9 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2025

If you’re drowning in pet hair and battling allergens daily, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ is a game-changer. Its self-cleaning brushroll is engineered to grab more pet hair without tangling—a real win for dog and cat owners tired of yanking fur from rollers. Combine that with HEPA filtration and a complete anti-allergen seal, and you’ve got a vacuum that doesn’t just clean floors—it cleans your air. The swivel steering makes it feel almost agile, gliding around furniture legs and into tight corners where dust bunnies thrive.

In real-world testing, this upright shines across carpets and hard floors alike, thanks to its 1200-watt motor and multi-surface design. The lift-away pod transforms it into a portable unit, making overhead cleaning on stairs or furniture effortless—no awkward dragging. It handles embedded pet hair on medium-pile carpets with authority, though on ultra-thick rugs, it can struggle slightly without pre-adjustment. The 0.7-quart dust cup is decent but needs frequent emptying during whole-home sessions. While it’s not cordless, the 25-foot cord reduces outlet hopping.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Shark ZU503AMZ offers superior allergen control and pet-specific tools, making it a better fit for homes with shedding pets and allergy sufferers. It’s bulkier than stick vacuums like the Shark Rocket, but the trade-off is deeper cleaning power and more specialized attachments. Ideal for families needing a do-it-all upright that excels at pet hair removal and air quality improvement, this model justifies its spot as a top contender. It delivers more filtration and versatility than the PowerSpeed, even if it weighs more.

Don’t let its 4-pound frame fool you—the Eureka Blaze NES215A packs a surprising punch for spot cleaning and quick daily sweeps. This 3-in-1 stick vacuum effortlessly converts into a handheld, making it perfect for car interiors, stairs, or kitchen spills. The swivel steering is a standout, allowing sharp turns under tables and around chair legs, while the capture nozzle actually picks up large debris instead of pushing it around like cheaper stick vacs. For its size, the 240-watt motor delivers solid suction on low-pile carpets and hard floors, solving the pain point of owning multiple cleaning tools.

During real-world use, the Blaze excels at targeted messes—crumbs under the couch, cereal spills, or pet food scatter. It’s lightweight enough for teens or older adults to use without strain, and the onboard crevice tool means no fumbling for storage. However, its 0.4-liter dust cup fills fast during larger jobs, and suction drops noticeably on high-pile rugs. The washable filter helps keep maintenance costs low, but it’s not ideal for whole-home cleaning. It’s best used as a secondary vacuum or for studio apartments.

When stacked against the Bissell Featherweight, the Blaze offers better maneuverability and a more responsive nozzle, though both are budget-focused. It doesn’t match the power of uprights like the Shark ZU503AMZ, but it wins in portability and instant usability. This is the go-to for renters, dorm rooms, or anyone needing a no-fuss, lightweight solution for light debris. It outperforms its price tag in agility and build, offering more real-world versatility than the Bissell—just don’t expect deep carpet cleaning.

For homes dominated by carpeted floors, the Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is a hidden powerhouse wrapped in a featherlight frame. Weighing just 10 pounds, it’s easy to lug up stairs or push around furniture, yet its 960-watt motor delivers consistent suction across plush rugs and bare floors. The 5-height brush roll adjustment lets you fine-tune performance—critical for homes with mixed flooring—ensuring optimal contact without scattering debris. If you’ve struggled with vacuums that skip or bounce on thick carpet, this one locks in with precision and extracts deeply.

In testing, the PowerSpeed handled everyday dust, cereal spills, and even embedded pet hair with impressive efficiency. The 2.6-liter dust cup is a major plus—fewer trips to empty mean uninterrupted cleaning marathons. The pet turbo brush, stored onboard, makes couch cleaning a breeze, pulling hair from deep within cushions. However, the swivel action is less fluid than Shark models, and the cord rewind requires manual effort. While it works on hardwood, the lack of a brushroll shutoff means you must be careful on delicate surfaces.

Next to the Shark NV360, the PowerSpeed lacks HEPA filtration and allergen sealing, making it less ideal for allergy sufferers. But for pure carpet performance and value, it’s hard to beat. It’s the best pick for pet owners with mostly carpeted homes who want strong suction without back strain. It delivers more floor-specific power than the Eureka Blaze, with a much larger dust capacity—though it doesn’t match the Shark’s air-sealing tech.

Step into the future of cleaning with the Dark Red Cordless Vacuum B0FM7ZMNXQ, a high-end performer built for tech-savvy households that demand freedom and power. Its dual suction modes—7KPa for daily runs and 12KPa for deep cleans—deliver precision cleaning across hardwood, tile, and medium-pile carpet. The 35-minute runtime is solid for apartments or quick whole-home sweeps, and the 6-cell 2200mAh battery charges in just four hours, eliminating cord clutter. What truly sets it apart is the 360-degree rotating LED brush head, which illuminates hidden dust under sofas and beds, turning blind cleaning into targeted action.

In practice, this vacuum handles pet hair and fine dust with ease, thanks to its 5-stage filtration system that traps 99.99% of particles—ideal for allergy-prone homes. The one-button emptying dust cup keeps hands clean, and the telescopic metal tube extends reach for ceilings or car interiors. But the runtime drops to 16 minutes in max mode, limiting deep clean sessions in larger homes. It’s also heavier than some lightweight sticks, which may tire users during extended use. While it’s highly versatile, it doesn’t match the raw runtime of the RENDOW model.

Compared to the LEVOIT LVAC-200, this vacuum offers brighter LEDs and more suction power, but at a significantly higher cost. It’s the premium choice for those who want a feature-rich, all-in-one cordless system without sacrificing suction. It outclasses budget models in filtration and transformation options, though it doesn’t last as long per charge as the RENDOW.

When stairs, furniture, and pet messes collide, the Shark HV322 Rocket Pet Plus rises to the challenge with lightning-fast versatility and laser-focused cleaning. Its ultra-lightweight stick design converts instantly into a handheld vacuum, making it a stair-climbing champion and upholstery whisperer. The LED headlights on both the nozzle and handheld reveal dust and pet hair lurking in shadows—under beds, along baseboards, and inside car crevices. With XL 0.68-quart dust cup, it outlasts most handhelds, reducing mid-clean emptying.

In real use, the HV322 excels at above-floor cleaning—curtains, couches, pet beds, and car seats—without dragging a full upright. The dual pet tools (crevice and multi-surface) grab embedded fur with authority, and the corded design means uninterrupted power—no fading suction. However, it’s not built for deep carpet cleaning; the suction, while strong, lacks the motor force of uprights. The cord is also shorter than ideal for large homes. Still, for quick, targeted jobs, it’s unmatched in speed and agility.

Against the Bissell Featherweight, the Shark offers better lighting, larger dust cup, and pet-specific tools, making it far more capable for pet owners. It’s the ultimate multi-level home solution, especially for split-level houses or homes with lots of stairs. It delivers more focused pet power than the Bissell, with superior lights and capacity—though it can’t deep-clean carpets like the Eureka PowerSpeed.

The Bissell Featherweight 2033M is the pocketknife of vacuums—tiny, affordable, and shockingly useful for small messes. At just 6.7 pounds, it’s a breeze to carry from room to room or use on countertops and stairs. Its stick-to-handheld transformation makes it ideal for quick pickups—spilled coffee grounds, cat litter scatter, or breakfast crumbs on the couch. The crevice tool stores right on board, so it’s always ready, and the 0.67-liter dirt cup is surprisingly roomy for its size.

In testing, it handled hard floors and low-pile rugs with decent suction, though it struggled with embedded pet hair. It’s perfect for apartments, RVs, or as a secondary vacuum—but not for whole-home deep cleans. The cord is short, and the motor lacks the oomph for thick carpets. Still, for under $20, it’s a no-brainer for light-duty cleaning. It’s quieter than most and stores easily in closets or under sinks.

Versus the Eureka Blaze, the Bissell is simpler and cheaper but lacks swivel steering and a powerful nozzle. It’s the ultimate budget pick for students, small spaces, or occasional use. It doesn’t compete with uprights on power, but for fast, light cleaning, it’s unbeatable at its price. It offers more convenience than a dustpan, with real suction—just don’t expect heavy-duty performance.

Meet the RENDOW B0FKGNB88M, a cordless beast that redefines value with 45KPa hyper-suction and an industry-leading 65-minute runtime—enough to clean a 2,500 sq ft home on a single charge. Its 550W brushless motor tears through pet hair, flour spills, and carpet grit with ease, while the V-shaped anti-tangle brush keeps long hair from jamming—no more pausing to cut out strands. The green LED illumination is 15x more visible than white light, revealing dust in dark corners without startling pets, and the smart color display shows battery, suction mode, and maintenance alerts at a glance.

In real-world use, this vacuum dominates. It transitions seamlessly from marble to high-pile rugs, and the self-standing design means no wall mounting or floor clutter. The 8x2600mAh battery charges fully in 4 hours, and the 6-in-1 attachments let you clean ceilings, car seats, and drapes with one machine. It’s lightweight and ergonomically balanced, reducing wrist strain. The only hiccup? The high suction mode drains battery fast, and the filter cleaning isn’t as intuitive as LEVOIT’s.

Compared to the LEVOIT LVAC-200, the RENDOW offers double the runtime and far stronger suction, making it better for large homes and heavy pet owners. It’s the best overall package—power, runtime, and intelligence—at a mid-range price. It beats the Dark Red model in battery life and suction, though it lacks its rotating head.

The LEVOIT LVAC-200 is the goldilocks of cordless vacuums—not too heavy, not too weak, and just right for daily cleaning in small to medium homes. Its tangle-resistant roller glides through pet hair without clogs, a major win for long-haired dog owners. With up to 50 minutes of runtime, it outlasts many competitors in its class, and the lightweight design makes it easy to carry upstairs or use for quick cleanups. The 5-stage filtration captures dander and fine dust, making it a strong ally for allergy sufferers.

In practice, it handles hardwood, tile, and low-to-medium carpets with quiet confidence. The one-click dust bin is mess-free, and the washable filter and roller cut long-term costs. Attachments like the 2-in-1 pet tool make couch and car cleaning efficient. However, suction isn’t as fierce as the RENDOW, and it lacks a display or LED lights. It’s best for consistent, low-effort maintenance rather than deep cleans.

Against the RENDOW, the LEVOIT trades raw power for simplicity and comfort. It’s the top pick for users who prioritize lightweight operation and quiet use—ideal for elderly users or small homes. It doesn’t match the RENDOW’s runtime or suction, but it’s easier to handle and maintain.

For allergy sufferers and multi-surface homes, the Shark NV360 is a breath of fresh air—literally. Its anti-allergen complete seal technology paired with a true HEPA filter traps 99.9% of dust, pollen, and dander, making it one of the best vacuums for allergens on the market. The 0.9-quart dust cup is among the largest in uprights, allowing longer cleaning without stops, and the brushroll shutoff lets you switch instantly from carpet to hardwood—no scratches, no fuss.

In testing, it deep-cleaned carpets and polished hard floors with equal skill. The lift-away pod detaches for under-furniture cleaning or stair work, and the swivel steering keeps it nimble. It handles pet hair well, though not as effortlessly as the ZU503AMZ with its self-cleaning roll. The filter is washable, but requires 24 hours to dry—planning is key. It’s heavier than stick vacuums, but the cleaning payoff is worth it.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, the NV360 offers superior allergen control and dust capacity, though at a higher price. It’s the ideal choice for homes with allergy sufferers and mixed flooring. It delivers better air quality and larger bin than the PowerSpeed, even if it lacks pet-specific tools.