7 Best Vacuums for Carpet 2025

Don’t let its compact frame fool you—this Bissell CleanView Turbo packs a punchy suction that punches above its weight class, especially for carpeted dorms and small apartments. Weighing just 10 lbs, it combines lightweight agility with full-size cleaning power, making it a standout for users who hate wrestling with bulky vacuums. The Scatter-Free Technology is a game-changer on low-pile carpets, preventing debris from scattering during passes—a common frustration for quick cleanups.

In real-world testing, it handled low to medium-pile carpets with ease, lifting embedded dust and surface crumbs without bogging down. The triple cyclonic suction system maintains consistent airflow, though it starts to struggle on thicker rugs or heavily soiled areas. The quick-release wand adds reach for baseboards and under-furniture edges, but the small dirt tank (0.6 quarts) means frequent emptying during larger jobs. It’s best suited for spot cleaning and small rooms, not whole-home deep cleans.

Compared to heavier uprights like the Shark NV360, this model sacrifices deep-lift capacity for ultra-portability and ease of storage—a fair trade for apartment dwellers. It’s not built for pet owners with shedding beasts or allergy sufferers needing HEPA filtration, but for students or minimalists tackling light carpet messes, it delivers nimble performance with zero hassle. While it lacks the refinement of premium models, its value for small-space carpet care outshines most budget contenders.

If pet hair is your daily nemesis, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off is a targeted warrior built to win the war on fur-covered carpets. Its tangle-free brush roll slices through long hair like scissors, while HEPA-sealed allergen capture ensures dust and dander don’t escape back into the air—a must for allergy-prone homes. The lift-off detachable pod transforms it into a portable canister, letting you attack stairs, car seats, and furniture with surgical precision.

During testing on medium-pile carpets, it consistently pulled up clumps of pet hair and fine dust, thanks to its strong suction motor and 1L XL dirt tank—one of the largest in its class. The Scatter-Free Technology kept debris contained on hardwood transitions, and the TurboEraser pet tool made short work of couch cushions. However, the upright body feels slightly top-heavy when maneuvering, and the hose reach is limited compared to full canisters. It excels on pet-heavy surfaces but demands more effort on large-area carpet cleaning.

Against the Shark NV360, it trades swivel steering for superior allergen control and pet-specific tools, making it a better fit for homes dominated by shedding pets. While not as agile in tight corners, its dedicated pet performance and HEPA filtration justify the bulk. For families battling pet messes and airborne allergens on carpeted floors, this model offers specialized power that generalists can’t match.

The Shark Navigator NV360 doesn’t just clean carpets—it conquers them with swivel steering agility and lift-away versatility that redefines what an upright can do. Its anti-allergen complete seal technology, paired with a HEPA filter, traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a silent guardian for sensitive households. The brushroll shutoff is a brilliant touch, letting you switch from aggressive carpet deep-cleaning to gentle bare floor mode without changing tools.

In real use, it delivered consistent, powerful suction across high-traffic carpet zones, lifting years of ground-in dirt with minimal passes. The 0.9-quart dust cup held up well during full-room sessions, and the lift-away pod made stair and upholstery cleaning effortless—no awkward dragging. Swivel steering allowed tight corner navigation around furniture legs, though the cord length (25 ft) occasionally required outlet hopping in larger homes. On thick, plush carpets, the motor strained slightly under heavy loads, but recovery was quick.

Compared to the Bissell CleanView Compact, the NV360 is bulkier but vastly more capable, offering a professional-grade clean for carpeted homes. It’s not as specialized for pets as the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser, but its all-surface adaptability and maneuverability make it a smarter all-rounder. For carpet owners who want deep cleaning, allergen control, and unmatched flexibility, this Shark delivers performance that punches far above its class.

The 2024 Bissell CleanView Swivel is a carpet-focused beast engineered to dismantle deeply embedded grime with its triple action brush roll—a trio of bristles that loosen, lift, and extract dirt in one aggressive sweep. Designed specifically for carpet lovers, it combines multi-cyclonic suction with swivel steering to maintain traction and agility across textured surfaces. The active extension wand extends reach without sacrificing balance, making it ideal for cleaning under low-profile furniture.

During testing on medium to high-pile carpets, it outperformed many budget models in single-pass pickup, especially on sand and fine pet litter. The Scatter-Free Technology kept debris from escaping on carpet-to-hardwood transitions, and the easy-empty dirt tank minimized mess when dumping. However, it lacks HEPA filtration, so allergen-prone users may notice dust plumes during emptying. The motor is loud at full throttle, and the cord rewind is manual—a missed convenience at this price.

Against the Eureka NEU10AE5, it offers superior carpet agitation and build quality, though both share budget-friendly positioning. It doesn’t match the Shark NV360’s filtration or lift-away function, but for dedicated carpet cleaning without frills, this 2024 model is a no-nonsense performer. If your home is carpet-dominant and you prioritize deep agitation over smart features, this Bissell is a focused, effective choice.

The LEVOIT LVAC-200 is a cordless breath of fresh air for allergy sufferers, blending 5-stage filtration with tangle-resistant roller design to tackle carpets and pet hair without clogging. Its washable filters and roller make maintenance a breeze, and the one-click dust bin ensures clean, contact-free emptying—critical for dust-sensitive users. At just 5.5 lbs, it’s featherlight, yet delivers up to 50 minutes of runtime on low, enough to cover a 1,500 sq ft home.

On low to medium carpets, it pulled up pet hair and dust efficiently, though it lost suction slightly on high-pile rugs under max power. The LED headlight revealed hidden debris under sofas, and the 2-in-1 pet tool worked well on upholstery. Battery life drops to 15 minutes in boost mode, limiting deep clean sessions. It’s less aggressive than corded models but excels in daily maintenance and quick carpet refreshes.

Compared to the RENDOW 65-min model, it offers better filtration and ergonomics but less raw power and runtime. It’s not built for deep-cleaning thick carpets weekly, but for allergy-focused homes needing lightweight, low-maintenance carpet care, the LVAC-200 is smooth, smart, and highly effective. Its balanced blend of health features and usability makes it a top pick for sensitive households.

The Eureka NEU10AE5 is a budget marvel that delivers surprisingly robust suction in a featherlight 7.7-pound frame, making it a go-to for those who value effortless handling over bells and whistles. Its 10.5-inch cleaning path covers ground quickly, ideal for small to medium carpeted rooms, and the washable filter slashes long-term costs. The on-board tools snap securely into place, so you’re never hunting for the crevice tool mid-clean.

In real-world carpet tests, it handled light to moderate debris well, though it struggled with deeply embedded dirt in plush rugs. The quick-release handle lets you clean above floors without the full unit, but the hose is short and inflexible. Suction remains steady, but the small dust capacity means frequent emptying. It’s not built for pet owners with heavy shedding, but for sporadic carpet maintenance, it’s impressively capable.

Against the Bissell CleanView Compact, it’s even lighter and cheaper, though less powerful. It lacks swivel steering or scatter-free tech, but for renters or budget-conscious buyers, it’s a no-frills workhorse. If you need basic carpet cleaning without overspending, this Eureka offers unbeatable value for light-duty use.

The RENDOW cordless vacuum is a powerhouse performer that redefines expectations at its price point, boasting 45KPa hyper-suction and a 65-minute runtime—enough to deep-clean a 2,500 sq ft home on a single charge. Its 550W brushless motor digs deep into carpet fibers, extracting stubborn pet hair and ground-in dirt that lesser vacuums leave behind. The V-shaped anti-tangle brush with green LED illumination ensures no hair wraps around the roller, while the light reveals dust in dark corners with 15x visibility over standard LEDs.

In testing, it dominated high-pile carpets and pet-heavy zones, maintaining suction across multiple rooms. The smart LED display provided real-time feedback on battery, mode, and maintenance—rare in this class. The self-standing design allowed easy storage without wall mounting, and the 6-in-1 tool kit handled everything from ceilings to car interiors. However, the weight distribution feels front-heavy during extended use, and the filter access is awkward.

Against the LEVOIT LVAC-200, it offers longer runtime, stronger suction, and more tools, making it a better whole-home solution. While pricier, its all-around capability, power, and smart features make it the most complete cordless vacuum here. For carpet owners wanting maximum runtime, power, and versatility, the RENDOW delivers professional-grade cleaning in a self-sufficient package.