7 Best Vacuums for Thick Carpet 2025

If you’re battling pet hair on thick carpet, the Shark NV752 isn’t just effective—it’s transformative. This upright vacuum combines Powered Lift-Away technology with a self-cleaning Perfect Pet Power Brush, delivering deep agitation and relentless suction that pulls embedded fur and debris from high-pile fibers like nothing else in its class. The LED headlights are a game-changer, revealing hidden dust bunnies and stray kibble under furniture where most vacuums overlook. For pet owners who dread weekly cleanups, this model turns a chore into a thorough, satisfying sweep.

In real-world testing across plush Berber and shag carpets, the NV752 consistently outperformed competitors with its rotating brushroll and fingertip-controlled surface switching. The 0.88-quart dust cup held up impressively during whole-home sessions, and the HEPA-sealed system captured 99.9% of allergens—ideal for sensitive households. On hardwood transitions, it adjusted seamlessly without scattering debris, though the weight (16.5 lbs) made upstairs use slightly cumbersome. While the cord length is average, the Powered Lift-Away pod more than compensates, letting you carry the spinning brushroll directly under sofas or up stairs without losing momentum.

Compared to the Shark ZU503AMZ, the NV752 takes the crown with its upgraded Powered Lift-Away and included Perfect Pet Power Brush, making it the best overall choice for homes with thick carpeting and multiple pets. It’s more robust than the Bissell 2252 and far more capable on deep-pile rugs than the Eureka budget models. While pricier than entry-level options, its combination of reach, power, and filtration offers unmatched versatility. If you want one vacuum to dominate both carpet depth and allergen control, this is the apex performer.

For homes where pet hair buries itself in thick carpet, the Shark ZU503AMZ rises to the challenge with surgical precision. Its standout feature—the self-cleaning brushroll—actively pulls hair away during use, preventing clogs and eliminating the dreaded wrap-around that plagues most vacuums. Backed by a 1200-watt motor, it generates serious suction that churns through high-pile rugs, extracting everything from dander to cereal crumbs with ease. If you’ve ever struggled with a jammed roller mid-clean, this model will feel like a revelation.

During testing, the ZU503AMZ handled transitions from thick bedroom carpet to tile without scattering debris, thanks to its swivel steering and fingertip floor adjust. The HEPA filter and sealed allergen-trapping system made a noticeable difference in air quality, a win for allergy sufferers. While the 0.9-quart dust cup is roomy, it lacks the flip-top ease of larger models, requiring a bit more wrist effort to empty cleanly. It excels on stairs and upholstery using the detachable pod and pet crevice tool, though the nozzle light is missing—making under-furniture cleaning a guesswork game in dim spaces.

Pitted against the NV752, the ZU503AMZ sacrifices the powered lift-away and LED lights but retains core strengths at a lower cost. It’s a smarter pick than the Bissell 2252 for deep carpet cleaning, especially in pet-heavy homes, though it doesn’t match the Eureka NEU181A’s lightweight agility. For those prioritizing hair pickup and maintenance-free brushing over premium extras, this Shark delivers where it counts. It’s the best balance of carpet penetration and pet-specific engineering without breaking into high-end pricing.

The Bissell 2252 isn’t the most powerful vacuum on thick carpet, but its swivel steering makes it one of the most agile. Designed for homes cluttered with furniture, it pivots on a dime, letting you clean around legs, baseboards, and entertainment centers with fluid motion that reduces fatigue. The Triple Action Brush Roll aggressively lifts pet hair from medium-pile carpets, and the edge-to-edge suction ensures corners don’t get skipped—a common flaw in budget models. If your vacuum usually gets stuck behind the couch, this one will feel like a nimble upgrade.

In practice, the 2252 handled short to medium carpeting well, though it struggled slightly on plush, high-density rugs where deeper agitation is needed. The large dirt tank minimized emptying frequency, and the scatter-free technology kept messes contained on hardwood—ideal for homes with mixed flooring. However, the suction lacks the oomph of Shark’s 1200W models, and the non-HEPA filter means allergens can escape back into the air. It’s reliable for surface-level cleaning but doesn’t deliver the deep clean thick carpets often demand.

Against the Shark NV360, the 2252 wins on maneuverability but loses on allergen control and deep cleaning power. It’s a solid step up from basic Eureka models but doesn’t match the ZU503AMZ’s pet hair mastery. For pet owners with mostly low-to-medium pile carpet and lots of furniture, it’s a practical, user-friendly choice—especially if you value easy steering over raw power. It’s not the deepest cleaner, but it’s one of the most painless to use daily.

Don’t let its 10-pound frame fool you—the Eureka NEU181A packs a 960-watt punch that defies expectations for lightweight vacuums. When tackling thick carpet, the 5-height brushroll adjustment lets you dial in the perfect clearance, ensuring maximum contact without bogging down the motor. That precision makes it unusually effective at lifting dirt from deep pile, especially when paired with the Pet Turbo Brush, which spins aggressively to yank out embedded fur. For pet owners who clean stairs or carry vacuums between floors, this model is a game-changing blend of power and portability.

In real use, the NEU181A handled medium-thick carpets with confidence, though it required slower passes on ultra-plush rugs to match Shark-level results. The 2.6-liter dust cup is massive for its class, allowing extended cleaning without constant emptying. The flip-to-empty bin is genuinely mess-free—no dust clouds or hand contact. However, the lack of a HEPA filter and basic filtration system means it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers. It’s also noisier than premium models, and the cord rewind requires manual effort.

Compared to the Bissell 2252, the NEU181A offers better suction and a larger bin, while beating the Shark ZU503AMZ in weight and ease of transport. It doesn’t have self-cleaning rollers or HEPA sealing, but for homes prioritizing lightweight performance and pet hair pickup, it’s a standout. It’s the best choice if you value agility and power but don’t need hospital-grade filtration. For the price, it delivers more muscle than expected from such a slim profile.

The Shark NV360 is a quiet achiever in the under-$120 vacuum space, offering true HEPA filtration in a package that cleans thick carpet with surprising authority. Its complete anti-allergen seal traps dust and dander with lab-verified efficiency, making it a top pick for asthmatics or homes with shedding pets. The lift-away pod detaches smoothly, letting you clean under beds or up curtains without lugging the full unit—ideal for spot-cleaning after pet accidents. With swivel steering and brushroll shutoff, it transitions between carpet and tile without missing a beat.

Testing revealed strong performance on medium-pile carpet, though it lacked the aggressive agitation of the ZU503AMZ on deeply embedded fur. The 0.9-quart dust cup is easy to remove and empty—no spills or stuck debris. However, the brushroll doesn’t self-clean, so long-haired pets will require occasional maintenance to prevent tangles. The lack of LED headlights means you’re cleaning in the dark under furniture, and the hose reach is shorter than ideal for overhead cleaning.

Against the Bissell 2252, the NV360 wins on filtration and allergen control, making it a smarter choice for sensitive households. It’s less agile than the swivel-steer models but more thorough on dust retention. While it doesn’t have the pet-specific tools of the ZU503AMZ, it delivers excellent value for allergy-prone homes needing reliable carpet cleaning. For those who prioritize air quality and sealed suction, it’s the best HEPA-equipped budget contender.

The 2024 Bissell CleanView brings a fresh upgrade to an already agile platform: the Active Extension Wand. This clever addition extends reach for ceiling cobwebs, top shelves, or high corners—areas most uprights can’t touch without a separate attachment. Paired with swivel steering, it makes whole-home cleaning smoother, especially in rooms packed with furniture. The Triple Action Brush Roll still excels at lifting pet hair, and the scatter-free tech keeps dry messes contained on hardwood, making it a true multi-surface performer.

In thick carpet testing, it performed well on low-to-medium piles but showed signs of strain on plush, high-density rugs where deeper agitation is key. The multi-cyclonic system maintains suction over time, but the lack of HEPA filtration means it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers. The easy-empty dirt tank is simple and effective, though the bin release can feel stiff over time. As a mid-range option, it bridges the gap between budget models and premium Sharks.

Compared to the older Bissell 2252, this 2024 model adds real value with the extension wand, making it more versatile. It doesn’t match the Eureka NEU181A in suction or the Shark NV752 in deep cleaning, but it’s a smarter daily driver for mixed flooring. For those upgrading from an old vacuum and wanting modern features without premium cost, it’s a thoughtful evolution. It’s not the strongest on thick carpet, but it’s one of the most convenient.

For budget-conscious buyers, the Eureka NEU10AE5 is a surprisingly capable entry-level vacuum that doesn’t completely compromise on performance. Weighing just 7.7 pounds, it’s one of the lightest uprights available—ideal for quick cleanups, stairs, or homes where storage space is tight. The 10.5-inch cleaning path covers ground efficiently, and the washable filter keeps long-term costs low. While it won’t rival high-end models on thick carpet, it handles low-pile rugs and light debris with commendable ease.

In testing, it struggled with deep pet hair embedded in plush carpet, lacking both the motor power and brushroll intensity of pricier models. The suction fades slightly on high-pile, and the small dust cup requires frequent emptying during full-house sessions. However, the onboard tools—crevice and dusting brush—are handy for upholstery and baseboards. It’s best suited for apartments or homes with mostly hard floors and occasional carpet.

Against the Eureka NEU181A, it loses on power and capacity, but wins on ultra-light portability. It’s not a serious contender for homes with thick carpet and pets, but for light-duty cleaning and tight budgets, it gets the basics right. If you need a no-frills, easy-to-store vacuum for minimal messes, it’s a functional, eco-friendly pick. It’s the most affordable way to go bagless and lightweight.