Updated Aug 2026 Get the list
Home/ Kitchen/ 10 Best Vacuum Cleaners (2026)
Best vacuum cleaners
Image: techgearlab.com

10 Best Vacuum Cleaners (2026)

Ryan Carter By Ryan Carter | 23 min read | Published

A good upright vacuum has to do more than make a clean stripe through the carpet. It needs to collect pet hair, move around furniture, reach stairs, and keep dust contained when the bin comes off. The Best vacuum cleaners in this roundup focus on those everyday jobs, with a strong emphasis on sealed filtration and above-floor cleaning.

The list ranges from very light Eureka models to feature-heavy Shark uprights with powered lift-away pods, headlights, and specialized pet tools. The Shark NV360 is our top pick because it combines strong multi-surface cleaning, HEPA filtration, swivel steering, and useful lift-away flexibility without becoming excessively heavy.

Comparison

# Product Award Weight Lift-away Best for
1 Shark NV360 Best overall 15.96 lb Yes Whole-home cleaning
2 Shark NV352 Best lightweight Shark 12.5 lb Yes Stairs and pet hair
3 Shark NV752 Rotator Best for pet owners 15.4 lb Powered Deep cleaning and pets
4 Shark NV356E Best sealed filtration 13.7 lb Yes Allergy-conscious homes
5 Bissell 39883 Best tangle-resistant design 15.7 lb Yes Fur and hard floors
6 Eureka PowerSpeed Best adjustable cleaner 11.5 lb No Mixed flooring
7 Shark NV501 Rotator Best traditional Rotator 15.5 lb Yes Furniture and corners
8 Shark ZU561 Best for hair wrap resistance 13.45 lb Yes Long pet hair
9 Eureka NEU10AE4 Best ultra-lightweight 7.7 lb No Small homes
10 Eureka NEU10AE5 Best compact upright 7.7 lb No Quick daily cleaning

1. Shark NV360: Best Overall

Shark NV360 upright vacuum cleaner, one of the best vacuum cleaners for carpet, hard floors, and pet hair

Pros

  • Strong suction across carpet and hard floors
  • Lift-away pod reaches stairs and furniture
  • HEPA filter and complete anti-allergen seal
  • Swivel steering makes turns manageable

Cons

  • Heavier than the lightest Eureka models
  • No powered brushroll in lift-away mode
  • Dimensions can make storage awkward

Best for: households that want one upright vacuum for floors, stairs, furniture, and pet hair.

Check price on Amazon →

The Shark NV360 is the least complicated recommendation here. It has the upright presence and suction needed for carpets, but the pod detaches when the job moves to stairs, upholstery, baseboards, or curtains. That distinction matters more than a long accessory list. You can use the main machine for floors, then carry the pod instead of trying to balance a full upright on a staircase.

At 15.96 pounds, it is not a featherweight, although the weight is reasonable for a full-size upright with a lift-away design. Its 26.77-inch height, 14.37-inch length, and 11.61-inch width give it a fairly substantial footprint. Swivel steering helps offset that bulk around table legs and corners. The cleaner is designed for both carpet and hard floors, and its multi-surface suction is a better fit for mixed homes than a carpet-only upright.

The HEPA filter works with an anti-allergen complete seal to keep dust and non-living allergens inside the vacuum. That does not eliminate the need to empty the dust cup carefully, but it gives the NV360 a more reassuring filtration design than the simplest lightweight models. The upholstery and crevice tools also make it practical for pet hair on furniture and for narrow gaps around the room.

The Shark NV352 is lighter and the Eureka NEU10AE4 is dramatically easier to carry, but neither offers the same balance of lift-away flexibility and full-home capability. The NV752 Rotator has more advanced pet features and a powered lift-away pod, yet it is a heavier, more specialized machine. The NV360's weakness is its lack of powered brushroll operation in lift-away mode, so it is not the first choice for someone who frequently deep-cleans carpeted stairs. For most homes, it is the one we'd keep.

2. Shark NV352: Best Lightweight Shark

Shark NV352 upright vacuum cleaner with lift-away pod and HEPA filtration

Pros

  • Lightest full-featured Shark in this group
  • Lift-away cleaning for stairs and upholstery
  • Swivel steering and multi-surface suction
  • Wide upholstery tool helps with pet hair

Cons

  • Older design with a tall body
  • Fewer specialized pet features than the NV752
  • No powered brushroll in lift-away mode

Best for: people who want a capable Shark upright that is easier to carry between floors.

Check price on Amazon →

The Shark NV352 feels like the sensible choice for someone who wants lift-away cleaning but does not want to carry the heaviest machine in the group. At 12.5 pounds, it is noticeably lighter than the NV360, NV501, and NV752. That makes a difference when the vacuum has to be lifted into a closet, carried upstairs, or held while cleaning a flight of stairs.

Its core layout is familiar and useful. Strong multi-surface suction handles carpet and hard floors, while the detachable pod turns the machine into an above-floor cleaner for upholstery, stairs, blinds, curtains, and baseboards. Swivel steering lets the floor head change direction without forcing the whole upright around furniture. The included upholstery and crevice tools cover the tasks most homes actually need.

The HEPA filter and anti-allergen complete seal are important strengths. The NV352 is aimed at homes dealing with everyday dust, dander, and pet hair, and its wide upholstery tool is particularly helpful on furniture and stairs. Its 45.5-inch height and 15-inch length make it tall rather than compact, so the lower carrying weight does not automatically mean easy storage.

Compared with the Shark NV360, the NV352 gives up some of the newer model's appeal but gains a lighter body. The Shark NV356E is another close alternative, though its main advantage is filtration rather than carrying comfort. The Bissell 39883 has a more purposeful tangle-free brushroll design, while the NV352 remains the simpler choice for ordinary pet hair pickup. Skip it if you want powered tools or illuminated debris detection. Choose it if moving a full-size vacuum is the part of cleaning you dislike most.

3. Shark NV752 Rotator: Best for Pet Owners

Shark NV752 Rotator upright vacuum with powered lift-away pod and pet tools

Pros

  • Powered lift-away mode keeps the brushroll spinning
  • Self-cleaning Pet Power Brush
  • LED headlights expose hidden hair and debris
  • Large 0.88-quart dust cup
  • HEPA filtration with complete seal

Cons

  • Heavier than the NV352 and lightweight Eurekas
  • More parts and controls to manage
  • Bulky for cramped storage

Best for: pet owners who need strong floor, stair, upholstery, and under-furniture cleaning.

Check price on Amazon →

The Shark NV752 Rotator is the most complete pet-cleaning machine in this roundup. Its important advantage is not simply that the pod comes off. The powered lift-away design keeps the brushroll spinning after the pod is detached, so you can clean under furniture and on stairs without reducing the floor tool to a suction-only attachment.

Pet hair is where the NV752 separates itself from the more basic Navigator models. The self-cleaning Pet Power Brush is designed for carpeted stairs and upholstery, and the upholstery tool handles hair on curtains, lampshades, shelves, tables, and walls. LED headlights on the nozzle reveal debris that is easy to miss in shadowed corners. Those lights are a practical feature rather than decoration when a dark carpet hides pale fur.

The 0.88-quart dust cup supports longer cleaning sessions, and its removable design makes emptying straightforward. Shark lists an anti-allergen complete seal with a HEPA filter that traps 99.9 percent of dust and allergens inside the cleaner, based on the stated ASTM test conditions for particles 0.3 microns or larger. Fingertip controls let you switch between hard floor and carpet modes, which is useful in a home with both surfaces.

At 15.4 pounds, this is not the machine we'd choose for someone who wants the easiest possible carry. The NV360 is less elaborate, the NV352 is lighter, and the Shark ZU561 offers a self-cleaning brushroll in a slimmer package. Yet the NV752 beats them when pet hair, stairs, and under-furniture carpet cleaning are all regular chores. If you mostly clean open hard floors, its extra tools and powered pod may be more machine than you need.

4. Shark NV356E: Best Sealed Filtration

Shark NV356E lift-away upright vacuum with HEPA filter for pet hair

Pros

  • HEPA filtration with stated 99.9 percent capture claim
  • Anti-allergen complete seal
  • Lift-away pod for stairs and furniture
  • Swivel steering
  • Handles carpet, hard floors, and pet hair

Cons

  • Tall upright design
  • Less specialized than the NV752
  • No powered lift-away brushroll listed

Best for: homes where dust containment matters as much as everyday floor cleaning.

Check price on Amazon →

The Shark NV356E is a straightforward upright with a particularly clear filtration story. Shark says its HEPA system and anti-allergen complete seal trap 99.9 percent of dust and allergens, based on ASTM F1977 testing for particles 0.3 microns and larger. For an allergy-conscious household, that sealed design is more meaningful than a vacuum that only advertises a removable filter.

The machine weighs 13.7 pounds, putting it between the lighter NV352 and the more substantial NV360. Its 45.5-inch height and 14.96-inch length give it a familiar tall-upright shape. Swivel steering makes the floor head easier to guide around furniture, while the lift-away pod handles stairs and above-floor jobs. The dusting brush and crevice tool are suited to upholstery, baseboards, curtains, blinds, and narrow gaps.

Its floor cleaning coverage is broad rather than specialized. The NV356E is built for carpet, hardwood, pet hair, dander, and ordinary debris. That makes it more versatile than the Eureka NEU10AE4, which is primarily attractive because it is light, but less feature-rich than the NV752 Rotator. The Bissell 39883 offers a tangle-free brushroll and a one-liter tank, so it is a better fit for someone who prioritizes hair management and bin capacity.

The main limitation is that this is still a full-size upright with a tall storage profile. There is no powered brushroll function listed for its lift-away pod, so heavy stair-carpet work is better handled by the NV752. The NV356E earns its place for readers who want a conventional Shark with strong maneuverability and sealed HEPA filtration. It is the pick to make when keeping dust contained is the first concern.

5. Bissell 39883: Best Tangle-Resistant Design

Bissell 39883 Pet Hair Eraser upright vacuum with detachable pod

Pros

  • Tangle-free brushroll design
  • Detachable Lift-Off pod
  • One-liter easy-empty dirt tank
  • HEPA sealed allergen system
  • Scatter-free cleaning for hard floors

Cons

  • Heavier than the Eureka uprights
  • Fewer steering details are provided
  • Pet-focused design is less general-purpose than the NV360

Best for: pet owners who want hair management and a large easy-empty tank.

Check price on Amazon →

The Bissell 39883 takes a different route from the Shark models. Its headline feature is a tangle-free brushroll, designed to handle fur without making brushroll maintenance the central chore. That is appealing in homes with long-haired pets, where a vacuum can spend almost as much time collecting hair as it does cleaning it.

The Lift-Off pod detaches from the upright body, and a quick-release extension wand helps reach furniture, stairs, and other awkward areas. The included TurboEraser Pet Tool is intended for pet hair, while the two-in-one dusting brush and crevice tool cover shelves, upholstery, edges, and tight spaces. At 15.7 pounds, the machine has the weight of a substantial upright, but the detachable pod makes above-floor cleaning less cumbersome.

Bissell gives the 39883 a HEPA sealed allergen system that captures dust allergens inside the vacuum. Its one-liter Easy Empty dirt tank is larger than the NV752's listed 0.88-quart cup, although capacity alone does not determine how convenient a vacuum is to empty. Scatter-free technology is another useful touch for hard floors, where a conventional brushroll can sometimes push crumbs away before the suction reaches them.

The Shark NV752 remains the stronger choice for powered lift-away carpet cleaning and illuminated floor work. The NV360 is the more balanced all-purpose recommendation, while the Bissell is the one to consider when brushroll hair wrap is the nuisance you most want to avoid. Its weakness is that the data does not list Shark-style swivel steering or powered pod operation. People with mostly bare floors and pet hair on furniture should take a close look. For broad mixed-floor cleaning, the NV360 is more flexible.

6. Eureka PowerSpeed: Best Adjustable Cleaner

Eureka PowerSpeed upright vacuum with five height settings for carpet and hard floors

Pros

  • Five height settings for different floor types
  • 11.5-pound upright body
  • Onboard crevice, dusting, and upholstery tools
  • Washable filter
  • Cyclone system handles varied debris

Cons

  • Brushroll and belt need regular cleaning
  • No lift-away pod
  • Wider body than the smallest Eureka

Best for: mixed-floor homes that need adjustable floor height and a useful onboard hose.

Check price on Amazon →

The Eureka PowerSpeed is the practical alternative to the Shark lift-away designs. It does not detach into a portable pod, but it responds to a different problem: getting a floor head to work sensibly across hard floors, regular carpet, and shag rugs. Its five height settings let you adjust the cleaner rather than forcing one floor-head position to do everything.

At 11.5 pounds, the PowerSpeed is considerably easier to move than the larger Sharks. Its 44.5-inch height and 13.78-inch width make it a fairly broad upright, though its lower weight helps when carrying it. The quick-release handle connects to a stretch hose for above-floor cleaning. A seven-inch crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool are stored onboard, so they are less likely to disappear in a cupboard.

The upgraded cyclone system is designed to handle larger debris, smaller dirt, and microscopic dust. Eureka also says the vacuum traps 99.9 percent of dust, dander, and allergens. Its five settings are the more important everyday feature, especially for homes where a low carpet setting would drag on a hard floor or a high setting would reduce contact with a dense rug.

The warning about maintenance deserves attention. Eureka recommends cleaning the roller brush and belt every two weeks because hair and dirt can clog the brush, cause malfunction, or create a risk of smoke and belt breakage if neglected. That is a real drawback next to the Shark ZU561's self-cleaning brushroll. The PowerSpeed is a better fit than the NEU10AE4 or NEU10AE5 when floor-height adjustment matters, but skip it if you want a genuinely low-maintenance pet vacuum.

7. Shark NV501 Rotator: Best Traditional Rotator

Shark NV501 Rotator lift-away upright vacuum with HEPA filtration

Pros

  • Lift-away pod for above-floor work
  • Strong multi-surface suction
  • HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal
  • Swivel steering
  • Broad set of dusting, upholstery, and crevice tools

Cons

  • Heavy 15.5-pound design
  • Awkward listed dimensions for storage
  • Lacks the NV752's powered lift-away feature

Best for: shoppers who want a traditional full-size Shark Rotator for whole-home cleaning.

Check price on Amazon →

The Shark NV501 Rotator is a conventional, full-size upright that covers the basics well. It cleans carpet and hard floors, swivels around furniture, and detaches into a pod for stairs, upholstery, curtains, blinds, and baseboards. The design is less focused on a single pet-specific feature than the NV752, which makes it a sensible general cleaner for homes that still have plenty of fur and dust.

Its listed weight is 15.5 pounds, close to the NV360 and NV752. The product information gives dimensions of 45.7 inches in length, 12.2 inches in height, and 12.1 inches in width, a presentation that suggests a long, substantial machine rather than a compact closet appliance. Storage may require more thought than it would with the Eureka models, but the pod system reduces the effort of cleaning surfaces above the floor.

The HEPA filter works with Shark's anti-allergen complete seal, while swivel steering helps the floor head move around corners and furniture. The dusting brush, upholstery tool, and crevice tool give it a useful range for shelves, fabric, edges, and narrow spaces. Its suction is described for both carpet and hard floors, so it is not limited to one room type.

The NV752 beats it for pet-focused cleaning because its powered lift-away mode keeps the brushroll active and its nozzle has LED headlights. The NV360 is a more balanced recommendation for most buyers, while the NV501 remains a good fit for someone who prefers the Rotator layout and wants a broad selection of above-floor tools. Its weakness is simple: it carries the weight of a feature-rich upright without the newer pet-specific advantages.

8. Shark ZU561: Best for Hair Wrap Resistance

Shark ZU561 Navigator upright vacuum with self-cleaning brushroll and HEPA filter

Pros

  • Self-cleaning brushroll
  • Lift-away pod for stairs and furniture
  • Suction control slider
  • HEPA filter and anti-allergen complete seal
  • Relatively narrow 9.5-inch width

Cons

  • Still needs routine dust cup and filter care
  • No powered lift-away brushroll listed
  • Product documentation refers to the ZU560 series

Best for: pet owners who want to reduce hair wrapping around the floor brush.

Check price on Amazon →

The Shark ZU561 is built around one common frustration: cutting hair off a brushroll by hand. Its self-cleaning brushroll is designed for pet hair pickup with no hair wrap, giving it a clear advantage over the Eureka PowerSpeed, whose maintenance warning specifically calls for regular roller and belt cleaning.

The vacuum weighs 13.448 pounds and has a listed width of 9.5 inches, narrower than every other full-size upright in this group. That should make it easier to guide through tight gaps, although the 45.6-inch height still gives it a tall upright profile. Lift-away mode lets you detach the pod for furniture and stairs, and the included tools are aimed at tight spaces, upholstery, and stubborn pet hair.

A suction control slider lets you adjust the vacuum from hard floors to carpets. That is useful when a single fixed suction level makes bare-floor cleaning feel too aggressive or carpet cleaning too loose. The HEPA filter and anti-allergen complete seal are stated to trap over 99.9 percent of dust and allergens inside the cleaner.

The NV752 remains the superior choice for deep pet cleaning because its pod stays powered and its nozzle includes LED headlights. The NV352 is lighter, while the NV360 is the stronger all-round recommendation. The ZU561's real limitation is that self-cleaning does not mean maintenance-free, and the documentation references the ZU560 series even though the unit listed here is the ZU561. Choose it when long pet hair is the recurring problem, not when you need the most powerful above-floor setup.

9. Eureka NEU10AE4: Best Ultra-Lightweight

Eureka NEU10AE4 ultra-lightweight upright vacuum for small homes and hard floors

Pros

  • Very light 7.7-pound body
  • 10.5-inch cleaning path
  • Washable filter
  • Quick-release handle for above-floor cleaning
  • Tools stay on the vacuum

Cons

  • No lift-away pod
  • Basic tool selection
  • Less suited to intensive carpet and pet-hair work

Best for: apartments, smaller homes, and quick daily floor cleaning.

Check price on Amazon →

The Eureka NEU10AE4 wins on portability. At 7.7 pounds, it is less than half the weight of some full-size Shark models, so carrying it from room to room or up a staircase is a minor task rather than a decision. The compact body can also fit in storage spaces that reject a tall, heavy lift-away upright.

It has all-floor suction for hard floors and carpets, with a 10.5-inch cleaning path that covers a useful strip without making the machine wide. The quick-release handle accepts the crevice tool or dusting brush for upholstery, windows, and other hard-to-reach places. Those tools snap onto the vacuum, keeping them available during cleaning.

The washable filter is a practical ownership feature. It can be rinsed and left to dry, and Eureka lists a 700-watt motor for this model. The compact size and low weight are its strongest arguments, not a large accessory system or a specialized pet brush. It can pick up everyday dirt and hair, but the available data does not give it the deeper pet-focused toolkit found on the Shark NV752 or Bissell 39883.

The NEU10AE5 is nearly identical in weight and general purpose, while the PowerSpeed adds five height settings for more demanding mixed flooring. The Shark NV352 is heavier but offers a true lift-away pod and sealed HEPA filtration. This Eureka is the right answer for a small space where the vacuum has to be easy to grab often. People with thick carpet, many stairs, or heavy shedding should move up to a more substantial model.

10. Eureka NEU10AE5: Best Compact Upright

Eureka NEU10AE5 compact upright vacuum cleaner for hard floors and carpets

Pros

  • 7.7-pound compact design
  • 10.5-inch cleaning path
  • Washable filter
  • Quick-release handle and onboard tools
  • All-floor suction

Cons

  • No lift-away pod
  • No pet-specific powered tool
  • Smaller design is less suitable for deep carpet cleaning

Best for: users who need a light, compact vacuum for routine cleaning.

Check price on Amazon →

The Eureka NEU10AE5 is the most approachable vacuum here for quick cleanups. It weighs 7.7 pounds and measures 26.38 inches high, 12.2 inches long, and 10.63 inches wide. That compact profile is easier to carry and store than the tall bodies of the Shark uprights, particularly in a small apartment or a home with limited closet space.

Its 10.5-inch cleaning path is wide enough to move through a room efficiently while keeping the body manageable. All-floor suction is intended for carpets and hard floors, and the quick-release handle turns the upright into a basic above-floor tool. The crevice tool and dusting brush attach to the handle and remain on board, so cleaning window ledges, upholstery, and narrow spaces does not require a separate tool hunt.

The washable filter keeps routine maintenance simple. Eureka also describes the NEU10AE5 as a bagless upright with all tools on board. Those are useful conveniences, but this is still a basic cleaner. There is no lift-away pod, HEPA filter claim, powered pet tool, or self-cleaning brushroll listed in the product information.

The NEU10AE4 is the closest comparison, and the two models share the same 7.7-pound weight and 10.5-inch cleaning path. The NEU10AE5 has the more compact listed height, while the PowerSpeed is a better choice when five floor-height settings matter. The Shark NV360 is far more capable for stairs, furniture, filtration, and pet hair. Choose the NEU10AE5 when low weight and easy storage matter more than deep carpet performance.


How to choose best vacuum cleaners
Image: consumerreports.org

How to choose best vacuum cleaners

The best vacuum cleaners are separated less by flashy claims than by how well their floor head, filtration, weight, and above-floor tools match the home.

Floor compatibility

A vacuum for mixed flooring needs to move from carpet to hard floor without scattering debris or dragging aggressively. Height settings, suction controls, and explicit multi-surface modes are useful signs. The Eureka PowerSpeed has five height settings, while the Shark NV752 offers fingertip controls for hard floor and carpet modes.

For homes dominated by hard floors, a wide cleaning path can shorten routine sessions, but brushroll behavior matters too. Scatter-free technology on the Bissell 39883 is designed to reduce the tendency to push debris across bare floors.

The right vacuum is the one that changes with your floor, not the one that forces every room into the same setting.

Pet hair tools

Pet hair on carpet calls for a brushroll that agitates fibers, while hair on furniture needs a smaller powered or specialized tool. The Shark NV752 has a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush, the Bissell 39883 includes a TurboEraser Pet Tool, and the Shark ZU561 uses a self-cleaning brushroll.

Maintenance is part of this choice. Eureka warns that its PowerSpeed roller and belt should be cleaned every two weeks, while the ZU561's brushroll is designed to resist hair wrap. For homes with long-haired pets, those differences can matter more than the vacuum's overall size.

Filtration and sealing

A HEPA filter is most useful when the rest of the vacuum is sealed well enough to keep collected dust inside. The Shark NV360, NV352, NV356E, NV501, NV752, and ZU561 all list HEPA filtration with an anti-allergen complete seal. The Bissell 39883 lists a HEPA sealed allergen system.

The Eureka models include washable filters, and the PowerSpeed states that it traps 99.9 percent of dust, dander, and allergens. Buyers who are especially sensitive to airborne dust should look for both the filter type and the sealing language, not one feature in isolation.

Weight and storage

A heavy upright can feel stable on carpet but become tiring on stairs and difficult to store. The Eureka NEU10AE4 and NEU10AE5 weigh 7.7 pounds, while the Shark NV352 is the lightest Shark here at 12.5 pounds. Full-size models such as the NV360, NV501, NV752, and Bissell 39883 weigh about 15 to 16 pounds.

Check the stated dimensions as well as weight. A tall body may fit poorly in a shallow closet, and a wide floor head can be awkward between furniture. A lift-away pod reduces the effort of above-floor cleaning, but it does not necessarily make the upright body smaller.

Above-floor flexibility

Stairs, furniture, curtains, blinds, and baseboards are where upright vacuums often show their limitations. A lift-away pod is more useful than a long hose alone because it lets you carry the suction unit closer to the work. Shark's Navigator and Rotator models all use this approach, while the Eureka models rely on a quick-release handle and hose.

If automated cleaning is more appealing than carrying an upright, how robot vacuums handle everyday floor cleaning covers a different style of machine. For hard floors specifically, the floor types that need gentler vacuuming are worth considering before choosing a brushroll-heavy upright.

Best vacuum cleaners
Image: hoover.com

Frequently asked questions

Are upright vacuums good for pet hair?

Yes, provided the vacuum has an effective brushroll and a tool for upholstery. The Shark NV752, Shark ZU561, and Bissell 39883 are the strongest pet-focused options here because they include specialized hair-management features. A basic upright can still collect fur, but it may require more brushroll maintenance.

Is a HEPA filter enough for allergy concerns?

A HEPA filter is only part of the filtration system. A sealed body helps prevent collected dust from escaping around the filter, which is why the Shark models combine HEPA filtration with an anti-allergen complete seal. Filters also need to be maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

What does lift-away mean on a vacuum?

Lift-away means the main pod or canister detaches from the floor-cleaning body. You can carry that section to stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas while using an attached hose or tool. The Shark NV752 is different because its powered lift-away mode keeps the brushroll operating after the pod is detached.

Which vacuum is easiest to carry?

The Eureka NEU10AE4 and Eureka NEU10AE5 are the lightest models in this group at 7.7 pounds. The Shark NV352 is the lightest full-featured Shark at 12.5 pounds and adds a lift-away pod. A lower weight does not necessarily mean stronger carpet cleaning, so choose based on both portability and floor type.

How often should a vacuum brushroll be cleaned?

It depends on the brushroll design and how much hair the vacuum collects. Eureka recommends cleaning the PowerSpeed roller brush and belt every two weeks to reduce clogging and prevent malfunction. A self-cleaning brushroll, such as the one on the Shark ZU561, reduces hair wrapping but does not remove the need to inspect the machine.

Are these vacuums suitable for hard floors?

All ten models list either hard-floor cleaning or all-floor suction. The Eureka PowerSpeed is useful when you want five height settings, while the Bissell 39883 includes scatter-free technology for hard floors. A vacuum with a floor-mode control, such as the Shark NV752, gives more direct control when switching surfaces.

Best vacuum cleaners
Image: forbes.com

The bottom line

The Best vacuum cleaners in this group are the Shark NV360 for most homes and the Shark NV752 Rotator for serious pet cleanup. The NV360 has the strongest balance of multi-surface suction, sealed HEPA filtration, swivel steering, and lift-away flexibility. The NV752 adds powered lift-away cleaning, LED headlights, a large dust cup, and a self-cleaning pet brush for a more demanding household.

The Eureka NEU10AE4 and NEU10AE5 make more sense when carrying weight and compact storage are the deciding factors. The Shark NV352 is the middle ground for people who want a lighter full-size cleaner with a detachable pod.

If you are undecided, choose the Shark NV360 unless your home has heavy pet hair on stairs and upholstery, in which case choose the Shark NV752 Rotator.

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

One tested pick a week. No sponsored junk.

We send what we have actually been using, plus price drops worth acting on. Join the list.

No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.