5 Best Vacuums for Cleaning Carpet 2025

Don’t let its featherlight frame fool you—this Bissell stick vacuum packs a surprising punch for quick carpet cleanups. With 0.67-liter dirt cup capacity and dual-action functionality, it transitions seamlessly from low-pile carpets to hard floors, making it ideal for spot-tackling spills or daily maintenance. Its three-in-one versatility—functioning as a stick, handheld, or stair vacuum—solves the common frustration of needing multiple devices for small messes, especially in tight spaces where bulkier models can’t reach.

In real-world testing, the suction performs admirably on surface-level debris and light dust embedded in short-pile rugs, but struggles with deep-seated dirt or long-fiber carpets. The floor nozzle glides smoothly on sealed hardwood and tile, while the included crevice tool proves effective for edges and baseboards. However, the lack of a motorized brush roll means it can’t agitate carpet fibers, limiting true deep-cleaning capability. It’s best suited for apartments or homes with minimal carpeting where speed and convenience trump heavy-duty performance.

Compared to full-sized uprights like the Eureka NEU10AE5, this Bissell trades power for portability—making it a smart secondary vacuum rather than a primary cleaning solution. It excels for renters, elderly users, or anyone seeking a no-fuss tool for rapid cleanups without storage hassles. While it can’t match the deep-clean prowess of models with powered brushes, its nimble design and instant usability make it a standout for light-duty carpet care—especially when weighed against its ultra-affordable entry point.

Step into a new standard of effortless deep-cleaning with the Eureka NEU10AE5—an upright vacuum that redefines what budget-friendly machines can achieve on carpeted floors. Boasting a 10.5-inch cleaning path and powerful suction driven by a 700-watt motor, it lifts embedded dirt and pet hair from medium to low-pile carpets with ease, outperforming many stick vacuums in its weight class. The quick-release handle transforms it into an above-floor cleaner, letting you tackle baseboards, drapes, and furniture without lugging around the full unit—perfect for homes where carpet meets vertical messes.

During testing, this vacuum consistently cleared tracked-in grime from bedroom rugs and living room berbers, thanks to its wide nozzle and direct-airflow design that maintains suction across surfaces. The washable filter retains performance after multiple uses, and the onboard tool storage keeps the crevice tool and dusting brush within reach—no digging through closets. While it handles transitions between carpet and hardwood well, the lack of a height adjustment dial means it doesn’t optimize for plush or high-pile rugs, occasionally dragging or reducing glide efficiency.

Against the Bissell Featherweight, this Eureka delivers true carpet-focused power in a lightweight 7.7-pound chassis, making it a superior primary vacuum for small to mid-sized homes. It doesn’t match the deep extraction of premium carpet cleaners like the BISSELL TurboClean PET, but it offers far better carpet coverage than hybrid or stick models. For those prioritizing all-floor reliability and ease of maintenance, this model strikes a rare balance—offering upright performance without the bulk, all while undercutting pricier competitors in capability and convenience.

Meet the budget-savvy powerhouse that refuses to compromise on core cleaning performance—the Eureka NEU10AE4 Airspeed upright vacuum. With the same 10.5-inch cleaning path and 700-watt motor as its sibling model, it delivers robust suction across low to medium-pile carpets, pulling out dust, crumbs, and pet hair with commendable efficiency. Its ultra-lightweight build (just 7.7 lbs) makes it a dream for quick carpet sweeps, especially in upstairs bedrooms or compact living spaces where heavier vacuums feel cumbersome.

Real-world use confirms it excels at daily maintenance, easily handling tracked-in dirt and surface debris on area rugs and hallway carpets. The quick-release handle pairs with a crevice tool and dusting brush for above-floor cleaning, though the hose reach is short—limiting effectiveness on ceiling corners or deep upholstery. Like the NEU10AE5, it lacks a height adjuster, so high-pile carpets may see reduced contact and cleaning consistency. Still, the washable filter and sealed dirt system ensure long-term performance without added costs, a rare win at this price tier.

When stacked against the Bissell Featherweight, this Eureka offers far better carpet agitation and coverage, making it a more capable primary vacuum. While it doesn’t bring extra features like smart sensors or HEPA filtration, it outperforms stick vacuums and undercuts premium models without sacrificing reliability. For renters or budget-conscious households needing a no-nonsense carpet cleaner that’s easy to store and simple to maintain, the NEU10AE4 delivers exceptional value—offering nearly identical performance to its higher-priced counterpart with minimal trade-offs.

If your home blends carpeted edges with dominant hard surfaces, the Bissell CrossWave Turbo redefines multi-surface cleaning with its simultaneous vacuum-and-wash action. Unlike traditional vacuums, it tackles sticky spills, tracked-in sludge, and dry debris on area rugs and transitional flooring using two-tank technology—keeping clean solution separate from dirty water for consistent results. The multi-surface brush roll is gentle on sealed wood and tile yet effective enough to pull surface dirt from low-pile rugs, making it ideal for homes with area rugs in kitchens or entryways.

In practice, it shines when dealing with mixed messes—think coffee spills near a hallway rug or muddy paw prints crossing from tile into carpet. The FreshStart filter with antimicrobial treatment resists odors, a major plus for homes with pets or kids. However, it’s not designed for deep carpet cleaning; it wets the surface slightly but can’t extract stains or embedded grime like a dedicated carpet cleaner. The unit also requires regular maintenance—emptying both tanks, rinsing the brush roll, and using Bissell’s formula—to maintain peak performance, adding time to your routine.

Compared to the Eureka uprights, this isn’t a replacement for deep carpet care but rather a hybrid solution for homes where rugs meet hard floors. It outshines standard vacuums on sealed surfaces and light rug maintenance but falls short on thick carpeting. While pricier than basic uprights, its dual cleaning mode and smart separation system justify the investment for those prioritizing mixed-floor convenience—offering more capability than dry vacuums, though less intensity than deep-cleaning carpet extractors.

When pet accidents, ground-in grime, or high-traffic stains plague your carpet, the BISSELL TurboClean PET isn’t just helpful—it’s transformative. Equipped with a 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush, it aggressively agitates carpet fibers to dislodge dirt that standard vacuums leave behind, while powerful suction extracts dirty water in one pass. The Self-Cleanout Tool is a game-changer—letting you spray and rinse messes from baseboards or stairs, then purge debris from the tool itself with a single press, eliminating hand-cleaning frustration.

In real-life testing, this machine obliterated coffee spills, muddy paw prints, and dried food stains from medium-pile carpeting, restoring appearance and texture in minutes. The 7-foot hose and spraying crevice tool extend reach into tight spots, while the large tank capacity reduces refill frequency during whole-room cleanups. However, it’s heavier and slower than dry vacuums, requiring setup, drying time, and electrical access—making it impractical for daily use. It’s also overkill for homes without pets or deep carpeting, where simpler vacuums suffice.

Against the Eureka NEU10AE5, this BISSELL isn’t a daily vacuum but a targeted carpet restoration system—perfect for pet owners, parents, or anyone with stubborn carpet stains. While the CrossWave handles light surface cleaning on rugs, this model dives deep, offering extraction power that rivals professional services. For those needing maximum carpet rejuvenation, it stands alone—delivering premium cleaning intensity, unmatched tools, and pet-focused design that outclasses all other models in deep-cleaning authority.