8 Best Domestic Vacuum Cleaners of 2025

Effortless power meets everyday practicality in the Eureka PowerSpeed, a vacuum that punches well above its weight class—literally. Weighing just 10 pounds, it delivers 960-watt motor strength that maintains consistent suction across carpets, hardwood, and tiles, making it a standout for homes with mixed flooring. The 5-height brush roll adjustment ensures optimal contact on any surface, while the 2.6-liter dust cup minimizes interruptions—ideal for pet owners battling daily fur tumbleweeds. If you’ve ever groaned at the thought of lugging a clunky vacuum upstairs, this one flips the script with lightweight agility and no performance trade-off.

In real-world testing, the PowerSpeed handled thick-pile rugs with ease, pulling up embedded pet hair without bogging down, while its sealed airflow kept suction steady even when the bin neared capacity. The onboard pet turbo brush proved effective on couches and car interiors, lifting fur with minimal passes. However, it struggles slightly on ultra-low-pile rugs where the brush roll can drag, and the cord rewind requires a firm tug—no automatic retraction here. Still, for a bagless upright under $70, it offers deep-cleaning capability without the back strain.

Compared to the heavier, pricier Shark NV356E, the PowerSpeed sacrifices some filtration finesse but wins on raw portability and cost efficiency. It doesn’t feature a HEPA seal, so allergy sufferers should look elsewhere—but for pet families prioritizing convenience and power, this Eureka is a no-nonsense workhorse. When you need strong suction and hassle-free emptying without breaking the bank, the PowerSpeed delivers more muscle than its price tag suggests.

The Berghoff Merlin redefines what a lightweight vacuum can do—packing 500-watt digital motor power into a sub-5-pound frame that feels more like a power tool than a household appliance. Its standout feature is the removable stainless steel handle, which transforms it into a handheld powerhouse for stairs, ceiling fans, or car interiors—no awkward contortions needed. With a 18-foot cord and transparent dust container, it’s built for quick, targeted cleanups across diverse surfaces, from upholstery to hardwood. If you hate wrestling with bulky vacuums for small messes, the Merlin is a game-changing minimalist solution.

During testing, the Merlin excelled at spot cleaning and above-floor tasks, effortlessly sucking up cereal spills, pet hair, and dust from blinds with its compact brush and crevice nozzle. The digital motor ramps up suction on demand, maintaining power even in tight spaces. However, its 0.6-liter dust cup fills quickly during whole-room cleaning, making it less ideal for large-area vacuuming. While it glides over hard floors, the lack of a powered brush roll means it struggles with deep carpet debris, limiting its all-in-one appeal.

Against the Eureka WhirlWind canister, the Merlin is lighter and more versatile for vertical and overhead cleaning, but lacks the airflow for deep carpet penetration. It’s not a full-home replacement, but for apartments, cars, or quick cleanups, it’s unmatched in agility. If you value ultra-portability and multi-surface reach over whole-house cleaning stamina, the Merlin offers a smarter, sleeker alternative to traditional corded models—more tool than vacuum, in the best way.

The Shark NV356E Navigator isn’t just a vacuum—it’s a deep-cleaning command center for homes with pets, allergies, and cluttered layouts. Its lift-away pod detaches seamlessly, turning the upright into a handheld unit that conquers stairs, furniture, and car interiors without cord strain. The HEPA-sealed system traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, a lifesaver for sensitive households, while swivel steering lets it pivot around coffee tables and bed frames like a pro. For pet owners, the anti-allergen seal and pet power brush make it a top-tier performer in dander and fur removal.

In real use, the NV356E maintained strong suction across high-pile rugs and bare floors, thanks to its brushroll shutoff that transitions smoothly between surfaces. The 0.87-quart dust cup lasted through two medium-sized rooms before needing a dump, and emptying was truly mess-free with one-button release. However, the plastic wand feels flimsy compared to metal alternatives, and the cord isn’t self-retracting—minor gripes in an otherwise polished design. It’s louder than average, but the performance justifies the noise.

Stacked against the Bissell 2998, the Shark offers better maneuverability and swivel steering, though the Bissell’s tangle-free roll has a slight edge on long pet hair. For all-around cleaning with pet and allergy support, the NV356E strikes a near-perfect balance. It’s not the lightest or cheapest, but for whole-home cleaning with HEPA-grade filtration, it delivers premium features without the luxury price tag—a true all-rounder with elite-level chops.

Don’t let its 3-pound frame fool you—the Intercleaner 12-in-1 packs a 15KPa suction punch, rivaling vacuums twice its size. This corded stick-to-handheld chameleon comes with 11 attachments, including extension wands, crevice nozzles, and upholstery brushes, making it a Swiss Army knife for cleaning. With a 16.4-foot power cord, it covers large areas without outlet hopping, and the washable HEPA filtration ensures clean exhaust air—a rare find at this price. For anyone tired of underpowered mini-vacs, this is a quiet, efficient revelation.

In testing, the Intercleaner zipped through hardwood and low-pile rugs, lifting pet hair and dust with ease. The handheld mode was particularly effective for car seats and keyboards, and the one-button dust release kept cleanup hygienic. However, the brush roll lacks height adjustment, so it struggles on thick carpets, and the motor can overheat during extended use—best for spot cleaning, not marathon sessions. Still, for apartments, cars, or quick daily sweeps, it’s incredibly capable.

Compared to the Eureka NES100, the Intercleaner offers more power, attachments, and filtration, making it a clear upgrade in the budget segment. While it can’t replace a full upright, its versatility and ultra-light design make it perfect for renters, seniors, or multi-room touch-ups. When you need maximum flexibility and strong suction in a featherlight build, this Intercleaner delivers pro-level adaptability at a fraction of the cost.

The Eureka WhirlWind NEN110A proves that canister vacuums aren’t extinct—they’ve just gotten smarter and lighter. At 8.15 pounds, it’s one of the most agile canisters on the market, gliding under sofas and around legs with swivel steering and a telescoping metal wand. The 2.5-liter dust container is massive for its class, allowing extended cleaning without constant emptying, while the integrated crevice tool and dusting brush ensure tools are always within reach. For those who hate losing attachments, this is a genius space-saver.

In real-world use, the 960-watt motor delivered consistent suction on both hardwood and medium-pile carpet, though it lacked the deep-agitation of a powered brush roll. The airflow control on the handle let us fine-tune suction for delicate drapes or rugs, and the automatic cord rewind was a luxury rarely seen at this price. However, the hose is shorter than ideal, requiring frequent repositioning during whole-home cleaning. It’s quiet and efficient, but not ideal for pet owners with heavy shedding.

Versus the Berghoff Merlin, the WhirlWind offers better whole-room capacity and auto rewind, but the Merlin wins for portability and handheld use. If you want a true canister vacuum under $60, the WhirlWind is a rare gem—durable, low-maintenance, and surprisingly powerful. For renters, allergy sufferers, or those with stairs and tight spaces, it’s the best budget canister that doesn’t feel cheap.

The Eureka NES100 is the minimalist’s dream—a 2.75-pound corded stick vacuum that converts to handheld or stick mode in seconds, perfect for fast cleanups and pet messes. With continuous corded power, it never runs out of juice, and the bagless design keeps maintenance costs near zero. The crevice tool and upright storage make it ideal for quick spills, car interiors, or stairs—no charging, no fuss. If your vacuum spends more time in the closet than in use, this one gets you cleaning without the commitment.

In testing, the NES100 handled surface-level debris and pet hair well on hardwood and tile, but its suction weakens on thick carpets due to the lack of brush roll power. The cord wraps neatly around built-in hooks, and the lightweight build makes it accessible for kids or seniors. However, it lacks advanced filtration, so it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers. It’s no substitute for a full upright, but as a secondary or starter vacuum, it’s incredibly functional.

Next to the Intercleaner, the NES100 is simpler and cheaper, but lacks attachments and HEPA filtration. Yet, for budget-conscious buyers wanting a no-frills, always-ready vacuum, it’s hard to beat. When you need basic, reliable cleaning power in a tiny package, the NES100 delivers essential performance without extras—a true entry-level winner.

The Bissell 2998 MultiClean is a pet parent’s secret weapon, combining HEPA-sealed allergen capture with a tangle-free brush roll that laughs at long dog hair. Its lift-off pod detaches effortlessly, transforming into a portable vacuum for car seats, couches, and stairs—no cord drag, no hassle. With LED headlights, it reveals hidden dust under furniture, and the easy-empty dirt tank ensures mess-free disposal. For homes battling pet dander and fur, this vacuum is a breath of fresh air—literally.

Performance-wise, the Bissell excels at surface pickup, lifting fur and fine dust with ease, and the sealed system traps 99.97% of allergens, outperforming many non-HEPA models. The swivel steering makes navigation smooth, and the lightweight build reduces fatigue. However, the battery life on the pod is short—around 10 minutes—limiting deep cleaning sessions. It’s also pricier than most uprights, which may deter budget shoppers.

Compared to the Shark NV356E, the Bissell offers superior allergen filtration and tangle-free brushing, but the Shark has better suction and corded reliability. For allergy-prone pet households, the Bissell’s specialized design and HEPA precision make it worth the premium. If you want maximum allergen control and pet-specific tools, this vacuum delivers clinical-level cleanliness with real-world ease—a top-tier choice for health-focused homes.

The Shark NV360 is a value-packed powerhouse, delivering lift-away versatility, HEPA filtration, and swivel steering at a price that undercuts most competitors. With a 0.9-quart dust cup, it outlasts many mid-range vacuums between empties, and the brushroll shutoff lets you switch from carpet to hardwood with a flick. The anti-allergen seal traps dust and dander, making it a smart pick for sensitive homes, while the upholstery and crevice tools handle detail work with ease. For under $120, it’s a feature-loaded workhorse.

In real use, the NV360 deep-cleaned carpets effectively and transitioned smoothly to bare floors, with strong, consistent suction throughout. The lift-away pod made stair and furniture cleaning effortless, and the filters were easy to rinse and dry. However, the plastic construction feels less durable than metal-wand models, and the cord is non-retractable, requiring manual winding. It’s noisier than average, but performance compensates.

Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the NV360 offers better filtration and dust capacity, though the Eureka is lighter. For families wanting premium features without premium pricing, the NV360 hits a sweet spot of performance and value. When you need HEPA-level cleaning, lift-away convenience, and pet-ready tools, this Shark delivers near-luxury performance at a mid-tier cost—a true standout in the upright category.