5 Best Upright Cordless Vacuums of 2025

If you’re waging war against pet hair, the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder is your tactical strike force. With a 200W motor and FurFinder headlights, it doesn’t just clean—it hunts hidden fur and fine dust like a bloodhound with a flashlight. The tangle-free brushroll slices through long hair like scissors through ribbon, eliminating one of the most frustrating pain points for pet owners. This isn’t just another cordless vacuum; it’s a targeted pet hair annihilator built for homes where shedding is a way of life.

In real-world testing, the FurFinder excels on stairs, upholstery, and low-pile carpets—especially in turbo mode, where suction spikes for deep cleaning. The 40-minute runtime in low mode is solid for medium-sized homes, though heavy users will feel the 13-minute turbo limit. Transitions from stick to handheld are seamless, and the self-standing design is a game-changer for mid-clean pauses. However, on thick plush carpets, it struggles slightly to pull up deeply embedded debris, and the dustbin fills quickly when tackling high-shed areas. Still, the HEPA sealed allergen system ensures nothing escapes back into the air—critical for allergy sufferers.

Compared to the budget-friendly Bissell 4173, the FurFinder justifies its slight premium with smarter lighting and a more aggressive pet-focused design. While both share the same motor and battery, the FurFinder’s dedicated FurFinder tool and superior headlight coverage make it the better pick for multi-surface pet messes. It’s not the lightest or longest-lasting, but for pet owners who need precision and power, it strikes a near-perfect balance. It delivers more specialized performance than the Shark SV1106, though with less runtime than the Kenmore CU7005.

The Bissell PowerClean 4173 is a budget-savvy powerhouse that punches above its weight class. Don’t let the lower price fool you—this upright packs a 200W motor and the same tangle-free brushroll as its pricier siblings, making it a suction standout under $200. It’s engineered for homes where pet hair is a constant battle, and with the FurFinder tool, it digs deep into couches and car seats with confidence. The self-standing design eliminates the awkward lean, and the removable battery means you can charge it on the go—perfect for quick cleanups without waiting.

In daily use, the 4173 shines in low-power mode, offering up to 40 minutes of cleaning—enough for a 1,000 sq ft space. The 3-in-1 versatility lets you go from floor to ceiling without breaking stride, and the integrated crevice tool is always within reach. On hardwood and low-pile rugs, it glides smoothly, lifting dust and crumbs with ease. But on high-pile carpets, it lacks the aggressive agitation of higher-end models, and the HEPA system, while effective, doesn’t seal as tightly as pricier competitors. Still, for its price, it’s a rare blend of performance and practicality.

When stacked against the FurFinder model, the 4173 trades minor luxuries—like enhanced lighting and a more refined toolset—for significant savings. It doesn’t have the FurFinder headlights, so spotting hidden dust is harder, but the core cleaning power remains identical. For renters or pet owners on a tight budget, it’s a smarter starting point than overpaying for features they won’t use. It outperforms the Shark SV1106 in suction and matches it in weight, but lacks the multi-surface finesse of the Freestyle Max.

The Shark SV1106 Navigator Freestyle is the definition of lightweight efficiency—barely tipping the scales at 7.5 lbs, it’s a dream for quick cleanups and homes with stairs. Its 2-speed brushroll adapts to carpet and hard floors, making it one of the most agile entry-level cordless uprights on the market. With a .64-quart dust cup, it holds more than most in its class, reducing emptying frequency during routine sweeps. For anyone who values effortless maneuverability over brute power, this vacuum is a breath of fresh air.

In real-world testing, the SV1106 handles daily debris like cereal crumbs, dust bunnies, and light pet hair without breaking a sweat. The 125W motor isn’t the strongest, so it falters on deeply embedded dirt or thick shag rugs, but it’s perfectly adequate for hard floors and low-pile carpets. The 4-hour charge time is average, and the 10.8V battery delivers consistent performance—though runtime isn’t specified, user reports suggest 25–30 minutes in standard mode. The lack of LED headlights and a wall-mount dock limits convenience, but the precision charger doubles as storage, saving space in tight closets.

Compared to the Bissell 4173, the SV1106 is lighter and more compact, but the Bissell wins in suction and runtime. It’s a better fit for apartments, dorms, or older adults who prioritize ease of use over deep cleaning. While it can’t match the multi-surface intelligence of the Freestyle Max, it’s a solid foundation for those new to cordless vacuums. It offers better value than basic stick models but falls short of premium performance—ideal for light-duty homes where speed and simplicity rule.

The Kenmore CU7005 Litening is a cordless beast built for endurance and precision—it doesn’t just clean homes, it conquers them. With 80 minutes of runtime from dual batteries, it’s engineered for whole-house cleans without pausing to recharge, a game-changer for large or multi-level homes. Its 4X suction power claim isn’t marketing fluff; in side-by-side tests, it pulls up fine sand and pet hair from crevices where others leave residue. The brushless motor delivers consistent power, and the LED display keeps you informed on battery and performance—no guessing games.

In action, the CU7005 dominates on both carpet and hard floors, thanks to its Hair Eliminator Nozzle that truly prevents tangles—no more scissors or cutters needed. The Lift-Up Technology makes stair cleaning effortless, transforming it into a handheld in seconds. The HEPA filtration is fully sealed, capturing 99.97% of allergens, making it a top pick for asthma and allergy sufferers. However, its weight—while manageable—feels heavier than the Sharks, and the learning curve for the display settings might frustrate tech-averse users. Still, for whole-home deep cleans, few rivals come close.

Against the Bissell FurFinder, the Kenmore offers double the runtime and stronger suction, but at nearly double the price. It outclasses the Shark Freestyle Max in power and endurance, though the Shark is lighter and more agile. This is the premium pick for performance-driven households with pets, kids, and large spaces. It’s not the most portable, but for unmatched runtime and filtration, it justifies its elite status. It delivers more cleaning stamina than any other model here, making it the true “set it and forget it” cordless upright.

The Shark Freestyle Max SV2002 is the undisputed king of multi-surface agility, engineered for homes that shift from hardwood to carpet in a single stride. With the most powerful suction of any Shark cordless upright (per ASTM F558), it doesn’t just adapt—it dominates. The 2-speed brushroll automatically adjusts to floor type, while LED headlights expose dust under furniture like a forensic investigator. At under 7 lbs, it’s Shark’s lightest upright, making it ideal for quick daily sweeps and homes with stairs or tight corners.

In real-world use, the Freestyle Max handles transitions seamlessly—rolling from tile to rug without losing suction or clogging. The large dust cup reduces emptying frequency, and the easy-maintenance design prevents blockages, a common pain point in cordless vacuums. It’s particularly strong on pet hair and fine debris, thanks to its optimized airflow. However, battery life is unlisted—user reports suggest 30–35 minutes—so large homes may need a recharge mid-clean. The charging dock is compact, but not wall-mountable, which could be a storage issue in smaller spaces.

Compared to the SV1106, the Freestyle Max offers noticeably stronger suction and better lighting, while keeping the same lightweight frame. It’s a clear upgrade for pet owners who need more power without sacrificing portability. Against the Kenmore CU7005, it trades runtime for superior maneuverability and ease of use. For daily maintenance cleaning across mixed floors, it’s the best-balanced option—more agile than the Bissells, more powerful than the base Shark, and perfectly tuned for real-life messes.