8 Best Vacuums for Hard Floors & Carpet 2025

The Bissell CleanView Swivel makes hard floor and carpet cleaning feel effortless, thanks to its swivel steering and triple action brush roll that tackle embedded dirt like few budget uprights can. With a newly upgraded active extension wand, it reaches under sofas and above baseboards without breaking a sweat—perfect for homes where dust hides in awkward spots. Its scatter-free technology is a game-changer on hardwood, preventing debris from scattering during passes, which solves one of the most frustrating issues with multi-surface vacuums.

In real-world testing, this vacuum handles transitions from plush rugs to tile with confidence, though it lacks brushroll shutoff—meaning you’re still spinning the beater bar on delicate floors. The multi-cyclonic suction system maintains strong airflow across both surfaces, but fine dust occasionally escapes finer filtration compared to HEPA-sealed units. At just over 13 pounds, it’s manageable for most adults, but the 25-foot cord demands frequent outlet changes in larger homes.

Compared to the Shark Navigator Lift-Away, it trades advanced allergen sealing and lift-off convenience for a simpler, more affordable design. Still, for pet owners who want reliable maneuverability and everyday surface versatility without complexity, the CleanView Swivel delivers solid performance. It’s not the most feature-rich, but its swivel agility and tangle-resistant cleaning make it a standout among entry-level uprights focused on practicality over tech.

Don’t let its 3-pound frame fool you—the Intercleaner 12-in-1 punches above its weight with 15KPa suction that surprises on low-pile carpets and hardwood alike. As a multi-use light-duty vacuum, it shines in spot cleans, car interiors, and quick daily sweeps, thanks to its handheld conversion and 11 included accessories that turn it into a cleaning Swiss Army knife. The pro-max filtration system with washable HEPA layers keeps exhaust air clean, making it a smart pick for allergy-conscious households on a tight budget.

During testing, it effortlessly pulled up cereal crumbs from kitchen tiles and pet hair from stair edges, but struggled with deeply embedded debris in high-pile rugs—expected at this power level. The 16.4-foot extra-long cord eliminates range anxiety, letting you clean an entire bedroom without unplugging. However, the plastic build feels less durable under heavy use, and the noise level, while quiet for pets, is still noticeable in open spaces. It’s best suited for apartments or light cleaning duties, not whole-home deep cleans.

When stacked against the Eureka PowerSpeed, it loses on raw power and floor coverage but wins big on versatility and portability. For renters, seniors, or parents needing a pet-friendly, easy-to-store helper for daily messes, this vacuum delivers unmatched value. It won’t replace your main machine, but as a secondary spot cleaner with serious accessory flexibility, it outperforms many in its price range.

The KARDV 500W redefines cordless performance with 40KPa max suction—a number that rivals premium Dyson-tier models—and a 60-minute runtime in eco mode that actually delivers on real-world use. Its V-shape anti-tangle roller brush is a revelation for pet owners, gliding through long hair without jams, while the green LED headlights reveal dust under nightstands and beds like a pro. The smart LED display isn’t just flashy; it gives real-time feedback on battery, mode, and brush alerts, making cleaning feel intuitive and controlled.

On hardwood, it captures nearly every speck, and on medium-pile carpet, it pulls up weeks-old pet dander with authority. The 8-in-1 attachments let you convert it into a handheld for car seats or ceiling corners, and the 1.5L dust cup means fewer trips to empty—ideal for larger homes. However, the 20–25 minute max mode runtime limits whole-house deep cleans on high power, and the wall mount, while convenient, requires drilling. It’s also heavier than some cordless rivals, making overhead use tiring over time.

Compared to the Shark Rocket, it offers far more power and runtime but sacrifices the instant corded reliability. For tech-savvy users who want maximum suction, long runtime, and smart features in one package, the KARDV is a powerhouse. It’s not the lightest, but its anti-tangle design and wall-mounted charging make it one of the most future-ready vacuums under $100.

The Shark Rocket HV301 is a versatile stick vacuum that nails the balance between ultra-light design (under 9 lbs) and corded power, making it ideal for quick, full-room cleans without battery anxiety. Its swivel steering is razor-sharp, letting you pivot around table legs and tight corners with precision, while fingertip controls let you switch between carpet and hard floor modes instantly. The lift-off handheld function is seamless—just detach the pod and go vertical on stairs or furniture, a feature that sets it apart from basic stick models.

In performance tests, it deep-cleans low-pile rugs and lifts surface dust from hardwood with consistent suction—no fade, thanks to the never loses power claim holding true. The easy-empty dust cup is genuinely mess-free, and onboard tools (crevice, dusting brush, upholstery) are always within reach. But the 0.67L bin fills fast during whole-home sessions, and the cord is shorter than expected—around 15 feet—requiring frequent plug swaps. It also lacks HEPA sealing, so allergy sufferers may notice more dust recirculation.

Next to the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, it’s lighter and more agile but less specialized for pet messes. For users who want a do-it-all stick vacuum that transitions from floor to ceiling without bulk, the Shark Rocket is unmatched. It’s not the most powerful, but its versatility, lightweight build, and true corded reliability make it a top pick for active households.

If pet hair is your nemesis, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off is engineered to win the war. Its tangle-free brush roll slices through fur without clogging, while the HEPA sealed allergen system traps 99.9% of dust and dander—critical for homes with shedding dogs or cats. The 1L XL dirt tank is one of the largest in its class, allowing extended cleaning before emptying, and the lift-off detachable pod turns it into a portable canister for stairs, car seats, and under-bed zones with zero hassle.

In real use, it excels on both hardwood and area rugs, lifting tracked-in dirt and embedded fur with strong, consistent suction. The scatter-free tech keeps hard floor cleanups tidy, and the included TurboEraser pet tool boosts suction on upholstery for a deep fur extraction. However, the full unit is bulkier than stick vacuums, and the pod’s battery-free design means you’re tethered to the main body when lifted off—limiting true portability. It’s also louder than average on max power.

Against the Shark Navigator, it matches on pet performance but lacks lift-away deep-clean flexibility. For pet owners who need maximum hair pickup, allergen control, and large capacity, this vacuum is a no-compromise solution. It’s pricier than basic models, but its specialized pet tools and HEPA sealing justify the cost for fur-heavy homes.

The Eureka NEU10AE5 is the budget-friendly king of lightweight uprights, weighing just 7.7 pounds while delivering enough suction to handle both hardwood and carpet with ease. Its 10.5-inch cleaning path covers ground fast, making it a go-to for small apartments or quick cleanups, and the washable filter saves money over time—no replacements needed. With onboard tools and a quick-release handle, you can go from floor to ceiling in seconds, tackling blinds, baseboards, or couch crevices without hassle.

In testing, it performed admirably on surface debris and light pet hair, though it faltered on thick carpets where deeper agitation is needed. The bagless design makes emptying simple, but the small dust cup requires frequent clearing during larger jobs. The build feels utilitarian—mostly plastic—but it’s durable enough for regular use. The lack of height adjustment limits floor adaptability, forcing a one-size-fits-all approach that’s less effective on mixed surfaces.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, it’s lighter and cheaper but less powerful and less adjustable. For students, first-time renters, or anyone needing a no-frills, low-cost vacuum that works reliably on hard floors and thin rugs, this model is unbeatable. It doesn’t dazzle with features, but its lightweight build and eco-friendly filter make it a smart, simple starter vacuum.

The Shark Navigator NV356E earns its title as the best overall with a winning combo of lift-away functionality, HEPA filtration, and swivel steering that make it a powerhouse across every surface. The detachable pod transforms it into a handheld for stairs and furniture, while the brushroll shutoff lets you glide gently over hardwood without scattering dust—something most budget models skip. Its anti-allergen complete seal traps 99.9% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, making it a top pick for allergy sufferers.

During deep cleaning, it handled high-traffic carpet zones and kitchen spills with ease, maintaining strong suction throughout. The 0.87L dust cup strikes a sweet spot between capacity and ease of emptying, and the included pet power brush is excellent for couches and car interiors. However, the full unit is heavier than stick vacuums (around 13 lbs), and the cord is only 20 feet—short for large homes. The bin release can also be sticky after heavy use.

Versus the Bissell CleanView, it offers superior allergen control and more thoughtful design, though at a higher cost. For families wanting a well-rounded, high-performance vacuum that masters both carpets and hard floors, the Shark Navigator is the gold standard. It’s not the cheapest, but its build quality, versatility, and health-focused filtration deliver unmatched value for the investment.

The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is the best lightweight upright that doesn’t sacrifice power, packing a 960-watt motor into a 10-pound frame that’s easy to lug up stairs and maneuver around furniture. Its 5-height brush roll adjustment lets you fine-tune cleaning for everything from plush berber to bare wood, eliminating guesswork and maximizing pickup. The 2.6-liter dust cup is massive for its class—meaning fewer emptying stops during large cleanups—and the flip-to-empty bin keeps hands clean.

In real use, it outperformed several heavier models on mixed flooring, lifting fine dust from tile and embedded hair from medium-pile carpets. The onboard pet turbo brush is a standout, agitating fur from car seats and pet beds with ease. However, the lack of a HEPA filter limits its appeal for allergy sufferers, and the plastic housing feels less premium over time. It also lacks swivel steering, making tight turns more effort than with Shark models.

Next to the Eureka NEU10AE5, it’s heavier but far more powerful and adjustable. For pet owners who want a lightweight yet rugged upright with serious cleaning chops, the PowerSpeed hits the sweet spot. It’s not the most advanced, but its large bin, precision height settings, and pet-ready tools make it a workhorse for homes with both carpets and hard floors.