7 Best Upright Cordless Vacuums 2025

The Kenmore CU7005 Litening isn’t just another cordless upright—it’s a full-home cleaning powerhouse wrapped in a sleek, intelligent design. With 4X suction power compared to standard cordless stick vacuums and a brushless motor that delivers consistent performance, this vacuum obliterates pet hair, fine dust, and deep-set debris across carpets and hard floors. The 80-minute total runtime, thanks to dual 24V batteries, means you can clean multi-level homes without scrambling for a recharge—no more mid-clean panic when the battery dips. It directly tackles the #1 pain point of cordless vacuums: running out of juice before the job’s done.

In real-world testing, the Lift-Up Technology shines when cleaning stairs or drapes, transforming the upright into a high-reach tool with zero awkward bending or disassembly. The Hair Eliminator Nozzle lives up to its name, resisting tangles even in homes with long-haired pets and shedding couches. Across low-pile carpets, hardwood, and tile, suction remains strong and uniform, with the LED display giving real-time feedback on battery and performance—something most competitors skip. However, at just over 8 lbs, it’s not the lightest, and tight corners require careful maneuvering due to its upright footprint.

Compared to the Shark SV2002 Freestyle Max, the Kenmore trades some agility for raw power and endurance. While the Shark is featherlight and nimble, the CU7005 dominates in deep-cleaning stamina and whole-home coverage. It’s the ideal pick for pet owners and families with mixed flooring who need one-and-done cleaning reliability. If you value long runtime, tangle-free performance, and true HEPA filtration, this vacuum outclasses even pricier rivals in sustained power and smart design.

When it comes to conquering pet hair, the Bissell PowerClean FurGuard doesn’t just compete—it redefines what’s possible in a budget-conscious cordless vacuum. Its 280W motor delivers industrial-grade suction in a residential package, making quick work of embedded fur on rugs, car seats, and furniture. The star feature? The FurGuard Self-Cleaning Brush Roll, which actively prevents hair wrap—no more cutting tangled fur with scissors after every use. For pet owners drowning in daily shedding, this vacuum is a game-changing relief from one of cleaning’s most frustrating chores.

During testing, the 50-minute runtime in low mode allowed uninterrupted cleaning across a 1,800 sq. ft. home, switching seamlessly between hardwood, area rugs, and stairs. The FurFinder Headlights are more than gimmicks—they expose hidden dust bunnies and stray hairs like a forensic light. As a 3-in-1 system, it converts effortlessly into a handheld for couches or a high-reach wand for ceiling corners, while the self-standing design lets you pause cleaning mid-room without leaning or wall support. The only hiccup? Suction dips slightly on high-pile carpets compared to uprights with motorized nozzles.

Against the Bissell PowerClean 4173, the FurGuard offers superior motor power and longer runtime, making it a clear upgrade for serious pet owners. While both share HEPA filtration and self-standing convenience, the FurGuard’s self-cleaning brush roll and extended battery justify the price gap. It’s best suited for homes with multiple pets, allergy sufferers, and cluttered living spaces where versatility and deep cleaning go hand in hand. For pet-focused performance and smart design, it outshines many vacuums at twice the cost.

The Shark Freestyle Max SV2002 is a masterclass in lightweight engineering, packing Shark’s most powerful cordless upright suction into a frame that weighs less than 7 lbs—making it the easiest to maneuver in its class. Its dual-speed brushroll auto-adjusts to surfaces, delivering deep agitation on carpets while protecting delicate hardwoods from scratches. With LED headlights that expose every speck of dust and a large dust cup that reduces emptying frequency, it’s built for homes where speed and convenience trump marathon cleaning sessions.

In real use, the swivel steering lets you dart around furniture and under couches with one-handed control—perfect for quick daily pickups. The fade-free battery maintains suction for up to 30 minutes, enough for a 2-bedroom apartment, though larger homes may need a recharge mid-way. It handles low to medium-pile carpets with authority but struggles slightly on plush rugs where heavier vacuums dig deeper. The hassle-free charging dock keeps everything organized, though it eats a bit of wall space.

Versus the Shark SV1106, the Freestyle Max offers stronger suction and a larger dust cup, making it a better long-term investment. It’s the ideal choice for apartment dwellers, older users, or anyone prioritizing ease of use over raw runtime. While it doesn’t match the Kenmore CU7005’s endurance, it wins on lightweight agility and maintenance simplicity—a perfect blend of power and practicality for everyday messes.

The Bissell PowerClean FurFinder hits the sweet spot between pet-focused performance and everyday usability, making it a standout for homes where pet hair is non-negotiable. Its 200W motor delivers strong, consistent suction, while the FurFinder Headlights don’t just illuminate dust—they reveal hidden pet dander and stray fur like a blacklight, ensuring no allergen escapes. The tangle-free brush roll shrugs off long hair, and the FurFinder Tool extracts embedded fur from upholstery 2x faster than standard attachments—ideal for couches, car interiors, and pet beds.

Testing shows it performs best in low-power mode, where it runs up to 40 minutes—enough for a full apartment clean. Switching to turbo mode boosts suction for tough spots but cuts runtime to just 13 minutes, so it’s best used strategically. The self-standing design is a small luxury that pays off during room-to-room cleaning, and the HEPA-sealed system traps allergens instead of recirculating them—great for sensitive households. However, the dust cup is smaller than premium models, requiring more frequent emptying on high-debris days.

Compared to the Bissell 4173, the FurFinder adds dedicated pet tools and enhanced lighting, making it a smarter pick for multi-pet homes. While both share self-standing convenience, the FurFinder’s specialized attachments and superior hair pickup justify the upgrade. It’s best for pet owners who want targeted cleaning power without overspending. For allergen control and pet hair removal, it delivers more value than vacuums with similar price tags.

The Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Elite (Renewed) punches far above its price point, offering 50% more suction than its predecessor thanks to a high-performance brushless motor and 15-cyclone technology that captures 99.4% of dust and dirt—a rare feat in the renewed market. For budget-conscious buyers, this renewed gem delivers like-new performance with the added peace of mind of testing and certification. The Tangle Guard system handles pet hair up to 9 inches long, making it a strong ally in fur-heavy homes.

In real-world use, the 35-minute runtime is solid for small to medium homes, and the ultra-lightweight 10 lb frame makes upstairs cleaning manageable. The ONEPWR battery system is compatible with other tools in the ecosystem, adding long-term value. It transitions smoothly from carpet to tile, though low-pile rugs see the best results—high-pile areas require slower passes. As a renewed model, it may show minor cosmetic wear, but performance is indistinguishable from new units.

Against the Shark SV1106, the Hoover offers stronger suction and better filtration, despite being renewed. It’s ideal for first-time buyers, renters, or anyone seeking premium features at a discount. While it lacks the smart displays or dual batteries of the Kenmore, it delivers excellent bang for the buck. For renewed reliability and pet-ready power, it outperforms expectations.

The Bissell PowerClean 4173 is a budget warrior that refuses to compromise on core pet-friendly features. With best-in-class suction under $200, a tangle-free brush roll, and HEPA-sealed allergen capture, it’s built for homes where pet hair and allergies collide. The 200W motor delivers enough oomph to pull debris from carpets and hard floors alike, while the bright headlights help you see what you’re missing—no more guessing if the corner is clean.

In testing, it ran up to 40 minutes in low mode, perfect for daily touch-ups, though turbo mode cuts it to 13 minutes. The self-standing design is a small but meaningful win—no more propping the vacuum against furniture. The integrated crevice and upholstery tools mean no hunting for attachments, and the wall-mountable battery keeps everything organized. However, the dust cup is modest, and suction tapers slightly on thick rugs.

Compared to the FurFinder model, the 4173 lacks pet-specific lighting and tools but keeps the same motor and core filtration at a lower cost. It’s the best pick for first-time pet owners or small homes needing reliable, no-frills cleaning. While it doesn’t match the Kenmore or FurGuard in power or runtime, it offers outstanding entry-level value. For budget buyers who still want HEPA and pet hair performance, it’s a smart starting point.

The Shark SV1106 is the original budget-friendly cordless workhorse, still holding its ground with a lightweight 7.5 lb design, 2-speed brushroll, and XL dust cup that reduces emptying frequency. At just over 90 bucks, it’s one of the most accessible entry points into Shark’s reliable cordless ecosystem. Its 125W motor may not match newer models, but it handles daily debris and pet hair with surprising competence, especially on hard floors and low-pile rugs.

In real use, it’s perfect for apartments and small homes, with 4-hour charging and 20–25 minutes of runtime—enough for quick cleanups. The 2-speed brushroll lets you switch between deep clean and gentle sweep, and the precision charger doubles as a compact storage dock. However, it lacks LED lights, advanced filtration, and the long runtimes of modern models, making it less ideal for allergy sufferers or larger homes.

Stacked against the Shark Freestyle Max SV2002, the SV1106 feels outdated—lighter on features but also on price. It’s best for students, renters, or anyone needing a no-fuss vacuum for light-duty cleaning. While it doesn’t have the power or tech of newer models, it remains a dependable, affordable starter vacuum. For basic, low-maintenance cleaning, it still earns its place.