minimal. All you need to do is empty the dust cup, wash the filter, and you’re done.
Wide Cleaning Path
Besides having a powerful motor, this Eureka upright is equipped with 10.5 inches cleaning path thereby making cleaning much faster. Furthermore, the powerful all floor suction creates a strong airflow that removes even stuck dirt particles and never loses suction power.
Finally, it comes equipped with different accessories that are stored on the vacuum. They include a crevice tool and a dusting brush.
What We Don't Like
Noisy for Some Customers
Unfortunately, some customers reported that the machine was noisy. If you’re sensitive to sounds or have young kids or pets, this may be one to remove from your list.
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
Here’s a great option for a bagless budget vacuum. No need to spend extra money on bags. Simply enjoy the 1.5-liter dust cup that you can quickly empty over the trash can.
Being such a spacious dirt cup, you can make fewer trips to the trash. Get around your whole house, maybe even a couple of times, on one dust cup.
We also love the compact, lightweight design of this vacuum. It’s light, weighing only nine pounds, but still super powerful. You can store it easily, too, in a cupboard or closet.
What We Like
Multi-Floor Capability
No matter what kind of floors you have, this vacuum can clean up. This vacuum was designed to work on it all, whether that’s hard floors, carpets, tiles, or rugs.
10 Feet Extention Wand
How awesome is this super long extension wand? You now have so much extra reach compared to other vacuums on the market. You can get under furniture and into ceiling corners with this handy feature.
Easy to Transport
Being so lightweight, this is super easy to maneuver around your home. But you can also easily carry it using the handle. Take this upstairs, downstairs, into closets, without much hassle at all.
Awesome Suction
Even customers that weren’t huge fans of this vacuum couldn’t help but note that it has great suction power. If you have a lot of stubborn high-traffic areas in the home, this vacuum can help.
What We Don't Like
Short Power Cord
Some customers wished the 20-foot power cord would be longer. For larger homes, this may minimize your vacuuming flexibility.
Loud Annoying Noise
If you’re after a quiet vacuum, then you may want to look past this one. Customers found it to be very noisy, with some noting it made an annoying high-pitched whine.
Hard to Stand Up On Its Own
This vacuum can stand up on its own, but it’s tough to get it into that position. It takes a lot of stress and effort when it should be something that takes a second or two.
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
Are you an animal lover whose main concern is how to keep your house free of fur?
Then this may be the right product for you.
This upright vacuum cleaner comes with a tangle-free turbine tool to remove pet hair.
This upright vacuum cleaner also features a combination tool and a stair tool. Get rid of pet fluff in every nook and cranny of your home.
What We Like
Tangle-Free Turbine Tool
This machine was engineered to remove fur balls and pet hair. The tangle-free turbine tool comes without a brush bar where fur can wrap around, making it ideal for hair removal.
Versatile Ball Technology
It is a mighty machine, and its Ball Technology makes it highly versatile. A turn of the wrist is sufficient to steer the machine in any given direction. Navigating the vacuum around obstacles or furniture is easy.
Its self-adjusting cleaner head allows you to pass from a carpet to the floor without changing the setting. It also features an instant-release high-reach wand to clean difficult-to-reach areas or ceilings. To empty the dirt bin, all you have to do is click a button.
Whole Machine HEPA Filtration
Having pets sometimes goes hand in hand with allergic reactions. This machine is certified asthma and allergy-friendly. It also features a washable lifetime filter that will not need replacing.
What We Don't Like
Some Customers Complain It Is Too Powerful
We’ve noticed that some customers have been disappointed that the machine is too powerful. Particularly, they report that vacuuming becomes like a gym workout. This is because the suction power is so strong that handling the machine becomes difficult.
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 |
Should You Buy an Upright Vacuum Cleaner?
Upright vacuums are very popular in the US, UK, and Commonwealth countries. The majority of European countries, though, seem to prefer canister models. Is this only a matter of personal preference?
When it comes to picking dirt off your floors, both types of vacuum will get the job done. Upright vacuum cleaners, however, are better suited for spacious houses as they have a wider brush roll. This results in less time needed to clean large areas.
Upright models also score remarkably high when it comes to raw power. There is no loss of suction through a long wand and hose. The full suction power is right on the floor in front of you at all times.
What’s more, upright vacuums are more effective than canister models on rugs and carpeting, thanks to their rotating brush. They can remove dirt, pet hair, and other debris from deep within the carpeted surface.
Plus, you can select your desired control setting on an upright vacuum cleaner. This allows you to clean different carpet pile heights thoroughly.
Carpet Pile Height: This refers to the visible fibers on the carpet’s surface. Usually, carpets are low-pile, medium-pile, or high-pile. How tall these fibers stand from the carpet surface determines their category.
How to Choose an Upright Vacuum Cleaner
With so many different upright vacuum cleaner models available on the market, how do you know which one to choose?
We’ve outlined some pointers that will help you make an informed decision.
Noise
For many of us, one of the most important factors is how much noise the vacuum makes. If you live in an apartment or have a baby at home, you’ll want to keep the noise level low.
Also, if you’re very busy, you may need to clean your house in the evening. The neighbors won’t want to hear your vacuum while watching their favorite TV show!
A quiet appliance will allow you to vacuum when it best suits you. So when choosing, you will need to ensure the vacuum functions around a 70-75 decibel range. This is equivalent to the level of normal conversation (1).
Allergies
More people suffer from allergies nowadays than ever before.
Fortunately, some vacuums have a certified HEPA filter that traps 99.7% of dust and allergens. This feature will help protect you and your loved ones from allergic reactions. Especially if you have pets and children, you’ll need all the help you can get to keep your house spotless.
Keep in mind, though, that the filters must be washed thoroughly every month, and replaced every six months to be effective.
Weight
Weight is another important factor when selecting the right upright vacuum cleaner. If your house is on different levels and you have stairs to vacuum, you’ll need a lightweight appliance.
The right machine will be easy to use for older adults too.
Many upright models are extremely lightweight, allowing you to move around without straining yourself. Especially if your house is huge, and there are a lot of tricky areas to clean properly, you’ll find this useful.
Modern models allow you to reach under furniture and in corners keeping your back straight at all times. This can be important if you’ve got back problems or flexibility issues. You’ll be able to get all your cleaning done without bending over.
Pets
If you have pets, an upright vacuum cleaner designed to remove pet hair can be essential, particularly if you have young children prone to allergic reactions from pet hair. While other features, like suction power, are crucial, power is the easiest feature to look out for.
The appliance should have at least 1000 watts of power to make sure it can remove even the smallest hair. It will also feature special brushes to aid hair removal from different surfaces comfortably.
We all know that pets will likely sleep on couches or even our beds. So the more tools we have to aid with the cleaning, the better.
Bagged or Bagless
Do you prefer a vacuum with a disposable bag you can replace often? This is a plus because it holds more dirt. Also, when you throw it away, no dust or dirt is released into the air.
Or would you rather choose one with a dustbin that can be cleaned and reused? This means you won’t have to buy and replace the bag. But you’ll have to empty the dirt bin and wash it, along with the machine’s filters.
Bagless or bagged comes down to a matter of personal preference since this does not affect the overall operation of the machine.
Corded or Cordless
Another feature to consider when buying an upright vacuum is choosing a cordless or corded model. Cordless models are much lighter and can be carried easily anywhere. They typically weigh just seven pounds against the 15 pounds of corded ones.
That said, cordless vacuums are much smaller and cannot hold as much dirt. The average one holds 0.7 liters, compared with 2.3 liters for a corded model. They also need more maintenance or can get clogged and not work optimally.
Cordless vacuums have batteries, and they only run about 12 minutes on full power. This makes them ideal for cleaning up spills, but not an entire house since they are not as reliable. They would make an excellent choice for a versatile backup vacuum.
Cordless models are also not suited for allergy sufferers since there is frequent contact with dust and allergens. This is due to the necessity of emptying the small dirt bin and cleaning the vacuum after each use.
Power
Getting an accurate power rating when buying an upright vacuum cleaner can be a struggle. There are usually two measurements of power related to vacuum cleaners, watts, and air watts. Watts is the standard SI unit for power and is the total power used by the machine and its motor.
Air watts are an indicator of the vacuum’s motor efficiency and suction power. This is measured in pascals so that you can see the rating written as “Air watts”, “AW” or “Pa”.
Household vacuum cleaners can consume up to 2500 Watts. Air watts will always be a lot lower than watts.
Air watts usually are in the range of 250-480. Two similar machines can have the same wattage but different air wattage. If one vacuum is less efficient than the other and power is wasted on heat or sound, it will have fewer air watts.
Unfortunately, many sellers and companies don’t list all the power ratings. Some have watts, and some, air watts or pascals. Others give no power ratings at all or give the motor’s amps, which means you have to work out the wattage yourself using Ohm’s law.
Most cordless vacuums give the size of their battery in volts to indicate their power.
Last but not least, the more powerful the machine, the more electricity it will consume.
Additionally, consider the following: a more powerful machine will, generally, be heavier and harder to handle, especially if you have to carry it up and down flights of stairs.
It is also likely to be noisier and more expensive than a less powerful model. However, it will probably collect more dirt, allowing you to clean thoroughly and for longer before emptying the dustbin.
FAQs
Are Upright Vacuums Better Than Cordless?
Upright vacuums are better than cordless models for suction and pet hair. This Shark Rotator Lift-Away is a perfect example of a powerful vacuum cleaner that copes with ground-in dirt and pet dander.
However, cordless vacuums are go-anywhere tools and much lighter than uprights. Many cordless stick models weigh less than 10 pounds, whereas uprights can weigh much more.
Which Upright Vacuum Has the Most Suction?
In our opinion, the upright vacuum with the most suction is the Shark Rotator Lift-Away. It has powerful lift-away suction, a HEPA filter that traps 99.97 percent of allergens, and swivel steering.
What is the Best Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair?
The best upright vacuum for pet hair is the Dyson Animal Ball 2. It has tangle-free hair extraction, a ball for better control, and entire machine HEPA filtration, trapping 99.97 percent of allergens.
