8 Best Plug-In Vacuum Cleaners of 2025

Unleashing serious pet power, the Shark ZU503AMZ stands tall as a no-nonsense warrior against pet hair, armed with a self-cleaning brushroll that actually delivers on its promise. With 1200 watts of suction and a complete HEPA-sealed system, it doesn’t just clean—it captures allergens at the source, making it a game-changer for homes with shedding pets and allergy sufferers. The lift-away pod transforms it into a portable powerhouse, effortlessly tackling stairs, furniture, and tight corners without losing suction.

In real-world testing, this upright excels on carpets and hard floors, thanks to its swivel steering that glides around furniture legs like a pro. The 0.9-quart dust cup holds up well during full-home sessions, and emptying is quick and relatively mess-free. While it’s bulky for small storage spaces, the detachable nozzle makes overhead and under-furniture cleaning surprisingly efficient. However, the cord rewind is manual, which feels like a missed opportunity at this price.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Shark ZU503AMZ offers superior allergen capture and pet hair performance, though it’s heavier and pricier. Against the Bissell CleanView Swivel, it dominates in suction and filtration but lacks the newer wand tech. Ideal for pet owners who need deep, whole-home cleaning, this model balances power, filtration, and versatility—making it a strong contender where pet messes and air quality matter most.

Effortless and electric, the Bissell 2033 isn’t trying to deep-clean your carpets—it’s built for lightning-fast cleanups where every ounce matters. Weighing just under 8 pounds, this stick-to-handheld chameleon is perfect for quick spills, countertop crumbs, or car detailing. With 600 watts of targeted suction and a 15-foot power cord, it’s ideal for apartments, dorms, or as a secondary vacuum that’s always ready to grab and go.

During daily use, the 0.67-liter dirt cup fills fast on carpets, but it’s brilliant on sealed hard floors and low-pile rugs. The crevice tool stores onboard, and the floor nozzle doubles as a stair cleaner, making it surprisingly versatile for its size. However, suction fades on deep debris, and the plastic build feels flimsy under heavy use. It’s not meant for wall-to-wall cleaning, but for spot cleaning and light-duty tasks, it’s nimble and effective.

Pitted against the Eureka WhirlWind canister, it’s less powerful but far more portable. Compared to the Shark NV360, it lacks filtration and capacity, but wins in instant accessibility and ease of use. Best for those who prioritize speed and simplicity over deep clean, this model is the go-to for quick wins—offering lightweight agility without the bulk, even if it sacrifices endurance.

Power meets practicality in the Shark NV360, a mid-tier marvel that delivers serious cleaning muscle without the premium price tag. Boasting 0.9-quart dust cup capacity and HEPA filtration with complete seal technology, it’s built for longer cleaning sessions and allergy-sensitive homes. The brushroll shutoff is a brilliant touch, letting you switch instantly from carpet to hardwood without scratching surfaces—making it a true multi-surface master.

In testing, the swivel steering makes it incredibly agile, zipping around furniture and into corners with ease. The lift-away pod detaches smoothly for stairs and upholstery, and the onboard tools are always within reach. Suction is strong across low and medium-pile carpets, though it struggles slightly with high-pile rugs. The filter is washable, but requires 24-hour drying, which can be a bottleneck if you clean daily.

Versus the ZU503AMZ, it lacks the self-cleaning brushroll, but shares the same HEPA and lift-away DNA at a lower cost. Compared to the Bissell CleanView, it offers better allergen control and capacity, though without the extension wand. Ideal for medium-sized homes needing reliable, allergen-trapping performance, the NV360 strikes a smart balance between features and value—delivering Shark’s signature power in a more affordable package.

Precision meets power in the 2024 Bissell CleanView Swivel, a hard-floor hero engineered to eliminate scatter and lock in fine debris. The Scatter-Free Technology is not marketing fluff—it genuinely stops dust from bouncing ahead of the nozzle, a common frustration on tile and wood. With a triple-action brush roll and active extension wand, it reaches under couches and along baseboards with surgical accuracy, making it a top pick for homes with lots of hard surfaces and pets.

Real-world testing confirms it shines on sealed floors, where the multi-cyclonic system maintains suction even as the tank fills. The swivel steering is snappy and responsive, and the easy-empty dirt tank minimizes mess. However, on thick carpets, the suction can’t quite keep up with Shark or Dyson models. The wand extends manually, not automatically, which feels slightly dated. Still, for daily maintenance on hard floors, it’s efficient and effective.

Compared to the Shark NV360, it lacks HEPA filtration but excels in maneuverability and scatter control. Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, it offers better hard-floor optimization but less raw power on carpet. Best suited for urban dwellers, pet owners with mostly hard flooring, or anyone tired of chasing debris across the kitchen, this model delivers targeted performance where it counts—making hard-floor cleaning finally feel effortless.

Low-profile and high-function, the Eureka NEN110A redefines what a canister should be—lightweight, intuitive, and genuinely tangle-free. At just 8.15 pounds, it floats from room to room, its telescoping metal wand and swivel steering gliding under sofas and around legs with zero resistance. The 2.5L bagless container is massive for its class, meaning fewer stops to empty, while the integrated crevice tool and dusting brush are always within reach—no hunting through closets.

Performance-wise, the 960-watt motor delivers consistent suction across low-pile carpets and hard floors, though it struggles with deep carpet cleaning. The airflow control on the handle lets you fine-tune suction for upholstery or rugs, a rare and welcome feature at this price. The automatic cord rewind is satisfyingly smooth, and washable filters eliminate ongoing costs. However, the hose is shorter than ideal, limiting reach when cleaning stairs or high surfaces.

Stacked against the Bissell Featherweight, it’s more powerful and capacious, though less portable. Compared to uprights like the Shark NV360, it sacrifices deep carpet performance but wins in storage and under-furniture access. For apartment dwellers, seniors, or anyone who hates dragging heavy vacuums, the WhirlWind offers effortless cleaning with real convenience—proving canister vacuums still have a place in modern homes.

A true allergen assassin, the Shark NV752 doesn’t just clean—it purifies, thanks to its complete-seal HEPA system that traps 99.9% of dust and allergens. With powered lift-away technology, the pod detaches while the brushroll keeps spinning, letting you deep-clean stairs and furniture without suction loss—a game-changing feature for pet owners and allergy sufferers. The LED headlights are not a gimmick; they expose hidden hair and dust under beds and furniture, turning blind spots into clean zones.

In action, the multi-surface fingertip control lets you switch between carpet and hard floor cleaning instantly, while the Perfect Pet Power Brush aggressively removes ground-in fur and dander. The 0.88-quart dust cup is easy to empty, and the swivel steering ensures tight corner navigation. However, the weight (17.5 lbs) makes it tiring for large homes, and the hose storage is awkward. Still, for homes with pets and respiratory sensitivities, it’s unmatched in filtration and targeted cleaning.

Versus the Dyson Ball Animal 3, it lacks the de-tangling motorbar and 5-year warranty, but matches it in allergen capture at half the price. Compared to the Shark ZU503AMZ, it adds LED lights and powered lift-away, making it more versatile. Ideal for allergy-prone households with pets, this model delivers clinical-level cleanliness, offering premium filtration and pet-focused tools in a feature-rich, high-performance package.

Big power in a featherweight frame, the Eureka NEU181A punches above its price point with 960 watts of consistent suction and a massive 2.6-liter dust cup—rare at this budget. At just 10 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to carry up stairs, yet cleans deep into carpets thanks to its 5-height brush roll adjustment. The onboard pet turbo brush is a standout, lifting stubborn fur from upholstery and car seats without needing extra storage space.

In real use, it handles mixed flooring with confidence, transitioning smoothly from tile to thick carpet. The flip-to-empty bin is fast and low-mess, a rarity under $100. However, noise levels are high, and the plastic build feels economical. It lacks HEPA filtration, so it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers, and the cord is only 18 feet, requiring frequent outlet changes in larger homes. Still, for spills, pet messes, and daily upkeep, it’s surprisingly capable.

Compared to the Bissell Featherweight, it’s more powerful and better for carpets, though less compact. Against the Shark NV360, it lacks HEPA and lift-away, but offers larger capacity and lower cost. Perfect for budget-conscious families, renters, or pet owners needing a no-frills workhorse, this vacuum maximizes value without sacrificing core performance—delivering heavy-duty cleaning in a lightweight, wallet-friendly design.

A masterclass in engineering, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 sets the gold standard for whole-home, all-floor cleaning, powered by Radial Root Cyclone technology that maintains suction without clogging. Its de-tangling Motorbar head is revolutionary, automatically clearing hair from the brush bar—a lifesaver for long-haired pet owners. With 3 suction modes, you can dial in the perfect power for deep carpet cleans, hard floors, or quick pickups, making it incredibly adaptive.

In testing, the ball technology delivers unmatched maneuverability, turning on a dime and gliding under furniture with ease. The 290AW suction obliterates embedded dirt, and the whole-machine filtration traps microscopic particles instead of blowing them back into the air. The stair tool and combination tool are well-designed, though storage is minimal. The 5-year warranty and lifetime support add huge long-term value, even if the initial cost stings.

Versus the Shark NV752, it offers better de-tangling and warranty, though similar HEPA-level filtration. Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, it’s in a completely different league—more durable, powerful, and intelligent. For serious pet owners, large homes, or anyone who demands elite performance, this is the undisputed champion—delivering cutting-edge tech, relentless suction, and lasting reliability in one premium, purpose-built machine.