8 Best Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaners 2025

The Eureka PowerSpeed punches far above its weight class—literally. At just 10 pounds, this featherlight upright delivers 960 watts of relentless suction, making it a dream for quick cleanups on mixed flooring. Its standout 5-height brush roll adjustment ensures you’re not beating up delicate hardwoods or under-cleaning plush carpets, solving a common pain point for homes with multiple floor types. For pet owners needing a no-fuss, bagless vacuum that doesn’t sacrifice power for portability, this model is a revelation.

In real-world testing, the PowerSpeed handled transitions from tile to thick carpet without losing momentum, thanks to its consistent motor output. The 2.6-liter dust cup is one of the largest in its class, meaning fewer stops to empty—ideal for whole-floor cleaning marathons. The onboard Pet Turbo Brush made quick work of dog hair embedded in upholstery, while the crevice tool reached deep into baseboards. However, the lack of swivel steering makes tight corners around furniture slightly awkward, and the cord rewind requires manual assistance—minor gripes in an otherwise smooth experience.

Compared to heavier, pricier models like the Shark NV360, the PowerSpeed trades advanced features like lift-away pods and HEPA filtration for raw affordability and simplicity. It’s the perfect pick for renters, pet owners on a budget, or anyone who values lightweight agility over bells and whistles. While it doesn’t offer deep allergen trapping or above-floor versatility, it outperforms many vacuums twice its price on core cleaning tasks—making it a best budget pet model that refuses to cut corners on suction.

The Shark ZU503AMZ redefines what a pet-focused upright vacuum should be. Its self-cleaning brushroll is nothing short of revolutionary—after weeks of testing on long-haired dog fur, we saw zero hair wrap, a common headache with most vacuums. Backed by a 1200-watt motor, this machine delivers deep carpet penetration and seamless transitions to bare floors, all while trapping 99.9% of dust and allergens via its HEPA filter and complete seal system. For allergy sufferers and pet owners, this is a non-negotiable advantage.

During real-world use, the lift-away pod proved invaluable—detaching the canister to clean under sofas or carry upstairs felt intuitive and mess-free. The swivel steering allowed pinpoint navigation around chair legs and tight corners, while LED-free (but highly effective) nozzle design ensured even pressure on low-pile rugs. The included pet crevice tool excelled at extracting fur from couch seams, and the upholstery tool gently lifted dust from drapes. However, the dust cup is smaller than competitors, requiring more frequent emptying during large cleanups.

Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Shark ZU503AMZ is heavier and pricier but offers superior allergen control and versatility. It’s not as feature-rich as the top-tier LA502, but it hits the sweet spot between performance and cost for pet-heavy homes. If you need a durable, multi-surface workhorse that tackles pet hair with surgical precision, this model stands tall—offering best-in-class hair pickup without the premium price tag of Shark’s Rotator line.

Don’t let the name fool you—Amazon Basics delivers anything but basic performance in this ultra-affordable upright. Weighing just 8.4 pounds and equipped with a 25-foot power cord, this vacuum is a mobility marvel, gliding effortlessly from room to room without constant plug changes. Its 720-watt motor may not rival high-end models, but it provides surprisingly consistent suction across low-pile carpets and sealed hardwoods—perfect for light daily maintenance.

In practice, the detachable handle transforms it into a rudimentary handheld unit, though the lack of a dedicated extension wand limits reach. The 1.7-liter dust cup fills faster than larger models, but the quick-release button makes emptying clean and simple. The washable filter is a major plus for long-term savings, eliminating the need for replacements. However, it struggles with deeply embedded pet hair and tends to scatter fine debris on hard floors—Scatter-Free Technology it is not.

When stacked against the Bissell 2252 or Shark ZU503AMZ, this model clearly targets users who prioritize low cost and ease of use over deep-cleaning prowess. It’s not built for large homes with pets or allergies, but for apartments, dorms, or secondary cleaning needs, it’s a best budget-friendly fit. While it lacks swivel steering or lift-away convenience, it outshines other sub-$60 vacuums in build quality and included accessories—proving that affordable doesn’t mean inadequate.

The Bissell 3536 is engineered for one thing: reaching the unreachable. Its standout feature—the Active Extension Wand—extends up to 10 feet, turning ceiling fan blades, top shelves, and high corners into easy targets. This makes it a game-changer for homes with vaulted ceilings or tall furniture, where most uprights fall short. Powered by OnePass Technology, it cleans carpets in a single sweep, and Scatter-Free Technology keeps fine debris from flying across tile—addressing two of the most frustrating flaws in budget vacuums.

During testing, the wand’s flexibility shone when cleaning blinds and light fixtures, eliminating the need for ladders or separate tools. The 2-liter dirt container held up well during medium-sized jobs, and emptying was mess-free thanks to the wide-release door. On carpets, the triple-action brushroll lifted pet hair effectively, though not as thoroughly as Shark’s self-cleaning models. The vacuum lacks swivel steering, making furniture navigation clunky, and the wand, while impressive, feels slightly flimsy under prolonged use.

Compared to the Eureka NEU10AE5, the Bissell 3536 trades ultra-lightweight design for superior reach and edge cleaning. It’s not the best for pet hair or allergens, but for users who battle dust in hard-to-access areas, it’s unmatched. If your cleaning routine involves high-reach tasks more than deep carpet extraction, this model offers best-for-high-reach performance with a thoughtful design—outclassing competitors in vertical cleaning without bloating the price.

The Eureka NEU10AE5 is the lightest champion in the upright arena, tipping the scales at just 7.7 pounds—a full 2.3 pounds lighter than most competitors. Despite its featherweight frame, it packs a 10.5-inch cleaning path and enough suction to tackle daily debris on both carpet and hard floors. Its washable filter and eco-friendly design appeal to budget-conscious and environmentally aware users alike, eliminating ongoing filter costs and reducing waste. For small apartments, upstairs cleaning, or users with mobility issues, this is effortless cleaning redefined.

In real-world use, the quick-release handle lets you instantly convert it into an above-floor cleaner, pairing with the onboard crevice tool and dusting brush for spot jobs on upholstery or blinds. The compact footprint allows for tight storage behind doors or in closets—ideal for space-constrained homes. However, the dust cup is modest, requiring more frequent emptying during full-home cleanings, and suction dips slightly on high-pile rugs. It lacks advanced features like HEPA filtration or swivel steering, but for basic, no-hassle cleaning, it performs reliably.

Against the Amazon Basics model, it’s only slightly more expensive but offers better suction and a wider cleaning path. It doesn’t compete with Shark’s pet-focused models in hair pickup, but for users who value ultra-lightweight design and easy storage, it’s the best lightweight option available. If you need a simple, portable vacuum for quick cleanups and low maintenance, the NEU10AE5 delivers maximum convenience with minimal bulk—outperforming heavier models where agility matters most.

The Bissell 2252 is built for agility and edge-to-edge dominance. Its swivel steering is the standout feature—allowing the head to pivot nearly 360 degrees, making it effortless to glide around table legs, plant stands, and entertainment centers. Paired with Triple Action Brush Roll technology, it aggressively loosens, lifts, and removes embedded pet hair from carpets, outperforming many in its class on deep-cleaning tasks. The large dirt tank and easy-empty design mean fewer interruptions, while Scatter-Free Technology keeps fine messes from spreading on hardwood.

In testing, the vacuum excelled in living rooms and bedrooms with furniture clusters, where its maneuverability saved time and frustration. The edge-to-edge cleaning reached within millimeters of baseboards, capturing dust bunnies most vacuums leave behind. The included pet tools were effective on couches and car interiors. However, it lacks a HEPA filter, so it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers, and the unit is slightly noisier than Shark models—noticeable during early morning cleanups.

Versus the Shark ZU503AMZ, the Bissell 2252 offers better floor agility and edge cleaning but misses out on allergen-sealing tech and lift-away convenience. It’s not as lightweight as Eureka models, but for homes where furniture navigation and pet hair are top concerns, it delivers best swivel steering performance. If you want a responsive, pet-tuned upright that dances around obstacles and grabs hair like a pro, this model strikes the ideal balance—outmaneuvering rivals where it matters most.

The Shark LA502 isn’t just the best—it’s the benchmark. Its DuoClean PowerFins Technology combines a soft roller and PowerFin brushroll to maintain continuous contact across carpets and hard floors, delivering deeper cleaning in a single pass than any other model tested. The self-cleaning brushroll lives up to its promise—after weeks of use on long pet hair, not a single strand wrapped around the roller. With HEPA filtration and anti-allergen sealing, it traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a lifesaver for allergy-prone households.

In real-world use, the lift-away pod transformed cleaning stairs and car interiors into one-handed tasks, while LED headlights revealed hidden pet hair under the couch—something no other model highlights as effectively. The smooth swivel steering made tight hallway turns effortless, and suction remained strong even on high-pile rugs. However, the premium price reflects its feature set, and the weight, while lighter than older Shark models, still feels substantial after 20 minutes of use.

Compared to the NV360, the LA502 offers better suction, deeper cleaning tech, and superior lighting—justifying its place as the best overall. It outperforms the ZU503AMZ in filtration and floor contact, and leaves budget models in the dust on versatility. For users who want the complete package—pet hair mastery, allergen control, and whole-home reach—this vacuum sets the gold standard, offering unmatched performance where it counts most.

The Shark NV360 is the sweet spot of value and functionality in the upright vacuum world. It combines HEPA filtration, swivel steering, and a lift-away pod—features often reserved for higher-end models—into a package that undercuts the LA502 by nearly $200. Its brushroll shutoff is a game-changer, letting you instantly switch from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor mode without changing settings or attachments. The 0.9-quart dust cup isn’t the largest, but it empties cleanly and quickly—ideal for multi-surface homes.

During testing, the vacuum transitioned seamlessly between area rugs and kitchen tile, with suction adjusting intelligently. The upholstery tool handled pet hair on sofas with ease, and the crevice tool reached deep into car seats. However, the plastic build feels less durable than the LA502, and the cord rewind is manual—small trade-offs for the price. It’s not as powerful as the LA502 on high-pile carpets, but for most homes, the difference is negligible.

Against the ZU503AMZ, the NV360 offers similar features at a lower price, making it the best value lift-away option. It lacks the self-cleaning brushroll of newer models, but still outperforms most in pet hair pickup. If you want Shark’s core innovations—HEPA, lift-away, swivel steering—without the luxury tax, this model delivers maximum bang for the buck, outperforming pricier rivals in feature-to-cost ratio.