8 Best Vacuums for Carpeted Floors 2025

This cordless powerhouse redefines what budget-friendly vacuums can achieve, delivering 40KPa of suction and a 60-minute runtime that outlasts far more expensive models. The V-shape anti-tangle brushroll is a game-changer for homes with pets or long-haired family members, effortlessly slicing through stubborn tangles without constant maintenance. With an 8-in-1 convertible design, you’re not just getting a floor cleaner—you’re getting a full-home cleaning system that tackles cars, sofas, and ceilings with ease, solving the pain point of owning multiple cleaning tools.

In real-world use, the 500W motor dominates on medium-pile carpets, lifting embedded dust and pet hair in a single pass, though it begins to struggle slightly on high-pile rugs in MAX mode. The 1.5L dust cup reduces emptying frequency, ideal for larger homes, while the smart LED display provides real-time feedback on battery and brush status—making operation intuitive even for less tech-savvy users. However, the weight distribution feels slightly front-heavy when used as a handheld, and the wall mount, while convenient, requires drilling for secure installation.

Compared to the Eureka Blaze, this model offers superior runtime, smarter features, and better filtration, making it a more complete package despite a higher price point. It’s ideal for pet owners and families seeking a versatile, long-lasting cordless solution that bridges the gap between affordability and performance. While the Shark NV356E wins on allergen sealing, the KARDV delivers more runtime, modern features, and flexibility in a sleeker, lighter form.

If you’re battling pet hair and allergens on carpeted floors, the Shark NV356E is a deep-cleaning beast engineered for real homes with real messes. Its lift-away pod transforms it from an upright workhorse into a portable cleaner for stairs and furniture, solving the all-too-common frustration of needing a second vacuum for above-floor tasks. The HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal trap 99.9% of dust and allergens—a must for allergy sufferers—while the swivel steering makes it astonishingly agile around furniture and tight corners.

During testing, the brushroll shutoff proved invaluable when transitioning from thick carpet to hardwood, preserving floor integrity without sacrificing suction. The 0.87L dust cup holds up well for medium-sized homes, though heavy shedding pets may require mid-session emptying. On plush carpets, it pulls up deeply embedded dander and hair with authority, outperforming many stick vacuums. However, its weight and bulk make upstairs cleaning a chore, and the cord rewind is manual—unusual at this price point.

Pitted against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Shark offers far superior allergen control and versatility, though it’s heavier and more expensive. It’s the ideal pick for pet owners with carpeted homes who prioritize health and deep cleaning over portability. While the KARDV has longer runtime, the Shark NV356E delivers unmatched allergen capture and lift-away convenience, making it a top-tier choice for carpet-focused households.

The Eureka PowerSpeed is a suction-savvy sleeper hit that punches way above its price, making it the ultimate pick for budget-conscious buyers who refuse to compromise on carpet cleaning. Its upgraded cyclone system maintains strong airflow even as the bin fills, ensuring consistent performance across shag rugs and low-pile carpets. With five height settings, it adapts seamlessly from plush carpet to bare floors, preventing scratches on hardwood while still digging deep into fibers—solving the one-size-fits-none flaw of cheaper uprights.

In practice, the 960-watt motor delivers surprisingly robust pickup, handling cereal spills and tracked-in dirt without bogging down. The onboard tools—crevice, dusting, and upholstery brushes—are always within reach, perfect for quick cleanups after dinner or pet accidents. However, the roller brush clogs easily with long hair, requiring biweekly maintenance to avoid overheating—a real concern for pet-heavy homes. While lightweight at just 10 pounds, the cord is shorter than average, forcing outlet hopping in larger spaces.

Compared to the Eureka NEU181A, this model shares DNA but lacks the pet turbo brush, making it less specialized for fur-heavy homes. It’s best for renters or small households needing reliable, no-frills carpet cleaning without breaking the bank. While the Shark NV356E offers better allergen control, this PowerSpeed delivers exceptional value and solid performance, especially for those prioritizing lightweight design and multi-surface adaptability.

Meet the best all-rounder in Eureka’s lineup—a 10-pound dynamo that combines heavy-duty suction with pet-centric design, earning its “Best Overall” title. The 960-watt motor generates relentless suction across wall-to-wall carpets, pulling up years of ground-in dirt with ease, while the 5-height adjustment ensures optimal contact on everything from tile to shag. Its 2.6L dust cup is the largest in this category, meaning fewer interruptions during marathon cleaning sessions—a rare win in the budget upright space.

Real-world testing revealed exceptional performance on pet hair, thanks to the included Pet Turbo Brush that agitates and lifts fur from upholstery and car seats. The flip-to-empty bin is truly mess-free, a small but significant quality-of-life upgrade over twist-and-pour designs. However, the plastic build feels less durable than pricier models, and the lack of a HEPA filter is a drawback for allergy sufferers. Still, it transitions smoothly between surfaces without losing power, a feat many dual-surface vacuums fail to deliver.

Against the B08MF9HQVX model, this NEU181A adds pet-specific tools and a larger bin, justifying its slight price bump. It’s perfect for families with pets and mixed flooring who want one vacuum to rule them all. While the Shark NV356E wins on allergen sealing, this Eureka delivers better value, easier emptying, and stronger pet-focused features, all in a featherlight frame.

The Eureka Blaze is the pocket rocket of vacuums—a 4-pound, 2-amp stick vac that turns quick cleanups into one-minute victories. Its 3-in-1 transformability lets you go from upright to handheld in seconds, making it perfect for spot-cleaning pet accidents, car crumbs, or spilled cereal without dragging out a full-sized vacuum. The capture nozzle is a standout, actually picking up large debris instead of pushing it around like cheaper models, solving a major frustration for stick vacuum skeptics.

On hard floors and low-pile rugs, it performs admirably, with solid suction for its size and an X-large dust cup that reduces emptying frequency. The 18-foot power cord eliminates outlet hopping in most rooms, and the swivel steering enhances maneuverability under tables and chairs. However, it lacks height adjustment, so it struggles on thick carpets, and the filtration is basic—fine for dust but not for allergy sufferers. It’s best for apartments or as a secondary vacuum.

Compared to the NES100 corded stick, the Blaze is lighter and more compact but lacks continuous power. It’s ideal for renters, small homes, or quick cleanups where portability trumps deep cleaning. While the KARDV offers smarter features, the Blaze wins on simplicity, weight, and instant readiness, making it the ultimate grab-and-go solution for light-duty tasks.

This SUXIANGVAC stick vacuum is a cordless contender with serious muscle, boasting 46KPa of suction—the strongest in this lineup—and a self-standing design that eliminates the annoyance of leaning vacuums that topple over. The V-shaped anti-tangle brushroll lives up to its name, shredding through pet hair like a lawnmower through grass, while the 5 ultra-bright LED lights reveal dust bunnies hiding under sofas—a feature that feels luxurious at this price.

In testing, it dominates on carpets, lifting embedded lint and crumbs with minimal passes, and the 55-minute runtime easily covers 2,000+ sq. ft. homes in eco mode. The 6-layer HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of fine dust, protecting air quality better than most uprights. However, the self-standing base is bulky, taking up more floor space than wall-mounted models, and the handle buttons can be overly sensitive, accidentally switching modes during use.

Against the KARDV model, this vacuum offers stronger suction, better filtration, and self-standing convenience, though it lacks the 8-in-1 versatility. It’s perfect for pet owners in larger homes who want max power without cords. While the Shark NV356E wins on allergen sealing, this cordless beast delivers superior suction, runtime, and modern design, making it the top pick for tech-savvy carpet cleaners.

The Eureka NES100 is the unsung hero of entry-level corded vacuums—a 2.75-pound featherweight that proves you don’t need batteries to get strong, consistent suction. Its corded design means infinite runtime, so you’ll never run out of juice mid-clean, solving the biggest pain point of cordless models. The 3-in-1 versatility lets you clean stairs, car interiors, or baseboards in seconds, and the upright storage with wrap-around cord keeps it tidy in closets or under sinks.

On carpets, it handles surface debris and light pet hair well, though it lacks the power to deep-clean thick rugs. The bagless design and washable filter keep long-term costs near zero, appealing to budget-focused buyers. However, the suction is weaker than advertised, and it struggles with larger debris like cereal or sand. It’s best for small apartments or as a secondary vacuum for quick touch-ups.

Compared to the Eureka Blaze, it’s even lighter and simpler but lacks the same suction punch. It’s ideal for college students, renters, or seniors who want a low-maintenance, always-ready cleaner. While the KARDV offers more power, this NES100 wins on reliability, affordability, and zero charging hassle, making it the smartest basic vacuum for light carpet and hard floor use.

The Eureka WhirlWind flips the script on canister vacuums, proving they’re not just for hardwood snobs—this 8.15-pound lightweight canister glides over carpets with surprising authority. Its integrated airflow control lets you adjust suction on the fly, perfect for switching between area rugs and tile without changing tools. The 2.5L dust container is massive for a canister, allowing extended cleaning sessions, while the 2-in-1 crevice/dusting tool on the handle means no more rummaging through drawers.

In practice, the telescoping metal wand and swivel steering make it a dream under furniture and on stairs, with smooth transitions between floor types. The bagless design and washable filters eliminate recurring costs, a major win over traditional canisters. However, the suction fades slightly on high-pile carpets, and the hose feels a bit short for overhead cleaning. It’s best for multi-surface homes where flexibility matters.

Against the Eureka uprights, it offers better maneuverability and easier storage, though less raw power on deep carpet. It’s perfect for older adults or those with stairs who want quiet, agile cleaning. While the Shark NV356E has better allergen sealing, the WhirlWind delivers superior storage, lighter weight, and smarter tool integration, making it the best canister option for carpeted, multi-level homes.