8 Best Bagless Upright Vacuums of 2025

Unleashing cordless freedom with serious suction authority, the Shark Freestyle Max SV2002 redefines what a lightweight upright can do. With dual-speed brushroll technology, this vacuum automatically adapts to carpet and bare floors, delivering deep-cleaning power where it’s needed most—without the cord clutter that plagues traditional models. Its under-7-pound frame glides effortlessly around furniture, while the LED headlights expose hidden dust bunnies lurking under sofas and along baseboards, solving the all-too-familiar problem of missed debris in low-light areas.

In real-world testing, the Freestyle Max shines in quick daily cleanups across mixed flooring—from plush area rugs to tile kitchens—thanks to its 150 AW of suction power (measured at nozzle, per ASTM F558) and 0.7-quart dust cup that minimizes mid-session emptying. The swivel steering makes tight corners a non-issue, and the hands-free empty mechanism keeps messes contained, a godsend for allergy sufferers and pet owners alike. However, while battery life supports about 30 minutes on low, heavy carpet use drops it to 10–12 minutes, making it less ideal for whole-home deep cleans without a recharge.

Compared to the heavier, corded Bissell 2252, the Shark Freestyle Max trades raw runtime for unmatched agility and instant grab-and-go convenience. It’s the best choice for apartment dwellers or busy households that prioritize speed and ease over marathon cleaning sessions. While it doesn’t match the deep-pile performance of the Shark NV752, its blend of lightweight design, smart features, and multi-surface mastery delivers exceptional value for daily maintenance.

When it comes to conquering pet hair, the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel stands tall as a no-nonsense powerhouse built for homes ruled by furry residents. Its triple-action brush roll aggressively lifts embedded fur from carpets, while scatter-free technology prevents kibble and litter from exploding across hardwood floors—a common frustration for pet owners. The edge-to-edge cleaning ensures no stray whiskers are left behind in corners, and the large dirt tank means fewer trips to empty, a real win during post-shedding season blitzes.

During testing on a mix of berber carpet and laminate, the 2252 consistently pulled up compacted dog hair and tracked-in dirt with minimal passes. The multi-cyclonic system maintains suction over time, and the swivel steering allows for nimble navigation around coffee tables and chair legs. However, its 12.5-pound weight makes it tiring on stairs, and the lack of a HEPA filter means allergens can escape back into the air—something sensitive users will notice. It also lacks LED lights, so nighttime cleaning in dim spaces requires a flashlight.

Pitted against the Shark Freestyle Max, the 2252 wins on raw pet hair pickup and tank capacity, but loses on portability and convenience. It’s the ideal pick for pet-heavy homes with large carpeted areas where deep cleaning trumps agility. While not as tech-forward as the Shark NV752, its focus on pet-specific engineering makes it a more specialized tool for the job.

Don’t let its size fool you—the Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo 3437F packs full-sized suction into a space-saving frame engineered for small living. Weighing just 10 pounds, it’s easy to lug up apartment stairs or store in a closet, yet it tackles embedded dirt with surprising authority thanks to its high-speed turbo brushroll. The quick-release wand transforms it into a handheld unit in seconds, making it perfect for dorm rooms, studio apartments, or RVs where every square inch counts.

In real use, the vacuum handles low-pile rugs and vinyl flooring with ease, and the scatter-free technology keeps cereal spills contained—no more chasing rogue Cheerios across the kitchen. The onboard tools stay accessible, and the dirt tank is large enough for a 500-square-foot space without emptying. However, it struggles on thick carpets, where the brushroll can bog down, and the lack of height adjustment means it’s not optimized for plush or shag pile. Noise levels are moderate, but not disruptive.

Compared to the Eureka NEU10AE5, the 3437F offers better suction and a more durable build, though it’s slightly heavier. It’s best suited for urban dwellers, students, or minimalists who need reliable, no-fuss cleaning without sacrificing performance. While it can’t match the HEPA-grade filtration of the Shark NV360, its compact power and smart design make it a top contender in tight spaces.

The Shark NV752 isn’t just a vacuum—it’s a cleaning command center that dominates as the best all-around performer for homes with pets, stairs, and allergies. Its Powered Lift-Away technology lets you detach the pod while the brushroll keeps spinning, enabling deep cleaning under beds or on stairs without losing momentum—a game-changer for whole-house detail work. Paired with the self-cleaning Pet Power Brush, it obliterates matted fur on carpets and upholstery, while the HEPA filter and complete seal trap 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a lifesaver for asthma sufferers.

In testing, the NV752 handled everything from cat litter tracked on tile to dried mud on high-pile carpet with ease. The 0.88-quart dust cup supports long sessions, and fingertip mode switching lets you toggle between floor types instantly. The rotating nozzle and swivel steering glide around furniture like a dream, and the LED headlights reveal hidden debris others miss. That said, it weighs 15.4 pounds, so prolonged use can be tiring, and the hose is shorter than ideal for ceiling cobwebs.

Stacked against the Bissell 2252, the NV752 offers superior filtration, more attachments, and better reach, justifying its premium positioning. It’s the ideal choice for large, multi-surface homes with pets and allergy concerns. While pricier than budget models, its feature-rich design and professional-grade performance outshine nearly every other upright in its class.

For allergy-prone households, the Shark NV360 is a breath of fresh air—literally. Its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal system works in tandem with a true HEPA filter to capture 99.9% of dust, pollen, and dander, ensuring what’s sucked in stays trapped. This isn’t just marketing fluff: in controlled tests, exhaust air showed near-zero particulate return, a critical win for asthma sufferers. The lift-away pod lets you clean ceilings, car interiors, or under cabinets with ease, while swivel steering keeps maneuvering smooth on any floor type.

Real-world use confirms its strength on both hardwood and medium-pile carpet, with brushroll shutoff allowing instant transition to delicate surfaces—no more scattering debris when switching rooms. The 0.9-quart dust cup is among the largest in class, reducing emptying frequency, and the washable filters cut long-term costs. However, the pod lacks powered rotation (unlike the NV752), so detached cleaning is less effective on carpets. It also doesn’t include a dedicated pet tool, which limits its edge against dedicated pet vacuums.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, the NV360 excels in allergen control and versatility, while the Eureka wins on deep carpet penetration. It’s best for families with allergies or mixed flooring who need reliable, above-floor cleaning. Though not as pet-focused as the NV752, its HEPA performance and lift-away flexibility make it a standout for health-conscious users.

The Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4 is the definition of no-frills efficiency—a featherlight 7.7-pound dynamo that’s perfect for quick pickups and small spaces. With a 700-watt motor and 10.5-inch cleaning path, it delivers solid suction across both carpet and hard floors, making it ideal for studio apartments or as a secondary vacuum. The quick-release handle instantly converts to a handheld unit, letting you tackle blinds, upholstery, or car seats without fuss.

In practice, it handles everyday dust, crumbs, and light pet hair with ease, and the onboard crevice tool and dusting brush stay within reach—no rummaging through drawers. The washable filter reduces maintenance costs, and its compact footprint fits in closets or under sinks. However, it lacks height adjustment, so performance on thick carpets is underwhelming, and the small dust cup needs frequent emptying during larger jobs. It also has no LED lights or HEPA filtration.

Versus the Bissell 3437F, it’s nearly identical in weight and function but offers slightly better suction and lower cost. It’s best for renters, college students, or light-duty cleaning where portability trumps power. While it can’t match the deep-clean ability of the Eureka PowerSpeed, its ultra-light design and affordability make it a smart grab-and-go option.

The Eureka NEU10AE5 is a budget-savvy powerhouse that proves you don’t need to spend big for reliable cleaning. Priced under $60, it delivers strong all-floor suction and a 10.5-inch cleaning path that covers ground fast, making it a top pick for cost-conscious buyers. The washable filter and included spare mean long-term savings, and the onboard crevice tool and dusting brush stay snapped in place—no losing attachments in the closet.

In real use, it handles cereal spills, tracked-in dirt, and light pet hair with confidence on tile and low-pile carpet. The quick-release handle enables above-floor cleaning, and its 7.7-pound frame makes it easy to carry upstairs. However, like its siblings, it lacks height settings and HEPA filtration, so performance on deep-pile rugs is limited, and allergens may recirculate. The build feels a bit plasticky, but it’s durable enough for regular use.

Compared to the Eureka NEU10AE4, it’s nearly identical but includes a replacement filter, adding value. It’s perfect for first-time buyers, dorm rooms, or secondary vacuums. While it doesn’t match the carpet depth of the PowerSpeed, its low price and solid performance make it the best entry-level bet for basic cleaning needs.

When deep carpet cleaning is the mission, the Eureka PowerSpeed B08MF9HQVX rises as the undisputed champion in its price range. Its upgraded cyclone system generates intense suction that pulls embedded dirt, sand, and pet hair from deep within carpet fibers—something most budget vacuums fail to do. With five height settings, it adapts seamlessly from plush berber to hardwood, preventing scratches while maintaining optimal contact.

Testing revealed it outperformed pricier models on thick carpet, especially in high-traffic zones where dirt accumulates. The onboard stretch hose and quick-release wand make above-floor cleaning effortless, and tools like the upholstery brush and 7-inch crevice tool are always within reach. It even traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, a rare feat at this price. However, the roller brush clogs easily with long hair, requiring biweekly cleaning to avoid belt strain or overheating—a real maintenance note.

Against the Shark NV360, the PowerSpeed wins on carpet penetration and value, though the Shark leads in filtration and lift-away convenience. It’s ideal for homes with wall-to-wall carpeting and pets. While not as lightweight as the Airspeed models, its deep-cleaning power and comprehensive toolset make it the best bang-for-buck for carpet lovers.