8 Best HEPA Filter Vacuum Cleaners of 2026

If you’re battling allergies and pet dander, the Bissell 2998 MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off is a game-changer. Its HEPA sealed allergen system is engineered to trap 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it one of the most effective vacuums for sensitive households. The standout feature? The lift-off portable pod—a seamless transition from upright to handheld that’s perfect for quick cleanups on stairs, furniture, or car interiors. With a tangle-free brush roll, this vacuum tackles pet hair without constant maintenance, solving a major pain point for pet owners.

In real-world testing, the Bissell 2998 shines on low-pile carpets and hard floors, effortlessly pulling in fine dust and embedded pet hair. The LED headlights reveal debris lurking under furniture, while the lightweight design and swivel steering make navigation around furniture smooth and intuitive. Though the dirt tank is modest in size, it’s easy to empty with a one-touch release—no mess, no fuss. It does struggle slightly on high-pile rugs where suction power dips, but for daily maintenance cleaning, it delivers consistent, reliable performance.

Compared to the Shark NV752, the Bissell trades some raw power and dust capacity for a more user-friendly, allergy-focused design. It’s not the most powerful lift-away, but it’s among the best for allergen control thanks to its fully sealed HEPA pathway. Ideal for pet owners in apartments or homes where air quality matters, it balances performance and convenience with smart ergonomics. While it lacks some of the premium attachments of higher-end models, it offers strong filtration and hassle-free portability at a mid-tier cost.

The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet is a powerhouse built for homes with pets and stairs. What sets it apart is its powered lift-away pod—unlike most models, the brushroll keeps spinning even when detached, allowing you to deep-clean upholstery, stairs, or under furniture without sacrificing cleaning power. This is a game-changing feature for pet owners who battle hair on couches and carpeted steps. Add in the anti-allergen complete seal with HEPA filtration, and you’ve got a vacuum that tackles both mess and airborne allergens with authority.

During hands-on use, the large 0.88-quart dust cup means fewer interruptions, especially in larger homes. The LED headlights expose hidden pet hair and dust bunnies under furniture, while multi-surface fingertip controls let you switch between carpet and hard floor modes instantly. The self-cleaning Pet Power Brush is exceptional at lifting matted pet hair, and the included upholstery and crevice tools extend its reach into tight spots. That said, the vacuum feels slightly heavier than others in its class, and the hose can kink during extended above-floor use.

When stacked against the Kenmore DU4080, the Shark NV752 offers superior suction and tool versatility, though it’s bulkier and less portable. It’s the best for stairs thanks to the powered lift-away, making it ideal for multi-level homes with pets. While not the lightest, it’s one of the most versatile uprights with true whole-home reach. It delivers more features and stronger performance than similarly priced models, especially where pet messes and allergens are concerned.

The Kenmore DU4080 Featherlite redefines what a lightweight upright can do—weighing under 12 pounds, it’s a dream for anyone who dreads lugging a heavy vacuum up and down stairs. Despite its slim profile, it packs a dual-motor system that delivers strong suction across both carpets and hard floors, making it surprisingly capable for its size. The lift-up pod design transforms it into a portable cleaner for stairs and furniture, while the 9-foot hose gives exceptional reach—ideal for cleaning ceiling corners or behind appliances.

In practice, the Kenmore excels at quick daily cleanups and homes with mixed flooring. The swivel steering and LED headlight help it glide around furniture and expose hidden debris. Its HEPA-sealed air path captures 99.97% of dust down to 0.3 microns, making it a solid choice for allergy sufferers. However, the small motor limits deep-cleaning power on high-pile carpets, and the dust cup fills quickly during whole-home sessions. Still, for light to moderate cleaning, it’s impressively agile and effective.

Compared to the Shark NV752, the Kenmore sacrifices power and capacity for unmatched portability and ease of use. It’s not built for heavy pet hair battles, but it’s the best lightweight upright for seniors, small homes, or renters who value convenience over brute force. With a full set of tools—including a 3-in-1 combination attachment—it punches above its weight. It offers more maneuverability and less fatigue than bulkier models, especially during frequent use.

For pet owners drowning in fur, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ is a hair-taming beast with a self-cleaning brushroll that lives up to its promise—no more cutting tangled hair from the roller. This model combines lift-away versatility with anti-allergen complete seal technology, capturing 99.9% of dust and allergens through its HEPA filter, making it a top contender for homes with shedding pets and allergy concerns. The swivel steering makes it effortlessly agile, letting you pivot around coffee tables and tight corners with precision.

In real-world use, the vacuum transitions smoothly from whole-room carpet cleaning to spot-treating couches and stairs. The detachable pod is easy to carry and use as a standalone handheld, while the pet crevice tool excels at pulling hair from between cushions. Suction is strong on low to medium-pile carpets, though it falters slightly on plush rugs. The dust cup is easy to empty, but lacks a filter wash indicator, which can lead to overlooked maintenance. Still, its multi-surface reliability and pet-focused design make it a daily workhorse.

Against the Shark NV752, this model trades the powered lift-away for a slightly simpler, more affordable build. It doesn’t have the same dust capacity or motorized stair brush, but it’s lighter and more intuitive for pet-specific messes. It’s the best for pet hair where budget and ease of use matter. While not the most feature-rich, it delivers strong performance where it counts—hair pickup, allergen capture, and maneuverability.

The Shark PowerPro Reveal Plus IZ376H is a cordless marvel that brings smart tech to everyday cleaning. Its Dirt-Reveal Technology uses LED lighting to illuminate hidden dust in real time—turning invisible grime into a visible target—so you never miss a spot. Paired with FloorDetect, which automatically adjusts brushroll speed for carpets or hard floors, it removes the guesswork from cleaning. With hypervelocity suction and a 40-minute runtime, it’s built for efficient, whole-home sessions without cord clutter.

In testing, the vacuum glides over hardwood and area rugs with zero mode switching needed. The self-cleaning brushroll prevents hair wrap, a major win for pet owners, while the convertible design lets you go from floor to ceiling in seconds. The HEPA filtration captures over 99.97% of allergens, making it excellent for asthma sufferers. Battery life holds up well, though power drops in high mode after 15 minutes. The dust cup is small, requiring frequent emptying during deep cleans.

Versus the iXlion cordless, the Shark offers smarter automation and better dust visibility, though at nearly double the price. It’s the best cordless option for those who value intelligent features and consistent performance. Ideal for tech-savvy users or small to medium homes, it blends convenience with clinical cleanliness. It outperforms budget models in filtration and surface adaptation, making it worth the investment for precision cleaning.

The iXlion cordless vacuum is a budget powerhouse that punches far above its price point. With 45,000Pa of suction and a 55-minute runtime, it outlasts and out-sucks many vacuums twice its cost. The anti-tangle brush handles pet hair with ease, while LED lights reveal dust under furniture—features typically found in premium models. Its dual HEPA + stainless-steel filtration traps 99.99% of fine dust and dander, making it one of the most effective budget options for allergen control.

Real-world use shows it excels on hard floors and low-pile rugs, with strong pickup of cereal, sand, and pet hair. The three power modes let you balance battery and suction—low for daily touch-ups, high for deep cleans. The detachable battery is a standout, allowing you to charge a spare and never run out of power. However, suction drops noticeably on thick carpets, and the build feels less durable than Shark or Bissell models. The wand wobbles slightly during use, but it’s stable enough for most tasks.

Next to the Shark PowerPro Reveal, the iXlion lacks smart sensors and auto-adjustment but delivers longer runtime and stronger suction for less. It’s the best budget-friendly choice for renters, pet owners, or small homes needing reliable, no-frills cleaning. While it doesn’t have the polish of premium brands, it offers exceptional value with top-tier suction and filtration.

The Shark POWERDETECT AZ4002 is the most intelligent vacuum in the lineup, boasting six Intelli-Sense sensors that automatically adapt cleaning based on floor type, direction, edges, and hidden dirt. This isn’t just powerful—it’s the best overall because it removes the effort from cleaning. With DuoClean Detect, it uses dual brushrolls to deep-clean both carpets and hard floors, while Edge Detect boosts suction near walls, eliminating the need for manual edge cleaning.

In testing, the POWERDETECT adapts seamlessly—suction ramps up when reversing, intensifies near baseboards, and shifts modes when moving from wood to rug. The HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of allergens, and the odor neutralizer keeps the vacuum smelling fresh, even after cleaning pet accidents. It handles pet hair with its no-hair-wrap brushroll, and the powered lift-away pod maintains brushroll spin for stairs and furniture. It’s heavy, but the swivel steering offsets the bulk.

Compared to the Shark NV752, this model adds autonomous performance boosts that save time and effort. It’s overkill for small homes but ideal for large, multi-surface houses with pets. It’s the best overall due to its unmatched automation, deep clean, and comprehensive feature set. It outperforms every other model in intelligence and cleaning coverage, justifying its premium positioning.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a value-packed workhorse that delivers premium features at a wallet-friendly price. Its lift-away pod detaches effortlessly for cleaning stairs, cars, or furniture, while the anti-allergen complete seal with HEPA filter traps 99.9% of dust and allergens—ideal for homes with pets or asthma sufferers. The brushroll shutoff lets you switch from carpet to hard floor without changing settings, preserving delicate surfaces while maintaining suction.

In real use, the vacuum handles daily messes with ease, from cereal spills to tracked-in dirt. The extra-large dust cup (0.87L) reduces emptying frequency, and the included pet power brush digs deep into carpets. Swivel steering makes it agile, though the cord is on the shorter side. It lacks the self-cleaning brushroll of newer models, so hair wrap can be an issue with long-haired pets. Still, for its price, it offers exceptional versatility and reliability.

Against the Shark ZU503AMZ, it lacks LED lights and a self-cleaning roller but includes a dusting brush and crevice tool for broader cleaning. It’s the best value lift-away for budget-conscious buyers who still want high-end functionality. It delivers 90% of the performance of pricier models at half the cost, making it a smart buy for first-time owners or secondary vacuums.