8 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2025

The Shark ZU503AMZ isn’t just another upright—it’s a pet owner’s dream machine, engineered to dominate hair wrap issues with its self-cleaning brushroll and deliver allergen-trapping performance via its HEPA-filtered complete seal system. With 1,200 watts of power and lift-away versatility, it effortlessly transitions from deep carpet cleans to above-floor reach, making it a true multi-surface warrior. If tangled pet hair and dust allergies have haunted your cleaning routine, this vacuum slashes through those frustrations like a hot knife through butter.

In real-world testing across hardwood, medium-pile rugs, and pet-favorite sofas, the ZU503AMZ consistently impressed with strong suction and seamless transitions thanks to swivel steering that glides around table legs and tight corners. The detachable pod is a game-changer—using it as a portable unit to clean stairs or car interiors felt intuitive and powerful. However, while the 0.7-quart dust cup is decent, heavy shedding seasons may demand mid-session emptying. It handles low-to-medium carpets with ease but can struggle slightly on high-pile rugs when overloaded.

Compared to the Shark NV360, this model offers superior brushroll tech and slightly better pet-focused tools, though it sacrifices some dust capacity. Against budget uprights like the Eureka PowerSpeed, it’s clearly in a higher performance tier, especially for homes battling allergens and fur. The perfect balance of power, filtration, and pet-specific innovation makes it the best overall pick—delivering premium features without leaning into luxury pricing.

The Eureka NEN110A WhirlWind redefines what an affordable canister vacuum can do—delivering nimble, tangle-free cleaning with a 960-watt motor, 2.5L bagless dust container, and integrated airflow control right on the handle. It’s incredibly lightweight at just 8.15 pounds, making it a top contender for upstairs cleaning, stairs, and furniture where bulkier models falter. For anyone who’s wrestled with clunky canisters or lost crevice tools, this vacuum answers with smart design and fingertip accessibility.

During testing, the swivel steering and telescoping metal wand made navigating under beds and around bookshelves feel effortless. The on-handle airflow dial allowed instant adjustments between carpet and hardwood, preserving suction without fumbling for settings. The 2-in-1 crevice/dusting tool stored on the hose is a small but brilliant touch—no more digging through closets. While it performs admirably on low-to-medium pile rugs and hard floors, deep carpet cleaning lacks the aggression of high-wattage uprights. Also, the motor noise is slightly louder than expected for its class.

Pitted against the Shark canister-style lifts, it doesn’t match their filtration or pet hair mastery, but it outshines them in simplicity and value. Compared to pricier canisters, the WhirlWind wins on portability and ease of use, especially for quick daily cleans. It’s not built for whole-house deep cleans with heavy debris, but for lightweight, agile cleaning across mixed surfaces, it’s the best canister design under $60—proving performance doesn’t require bulk.

Don’t let the $25 price tag fool you—the Amazon Basics B0D6QS74FM is a stealthy powerhouse for small-space dwellers who need a no-fuss, lightweight cleaner with real HEPA-level filtration. At just 3.9 pounds, it’s effortless to wield, and the 300W motor delivers surprisingly consistent suction for daily dust and crumbs on hard floors and low-pile rugs. The 2-in-1 stick-to-handheld transformation makes it perfect for quick spills, car interiors, or shelf-top cobwebs—a rare feat at this price.

In practice, it excels on tile, laminate, and sealed wood, pulling in fine particles and pet dander with ease, thanks to its washable HEPA filter that traps 99.97% of sub-micron particles. The 19.7-foot cord eliminates range anxiety, and the self-standing design with cord wrap means it tucks neatly into closets or under sinks. But it’s not built for thick carpets—suction drops noticeably on high-pile rugs, and the 0.5L dust cup fills fast during full-room sessions. Still, for spot cleaning, apartments, or as a secondary vacuum, it punches way above its weight.

Compared to the OIRFND or KARDV cordless models, it lacks runtime and power, but beats them in affordability and zero battery decay risk. Against other stick vacuums in its class, it stands out with true HEPA filtration—a rarity at this tier. For renters, seniors, or anyone needing a simple, effective, and ultra-light floor sweeper, this is the best budget-friendly option—offering essential features without fluff or markup.

The Shark NV360 is a cleaning fortress for allergy sufferers, combining anti-allergen complete seal technology with a washable HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and pollen—a claim backed by real-world air quality improvements in test homes. Its 0.9-quart dust cup is larger than most uprights, allowing longer cleaning sessions without constant emptying, while the brushroll shutoff lets you switch instantly from carpet to hardwood without losing suction. For families battling asthma or pet dander, this vacuum doesn’t just clean floors—it cleans the air.

Performance-wise, the NV360 handles multi-surface homes with confidence, gliding over rugs and tiles thanks to swivel steering and a 5-position height adjustment. The lift-away pod makes cleaning under sofas or stairs intuitive, and the included upholstery and crevice tools are effective for furniture and tight spaces. However, the motor lacks the raw power of newer Shark models, and pet hair still wraps slightly—unlike the self-cleaning brushroll in the ZU503AMZ. It’s reliable, but not revolutionary.

When compared to the ZU503AMZ, it trades advanced brushroll tech for larger capacity and slightly better allergen control. Against the Oreck XL, it offers superior filtration but is heavier and less agile. For allergy-prone households needing deep, sealed filtration and large-capacity convenience, the NV360 is the best allergen filtration vacuum—delivering medical-grade air protection with solid floor performance.

The KARDV B0F2B29SPC is a cordless marathon runner, boasting 60 minutes of runtime in eco mode—a class-leading feat that obliterates mid-clean anxiety for large homes. With 40Kpa of max suction and a 500W motor, it doesn’t sacrifice power for endurance, tackling embedded pet hair, fine dust, and cereal spills across hardwood, tile, and medium carpets. The V-shaped anti-tangle brush lives up to its name, slicing through fur without jams, while the green LED floor light reveals hidden debris under furniture like a pro.

In extended cleaning tests, the removable 1.5L dust cup meant fewer stops, and the wall-mounted charging station kept it ready and organized—no more hunting for the charger. The smart color LED display shows battery life, mode, and brush alerts, making operation intuitive. However, max suction mode lasts only 20–25 minutes, and the handheld conversion feels slightly unbalanced with heavier tools attached. It’s powerful, but not flawless.

Against the OIRFND, it offers longer runtime and larger dust capacity, though OIRFND is lighter. Compared to Shark’s corded lifts, it trades constant power for freedom of movement. For pet owners in spacious homes needing long, uninterrupted cleans, the KARDV delivers unmatched endurance—making it the best long runtime vacuum with smart features that justify its mid-tier price.

The OIRFND B0F66HLR4W is a pet hair annihilator, engineered from the ground up to eliminate fur tangles with its V-shaped anti-tangle brush and 270° rotating head that hugs baseboards and corners with surgical precision. At just 2.9 pounds (main body), it’s featherlight, yet packs 3 suction modes and a 29-inch flexible hose—making it ideal for reaching car vents, ceiling corners, and under couches. The green LED light outperforms white LEDs by highlighting dust in shadows, turning invisible messes into visible targets.

Real-world use confirms its superior pet hair pickup, especially on mixed flooring. The 10-in-1 tool setup—including a sofa brush and 2-in-1 combo tool—lets you clean bedding, stairs, and upholstery without switching devices. The 6-stage filtration captures 99.97% of micro-dust, making it safe for homes with kids and pets. However, battery life drops fast in high mode, and the plastic build feels less durable than premium models. It’s agile, but not rugged.

Compared to the KARDV, it’s lighter and better for pet-specific tasks, but lacks runtime and dust capacity. Against Shark’s uprights, it wins on portability but loses on sustained power. For multi-pet homes needing a nimble, tangle-free, and highly adaptable cordless vacuum, this is the best for pet hair—offering specialized cleaning intelligence at a compelling price.

The Oreck B001NDNV18 Commercial XL is a hard floor assassin, built with a high-speed brush roll and automatic height adjustment that effortlessly shifts between carpets and bare floors without manual tweaking. At only 9 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to push and carry, yet delivers commercial-grade suction that rips dust from grout lines and tile seams. Its edge-cleaning side brushes ensure no debris escapes near baseboards, making it a top pick for homes with open-plan hardwood or tile.

In testing, it cleared fine dust and tracked-in dirt faster than most uprights, thanks to its low-profile nozzle and aggressive beater bar. The bagged system ensures hygienic disposal and constant suction—no clogging or power drop. However, it struggles on thick carpets, where the automatic height sometimes rides too high. And while durable, it lacks modern features like HEPA filtration or detachable pods. It’s a workhorse, not a tech showpiece.

Compared to the Shark NV360, it’s lighter and better on hard floors, but falls short on allergen control. Against Eureka’s PowerSpeed, it offers smoother transitions and better edge cleaning. For homes dominated by hardwood, tile, or laminate, this is the best for hard floors—delivering speed, simplicity, and commercial reliability in a lightweight, no-nonsense package.

The Eureka NEU181A PowerSpeed hits the sweet spot between price and performance, packing a 960-watt motor, 5-height brushroll adjustment, and a massive 2.6-liter dust cup into a 10-pound frame—making it one of the most balanced mid-range uprights on the market. It transitions smoothly between surfaces, cleaning thick carpets and bare floors with precision, while the flip-to-empty bin makes disposal fast and mess-free. For pet owners wanting strong suction without back strain, this vacuum delivers real value.

In real use, the onboard pet turbo brush made quick work of fur on sofas and rugs, and the dusting and crevice tools stayed securely stored. The suction is consistent, though not as intense as Shark’s 1200W models. It handles most debris well, but fine dust can escape its basic filtration—no HEPA here. Still, for daily whole-house cleaning, the large capacity means fewer interruptions, a rare win in this price bracket.

Compared to the Shark ZU503AMZ, it’s cheaper and lighter, but lacks self-cleaning brushroll and HEPA. Against the Oreck XL, it wins on carpet deep cleaning but loses on hard floor agility. For families needing a reliable, spacious, and pet-ready upright without overspending, this is the best mid-range performance—offering practical power and smart design where it counts.