9 Best Vacuums of 2026, Tested by Cleaning Experts
Say goodbye to those dust bunnies.
Tested by Carolyn FortéHome Care & Cleaning Lab Executive Director
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I test all kinds of vacuums at the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab based on ASTM International standards using a custom-built machine that measures how much embedded dirt it removes from medium-pile carpeting. I also evaluate pickup on bare floors, pet hair removal, ease of use, and more to identify the best-suited vacuums for every cleaning need.
Our top picks:
✔️ Best overall: Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum
With strong cleaning across different floor types, a HEPA filter, and a brush roll designed to resist hair tangles, it outperformed other models.
✔️ Best value: Bissell CleanView Bagless Vacuum
A budget-friendly pick that handles carpets and bare floors.
✔️ Best stick: Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum
Automatically adjusts suction to the floor and uses a laser to help spot dust on bare floors, making for a powerful cordless model.
✔️ Best for hardwood floors: Kenmore Pet Friendly Pop-N-Go Bagged Canister Vacuum
Cleans across floor types and helps keep pet hair, dander, and dust contained.
My top vacuum pick is the Shark Stratos Upright. I found it was easy to use, and it demonstrated great cleaning ability across a wide range of flooring types, making it a great fit for most households. But if you're looking for something smaller, more affordable, or just don't care for upright vacuums, I've also tested (and recommend) a variety of canister vacs, stick vacs, and robots. Ahead are the best vacuums you can buy right now, based on our latest testing.
Best Deal
Pros
- HEPA filter helps trap dust and allergens inside
- Converts from an upright to a handheld canister
- Brush roll system minimizes pet hair clogging
Cons
- On the bulkier side
FLOOR TYPE: All flooring
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: People looking for a bagless vacuum that has strong filtration and performs well across most flooring types
CLEANING MODES: Separate modes for hard floor, upholstery, carpets, and rugs
WHY WE LOVE IT: The Shark Stratos is a sealed vacuum with a HEPA filter which helps trap dust and allergens inside. It's also highly versatile—the upright can convert to a handheld canister for more easily cleaning under furniture, windowsills, and other hard-to-reach areas. I also like that it has a large top carry handle and clearly labeled buttons.
IN OUR LAB TESTS: The Shark Stratos performed well across bare floors and carpeting, easily picking up large and small debris—including fur and long hair—on wood, tile, vinyl, and low to high-pile carpet. It cleaned thoroughly along wall edges, thanks to its dual-brush roll nozzle, and its self-cleaning brush roll effectively prevented hair tangles, making it a smart choice for pet owners. However, the vacuum was a bit bulkier than other models.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Shark's Stratos Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
- Takes up less space than other models
- Automatically adjusts suction
- Impressive edge-cleaning ability
Cons
- Expensive
- Cannot mop or self-empty
FLOOR TYPE: Bare floors and low pile rugs
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Busy people who want to spend less time vacuuming manually without dedicating a lot of space to a larger, self-emptying robot vacuum
CLEANING MODES: Quiet, quick, boost, and automatic cleaning adjustment modes
WHY WE LOVE IT: It consistently avoids obstacles like shoes and slippers, can map and remember multiple rooms, and even generates a heat map showing the dirtiest parts of your floor plan. It also accomplishes edge cleaning with a retractable “side-actuator” duct rather than the traditional spinning brushes, which can become tangled with pet hair or fling hard debris across the room. It automatically adjusts suction when moving between hard flooring and carpet and even increases suction when it senses an area is particularly dirty.
IN OUR LAB TESTS: This Dyson was one of the highest-scoring standalone robot vacuums in our GH Cleaning Lab tests. It outperformed all other robot models in removing heavy debris like sand in carpet pickup tests. It also did well at removing pet fur, and its soft roller proved to be great at resisting hair tangles, too.
Pros
- Automatically adjusts speed and suction according to how much dust it senses
- Laser beam makes it easy to see dust on bare floors
- Includes an assortment of innovative attachments
Cons
- A bit heavy for a stick vacuum
FLOOR TYPE: Bare floors and low-pile carpeting
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: People living in smaller spaces without high-pile or shag carpeting
CLEANING MODES: Eco mode, automatic suction adjustment, and a boost mode
WHY WE LOVE IT: Its whole-machine filtration helps to seal in allergens, and the V15 Detect automatically senses the floor type and dust level and increases the suction and brush roll speed to match. I like the clear LCD screen that shows battery life and the amount (and size) of the particles it's picking up. Like most stick vacuums, this Dyson converts to a hand vacuum, though at close to 7 pounds, it's heavier than others I've tested, and the extra features come with a steeper price tag.
IN OUR LAB TESTS: Dyson vacuums are always among the best in our stick vac evaluations for both performance and special features, and this V15 Detect is no exception. It has an innovative, fluffy roller brush attachment that shines a laser on the floor to spotlight debris. Using the laser, I was able to see the tiny crumbs and scraps I would have otherwise missed.
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Stick Vacuum
Pros
- Adjustable height settings for every floor type
- Onboard storage for all tools
- A mini brush attachment for stairs and upholstery
Cons
- Brush roll cannot be turned off
- Lacks extra features like multiple suction levels and HEPA filter
FLOOR TYPE: All flooring
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: People looking for a budget-friendly vacuum that can handle carpet as well as bare floors
CLEANING MODES: A single suction level with five height adjustment options for bare floors to high pile carpets
WHY WE LOVE IT: While it doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles of pricier vacuums, like multiple suction levels, a HEPA filter, or a brush roll that can be turned off, the Bissell CleanView still cleans well with its limited settings. It also has an 8-foot hose for cleaning beyond the floor, a retractable cord, and onboard storage for the tools.
IN OUR LAB TESTS: Bissell vacuums usually perform well in our tests, especially when cleaning carpet. Its turbo brush attachment mimics those we've seen on more expensive vacuums for removing pet hair and lint from upholstery and carpeted stairs. I also appreciated that the bagless dust cup opens from the bottom, which helps to minimize the dust plume that accompanies emptying most bagless vacuums.
Pros
- Comes with a mini motorized attachment for pet hair
- Sealed system and dust bag so less dust escapes
- Big wheels for easy maneuvering
- Telescoping metal wands for extended reach
Cons
- Heavy
FLOOR TYPE: All flooring
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: People who need a vacuum that performs well on all surfaces and seals allergens inside
CLEANING MODES: Adjustable suction, a roller brush that can be toggled on or off, and four different height adjustments
WHY WE LOVE IT: This canister vacuum excels at keeping pet hair and dander contained. Its dedicated bare floor brush attaches with a foot pedal for hands-free use, and the Pet PowerMate attachment works well on carpets and is easy to use on furniture and stairs, too.
I also appreciate the design: All included tools store neatly in the canister compartment, and features like the 10.5-foot telescoping wand, long hose, and retractable cord, make reaching tight spaces effortless. At 20 pounds, it’s on the heavier side, but the performance and convenience make it worth it.
IN OUR LAB TESTS: This vacuum showed strong cleaning results across carpet and hard floors, easily picking up dry oats in our standardized tests. Consumer testers noted it picked up more debris than other vacuums they tried, and they noted that its large wheels made it easy to maneuver around furniture and transition between hard floors and rugs.
Pros
- Sealed to trap allergens
- Hands-free dust cup emptying
- Feature-packed design
Cons
- May be a bit heavy for multi-level homes
FLOOR TYPE: All flooring
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Pet owners who need a powerful upright vacuum to tackle fur on carpet
CLEANING MODES: Adjustable suction for different surfaces and the roller brush can be toggled on or off
WHY WE LOVE IT: The standout feature is the hands-free internal hair spooling system, which helps to prevent tangled fur clumps and clogs. The floor nozzle’s tangle-free brush roll goes a step further, helping to keep hair from wrapping around the bristles.
I also love the pet-focused extras, like the Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator filter to help control smells and the LED-lit crevice tool to reveal hidden hair in dark corners. Its sealed filtration system traps allergens effectively. Weighing in at just under 14 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight for an upright, but it still might be unwieldy when carrying it up stairs or vacuuming them.
IN OUR LAB TESTS: The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus performed exceptionally well across all floor types due to its strong suction and a tangle-free brush roll. Consumer testers also praised its attachments and tools for efficiently picking up pet hair of every size.
Pros
- High-filtration bag and HEPA filter trap allergens
- Brush roll adjusts to different levels
- Comes with an attachment for smooth floors
Cons
- Replacement bags and filters are pricey
FLOOR TYPE: All flooring
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Those with a variety of flooring types, including carpet, parquet, hardwood, and tile, looking for a no-fuss, bagged model
CLEANING MODES: Six different suction levels for drapes, upholstery, rugs, quiet cleaning, carpet, and hard flooring.
WHY WE LOVE IT: An impressive feature is its self-sealing, high-filtration bag. Many vacuums leak dust through cracks in the body or make a mess when you empty the bin, but with the C3, you simply toss and replace the bag when it’s full. The vacuum’s fully sealed design and HEPA AirClean filter prevent fine particles and allergens from escaping back into the air. While replacement bags can be pricey, in our tests, Miele vacuums are unmatched at trapping dust and dirt, making them an excellent pick for people with allergies.
IN OUR LAB TESTS: Like many Miele vacuums before it, the Complete C3 impressed us in our Lab tests with its outstanding performance and helpful design features. Plush, high-pile carpets are tough to clean, but this model has a special setting called "Soft Carpet" which made it easier to push. It also has multiple suction levels and a variety of attachments to handle everything from bare floors to upholstery.
Pros
- Edge-to-edge cleaning gets into corners and along baseboards
- Roller drying feature
- Cleans hardwood floors quickly
Cons
- May begin to smell over time
FLOOR TYPE: Sealed bare floors
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Homes with a lot of bare flooring in need of frequent wet cleaning
CLEANING MODES: Cleans with automatic power adjustment by default, but also has an ultra mode for tougher messes and a suction-only mode that sucks up liquids without mopping
WHY WE LOVE IT: This two-in-one model can scrub up dried spills, suck up wet ones, and wash your floors in a single cleaning session. Its edge-to-edge cleaning gets into corners and along baseboards, and a voice assistant provides cleaning and status updates. Improvements like greater capacity in the dirty water tank and a roller dryer feature to help prevent odor formation make this model easier to care for. That said, it may still develop odors over time, even if it hasn't sucked up anything smelly.
IN OUR LAB TESTS: The Dreame H12 Pro is an updated version of a previously tested pick with many of the same capabilities and features. In addition to using it in the Lab, we sent it out to consumer testers who confirmed it was easy to use and cleaned effectively. One commented on its speed, especially on hardwood floors, saying, “It honestly did all of the work and I barely had to fuss with a wet mop head or dry it off."
Pros
- Rinsable HEPA filter
- Removable and replaceable battery that works with other Worx tools
- Quiet
Cons
- Some pet hair clung to the brush attachment in testing
FLOOR TYPE: Car floors and upholstery
WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Anyone with a car or outdoor furniture
CLEANING MODES: High and low speed suction options
WHY WE LOVE IT: Not your typical handheld vac design, the Worx has a unique boxy shape, a removable battery that fits into other Worx tools, and a top handle for easy toting. It's a great option for a car vacuum for those reasons.
IN OUR LAB TESTS: Worx beat 18 other handheld vacuums to earn the top overall score across tests on carpet, bare floors, and pet hair pickup. Though we rated it highly across all of our evaluation categories, we did notice that pet hair clung to the brush attachment. Its dust cup is small, but it empties from the bottom with the click of one button. The HEPA filter is rinsable, so you can wash it with water instead of replacing it as often, helping maintain suction and extend the filter's lifespan.
The Cordless Cube's battery ran for 23 minutes on low speed in our Cleaning Lab tests, but can run for longer with a higher-capacity battery from the brand. At 3 pounds, it's heavier than other handheld vacuums, but you can set it down while using it thanks to its hose. It's pretty quiet too, and all of its tools are stored on board.
How we test vacuum cleaners
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, we have tested hundreds of different vacuum cleaners and we're constantly testing new models. We assess all vacuums for performance, ease of use, durability, and more, using the same method for accurate performance comparisons. Our tests are based on standards established by ASTM International's F11 Vacuum Cleaner Committee.
✔️ PERFORMANCE TESTING: We embed dirt into a medium-pile carpet and use a custom-built, automated machine that makes the same number of passes over our standard test carpeting so we can objectively measure how well each vacuum removes dirt. We even have a separate machine to clean the carpets between test runs so one result doesn't influence the next.
We also look at how well the vacuums remove large and small debris (like gritty sand and dried orzo pasta) from hard flooring, how well they clean along edges, and how much suction they draw through the tools. We use industry-standard rayon fibers to simulate pet hair that we evenly spread on a carpet’s surface to see how well each machine cleans it up.
✔️ EASE-OF-USE TESTING: This testing includes evaluating maneuverability, battery run-time for cordless vacuum cleaners, the ease of the controls, and how simple it is to empty and clean the dust cup or change the bag. We also factor in the weight of each model. All special features and claims are assessed, and we even give the tool storage and owner's manual a grade.
✔️ CONSUMER TESTING: Because ease of use can vary from person to person, we also have consumer testers use the vacuums on hard floors and carpet and rate their maneuverability as they navigate around furniture, corners, and other common household obstacles. They rate the ease of removing the dust cups or bags and the ease of operating the vacuum’s controls. We also test any other features like battery charge indicators, brush roll control buttons, and other tools and accessories.
How to find the right vacuum cleaner for your home
There isn’t one universal vacuum that’s perfect for every home, but keeping a few key factors in mind can help you find the right fit.
✔️ Bag or bagless: Both types perform well in our Cleaning Lab tests. Bagless models use a dust cup and filter that require regular emptying and cleaning. The upside: You won’t need to buy replacement bags. The downside: Emptying can be messy and may aggravate dust allergies. Bagged vacuums tend to be less messy and easier to maintain, and they’re a great option for people with allergies because dust stays sealed inside the bag—you simply discard it when it’s about two-thirds full. Just keep replacement bags on hand. Newer self-emptying bagless stick vacuums aim to offer the best of both worlds by automatically emptying the dust cup into a bag housed in the base.
✔️ Filtration: If you have allergies or asthma, look for a vacuum with a sealed filtration system and a HEPA filter to help trap fine dust and allergens instead of releasing them back into the air.
✔️ Corded or cordless: Decide whether you prefer the unlimited runtime of a corded vacuum or the added mobility of cordless. Cordless stick vacuums are often lighter and easier to grab for quick cleanups, but the battery may not last long enough to clean a larger home. Uprights and canisters may be a better fit for larger spaces or longer cleaning sessions. You can also consider a robot vacuum that cleans automatically and returns to its dock to recharge, but its base must stay plugged in and in place so the robot can find its way back.
✔️ Attachments: The included tools matter more than many shoppers realize. A motorized power nozzle helps deep-clean carpets and rugs, while a crevice tool reaches tight spots like behind furniture. Pet owners may especially benefit from a mini turbo brush for lifting hair from upholstery.
✔️ Battery life and dust capacity: Let your home size guide you. Smaller spaces can get by with shorter runtimes and smaller dust bins, while larger or multi-level homes benefit from longer battery life and bigger capacity. If you have lots of carpeting, an upright or canister with a rotating brush roll typically performs best; for hardwood floors, look for soft bristles or a brush roll that can be switched off.
✔️ Cleaning modes: Multiple cleaning modes add versatility, especially if you have mixed flooring. Lower-power settings like Eco extend battery life for whole-home cleaning, while higher-power modes boost suction for areas in need of a deeper clean. Automatic suction adjustment can improve cleaning performance and battery efficiency by increasing power on carpets and reducing it on hard floors.
✔️ Weight: Finally, consider portability. Heavier vacuums often deliver strong cleaning performance but can be cumbersome on stairs or in multi-level homes. If you’ll be carrying your vacuum frequently, a lighter model may be the better choice.
What is the best type of vacuum cleaner to buy?
✔️ CHOOSE AN UPRIGHT VACUUM IF...
- Your home is mostly wall-to-wall carpeting. In our Cleaning Lab tests, upright vacuum cleaners do the best job of removing ground-in, embedded dirt from carpeting.
- If you’ll be using an upright vacuum to clean bare floors and low-pile rugs, we recommend selecting a model where you can adjust the height of the nozzle and switch off the rotating brush to avoid damaging wood floors or scattering debris.
✔️ CHOOSE A CANISTER VACUUM IF...
- Your home has lots of stairs and bare floors. Many full-size canister vacuums come with a power nozzle that has a rotating brush to mimic that of an upright. We recommend this attachment if you prefer a canister and have high-pile carpets in, say, just the bedrooms.
- You're looking for a vacuum that is easier to maneuver into tight spaces and use on stairs than uprights are. The canister and motor can be placed out of the way, making it easier to carry and use.
✔️ CHOOSE A STICK VACUUM CLEANER IF...
- You are looking for a lightweight, quick picker-upper for bare floors and low-pile rugs. The cleaning performance of this type of vacuum is getting better and better, and it may be the only vacuum some homes require.
- You have minimal storage space. Most are slim enough to stash in a corner or closet for speedy clean-ups. In our Cleaning Lab tests, we’ve found rechargeable ones usually run up to one hour, so you’ll need to keep them plugged into an outlet to keep them fully charged and ready to go. Second batteries are also helpful, so you always have a backup.
- You are looking for a two-in-one option. Most have rotating brushes for efficient floor and rug cleaning, and many have removable wands, allowing them to be converted to a hand vacuum.
✔️ CHOOSE A ROBOT VACUUM IF...
- You want to get your cleaning done while you’re out of the house or doing something else. Robot vacuums use cameras and lasers to map their way around your rooms, so they don’t miss a spot. Most can be controlled with an app on your phone, and some are even voice-enabled.
- You want a robot vacuum as a maintenance cleaner in between cleaning sessions with a full-size vacuum. Robot models fit easily under most beds and furniture to clean the spots you likely skip.
✔️ CHOOSE A HANDHELD VACUUM IF...
- You need a compact tool to quickly clean up dry spills on bare floors and surfaces or to nab lint, pet hair, and other debris on fabrics or carpeting.
- You want a vacuum to clean your car. Handheld vacuums come corded or cordless and are easy to take outside to clean car floors and seating.
✔️ CHOOSE A VACUUM MOP IF...
- You have a lot of bare floors that need regular mopping. Most vacuum mops combine dry and wet cleaning into a single step, saving you time. However, they may need to be emptied and cleaned often to prevent odors from forming.
What is a HEPA filter?
A HEPA filter is a special high-performance filter that traps 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size—too small to see with the naked eye, but not too small to be felt by people with allergies. A HEPA filter on a vacuum cleaner is usually located on the exhaust, where the air blows out of the vacuum and back into the room. Dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and more are all caught by these high-efficiency filters.
Be wary of vacuums with “HEPA-type” or “HEPA-like” filters. They may look like traditional pleated HEPA filters and likely will trap some small particles, but they could miss the tiny, microscopic ones that can't escape a true HEPA filter. Vacuums with HEPA filters are generally more expensive. Less expensive vacuums can be sealed and have filters that grab 99% of particles down to 0.5 microns, but only a HEPA filter nabs 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns (and yes, that can make a difference!).
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Noah Pinsonnault is a reviews analyst in the Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where he tests and reviews everything from washing machines to vacuum cleaners. He conducts hands-on performance testing, analyzes Lab data, and helps develop and update test protocols for emerging product categories. Pinsonnault has tested dozens of vacuum cleaners, including more than 20 robot vacuums.
Carolyn Forté tested and reviewed hundreds of vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, mops, and other major (and minor) home appliances during her time as the executive director of the Home Care and Cleaning Lab. She also oversaw all testing done in the Cleaning Lab, and took an active role in the ASTM Committee on vacuum cleaners and acted as chairman of the consumer information sub-committee.
Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.
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