Keep Your Home Clean With The Best Vacuum Cleaners

Whether you live by yourself or in a busy household with pets and kids, a vacuum cleaner is a must-have tool to keep your space neat and tidy. This household appliance can be used to clean up spilled food, sand, dirt, dust and hair, whether yours or a furry friend's. It's important to find a vacuum cleaner that's right for your home's size and flooring type, though, so you'll need to think about things like suction power, bristle design, filters and more. With so many models available on the market and features to evaluate, shopping for a new vacuum can be tricky. To help you make an informed choice that suits your needs, our team has put together a list of our favorite vacuum cleaners of 2023.

Reviewing The Leading Vacuum Cleaners Of 2023 In Detail

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 Vacuum Cleaner: Best Overall

List Price: $137.99

Thanks to its anti-allergen technology and powerful multi-surface suction, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 Vacuum Cleaner is our top choice for cleaning your home. It's capable of seamlessly transitioning between vacuuming carpets and bare floors with its brush-roll shutoff feature and utilizes a HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens. Convenient to use in multilevel homes and hard-to-reach areas, this vacuum's pod and nozzle detach for easier cleaning of upholstery, furniture, stairs and more. In addition to this unique Lift-Away technology, the dynamic swivel steering design also enables easy maneuvering around furniture and other obstacles.

This vacuum cleaner's 0.9-quart dust cup allows you to clean for longer and can be easily removed and emptied within seconds. This model includes upholstery and crevice tools for efficiently removing pet hair, crumbs and other annoying debris. It also comes with a five-year limited warranty to cover repair or replacement fees in case of potential defects or issues. The Shark Navigator  weighs 15.96 pounds and has a 25-foot-long cord.

Eureka NEU182A PowerSpeed Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner: User-Friendly

List Price: $87.99

Weighing only 10 pounds, the Eureka NEU182A PowerSpeed Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner is easy to use around your home. Designed to clean carpets, shag rugs, hard floors, curtains and more, the five-setting height adjustment ensures it vacuums efficiently on all surfaces while the quick-release handle makes it comfortable to remove dust and dirt at all heights. This model also comes with a dusting brush, extra-long crevice tool and upholstery attachment for cleaning difficult-to-access spots; all of these accessories can be conveniently stored on board.

The Eureka has an extra-large 2.75-quart dust cup, a powerful motor and a wide brush roll that make it easy to suck up all the obstinate and heavy particles in one pass and with fewer breaks. Its smooth wheels prevent it from gouging or scratching your floors. It has a 25-foot-long cord and a washable filter, so it's convenient to maneuver and maintain.

Oreck XL2100RHS Commercial Vacuum Cleaner: Commercial Grade

List Price: $220.00

Boasting a high-speed roller brush that spins at 5,000 to 6,500 RPMs, the Oreck XL2100RHS Commercial Vacuum Cleaner is the ideal option for deep and efficient cleaning on multiple surfaces. The strong suction and microsweep technology allow you to quickly switch from carpet to wood or laminate while the edge brushes and low-profile design make it easy to vacuum around cupboards, baseboards, desks and chairs. The vacuum's clear, non-marring bumpers also help protect surfaces as you maneuver around them.

Unlike other options on our list, the Oreck uses a 630-cubic-inch disposable bag instead of a dust cup. This leads to some additional cost and maintenance over time as you'll need to stay stocked up on vacuum bags. The benefit of this feature, though, is that you can maintain maximum power while swapping out bags, so you don't have to take breaks when cleaning. Further adding to its efficiency and durability, this vacuum cleaner is very lightweight at 9 pounds and features an extra-long 35-foot power cord that is protected by a cord guard.

Dirt Devil Endura Reach UD20124 Vacuum Cleaner: Most Affordable

List Price: $79.99

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, the Dirt Devil Endura Reach UD20124 Vacuum Cleaner comes at an affordable price without compromising on functionality. This lightweight bagless model features HEPA technology and offers consistently powerful performance on carpets and floors alike; plus, it can automatically adjust to different floor heights. You can also clean higher surfaces with the easy-to-release, onboard extension wand that offers 10 feet of reach. This, combined with either the two-in-one dusting brush or crevice tool, can help you thoroughly clean all the nooks and crannies in your home.

Maintaining this vacuum cleaner is straightforward, too, thanks to its 1.6-quart dirt cup that releases easily with just the touch of one button. It also features a washable filter that's easy to clean so you can ensure your vacuum continues performing optimally. This pick weighs 9 pounds and has a 20-foot-long cord that can be automatically retracted for your convenience.

Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Pet Vacuum Cleaner: Ideal for Pet Owners

List Price: $118.44

Do you feel like you're fighting a constant battle against pet hair? If your furry friends are heavy shedders, the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Pet Vacuum Cleaner offers powerful performance and versatile accessories for tackling hair, dander and dirt. With swivel steering for maximum maneuverability, this model makes it easy to clean around furniture and other obstacles while its triple-action brush roll effectively loosens, lifts and removes entrenched pet hair. It also features soft bristles and scatter-free technology to smoothly clean up debris like dry pet food from hard floors without making a bigger mess. The Pet TurboEraser tool is ideal for cleaning stairs, upholstery and more, while the crevice tool is great for vacuuming in corners and under furniture.

This 15-pound vacuum has a filter that uses multi-cyclonic suction to keep dirt away from the product's motor which may help extend its lifespan. As far as maintenance goes, the filter is washable and should be replaced every six months for effective cleaning. The dirt tank is also convenient to empty at the press of a button and has a capacity of 1.05 quarts. While the cord doesn't retract automatically, it is 27 feet long so you can clean up in different rooms without having to replug.

Finding A Quality Vacuum Cleaner: A Buyer's Guide

While most vacuum cleaners should operate well enough on low- to medium-pile carpets and hardwood floors, selecting a high-quality model for your home requires considering more than just the surface you'll be cleaning. Let's explore some of the factors and features you should evaluate before purchasing your next vacuum.

How To Pick The Right Vacuum Cleaner

Vacuuming Routine

Buying a vacuum cleaner means considering how often you will use it. You might not have time to vacuum every day, but if you do, a model with a detachable hose or extension wand such as the one from Shark may be ideal for maintaining a clean home. If you vacuum less frequently, select an upright option with a powerful motor like the Oreck XL2100RHS Commercial Vacuum Cleaner to ensure deep cleaning. Or, if you want to vacuum daily but don't have the time, consider investing in a robotic vacuum that will clean automatically while you're away.

Allergies

If you want to eliminate dust or pet dander from your home because of allergies, you should select a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter. This type of filtration can help remove and trap small, harmful particles such as pollen, smoke and germs. If you suffer from severe allergies, you should replace or clean the filter at least once every six months.

Size

It's essential to consider the size of the vacuum cleaner that you intend to purchase. Some vacuum cleaners can be cumbersome and difficult to move around due to their weight. Often, these vacuums are the most effective at deep cleaning big areas due to their larger motors and brush rolls. A larger vacuum like the product from Bissell is the way to go if you need power. If you have limited space or you want a highly portable vacuum, consider a more compact and lightweight model with great suction force like the Eureka NEU182A PowerSpeed Vacuum Cleaner.

Weight

Many full-size upright vacuum cleaners can weigh over 15 pounds, but some models weigh less than 10 pounds for better portability. If you live in a multilevel home and must carry the vacuum up and down stairs, opt for a lightweight model such as the Dirt Devil Endura Reach UD20124 Vacuum Cleaner.

Pets

If you have pets, it's important to invest in a vacuum that's designed to withstand their hair and messes. Ensure that the vacuum you select has a specially constructed brush roll that can effectively remove and trap pet hairs without clogging. You may also want to look for attachments that are designed to remove hair or pick up spilled food in hard-to-access areas.

Filters

Useful for purifying the air of your home, the filter of a vacuum cleaner is the key component that catches and traps small particles like dust. Some filters are more effective than others, however, making this an important thing to evaluate based on your health. For example, if you're concerned about allergens or germs, a HEPA filter may be a must-have. Filters will generally require some maintenance, usually washing, and replacement. We recommend checking each model's specifications for caring for its specific filter to ensure effective cleaning each time you vacuum.

Types Of Vacuums Cleaners

Upright Vacuums

Upright vacuum cleaners are the most common type of vacuum and are great for use in houses, apartments and commercial spaces. Generally, they are the best vacuums for eliminating debris and dust from carpeting, area rugs and hard flooring; plus, they can swiftly and effectively clean large areas.

Stick And Handheld Vacuums

Handheld and stick vacuums, often the smallest and lightest options, are also cordless and may be used for a wide range of cleaning activities around the home.

• Handheld vacuums

Handheld vacuum cleaners are ideal for cleaning elevated surfaces such as cabinets, upholstery, vents and curtains. They also come in handy for vacuuming spaces where you don't have access to an outlet like vehicle interiors. Use them to pick up loose debris, dust and crumbs or to clean up a small spill.

• Stick Vacuums

Stick vacuums come with the same structure as an upright vacuum, yet are much smaller and lighter and often don't come with attachments, making them the best choice for high-traffic floors that require a daily once-over. A stick vacuum on the top floor of a multi-story home can save you the trouble of dragging the heavy upright model up the stairs each time you need to clean.

Canister Vacuums

The motor and bag of a cylinder or canister vacuum are contained in a separate unit typically positioned on wheels for ease of use. A flexible hose links the canister to the vacuum cleaner's head (the part that sucks in the dirt and debris), allowing you to pull the canister along with you as you vacuum.

Not only are canister vacuums more portable than conventional vacuums, but the head of a canister model is also quite compact and flexible. This feature makes them easy to maneuver into small or tight spaces such as under couches and other furniture. Canister vacuums work well on upholstery and carpets, too.

Carpet Cleaners

Dust mites, dirt, pet dander and bacteria may still be deep inside the carpet strands even after regular vacuuming. Matted dirt is particularly abrasive and can reduce the lifespan of a carpet. A carpet cleaner is a great option for deep cleaning, typically using water and soap in combination with suction.

People Also Ask

How much should my vacuum cleaner weigh?

Ideally, you should look for a vacuum cleaner that weighs about 10 pounds so that you can easily maneuver it as you clean.

How often should I vacuum?

Generally, carpeted areas should be vacuumed twice a week, while hard floors require less upkeep and should be vacuumed at least once a week. If you have pets, live in a dusty area or track in a lot of dirt, we recommend vacuuming daily or several times a week. This frequency can help keep your house cleaner and improve your indoor air quality. If you don't have time to vacuum the entire house, focus on the areas where your pets or kids spend the most time.

Do I need a vacuum if my home doesn't have any carpeting?

Even if your home doesn't have any carpeting, a vacuum cleaner that works on hard flooring is still very useful for keeping your home clean. While you could use a broom and dustpan to sweep up dirt and debris, a vacuum will help you save lots of time and effort. Plus, vacuum cleaners can also be used to clean upholstery and tight areas that might be difficult to access with other cleaning methods.