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Purchasing the right vacuum cleaner for your home can be challenging, as it depends so much on the interior of your place. Do you have a lot of carpeting, or is your abode mainly hardwood? Are there stairs in your house? And what about your furry family members? Pet hair alone can influence what type of vacuum you need. To help ease your decision, we’ve rounded up the best vacuum cleaners for any home.
What to consider when buying a vacuum cleaner
Purpose
Mattie Sheppard, strategic interior designer and cleaning advisor at Real Estate Bees, explains that to ensure you get the most suitable vacuum cleaner for your needs, you should think of how you’ll use it most. For example, will it be for common weekly maintenance or daily cleaning behind your kids? “Determine what type of cleaning you'll be doing most frequently,” she says. “And if you have pets, you might prioritize a vacuum with strong suction and specialized pet hair attachments.”
Power
Be as practical as possible — a handheld or robotic vacuum will be virtually futile for rugs or carpeting with a half-inch pile. Likewise, a bulky upright vacuum probably won’t do much for your hardwood floors, so determining the proper power you need for your home is important. “Look at the wattage of the vacuum cleaner to gauge its suction power,” says Sheppard. “The higher the wattage or amperage, the stronger the suction will generally be.”
Home size
This factor is very important, too. “Take into account the size of your home when you’re making your choice,” Sheppard cautions. If you have a smaller home, a good canister vacuum will most likely suffice for your routine cleaning. However, if your house is bigger with multiple rooms, “you'll need a vacuum cleaner with a longer cord and larger dustbin capacity to cover larger areas efficiently,” she says.
Our picks for the best vacuum cleaners
Best budget vacuum cleaner: Bissell CleanView Upright
Best budget vacuum cleaner
BISSELL CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits In Dorm Rooms & Apartments, Lightweight with Powerful Suction and Removable Extension Wand, 3508, Red,black
“This Bissell offers reliable performance at an affordable price,” says Sheppard. “It even includes features like cyclonic suction and a washable filter.” Not to mention its 23-foot power cord and removable extension wand for those hard-to-reach corners and baseboards. Also, when you buy this vacuum, you’re supporting the Bissell Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
Specifications:
- Weight: 8 pounds.
- Warranty: Not listed.
- Accessories: Removable extension wand, brush, nozzle.
- Price on publish: $59.99.
What we like:
- Powerful suction.
- Easy-empty dirt container.
- Lightweight.
What we don't like:
- A minority of customers expressed that the accessories easily fall off when the vacuum is in use.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A powerful, convenient and reasonably-priced vacuum cleaner that’s just as good for a dorm room as it is for your home.
Get it here: Bissell CleanView Upright
Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner: Shark Navigator Lift-Away
Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Shark ZU503AMZ Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with Self-Cleaning Brushroll, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Pet Crevice Tool, Perfect for Pets & Multi-Surface, Teal
Shark call this vacuum their Lift-Away for a very good reason: This versatile vacuum combines not only powerful suction and swivel steering for easy maneuvering, but you can also “lift away” the detachable canister for stairs and above-floor cleaning (curtains, furniture, mattresses, etc.). Plus, the airtight HEPA filter captures virtually all dust and allergens as you clean.
Specifications:
- Weight: 14.99 pounds.
- Warranty: 5 years.
- Accessories: Upholstery tool, pet crevice tool.
- Price on publish: $229.99.
What we like:
- Detachable canister for above-floor cleaning.
- Powerful suction.
- Swivel steering.
What we don't like:
- Doesn’t include a water bottle pocket.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A versatile, maneuverable, powerful vacuum that cleans your floors as well as above-floor surfaces.
Get it here: Shark Navigator Lift-Away
Best canister vacuum cleaner: Miele Pure Suction Powerline
Best canister vacuum cleaner
Miele Pure Suction Powerline
Miele is known for their products’ exceptional quality and suction power. This Powerline model has a six-speed vortex motor, a sealed filter to help keep the air around you clean and a compact design for easy storage. It’s ideal for homes with a mix of bare floors and low-pile carpets.
Specifications:
- Weight: 14.8 pounds.
- Warranty: Not listed.
- Accessories: None.
- Price on publish: $469.
What we like:
- Six-speed vortex motor.
- Clean air filter.
- Compact size stores away easily.
What we don't like:
- Expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This vacuum cleaner is at a higher price point, but its powerful suction for both carpeting and hardwood floors makes it a good investment.
Get it here: Miele Pure Suction Powerline
Best cordless vacuum cleaner: Dyson V11
Best cordless vacuum cleaner
Dyson V11
This cordless vacuum is the definition of practical and convenient. “The Dyson V11 is perfect for quick cleanups and reaching tight spaces,” says Sheppard. “With its powerful suction, long battery life and versatile design, it gets the job done well without being tethered to a cord.” It’s also state-of-the-art, with an acoustically-engineered motor for low noise and an LCD screen that reports run-time countdown and maintenance alerts.
Specifications:
- Weight: 6.61 pounds.
- Warranty: 2 years.
- Accessories: Crevice tool, nozzle/brush combination tool.
- Price on publish: $469.99.
What we like:
- Cleans both carpets and hardwood floors.
- Lightweight.
- Up to 60 minutes of run time.
What we don't like:
- Expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
Arguably one of the most technologically advanced cordless vacuum cleaners available, with an advanced price to match.
Get it here: Dyson V11
Recommended article: Best cordless stick vacuums, according to cleaning experts
Most powerful vacuum cleaner: Miele Complete Cat & Dog Canister
Most powerful vacuum cleaner
Miele Complete Cat & Dog Canister
Let’s face it — your shedding pets are often what’s keeping both you and your vacuum extra busy. Add in the unpleasant odors their hair and dander often leave behind, and you’ve got some major cleaning up to do. This Miele model is not only one of the best vacuum cleaners for pet hair, but its air-clean filter contains active charcoal that neutralizes pet odor. Your room air is more pleasant than it was before vacuuming!
Specifications:
- Weight: 23 pounds.
- Warranty: 3 years.
- Accessories: Crevice tool, upholstery tool, dusting brush, floor brush.
- Price on publish: $1,259.
What we like:
- Reduces pet odors.
- Powerful cleaning performance.
- Recommended for all flooring types.
What we don't like:
- Extremely expensive.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
This high-powered vacuum will not only easily remove pet hair and dander, but it will also reduce pet odors through a sophisticated air filter system.
Get it here: Miele Complete Cat & Dog Canister
Best robot vacuum cleaner: iRobot Roomba i7+
Best robot vacuum cleaner
iRobot Roomba i7+
This little beast is the Rolls Royce of robotic vacuums. “The Roomba i7+ is ideal for pet owners and busy households,” says Sheppard. “It offers excellent suction power, advanced navigation technology, and the convenience of automatic dirt disposal.” With the help of Wi-Fi and Google Assistant, just say, “Tell Roomba to clean under the kitchen table,” and it’s done. After each cleaning, it empties the contents into the bag in its wall station, so it cleans up after itself, as well as you.
Specifications:
- Weight: 7.44 pounds.
- Warranty: 1 year.
- Accessories: Disposable bags, side brushes, wall unit, filters.
- Price on publish: $739.
What we like:
- State-of-the-art technology.
- Self-cleaning dirt disposal.
- Disposal bags hold up to 60 days of debris.
What we don't like:
- Some customer reviews reported malfunctions and “error” codes after a few weeks.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
If you want a robotic vacuum that’s so intelligent it makes a map of your house as it cleans and then empties the debris itself, this machine may be what you’re looking for.
Get it here: iRobot Roomba i7+
Best vacuum cleaner for cars: Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
Best vacuum cleaner for cars
dustbuster® QuickCleanâ?¢ Car Cordless Hand Vacuum with Motorized Upholstery Brush
Specifically designed for car interiors, the Dustbuster QuickClean boasts a long-lasting battery and a motorized brush that lifts dirt and debris. “This handheld vacuum offers powerful suction in a compact design,” says Sheppard. “It’s perfect for cleaning tight spaces like consoles, under seats, even trunk spaces.” It also has a washable filter that makes maintaining the vacuum easy.
Specifications:
- Weight: 3 pounds.
- Warranty: 2 years.
- Accessories: Washable Filter, crevice tool, motorized head.
- Price on publish: $49.99.
What we like:
- Cordless.
- Washable dust bowl and filter.
- Long battery life.
What we don't like:
- Nothing — it’s sufficient for any car, and the Dustbuster is a classic handheld vacuum.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
With powerful suction, a cordless feature and a reasonable price from such an uncompromised brand, this car vacuum seems like a steal.
Get it here: Black+Decker Dustbuster QuickClean
Best vacuum cleaner for bare floors:Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Best vacuum cleaner for bare floors
Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Dyson does it again, this time with its V12 Detect Slim. It’s powerful and cordless — just like the V11 — but this model boasts a more detailed LCD screen and a precisely-angled light that illuminates otherwise invisible dust on hardwood floors. It’s also ergonomic, easy to use and can reach into tight spaces, which allows you to clean frequently without a second thought.
Specifications:
- Weight: 5.22 pounds.
- Warranty: 2 years.
- Accessories: Crevice tool, combination nozzle/brush tool.
- Price on publish: $499.99.
What we like:
- Front end light that shows up dust.
- Powerful suction.
- Lightweight.
What we don't like:
- Not many more advanced features than the Dyson V11.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A reasonably-priced upgrade from the Dyson V11 if you want to light up invisible dust on your floors.
Get it here: Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Best vacuum cleaner for high-pile carpets: Kenmore DU2012 Upright
Best vacuum cleaner for high-pile carpets
Kenmore DU2012 Bagless Upright Vacuum 2-Motor Power Suction Lightweight Carpet Cleaner with 10’Hose, HEPA Filter, 2 Cleaning Tools for Pet Hair, Hardwood Floor, Green
When it comes to cleaning high-pile carpets, Kenmore’s DU2012 won us over due to its suction control, which provides optimal airflow and cleaning efficiency. This feature allows you to adjust the power to different fabrics and carpet weights, which is ideal for high-pile carpets.
Specifications:
- Weight: 14 pounds.
- Warranty: One year.
- Accessories: Three-in-one combination tool.
- Price on publish: $149.99.
What we like:
- Adjustable suction power for different carpet weights.
- Enhanced HEPA filter.
- Swivel steering.
What we don't like:
- Nothing — this is an ideal vacuum for high-pile carpets.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
An upright vacuum with adjustable suction power for any length of high-pile carpet.
Get it here: Kenmore DU2012 Upright
Best vacuum cleaner for big homes: Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away
Best vacuum cleaner for big homes
Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter, Large Dust Cup Capacity, LED Headlights, Upholstery Tool, Perfect Pet Power Brush & Crevice Tool, Bordeaux
“This versatile, upright vacuum offers strong suction, a large dustbin capacity, and an adjustable nozzle for getting under beds and furniture,” says Sheppard. “It also has a long power cord and multi-surface attachments, making it ideal for cleaning large homes with multiple floor types.”
Specifications:
- Weight: 15.4 pounds.
- Warranty: 5 years.
- Accessories: Multi-surface attachments.
- Price on publish: $269.99.
What we like:
- Illuminating LED headlights.
- Advanced swivel steering.
- Longer power cord (30 feet).
What we don't like:
- A bit small for larger homes.
The AP Buyline takeaway:
A smaller vacuum for larger homes, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in power and versatility.
Get it here: Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away
How we selected the best vacuum cleaners
To make my picks, I enlisted the help of an expert in the interior design and housekeeping industry for their professional insight on how to choose the best vacuum cleaners. I also conducted extended research, screening countless customer reviews of the vacuums chosen to gauge user experience.
Which is better, bagged or bagless vacuum cleaners?
Like any merchandise you might buy, Sheppard states that both types have their pros and cons. “Bagless vacuums are more convenient as you don't have to purchase replacement bags,” she says. “But they require more frequent emptying and can release dust and allergens when they’re unloaded. On the other hand, vacuums with bags can hold more dirt and are often better for allergy sufferers, as they contain dust more effectively. But you'll need to buy replacement bags regularly.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Which vacuum cleaner has the strongest suction?
According to Sheppard, Dyson vacuums are often lauded for their strong suction power, but other brands like Miele and Shark also offer models with impressive suction capabilities. It's essential to read reviews and consider your specific cleaning needs before determining which vacuum has the strongest suction for your needs.
Are expensive vacuum cleaners worth it?
“Whether expensive vacuum cleaners are worth it depends on your priorities and budget,” says Sheppard. “High-end models often offer advanced technology features, better-built quality, and stronger suction. However, there are also mid-range options that provide excellent performance at a more affordable price point. Consider factors like warranty, durability and additional features when evaluating the value of an expensive vacuum cleaner.”
What is considered good suction for vacuum cleaners?
“A vacuum cleaner with good suction typically has a wattage of at least 1,000, and an amperage rating of eight to 12,” explains Sheppard. “However, suction alone doesn't determine cleaning performance. Factors like airflow, brush roll design and filtration also play significant roles. Look for vacuum cleaners with high ratings across multiple performance metrics for the best cleaning results.”
Related article: How often should you vacuum? Here’s what the experts say
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
