8 Best Upright Vacuums for Hardwood and Carpet 2025

Effortless glide meets allergen-trapping power in the Shark NV356E, where swivel steering and brushroll shutoff combine to deliver seamless transitions from plush carpet to gleaming hardwood. This upright doesn’t just pivot sharply around furniture—it lifts away into a portable unit, transforming into an above-floor cleaner that tackles stairs and upholstery with ease. For homeowners battling pet hair and dust mites, the HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal work in tandem to lock away 99.9% of microscopic irritants, making it a standout among budget-friendly lift-away vacuums.

In real-world testing, the 0.87-quart dust cup proved generous enough for medium-sized homes, reducing emptying frequency without sacrificing suction. The dual-surface brushroll adjusted smoothly between floor types, though on ultra-low-pile rugs, fine debris sometimes scattered before full pickup. While the cord length is adequate, users with larger homes may find themselves plugging and re-plugging mid-clean. Still, the swivel steering excels in tight corners, and the included pet power brush digs deep into carpet fibers, especially effective on embedded pet hair.

Compared to the more advanced Shark LA502, the NV356E trades premium features like LED headlights and DuoClean technology for a significantly lower price point—making it ideal for renters or small households prioritizing value. It’s not the most powerful model in Shark’s lineup, but for those seeking reliable multi-surface cleaning with true allergen containment, this model hits a sweet spot. It delivers lift-away versatility and HEPA-grade filtration at a fraction of the cost of high-end rivals, positioning it as a smart upgrade from basic bagless vacuums.

The 2024 Bissell CleanView Swivel makes a strong first impression with its triple action brush roll, engineered to loosen, lift, and remove deeply embedded dirt from both carpet and hard floors. Its standout feature—swivel steering—gives it nimble corner-to-corner agility, allowing it to glide effortlessly around legs of furniture and along baseboards where grime accumulates. The active extension wand is a game-changer for reaching ceiling corners and top shelves without dragging out a separate handheld unit, making it a top contender for homes needing above-floor versatility without complexity.

Performance tests revealed consistent multi-cyclonic suction across low- and medium-pile carpets, with the scatter-free technology proving effective on tile and hardwood—fine particles stayed contained rather than kicking up. However, on thick shag rugs, the vacuum struggled slightly to maintain full contact, requiring multiple passes. The dirt tank is easy to empty, but lacks a filter indicator, meaning maintenance relies on user memory. While it doesn’t include a motorized pet tool, the standard crevice and dusting tools are well-designed and accessible.

Against the Shark NV356E, the Bissell trades HEPA filtration and lift-away functionality for superior maneuverability and targeted reach. It’s less ideal for allergy sufferers but shines for users who prioritize quick cleanups and hard-to-reach messes. With its fresh 2024 updates, it offers modern ergonomics and smart surface adaptation, making it a compelling choice for pet owners who want strong suction and agile handling without the premium price tag of cordless models.

Don’t let its ultra-affordable price fool you—the Dirt Devil Endura Lite packs a surprisingly punchy suction for a lightweight vacuum, making it a go-to for quick daily cleanups on mixed flooring. At just under 10 pounds, it’s effortless to carry up stairs, while the 6-foot extension wand extends reach for cobwebs and high surfaces without switching devices. The multi-floor brush roll adapts well to transitions between hardwood and area rugs, and the on-board tools stay securely attached, eliminating the frustration of lost accessories.

In testing, the Endura filtration system maintained steady suction over time, though fine dust occasionally escaped during emptying due to the basic cyclone design. The one-touch dirt cup release is genuinely convenient, but the small capacity means frequent trips to the trash in larger homes. On thick carpets, it lacks the depth penetration of pricier models, and the lack of height adjustment limits its precision. Still, for a no-frills, corded workhorse, it handles everyday crumbs, pet hair, and tracked-in dirt with commendable efficiency.

When stacked against the Eureka NEU10AE5, the Endura Lite offers better tool integration and slightly stronger suction, but falls short in ergonomics and filtration. It’s not built for deep cleans or allergy control, but for students, apartment dwellers, or second-home owners, it delivers dependable, low-maintenance cleaning. It proves that entry-level doesn’t mean ineffective, especially when you need a compact, budget-conscious vacuum that gets the basics right.

The Shark NV752 is a pet owner’s dream, combining powered lift-away technology with a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush that aggressively pulls embedded fur from stairs and upholstery. What sets it apart is the rotating nozzle with LED headlights, which illuminate dust bunnies and stray hairs lurking under furniture—features most budget models skip entirely. With fingertip floor mode switching, it transitions instantly from high-pile carpet to bare floor, and the 0.88-quart dust cup holds enough debris for whole-home sessions without mid-clean interruptions.

Real-world use confirms its superior pet hair pickup, especially on medium carpets where the brushroll maintains constant contact. The powered lift-away pod retains motorized cleaning when detached, a rare perk that elevates it above basic handheld conversions. However, the unit is heavier than some rivals, and the cord rewind requires manual effort. On slick hardwood, it occasionally pushes larger debris ahead before capturing it, but the anti-allergen seal and HEPA filter ensure airborne particles stay trapped.

Compared to the ZU503AMZ, the NV752 offers brighter LED lights and a more robust pet tool, making it better suited for homes with multiple pets. While it lacks DuoClean rollers, its targeted pet-focused design outperforms general-purpose models. It strikes a balance between specialized cleaning power and whole-home versatility, delivering deep carpet cleaning and allergen control in one reliable package—making it a top-tier choice for pet-heavy, allergy-sensitive households.

The Shark ZU503AMZ stands out with its self-cleaning brushroll, a game-changing feature that eliminates hair wrap—a chronic pain point for pet owners. This, combined with a complete HEPA seal, makes it one of the best uprights for allergy sufferers who also share their home with furry friends. The lift-away pod detaches smoothly for cleaning stairs and car interiors, while swivel steering ensures agile navigation through cluttered living rooms and tight hallways. It’s not just effective—it’s engineered to reduce maintenance frustration.

In performance trials, the 1200-watt motor delivered strong, consistent suction across hardwood, tile, and medium carpets, with the pet crevice tool excelling at extracting fur from couch seams and baseboards. The upholstery tool is soft yet effective on delicate fabrics, and the dust cup empties cleanly with minimal mess. However, the lack of LED headlights means hidden debris under furniture can go unnoticed, and the bin capacity, while adequate, fills quickly during whole-home cleans.

Against the NV752, the ZU503AMZ trades powered lift-away and LED lights for a more affordable price and superior hair resistance. It’s less flashy but more focused on core allergen and pet hair challenges. For those who prioritize low-maintenance cleaning and air quality, this model offers best-in-class filtration and hassle-free operation, making it a smarter pick than pricier models that sacrifice ease of use for extra bells and whistles.

The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A redefines what mid-range vacuums can achieve, blending a 960-watt motor with a featherlight 10-pound frame for a rare combo of power and portability. Its 5-height brush roll adjustment allows precise tuning for everything from plush carpet to hardwood, ensuring optimal contact and suction efficiency. The massive 2.6-liter dust cup is a standout—few uprights in this class offer such capacity, meaning fewer interruptions during deep cleaning sessions.

Testing revealed strong, consistent suction across all floor types, with the turbo pet brush making quick work of embedded dog hair on stairs and area rugs. The flip-to-empty bin is truly mess-free, and the onboard storage keeps attachments within reach. However, the lack of a HEPA filter limits its appeal for allergy sufferers, and the swivel action, while present, isn’t as smooth as Shark’s. On very dark hardwood, scattered debris was noticeable, suggesting room for improvement in airflow design.

Compared to the Dirt Devil Endura Lite, the PowerSpeed delivers superior suction, larger capacity, and better pet tools, justifying its higher price. It’s not as feature-rich as Shark’s premium models, but for homeowners wanting powerful, adjustable cleaning in a lightweight body, it hits a sweet spot. It offers mid-tier value with high-tier performance, especially for pet owners who need strong suction without back strain.

The Shark LA502 is the undisputed king of multi-surface cleaning, thanks to its DuoClean PowerFins technology, which uses dual rollers—a soft bristle-free roller and a PowerFin brush—to maintain nonstop contact across transitions from hardwood to carpet. This means no more missed edges or double-passing, and the self-cleaning brushroll ensures zero hair wrap, a revolutionary advantage for pet owners. With LED headlights and anti-allergen HEPA sealing, it’s built for deep, thorough, and hygienic cleaning across entire homes.

In real-world use, the lightweight design belies its powerful suction, effortlessly lifting fine dust from tile and deep debris from thick rugs. The lift-away pod functions as a full-powered portable unit, perfect for car interiors or stairs, and the crevice and upholstery tools are well-designed and easy to access. However, the premium price reflects its status, and the bin, while large, can be tricky to rinse thoroughly in tight sinks. On very large homes, cord length becomes a minor limitation.

Against the NV752, the LA502 offers superior roller technology and deeper clean, though it lacks a dedicated turbo pet brush. It’s the most complete package for homes with mixed flooring and pets, combining innovative engineering with practical usability. It justifies its premium status by delivering best-in-class performance, filtration, and convenience, making it the top recommendation for those who want the absolute best upright vacuum for hardwood and carpet.

The Eureka NEU10AE5 is a masterclass in lightweight efficiency, weighing just 7.7 pounds—making it the easiest upright here to carry up flights or store in tight closets. Despite its ultra-light frame, it packs a 10.5-inch cleaning path and solid suction, quickly covering large areas on both hardwood and low-pile carpet. The quick-release handle converts it into a handheld cleaner in seconds, and the onboard crevice and dusting tools ensure you’re never fumbling for attachments mid-clean.

In testing, it handled everyday messes with ease, from cereal spills to tracked-in dirt, though it struggled slightly with deep-set pet hair on medium carpets. The washable filter reduces long-term costs and supports eco-friendly use, but the small dust cup requires frequent emptying in larger homes. The lack of height adjustment means it can’t optimize performance across varied surfaces, and suction tapers slightly on thick rugs. Still, for quick cleanups and small spaces, it’s impressively agile.

Versus the Dirt Devil Endura Lite, the NEU10AE5 wins on weight and portability, but loses in raw power and tool versatility. It’s not built for deep cleans, but for apartment dwellers, seniors, or anyone prioritizing ease of use, it’s unmatched. It proves that lightweight doesn’t mean weak, offering effective, eco-conscious cleaning in a featherlight body—ideal for those who value convenience and storage over heavy-duty performance.