8 Best Plug-In Vacuums of 2025

This no-fuss powerhouse redefines convenience with its automatic cord rewind and active extension wand, making post-clean-up a one-button affair. The OnePass Technology ensures deep carpet cleaning in a single sweep, while Scatter-Free Technology keeps hard floor messes contained—ideal for homes with shedding pets or frequent spills. No more tripping over tangled cords or struggling to reach ceiling cobwebs; this upright tackles cluttered living rooms and pet-heavy zones with surprising finesse.

In real-world testing, the 3534 shines on medium-pile carpets and sealed hardwood, effortlessly pulling up tracked-in dirt and cereal crumbs thanks to its wide cleaning path and sealed airflow system. The 10-foot active wand extends reach without losing suction, perfect for drapes, baseboards, and car interiors. However, the bin capacity is modest, requiring frequent emptying during whole-home sessions, and the motor noise leans toward the louder end of the spectrum. It handles transitions between surfaces smoothly but lacks height adjustment, so low-pile rugs get the same aggressive brushroll treatment as thick carpets.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Bissell sacrifices some bin size and floor adaptability but wins on ergonomic innovation and cord management. It’s best suited for medium-sized homes where convenience trumps raw power, especially for pet owners who value quick cleanups over marathon sessions. For those tired of wrestling cords and underwhelmed by flimsy wands, the CleanView Rewind delivers smarter usability at a competitive feature-to-performance ratio.

Don’t let its featherlight 7.7-pound frame fool you—this budget marvel packs a 700-watt punch that punches above its price tag. The quick-release handle transforms it into an above-floor cleaner in seconds, letting you dust blinds or vacuum car seats without lugging around a full-sized machine. For renters or apartment dwellers, this compact dynamo solves the storage struggle while still delivering solid all-floor performance on thin carpets and tile.

During testing, the Airspeed proved reliable on everyday debris—dust, crumbs, and loose hair—with its 10.5” cleaning path cutting cleaning time noticeably. The washable filter is a long-term cost saver, and the onboard crevice tool and dusting brush mean attachments are never lost. That said, the suction drops slightly on high-pile rugs, and the dust cup is small enough to need emptying mid-session in larger homes. It lacks LED lights or swivel steering, so maneuvering behind furniture feels clunky compared to pricier models.

Against the Shark HV301, it’s no contest in versatility—but for tight budgets and small spaces, the Airspeed is a no-brainer entry-level pick. It’s ideal for students, seniors, or minimalist households who clean frequently but don’t need deep-cleaning muscle. If you’re after bare-bones efficiency without the bulk, this Eureka offers surprising capability at a fraction of the cost.

Meet the gold standard of corded versatility—a vacuum that converts to handheld in seconds and never loses suction, thanks to its ultra-powerful corded motor. The swivel steering is a game-changer, gliding around chair legs and under sofas with ballet-like precision, while fingertip controls let you switch between carpet and hardwood without bending down. At under 9 lbs., it’s effortless to carry up stairs or use on ceilings, making it a top contender for multi-level homes and pet owners.

In real-world use, the HV301 maintains consistent suction across surfaces, deep-cleaning carpets and lifting tracked-in grime from grout lines without bogging down. The easy-empty dust cup minimizes mess, and included tools—like the anti-allergen dust brush—add serious value. However, the wand can feel slightly loose when extended, and the power cord, while long, isn’t retractable, leading to manual wrapping hassles. It performs admirably on stairs and upholstery but lacks LED headlights, making pet hair detection in dim corners a guessing game.

Stacked against the Eureka WhirlWind, the Shark offers better maneuverability and stronger suction, though the canister design wins on storage. For all-around performance and durability, this model strikes a near-perfect balance between power, portability, and ease of use. If you want one vacuum that does it all without cord anxiety, the HV301 outperforms most in its class.

This pet-focused beast doesn’t just clean—it hunts down hidden fur with LED headlights and extracts embedded hair with specialized tools. The 0.68-quart XL dust cup means fewer trips to the trash, while the lightweight build and swivel steering make it a joy to wield on stairs, furniture, and under beds. With two pet-specific attachments, including a motorized multi-tool, it’s engineered for homes where dog hair and dander are daily battles.

In testing, the LEDs revealed pet hair in corners and under furniture that other vacuums would miss, and the suction stayed strong even after 20 minutes of continuous use. The handheld conversion is seamless, perfect for quick cleanups after shedding season. That said, the dust cup release can be sticky, and the cord isn’t retractable, which disrupts the otherwise slick workflow. It’s slightly heavier than the HV301, but the trade-off is larger capacity and pet-optimized performance.

Compared to the Bissell 2252, the HV322 wins on reach and visibility, though the Bissell’s edge-to-edge cleaning is slightly better. It’s ideal for multi-pet households and allergy sufferers who need deep, targeted cleaning without cord fatigue. For pet owners who demand precision and power, this Shark delivers best-in-class fur-fighting capability.

The WhirlWind flips the script on canister design, offering swivel steering, telescoping wand, and fingertip airflow control in a sub-9-pound frame. Its 2.5L dust container is cavernous for a canister, allowing long cleaning runs without emptying, while the integrated 2-in-1 crevice tool ensures attachments are always within reach. For those who hate losing tools or wrestling with stiff hoses, this nimble canister is a revelation—especially on stairs and under furniture.

In real-world testing, it transitions smoothly between carpet and hardwood, with the airflow control dial letting you fine-tune suction on delicate surfaces. The automatic cord rewind is satisfyingly smooth, and the washable filters eliminate recurring costs. However, the hose feels a bit thin, and suction, while adequate, isn’t as aggressive as uprights on deep carpet stains. It’s also less intuitive for whole-home cleaning compared to stick vacuums, requiring more pulling and guiding.

Versus the Shark HV301, it trades some power for superior storage and floor transitions, making it better for tight apartments and allergy-prone homes. If you value low-profile design and tool accessibility, the WhirlWind proves canisters aren’t outdated—they’re reimagined.

At just 4 pounds, the Blaze is the lightest warrior in the stick vacuum arena, built for quick cleanups and spot treatments rather than deep cleans. Its 2-amp motor delivers surprising oomph for a mini machine, capturing dust, pollen, and surface debris with ease, while the X-large dust cup and 18-foot cord reduce outlet hopping. The capture nozzle prevents debris scatter, a common flaw in budget sticks that push dirt around instead of lifting it.

In practice, it excels on hard floors and low-pile rugs, zipping under desks and beds with Eureka’s signature swivel steering. The onboard crevice tool is handy for car interiors and keyboards, but the lack of height adjustment and motorized brushroll limits its effectiveness on pet hair. It’s not meant for wall-to-wall cleaning—prolonged use exposes its limited suction stamina and small handle grip.

Against the Eureka Airspeed, it’s lighter but less versatile—no above-floor cleaning or upholstery tools. It’s perfect for dorm rooms, RVs, or as a secondary vacuum where speed and simplicity win. For minimalists who hate bulk, the Blaze is a nimble, no-frills sidekick.

This sleek upright packs heavyweight performance into a 10-pound frame, making it a top pick for homes with mixed flooring and pet traffic. The 960-watt motor drives relentless suction across hardwood, tile, and thick carpet, while the 5-height brush roll adjustment ensures optimal contact on every surface. Its 2.6-liter dust cup is one of the largest here, minimizing interruptions—ideal for whole-home cleans.

In testing, the flip-to-empty bin lived up to its mess-free promise, and the onboard pet turbo brush made short work of embedded fur on sofas and stairs. Suction remained consistent, even on high-pile rugs, and the wide cleaning path sped up large-area coverage. However, the cord isn’t retractable, and the vacuum lacks swivel steering, making tight turns awkward. It’s also noisier than average, which might bother light sleepers or pets.

Next to the Bissell CleanView Rewind, it wins on bin size and floor adaptability but loses on cord convenience and wand reach. For pet owners with large, multi-surface homes, the PowerSpeed delivers robust, reliable cleaning without the premium price.

Engineered for maximum agility, the 2252 boasts swivel steering that dances around furniture with zero effort, making it a top-tier pick for cluttered homes. The triple action brush roll aggressively lifts embedded pet hair, while edge-to-edge cleaning ensures no corner is left untouched. With a large dirt tank and scatter-free tech, it handles daily pet messes and tracked-in grime without constant emptying or scatter.

In real use, it excels on carpeted rooms and area rugs, with strong suction that doesn’t fade. The airflow indicator helps maintain peak performance, and the onboard pet tools are easy to access. However, the cord is long but non-retractable, and the vacuum feels slightly top-heavy when maneuvering upstairs. It’s also heavier than stick alternatives, reducing comfort during extended sessions.

Compared to the Shark HV322, it offers better edge cleaning and swivel control but lacks LED lights and XL dust visibility. For pet owners in carpet-heavy homes, the 2252 delivers precision and power in one agile package.