8 Best Upright Vacuums of 2025

The Shark NV501 isn’t just a vacuum—it’s a cleaning powerhouse engineered for deep allergen removal and unmatched maneuverability. With Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology paired with a true HEPA filter, it traps 99.99% of dust and allergens, making it a game-changer for allergy sufferers. The Lift-Away functionality transforms this upright into a portable cleaner, letting you tackle stairs, upholstery, and under-furniture zones with ease, while swivel steering and LED headlights ensure no speck of pet hair or dust escapes detection—even in dark corners.

In real-world testing, the NV501 excels across carpeted bedrooms and hardwood kitchens, effortlessly transitioning between surfaces thanks to its responsive brush roll and 1200-watt motor. The wide upholstery tool is a standout, removing embedded pet hair from sofas in seconds, and the dusting brush works wonders on ceiling fans and delicate blinds. However, the full-size build makes storage slightly bulkier than compact models, and while suction is strong, it can struggle slightly on high-pile rugs when compared to premium dual-brushroll systems.

When stacked against the Bissell 2252 or Eureka PowerSpeed, the Shark NV501 stands out for allergen containment and versatility, though it lacks automatic floor sensing or edge-boosting tech found in higher-end Sharks. It’s ideal for households with pets, kids, or allergy concerns who want one vacuum that handles floors, furniture, and hidden messes without switching devices. Compared to budget models, it delivers far superior filtration and reach—offering more features and performance for a moderate increase in price.

Don’t let its 10-pound frame fool you—the Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo packs full-size suction into a pint-sized body, making it the ultimate space-saving warrior for studios, dorms, and small apartments. Its Scatter-Free Technology is a revelation on hardwood and tile, preventing debris from scattering during pickup, while the quick-release wand instantly converts it into an above-floor cleaner for blinds, shelves, and car interiors. This vacuum solves the universal pain point of bulky machines that dominate cramped closets without sacrificing cleaning power.

During daily use, the Compact Turbo proves surprisingly capable on low-pile carpets and area rugs, thanks to its cyclonic suction and 1200-watt motor. The wand extends reach to ceiling corners, and the onboard tools stay accessible, eliminating fumbling through drawers. However, the small dustbin fills quickly during whole-home sessions, requiring multiple emptyings, and the lack of height adjustment limits deep cleaning on plush carpets. It’s best suited for light messes and quick cleanups rather than deep weekly cleans.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed or Shark NV501, this model sacrifices power and capacity for portability and footprint. Yet, for students, renters, or anyone in tight living spaces, it offers unbeatable convenience with no performance compromise on hard floors and short-pile rugs. It doesn’t match the pet hair removal of premium models, but for small-space dwellers, it delivers efficient, agile cleaning where bulkier vacuums simply won’t fit—making it a smarter, more practical choice than larger, heavier alternatives.

Meet the Eureka Airspeed, a budget-slaying underdog that delivers 80% of the performance at 30% of the cost—perfect for first-time buyers, renters, or anyone who hates vacuuming. Weighing just 7.7 pounds, it’s the featherweight champion of uprights, effortlessly gliding under beds and up stairs, while its 700-watt motor still delivers solid suction for daily dust and light debris. The quick-release handle turns it into a handheld unit in seconds, letting you dust lampshades or vacuum car seats without lugging around a full machine.

In real-world testing, the Airspeed handles hard floors and low-pile carpets with surprising confidence, especially for its price. The 10.5-inch cleaning path covers ground quickly, and the washable filter eliminates ongoing costs—a major win for budget-conscious users. However, it struggles with deep-set pet hair and larger messes, often requiring multiple passes. The suction drops noticeably on medium-pile rugs, and the thin plastic build feels less durable than pricier models—fine for light use, but not for homes with heavy shedding pets.

When compared to the Bissell CleanView Compact or Eureka PowerSpeed, the Airspeed trades power and capacity for unbeatable affordability and portability. It’s not built for whole-home deep cleans, but for dorm rooms, small apartments, or as a secondary vacuum, it’s a no-brainer value pick. While it lacks advanced features like edge cleaning or HEPA filtration, it outperforms many vacuums twice its price on basic tasks—making it the smartest entry-level choice for those who want decent cleaning without overspending.

If your walls and baseboards are dust magnets, the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel is your edge-cleaning virtuoso, engineered to conquer dirt where floors meet walls. Its edge-to-edge cleaning design extends the brush roll to the nozzle’s outer edges, capturing debris in corners that most vacuums leave behind—no need for a broom or extra passes. Paired with Triple Action Brush Roll technology, it aggressively lifts embedded pet hair from carpets, making it a must-have for pet owners battling fur tumbleweeds.

In performance tests, the 2252 shines on medium-pile carpets and hard floors, with Swivel Steering allowing razor-sharp turns around coffee tables and dining chairs. The large dirt tank minimizes emptying frequency, and the easy-empty bin keeps hands clean—critical for weekly deep cleans. However, it lacks LED lights or automatic floor detection, and the suction isn’t as intense as premium Shark models. On high-pile rugs, it occasionally struggles to reach deep-down dirt, requiring slower passes.

Compared to the Shark NV501 or Eureka PowerSpeed, the 2252 wins on edge cleaning and pet hair removal, though it falls short in filtration and portability. It’s best for homes with pets and carpeted rooms where corner-to-corner cleanliness is non-negotiable. While it doesn’t offer HEPA sealing or lift-away convenience, it delivers superior edge performance and pet-specific tools at a mid-range price—making it a stronger choice than models that skip edge optimization.

The Eureka PowerSpeed is the goldilocks of lightweight vacuums—not too heavy, not too weak, but just right for everyday cleaning across mixed flooring. At 10 pounds, it’s easy to carry up stairs, yet its 960-watt motor delivers consistent suction on hardwood, tile, and carpet—no power dropouts when switching surfaces. The 5-height brush roll adjustment is a rare gem in this price range, letting you fine-tune cleaning for plush rugs or bare floors, while the 2.6-liter dust cup means fewer mid-clean interruptions.

In real-world use, the PowerSpeed handles pet hair, cereal spills, and tracked-in dirt with confidence, especially when using the onboard Pet Turbo Brush—a game-changer for couches and stairs. The flip-to-empty bin is mess-free, and the crevice tool and dusting brush stay securely attached, eliminating lost accessories. However, it lacks automatic floor sensing or edge-boosting, and the plastic housing feels less premium than Shark models. Still, for homes with pets and multiple floor types, it’s a workhorse in disguise.

Pitted against the Bissell 2252 or Shark NV501, the PowerSpeed wins on weight-to-power ratio and bin capacity, though it doesn’t match the allergen sealing or lift-away versatility of higher-end models. It’s ideal for pet owners in medium-sized homes who want a lightweight, no-fuss vacuum that cleans thoroughly without back strain. Compared to similarly priced models, it offers more features and better suction—making it a smarter upgrade from budget picks without jumping to premium prices.

The Shark POWERDETECT AZ4002 isn’t just the best upright—it’s a cleaning revolution, packing seven intelligently reacting sensors that make every pass smarter, faster, and more thorough. With DuoClean Detect, it automatically senses floor type, dirt levels, edges, and even your vacuuming direction, then boosts suction and brushroll speed on demand—no manual adjustments needed. This is next-gen cleaning: it dives deep into carpets when it detects hidden pet hair and softens suction on hardwood to avoid scratches, all while eliminating the need for multiple tools.

In real-world testing, the POWERDETECT obliterates pet hair, flour spills, and tracked-in mud with terrifying efficiency. The no hair wrap brushroll stays tangle-free even after weeks of use on long-haired dogs, and the HEPA-sealed system traps allergens like a medical-grade filter. The powered lift-away pod detaches with a button press, turning into a handheld unit for stairs and car interiors. The only hiccup? Its premium price and complex tech may overwhelm casual users, and the weight (17 lbs) makes upstairs cleaning a chore.

Compared to the Shark ZD201 or Bissell 2252, the AZ4002 dominates in automation, suction power, and deep-cleaning intelligence—it’s the only upright that truly adapts to your home. It’s built for tech-savvy households with pets, allergies, and mixed flooring who want set-it-and-forget-it performance. While it costs more than most, it outperforms every other model in responsiveness and coverage—making it the undisputed king of feature-rich, high-performance uprights.

Pet owners, meet your hair-removal hero: the Shark ZD201 with PowerFins and self-cleaning brushroll technology that devours pet hair without a single strand wrapping around the roller. This vacuum is engineered for fur warfare, using flexible fins instead of bristles to dig deep into carpets while resisting tangles—no more scissors or weekly de-clogging. Add Lift-Away functionality, LED headlights, and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, and you’ve got a machine that cleans floors, furniture, and air—all while keeping your home fur-free and hypoallergenic.

In testing, the ZD201 excelled on medium to low-pile carpets, removing embedded dog and cat hair in a single pass. The swivel steering made it easy to navigate around legs of furniture, and the detachable pod was perfect for quick stair cleanups. However, it lacks the automatic floor detection of the AZ4002, so you must manually adjust settings. On hard floors, the suction is adequate but not as aggressive as models with scatter-free tech.

When compared to the Bissell 2252 or Eureka PowerSpeed, the ZD201 wins on pet hair removal and allergen control, though it’s heavier and lacks a large dust cup. It’s ideal for homes with shedding pets and allergy sufferers who need reliable, tangle-free cleaning without constant maintenance. While it doesn’t have the AI smarts of the POWERDETECT, it delivers near-premium performance at a more accessible price—making it a smarter buy than basic pet vacuums that still wrap hair.

Say goodbye to cord frustration—the Bissell CleanView Rewind 3534 features one-touch automatic cord rewind, a rare and brilliant feature that eliminates the tedious wrap-and-tuck ritual. Just press a button, and the 30-foot cord retracts neatly into the body, making storage a breeze—perfect for garages, closets, or shared laundry rooms. The Active Extension Wand extends reach up to 10 feet, letting you clean ceiling fans, drapes, or car interiors without stretching or bending. For anyone who hates managing cords, this vacuum is a game-changing convenience.

In real-world use, the Rewind delivers solid suction on carpets and hard floors, with OnePass Technology claiming full carpet coverage in a single sweep—though dense piles may need a second pass. The scatter-free tech helps on tile, and the easy-empty dirt tank keeps maintenance simple. However, the cord rewind mechanism adds bulk, and the vacuum feels less agile than cordless models. It also lacks HEPA filtration, limiting its appeal for allergy sufferers.

Compared to the Shark NV501 or Eureka PowerSpeed, the Rewind’s standout feature is pure convenience, not cleaning power. It’s best for older adults, busy parents, or anyone with limited mobility who values easy storage and extended reach. While it doesn’t match the deep-cleaning prowess of premium models, it offers unique time-saving benefits that make routine cleaning faster and less annoying—making it a better choice than cord-heavy vacuums that frustrate more than they help.