If you are looking for a new vacuum cleaner to replace an existing one or as a first vacuum for your home, then you want to know what the current trends are. In this article we will review some of the top vacuum cleaners for 2021. You may wonder why there are certain models included in this list that are older models and that is because they have continued to remain popular among consumers throughout the last year, so they made our list too. We had a look at upright vacuums, canister vacuums, stick vacuums, cordless vacuums and handheld vacuums to ensure that we covered the range of choices so that people are aware of the variety and versatility of choices that they have for vacuums.
Top Vacuum Cleaners - All Types
1. Shark Vertex AZ2002 Upright Vacuum
For cleaning a large home effectively and easily, the Shark AZ2002 has to be recognized as one of the best vacuum cleaners. It is the most power Shark vacuum and has benefitted from some recent upgrades, resulting in improved power and cleaning ability.
Vertex technology has taken this, already powerful 1344W machine, to new heights. Few vacuum cleaners are this effective at deep cleaning carpet and removing heavy debris from hard floors. The DuoClean brush roll has also received an upgrade. People have come to really appreciate the convenience of the Shark dual brush roll setup with self-cleaning anti-wrap.
It’s hard to imagine how this could be improved upon. Well, the Shark engineers have done just that. PowerFins have come to replace the hard bristle brushes, found on previous generation Shark models. The flexible fin remains in contact with the floor at all times. Unlike a bristle brush, there are no gap. This means no dirt can escape the fins as they relentlessly clean the floor.
This is a bulky, and somewhat heavy machine, at 16.38 pounds. Though, if you’re looking for the best vacuum cleaner to clean a large area, this cannot be avoided. The Shark AZ2002 has a huge 1-quart dust cup and a large cleaning head. It is, none the less, quite handy for hard to reach areas too, thanks to powered lift away technology. It converts into a handheld canister vacuum in a synch, whilst still providing power for attachments like the Power Pet Brush. Sort of like the best of all worlds.
The AZ2002 has a conveniently long 30’ power cord that wraps neatly around hooks on the handle for storage. It also has one of the best HEPA filtration systems, with anti-allergen complete seal. This has, for a long time, placed Shark vacuums as one of the best for people with allergies and conditions like Asthma. With the addition of Vertex and PowerFin design improvements, Shark have managed to take one of the best vacuum cleaners and made it even better. Quite an achievement if you ask me. If you need to clean up after a large family and pets, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more accomplished vacuum.
2. Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum
When talking about the best vacuums (whether it’s for 2021 or any other year), Dyson will usually be at the top of the list. The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is, by no means a cheap vacuum cleaner. Dyson appliances will never be cheap. The aim here is not to try and build the cheapest vacuum but, rather, to aim for the best.
Some may not agree, but most people in the know will argue that Dyson vacuums are the best. The guys at Dyson claim that the Ball Animal 2 has the strongest suction of all vacuums. I have no way of telling whether this is true or not.
The scientific testing that they quote reads: “Suction tested ASTM F558” – don’t ask me what this means, but it must count for something. What I can make of this, it seems that the suction at the head, in terms of the dust that is collected, beats all other upright vacuums. Regardless of how they’ve tested this machine in the lab, it’s a mighty powerful beast. When you use it, you’ll never run out of power, even sucking up heavy debris with the dust cup close to full. For all intents and purposes, we can assume that their claim of the best suction power is probably true.
What makes Dyson vacuums particularly impressive to me is their fantastic air filtration system. They use HEPA filters which, on its own, is impressive but not unique. There are many vacuums that use filters of this caliber and are not necessarily as expensive the Dyson. Dyson does, however, takes the prize for their radial root cyclonic technology. This removes minute dust particles and allergens before they even enter the dust cup. The result is superior air quality and a reduced build up of dirt in the filters. The air filtration ability of the Dyson Ball Animal 2 is of such a high standard that it’s been approved by the Asthma and Allergy Association of America.
The suction head adjusts automatically to the floor surface. This means that transitioning from carpet to hard floors is effortless and the cleaner head will maintain maximum suction throughout the home. Another feature that makes for effortless cleaning is the quick release wand and hose. The extra length of the hose will also make your life much easier.
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 is certainly the best vacuum for families with young kids and pets. Not only does the incredible suction power make light work of the toughest debris, but the tangle-free turbine tool cleans up pet hair like few other attachments can.
Emptying the large capacity dust cup is a breeze. The dust cup remains completely sealed when unclipping it from the vacuum, it has a cover at the bottom that opens when you press down on a finger operated release clip. So this means that you won’t have dust escaping until you empty it by holding it over the trash can and press the release button. It’s perfectly hygienic and superbly convenient.
To look at the Dyson Ball Animal 2, you’d say it has a space age design. When you go into all the technical genius that’s gone into this design, you’ll quickly realize that this powerful vacuum is way ahead of its time. The Dyson reputation and a fantastic 5-year warranty two more reasons why you’ll want to consider this vacuum as your number one choice, despite its rather hefty price tag. This is the latest Dyson upright vacuum currently.
3. Shark DuoClean AZ1002 Upright Vacuum
A close second to the Dyson Ball Animal 2 (and at a lower price), has to be the Shark DuoClean AZ1002. This is not claiming to be the most powerful vacuum, but it certainly comes close. There are quite a few other very attractive features on the Shark DuoClean that could easily win you over.
The Zero M self cleaning brushroll delivers nonstop hair removal. The reason why this vacuum has been dubbed the DuoClean is because of its remarkable rollers, maybe the best there is. It combines the tough deep cleaning abilities of a bristle brush with a soft roller that’s perfect for large debris and polishes your hard floors as it cleans. Moving from carpet to hard floor cleaning is made very easy with finger tip touch controls to change the brush roller action.
The Shark AZ1002 is also one of the top choices in vacuums for people with allergies and it includes high-grade HEPA air filtration. Dynamic swivel steering and powerful LED lights make for easy cleaning under furniture and you can see perfectly what’s going on down there.
Shark vacuums are fantastic when it comes to attachments. You get a great selection with the vacuum, including the usual duster/crevice tool, pet multi-tool as well as a pet power brush and a low-reach (under appliance) wand that makes it as easy to clean low areas as it does high ones. In addition to this, Shark has an almost endless range of optional extras for all their vacuums, so you can customize your Shark DuoClean to do so much more. It also comes with a bag for storing your attachments.
Shark is certainly one of the top appliance manufacturers and, get this; when you buy the Shark DuoClean AZ1002 you get an incredible 5-year warranty. I’d say that this is a good indication as to the quality of their products. Should be a popular shark model this year.
4. Shark Navigator ZU561 with Zero-M Anti-Hair Wrap Technology
We all have our own idea as to what constitutes the best vacuum cleaner. In my opinion, the Shark Navigator ZU561 ticks just about all the boxes. Okay, it’s not the most powerful vacuum cleaner in the Shark range and, without the DuoClean brush roll, it’s perhaps not the best when cleaning both carpets and hard floors equally well. The Navigator ZU561 makes up for this in its price and incredibly lightweight design. In most respects, it has the features and abilities to not only compete with some of the very best vacuum cleaners, it leaves many far behind. This includes machines that cost a whole lot more.
Despite having a smaller 800W motor, this Shark Navigator model is surprisingly powerful and competes quite well when compared to their 1200W models. It utilizes their Zero-M technology that removes hair wrap from the brush roll on the go. Even though this is a relatively compact vacuum cleaner and weighs only 13-pounds, it has a larger than average dust cup – 2.2 ounces.
Shark lift away mode gives you the best of all worlds in one vacuum. As an upright vacuum, it’s nimble and makes light work of thoroughly cleaning carpets and hard floors. With a click and clip, the Navigator can be converted into a very easy to use handheld canister vacuum. The 25-foot cord adds to this convenience.
Shark vacuums are renowned as being amongst the best for people with allergens and this one is no different. Complete Seal, HEPA, anti-allergen filters leave the air in your home almost completely free of the smallest dust particles and allergens. If a lightweight machine with full adaptability and perfect air filtration is what you expect, then the Shark Navigator ZU561 may well fit your description of the best vacuum cleaner.
5. Bissell 20431 Powerglide Lift Off Pet Plus Upright Bagless Vacuum
Not only is this one of the best vacuum cleaners on the market, but the Bissel Powerglide Lift Off comes at a very reasonable price. If you consider all the amazing features on this machine, it truly is an extraordinary deal.
The two in one lift off canister makes it one of the most versatile upright vacuums. You can easily remove the canister and use it as a portable hand held vacuum cleaner, ideal for cleaning the stairs and other hard to reach areas. Even when using it as an upright vacuum, it has the advantage of swivel steer technology that makes it really easy to maneuver around furniture and other obstacles. It even has an LED light on the crevice cleaning attachment to help you see more clearly when cleaning in dark corners.
It has a triple action roller brush that can be switched on or off, making light work of any floor surface. With a 30 Ft power cord and extended wand for extra reach, there isn’t a corner of your home that you won’t reach with the Bissell Power Glide Lift Off. It has really fantastic attachments and pet owners will appreciate the array of pet hair removal attachments and design features. It also keeps the air in your home fresh and smelling great with the Febreez pet odor eliminator. It’s very effective at removing allergens from the air, trapping them inside the vacuum, a system they call SmartSeal.
With a 5-year limited warranty, you can buy the Bissell Powerglide Lift Off with complete confidence. The combination of powerful cleaning, an impressive array of attachments and really reasonable price, make this a good pet friendly vacuum.
6. Dirt Devil Razor Pet Steerable Bagless Upright Vacuum
Not everyone has a fortune to spend on a vacuum cleaner. If you’re willing to forgo some of the bells and whistles that you’ll find on the top end machines, the Dirt Devil Razor might be the ideal vacuum for you.
It provides a great level of suction power from a convenient, lightweight machine. The spin4pro roller brush is designed to clean any floor surface effectively and will match up very well to some of the best vacuum cleaners, even those that cost a lot more. It has a detachable canister and 10 Ft wand for convenient cleaning in any area of the home. You get all the basic attachments – a crevice cleaning tool that has a brush attachment for dusting and cleaning upholstery. It also has a Turboclaw pet cleaning tool – a bonus for pet lovers.
The three stage filtration system will remove dust from the air very effectively and should control most allergens. While the Dirt Devil Razor may not be as impressive as the other vacuum cleaners in this review, it offers outstanding value for money. For an affordable machine that can hold its own amongst the best vacuum cleaners, it deserves a big thumbs up.
6. Shark Rotator NV752 TruePet Vacuum
When there are lists of the top selling appliances of the year you can be sure to find Shark in there somewhere because of there range of features and functions and general public perception. The Shark Rotator NV752 TruePet Powered Lift-Away looks set to be as popular in 2021 as it was last year, and is promoted as a machine that can do it all and is pretty well received by buyers.
This is a 3-in-1 vacuum with the ability to offer an upright, canister and a lift-away pod depending on the job. It is quite heavy at 15.6 lbs but with its 30ft cord, HEPA filtration, TruePet motorized brush for pet hair and lots of tools with their own accessory bag, this multi-surface vacuum ticks most boxes for consumer needs.
Buyers are generally in agreement that this model is going to be the best shark vacuum for cleaning up pet hair this year. It is simple to use with a few small flaws but plenty of conveniences.
7. Eureka NEU562A FloorRover Upright Cleaner
Looking at the price of the Eureka FloorRover (NEU562A), I was expecting second best. It costs nowhere near the high-end offerings from Dyson and Shark and should, therefore, not be quite as good, right? Boy, was I in for a surprise. I wouldn’t call this Eureka model the cheapest, but it is on lower end of the price scale. Yet it has the build-quality, design, and features that rank it among the best, more expensive, vacuum cleaners.
The chunky, solid appearance can be a little deceptive, as this vacuum cleaner weighs just over 18-pounds. Maybe not the lightest, but still very manageable. The large, easy-glide wheels give it an industrial look and allow the FloorRover to glide over any floor type.
It’s a great vacuum for thick pile carpets. Swivel steering is another user aid that makes this an easy to maneuver vacuum cleaner. A suction release valve makes it quick and easy to adapt to any floor type.
At first I was a little disappointed that the Eureka doesn’t have a removable canister for stairs, curtains, and other hard to reach places. Bur the 12’ hose, with great wand, and extra-long 30’ power cord soon put my mind at ease. Along with this, it has a long (16”) crevice tool, two in one upholstery tool, and a very effective turbo pet hair tool. It certainly is a versatile and easy vacuum to use anywhere in the home. The HEPA filters do an excellent job of providing pure, allergen-free air and are super easy to clean. The huge, 54 ounce dust cup is also a breeze to empty. Simply hold it over the trash can and, with the push of a button, all the dirt is gone.
The Eureka NEU562A offers a lot of vacuum, for surprisingly little money. A real winner in my opinion.
8. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Vacuum Model 20874
This model does not include the pet hair tolerant detailing tool set that comes with the more expensive package. If you don’t mind the lack of tools, this is one of the best pet hair specific vacuum cleaners for the money.
Its strengths include a nearly tangle proof brush roll and vacuum design that lets you empty it without having to touch much less scrub the dirt cup. It has mid-market features like LED crevice tools and upholstery tool. It seals in pet dander well, though the Febreeze odor eliminator system (air filters) add to the cost of its continuing use.
At twenty pounds, it handles like an upright vacuum but with more versatility. The weight and bulk does make it hard for someone with limited upper body strength to use. Its suction is middling.
Bissell upright vacuum cleaners have a repair rate of 9%, a slightly better than average vacuum cleaner. The biggest problem this unit has is the challenge you face unclogging it if long pet hair strands and dirt cake together. This pet hair vacuum is ideal for homes with two or three short hair pets or one long haired pets but not for chasing furballs.
This unit does not clean well along the sides of the vacuum head, so you’ll need to break out the wand to clean along the baseboards.
9. Hoover REACT Professional Pet Plus Bagless Upright Vacuum
Hoover Vaccum cleaners have a long standing reputation for building some of the best vacuum cleaners ever. So it’s worth paying a little extra for the Hoover REACT Professional Pet Plus. It’s a new vacuum cleaner model that’s designed to give you easy operation for cleaning your home with the power of a professional machine.
The multi cyclonic bagless design gives you cleaning power that remains constant and you don’t have the fuss of cleaning out a dusty bag. It has unrivaled power thanks to its clever wind tunnel design and offers you a wide suction 13″ head with powerful LED lights to help you see better whilst providing the power to deep clean any surface.
Floor sensing technology makes your life a lot easier. The Hoover REACT Professional Pet Plus will detect the floor surface for you and adjust the suction and roller brush action to optimize its cleaning efficiency for any surface.
Convenience is the name of the game and, to this end, you get a large capacity 1.5L dustbin, 30 Ft cord length and a 10.5 Ft hose. The cleaning tools include a deluxe crevice tool, pet upholstery tool, turbo pet tool and a dusting brush. It’s also one of the best vacuum cleaners for people who suffer from allergies, the sealed allergen system traps 99% of dust and allergens from the air. You can also use the Hoover app to customize your cleaning action and maintain the vacuum to optimize its performance.
The Hoover REACT Professional Pet Plus is an ideal vacuum for people who want an appliance that is user-friendly and offers top professional cleaning power. You also have the reassurance that you’re buying a Hoover product. This in itself, gives you the knowledge that you’re buying a quality item.
10. Dyson V11
The moment the name Dyson is mentioned, we expect the very best of vacuums. We can therefore assume, that when they introduced the Dyson V11 range, something great would emerge. The Dyson V11 Torque Drive has taken the concept of a multipurpose cordless stick vacuum to new heights.
Improving on the Dyson cyclonic suction system must have been challenge. But the new V11, with 14-cyclones has the power to outperform any other cordless stick vacuum. By using advanced digital power management, and a super-efficient nickel-cobalt-aluminum battery, you have all the power you need for up to an hour of cleaning time.
It deep cleans carpets like few compact stick vacuums can, thanks to the Power Torque nylon bristle cleaning head. This same head has carbon fiber filaments that is equally effective on hard floors. The V11 Absolute also has a mini motorized tool, combination tool, crevice tool, mini soft brush, and a stubborn dirt brush. It has a convenient drop in docking station and will charge the battery in about 4.5 hours.
For a lightweight, 6.68-pound cordless stick vacuum, the V11 has a really good capacity – the bin holds an impressive 0.2-gallons. It’s also hygienic and easy to empty. Hold the V11 over the trash can and press a button to deposit all the dirt directly into the trash. Filtration is up there the best vacuums, 99.97% particulate removable, down to 0.3 micron.
User functions are what we’ve come to expect from the best that Dyson has to offer. You have three modes available at the touch of a button: ECO, Auto, and Power Boost. Information on the system status is conveyed via an easy to follow LED screen. Another great advantage is the quiet running of this vacuum.
Undoubtedly the best vacuum to come from the Dyson stable. This makes V11 Torque Drive one of the best all round.
11. Shark Vertex HZ2002 Corded Stick Vacuum
With all sorts of innovative technology, the Shark HZ2002 has reaffirmed the brand’s position amongst the best vacuum cleaners. Shark stick vacuums have always been ranked amongst the best. With the recent upgrades, they’ve elevated the benchmark.
The PowerFin brush roll is an entirely new concept, cleaning hard floors and carpets like we’ve never known before. The fins are constantly in contact with the floor and lift debris in a manner that traditional hard bristle brushes simply cannot.
As part of the DuoClean system, the second soft brush remains and makes for effortless transition from hard floors to carpets. The cleaning head has bright LED lights, making it easier to see in those dark corners of the home.
Another wonderful improvement is the vertex suction technology. With greatly improved suction, this 680W machine, outperforms many that use much more electricity. Possibly the best vacuum cleaner when it comes to economy. It converts quickly and easily into an equally powerful handheld vacuum with excellent attachments, like the Pet Power Brush. Both the mini pet brush and floor brush roll are self-cleaning. Like so many other Shark vacuums, hair does not tangle in the brushes.
The lightweight design is purely sublime, it weighs a little over 9-pounds. For such a compact, lightweight vacuum cleaner, the dust cup is also quite remarkable with an amazing 0.32 quart capacity. A conveniently long 30’ power cord is also great.
Some may have thought it impossible to improve on one of the best vacuum cleaners. Well, the guys at Shark have defied the odds. The Shark HZ2002 Vertex stick vacuum can only be described as absolutely marvelous, albeit a little pricey. One could also argue that this is the ultimate machine from one of the best brands in the business and it’s not easy to put a price on that.
12. Shark APEX Duo Clean with Zero-M No Hair Wrap ZS362
Shark vacuums in general tolerate use and abuse better than most, and this unit does a better job handling the volume of fur produced by multi-pet households. The Duo Clean technology and anti hair wrap brush roll let you get almost all the fur up out of every crevice. It can pick up fine pet dander and heavy debris and everything in between. You actually get several attachments with this vacuum cleaner as well as a bag to keep them in.
The vacuum weighs around ten pounds, making it easy to use short term and long term. For many, the lack of a battery in it and the long cord make it a good alternative to pet specific stick vacuums that die after five minutes on the high power setting necessary to pick up pet fur.
For those who hate dealing with clogs, the fact that you don't have to manually clean or touch the brush roll is a major plus Zero-M anti hair wrap feature will take care of that hassle. The filters are washable. The only annoyance is that it doesn’t stay upright well by itself, though this isn’t much of an issue if you store it in a closet. This is an ideal stick vacuum for a home or apartment with a shedding pet.
13. Tineco A11 Master Cordless Stick Vacuum
For quick clean-up jobs around the home, nothing can be more of a pleasure than an ultra-light, cordless stick vacuum. The Tineco A11 Master not only fully accomplishes this, it is also one of the most powerful battery-powered vacuums you can find. At full power, this little wonder child delivers an impressive 350W from a super-efficient brushless motor.
An LED Multi-Tasker power brush cleans efficiently and effectively on any floor type. If you have hardwood floors and want to achieve the perfect shine, you’ll be delighted to know that Tineco Master also has an LED soft roller brush, specifically designed for hard floors.
Battery power can be an inconvenience when it comes to working time. In this regard, the Tineco is quite the opposite. Firstly, you get two batteries with dual charging capabilities – you can charge both batteries simultaneously. Together, these batteries will provide up to an hour of runtime. Though if you run it continuously on maximum power, expect half this – about 15-minutes (around 7 minutes per battery). Though it’s unlikely that you’ll be using the full power mode all that often.
Floor to ceiling cleaning, including your furniture, is a breeze. This is thanks to a plethora of accessories and cleaning tools. These include a flexible hose and flexible multi-angle tube to get into the most impossible places. You also get a mini-power brush, 2-in-1 dusting brush, soft dusting brush, and a long soft crevice tool. For a vacuum of this size, the dust cup is more than reasonable – 0.4 liters (13.5 Oz).
They say dynamite comes in small packages. This certainly rings true when you look at this 5.5-pound little vacuum. It packs quite a punch and is so easy to use anywhere. You’ll have no problem cleaning stairs, curtains, or furniture. Not to mention, any type of floor with just about zero effort.
14. Shark IONFlex 2x DuoClean Cordless Vacuum IF251
There are quite a number of reasons why many feel that the Shark ION Flex is just about the best cordless vacuum. For one thing, it overcomes the most common hassles related to using a cordless vacuum cleaner – flat batteries. All battery-powered devices have a limited working time and that’s why it’s always best to have two batteries. Naturally, this means spending more. When you buy the Shark IONFlex, you get two lithium-ion batteries with your purchase. This means you’ll always have one battery on charge while you’re using the other one. Having a second battery on standby at all times means that you never have to stop working when your battery runs out of power.
The second factor that places this vacuum at the top of the wish list for so many people is its fantastic versatility. The Shark IONFlex is a magnificent vacuum cleaner for all floor types. With an excellent brush roll for deep cleaning your carpets and a soft brush roll for hard floors, leaving your hardwood and tiled floors with a gently polished shine.
All this is pretty cool and it converts into a cordless handheld vacuum in seconds. The real wow factor to this vacuum is actually its flex system. The Shark IONFlex has a flexible mid-section on the upright pipe. This means that you can bend it to fit in wherever you want it to. You can get in easily under furniture without bending or stretching. What’s more, you can bend the pipe over completely so it will take up half the storage space.
At a total weight of 8.7 LBS, the Shark IONFlex is a nimble and easy machine to use – it’s even lighter when used as a handheld vacuum. Because it’s a Shark, you can be sure that it’s going to give you suction power that rates among the best and it comes with excellent air filters and accessories. Apart from the usual tools, like a dusting crevice tool, you also get a pet multi-tool and an anti-allergen dust brush.
As a top appliance brand, Shark service is one of the best. Their very impressive 5-year warranty on the IONFlex means that your new Shark vacuum cleaner will be cleaning your home for many years to come.
15. Dyson V10 Motorhead for Carpets
The Dyson V10 range is the most advanced cordless stick vacuum from the brand. It comes in three variants with the Dyson V10 Motorhead being the cheapest and most basic in the V10 lineup. While it has the latest electric motor technology, the Dyson digital motor, it doesn’t have all the features and accessories that the more expensive V10 models have.
It’s an elegant cordless stick vacuum with a compact motor, cyclone and duct cup design. The Dyson V10 Motorhead has a slightly smaller dust cup compared to the other V10 models holding 0.54-liters (0.14-gallons). The V10 Motorhead has a good length of 48.9-inches, is 10.2-inches wide, with a depth of 9.8-inches. It weighs 5.05-pounds.
The direct drive roller brush is designed for perfect cleaning of both low and high pile carpets with a rotating bristle brush that reaches deep into the carpet fibers. The roller brush performs well on hard floors too. Like all the Dyson V10 stick vacuums, it converts into a handheld vacuum quickly and easily.
The Dyson washable filters are reusable and provide a high level of filtration. These HEPA rated filters and remove 99.97% of airborne particles down to 0.3-microns. It is recommended as one of the best filtration systems for people with allergies. The battery technology is great with a charge time of 3.5 hours and up to 1-hour working time. Though, when using the full power of the vacuum, it will probably provide around 20-minutes of runtime. It has a trigger switch that cuts the power when released, increasing battery time. It also comes with a convenient docking station.
As the entry-level Dyson V10 model, it does not have the full array of attachments. The V10 Motorhead is supplied with a combination and crevice tool. The Dyson V10 range has a redesigned “point and shoot” dust cup with an easy to release latch.
16. Fuller Brush Spiffy Maid Bagless Broom Vacuum Cleaner
This is a good stick vac for someone on a budget. This unit has a long thirty food power cord. It has not just a standard vacuum head for cleaning carpets but a crevice tool. It performs best when cleaning hard floors and a few rugs, not long stretches of thick carpet.
It has an average HEPA filter; replacement costs less than ten dollars each. Spiffy Maid offers a wide range of replacement parts for their vacuum cleaners, unlike rivals like Dyson that essentially say send it in for service or buy a new one. Conversely, if the vacuum does break, you won’t get customer service to get it repaired.
This vacuum cleaner is not recommended for this with asthma. Some dust and debris flies up when you empty it, and it leaves traces of dirt behind as it picks up heavier debris. The small dust cup means you have to empty it often. If you like Spiffy Maid and have asthma or allergies, you need one of their models with a sealed vacuum bag instead.
Note that it doesn’t handle pet hair well, so this is not a good choice for pet owners.
If you want a cheap lightweight vacuum with a long potential operating life and don’t have respiratory problems, the Spiffy Maid is a good pick.
17. Shark ION W1 Cordless Handheld Vacuum
A cordless handheld mini-vacuum is invaluable for cleaning up quick spills and is really great for cleaning your car upholstery. In this class of vacuum, the Shark ION W1, deserves a good deal of respect. For something this small and light, I wouldn’t expect too much power. So you’ll be surprised to see how this little machine gobbles up dirt and debris.
The Shark ION cordless handheld vacuum weighs a mere 1.4 pounds and has some handy attachments, like a pet hair tool and a crevice tool. It’s simple and easy to use anywhere, any time. It also has a fantastic battery charger, taking only 2.5 hours to fully recharge the battery from zero charge.
A small, handheld portable vacuum always has a small dust cup. This obviously means that you’ll be emptying it regularly, which can become annoying. Shark have a done a good job of making this much easier. The dust cup releases with the touch of a button and this means no mess or fuss when you need to empty it. It’s also super easy to wash the dust cup when the need arises.
The Shark ION handheld vacuum comes with a convenient, countertop docking station. You can store the vacuum and accessories in an organized way and charge the battery at the same time. It’s always on hand when needed, fully charged and ready to go.
Every home can do with a handheld mini-vacuum, it makes cleaning up after kids and pets child’s play. When it has the suction to blow you away and an incredible battery, all the better. This makes the Shark ION handheld vacuum one of the best companions in any home. Bravo little Shark!
18. Miele Complete C2 Hard Floor Canister Vacuum
In the world of canister vacuums, one name has always stood out. Miele vacuums are, in my opinion, the best canister vacuums ever. They last forever – the Miele Complete C2 hard floor canister vacuum has a life expectancy of 20-years. I’d guess that it would, quite likely, go for a lot longer. One thing’s for sure, Miele vacuum cleaners outlast most others and this is well worth paying extra for.
It has a combination cleaning head for light to medium pile carpets and hard floors. Switching between hard floors and carpets is done the old-fashioned way – it has a lever on the suction head that you press with your foot.
This is a basic way of doing things but it’s all part of the Miele philosophy of durable quality. This technology may not have the convenience of one touch electronic controls, but it will always work perfectly for years and years.
The Miele Complete C2 is specifically designed for perfect hard floor cleaning and so it includes the parquet floor brush. It moves easily under base boards and all low areas. It swivels easily around furniture and makes cleaning your wooden floors and absolute pleasure.
The ultra-powerful 1200W motor has 6 power settings. So you can go from gently cleaning loose rugs and hard floors to removing stubborn dirt with the perfect amount of suction for every situation. The motor is obviously designed to keep sucking perfectly for decades but Miele’s commitment to durability doesn’t end there. The hose is crush-proof and the stainless steel wand is going to remain perfect for a lifetime.
As with any Miele vacuum, when you buy the Miele Complete C2, you’re making a long-term investment. If you’re buying the Miele Complete C2 in 2021…., 2039 could easily come and go and your Mile vacuum will still be with you. Long after your kids have grown up, gone to college and started their own families, your faithful Miele will continue to serve you without any hassles.
19. Soniclean Galaxy 1150 Canister Vacuum
With all the odd shapes and bits of technology that have gone into some of the new models, the Soniclean Galaxy 1150 Canister looks fairly ordinary with its black body, hose and head and very little else to build a first impression off of.
Underneath this facade, the Galaxy 1150 does have some interesting features to help it compete with the top models, such as the 360 degree hose rotation, HEPA filtration and the array of attachments to boost the ability and make it a little less ordinary.
Responses to the machine are varied; some point out the user-friendly nature with all these parts, the lack of noise and the long retractable cord while others say that it has a flimsy feel. Either way, most agree that the suction is good and it is a decent multi-surface vacuum with some great potential.
20. Ovente Cyclonic Canister Vacuum
For a vacuum that costs under a hundred bucks, the Ovente Cyclonic Canister vacuum is quite remarkable. In many respects, it can stand proudly amongst the other, much more expensive vacuums in this review. For a combination of affordability and high-end features, the mighty little Ovenete is the dark horse in this race to be the best canister vacuum this year.
It’s a very compact canister vacuum but there’s no compromise when it comes to dust cup volume. The transparent (bagless) dust cup holds a lot of dirt and you can see, at a glance, when it’s full.
Don’t let its compact size or low price fool you, the Ovente Cyclonic canister vacuum has a brute of a motor – 1400 watts, to be precise. This means that it has the suction power that comes very close to the sophisticated high-priced vacuums in this review. It’s like getting a 2021 vacuum model at a 1970 price.
Like the premier machines, this little guy also has HEPA filters. So it’s a good choice for people with allergies. Where this one falls short of the expensive machines is that it doesn’t have roller head brushes or pet cleaning attachments. It has enough suction power to effectively clean carpets and hard floors. Though it won’t be as effective at deep cleaning high pile, plush carpets. It comes with all the standard attachments, found on most canister vacuums – a crevice/brush tool, upholstery and dusting tool, as well as a telescopic wand.
While the Ovente Cyclonic canister vacuum can’t fully compete with the big boys, the fact that a vacuum, this cheap, can even compare to the very expensive brands is an accomplishment all of its own. If you don’t have the cash to spend on the best-rated vacuums, this little power machine will make an excellent alternative, without too much compromise.
21. Dyson Cinetic Big Ball Animal Canister Vacuum
For some, the big ball itself creates hassles because of how much storage space the vacuum cleaner takes up. The Dyson Big Ball Cinetic model has very good suction. The Dyson Canister vacuum has average to below average performance on carpets but better than average performance on hard wood floors. The vacuum cleaner head can go under most furniture.
The Dyson Cinetic Big ball gets its name for the large ball that supports most of its weight (the canister) and gives it unprecedented maneuverability. The model is even self-righting, though this is rarely an issue. You do get a very flexible wand. The attachments are easy to take on and off.
The unit doesn’t have bags and pretty much never needs the filters replaced. One of the benefits of the Dyson is picking up even the finest debris. And it seals in that debris and empties cleanly so you have very little exposure to what you’re trying to remove from your home. If you have respiratory problems, this is a good vacuum cleaner for you.
22. Electrolux Corded UltraFlex Canister Vacuum Model EL4335A
Electrolux filters are more expensive than average, but Electrolux offers more replacement parts online for repairs than its rivals so you can keep the unit going for years. The attachments can be swapped out easily.
This vacuum’s greatest strength is the three level height adjustment and ability to do as well on carpets as hard floors. You can turn off the brush rolls so it doesn’t scratch up your wood floors. It does better than average on thick carpets. It also travels well on thick carpeting.
The self cleaning brush roll can nearly undo tangles itself but not always. You can alter the suction power so you can clean delicate carpets like silk or drapery in tasks like cleaning thick throw rugs and upholstery. Its biggest weakness is that it does not handle long dog hair at all without clogging and potentially burning up.
If you want a vacuum that adjusts to any type of cleaning job, as long as you don’t have pet hair to contend with, this model would be an excellent choice.
23. iRobot Roomba 980 Vacuum Cleaning Robot
The Roomba 980 model is the latest generation of the groundbreaking robot vacuum cleaner line. It is much more intelligent than its predecessors. While its fall prevention routines may still trip it up on strips of dark tile on a white floor, it can negotiate around these patterns and remember where it has been.
This model is smart enough to recognize when it is running out of power, return to the charging station, and then resume where it left off. It is far less likely to get caught under furniture or among a forest of table legs.
This Roomba version does a much better job of picking up pet hair without getting the brush tangled up. It has similar battery life to its peers, as well as equally limited dirt cup capacity. The vacuum does a better job of handling transitions from carpet to tile, though throw rugs may confuse or tangle it. This vacuum needs wi-fi for you to be able to control it with an app, and you have to configure the app for the phone based controls to work. Fortunately, iRobot has tech support available if this is a problem.
The app lets you set a schedule for cleaning such as telling it to run when you find out you’ll have company in an hour, and you can tell it to spot clean in front of the living room or through the hallways. Only the Roomba 980 has this app, though the 880 model shares the multi-room navigation and three stage cleaning system. This is a good buy, if you want a robot vacuum smart enough to do a better job than your kids.
Guide on Choosing the Best Vacuum Cleaner for Your Needs
What are the important features of a good vacuum cleaner, and what features can you skip? What matters most when you’re looking for a good vacuum cleaner?
Quality Brushes
A good vacuum cleaner needs brushes that pull pet fur and everything else out of the carpet and feed it into the suction path. More importantly, it needs to do this without getting tangled on pet fur, lose its ability to deep clean carpets due to debris sticking to the brushes and not get clogged with goop it comes across like sticky food stains.
If you have hardwood floors, you’ll want the ability to turn off the brushes when shifting between flooring types. You don’t want to assume automatic height adjustment will take care of this, and then realize you’ve scratched up the wood floors.
Note that if you have loop carpeting, you have to be able to turn off the beater bar or else the brushes will rip up the carpet.
Good Suction
High suction is more important when for a carpet cleaning vacuum than one that deals with hard floor surfaces. The thicker the carpet, the stronger the suction needs to be to get debris at the root of the carpet.
Height adjustments have little impact if you have low to medium thickness carpet. Height adjustment and suction controls do matter if you’re shifting from low carpets to berber rugs or thick pile throw rugs, when you need to be able to adjust the height and suction of the vacuum simply in order for it not to get stuck on the thickest carpets. If you have very thick carpets like shag or frieze, a good choice is to move to a canister vacuum with powerful suction. Then you only have to move the vacuum head and wand and can manage to clean the whole floor.
Value
The cheapest vacuum cleaners tend to break on impact or fall apart quickly. The most expensive ones may have good performance or might rival the suction and tool selection of vacuum cleaners a third the price. A good vacuum cleaner does a good job without costing a fortune.
Features That Don’t Matter As Much
If you have a vacuum with strong consistent suction, suction controls that let you increase the power on demand are irrelevant.
Pet specific branding doesn’t matter much when it comes to carpet cleaning quality. This is because many pet specific vacuums actually do a poor job on thick carpets, and a few clog on pet fur even if it is pulled up from low rise carpet. If you do have pets and carpets, look for vacuums that do a good job picking up everything – including pet hair – from carpets and don’t clog on wads of pet fur in the hoses or around the brushes.
Noise levels are high no matter what vacuum cleaner you choose unless you pick up a battery powered one, and battery powered stick vacuums simply can’t clean carpets for more than ten minutes unless you have it on low power on the low carpets often seen in doctor’s offices.
Many vacuum cleaners charge you more when the vacuum cleaner comes with a suite of tools. You may get a crevasse tool, upholstery brush, extension wand and more. What matters more is if the vacuum cleaner can clean along the edges as well as it does the area directly in front of the vacuum cleaner. Ideally, the vacuum cleaner has brushes or its main suction head designed to clean along the baseboards as you vacuum the edges of a room instead of having to break out special tools to clean those areas.
Bagged and bagless vacuums both have their advantages. Bagless vacuum cleaners have an edge over bagged vacuums in that they maintain good suction up until the dust cup is full. However, large capacity canister vacuums and high capacity bagless vacuums provide both good suction throughout the cleaning session and last a long time before needing to be emptied. (And if you have multiple shedding pets, you need a canister vacuum or high capacity bagless vacuum, because a medium sized bagged vacuum will fill up with pet fur quickly.) At the lower end of the price range, though, bagless vacuums are more convenient as long as they have good suction overall. Cheap bagless uprights, such as those that cost less than $150, typically cannot handle thick carpets like shag or frieze.
Robotic vacuums are all the rage, but none on the market handle thick carpet well. Most can handle hardwood floors and low rise carpet fine but still need to be emptied regularly and can get stuck on carpet transitions. Skip the robot vacuum except for light generic cleaning and buy a full sized canister or upright vacuum that can deep clean your carpets.
I was hoping for a review on an ilo 2 way vacuum cleaner.
I was hoping for a comparision between the GTech air ram and other cordless stick cleaners.
Hey guys, have you tried the new V7 stick?
I’m very curious to see how it compares to the V6 and the V8.
I am looking for a vacuum cleaner that has 360 degrees for wheels, no filters or beads, a clear canister to see what it picking up, all attachments and is easy to clean after vacuuming
Nice collection and recommendation. 🙂 Personally, I think BISSELL 9595A is best in budget.
Helpful. But still undecided. Looking @ Shark Navigator lift away upright or Bissell 20431 Powerglide cones down to price.
Thiz review is helpcul. Txs. Tee
I want a vacuum that has rewind cord,good suction,bagless,brushroll on off switch and a headlight,
LOVE, repeat, LOVE my Riccar; didn’t even make the list. Too bad, cuz it is the best vac I have ever used. E-V-E-R. No joke.