7 Best Cordless Upright Vacuums 2025

The Shark Freestyle Max (SV2002) bursts onto the cordless vacuum scene with serious suction power and surgical precision, making it a standout for multi-surface homes that demand deep cleaning without compromise. With the most powerful nozzle suction of any Shark cordless upright—verified by ASTM F558 testing—it delivers aggressive debris pickup on both plush carpets and slick hardwoods, while its dual-speed brushroll auto-adapts to surface type, eliminating the guesswork. Weighing under 7 lbs and featuring LED headlights, this vacuum doesn’t just clean—it hunts dust in corners and under furniture, solving the all-too-common problem of missed grime in low-light areas.

In real-world testing, the Freestyle Max handled everything from tracked-in soil to cereal spills with authority, maintaining strong suction across 25-minute runtime in standard mode. The large-capacity dust cup proved a game-changer, reducing mid-clean emptying even during whole-room sessions, and the easy-empty, hands-free design kept mess to a minimum. On carpets, the high-speed setting agitated fibers deeply, pulling out embedded pet hair with ease, while bare floors stayed streak-free thanks to optimized airflow. However, like most cordless models, it begins to lose torque in turbo mode after 12 minutes, and tight corners require careful angling due to the front-headlight housing.

When stacked against the budget-focused Shark SV1106, the Freestyle Max is clearly the premium evolution—lighter, more powerful, and better equipped for daily messes. It’s ideal for pet owners and busy households that prioritize consistent performance and low maintenance over rock-bottom pricing. While the Bissell PowerClean offers strong allergen control, the Shark Freestyle Max pulls ahead with superior suction and maneuverability, making it a well-rounded champion that balances power, convenience, and smart design.

The Bissell PowerClean 4173 redefines what an affordable cordless vacuum can do, especially for allergy sufferers and pet owners who need serious allergen capture without breaking the bank. Its HEPA-sealed system is the real star—scientifically proven to trap 99.97% of dust, dander, and allergens—making it a breath-of-fresh-air upgrade for asthma-prone homes. Add in a tangle-free brush roll that resists hair wrap better than competitors, and you’ve got a vacuum that doesn’t just clean floors—it protects indoor air quality while tackling one of the biggest pain points for pet parents.

During testing, the 200W motor delivered impressively steady suction, clearing thick fur from rugs and fine dust from tile with equal ease. The 40-minute runtime in low mode allowed full-home coverage without anxiety, and switching to turbo for high-traffic zones provided a noticeable boost—though it drains power quickly, dropping to 13 minutes. The self-standing feature was surprisingly useful, letting us pause cleaning mid-room without leaning or disassembly, and the 3-in-1 design made transitioning to stairs, upholstery, or ceiling corners seamless. That said, the crevice tool storage feels flimsy, and the vacuum loses some agility when converted to handheld mode due to front-heavy balance.

Compared to the Shark Freestyle Max, the Bissell trades raw suction for allergen control and versatility, carving out a niche for health-conscious users. It’s not quite as powerful on deep carpet cleaning, but its removable battery and wall-mount design offer longer-term convenience and easier storage. For pet owners who want tangle-free performance and superior air filtration, the Bissell PowerClean delivers where it matters most—without the premium price tag of high-end models.

The Shark SV1106 Navigator Freestyle is the budget warrior of cordless vacuums—delivering reliable, no-frills performance for renters, small apartments, or anyone who needs a no-nonsense cleaner for daily touch-ups. At just 7.5 lbs and packing a dual-speed brushroll, it transitions smoothly between carpet and hard floors, making it a practical pick for mixed-surface homes on a tight budget. The XL dust cup (0.64 quarts) stands out in this price range, allowing longer cleaning runs before emptying, and the precision charging dock doubles as a compact storage base—perfect for closets or tight corners.

In real use, the 125W motor handled light debris and pet hair adequately, though it struggled with deeply embedded dirt on high-pile rugs, requiring multiple passes. On hardwood and tile, it performed admirably, with the low-speed setting preserving battery for up to 30 minutes of runtime. The lack of LED lights made dust detection tricky in dim spaces, and the non-removable battery means eventual degradation can’t be easily fixed—limiting long-term value. Still, for quick cleanups and small homes under 1,000 sq ft, it’s a capable, lightweight option that gets the job done without drama.

Against the more advanced Shark Freestyle Max, the SV1106 is clearly the stripped-down sibling—less powerful, heavier, and missing modern touches like headlights or a larger bin. But for those prioritizing low upfront cost and simplicity, it remains a smart entry point. It’s not built for heavy-duty cleaning, but when compared to similarly priced models, the SV1106 offers better build quality and surface adaptability, making it the best bang-for-buck option for light-duty users.