7 Best Upright Corded Vacuum Cleaners 2026

This 2024 refresh of the Bissell CleanView Swivel delivers a surprisingly nimble cleaning experience, especially for homes dominated by hard floors. The standout Triple Action Brush Roll works in tandem with Scatter-Free Technology to pull in debris without flinging it across tile or hardwood—a common frustration with budget uprights. Its swivel steering is genuinely responsive, letting you pivot around table legs and tight corners with surgical precision, while the new active extension wand extends reach for blinds, baseboards, and ceiling corners without needing attachments.

In real-world testing, the vacuum excels on hard surfaces and low-pile rugs but shows its limits on plush carpeting. With a 13.5-inch cleaning path and multi-cyclonic suction, it maintains consistent airflow and avoids clogging, even after multiple passes over tracked-in dirt. The easy-empty dirt tank is a game-changer—no more hand contact with dust—and the 25-foot power cord means fewer plug swaps per room. However, the suction power, while adequate, isn’t strong enough to deep-lift ground-in pet hair from high-pile carpets, and the bin capacity (1.5L) requires mid-session emptying in larger homes.

Positioned between entry-level models and premium performers, the CleanView Swivel 2024 model is best suited for apartment dwellers or small homes with mostly hard flooring. It outmaneuvers bulkier vacuums like the Eureka PowerSpeed and offers smarter design touches than the Amazon Basics, though it lacks the allergen-sealing tech of the Shark NV360. While not the most powerful, its daily usability, scatter control, and swivel agility make it a top pick for quick, efficient cleanups—offering smarter engineering than its price suggests.

Don’t let the no-frills branding fool you—this Amazon Basics Upright punches well above its budget label with thoughtful ergonomics and solid build quality for under $60. At just 8.4 pounds, it’s one of the lightest full-size uprights available, making it ideal for quick daily sweeps or homes with stairs. The 25-foot power cord and 720W motor strike a rare balance: long runtime and reliable suction across both carpet and hard floors, while the 1.7L dust cup delays frequent emptying, a common pain point in compact models.

During testing, the vacuum handled everyday messes—cereal crumbs, tracked-in dirt, and light pet hair—with commendable efficiency. The detachable handle adds versatility, transforming it into a portable cleaner for car interiors or stairs when paired with the included upholstery and crevice tools. However, on high-pile carpets, suction diminishes noticeably, and the single-height brush roll lacks adjustment, forcing a one-size-fits-all approach that compromises deep cleaning. The washable filter is a cost-saving perk, but airflow drops if not cleaned monthly.

For buyers prioritizing value and simplicity, this model outshines similarly priced competitors by offering genuine usability over gimmicks. It’s not as agile as the Bissell CleanView or as powerful as the Eureka PowerSpeed, but it delivers dependable, no-drama performance where others cut corners. Compared to pricier options, it lacks advanced features like swivel steering or HEPA filtration, but for renters or secondary homes, it’s a barebones workhorse that gets the job done without breaking the bank.

If you live with pets and want effortless cleanup without sacrificing power, the Bissell 2254 CleanView Swivel Rewind is a game-changing blend of convenience and performance. The automatic cord rewind is not a gimmick—it retracts the 27-foot power cord with a single button press, eliminating the tedious wrap-and-tuck routine. Combined with swivel steering and a 13.5-inch cleaning path, it glides around furniture and into corners, while the Triple Action Brush Roll aggressively pulls embedded pet hair from carpets, a feature validated in side-by-side tests with the Eureka PowerSpeed.

Real-world use reveals why this model earns the “Best Overall” title: it transitions smoothly between surface types, maintains strong suction across rooms, and the edge-to-edge cleaning design ensures no dust line gets left behind near baseboards. The large dirt tank (1.8L) holds more than most in its class, reducing emptying frequency during whole-home cleans. However, the motor can sound strained on thick plush carpet, and while the included pet tools are useful, they lack the motorized agitation of Shark’s Pet Power Brush.

This vacuum sits in the sweet spot between affordability and premium functionality, outperforming budget models while avoiding the complexity of high-end units. It’s ideal for pet owners in medium to large homes who want consistent performance with minimal setup and storage hassle. Compared to the Shark NV360, it lacks HEPA filtration but wins on daily convenience and cord management—a subtle yet meaningful upgrade in user experience that justifies its higher cost over entry-level picks.

The Eureka Airspeed redefines what ultra-lightweight means in upright vacuums—tipping the scales at just 7.7 pounds, it’s a dream for upstairs cleaning, small apartments, or anyone with limited strength. Despite its compact frame, it packs a 700W motor and a 10.5-inch cleaning path, delivering surprisingly robust suction on both hard floors and low-pile carpet. The quick-release handle transforms it into a handheld unit in seconds, letting you tackle blinds, shelves, or car seats without lugging around a full-sized machine.

In practice, the Airspeed excels at quick cleanups and surface-level messes but struggles with deeply embedded debris. The washable filter keeps maintenance costs near zero, and the onboard crevice tool and dusting brush snap into place for instant access. However, the small dust cup (1.2L) demands frequent emptying in larger homes, and the lack of brush roll height adjustment means it can drag on thick carpet, reducing glide. On hardwood, it’s impressively agile, but on shag rugs, performance drops off noticeably.

Perfect for renters, seniors, or minimalist households, this model prioritizes portability and storage efficiency over raw power. It’s lighter than the Amazon Basics and easier to stow than the Bissell 2254, though it can’t match their bin capacity or deep-cleaning ability. When compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, it sacrifices suction and attachments for featherweight convenience—making it a specialist tool for light-duty cleaning, not a whole-home solution.

Tailor-made for pet owners battling fur tumbleweeds, the Eureka PowerSpeed combines heavy-duty suction with lightweight agility—a rare combo in the sub-$70 category. Its 960-watt motor delivers consistent multi-surface power, transitioning seamlessly from tile to thick carpet without bogging down. The 5-height brush roll adjustment is a standout: dial in the perfect clearance for plush rugs or sensitive hardwood, ensuring optimal contact and debris lift. In real-world tests, it outperformed the Bissell CleanView on deep pet hair pickup, thanks to its aggressive bristle design and wide 11-inch cleaning path.

The extra-large 2.6-liter dust cup is a major win—fewer stops to empty means faster whole-home cleaning, a relief for multi-pet households. The onboard pet turbo brush is motorless but effective when used manually, and the crevice and dusting tools stay securely attached. However, the vacuum lacks swivel steering, making tight corners a chore, and the power cord (20 ft) is shorter than competitors, requiring more outlet hopping. The filter is washable, but drying takes over 24 hours to avoid mildew.

This model is best for pet-heavy homes needing deep carpet cleaning without back strain. It’s heavier than the Airspeed but far more capable on rugs, and while not as agile as Shark’s swivel models, it delivers superior suction and bin capacity for the price. Compared to the Bissell 2254, it lacks automatic cord rewind but wins on raw cleaning power and dust capacity, making it a smarter pick for those prioritizing performance over convenience features.

For allergy sufferers and multi-surface homes, the Shark NV360 stands out with its complete-seal HEPA system that traps 99.9% of dust and allergens—a claim backed by independent testing. The lift-away pod is a revelation: detach the canister to clean under sofas, stairs, or car interiors without wrestling a full vacuum. Paired with swivel steering and brushroll shutoff, it transitions from deep carpet scrubbing to bare floors with a single button, eliminating the need for multiple machines.

In performance tests, the NV360 handled fine dust, pollen, and pet dander with clinical precision, outperforming non-HEPA models like the Eureka PowerSpeed in air quality measurements. The 0.9-quart dust cup is slightly smaller than others, but the large-capacity claim holds due to efficient airflow and minimal clogging. The included upholstery and crevice tools are well-designed, though the hose reach (6 ft) limits overhead cleaning. On thick carpet, suction remains strong, but the unit feels top-heavy when lifted for above-floor use.

Ideal for families with allergies, pets, or mixed flooring, the NV360 justifies its position as a premium performer. It’s more versatile than the Bissell 2254 and more hygienic than the Amazon Basics, though heavier than both. While the Eureka Airspeed wins on weight, the NV360 delivers unmatched allergen control and cleaning flexibility, making it the clear choice for health-conscious households—even if it demands a bit more storage space.

The Shark NV151 is a masterclass in balanced design, merging lightweight agility (just 12.5 lbs) with serious cleaning muscle, making it the best choice for homes that demand both performance and portability. Its HEPA filtration and complete-seal system trap allergens as small as 0.3 microns, while the Pet Power Brush—a motorized, rotating attachment—rips through embedded pet hair on furniture and carpets alike. With swivel steering and an extendable hose reaching up to 11 feet, it conquers stairs, ceilings, and tight spaces with ease.

Testing revealed exceptional results on mixed flooring: the brushroll shutoff preserves delicate hardwood, while the anti-allergen seal prevented dust leakage during emptying—a flaw in many budget models. The large dust cup handles extended sessions, and onboard tools stay accessible. However, the hose lacks a stretch feature, and the plastic build, while durable, feels less premium than older Shark models. It’s also pricier than non-HEPA alternatives, though the feature set justifies the cost for pet and allergy sufferers.

This vacuum is perfect for pet owners in multi-level homes who need above-floor reach and allergen control without lugging a heavy machine. It outclasses the Eureka PowerSpeed in filtration and versatility, and while the Bissell 2254 wins on cord rewind, the NV151 delivers superior tool integration and whole-home coverage. For those seeking a lightweight powerhouse with no compromises on health or pet hair, it offers the most complete package in its class.