7 Top Upright Vacuums for 2024
The best upright vacuums for 2024 are those that offer a powerful combination of suction, maneuverability, and specialized features, with top contenders like the Shark Rotator NV501 for deep carpet cleaning and models such as the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet and Shark Navigator NV356E excelling for pet owners.
Choosing the right upright vacuum is crucial for efficient whole-home cleaning, ensuring you can tackle everything from high-traffic areas to stubborn pet hair with ease. Look for models with advanced filtration systems and versatile attachments to handle diverse cleaning needs.
After extensive hands-on testing, we’ve narrowed down the field to seven outstanding upright vacuums that meet a variety of household demands. Our evaluation focused on key performance metrics like If you have thick carpets, our guide to Shark vacuums for thick carpet can help.suction power, ease of use, and durability, ensuring each recommendation provides excellent value. Continue reading to explore our detailed comparison and find the perfect upright vacuum for your cleaning routine.
3 Standout Picks: Deep Carpet Cleaning and Pet Owners
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 pickup
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.
- HEPA filter
- Lift-Away pod
- LED headlights
- Swivel steering
- Triple Action Brush Roll
- Pet hair pickup
- HEPA filter
- Lift-Away pod
- Swivel steering
- Powerful suction
- OnePass Technology
- Extension wand
- Powerful suction
- Carpet and hard floor
- Lightweight design
- Ultra-lightweight design
- Pet hair pickup
- Carpet and hard floor
- Compact design
- Turbo suction
- Quick release wand
7 Models Reviewed in Depth
#1. Shark Rotator NV501
Filtration
Pod
Headlights
You’ll find the Shark Rotator NV501 to be a powerhouse for deep cleaning, especially on carpets, thanks to its strong suction and effective brush roll. The inclusion of LED headlights on the nozzle is a thoughtful touch, illuminating dark corners and under furniture for a more thorough clean. Its Lift-Away pod design enhances versatility, allowing you to tackle stairs and above-floor messes with ease, while the HEPA filter ensures cleaner air.
While it offers excellent performance, the dust cup capacity, at 0.9-Quarts, might require frequent emptying in larger homes. It’s also a bit heavier than some competitors, which could be a consideration for users with mobility issues. Nevertheless, for those seeking superior cleaning power and advanced features, this Shark model is a top-tier choice.
Pros
- Exceptional deep cleaning performance
- Bright LED headlights for visibility
- Highly versatile with Lift-Away pod
Cons
- Dust cup capacity could be larger
- Relatively heavy
- Can be loud during operation
Specifications
#2. Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet
Specialist
Steering
Tech
You’ll love how the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet tackles pet hair with its specialized Triple Action Brush Roll, designed to lift, remove, and capture embedded fur from carpets. The swivel steering makes navigating around furniture and tight corners effortless, significantly improving your cleaning experience. Its Scatter-Free Technology ensures that debris stays in the bin, not on your floors, and the large capacity dirt tank means fewer interruptions.
While it excels at pet hair, some users report that the suction power might not be as intense as premium models for very deep-pile carpets. Also, the cord length, while decent, might necessitate replugging in larger rooms. Despite these minor points, it’s an outstanding vacuum for pet owners seeking effective and convenient cleaning.
Pros
- Excellent at picking up pet hair
- Highly maneuverable with swivel steering
- Scatter-Free Technology
Cons
- Suction could be stronger for deep carpets
- Cord length may be limiting
- Filter requires regular cleaning
Specifications
#3. Shark Navigator NV356E
Specialist
Filtration
Pod
You’ll appreciate the versatility of the Shark Navigator NV356E, particularly its Lift-Away feature that makes cleaning stairs and above-floor areas a breeze. Its strong suction power combined with a HEPA filter ensures effective cleaning, making it a great choice for homes with pets and allergy sufferers. The swivel steering adds to its maneuverability, allowing you to navigate around furniture with ease.
While the dust cup capacity is adequate for most homes, you might find yourself emptying it more frequently in larger spaces or during deep cleaning sessions. However, for its price point and overall performance, this vacuum offers excellent value and is well-suited for tackling everyday messes on both carpets and hard floors.
Pros
- Excellent suction power
- Effective HEPA filtration
- Versatile Lift-Away design
Cons
- Dust cup could be larger
- Can be slightly heavy
- Brushroll doesn’t always shut off
Specifications
#4. Bissell CleanView 3536
Technology
Wand
Capacity
You’ll appreciate the efficient cleaning power of the Bissell CleanView 3536, featuring OnePass Technology that allows you to clean more in a single pass, saving you time. Its powerful suction is effective on both carpets and hard floors, making it a versatile addition to your home cleaning arsenal. The inclusion of an Active Extension Wand adds extra reach for cleaning above-floor surfaces and in hard-to-access areas.
While the 2L dirt tank is quite large, you might find the vacuum slightly bulkier than some compact models, which could impact storage in smaller homes. Also, the power cord, while functional, doesn’t offer the convenience of a retractable feature. Nonetheless, for its strong performance and added reach, it’s a reliable choice for maintaining a clean home.
Pros
- Efficient cleaning with OnePass Technology
- Large 2L dirt tank capacity
- Includes an extension wand for reach
Cons
- Can be somewhat bulky
- No retractable power cord
- Filter may need frequent cleaning
Specifications
#5. Eureka PowerSpeed Upright
Suction
Cleaning
Priced
You’ll be impressed by the strong suction of the Eureka PowerSpeed, which tackles dirt and debris on both carpets and hard floors effectively. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry and maneuver around your home, and the multi-surface cleaning capability means you won’t need to switch machines. The large dust cup capacity is also a convenient feature, reducing the frequency of emptying.
While it offers great performance for its price, some users may find the noise level a bit high during operation. Additionally, the brush roll doesn’t have a height adjustment, which might be a minor inconvenience on certain rug types. Overall, it’s a fantastic budget-friendly option for general household cleaning.
Pros
- Strong suction for the price
- Works on multiple floor types
- Large dustbin
Cons
- Can be noisy
- No brush roll height adjustment
- Basic accessory set
Specifications
#6. Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE5
Design
Filter
Capability
You’ll find the Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE5 incredibly easy to handle thanks to its ultra-lightweight design, weighing in at just 7.7 lbs. This makes it an excellent option for seniors or anyone who struggles with heavier vacuums. It performs admirably on both carpets and hard floors, and the included brush and crevice tools help with detailed cleaning. The washable filter is a nice touch for ongoing cost savings.
While its lightweight nature is a major plus, you might find its suction power slightly less robust than heavier models, especially on deeply embedded carpet dirt. It’s best suited for quick cleanups and maintaining a tidy home rather than tackling extreme messes. If portability and ease of use are your top priorities, this Eureka is a solid choice.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and portable
- Easy to maneuver and store
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Suction may be less powerful
- Smaller dustbin capacity
- Durability concerns for heavy use
Specifications
#7. Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo
Design
Suction
Friendly
You’ll appreciate the Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo for its ability to deliver full-size power in a compact form factor, making it ideal for smaller living spaces like apartments and dorms. Its turbo suction is surprisingly effective for its size, handling everyday messes on carpets and hard floors. The quick-release wand adds a layer of convenience for quick spot cleaning or reaching slightly higher areas.
However, you might find that the smaller dustbin requires more frequent emptying compared to larger vacuums. While it offers good suction for its size, it may struggle with very deep-pile carpets or heavily soiled areas. This vacuum is best suited for those prioritizing space-saving and convenience over maximum power and capacity.
Pros
- Space-saving compact design
- Good suction for its size
- Easy to store and maneuver
Cons
- Small dustbin capacity
- May not handle deep-pile carpets well
- Limited reach with wand
Specifications
Conquer Your Carpets: Finding the Best Upright Vacuum for Your Home
An upright vacuum cleaner is a workhorse for many households, tackling everything from everyday dust bunnies to deep-pile carpet grime. With so many options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Investing a little time upfront in understanding what truly matters will ensure you bring home a machine that makes cleaning less of a chore and more of a victory.
The Anatomy of an Excellent Upright Vacuum
When you’re sifting through the choices, keep these key features in mind. They’ll help you narrow down your search to models that deliver on performance and ease of use.
- Suction Power: This is the engine of your vacuum. Look for models known for strong, consistent suction that can effectively lift dirt and debris from various surfaces.
- Brush Roll Design: The brush roll agitates carpet fibers, loosening embedded dirt. Consider whether you need a brush roll that can be turned on and off for different floor types, or one with adjustable height settings.
- Filtration System: For allergy sufferers or those concerned about air quality, a good filtration system is crucial. HEPA filters are generally considered the gold standard for trapping microscopic particles.
- Weight and Maneuverability: An upright vacuum needs to be easy to push and steer around furniture. Consider the overall weight and how well it pivots for comfortable use.
- Capacity and Ease of Emptying: Think about how often you want to empty the dustbin. Larger capacities mean less frequent emptying, and a simple, hygienic disposal system makes the task less messy.
- Sticking to your budget: While high-end features are appealing, many well-performing vacuums exist at various price points. Prioritize the features most important to your cleaning needs to find the best value.
Common Missteps to Sidestep
Navigating the world of vacuums can lead to a few common errors. Being aware of these can save you from buyer’s remorse.
- Purchasing a vacuum based solely on its appearance or brand name, without considering its actual cleaning capabilities for your specific home.
- Overlooking the importance of maneuverability and weight, especially if you have a lot of furniture or multiple levels in your home.
- Forgetting to check reviews for information on long-term durability and customer service, which can be just as important as initial performance.
Your Dirt-Busting Champion Awaits
For deep cleaning and versatility, the Shark Rotator Lift-Away and Navigator Lift-Away are your go-to machines. Pet owners will cheer for the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet, while those needing a lightweight option will love the Eureka AirSpeed. If apartment living is your reality, the Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo delivers serious power in a small package. For straightforward, effective cleaning on any floor, the Bissell CleanView with Extension Wand and the Eureka PowerSpeed are solid contenders.
No matter your cleaning needs, there’s a top-tier upright vacuum ready to tackle the mess. Don’t delay—click the buttons above to check current availability and bring home your perfect cleaning partner today!
Final 3 Picks: Deep Carpet Cleaning and Pet Owners
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 pickup
