8 Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners of 2025

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 isn’t just another upright—it’s a precision-engineered powerhouse built to dominate pet hair and deep-seated debris. With a 290AW suction power rating, Radial Root Cyclone technology, and a self-de-tangling Motorbar cleaner head, this vacuum tackles matted fur on high-pile rugs and ground-in dirt on hardwood with surgical precision. Its 3 suction modes let you dial in the perfect cleaning intensity, while Ball technology makes it feel almost telepathic in tight corners—ideal for homes where pets track in messes daily.

In real-world testing, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 shines brightest on mixed-surface floors. The motorized brush bar never clogs, thanks to its automatic hair-clearing mechanism, a game-changer for long-haired pet owners. It transitions seamlessly from thick carpets to tile without scattering debris, and the advanced whole-machine filtration ensures allergens stay trapped, not recirculated. However, its 5.5-foot cord can be limiting in larger homes, and while the bin is easy to empty, it fills quickly on full-house cleanups.

Compared to the Shark NV752, the Dyson trades lift-away versatility for unmatched suction consistency and build refinement. It’s the go-to for pet owners who prioritize cleaning efficacy over modular flexibility. While heavier than budget models, its 5-year warranty and lifetime support signal Dyson’s confidence in long-term durability. For those willing to invest in a no-compromise cleaning experience, the Ball Animal 3 delivers elite performance with zero hair wrap anxiety.

The Shark Navigator NV360 punches far above its budget-friendly weight class, offering lift-away freedom and HEPA-grade sealing at a fraction of premium prices. Its 0.9-quart dust cup and multi-surface suction make it a workhorse for whole-home cleanups, while swivel steering grants surprising agility around furniture legs and baseboards. For allergy sufferers and pet owners on a tight budget, this vacuum delivers real-deal allergen containment without compromise.

During testing, the lift-away pod proved invaluable for cleaning under sofas and stairs—functions most uprights can’t match. The brushroll shutoff lets you switch from carpet to hardwood instantly, preserving floor finishes while maintaining strong pickup. However, the non-powered detachable nozzle loses suction on upholstery compared to models with powered lift-away. It handles pet hair decently, but long strands occasionally wrap around the brushroll, requiring manual clearing.

Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the NV360 offers superior filtration and maneuverability, though with slightly less raw power. It’s the smart pick for renters or small homes needing HEPA performance and above-floor reach without overspending. While it lacks LED lights or self-cleaning rollers, its durability and ease of maintenance make it a standout value. For those seeking affordable versatility with medical-grade sealing, this Shark outperforms its price tag.

The Shark ZU503AMZ is a pet-focused evolution of the classic Navigator, now armed with a self-cleaning brushroll that eliminates the #1 pain point for dog and cat owners: hair wrap. With 1200 watts of power and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, it captures pet dander and fine dust with hospital-grade efficiency. The Pet Crevice Tool reaches deep into couch seams and ceiling corners, making it a true pet mess annihilator across all surfaces.

In action, the self-cleaning brushroll lives up to its promise—no tangled fur after weeks of testing on long-haired cats and shedding dogs. The lift-away pod works flawlessly for stairs and car interiors, though the hose suction drops slightly when detached. Swivel steering makes navigation effortless, but the lack of a powered brush in lift mode means reduced deep-cleaning on rugs. It’s lighter than the Dyson but feels less robust, with more plastic-on-plastic fit.

Next to the Shark NV752, this model trades LED headlights and a powered pet brush for a lower price and simpler operation. It’s ideal for pet owners in mid-sized homes who want strong allergen control and tangle-free cleaning without premium complexity. While it doesn’t adapt to floor types automatically like the AZ4002, its focused pet performance and reliable HEPA trap deliver peace of mind. For allergy-prone pet households, this Shark offers near-premium benefits at a smart price point.

The Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4 is the featherweight champion of budget uprights, tipping the scales at just 7.7 pounds—perfect for quick cleanups and upstairs bedrooms. Its 700-watt motor delivers surprisingly strong suction for hard floors and low-pile rugs, while the 10.5-inch cleaning path speeds up coverage. The quick-release handle transforms it into a handheld unit, ideal for car seats or lampshades, all without sacrificing storage ease.

Despite its low cost, it handles daily debris with competence. The dusting brush and crevice tool snap directly onto the handle, eliminating fumbling during cleaning. However, it struggles on high-pile carpets, where the lack of height adjustment leads to poor contact and reduced pickup. The small filter requires frequent rinsing, and while washable, it takes 24 hours to dry—leaving you vacuumless if overused.

Against the Bissell CleanView, the Eureka wins on weight and simplicity but loses on swivel steering and scatter control. It’s best for apartment dwellers or light-duty users who need a no-frills, portable solution. While it won’t deep-clean wall-to-wall carpeting, its ultra-light design and instant above-floor access make it a stealth weapon for spot cleaning. For minimalist households or second-home use, it’s unbeatable value in a featherlight frame.

The Shark NV752 redefines lift-away capability with its powered Rotator pod—a rare feature that keeps the brushroll spinning even when detached. This means true deep-cleaning under furniture without sacrificing motorized agitation. Add LED headlights that expose hidden pet hair under beds, and you’ve got a vacuum that doesn’t just clean—it reveals what you’ve been missing. The Perfect Pet Power Brush tackles embedded fur on stairs with authority, making it a pet owner’s secret weapon.

Real-world use confirms its superiority in above-floor and under-furniture cleaning. The 0.88-quart dust cup holds plenty, and fingertip controls let you switch between carpet and hard floor modes instantly. However, the powered lift-away adds weight, making it cumbersome on stairs. The self-cleaning brushroll works well, but long human hair still occasionally snags. It’s loud on max setting, and the hose reach is limited compared to canister models.

Versus the ZU503AMZ, the NV752 offers powered lift-away and LED lights—critical upgrades for serious pet owners. It’s the best-in-class for deep-pet cleaning where modular reach matters. While pricier than basic Navigators, its targeted pet tools and active lighting justify the cost. For multi-level homes with pets, it delivers unmatched versatility with hospital-grade allergen capture.

The Bissell CleanView 2024 is a maneuverability master, thanks to its hyper-responsive swivel steering that pivots on a dime—perfect for dodging coffee tables and dining chairs. Its Triple Action Brush Roll aggressively agitates carpet fibers, lifting embedded pet hair and crumbs with a scouring motion most uprights lack. The new active extension wand extends reach without detaching tools, a clever upgrade for ceiling cobwebs and high shelves.

In testing, the Scatter-Free Technology stood out—fine debris stays contained on hardwood, unlike cheaper vacuums that scatter dust like confetti. Suction is consistent across surfaces, but it lacks automatic floor sensing, requiring manual adjustments. The easy-empty dirt tank is genuinely mess-free, a small luxury that adds up over time. However, the filter is small and clogs quickly without regular rinsing, and noise levels are high on carpet.

Next to the Eureka Airspeed, the Bissell offers far better steering and scatter control, though at nearly triple the price. It’s ideal for homes with tight furniture layouts where agility trumps raw power. While it doesn’t have HEPA filtration, its cyclonic system maintains suction well. For urban dwellers who value precision over power, this 2024 model delivers nimble cleaning with thoughtful ergonomic upgrades.

The Shark POWERDETECT AZ4002 is the apex predator of upright vacuums, boasting Intelli-Sense technology that makes every cleaning session smarter. With four sensors—Dirt, Edge, Floor, and Direction Detect—it autonomously boosts suction, adjusts brushroll speed, and targets corners, delivering laser-focused cleaning with zero input. The DuoClean system uses dual brushrolls to polish hard floors while deep-cleaning carpets, eliminating the need to switch modes manually.

In real use, the self-adapting performance is transformative—vacuuming backward is just as effective as forward, and edges get extra suction without edging tools. The powered lift-away pod works like a mini vacuum, and Odor Neutralizer Tech keeps the bin smelling fresh, even after pet accidents. However, the $350 price tag is steep, and the interface can feel overwhelming for simple tasks. It’s also heavy, and the bin release, while convenient, occasionally leaks dust during emptying.

Next to the Dyson Ball Animal 3, the AZ4002 offers more automation and lift-away power, but with a bulkier footprint. It’s the ultimate choice for tech-loving pet owners who want set-it-and-forget-it cleaning intelligence. While overkill for small apartments, its adaptive suction and total surface mastery justify the investment. For those seeking the most advanced, self-optimizing upright on the market, this Shark is unrivaled in brainpower and brawn.

The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is a carpet-cleaning specialist, packing a 960-watt motor into a 10-pound frame that’s easy to lug up stairs. Its 5-height brush roll adjustment lets you fine-tune contact for plush shags or thin area rugs, ensuring optimal agitation every time. The 2.6-liter dust cup is massive for its class, allowing extended cleaning without constant emptying—perfect for whole-house sessions.

On thick carpet, it outperforms rivals under $100, extracting deeply embedded dirt with ease. The Pet Turbo Brush is a standout, removing fur from upholstery with a single pass. However, on hard floors, it can scatter debris due to aggressive brushroll speed, and no scatter-free tech means you might need a quick re-pass. The onboard tools are convenient, but the hose stretch is limited.

Compared to the Bissell CleanView, the Eureka wins on suction power and dust capacity, though it lacks swivel steering. It’s ideal for carpet-heavy homes with pets where deep-cleaning matters most. While not the most agile, its precision height settings and heavyweight performance make it a stealth performer. For budget-conscious buyers who prioritize carpet results, this Eureka delivers serious cleaning in a lightweight shell.