8 Best Vacuums for Thick Carpet 2025

The Eureka PowerSpeed punches far above its weight class, delivering strong suction and a 5-height brush roll adjustment that makes it a standout for homes with thick carpet. At just 10 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to lug up stairs or maneuver around furniture—perfect for users who dread heavy vacuums but still need serious cleaning power. Its 960-watt motor ensures consistent performance across surfaces, tackling plush rugs without bogging down, while the 2.6-liter dust cup means fewer trips to empty during deep cleaning sessions.

In real-world testing, the PowerSpeed excels on medium-pile carpets and transitions smoothly to hardwood and tile, thanks to its adjustable height settings. The flip-to-empty dust bin is a game-changer—no messy hands or lingering dust clouds. However, on extra-dense, high-pile carpets, the roller struggles slightly to maintain optimal agitation, and the lack of LED headlights makes spotting debris in dark corners a challenge. Still, for its price point, it offers remarkable versatility and reliability across multi-surface homes.

Compared to pricier models like the Shark NV752, the PowerSpeed sacrifices some advanced features—like self-cleaning brushrolls and HEPA filtration—but delivers exceptional value for budget-conscious buyers. It’s ideal for pet owners with mixed flooring who need a lightweight, no-fuss vacuum that won’t break the bank. While it doesn’t match the deep agitation of commercial-grade models, it holds its own where affordability, ease of use, and solid suction matter most—making it a top pick among budget uprights.

The Shark ZU503AMZ redefines what an all-around upright vacuum should be, combining 1200-watt power, self-cleaning brushroll, and lift-away functionality into a package that dominates on thick carpet and pet hair. Its anti-allergen complete seal with HEPA filter is a breath of fresh air—literally—trapping 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a go-to for allergy sufferers. The swivel steering is buttery smooth, letting you glide around chair legs and into tight corners with surgical precision.

During testing, the vacuum’s powered lift-away pod proved invaluable for cleaning stairs, under sofas, and along baseboards, while the self-cleaning brushroll lived up to its promise—zero hair wrap after weeks of use on long-haired pets. On thick carpet, the suction digs deep, extracting embedded fur and dust without slowing down. However, the 0.75-quart dust cup fills quickly during whole-home cleans, requiring more frequent emptying than larger-capacity models. It also lacks LED headlights, making it harder to spot debris in dimly lit areas.

When stacked against the Bissell 2252, the Shark ZU503AMZ offers superior maneuverability, filtration, and versatility, though it’s heavier and pricier. For homes with pets, allergies, and a mix of flooring—including plush carpet—it’s the best overall choice. It strikes a near-perfect balance between power, filtration, and flexibility, outperforming most mid-range vacuums while laying the groundwork for deeper cleanups with its detachable pod.

If you’re battling thick carpet and relentless pet hair, the Shark NV752 is a beast of deep-cleaning performance, armed with powered lift-away technology, LED headlights, and a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush that cuts through matted fur like a hot knife through butter. Its 1200-watt motor and anti-allergen complete seal work in tandem to extract deeply embedded debris while trapping dust and dander—ideal for homes where cleanliness and air quality are non-negotiable. The fingertip carpet-to-hard floor switch makes surface transitions effortless, no bending or adjustments needed.

Real-world use confirms its dominance on high-pile carpets: the rotating nozzle and swivel steering allow seamless navigation under beds and around furniture, while the 0.88-quart dust cup holds more than most competitors, reducing interruptions. The LED headlights expose hidden hair and dust in shadowy corners—an underrated but critical feature for thorough cleaning. That said, the vacuum is on the heavier side, and the cord rewind isn’t automatic, which can be a minor annoyance after long sessions.

Compared to the Oreck Commercial XL, the NV752 offers better onboard tools and allergen control, though the Oreck delivers slightly faster agitation on ultra-deep carpet. For pet owners with thick carpeting, stairs, and allergy concerns, the Shark NV752 is the undisputed king of versatility and deep cleaning. It outclasses most in its category by blending professional-grade power with smart, user-friendly features, making it worth the premium over basic models.

The Bissell 3508 is a compact powerhouse, engineered for small spaces where lightweight design and strong suction are priorities. Weighing under 8 pounds, it’s one of the most portable uprights available—perfect for dorms, apartments, or quick cleanups between deeper sessions with a full-sized vacuum. Despite its size, it packs a punch with scatter-free technology, ensuring messes on hardwood don’t explode across the floor during pickup. The removable extension wand adds surprising reach for overhead cleaning or tight crevices.

In practice, the 3508 handles low-to-medium pile carpets well, but on thick or high-pile carpet, the suction and brushroll lack the torque to extract deeply embedded dirt. The dirt container is small, requiring frequent emptying during larger jobs, and there’s no height adjustment—limiting its adaptability. However, the push-button dirt ejection is clean and efficient, and the overall build feels sturdier than expected for its class. It’s not a replacement for heavy-duty vacuums, but as a secondary or space-saving option, it delivers where portability and simplicity matter most.

Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, it wins on weight and storage, but loses on capacity and carpet performance. It’s best suited for renters, college students, or minimalist households with mostly hard floors and light carpeting. For thick carpet, it’s underpowered—but as a budget-friendly, ultra-light option for small spaces, it’s hard to beat.

The Bissell 2252 is a pet owner’s best friend on carpet, thanks to its triple action brush roll that aggressively loosens, lifts, and removes embedded pet hair—even from dense, shaggy rugs. With swivel steering and edge-to-edge cleaning, it glides around furniture and grabs debris along baseboards with surgical precision. The large dirt tank minimizes interruptions, and scatter-free technology keeps messes contained on hard floors, making it a true multi-surface contender.

Testing reveals it excels on medium-to-thick carpet, where the brush roll maintains consistent contact and agitation. The specialized pet tools—especially the motorized turbo brush—are effective at removing fur from upholstery and stairs. However, it lacks a HEPA filter, so allergens may escape back into the air, and the suction, while strong, isn’t quite as deep as Shark’s 1200-watt models. It also doesn’t offer a lift-away pod, limiting above-floor versatility compared to Shark’s Navigator series.

When compared to the Shark ZU503AMZ, the Bissell 2252 matches it in pet hair pickup but falls short in allergen containment and maneuverability. It’s the best choice for carpet-focused homes with heavy shedding pets, especially if you prioritize edge cleaning and large capacity over portability and filtration. It delivers focused power where it counts, making it a top-tier option for pet-centric households.

The Oreck Commercial XL is a deep-cleaning dynamo, purpose-built for thick carpet agitation with a high-speed brush roll that spins at commercial-grade velocity to dislodge even the most stubborn, ground-in dirt. At just 9 pounds, it’s surprisingly lightweight for its power, and the automatic height adjustment ensures optimal contact across plush carpets without manual tweaking. The side edge brushes are a standout—sweeping debris from corners that most vacuums miss—making it ideal for high-traffic homes or rental properties.

In real-world testing, the Oreck shines on deep-pile and commercial-grade carpet, where its brush roll outperforms nearly every upright in the dataset. The bagged system ensures dust stays sealed, reducing airborne particles during emptying—a major plus for allergy sufferers. However, it lacks modern conveniences like LED lights, a large dust cup, or a detachable pod, limiting its appeal for above-floor cleaning. The cord length is average, and the swivel steering is absent, making it less agile around furniture than Shark or Bissell models.

Versus the Shark NV752, the Oreck wins on raw carpet agitation but loses on versatility and filtration tech. It’s the best choice for users who prioritize deep carpet cleaning above all else, especially in homes with wall-to-wall carpeting. While it’s not as feature-rich, its no-nonsense power and reliability make it a favorite among professionals and carpet purists.

The Shark NV360 delivers mid-range excellence, blending powerful suction, a 0.9-quart dust cup, and HEPA filtration into a package that’s both capable and affordable. Its lift-away pod detaches seamlessly for cleaning stairs, under furniture, or car interiors, while the brushroll shutoff lets you switch instantly from deep carpet cleaning to bare floors—no adjustments needed. The swivel steering makes it a joy to maneuver, gliding around obstacles with precision rarely seen at this price.

During testing, the NV360 handled thick carpet with confidence, extracting pet hair and dust without clogging. The large dust cup reduced emptying frequency, and the HEPA seal kept allergens contained—great for sensitive households. However, the pod lacks powered brushroll when detached, so above-floor cleaning relies solely on suction. The build feels slightly less durable than the NV752, and it doesn’t include a motorized pet tool, limiting its edge against heavy shedding.

Compared to the ZU503AMZ, the NV360 offers similar core features at a lower cost, but with fewer premium touches. It’s the best mid-range performer for families needing reliable multi-surface cleaning, strong filtration, and lift-away convenience without paying top dollar. It hits the sweet spot between functionality, price, and performance, making it a smart upgrade from budget models.

The Bissell 39883 stands out as a hybrid powerhouse, combining an upright’s deep-clean ability with a detachable canister pod for effortless above-floor cleaning—perfect for homes where allergens and pet hair are constant concerns. Its HEPA sealed allergen system traps 99.9% of dust and dander, while the tangle-free brush roll slices through fur without clogging. The 1L easy-empty dirt tank is one of the largest in class, and the lift-off design makes it incredibly versatile for stairs, furniture, and tight spaces.

In practice, the vacuum performs solidly on medium-thick carpet, though it lacks the aggressive agitation of Oreck or Shark’s high-speed models. The TurboEraser pet tool is excellent for couches and car seats, and the scatter-free tech keeps hard floor messes under control. However, the upright base is bulkier than pure Shark lifts, and the cord rewind is manual. While suction is strong, it doesn’t quite match the raw power of 1200-watt motors in competing models.

Against the Shark NV752, it trades LED lights and powered lift-away for larger capacity and superior allergen sealing. It’s the best choice for allergy-prone homes with pets, offering top-tier filtration and flexibility in a single unit. For those who want maximum allergen control and tangle-free pet hair pickup, it’s a compelling alternative to upright-only designs.