8 Best Upright Bagless Vacuums of 2025

The Eureka NEU10AE5 is a revelation for users who dread lugging heavy vacuums across the house. At just 7.7 pounds, it’s one of the lightest uprights on the market, making it a dream for quick cleanups, upstairs bedrooms, or anyone with mobility concerns. Its 10.5-inch cleaning path and multi-floor suction deliver solid performance on both carpet and hard floors, effortlessly pulling in dust, crumbs, and pet hair without clogging. If you’re tired of vacuuming feeling like a workout, this featherlight powerhouse turns cleaning into a one-handed, stress-free chore.

In real-world testing, the Eureka NEU10AE5 shines in small to medium-sized homes with mixed flooring. The washable filter is a budget-friendly perk—no need to buy replacements, and rinsing it takes seconds. While it handles surface debris well, it struggles slightly with deeply embedded pet hair on high-pile rugs, where a more powerful motor would help. The on-board crevice tool and dusting brush are convenient, though the hose is short, limiting reach for ceiling fans or car interiors. It’s best suited for light-duty cleaning, not deep carpet restoration.

Compared to heavier models like the Shark NV752, the Eureka trades raw power for unmatched portability. It doesn’t have HEPA filtration or lift-away versatility, but it’s half the weight and a fraction of the cost. For apartment dwellers, seniors, or anyone who values effortless storage and maneuverability, this vacuum is a standout. It’s not the most feature-rich, but for lightweight performance and eco-friendly maintenance, the Eureka NEU10AE5 punches above its weight class.

The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel is engineered for pet owners who battle fur tumbleweeds daily. Its swivel steering is a game-changer—tight turns around coffee tables and chair legs feel effortless, almost playful. The triple-action brush roll aggressively lifts embedded pet hair from carpets, while Scatter-Free Technology keeps kibble and litter from flying across the kitchen tile. With edge-to-edge cleaning, it grabs debris right up to baseboards, eliminating the need for a follow-up sweep.

During testing, the Bissell handled thick low-pile rugs and hardwood with equal confidence. The large dirt tank (0.75L) means fewer trips to empty, a major plus in multi-pet homes. On high-pile carpets, however, the brush roll occasionally bogged down under heavy fur buildup, requiring a pause to clear. The multi-cyclonic system maintains suction well, but fine dust can escape during emptying if not done carefully. It’s ideal for homes with daily shedding, but not for deep allergen removal.

When stacked against the Eureka NEU10AE5, the Bissell 2252 offers far better maneuverability and pet-specific engineering, though it’s heavier and less compact. It lacks a HEPA filter, so it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers—models like the Shark NV356E do better there. But for pet hair dominance and real-world agility, this Bissell delivers where it counts. It’s a no-nonsense, high-aggression cleaner that thrives in messy, lived-in homes.

The Bissell CleanView Rewind 3534 redefines convenience with its one-touch automatic cord rewind—a feature so satisfying, you’ll find yourself plugging and unplugging just to use it. This isn’t just a gimmick; it eliminates the tedious wrap-and-tuck routine, making post-clean storage a 3-second task. Paired with the 10-foot active extension wand, it transforms into an above-floor cleaning beast, reaching ceiling corners, blinds, and car seats without strain. The OnePass Technology ensures carpets are clean on the first sweep, reducing back-and-forth passes.

In practice, the vacuum delivers strong, consistent suction across low to medium-pile carpets and sealed hardwood. The Scatter-Free Technology keeps dry messes contained, a win for homes with tracked-in dirt or pet accidents. The wand is detachable but fiddly to reattach, and the body is slightly front-heavy when using it upright. While the motor is robust, it’s not as powerful as premium Shark models on high-pile rugs. It’s best for apartment dwellers or minimalist households who value speed and neat storage.

Versus the Bissell 2252, the 3534 trades swivel steering for superior cord management and reach. It’s less agile around furniture but more versatile for spot cleaning. It doesn’t have a HEPA filter or lift-away pod, so it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers or deep upholstery work. Yet, for effortless storage and quick cleanups, this model stands out. If you hate cord clutter and love instant readiness, the CleanView Rewind is a smart upgrade from basic uprights.

The Shark NV752 is a pet owner’s dream machine, blending lift-away versatility, HEPA-grade sealing, and a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush into one aggressive cleaning system. Its Powered Lift-Away pod lets you detach the nozzle while keeping the brush roll spinning—perfect for stairs, couches, or under beds. The LED headlights reveal hidden pet hair and dust bunnies like a forensic investigator, while the 0.88-quart dust cup handles marathon sessions without constant emptying. If your home is a pet hair warzone, this vacuum is your tactical advantage.

Real-world use confirms its dominance on both carpets and hard floors. The multi-surface fingertip controls let you switch modes without bending down, and the anti-allergen seal traps 99.9% of dust and dander, a must for sensitive households. The swivel steering makes it nimble, though the full unit feels bulky in tight closets. On ultra-thick rugs, the motor hums loudly, but suction remains strong. The only hiccup? The dust cup release can be sticky when full.

Against the Bissell 2252, the NV752 offers superior allergen control, better tools, and true lift-away power. It’s heavier and pricier, but the HEPA filter and LED lights justify the trade-off for pet-heavy homes. While the Eureka is lighter, this Shark is built for battle. For allergy-prone pet owners who need deep, flexible cleaning, the NV752 is a premium workhorse that outperforms in nearly every category.

The Eureka NEU10AE4 is the most budget-friendly warrior in the upright vacuum arena, delivering surprising performance for under $40. Don’t let the price fool you—its 7.7-pound frame glides effortlessly over carpets and tile, and the 10.5-inch cleaning path covers ground quickly. The dual-action brush roll pulls in pet hair and debris with decent suction, while the washable filter keeps long-term costs near zero. For renters or college students, it’s a no-frills, get-the-job-done machine that won’t break the bank.

In testing, it handled everyday spills and light shedding with ease, though it faltered on deep carpet stains or large debris like cereal. The on-board crevice tool and dusting brush are handy, but the hose lacks extension, limiting overhead reach. Suction drops slightly when the dust cup fills past halfway, so frequent emptying is needed. It’s best for small apartments, dorm rooms, or secondary vacuums—not whole-home deep cleans.

Compared to the Bissell 3534, the Eureka NEU10AE4 offers similar lightweight performance at half the cost, but lacks advanced features like cord rewind or a long wand. It’s not as durable as Shark or Bissell models, but for entry-level cleaning on a tight budget, it’s hard to beat. If you need basic, portable suction without bells and whistles, this green machine is a smart, economical pick.

The Shark NV356E Navigator is a top-tier choice for allergy sufferers, combining a complete anti-allergen seal, HEPA filtration, and lift-away convenience in a sleek, powerful package. It captures 99.9% of dust and allergens as small as 0.3 microns, making it a must for asthma-prone homes. The brushroll shutoff is a subtle but brilliant feature—switch to bare floor mode with a fingertip, protecting hardwood from scratches while maintaining suction. With swivel steering and a 0.87L dust cup, it’s agile, spacious, and built for endurance.

In real use, the NV356E excels on mixed flooring, transitioning smoothly from rug to tile without scattering debris. The detachable pod makes cleaning stairs and furniture effortless, and the included pet power brush digs deep into upholstery. However, the vacuum lacks LED lights, so you’re guessing where dust hides in dim corners. The body is also less compact than Eureka models, making storage trickier in small closets.

Next to the Bissell 2252, the Shark NV356E offers superior allergen control and lift-away flexibility, though it’s pricier and heavier. It doesn’t have the Bissell’s swivel head agility, but the HEPA system and brushroll shutoff give it a clinical edge. For allergy-focused homes needing hospital-grade filtration, this Shark is a cleaning powerhouse that prioritizes air quality over flash.

The Bissell 3437F CleanView Compact Turbo is tailor-made for tight spaces and minimalist lifestyles, packing full-size suction into a 10-pound, space-saving body. Its quick-release wand detaches in seconds, turning it into a handheld unit for blinds, shelves, or car seats—no tools or adapters needed. Despite its compact frame, it tackles pet hair and tracked-in dirt with surprising aggression, thanks to Scatter-Free Technology that keeps messes contained on hard floors.

Testing revealed strong performance in apartments and dorms, where storage and weight matter most. The multi-surface power handles rugs and linoleum well, though deep carpet cleaning requires multiple passes. The dirt tank is smaller than premium models, so frequent emptying is needed in larger homes. It’s not built for whole-house marathons, but for quick, targeted cleanups, it’s efficient and agile.

Against the Eureka NEU10AE4, the 3437F offers better above-floor reach and stronger suction, though it’s slightly heavier and lacks a washable filter. It doesn’t match the Shark NV752’s pet tools or HEPA filtration, but for urban dwellers who need portability and power, it’s a balanced pick. If you live in a studio or dorm and hate bulky vacuums, this Bissell delivers apartment-optimized performance without compromise.

The Shark Detect Pro LA802 is the undisputed king of smart cleaning, armed with four intelligent sensors that detect floor type, edges, direction, and hidden dirt. Its DuoClean Detect system automatically boosts suction and brushroll speed when it senses debris, ensuring no speck escapes. With stronger suction than the Bissell SurfaceSense 3415 and better debris pickup than the Dyson Ball Animal 3, it’s not just smart—it’s dominant. The odor neutralizer is a subtle luxury, leaving rooms smelling fresh, not just clean.

In real-world trials, it adapts seamlessly: on hardwood, it softens suction to avoid scattering; near walls, it ramps up for edge cleaning; on thick carpet, it digs deep with dual brush rolls. The 5-year warranty signals confidence, and the HEPA filter traps 99.99% of allergens, making it ideal for sensitive households. The only downside? At nearly $250, it’s the most expensive model, and the tech can feel overkill for simple homes.

Compared to the Shark NV752, the LA802 offers smarter automation, better filtration, and superior odor control, though both share lift-away and LED lights. It’s overengineered for small apartments but perfect for large, multi-surface homes with pets and allergies. If you want cutting-edge, set-it-and-forget-it cleaning, this Shark is the best overall investment—a true apex predator in the vacuum world.