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10 Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe with Large Dust Cup Capacity, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Crevice Tool, Blue, NV360

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe, is a strong contender in the upright vacuum cleaner category, especially for households with pets. One of its standout features is its powerful suction, which effectively deep-cleans carpets while also excelling on bare floors. The Lift-Away functionality is a game-changer, allowing users to detach the vacuum pod for cleaning hard-to-reach areas like under furniture or on stairs. This flexibility makes it user-friendly for various cleaning tasks around the home.

The vacuum also boasts an anti-allergen complete seal technology coupled with a HEPA filter, ensuring that dust and allergens are trapped inside, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers. Additionally, the large dust cup capacity of 0.9 quarts means less frequent emptying, which can save time during cleaning sessions.

Maneuverability is another strong point, thanks to the swivel steering feature that allows easy navigation around tight corners and furniture. The inclusion of pet hair attachments, like the upholstery tool, makes it particularly suitable for pet owners, as it simplifies the removal of stubborn pet hair. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is a corded model, which may limit mobility compared to cordless options, particularly for larger areas or when moving between rooms. While the vacuum is relatively lightweight, those with limited strength might still find it cumbersome over prolonged use compared to other models. Another consideration is that while the vacuum's filters are washable, it requires time to air dry for 24 hours, which may not be ideal for users looking for immediate use. This vacuum is an excellent choice, particularly for pet owners and allergy sufferers, but potential buyers should weigh the importance of cordless convenience against its many strengths.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Suction Power
The suction is powerful, picking up dirt effortlessly even at the lowest level.
Weight and Maneuverability
It glides smoothly on both carpet and laminate floors, making cleaning feel like a breeze.
Dust Capacity
You may need to empty the dust cup more frequently due to the amount of debris it picks up.
Attachments and Accessories
The attachments are useful, especially for blinds and window crevices, despite being a bit awkward.
#2

Bissell 2254 CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum, Automatic Cord Rewind, Swivel Steering, Powerful Pet Hair Pickup, Specialized Pet Tools, Large Capacity Dirt Tank, Teal

The Bissell 2254 CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Vacuum is designed with pet owners in mind, offering powerful suction to pick up pet hair effectively. Its triple action brush roll and scatter-free technology ensure pet hair, even if embedded, is efficiently picked up. The vacuum has a 27-foot power cord that rewinds automatically for convenience, and swivel steering that allows easy maneuverability around furniture and obstacles. Weighing 13.65 pounds, it's relatively lightweight and easy to handle.

One of its standout features is the large capacity dirt tank, which means less frequent emptying during cleaning sessions. The specialized pet tools included, such as the dusting brush, further enhance its functionality for pet owners. The vacuum also boasts edge-to-edge cleaning, getting closer to walls and corners with each pass, ensuring a thorough clean.

However, it is not cordless, which might limit its range and flexibility compared to cordless options. The 1.06 quarts dust capacity is decent but might require frequent emptying for larger homes or extensive cleaning tasks. Additionally, the filtration system uses a disk filter, which may need regular maintenance or replacement. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Bissell 2254 CleanView is a solid choice for pet owners looking for an effective, maneuverable, and convenient vacuum cleaner.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Suction Power
The suction power is astonishing, picking up an impressive amount of dirt and pet hair even after using another vacuum the previous day.
Filtration System
Included HEPA filters make it a great choice for allergy sufferers, earning an A++ for its filtration system.
Weight and Maneuverability
Swivel steering allows for easy maneuverability, making it a breeze to clean around furniture and obstacles.
Dust Capacity
The dustbin is easy to empty, although some hair removal might still be necessary.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
The cord length is sufficient for most cleaning tasks, adding to its convenience.
#3

Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering, Powerful Pet Hair Pick Up, Specialized Pet Tools, Large Capacity Dirt Tank, Easy Empty

The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is a versatile and user-friendly option, especially for pet owners. It features strong suction power and a Triple Action Brush Roll, which effectively lifts and removes embedded pet hair from various surfaces. The vacuum's swivel steering enhances maneuverability, making it easier to clean around furniture and obstacles.

Additionally, the vacuum's multi-surface cleaning capability with scatter-free technology ensures that dry pet messes are efficiently tackled without creating additional mess on hard surfaces. The vacuum is also equipped with edge-to-edge cleaning functionality, which helps in cleaning along edges and corners thoroughly. Weighing 12.5 pounds, it strikes a balance between being lightweight and sturdy, facilitating easy handling and storage.

One of its notable features is the large capacity dirt tank with an easy-empty system, reducing the frequency of emptying and simplifying the process. A potential downside for some users could be the corded design, which limits mobility compared to cordless options. However, the cord length should be adequate for most household cleaning tasks. The specialized pet tools included are a significant advantage for pet owners, making it easier to pick up pet hair and clean pet-related messes effectively. The vacuum is further distinguished by its support of the BISSELL Pet Foundation, making it a meaningful purchase for those who want to contribute to a good cause while addressing their cleaning needs.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Suction Power
This vacuum has amazing suction power, picking up an unbelievable amount of dirt and pet hair even after using another vacuum the day before.
Filtration System
Equipped with two HEPA filters, it is excellent for people with allergies, receiving an A++ for its performance in this aspect.
Weight and Maneuverability
The swivel steering makes it incredibly easy to maneuver around furniture and obstacles, enhancing its usability.
Dust Capacity
The dustbin is easy to empty, though you might need to pull out some hair manually, which is manageable.
Cord Length and Cordless Options
The electric cord is long enough to meet the needs of a 2-bedroom apartment without needing to replug frequently.

Buying Guide for the Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Choosing the right upright vacuum cleaner can make a significant difference in maintaining a clean and healthy home. When selecting a vacuum cleaner, it's important to consider various specifications that will determine its performance, ease of use, and suitability for your specific needs. Understanding these key specs will help you make an informed decision and ensure you get the best fit for your home.
Suction PowerSuction power is a measure of how effectively the vacuum can pick up dirt and debris from your floors. This is important because higher suction power generally means better cleaning performance. Suction power is often measured in watts or air watts. For homes with heavy carpeting or pets, higher suction power (200+ air watts) is recommended. For homes with mostly hard floors or light cleaning needs, a lower suction power (100-200 air watts) may suffice. Consider your floor types and cleaning requirements when choosing the right suction power.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system in a vacuum cleaner determines how well it can trap dust, allergens, and other particles. This is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality, especially for allergy sufferers. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the gold standard, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. If you have allergies or asthma, opt for a vacuum with a HEPA filter. For general use, a standard filter may be adequate, but ensure it is easy to clean or replace.
Weight and ManeuverabilityThe weight and maneuverability of an upright vacuum cleaner affect how easy it is to use, especially if you have a multi-story home or need to carry it up and down stairs. Lightweight models (under 15 pounds) are easier to handle and maneuver, making them ideal for quick cleanups and smaller spaces. Heavier models (over 15 pounds) may offer more power and larger dust capacities but can be cumbersome to move around. Consider your physical strength and the layout of your home when choosing the right weight and maneuverability.
Dust CapacityDust capacity refers to the amount of dirt and debris the vacuum can hold before needing to be emptied. This is important for convenience and efficiency, as larger capacities mean less frequent emptying. Dust capacities typically range from 1 to 4 liters. For larger homes or those with pets, a larger dust capacity (3-4 liters) is beneficial. For smaller homes or less frequent cleaning, a smaller capacity (1-2 liters) may be sufficient. Think about how often you vacuum and how much dirt you typically collect to determine the right dust capacity for you.
Cord Length and Cordless OptionsCord length determines how far you can move the vacuum without needing to switch power outlets, while cordless options offer greater flexibility and ease of use. Longer cords (25-30 feet) are ideal for larger rooms and homes, reducing the need to unplug and replug frequently. Cordless vacuums provide maximum mobility but are limited by battery life, which typically ranges from 20 to 60 minutes. If you have a large home or prefer uninterrupted cleaning, a longer cord or a high-capacity cordless model is recommended. For quick cleanups and smaller spaces, a shorter cord or a standard cordless model may be sufficient.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories enhance the versatility of your vacuum cleaner, allowing you to clean various surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. Common attachments include crevice tools, dusting brushes, and upholstery tools. These are important for cleaning furniture, stairs, and tight spaces. If you have pets, look for models with pet hair attachments. Consider the types of surfaces and areas you need to clean when choosing a vacuum with the right attachments and accessories. More attachments can add to the cost, so ensure you will use them before making a decision.

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