7 Best Upright Vacuums for Carpet & Hardwood
The best upright vacuums for carpet and hardwood floors are models like the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet, the Shark Navigator NV356E, and the Bissell CleanView 3536, chosen for their versatility, powerful suction, and specialized features.
An upright vacuum offers a convenient and effective way to tackle dirt, dust, and debris on multiple floor types, making it an essential tool for household maintenance. These machines are designed to transition seamlessly between plush carpets and smooth hardwood, ensuring a thorough clean throughout your home.
We’ve rigorously tested and reviewed seven top-performing upright vacuums, focusing on If you’re considering a Shark vacuum, our guide to the best Shark vacuums for thick carpet can help.ease of use, durability, and overall cleaning performance across various surfaces. Our selections represent a range of capabilities to suit different needs and budgets, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your home. Dive into our detailed comparison to discover the ideal upright vacuum for your cleaning routine.
3 Standout Picks: Pet Owners, Versatile Cleaning, and Deep Carpet Cleaning
Start with these 3 standouts. Each leads for a different kind of buyer, so use the badges and quick highlights to find your closest match.
Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet
- Swivel steering
- Triple Action Brush Roll
- Pet hair focus
7 Models Side by Side: Features, Best Use Cases, and Tradeoffs
The recommendations above are our strongest matches for different priorities. Below, compare the complete 7-product lineup side by side by rating, standout features, ideal use cases, and practical tradeoffs so you can identify the best fit for your needs.
- Swivel steering
- Triple Action Brush Roll
- Pet hair focus
- Lift-Away canister
- HEPA filtration
- Swivel steering
- Powerful suction
- OnePass Technology
- XL dirt tank
- Lightweight design
- Multi-surface cleaning
- Powerful suction
- Ultra-lightweight 7.7 lb
- Carpet and hard floor
- Pet hair focus
- Compact design
- Turbo suction
- Quick release wand
- Bagless design
- Washable filter
- Lightweight
7 Models Reviewed in Depth
#1. Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet
Specialist
Steering
Brush Roll
For pet owners, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet vacuum is a game-changer, excelling at picking up stubborn pet hair from carpets and upholstery. The Triple Action Brush Roll is designed to tackle everything from fine dust to larger debris, while the swivel steering makes it incredibly easy to navigate around furniture and tight corners. You’ll appreciate the large capacity dirt tank, minimizing interruptions during cleaning sessions.
While it’s fantastic for pet hair, some users find the cord management a bit cumbersome, and it can be slightly heavier than ultra-lightweight models. If you have significant shedding pets and primarily carpeted floors, this vacuum delivers exceptional performance. For those with mostly hard floors, other specialized vacuums might offer a better fit.
Pros
- Excellent at removing pet hair
- Great maneuverability with swivel steering
- Large dirt tank capacity
Cons
- Cord management could be better
- Slightly heavier than some competitors
- May not be ideal for very delicate floors
Specifications
#2. Shark Navigator NV356E
Canister
Filtration
Steering
The Shark Navigator NV356E offers exceptional versatility with its Lift-Away canister, allowing you to easily detach it for cleaning stairs or above-floor areas. You’ll appreciate the powerful suction that performs well on both carpets and hard floors, and the HEPA filtration system captures allergens effectively. Its swivel steering makes navigating around furniture a breeze.
While the dust cup capacity is adequate for most homes, very large areas might require emptying it mid-clean. The unit can also be slightly heavier when the canister is attached compared to some lighter models. Overall, it’s a robust and adaptable vacuum for households dealing with dust and pet dander.
Pros
- Excellent Lift-Away feature for versatile cleaning
- Strong suction power on all surfaces
- HEPA filter for allergy sufferers
Cons
- Dust cup may need frequent emptying
- Can be a bit heavy for some users
- Brushroll shutoff not always ideal for delicate floors
Specifications
#3. Bissell CleanView 3536
Technology
Dirt Tank
Deep Clean
The Bissell CleanView Upright Vacuum with model 3536 is engineered for efficient cleaning, especially on carpets, thanks to its powerful suction and OnePass Technology that picks up dirt in a single pass. You’ll appreciate the extra-large 2L dirt tank, which means fewer interruptions during cleaning sessions, and the included active extension wand adds versatility for above-floor tasks. It performs admirably on both carpets and hard floors.
While it offers strong performance, the vacuum can be a bit noisy during operation, and its weight might be a consideration for some users. If you prioritize deep cleaning on carpets and a large dust capacity, this model is an excellent choice. For those seeking the absolute lightest vacuum, you might want to explore other options.
Pros
- Excellent deep cleaning on carpets
- Very large dust tank capacity
- Efficient cleaning with OnePass Technology
Cons
- Can be noisy during use
- Weight might be a factor for some
- Cord length could be longer
Specifications
#4. Eureka PowerSpeed
Suction
Capability
Priced
The Eureka PowerSpeed offers impressive suction power for its price point, making it a capable cleaner for both carpets and hard floors. You’ll find it relatively lightweight and easy to handle, with a generous dust cup that reduces the need for frequent emptying. The included tools help with above-floor cleaning and reaching tight spots.
While it provides great value, the build quality might feel less premium compared to higher-end models. Some users report that the brush roll can get tangled with long hair or strings. For budget-conscious buyers seeking strong performance on a variety of surfaces, this vacuum is a compelling option.
Pros
- Strong suction for the price
- Large dust cup capacity
- Effective on carpets and hard floors
Cons
- Build quality could be improved
- Brush roll may tangle easily
- Can be noisy during operation
Specifications
#5. Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE5
Design
Specialist
Cleaning
You’ll appreciate how easy the Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE5 is to maneuver, thanks to its ultra-lightweight design at just 7.7 lbs. It effectively tackles both carpet and hardwood floors, making it a versatile choice for different areas of your home. The included crevice tool and brush are handy for detailed cleaning, and the washable filter adds to its convenience.
While this vacuum is great for general cleaning and pet hair, some users find the dustbin capacity a bit small for larger homes. If you have extensive carpeting or frequently deal with heavy debris, you might need to empty it more often. However, for its price and portability, it’s a solid performer for everyday messes.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and easy to carry
- Good performance on multiple floor types
- Budget-friendly and simple to use
Cons
- Smaller dustbin capacity
- May lack deep cleaning power on thick carpets
- Corded operation limits reach
Specifications
#6. Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo
Design
Suction
Friendly
The Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo is an excellent choice for those living in apartments or smaller homes, offering full-size power in a compact form factor. Its turbo suction effectively cleans carpets and hard floors, and the quick-release wand makes it easy to tackle above-floor messes. You’ll find it surprisingly lightweight and easy to store, making it ideal for limited living spaces.
While its compact size is a major advantage, the dustbin capacity is smaller than full-sized vacuums, requiring more frequent emptying for larger areas. The cord length might also feel limiting in bigger rooms. If you need a powerful yet space-saving vacuum for smaller dwellings, this model is a fantastic option.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight for small spaces
- Strong turbo suction
- Convenient quick-release wand
Cons
- Smaller dustbin capacity
- Cord length may be insufficient for large rooms
- Less durable than full-size models
Specifications
#7. Amazon Basics Upright
Design
Filter
Operation
The Amazon Basics Upright Vacuum offers a straightforward cleaning solution for basic household needs. You’ll appreciate its lightweight design and the convenience of a washable filter, which helps reduce ongoing costs. It comes with useful attachments like crevice and upholstery tools for tackling various surfaces and tight spots. The 1.7L dust cup is reasonably sized for quick cleanups.
However, its suction power might not be sufficient for deep cleaning heavily soiled carpets or dealing with significant pet hair. Maneuverability can also be a bit stiff compared to vacuums with swivel steering. If you’re looking for an affordable, no-frills vacuum for light cleaning tasks on both carpet and hardwood, this is a decent option.
Pros
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- Washable filter reduces maintenance costs
- Includes useful cleaning attachments
Cons
- Limited suction power for deep cleaning
- Can be difficult to maneuver
- Not ideal for heavy pet hair
Specifications
Conquer Every Crumb: Your Guide to Upright Vacuums for Every Floor
Bringing an upright vacuum into your home is an investment in cleanliness, especially when your floors span the plush landscape of carpet and the sleek expanse of hardwood. Not all vacuums are created equal, and choosing the right one means balancing power, versatility, and ease of use to tackle everything from deep-pile rugs to delicate wood finishes. This guide will help you navigate the options and find a machine that truly works for your entire home.
The Anatomy of an All-Surface Cleaning Champion
When you’re eyeing upright vacuums, several key features will dictate how well they perform on both carpet and hardwood. Consider these elements to ensure you’re getting a powerful and adaptable cleaning companion.
- Suction Power: This is paramount for lifting embedded dirt from carpets and fine dust from hardwood. Look for models known for strong, consistent airflow.
- Brush Roll Control: The ability to turn the brush roll on or off is crucial. For carpets, you want it spinning to agitate fibers, but for hardwood, you’ll want it off to prevent scratching and scattering debris.
- Head Height Adjustment: Different carpet piles and floor heights require varied clearance. Automatic or easily adjustable head height ensures optimal contact with the floor surface.
- Filtration System: For allergy sufferers and those concerned about air quality, a sealed system with a HEPA filter traps microscopic particles, preventing them from recirculating.
- Weight and Maneuverability: An upright can be hefty. Consider how easily it steers around furniture and if you can comfortably carry it up stairs if needed.
Dodging the Dust Bunny Disasters
Even with the best intentions, a few common oversights can lead to a less-than-satisfactory vacuum experience. Be mindful of these potential pitfalls.
- Ignoring the “Hard Floor” Features: Some vacuums are designed primarily for carpet and can actually push debris around on hard surfaces or even cause damage. Always check for features specifically addressing hardwood or bare floor cleaning.
- Overlooking Maintenance Needs: Filters need cleaning or replacing, and brush rolls can get tangled with hair. Factor in how easy it is to access and maintain these components.
- Getting Bogged Down by Attachments: While useful, an overwhelming number of specialized attachments might not be necessary for your daily cleaning. Focus on the core performance for your main floor types.
Your Ultimate Carpet & Hardwood Cleaning Champion
For tackling pet hair on both surfaces, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet is your go-to. If you need a versatile, lightweight option with strong suction for general cleaning, the Eureka PowerSpeed steps up. For those seeking powerful performance in a compact design, especially for smaller spaces, the Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo shines.
No matter your specific needs, these upright vacuums deliver excellent performance on carpet and hardwood alike. Ready to make your floors sparkle? Click the buttons above to check current availability and snag the perfect vacuum for your home!
Final 3 Picks: Pet Owners, Versatile Cleaning, and Deep Carpet Cleaning
Ready to decide? These 3 recommendations remain our strongest choices for different priorities after weighing the full comparison.
Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet
- Swivel steering
- Triple Action Brush Roll
- Pet hair focus
