5 Best Cordless Upright Vacuums of 2025

This featherlight powerhouse redefines what a cordless upright can do—delivering Shark’s most powerful multi-surface suction in a model that weighs less than 7 pounds. With dual-speed brushroll technology and LED headlights that expose every speck of dust, it’s engineered for real homes where messes happen daily. Whether you’re battling tracked-in dirt on hardwood or pet hair embedded in low-pile carpet, this vacuum transitions seamlessly, making it a game-changer for quick, thorough cleanups without the strain.

In real-world testing, the Freestyle Max shines in tight spaces and around furniture thanks to its lightweight swivel steering and compact footprint. The large dust cup (0.64 quarts) reduces mid-clean emptying, and the hands-free disposal keeps things hygienic. Suction holds strong on both speeds, though turbo mode drains the battery faster—expect about 20 minutes of intense cleaning. While it handles rugs and bare floors with confidence, it struggles slightly on high-pile carpets where deeper agitation is needed. Still, for daily maintenance across mixed flooring, it’s impressively capable.

Compared to the heavier, noisier Shark SV1106, the Freestyle Max offers a clear upgrade in suction, maneuverability, and usability—all in a sleeker, lighter frame. It’s ideal for apartment dwellers, busy parents, or anyone who values speed and ease over marathon runtime. While it doesn’t match premium models like the Kenmore CU7005 in filtration or battery life, it delivers better performance and modern features than budget cordless sticks at a competitive sweet spot in price and capability.

Don’t let its modest price tag fool you—this compact cordless workhorse punches above its weight with smart engineering and pet-focused design. At just 7.5 lbs and backed by a 125-watt motor, it glides effortlessly from tile to carpet, while the 2-speed brushroll adapts on the fly to clean both surfaces effectively. For under $100, it delivers surprisingly strong suction and excellent pet hair pickup, making it a standout for budget-conscious households that still demand real performance.

During testing, the SV1106 proved reliable for small homes and quick cleanups, with the XL dust cup minimizing interruptions. The 4-hour charge time is average, and runtime hovers around 20 minutes—enough for one floor of a typical home. It handles spills, crumbs, and surface-level pet hair with ease, though it can struggle on deeply embedded debris in plush rugs. The precision charging dock doubles as a storage stand, saving space and keeping the vacuum ready to grab. It’s not the quietest (80 dB), but it’s far from the loudest in its class.

When stacked against the newer Freestyle Max, the SV1106 lacks the advanced suction metrics and LED headlights, but it remains a value-packed entry point into Shark’s cordless ecosystem. It’s perfect for renters, small-space dwellers, or anyone who needs a no-fuss vacuum for light to moderate messes. While it doesn’t offer the runtime or filtration of high-end models like the Kenmore CU7005, it delivers solid core functionality at a fraction of the cost, making it a smart buy for practical, everyday cleaning.

Step into the future of home cleaning with the Kenmore CU7005, a high-performance beast that combines 80 minutes of runtime, HEPA-grade filtration, and 4X the suction of standard cordless sticks. Built around a brushless motor and dual 24V batteries, this vacuum doesn’t just clean—it dominates. The Lift-Up Technology makes stair cleaning effortless, while the Hair Eliminator Nozzle ensures long hair never tangles the brushroll, a lifesaver for pet owners and long-haired households.

In real-world use, the CU7005 excels in large homes where one charge must cover multiple rooms. The extended runtime in low mode (up to 80 minutes) outpaces nearly every competitor, and suction remains consistent across carpet, tile, and rugs. The sealed HEPA system traps 99.97% of dust and allergens, making it a top pick for allergy sufferers. It’s heavier than ultralight models (around 9 lbs), but the ergonomic lift-up design offsets the bulk when cleaning above floors. The only real limitation? Its larger footprint makes storage a bit trickier in tight closets.

Compared to the Bissell PowerClean FurGuard, the Kenmore offers superior runtime and filtration but lacks the self-standing convenience. Against the Shark Freestyle Max, it trades some agility for raw power and endurance. It’s the best overall choice for families, pet owners, and anyone serious about deep, whole-home cleaning. While it costs more than entry-level models, it delivers premium features, durability, and performance that justify the investment—a true flagship in the cordless upright category.

Meet the pet owner’s dream machine: the Bissell PowerClean FurGuard, a self-standing cordless vacuum built to hunt down, capture, and eliminate pet hair like nothing else in its class. With a 280W motor and FurFinder Headlights that expose hidden fur on dark upholstery, it doesn’t just clean—it reveals what you’ve been missing. The FurGuard Self-Cleaning Brushroll is a revolutionary feature, automatically releasing hair up to 16 inches long, so you never have to cut through clumps again.

In testing, this vacuum proved unmatched on sofas, stairs, and car interiors, where embedded pet hair is a constant battle. The removable battery allows for off-unit charging, and up to 50 minutes of runtime (in low mode) covers most homes without issue. Switching to handheld mode is seamless, and the integrated crevice and upholstery tools mean no fumbling for attachments. While suction is strong, it dips noticeably in turbo mode, and the self-standing design, while convenient, adds slight bulk. Still, for homes with shedding pets, it’s a near-perfect solution.

Pitted against the Bissell PowerClean FurFinder, the FurGuard offers more power and a self-cleaning brushroll, a major upgrade for long-haired pets. Compared to the Shark Freestyle Max, it’s heavier but far superior in pet hair removal and tool versatility. It’s ideal for multi-pet homes, allergy sufferers, and anyone tired of fighting hair wrap. While it costs more than basic models, it delivers specialized performance that justifies every dollar, especially when HEPA-sealed allergen capture keeps air clean long after vacuuming.

This budget-savvy hero brings premium pet-focused features into an affordable package, proving you don’t need to overspend for serious fur-fighting power. With a 200W motor, FurFinder Headlights, and a tangle-free brushroll, it targets pet hair with precision—illuminating hidden messes and lifting them without clogs. The self-standing design means it stays upright during breaks and charging, a small but hugely convenient touch for fast cleanups.

Real-world use confirms it’s perfect for small homes and pet owners on a budget. The 40-minute low-mode runtime handles light to moderate cleaning, though turbo mode lasts only 13 minutes. It transitions smoothly to handheld for stairs and furniture, and the included FurFinder Tool excels at pulling hair from upholstery. Suction is strong for its class, but it can’t match the deep-cleaning force of the 280W FurGuard. Still, for daily touch-ups and quick pet messes, it performs remarkably well without breaking a sweat—or the bank.

Next to its bigger sibling, the FurGuard, the FurFinder trades power for lower cost and lighter weight. Against the Shark SV1106, it offers better pet hair tools and self-standing convenience at a similar price. It’s the best budget-friendly pick for pet owners who want smart features without premium pricing. While it lacks advanced filtration and long runtime, it delivers core pet-cleaning performance with standout usability, making it a high-value entry in the cordless upright arena.