8 Best Vacuums of 2025

The Eureka PowerSpeed isn’t just light—it’s a suction-packed dynamo disguised as a featherweight. Weighing only 10 pounds, it’s a dream to lug up stairs or pivot around furniture, yet its 960-watt motor delivers consistent, high-octane suction that powers through thick carpets and bare floors alike. With 5-height brush roll adjustment, it adapts on the fly, making it one of the rare budget uprights that doesn’t compromise precision for portability—perfect for homes that switch between plush rugs and hardwood in a single sweep.

In real-world testing, this upright excelled in whole-room cleanups, especially on mixed flooring. The 2.6-liter dust cup is a standout—massive for its class—allowing longer cleaning sessions without constant emptying. We ran it across pet-heavy zones and high-traffic hallways, and it handled embedded fur and debris with ease. However, while the onboard pet turbo brush is effective, it lacks motorization, so it relies on suction alone—meaning stubborn pet hair on upholstery takes extra passes compared to premium motorized tools.

Against the Shark NV360, the PowerSpeed wins on weight and storage, but loses on versatility—no lift-away pod limits above-floor cleaning. Still, for renters, seniors, or anyone prioritizing effortless maneuverability without sacrificing power, this is a compelling mid-tier pick. It delivers upright durability and strong multi-surface performance at a fraction of the weight and cost of heavier models.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe redefines what an upright can do—it’s not just a floor cleaner, it’s a full-home cleaning system. Thanks to its detachable pod, you can transform it from a full-sized upright into a portable canister in seconds, making stairs, car interiors, and under-furniture zones suddenly accessible. Its HEPA-sealed allergen system traps 99.9% of dust and pollen, a game-changer for allergy sufferers, while the swivel steering makes it feel almost sentient as it glides around table legs and tight corners.

We tested it across a two-story home with pets, and it crushed tasks most uprights struggle with. The brushroll shutoff is a subtle but brilliant feature—switch to bare floor mode and it cleans tile without scattering debris. The 0.9-quart dust cup held up well during extended sessions, though it requires more frequent emptying than bagged models. On high-pile carpet, suction remains strong, but the unit does feel bulkier than lightweight rivals like the Eureka PowerSpeed, and storage demands more space.

Compared to the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, the Shark offers superior maneuverability and lift-away flexibility, though both target pet owners. It’s the ideal hybrid for families who want one vacuum to dominate floors, furniture, and stairs without buying multiple machines. It’s not the lightest, but its versatility and deep-clean power make it a top-tier all-rounder that outperforms its class.

If your home battles pet hair and airborne allergens, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off is engineered for your war zone. Its tangle-free brush roll is a revelation—designed with specialized fins to slice through fur instead of wrapping it, drastically reducing maintenance. Coupled with HEPA-sealed allergen technology, it traps microscopic irritants inside the vacuum, not your breathing space—making it a must-have for asthmatics and pet owners.

During testing, the lift-off detachable pod proved incredibly practical. We cleaned baseboards, couch crevices, and even car seats without lugging the whole unit. The 1L dirt tank is easy to empty with one touch, minimizing mess, while scatter-free technology ensures hard floors stay clean instead of becoming a debris obstacle course. On thick carpet, suction is strong, but it lacks the raw power of cordless stick vacuums like the RENDOW—fine for daily maintenance, less so for deep quarterly cleans.

Against the Shark NV360, it’s more focused and specialized—less about universal cleaning, more about winning the pet hair war. While it doesn’t have swivel steering, its targeted tools and tangle-resistant design give it an edge in pet-centric homes. For those who need allergen control and hassle-free fur pickup, this vacuum delivers precision performance where it matters most.

The iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Combo isn’t just a vacuum—it’s a fully autonomous cleaning command center. With LiDAR navigation and PrecisionVision AI, it maps your home with surgical precision, identifies obstacles like socks and cords, and avoids them like a self-driving car. Its dual-action mopping system extends coverage by 18% and scrubs 2x deeper than standard modes, turning sticky kitchen spills and dusty tile into spotless surfaces—effortlessly, daily.

We ran it for a week in a pet-filled home, and the results were transformative. The AutoWash Dock self-empties debris for 75 days, washes and dries mop pads automatically, and keeps everything fresh—no manual cleanup. On carpets, its multi-surface rubber brush resists hair tangles, while on hardwood, it transitions seamlessly. However, it struggles with deeply embedded dirt in high-pile rugs—it’s optimized for maintenance, not deep carpet extraction. And while navigation is excellent, tight spaces under low furniture still challenge its profile.

Next to the RENDOW cordless, it’s in a completely different league—not a replacement, but a complement. Where handheld vacuums require effort, the Roomba works while you sleep. It’s the ultimate set-and-forget solution for busy households, tech lovers, or anyone who values time over manual labor. With smart room targeting, voice control, and adaptive cleaning, it offers unmatched convenience and intelligence—a true benchmark for “best overall.”

The RENDOW cordless vacuum throws down the gauntlet with 45KPa of hyper-suction—a number that’s not just impressive on paper, it feels like a commercial-grade cleaner in a residential tool. Its 550W brushless motor digs deep into carpets, pulling out pet hair and fine dust most vacuums leave behind. Add a 65-minute runtime and enough power to tackle 2,500 sq ft on a single charge, and you’ve got a cordless beast built for large homes and pet owners.

Real-world use confirmed its stamina and strength. We cleaned a full two-story house with mixed flooring—hardwood, tile, and thick rug—and it didn’t falter. The V-shaped anti-tangle brush lived up to its name, handling long human and pet hair without clogs. The green LED illumination under the head revealed hidden dust under sofas like a flashlight in a detective’s hand. However, the battery takes 4 hours to recharge, which is slow compared to rivals, and the dock, while sleek, doesn’t support wall mounting.

Against the LEVOIT LVAC-200, the RENDOW is in a higher performance tier—more suction, longer runtime, better tools. It’s the vacuum for users who refuse to compromise on power for convenience. While it lacks smart features like app control, its raw performance, self-standing design, and full-home reach make it the best cordless performer under $100—a powerhouse that punches far above its weight.

The Eureka Airspeed is the compact king—a vacuum that sacrifices nothing but size. At just 7.7 pounds and with a featherweight build, it’s the easiest upright to store in closets, under sinks, or behind doors. Yet don’t let its size fool you: its 700-watt motor delivers solid suction across both hard floors and low-pile carpets, making it ideal for apartments, dorms, or quick cleanups.

In testing, its 10.5-inch cleaning path covered floors efficiently, and the quick-release handle made above-floor cleaning surprisingly effective—especially with the included crevice and dusting tools. The washable filter saves long-term costs, and the bagless design keeps maintenance simple. However, on high-pile carpet, it lacks the depth of heavier models, and the small dirt cup fills quickly during deep cleans. It’s not built for pet-heavy homes, but for light-duty, space-conscious users, it’s a winner.

Compared to the Bissell Featherweight, it offers better floor coverage and upright stability, though both are ultra-light. It’s the perfect choice for small spaces or secondary vacuums—a no-fuss, no-frills cleaner that’s always ready to go. For those who value compact storage and effortless handling, the Airspeed delivers maximum convenience in a minimalist package.

The Bissell Featherweight Stick is the definition of no-frills efficiency—a vacuum so light and simple, it feels like an extension of your hand. At just 3.5 pounds, it’s perfect for quick cleanups, stairs, or spot treatments after meals. Its stick-to-handheld transformation gives it surprising flexibility—go from floor to couch in seconds, making it ideal for dorm rooms, RVs, or kitchens where speed matters more than power.

We tested it on cereal spills, pet tracks, and countertop crumbs, and it performed admirably for its size. The 0.67L dirt cup fills fast, but emptying is simple with one-touch release. It lacks motorized brushes or HEPA filtration, so it’s not for deep cleans or allergy sufferers—but for $20, it’s a reliable, portable helper that outperforms dollar-store models. On thick carpet, suction fades, but on hard floors and low-pile rugs, it’s surprisingly capable.

Against the Eureka Airspeed, it’s lighter but less stable—better for spot cleaning than full-room jobs. It’s the budget king for renters, students, or anyone needing a secondary vacuum without breaking the bank. While it won’t replace a full-sized model, it delivers essential performance at an unbeatable entry price—a true “clean in a hurry” tool that earns its place in every home.

The LEVOIT LVAC-200 is a tangle-resistance triumph—engineered for homes where hair, long or furry, is a daily battle. Its tangle-resistant roller glides through pet and human hair without wrapping, a feature that drastically cuts maintenance and keeps cleaning uninterrupted. With up to 50 minutes of runtime and 5-stage filtration, it captures allergens and dander with clinical precision—making it a top pick for pet owners with sensitivities.

In real use, it handled mixed flooring with confidence. The lightweight design made it easy to carry up stairs, and the one-click dust bin made emptying quick and clean. We tested it on a husky’s shedding season, and it picked up clumps of fur with minimal clogs. However, while suction is strong, it doesn’t match the RENDOW’s 45KPa punch—fine for daily use, but less aggressive on deeply embedded debris.

Compared to the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, it’s more ergonomic and easier to maintain, though less powerful on upholstery. It’s the ideal middle ground—better performance than budget sticks, without the premium price of high-end cordless. For those who want low-maintenance cleaning with strong pet-focused features, the LVAC-200 offers balanced, reliable performance in a sleek, user-friendly package.