8 Best Vacuums of 2025

Meet the undisputed king of whole-home cleaning—the Shark POWERDETECT AZ4002 doesn’t just clean floors, it dominates them. With 50KPa suction power measured at the hose and a DuoClean Detect system backed by four Intelli-Sense sensors, this vacuum automatically adjusts to hidden dirt, shifting floor types, edges, and even your cleaning direction. It’s engineered for maximum efficiency: when you push forward or pull back, Direction Detect ensures powerful suction in both motions, eliminating the need to double-pass areas. For pet owners and allergy sufferers, the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal paired with a true HEPA filter traps 99.99% of dust and allergens down to 0.3 microns—making it one of the cleanest air-discharging vacuums on the market.

In real-world testing across plush carpets, high-traffic hallways, and dusty hardwoods, the POWERDETECT delivered laboratory-level performance in a residential setting. The Floor Detect sensor flawlessly transitioned between surfaces, ramping up suction on thick rugs and dialing down brushroll speed on hardwood to prevent scratches. Edge Detect kicked in within two inches of baseboards, pulling out years of embedded grime most vacuums miss. We ran it over mixed debris—crumbs, sand, pet hair—and it cleared everything in a single pass. Even in reverse, Direction Detect maintained full suction power, a rare feature that saves time and effort. However, at 16.5 pounds, it’s heavier than some stick vacuums, and the bin capacity (1.2L) requires emptying after two full-room cleans.

Positioned as the best overall vacuum, the Shark AZ4002 outclasses competitors like the Kenmore Intuition and VIAFLY stick models in intelligence, adaptability, and deep-cleaning power. While the Kenmore offers a lighter frame and no-touch bag system, it lacks sensor-driven automation and struggles with fine dust on hard floors. The VIAFLY has longer runtime but can’t match the Shark’s real-time surface adaptation or edge-to-edge coverage. This is the ideal pick for households that want set-it-and-forget-it automation with commercial-grade results, especially those with pets and mixed flooring. It delivers more innovation and cleaning intelligence than any other upright, making it worth the investment over simpler, less responsive models.

Step into the future of cleaning with the effortless intelligence of the iRobot Roomba 105—a robot vacuum that doesn’t just roam, it maps, plans, and conquers. With 70x more lifting suction than older Roomba 600 models and a 3-stage cleaning system featuring dual counter-rotating brushes and an edge-sweeping bristle, it pulls deeply embedded dirt from carpets and leaves hard floors barefoot-clean. Its ClearView LiDAR navigation scans rooms in real time, building efficient cleaning paths while avoiding furniture legs, cords, and stairs. Unlike random-bounce bots, this one cleans in tight, methodical rows, ensuring no spot is missed—even in cluttered living rooms or under sofas.

We tested the Roomba 105 in a two-bedroom apartment with mixed surfaces: area rugs, tile, and hardwood. It handled transitions smoothly, though it occasionally paused on dark rugs, mistaking them for drop-offs. The spot-clean mode proved invaluable for high-traffic zones—set it to clean under the kitchen table for five minutes, and it delivered restaurant-level results. Suction stayed strong throughout its 75-minute runtime, and when the battery dipped, it automatically docked, recharged, and resumed where it left off—a feature absent in budget robots. However, it struggles with large debris like cereal or pet kibble, which can clog the bin, and its 0.6L capacity needs emptying every other day in pet homes.

When compared to other robot vacuums like the Shark AI Ultra or budget stick vacs, the Roomba 105 strikes a rare balance: smart navigation without complexity. It’s simpler than high-end models yet outperforms basic bots in coverage and consistency. It’s perfect for busy professionals, elderly users, or anyone who wants daily maintenance cleaning without lifting a finger. While it doesn’t replace a deep-cleaning upright like the Shark POWERDETECT, it complements it beautifully, keeping floors fresh between heavy-duty sessions. For hands-off, reliable automation with proven iRobot reliability, it’s a standout in the robot category.

The Kenmore Intuition isn’t just a vacuum—it’s a versatile cleaning partner that redefines convenience with its lift-up handheld transformation. Weighing just 14 pounds and featuring swivel steering, it glides around furniture like a dream, while the 200W dual-motor system delivers consistent suction even as the bag fills. The real game-changer? No Touch Bag Technology—with a single button press, the sealed bag ejects cleanly, eliminating messy spills and dirty hands. For pet owners, this means zero contact with hair and dander, a small luxury that pays off daily. Paired with a fully sealed HEPA filtration system, it traps 99.97% of allergens, making it a breath-of-fresh-air upgrade for sensitive households.

In performance tests, the Intuition excelled on low-pile carpets and hard floors, thanks to its height-adjustable nozzle and LED headlights that reveal hidden dust under furniture. The 3-in-1 Combination Tool handled blinds, upholstery, and baseboards with ease, and the HandiMate detachable unit made stair cleaning effortless. However, on high-pile rugs, suction weakened slightly, and the 3.5-quart bag capacity needed changing after three large-room cleans—more frequent than bagless cyclonic models. While it’s not the most powerful upright, its consistent airflow from PowerFlow bag chamber ensures performance doesn’t nosedive as the bag fills.

Compared to the Shark POWERDETECT, the Kenmore trades advanced sensors and raw power for simplicity and hygiene. It lacks automatic floor detection or edge-boosting, but wins on maintenance ease and lightweight agility. It’s ideal for users who prioritize low-effort upkeep and pet-friendly design over high-tech automation. While the Shark dominates in deep cleaning, the Kenmore shines in daily usability, especially for those who hate touching dirty bins. It offers strong enough suction and smarter ergonomics than budget uprights, making it a solid mid-tier choice for pet households wanting clean air and cleaner hands.

The VIAFLY cordless stick vacuum enters the ring as a feature-packed contender that punches above its price with 50KPa suction, 70-minute runtime, and a self-standing design that solves the ‘where to store it’ dilemma. Powered by a 600W brushless motor, it generates enough force to yank pet hair from high-pile rugs and lift fine dust from hardwood—without a single tangle, thanks to its V-shaped anti-tangle brushroll. The smart touch screen displays battery life, mode, and error alerts, letting you switch between three suction levels on the fly. Add in 6 LED headlights and 0–180° lateral steering, and you’ve got a vacuum that sees and reaches where others fail—especially under beds and cabinets.

We tested it in a pet-heavy home with long-haired cats and mixed flooring. It handled daily shedding with ease, and the 1.6L dust cup lasted two full-home cleans before emptying. The wall dock doubles as a charger and storage stand, keeping it upright and ready—no leaning on walls or cluttering closets. On max mode, battery life dropped to 12 minutes, but eco mode easily covered 1,500 sq ft. The 8-stage HEPA filtration trapped 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns, a rare feat at this price. However, the motorized brushroll struggled slightly on thick shag rugs, and the bin release mechanism required two-handed operation, which felt clunky.

Stacked against the iXlion and Shark AZ4002, the VIAFLY offers more runtime and storage innovation than the iXlion, and better value than the premium Shark—but lacks the Shark’s sensor intelligence and auto-adjusting power. It’s perfect for renters, pet owners, and small-to-medium homes that want long runtime and modern features without breaking the bank. While it doesn’t match the Shark’s deep-clean dominance, it delivers exceptional bang for the buck, with smarter ergonomics and stronger suction than most budget sticks. For those who want high-end features at mid-tier pricing, it’s a compelling choice.

The Kenmore 600 Series canister is a silent powerhouse built for homes that demand quiet, thorough cleaning with zero mess. With a dual-motor system—one for suction, one for the powered nozzle—it delivers 183W of hose-end suction, outperforming many uprights in carpet agitation. The star feature? The Pet PowerMate motorized tool, which lifts embedded pet hair from upholstery, stairs, and area rugs without tangling. The Pop-N-Go brush stores inside the vacuum and snaps onto the wand instantly, making transitions seamless. At 22.6 lbs, it’s lighter than most canisters, and the 28-foot retractable cord eliminates tripping hazards—ideal for multi-room cleaning.

In real use, the Kenmore excelled in tight spaces and above-floor cleaning—its aluminum wand extended to 10 feet, reaching ceiling corners and drapes with ease. The triple HEPA filtration trapped 99.97% of particles, and the bagged system ensured zero dust plume on disposal. We ran it on area rugs, tile, and pet beds—it handled all without clogging. However, the 1.5L bag capacity filled quickly during whole-home cleans, and the hose felt slightly stiff during extended use. While it’s excellent on hard floors and low-pile rugs, the lack of automatic floor sensing means manual adjustments are needed when switching surfaces.

Compared to uprights like the Shark AZ4002, the Kenmore 600 Series trades raw power and automation for superior reach and quiet operation. It’s quieter than most uprights, making it ideal for early-morning or late-night cleaning. It’s the best choice for allergy sufferers, pet owners, and multi-level homes where portability and filtration matter most. While the Shark wins in deep carpet cleaning, the Kenmore dominates in flexibility and air quality, offering a cleaner disposal experience than any bagless model. It’s a refined, no-nonsense canister that prioritizes health and convenience over flashy tech.