9 Best Upright Vacuums for Carpet 2025

The BISSELL CleanView Max throws a knockout punch for pet owners battling hair-clogged vacuums. Its tangle-free brush roll is a game-changer—engineered with specialized fins that slice through fur before it wraps, making it one of the few uprights that consistently handles long pet hair without constant maintenance. Add in LED headlights that illuminate dust bunnies hiding under sofas and a swivel steering design that pivots like a dream around coffee tables, and you’ve got a vacuum built for real homes, not showroom floors. If your carpet doubles as a pet salon floor, this model answers the call with practical, no-nonsense engineering.

In real-world testing across medium-pile carpets and area rugs, the CleanView Max delivers solid suction powered by a 1200-watt motor, pulling up tracked-in dirt and stray kibble with ease. The 2.2L dust cup is spacious enough for a 1,500 sq ft home without mid-clean emptying, though fine dust can cling to the sides during disposal. The active extension wand extends reach for ceiling corners or under high shelves, but the hose feels slightly rigid compared to premium models. While it transitions smoothly between surfaces using a single height setting, it lacks fine-tuned adjustments—meaning thick shags get a good clean, but low-pile rugs might see some push-around.

Compared to the Shark ZU102, the BISSELL lags in allergen containment and deep-carpet penetration, but it’s a smarter pick for households where pet hair tangles are public enemy number one. It doesn’t boast HEPA filtration or odor-neutralizing tech, but it solves a specific, frustrating pain point better than most: no more scissors-to-the-roller. Lightweight and straightforward, it’s ideal for daily maintenance on carpeted spaces with heavy shedding. For less than half the cost of high-end Sharks, it delivers targeted performance that punches above its price—offering simplicity, reliability, and tangle-free peace of mind.

The Eureka PowerSpeed Pet Turbo is a sleeper hit for budget-conscious pet parents who refuse to sacrifice power for price. Clocking in at just 10 pounds, this featherweight upright packs a 960-watt motor that digs deep into carpet fibers, lifting embedded fur and debris with surprising authority. Its standout feature? A 5-height adjustment dial that lets you fine-tune the brush roll clearance—critical for switching from plush berber to hardwood without losing suction or scattering debris. When paired with the included pet turbo tool, it tackles couch cushions and car interiors like a mini steamroller on paws.

During testing, the PowerSpeed proved especially effective on medium to low-pile carpets, where its 2.6L dust cup minimized interruptions. Suction stays consistent across 40-minute sessions, though on thick high-pile rugs, the brush roll occasionally bogged down with dense hair buildup. The foam filter is washable and durable, but lacks the allergen-trapping finesse of HEPA systems—fine for general cleaning, but not ideal for allergy sufferers. One real-world hiccup: the roller brush, while powerful, requires biweekly cleaning to prevent belt strain, a small chore that could frustrate hands-off users.

Against the Eureka NEU181A, this model shares DNA but edges ahead with better pet-specific tool integration and a more aggressive turbo brush. It’s not as feature-rich as pricier Shark Navigator models, but it delivers where it counts: strong, reliable suction and pet-ready versatility at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for renters, small homes, or anyone needing a no-fuss, powerful carpet cleaner without premium markup. It doesn’t dazzle with tech, but it cleans like a heavyweight with the agility of a lightweight.

Step into the Shark ZU102, and you’re stepping into the gold standard for pet-centric carpet care. This vacuum doesn’t just pick up hair—it dominates it, thanks to PowerFins HairPro technology: rubberized fins that aggressively grip and yank embedded pet hair from high-traffic carpet zones. Combined with a self-cleaning brushroll, it eliminates the #1 pain point of pet vacuums: hair wrap. The 3XL dust cup (2.9L) is massive—ideal for whole-home cleans without mid-session dumps—and the extendable hose reaches 12 feet, making stair vacuums and car detailing effortless. It’s not just powerful; it’s engineered for endurance.

In performance trials, the ZU102 crushed thick, shag-style carpets, removing tracked-in sand and fur with near-commercial-grade efficiency. The HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal trap 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it a fortress against dander and dust—ideal for allergy-prone homes. On hard floors, brushroll shutoff ensures gentle cleaning without scattering debris. However, at 17.2 pounds, it’s heavier than rivals, and the dust cup, while large, can be awkward to detach on tight turns. The odor neutralizer cartridge is a subtle but brilliant touch, especially after cleaning muddy paws or wet pet beds.

Stacked against the Shark ZU503AMZ, the ZU102 trades lift-away convenience for larger capacity and deeper clean, making it better suited for large, carpet-heavy homes. It’s overkill for small apartments but perfect for multi-pet households with wall-to-wall carpeting. While pricier than most, it justifies every dollar with long-term reliability, superior filtration, and unmatched pet hair removal. Compared to budget Eurekas, it’s the full-package upgrade—more power, smarter tech, and fewer compromises.

The Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4 is the compact dynamo of budget uprights—lighter than a laptop at just 7.7 pounds, yet bold enough to tackle daily carpet messes. Its 700-watt motor may sound underpowered on paper, but in real use, it delivers snappy suction across low to medium-pile carpets, pulling up cereal spills and tracked-in dirt with surprising gusto. The 10.5-inch cleaning path speeds up coverage, while the quick-release handle doubles as an above-floor wand—ideal for quick dusting or car cleanouts. For renters or small-space dwellers, this vacuum is a space-saving hero that doesn’t quit on performance.

On plush carpets, it struggles slightly with deeply embedded hair, requiring multiple passes—its single-height setting limits adaptability. The compact design means the dust cup is smaller (1.5L), demanding more frequent emptying in larger homes. Still, the washable foam filter keeps maintenance costs near zero, and the onboard crevice tool and dusting brush are always within reach. It’s not built for marathon cleans, but for spot checks, quick pickups, or secondary vacuums, it’s impressively agile. Just don’t expect it to deep-clean a pet-heavy living room in one go.

Versus the Eureka NEU181A, this model sacrifices dust cup size and height adjustment for extreme portability. It’s not a replacement for full-sized uprights, but a nimble sidekick for light-duty tasks. Ideal for college dorms, studio apartments, or elderly users needing an easy-to-lift option. While it lacks the oomph of 1000+ watt models, it maximizes convenience where power isn’t the priority. For a fraction of the cost of a Shark, it offers essential functionality with zero frills and minimal storage footprint.

The Shark ZU503AMZ Navigator Lift-Away is a masterclass in versatility, blending deep carpet cleaning with above-floor agility like few others. Its self-cleaning brushroll is a revelation—effortlessly pulling pet hair without tangling, making it a top contender for homes with shedding dogs or cats. But the real magic lies in the lift-away pod: detach the canister and transform it into a portable vacuum for stairs, car seats, or under-bed nooks. Paired with HEPA filtration and complete seal technology, it traps 99.9% of allergens, making it a sanctuary for asthma and allergy sufferers.

In real-world testing, the vacuum transitions smoothly from thick carpet to tile, thanks to swivel steering and brushroll shutoff. The 1200-watt motor maintains strong suction across surfaces, and the pet crevice tool extracts fur from couch seams with surgical precision. However, the dust cup is modest (0.87L)—fine for small homes, but frustrating during whole-house cleans. The hose, while flexible, has a slight kink tendency when stretched. Still, its multi-surface adaptability and allergen control make it a powerhouse for mixed-floor homes with pets.

When compared to the Shark NV356E, the ZU503AMZ offers nearly identical filtration and lift-away function but adds a dedicated pet crevice tool, giving it a slight edge for pet owners. It’s not as large-capacity as the ZU102, but it’s more maneuverable and better for above-floor cleaning. Ideal for medium-sized homes with pets and allergies, it balances performance, portability, and health-focused tech. Against similarly priced Eurekas, it delivers far superior filtration and flexibility, justifying the premium with smarter engineering.

The Bissell CleanView Swivel 2024 is engineered for one mission: obliterating embedded dirt in carpet fibers. Its Triple Action Brush Roll doesn’t just spin—it loosens, lifts, and extracts grime in one aggressive motion, making it a standout for homes with kids, tracked-in mud, or high-traffic zones. The multi-cyclonic suction system maintains airflow even as the tank fills, ensuring consistent performance from room to room. Add swivel steering for couch-ducking agility and an active extension wand for ceiling cobwebs, and you’ve got a vacuum built for deep, thorough cleans—not just surface sweeps.

On medium-loop carpets, it outperforms most in its class, lifting sand, cookie crumbs, and pet dander with relentless efficiency. The easy-empty dirt tank reduces hand contact, though fine dust can escape during disposal. Scatter-Free Technology helps on hard floors, but it’s clearly optimized for carpet—on tile, it occasionally kicks debris ahead. Without height adjustment, it’s less precise on ultra-plush or low-pile rugs. Still, for carpet-focused homes, it’s a dirt-demolishing workhorse with smart touches that reduce mess and effort.

Against the Bissell 4072L, this 2024 model upgrades the brush roll and cyclonic system for better deep-cleaning, though it lacks LED lights. It doesn’t have the pet-hair specialization of the Shark ZU102, but it excels where dirt is the enemy, not just hair. Perfect for households that track in soil or have active lifestyles. While it skips HEPA and odor control, it delivers unmatched grit removal at a mid-tier price. Compared to budget Eurekas, it cleans deeper, lasts longer, and handles messes with more authority.

The Eureka NEU181A PowerSpeed is the undisputed champ of dust cup capacity in the budget upright arena. With a 2.6-liter bin, it’s built for uninterrupted cleaning—perfect for large homes or users who hate stopping to empty. Its 960-watt motor delivers consistent, powerful suction across carpet types, and the 5-height brush roll adjustment ensures optimal contact whether you’re on shag rug or hardwood. The flip-to-empty bin is truly mess-free: one click and debris drops cleanly into the trash—no shaking, no hand contact.

In testing, it handled pet hair, cereal spills, and tracked-in dirt with ease, though on thick carpets, hair still wrapped around the roller—requiring biweekly cleaning to avoid belt strain. The onboard pet turbo brush is a standout, agitating fur from upholstery with impressive force. However, like other Eurekas, it lacks HEPA filtration, so it won’t trap fine allergens as effectively as Shark models. The build feels durable, but the hose has limited reach for stairs or high furniture.

Against the Eureka B09YM1ZPR2, this model offers nearly identical features but with a more user-friendly dust bin mechanism and slightly better cyclone flow. It’s not as portable as the NEU10AE4, but it’s the better choice for larger homes with pets and carpeting. Ideal for users who prioritize fewer emptying stops and strong, reliable suction over high-end filtration. When stacked against the Bissell 4072L, it offers more capacity and height control—delivering better value for carpet-heavy, pet-friendly homes.

The Eureka PowerSpeed B08MF9HQVX is the definition of lightweight efficiency, tipping the scales at just 10 pounds while packing a 960-watt cyclonic punch. Its upgraded cyclone system is the star—spinning air at high velocity to separate fine dust, large debris, and pet hair before they clog the filter, maintaining suction over time. With 5 height settings, it adapts seamlessly from hardwood to high-pile carpet, and the brush roll glides smoothly without scratching floors. For users with stairs or mobility issues, this vacuum is a breeze to carry and maneuver.

In real-world use, it excels at daily maintenance, pulling up surface debris and light fur with ease. The onboard hose and 3 tools—crevice, dusting, and upholstery—snap into place for quick above-floor cleaning. However, the dust cup is only 1.9L, meaning more frequent emptying in larger homes. While it traps 99.9% of dust and dander, it lacks true HEPA certification—fine for general use, but not medical-grade air protection. The roller still requires regular cleaning to prevent clogs, a trade-off for its powerful pickup.

Compared to the NEU181A, this model sacrifices dust cup size for better cyclone performance and lighter handling. It’s not as large-capacity, but it’s more agile and efficient for quick cleans. Ideal for small to medium homes with mixed flooring and pets. Against the Shark NV356E, it’s less allergen-focused but more budget-friendly and easier to lift. For users who value ease of use and consistent suction without the weight, it’s a smart, no-nonsense pick that gets the job done.

The Shark NV356E Navigator is the allergy warrior of upright vacuums, built for homes where air quality is non-negotiable. Its anti-allergen complete seal system, paired with a HEPA filter, traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and pollen as small as 0.3 microns—making it a top pick for asthma sufferers and sensitive households. The lift-away pod transforms it into a portable vacuum for stairs, mattresses, or car interiors, while swivel steering ensures smooth navigation around furniture. With brushroll shutoff, it transitions from carpet to hardwood without scattering debris—ideal for multi-surface homes.

In testing, suction was strong on medium-pile carpet, extracting embedded pet hair and dust with confidence. The 0.87L dust cup is easy to remove and empty, though it fills quickly during whole-home cleans. The included pet power brush is excellent for couches and pet beds, but the hose has limited stretch. While it lacks the self-cleaning brushroll of newer Shark models, it still resists hair wrap better than most non-Shark brands. However, without PowerFins or odor control, it’s a step behind the ZU102 in pet-specific tech.

Against the ZU503AMZ, the NV356E offers similar HEPA and lift-away performance but with fewer pet-specific tools. It’s a value-focused version of Shark’s flagship allergen fighters. Perfect for allergy-prone homes with pets and mixed flooring, it balances health, performance, and versatility. Compared to budget Eurekas, it dominates in filtration and build quality, making it worth the investment for those who breathe easier with cleaner air.