4 Best Self-Propelled Vacuums of 2025

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 doesn’t just vacuum—it dominates. With a 290AW suction power motor and Radial Root Cyclone technology, this upright delivers relentless cleaning force that tears through embedded pet hair and fine dust alike. The de-tangling Motorbar cleaner head is a game-changer, automatically shedding hair wraps in real time—a lifesaver for homes with shedding pets. Its ball steering system turns tight corners with a flick of the wrist, making it one of the most agile heavy-duty vacuums on the market.

In real-world testing, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 excels across all floor types. On deep-pile carpets, it pulls out weeks-old debris with ease, thanks to its three adjustable suction modes that let you dial in the perfect power level. The sealed whole-machine filtration traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it surprisingly effective for allergy sufferers despite not being marketed as a HEPA specialist. However, its 5.7 ft power cord can feel limiting in larger homes, and the weight (17.2 lbs) makes upstairs cleaning a two-hand job.

Compared to the Shark NV752, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 offers superior suction consistency and engineering refinement, but sacrifices some versatility with its non-detachable pod. It’s the ideal pick for pet owners who prioritize deep-cleaning performance and reliability over portable convenience. While pricier than budget contenders, its 5-year warranty and lifetime support underscore a commitment to long-term value that few rivals can match.

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off is a HEPA-powered fortress against allergens and pet dander. Its fully sealed HEPA system captures 99.9% of dust and microscopic allergens, making it the top choice for allergy-prone households. The standout feature? The lift-off detachable pod—a portable powerhouse that transforms into a handheld vacuum, letting you attack car seats, stairs, and furniture without lugging the whole unit. With Scatter-Free Technology, it maintains strong suction on hard floors without kicking debris ahead, a common flaw in many uprights.

During testing, the 1L Easy Empty dirt tank proved spacious enough for whole-room cleanups, though it required frequent emptying on high-pile rugs. The tangle-free brush roll handled moderate pet hair well but struggled with thick clumps, occasionally needing manual clearing. It transitions smoothly between surfaces, but lacks height adjustments, making deep carpet cleaning less effective than dedicated uprights. The lack of LED headlights means it misses hidden dust under furniture, a step behind the Shark NV752 in visibility.

Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, this model offers far better allergen control and build versatility, but at nearly double the cost and with less raw power. It’s best suited for pet owners with allergies who need a hybrid upright-canister experience. While not the strongest on suction, its specialized filtration and portability make it a standout where air quality matters most.

The Eureka PowerSpeed punches way above its price tag with 10 lbs of no-nonsense cleaning muscle. It’s the lightest upright here, making it a dream for quick cleanups and upstairs chores. The 5 height adjustments let it adapt seamlessly from tile to shag carpet, while the 2.6L dust cup reduces emptying frequency—ideal for larger homes on a budget. Its pet turbo tool is surprisingly effective on couches and car interiors, and the onboard storage keeps accessories within reach. For under $80, it delivers a remarkably balanced blend of power and convenience.

In real-world use, the foam filtration system does its job but can’t match the allergen-trapping prowess of HEPA models like the Bissell or Shark. Suction is strong for light to medium messes, but it struggles with deeply embedded dirt in high-pile carpets. The warning about roller brush maintenance is critical—neglecting it can lead to overheating or belt failure, a notable risk for forgetful users. Still, its bagless design and washable filters mean zero long-term maintenance costs, a huge plus for budget-focused buyers.

When stacked against the Dyson Ball Animal 3, the Eureka is no match in power or durability—but it’s not trying to be. It’s the perfect entry-level vacuum for renters, small homes, or pet owners who need basic, reliable performance without overspending. For those prioritizing low cost and ease of use, it offers unbeatable value, even if it lacks premium polish.

The Shark NV752 is a pet owner’s dream machine, engineered to obliterate embedded fur and dander with surgical precision. Its Powered Lift-Away technology is the real star—detach the pod and keep the brushroll spinning to clean under sofas or stairs, a feature that leaves the Dyson in the dust. The self-cleaning Pet Power Brush aggressively pulls hair from carpets and upholstery, while LED headlights expose dust bunnies hiding in dark corners. With HEPA-sealed anti-allergen filtration, it traps 99.9% of particles, making it a dual threat against both mess and allergies.

In performance tests, the 0.88-quart dust cup held up well during whole-home sessions, though fine dust sometimes clung to the sides during emptying. The swivel steering makes it incredibly nimble, gliding around furniture legs with ease. On thick carpets, it delivers strong agitation, but the suction dips slightly on bare floors unless switched to hard floor mode via fingertip control. Unlike the Eureka, it doesn’t require frequent roller maintenance, but the pod release mechanism feels less sturdy than the Dyson’s build.

Next to the Bissell Lift-Off, the Shark offers superior pet tools and deeper carpet cleaning, but with a slightly bulkier design. It’s the best all-around pick for homes with pets and allergies, blending maneuverability, filtration, and specialized tools in one sleek package. While not the lightest or cheapest, its feature density and real-world effectiveness make it the most well-rounded pet vacuum here.