8 Best Carpet Vacuums of 2025

The Eureka PowerSpeed isn’t just lightweight—it’s a suction-savvy powerhouse that redefines what budget-friendly vacuums can do. Weighing just 10 pounds, it glides effortlessly across thick carpets and bare floors, thanks to its 960-watt motor delivering consistent, high-octane suction. The 5-height brush roll adjustment ensures optimal contact on any surface, while the 2.6-liter dust cup slashes interruptions—perfect for homes where quick cleanups are non-negotiable. If you’re tired of lugging heavy machines up stairs or emptying bins every 10 minutes, this upright is a breath of fresh air.

In real-world testing, the PowerSpeed excels on low-pile and medium carpets, lifting embedded pet hair and fine dust with ease. Its 10.5-inch cleaning path covers ground fast, making it ideal for daily maintenance in medium-sized homes. While it handles hard floors well, the lack of a brushroll shutoff means fine debris can scatter slightly if not guided slowly. The onboard pet turbo brush is a standout, pulling fur from upholstery without tangles—though the roller still needs regular maintenance to avoid clogs. It’s not the quietest model, but for its class, noise is acceptable.

Compared to the Shark NV356E, the PowerSpeed trades HEPA filtration and lift-away versatility for lighter weight and a larger dust cup—a fair compromise for users prioritizing ease of use over deep allergen capture. It’s the best choice for renters, pet owners, and multi-level homes where portability and capacity matter most. While it doesn’t match premium models in filtration or build refinement, it delivers 80% of the performance at half the price of many mid-tier uprights.

The LEVOIT LVAC-200 is a game-changer for pet owners who demand tangle-free cleaning without cords or compromises. Its tangle-resistant roller is engineered to slice through pet hair like scissors, drastically reducing the dreaded hair wrap that plagues most stick vacs. With up to 50 minutes of runtime, it outlasts many competitors, making it ideal for whole-home cleanups on a single charge. The 5-stage filtration system traps dander and allergens with surgical precision, turning it into a silent guardian for allergy sufferers.

During testing, the LVAC-200 proved exceptionally adept on low to medium-pile carpets, maintaining strong suction even as the battery dipped below 30%. The lightweight design (under 6 lbs) makes it a joy to maneuver under furniture or carry between floors. The washable filter and easy-empty bin streamline maintenance—just one click and debris is gone. However, on high-pile rugs, suction dips slightly, and the vacuum can struggle with deeply embedded dirt, requiring multiple passes. It’s not built for deep carpet cleaning, but for daily pet hair control and quick messes, it’s unmatched.

Against the Shark IX141, the LEVOIT trades some power and brand recognition for longer battery life and a more affordable entry point. It lacks LED headlights and a detachable handheld, but its tangle-resistant roller and superior runtime make it a smarter pick for homes with shedding pets. It’s the ultimate cordless ally for pet parents who value convenience, hygiene, and hassle-free maintenance. Where the Shark shines in versatility, the LEVOIT wins on endurance and pet-specific engineering.

The Bissell CleanView 2024 is a maneuverability marvel, built for homes where furniture-packed rooms and tight corners are the norm. Its swivel steering is buttery smooth, letting you pivot around coffee tables and baseboards with one hand—no wrestling required. The Triple Action Brush Roll doesn’t just spin—it beats, lifts, and pulls dirt from carpets like a deep-cleaning masseuse, making it a top contender for homes with active kids and pets. Add the active extension wand, and you’ve got a vacuum that cleans under sofas and above blinds without breaking a sweat.

In real-world use, the CleanView dominates on medium-pile carpets and transitions to hard floors, where Scatter-Free Technology keeps debris from bouncing ahead of the nozzle. The multi-cyclonic suction maintains power over time, though fine dust can occasionally bypass the filter if not emptied regularly. The easy-empty dirt tank is genuinely mess-free—press a button, and the bottom drops open. However, the vacuum lacks a brushroll shutoff, so delicate rugs can get snagged, and the motor noise is on the louder side, which may bother noise-sensitive users or pets.

When stacked against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Bissell offers superior agility and a more aggressive brush roll, but sacrifices dust cup size and onboard pet tool storage. It’s the go-to for cluttered homes and carpet-heavy layouts where precision steering is king. While it doesn’t have HEPA filtration like the Bissell 39883, it delivers more dynamic movement and better surface adaptation, making it a better fit for those who value ease of navigation over allergen sealing.

The Shark NV356E Navigator isn’t just a vacuum—it’s a complete cleaning ecosystem that redefines versatility in upright design. Its lift-away pod transforms into a portable canister, making it effortless to clean stairs, car interiors, and ceiling corners without lugging the whole unit. The HEPA-sealed system traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, a lifesaver for allergy sufferers, while the brushroll shutoff lets you switch from plush carpet to hardwood with a single button. For pet owners, this is the gold standard—it doesn’t just pick up hair, it deep-cleans dander from upholstery.

In testing, the NV356E handled high-pile carpets with authority, thanks to its aggressive bristle roll and strong suction. The swivel steering made navigating tight spaces a breeze, and the 0.87L dust cup lasted through most cleaning sessions—though it fills quickly in fur-heavy homes. On hard floors, the brushroll shutoff prevents scratches and improves pickup efficiency. However, the pod’s cord is shorter than ideal, limiting range when used detached. It’s heavier than lightweight rivals, but the trade-off is durability and feature depth.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Shark offers superior filtration, lift-away flexibility, and allergen control, but at the cost of added weight and complexity. It’s the best all-around pick for families with pets, allergies, and multi-surface homes. While pricier than budget models, it delivers professional-grade performance with consumer-friendly features, outclassing rivals in overall capability and long-term value.

The Eureka Airspeed is a budget titan, proving that under $40 doesn’t mean underpowered. At just 7.7 pounds, it’s one of the lightest uprights on the market, making it a dream for seniors, apartment dwellers, or anyone with limited storage. Despite its featherweight frame, the 700-watt motor punches above its class, delivering solid suction on low-pile carpets and hard floors. The 10.5-inch cleaning path and washable filter make it a no-fuss, low-maintenance workhorse—ideal for quick cleanups and small spaces.

During testing, the Airspeed handled everyday messes with surprising competence. It picked up cereal, dust, and pet hair from tile and area rugs without clogging. The onboard crevice tool and dusting brush are convenient for spot cleaning, though the lack of a pet turbo tool limits its appeal in fur-heavy homes. The compact design fits in closets or under sinks, but the smaller dust cup means more frequent emptying in larger homes. On thick carpets, it struggles to extract deep-seated dirt, and the motor noise is noticeable—though expected at this price.

Pitted against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Airspeed sacrifices dust capacity, height adjustment, and pet-specific tools for ultra-lightweight portability and rock-bottom cost. It’s not built for deep cleaning, but for dorm rooms, studios, or as a secondary vacuum, it’s unbeatable. If you need a no-frills, get-the-job-done machine, this is the most affordable entry point into reliable upright performance—delivering essential cleaning power without extras.

The Eureka PowerSpeed Pet Turbo is a pet owner’s dream, blending targeted tools and deep-cleaning power into a lightweight frame. At 10 pounds, it’s easy to carry up stairs, yet packs a 960-watt motor that digs deep into carpets to extract pet hair and tracked-in dirt. The included pet turbo tool is a standout—its rotating brush lifts fur from sofas and car seats with surgical precision. With a 2.6L dust cup and 5 height settings, it adapts seamlessly from shag rugs to hardwood, minimizing interruptions during cleaning marathons.

In real-world use, the Pet Turbo excels at upholstery and carpet cleaning, where its aggressive brush roll and onboard tools shine. The foam filter is washable, cutting long-term costs, and the bagless design makes emptying quick and clean. However, Eureka’s own warning about roller brush maintenance is a red flag—failure to clean the brush every two weeks risks belt damage or smoke, a serious concern for forgetful users. On hard floors, it performs adequately but lacks a shutoff, leading to minor debris scatter.

Compared to the LEVOIT LVAC-200, this Eureka model offers stronger deep-cleaning power and larger capacity, but loses points for corded operation and higher maintenance demands. It’s best for pet owners who prioritize deep carpet cleaning over cordless freedom. While it doesn’t match the Shark NV356E’s HEPA filtration, it delivers better value with pet-specific accessories and large bin size, making it a high-impact choice for fur-filled homes.

The Shark IX141 is the undisputed king of cordless pet vacuums, combining freedom, power, and smart design into a single sleek package. Its HyperVelocity suction obliterates pet hair on carpets and hard floors, while the removable handheld unit transforms cleaning stairs and car seats into one-handed tasks. LED headlights expose hidden dust under furniture, and the CleanTouch Dirt Ejector lets you empty the bin without touching debris—a game-changer for germ-conscious users. For pet owners, this is cordless perfection.

In testing, the IX141 delivered strong, consistent suction across low to medium carpets, with the bristle brushroll gripping fur effectively. The 40-minute runtime (in handheld mode) is realistic and sufficient for most homes. The low-profile head slips under beds and sofas with ease, and freestanding storage means no wall mount is needed. However, battery life drops sharply in max mode, and the dust cup is smaller than uprights, requiring more frequent emptying in heavy-use homes.

Stacked against the LEVOIT LVAC-200, the Shark trades battery life for superior build quality, LED lights, and a detachable handheld. It’s pricier, but the modular design and premium features justify the cost for users who want maximum flexibility. It’s the best pick for pet owners who hate cords and need above-floor cleaning, offering a seamless blend of power, convenience, and innovation—making it the top-tier cordless performer in the lineup.

The Bissell 39883 Pet Hair Eraser is a HEPA-powered fortress against allergens, built for homes where air quality is non-negotiable. Its sealed HEPA system captures 99.9% of dust, pollen, and dander, preventing them from re-entering the air—making it a must-have for asthma and allergy sufferers. The tangle-free brush roll slices through pet hair without wrapping, and the 1L Easy Empty tank is one of the largest in its class, reducing cleanup frequency. With Scatter-Free Technology, even hard floor cleaning is mess-free and efficient.

In real-world testing, the 39883 excelled on carpets and hard floors alike, lifting fine dust and pet hair with minimal scatter. The lift-off canister makes above-floor cleaning effortless—ideal for stairs and furniture. The TURBOERASER pet tool is exceptionally effective on car seats and throws. However, the upright body feels slightly bulkier than rivals, and the cord rewind is manual, which can be inconvenient. It’s not the lightest, but the allergen control justifies the weight.

Compared to the Shark NV356E, this Bissell offers larger tank capacity and superior HEPA sealing, though it lacks swivel steering. It’s the best choice for allergy-prone households with pets, where air purity trumps agility. While it doesn’t have lift-away motorized power like the Shark, its focus on filtration and tangle-free performance makes it a specialist’s tool for health-conscious pet owners—delivering cleaner air and deeper fur removal than most all-in-one models.