9 Best Residential Vacuum Cleaners 2026

The Shark NV352 commands attention with its Lift-Away functionality, HEPA-sealed allergen system, and swivel steering—a trio that transforms vacuuming from chore to conquest. If you’re battling airborne allergens or wrestling with dust mites in deep carpet fibers, this upright delivers clinical-level filtration while maintaining serious suction power. Its anti-allergen complete seal technology is a game-changer for asthma and allergy sufferers, ensuring 99.9% of dust stays trapped instead of recirculating—something most budget vacuums simply can’t match.

In real-world testing, the NV352 glides across plush carpets and transitions smoothly to hardwood without scattering debris, thanks to its brushroll shutoff and low-profile nozzle. The 12-inch crevice tool and wide upholstery attachment make above-floor cleaning efficient—especially on stairs and pet furniture—while the detachable pod turns it into a portable powerhouse. At just under 15 pounds, it’s lightweight enough for daily use, though the cord rewind requires manual effort. On thicker rugs, it occasionally struggles with deeply embedded pet hair unless pre-treated with a rake pass.

Compared to the Kenmore 600 Series, the Shark trades the bagged convenience and dual-motor deep clean for faster emptying and easier maneuverability. It’s not as powerful as canister models on bare floors, but its versatility across surfaces and allergy-specific engineering makes it ideal for homes with pets, kids, and respiratory sensitivities. For families needing a no-fuss, health-conscious upright that excels in multi-surface homes, the NV352 outperforms many pricier contenders with reliability and thoughtful ergonomics.

The Kenmore 600 Series emerges as a deep-cleaning beast, built for users who demand industrial-grade suction in a residential package. With a 12-amp dual-motor system, triple HEPA filtration, and a Pet PowerMate attachment, it obliterates embedded dirt, fine dust, and stubborn pet hair like few others in this category. The Pop-N-Go brush is a standout—self-cleaning bristles prevent hair wrap, making it a low-maintenance dream for pet owners tired of scissors and lint rolls.

During extended cleaning sessions, the aluminum telescoping wand extends to nearly 10 feet, enabling effortless ceiling fan dusting or under-furniture reach without bending. The 183W hose-end suction remains consistent, even when switching between the bare floor tool and motorized nozzle. Hard floors are cleared with zero scatter, and high-pile carpets show visible improvement after one pass. However, the 22.6-pound weight makes it less ideal for upstairs-only cleaning or users with mobility limitations.

Against the Eureka 3670M, the Kenmore dominates in suction consistency and filtration, but sacrifices portability and affordability. It’s overkill for small apartments but unbeatable for large homes with mixed flooring and pets. While the bagged system ensures hygienic disposal, it adds recurring cost—a trade-off for unmatched containment of allergens. If maximum cleaning power and dust retention are your top priorities, this canister delivers professional-level results without the commercial price tag.

The Eureka PowerSpeed punches above its weight with a new cyclone system that captures everything from gravel to microscopic dust, making it a dark horse in mid-tier uprights. Its 5 height settings allow precise tuning for shag rugs, low-pile carpets, and delicate hardwoods—no scratches, no suction drop. For homes that balance deep cleaning with daily maintenance, this model offers serious versatility at a fraction of premium prices.

In performance tests, it handled cereal spills, tracked-in soil, and pet fur with commendable efficiency. The onboard accessory storage keeps the 7-inch crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool within reach—perfect for quick car cleanouts or curtain refreshes. However, the roller brush clogs easily with long pet hair, requiring biweekly maintenance to avoid belt strain or overheating—a real concern for heavy shedding households. Without regular upkeep, performance degrades fast.

Compared to the Bissell CleanView Compact, the PowerSpeed delivers broader surface adaptability and a larger debris capacity, but lacks scatter-free tech on hard floors. It’s not the lightest (10 lbs), but the smooth-rolling wheels reduce drag on hardwood. Best suited for medium-sized homes with mixed flooring and moderate pet traffic, it’s a high-value workhorse that justifies its mid-range status with consistent pickup and smart design. For those wanting upgraded cyclone efficiency without overspending, it’s a compelling choice.

Meet the Eureka Airspeed—a featherlight champion at just 7.7 pounds, built for speed, simplicity, and tight budgets. Don’t let its size fool you: the 700W motor and 10.5-inch cleaning path deliver solid suction across carpets and tile, making quick work of daily debris. For renters, seniors, or anyone in a small home, this vacuum is a no-brainer for hassle-free cleaning.

Real-world use confirms its strength in lightweight agility and compact storage—it fits behind doors or under sinks with ease. The washable filter slashes long-term costs, and the snap-on crevice tool and dusting brush are always within reach. However, the small dust cup demands frequent emptying during whole-house sessions, and suction wanes slightly on high-pile rugs. It’s not designed for deep cleans or pet hair marathons, but for spills, tracked-in dirt, and quick sweeps, it performs admirably.

Stacked against the Amazon Basics model, the Airspeed wins on weight and maneuverability, though it sacrifices capacity and cord length. It’s not a replacement for heavy-duty vacuums, but as a secondary or starter machine, it’s unmatched under $60. Ideal for dorms, studios, or supplemental cleaning, it proves that ultra-light doesn’t mean underpowered—just focused. For budget-conscious buyers who value ease and efficiency, it’s a standout.

The Bissell CleanView Compact redefines efficiency for small living with full-size suction in a 10-pound frame—a rare combo that makes it a top pick for apartments, dorms, and compact homes. Its Scatter-Free Technology is a revelation on hard floors, preventing debris from scattering during pickup, a common flaw in budget uprights. The quick-release wand transforms it into a spot cleaner for blinds, baseboards, or car interiors in seconds.

In testing, it handled cereal, sand, and pet kibble with impressive containment. The compact footprint allows storage in closets or under furniture, while the lightweight body makes stair cleaning manageable. However, the dust cup is modest, requiring mid-clean emptying in larger spaces, and the motor can sound strained on thick rugs. It lacks height adjustments, so transitions between carpet and hardwood aren’t as smooth as pricier models.

Compared to the Eureka Airspeed, it offers stronger suction and smarter debris control, though it’s slightly heavier and more expensive. It doesn’t match the PowerSpeed in deep cleaning, but for small-space dwellers who hate clutter, it strikes the perfect balance. With BISSELL’s pet support mission, it adds emotional appeal for animal lovers. If you need serious power without the bulk, this compact turbo is a space-saving powerhouse.

The Amazon Basics Upright is the definition of value engineering—a no-frills, high-functionality vacuum that delivers where it counts. At under $60, it boasts a 1.7L dust cup, 720W motor, and a 25-foot power cord, giving it range and stamina rare in budget builds. Its detachable handle doubles as a handheld tool, making above-floor cleaning surprisingly effective for such a low-cost model.

In real use, it handles everyday messes with confidence—dust, crumbs, and light pet hair disappear without fuss. The washable filter ensures long-term savings, and the upholstery and crevice tools are practical additions. However, suction drops noticeably on high-pile carpets, and the plastic build feels flimsy compared to metal-shaft competitors. Maneuverability is decent, but the lack of swivel steering makes tight corners a chore.

Against the Eureka Airspeed, it wins on dust capacity and cord length, though it’s slightly heavier. It’s not designed for homes with heavy shedding or deep cleaning needs, but for first-time buyers, renters, or secondary units, it’s a reliable, no-surprise performer. If you want maximum utility for minimum spend, this vacuum proves that basics can still impress—especially when backed by Amazon’s warranty and return policy.

The Eureka PowerSpeed Pet Turbo is engineered for one thing: conquering pet hair. With a dedicated pet turbo tool, 2.6L extra-large dust cup, and 5 height settings, it transitions seamlessly from plush carpet to hardwood while lifting embedded fur with authority. Its zero maintenance cost promise—thanks to washable filters and bagless design—is a win for owners tired of replacement parts.

In rigorous testing, the pet turbo tool outperformed standard brushes, removing fur from sofas, stairs, and car seats with minimal passes. The onboard storage keeps all tools accessible, and the 10-pound weight makes it easy to carry upstairs. However, like other Eureka models, the roller brush clogs without biweekly cleaning, risking belt damage—a known weak spot for long-haired pets.

Versus the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, it lacks HEPA filtration and tangle-free roll technology but delivers larger capacity and lower cost. It’s not the quietest, but for homes with multiple pets and mixed flooring, it’s a high-capacity warrior. If you need a budget-friendly pet hair specialist that doesn’t skimp on power or convenience, this PowerSpeed model is a top contender.

The Eureka 3670M redefines expectations for budget canister vacuums, offering 12-amp power, 2.5L bag capacity, and whole-home reach in an 8.6-pound frame. Its bagged system ensures hygienic disposal—ideal for allergy sufferers—while the aluminum extension wands and dual attachments make it a master of stair, car, and ceiling cleaning.

In real use, it excels at under-furniture reach and overhead dusting, with consistent suction that doesn’t fade. The lightweight design makes it easy to carry between floors, and the 5 included bags reduce initial ownership costs. However, the cord rewind is manual, and the lack of a motorized brush limits its effectiveness on thick carpets. It’s not built for deep pet hair extraction, but for dust, dander, and light debris, it’s impressively thorough.

Compared to the Kenmore 600 Series, it sacrifices dual motors and HEPA filtration but wins on price and portability. It’s not a pet-focused machine, but for homes needing quiet, versatile cleaning with minimal mess, it’s a hidden gem. If you want canister reach and power without the premium tag, the 3670M is a smart, lightweight solution.

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off earns its title as best overall with a trifecta of power, filtration, and pet-specific innovation. Its tangle-free brush roll slices through fur without wrapping, the HEPA-sealed allergen system traps 99.9% of dust, and the 1L Easy Empty dirt tank dumps debris with one touch—no mess, no fuss. For multi-pet homes with allergy concerns, this vacuum is a revelation.

In performance trials, it dominated on both carpet and hard floors, lifting embedded hair, dander, and fine dust with zero scatter. The lift-off detachable pod turns it into a handheld unit, perfect for stairs, car interiors, or furniture. The TurboEraser pet tool is unmatched in agitating stubborn fur. Only minor gripes: the pod battery life could be longer, and the plastic wand feels less durable than metal alternatives.

Versus the Shark NV352, it offers superior pet hair handling and HEPA sealing, though it’s heavier and pricier. It beats the Eureka PowerSpeed Pet Turbo in filtration and tangle resistance, making it worth the investment for serious pet owners. If you demand the ultimate blend of power, health safety, and pet performance, this model sets the new benchmark—delivering premium results across every category.