8 Best Vacuums for Carpet and Hardwood 2025

The CHEBIO A16 bursts onto the scene with 28KPa of max suction power—a standout in its class—and a V-shape anti-tangle brush that redefines how cordless vacuums handle pet hair. This isn’t just another stick vacuum; it’s engineered for homes where carpet meets hardwood and pet hair clings to both. With seamless transitions between surfaces and zero need to swap heads, it solves one of the most annoying pain points: tangled bristles and mid-clean maintenance. Its 1.5L dust cup and fully sealed HEPA filtration make it a powerhouse for allergy sufferers and messy households alike.

In real-world testing, the 45-minute runtime in eco mode comfortably covers a 1,000 sq. ft. apartment, though switching to max mode cuts that down to about 12 minutes—typical for this tier. The flexible LED motorized brush head pivots 180°, letting it glide under sofas and beds without moving furniture, while the bright headlights expose hidden crumbs like a pro. On plush carpets, it pulls up embedded fur effectively, and on hardwood, it captures fine dust without scattering debris. However, the battery is non-removable, which limits extended cleaning sessions—a compromise for its sleek, all-in-one design.

Compared to the Shark NV356E, the CHEBIO trades some durability and lift-away versatility for lightweight agility and modern anti-tangle tech. It’s not built for whole-house deep cleans like an upright, but for quick daily sweeps and pet hair emergencies, it’s a nimble, responsive performer. Ideal for renters, pet owners, and anyone who values low maintenance and strong suction in a cordless package, the CHEBIO delivers more innovation per dollar than pricier Shark models with older brushroll designs.

The Shark HV301 Rocket is a corded revelation—lightweight at under 9 lbs and packed with uninterrupted, full-power cleaning that never fades. It’s the go-to for those who hate battery anxiety and want instant, consistent suction on both carpet and hardwood. With Swivel Steering and fingertip controls, it pivots like a dancer around table legs and baseboards, making it one of the most agile stick vacuums on the market. The convertible handheld design means you can go from floor to ceiling in seconds—perfect for pet hair on stairs or dusting ceiling corners.

In performance trials, the HV301 excels at surface transitions. Flip the switch, and the brushroll disengages for delicate hardwood, protecting finishes while still capturing fine dust. On medium-pile carpet, it pulls up tracked-in dirt with ease, though it lacks the deep-cleaning muscle of an upright. The 0.67L dust cup fills quickly during whole-room cleans, requiring mid-session emptying—but the one-touch release makes it painless. The included upholstery tool and crevice nozzle are genuinely useful, and the hook-on storage keeps the handheld ready to grab.

When stacked against the CHEBIO A16, the Shark wins on reliability and zero runtime limits, but loses on convenience—its cord, while long, tethers you to outlets. It’s not as tech-forward as newer cordless models, but for budget-conscious buyers who clean daily, it’s a no-nonsense, durable workhorse. If you want cordless freedom and smart features, look elsewhere. But if you value constant power and lightweight maneuverability, the HV301 offers unmatched value for carpet-hardwood homes.

The Shark LA502 is the gold standard for all-in-one cleaning, combining DuoClean PowerFins, self-cleaning brushroll, and a Lift-Away pod into a single, intelligent system. It doesn’t just clean—it deep-scrubs carpets while simultaneously polishing hardwood, thanks to dual rollers that maintain contact across transitions. The PowerFin brush grabs embedded debris, while the soft roller prevents scratches on bare floors. With 99.9% allergen capture via HEPA and a sealed system, it’s a dream for allergy sufferers and pet owners battling dander.

Real-world use confirms its dominance: it lifts pet hair without tangling, a rare feat in uprights, and the LED headlights expose dust under couches like a forensic investigator. The Lift-Away pod detaches with a pedal kick, turning it into a portable vacuum for stairs, car interiors, or drapes—no awkward hose dragging. On thick carpet, suction stays strong, and on hardwood, the brushroll shutoff preserves floors. However, its weight (15.4 lbs) makes it harder to carry upstairs than stick models, and the dust cup is smaller than budget rivals.

Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the LA502 is pricier but delivers superior filtration, smarter brushroll tech, and better pet hair handling. It’s not the lightest or cheapest, but for whole-home, multi-surface cleaning, it strikes the best balance of power, versatility, and innovation. If you want one vacuum to rule all floors and pet messes, the LA502 outperforms even Shark’s own NV356E with fresher engineering and stronger build quality.

The Shark NV356E Navigator is a pet hair specialist that blends Lift-Away convenience, HEPA-grade filtration, and brushroll shutoff into a proven, reliable formula. It’s not the newest model, but it’s battle-tested—delivering strong suction on carpets and gentle bare-floor cleaning with a flick of a switch. The anti-allergen seal traps 99.9% of dust, making it a top pick for sensitive households, while the 0.87L dust cup allows for longer cleaning runs than most uprights in its class.

In testing, the NV356E deep-cleans pet beds and area rugs with ease, and the included Pet Power Brush adds extra punch for embedded fur. The Swivel Steering makes it surprisingly agile for an upright, and the detachable pod lets you clean car seats or stairs without lugging the whole unit. However, the brushroll still tangles with long hair, unlike the newer LA502, and the motorized head lacks LED lights, leaving hidden dust in dim corners. It’s also noisier than modern models, which can startle pets.

Compared to the LA502, the NV356E sacrifices advanced brushroll tech and LED lighting but keeps the core Lift-Away functionality at a lower price. It’s ideal for pet owners who want proven performance without premium extras. While it doesn’t innovate like the LA502, it remains a solid, dependable choice that out-handles budget uprights and undercuts high-end models in cost while delivering real pet hair performance on carpet and hardwood.

The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is a budget powerhouse, delivering 960-watt suction in a 10-pound frame that’s easy to maneuver up stairs and across rooms. It’s built for homes that need serious cleaning without the serious cost—and it delivers with a 2.6-liter dust cup, the largest in this lineup, allowing for marathon cleaning sessions without constant emptying. The 5-height adjustment lets you fine-tune cleaning on everything from plush carpets to hardwood, ensuring optimal contact and debris pickup.

In real use, the PowerSpeed handles mixed flooring with confidence. On carpet, it pulls up cereal crumbs and pet hair; on hardwood, it captures dust without scattering. The onboard Pet Turbo Brush is a standout, quickly removing fur from couches and car seats. However, the lack of HEPA filtration means it doesn’t trap allergens as effectively as Shark models, and the basic filtration system may release fine dust back into the air. The build feels lighter-duty, and the cord rewind is manual, not automatic.

Against the Shark LA502, it’s no contest in features—but for under $70, the PowerSpeed outperforms its price tag. It’s not for allergy sufferers or tech lovers, but for renters, small homes, or pet owners on a tight budget, it’s a no-frills, high-efficiency workhorse. If you want maximum cleaning for minimum spend and don’t need smart features or hospital-grade filtration, this Eureka punches well above its weight on carpet and hardwood.

The Intercleaner 12-in-1 is a budget marvel, weighing just 3 lbs and packing 15KPa suction with a 400W brushless motor—a rare combo at this price. It’s the go-to for light-duty cleaning in small spaces, apartments, or for quick touch-ups on hardwood and low-pile carpets. The 16.4 ft cord eliminates runtime worries, and the one-button dust release keeps cleanup hygienic. With 11 accessories, it transforms into a handheld for car seats, keyboards, or window sills, making it a true multi-surface helper.

Testing shows it handles light pet hair and surface dust well, but struggles with deeply embedded debris in thick carpet. The 0.8L dust cup fills fast during whole-room cleans, and the suction drops slightly on high-pile rugs. Still, for hardwood, tile, and area rugs, it performs admirably. The 3-layer HEPA filtration is a standout at this price, trapping fine particles and preventing blowback. It’s also surprisingly quiet, a plus for homes with noise-sensitive pets or babies.

Against the Eureka WhirlWind, it’s lighter and more versatile, but lacks the canister’s airflow control and larger capacity. It’s not built for deep cleans, but as a secondary vacuum or starter model, it’s unmatched for portability and value. If you need a no-fuss, ultra-light vacuum for daily maintenance on mixed floors, the Intercleaner delivers more features per dollar than any other model here—just don’t expect upright-level power.

The Eureka WhirlWind NEN110A redefines canister value with a 2.5L dust container, automatic cord rewind, and integrated 2-in-1 tool—all in an 8.15 lb chassis that glides on swivel wheels. It’s the best choice for those who want canister reach without the bulk, offering superior under-furniture access and quiet operation on both carpet and hardwood. The airflow control on the handle lets you adjust suction for delicate rugs or deep carpet, a rare feature at this price.

In practice, the WhirlWind excels at hard-to-reach areas—under beds, behind toilets, along baseboards—thanks to its telescoping wand and swivel neck. The large dust container means fewer trips to empty, and the washable filters eliminate ongoing costs. However, the motorized head is missing, so it relies on passive suction for carpets, which limits deep-cleaning ability. It also lacks LED lighting, making it harder to spot dust in dark corners.

Compared to stick vacuums like the CHEBIO, it trades motorized brush power for superior hose reach and capacity. It’s not ideal for pet hair on thick carpet, but for hardwood-heavy homes or allergy-sensitive users, it’s a smart, low-maintenance option. If you want a quiet, agile canister with massive dust capacity and zero filter costs, the WhirlWind outshines pricier uprights in convenience and ease of use—just accept its limits on deep carpet cleaning.

The Bissell CleanView 2024 model enters the ring with a Triple Action Brush Roll and Scatter-Free Technology, targeting one of the biggest frustrations on hardwood: dust scattering during cleanup. It loosens, lifts, and removes embedded debris in one pass, making it a top performer on hard floors—especially in homes with tile or wood where messes spread easily. The active extension wand reaches under appliances and into corners, while Swivel Steering ensures smooth navigation around cabinets and furniture legs.

In testing, it dominates on hard surfaces, capturing cereal, sand, and pet kibble without flinging particles. On carpet, it handles low-pile rugs well but struggles with thick, shaggy piles where the brushroll can’t penetrate deeply. The easy-empty dirt tank is genuinely mess-free, and the multi-cyclonic system maintains suction longer than basic filters. However, it lacks HEPA filtration, so it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers, and the dust cup is mid-sized, requiring frequent emptying in larger homes.

Against the Shark LA502, it’s less versatile but more focused on hard floor excellence. It’s not a lift-away, and it doesn’t have LED lights, but for hardwood-centric homes with light carpeting, it’s a precision cleaner with smart anti-scatter tech. If you prioritize cleaning efficiency on hard floors and hate chasing dust bunnies, the Bissell CleanView offers targeted performance that outshines generalists at a similar price point.