The 9 Best Upright Vacuums of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is our top pick
When it comes to keeping your home spick and span, you really can't go wrong with a traditional upright vacuum. This type of vacuum is known for its incredible suction power, large dust bin, and longevity. According to cleaning expert Hailey Becnel, an upright vacuum is generally easy to maneuver, endlessly versatile, and usually cost-effective. Plus, you don't have to worry about the battery dying mid-clean since upright vacuums are usually corded.
To determine which upright vacuums live up to their claims, we tested dozens of models firsthand. We evaluated each vacuum for ease of setup, noise level, effectiveness, maneuverability, portability, ease of emptying, and value. As part of our testing, we made several messes on carpet, tile, and hardwood to see which upright vacuums could clean them up quickly, then we took the vacuums home to test them out in our daily lives. We found the best bagged and bagless upright vacuums, as well as the best models to suck up pet hair and more.
These are the best upright vacuums PEOPLE Tested, including several options under $200.
Best Overall: Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum
Pros
This vacuum is effective on carpet, hardwoods, tile, and grout.
A built-in HEPA filter removes allergens from the air.
It features a large canister that makes for easy, mess-free emptying.
Cons
This vacuum is not ideal for stairs.
It's harder to push on carpet.
As one would expect from a high-quality Shark vacuum, this Shark Navigator Deluxe was a dream from the moment it came out of the box. This upright vacuum was super easy to assemble — the instructions were straightforward, and there were only three parts to click together. This Shark vacuum performed remarkably well on all flooring surfaces (including hard floors, grouted tile, and carpet), effortlessly sucking up all the debris and hair in one or two passes.
It also transitioned smoothly between surfaces and was easy to maneuver under furniture and around sharp corners. That said, it was slightly harder to push on high-pile carpet and a little cumbersome on stairs, but this is often the case with upright vacuums.
Vacuuming upholstered furniture was a breeze with the pet brush and crevice tool. Thanks to the built-in HEPA filter, the Shark Navigator Deluxe also traps and removes dust, pollen, dander, and other allergens from your indoor air.
The noise level was about average — not excessively loud, but also not ideal for conversing. We found emptying the large dirt canister to be really simple: It detaches without a fuss and empties without making another mess. Considering the powerful suction, user-friendly design, and overall versatility, we think this Shark upright vacuum is fairly priced and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone in the market for an upright model.
How it's held up:
After six months of regular use, the Shark Navigator Deluxe continued to work like a dream. Though it no longer looks new (with a few scuffs and nicks), it still picks up pet hair, dust bunnies, dirt, and crumbs with ease. We love how it gently pulls forward like a self-propelled lawn mower, which makes cleaning feel pretty effortless. The lightweight design and easy-to-empty dirt canister make this vacuum cleaner a reigning champ in the upright category.
Dimensions: 45.5 x 15 x 11.5 inches | Weight: 16 pounds | Dirt Cup Size: 3.4 liters | Cord Length: 25 feet | Attachments: Pet brush, duster, crevice tool, long-reach hose, floor brush nozzle
Best Budget: Hart Pro Bagless Upright Vacuum with HEPA Media Filter
Pros
It's easy to assemble and use.
It features good suction power on hard floors and low-pile carpet.
It's easy to change heads with the on-unit attachment storage.
Cons
It's not ideal for high-pile carpet.
The vacuum is heavy and can be slightly cumbersome to handle on stairs.
On a budget? The Hart Pro is an excellent choice. Though a couple of parts were wedged tightly into styrofoam, this vacuum was easy enough to assemble and set up. It had good suction power and moved pretty effortlessly on most surfaces. While it took a bit more elbow grease to roll it back and forth over the high-pile carpet, it still picked up almost all the debris and hair in just a few passes.
We thought the Hart Pro transitioned well across different surfaces and was generally easy to maneuver. But at 16 pounds, it's on the heavier side for an upright model. This makes it slightly cumbersome, especially when using it on stairs. Still, the cord length was plenty long, and the on-unit storage was really handy when swapping out the attachments. All in all, this vacuum cleaner is an incredible value. For this much suction power at an affordable price, we recommend it without hesitation.
Dimensions: 15 x 5 x 8 inches | Weight: 16 pounds | Dirt Cup Size: Not listed | Cord Length: Not listed | Attachments: Crevice tool, pet upholstery tool
Best for Pet Hair: Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner
Pros
This upright vacuum is reasonably priced and reliable.
The setup process was a breeze.
It has an easy-to-empty dust bin.
Cons
There's no HEPA filter.
It's not ideal for stairs.
If you're looking for a great pet hair vacuum, we recommend the Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind. This vacuum took almost no time to set up — all you have to do is pop on the handle. It performed really well on hard floors, particularly grouted tile, removing all the debris and hair during our tests. It also did an excellent job cleaning medium-pile rugs and carpets. While it's easy to maneuver on flat surfaces, it's somewhat heavy compared to a stick vac, which makes it a little harder to move up and down stairs. We tested a large group of vacuums for pet hair, but this Bissell model proved to be exceptional at picking up pet hair during our real-world tests.
The CleanView Swivel is about average in terms of noise level, and emptying the dirt canister is an easy, mess-free process. Bear in mind this vacuum cleaner doesn't have a HEPA filter. But considering the simple setup process and all-around effective design, we think the lower-than-average price tag makes it worth buying.
How it's held up:
After six months of use, the CleanView Swivel Rewind looks and works just like new. It sucks up pet hair like it's nothing, even on carpeted floors, steps, and other high-traffic areas. The suction is so strong, it can even vacuum up small Legos and loose change. Not only that, but the swivel head makes it easy to move around. The only thing to note is that emptying the dirt canister can sometimes be messy if you're not careful.
Dimensions: 46 x 14 x 13 inches | Weight: 14 pounds | Dirt Cup Size: 1 liter | Cord Length: 27 feet | Attachments: Dusting brush, crevice tool, motorized brush
People / Rachel Marek
Best with HEPA Filter: Kenmore AllergenSeal Bagless Multi-Surface Lift-Up Upright Vacuum
Pros
It comes with several useful tools for furniture, counters, and tight corners.
There's a convenient handheld attachment for stairs, shelves, and curtains.
It works well on all surfaces.
Cons
It's not ideal for stairs.
Hair gets stuck in the filter.
We also liked the Kenmore AllergenSeal Vacuum. As the name suggests, it leans on a HEPA filter to remove dust, dander, pollen, and other allergens from the air you breathe. This upright vacuum did an excellent job cleaning hard floors, grouted tile, and carpet. Though the main brush roll was hard to maneuver on stairs, the "Lift-Up" handheld attachment made it more doable.
It comes with several other useful attachments, too. We loved how well the upholstery and crevice tools worked for cleaning furniture, and the pet tool is perfect for picking up hair. There's also a dusting brush and a combination tool that removes dust, hair, and other debris from hard-to-reach places. This vacuum has a long 30-foot power cord and a decent-sized dirt cup. Emptying the canister is pretty easy, but hair can get caught in the filter, and you may have to get your hands dirty to dislodge it. All things considered, this is an effective mid-range vacuum cleaner that gets the job done.
Dimensions: 45.5 x 11 x 10.5 inches | Weight: 14 pounds | Dirt Cup Size: 2 liters | Cord Length: 30 feet | Attachments: Combination tool, upholstery tool, crevice tool, pet tool, dusting brush
Related: The 6 Best Vacuums Under $200, Tested and Reviewed
Best Bagged: Kenmore Floor Care Elite Bagged Upright Vacuum
Pros
The HEPA filter helps eliminate allergens from the air.
It's easy to maneuver with an extra-long power cord.
It has two modes: floor and carpet.
Cons
It's heavier than average.
For those who prefer traditional bagged over bagless designs, we recommend the Kenmore Floor Care Elite. This vacuum took about 10 minutes to set up because it called for a Phillips screwdriver to attach the parts. However, once we had it assembled, we were impressed with the overall design. It has two modes (floor and carpet) and did a good job of picking up virtually all the debris during our tests, including dried rice grains and hair. (The hair got caught in the rotator brush, but it was easy enough to remove with scissors.) It also has a HEPA filter that helps eliminate allergens from your air.
The Kenmore Floor Care Elite moves around with ease and has an extra-long 35-foot power cord. Instead of a reusable canister, this upright vacuum uses disposable bags. While changing them out is a simple process, we should note it's an added expense, as you have to keep more on hand. Weighing over 21 pounds, this is one of the heavier vacuums we tested, so it's not the best for cleaning stairs. But in the end, we were satisfied with its performance and think it's reasonably priced.
Dimensions: 46 x 14 x 14 inches | Weight: 21 pounds | Dirt Cup Size: N/A | Cord Length: 35 feet | Attachments: Dust brush, crevice tool, bare floor tool, extension wand
People / Rachel Marek
Best Bagless: Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
Pros
The vacuum's powerful suction picks up all types of debris.
It's easy to maneuver with smooth surface transitions.
It switches to handheld for shelves, counters, and furniture.
Cons
It's somewhat loud.
This upright Shark vacuum is extremely powerful and easy to use. With just four pieces to connect and straightforward instructions, the Shark Vertex took under five minutes to set up. It was exceptionally good at picking up all types of debris, though larger pieces like dried rice required a second pass. It worked well on multiple types of flooring (though it struggled a bit on grouted tile) and transitioned smoothly between surfaces.
The pet and crevice tools came in handy when picking up hair and vacuuming upholstery. You can also detach the base and use it as a handheld vacuum to clean shelves, countertops, curtains, or furniture. This vacuum is pretty loud, which isn't really surprising, considering the powerful motor. We found it easy to maneuver, thanks to the long power cord, pivoting head, and smooth, self-propelled roller. It also has a large dirt canister and a built-in HEPA filter for removing dust and dander from your indoor air.
Dimensions: 46.5 x 15 x 12 inches | Weight: 16.4 pounds | Dirt Cup Size: 3.8 liters | Cord Length: 30 feet | Attachments: Pet tool, dust brush, pet power brush
Best Lightweight: Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
Pros
It's easy to set up without instructions.
This vacuum works well on all flooring surfaces and stairs.
It comes with useful attachments for hard-to-reach areas.
Cons
It can be very loud.
It's somewhat bulky.
Becnel says lightweight models are ideal, like the Shark Rotator, which weighs just over 14 pounds. This upright vacuum was incredibly simple to set up — we didn't even need to look at the instructions to figure out how the parts snapped together. Though it's not as compact as others we tried, which makes it harder to reach under furniture, we found it generally easy to maneuver. And the attachments worked well for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.
The Shark Rotator sucked up everything in its path on all flooring surfaces and even stairs. It's very loud, though, so don't expect to be able to hold conversations while it's running. The dirt cup is larger than most (nearly 4 liters) and a piece of cake to empty. This vacuum also has a HEPA filter to help clean your indoor air. While we wouldn't call it budget-friendly, we think the price tag is reasonable, considering the high-quality, efficient design.
Dimensions: 46 x 12 x 12 inches | Weight: 14 pounds | Dirt Cup Size: 3.8 liters | Cord Length: 30 feet | Attachments: Dusting brush, pet brush, wide pet tool, straight suction nozzle
Best for Carpet: Shark AZ1002 Apex Upright Vacuum
Pros
This vacuum works well on medium- and high-pile carpets.
It's easy to push back and forth.
It comes with a convenient handheld attachment for stairs and upholstery.
Cons
It has a small dirt cup.
If you have wall-to-wall carpeting at home, go with the Shark Apex. This vacuum was easy to assemble, though unboxing and removing the plastic from the individually wrapped parts took some time. There are three settings for different flooring types, which you'll have to change before moving it onto a new surface. It worked well enough on hard floors but performed best on carpet, especially medium- and high-pile.
Not only that, but the Apex was easy to maneuver, pushing back and forth with minimal effort. The handheld "Lift-Away" attachment was useful for cleaning stairs, and the crevice tool helped us remove debris from furniture upholstery. One thing to note is that the dirt canister is on the smaller side for an upright model, but it's still big enough to get you through a single vacuuming session. Other than that, the price is a bit steep, but it might be worth the investment if you're looking for an effective solution for cleaning a high-pile carpet or rug.
Dimensions: 46 x 12 x 11 inches | Weight: 16 pounds | Dirt Cup Size: 0.8 liters | Cord Length: 30 feet | Attachments: Crevice tool, upholstery tool
Related: The 7 Best Wet-Dry Vacuums of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best Investment: Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra
Pros
It offers powerful suction on hard floors and carpet.
The extra-long power cord makes it ideal for large spaces.
It's backed by a five-year warranty.
Cons
The setup is a bit confusing.
It's somewhat heavy.
Dyson vacuums are always solid options for those willing to invest in higher-end models. We loved everything about this particular vacuum except for the initial setup: The directions have pictures showing how everything connects, but without written instructions, it just wasn't intuitive. However, once you get this upright vacuum assembled, you'll be impressed. This powerhouse appliance does excellent work on both hard floors and carpets — effortlessly picking up dirt, coffee grounds, dry cereal, and hair — and transitioning smoothly between surfaces.
This vacuum has an extra-long 35-foot power cord. It maneuvers well into corners and around furniture, and the attachments help you get into small nooks and crannies. That said, it's pretty heavy, which makes it hard to move up and down stairs. The noise level is about average — not quiet but also not deafeningly loud. Though the price is undoubtedly steep, you can count on Dyson for reliable quality, plus it's backed by a five-year warranty.
How it's held up:
Six months later, we're still loving the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra. It's super easy to maintain, continues to run remarkably well, and looks as good as it did the day we pulled it out of the packaging. This vacuum is a workhorse in high-traffic areas, including carpeted floors, area rugs, and stairs, picking up all visible (and invisible) debris in its path. It's proven to be an outstanding choice for households with shedding animals. We stand by our claim that it's well worth the investment.
Dimensions: 42 x 15.5 x 11 inches | Weight: 17.3 pounds | Dirt Cup Size: 2.1 liters | Cord Length: 35 feet | Attachments: Combination tool, stair tool, turbine tool, grooming tool
People / Rachel Marek
Related: The 9 Best Dyson Hair and Home Products That Are Worth the Splurge
Other Upright Vacuums to Consider
Dirt Devil Endura Upright Vacuum: We didn't test the Dirt Devil Endura firsthand, but the tens of thousands of five-star Amazon ratings speak for themselves. This incredibly affordable vacuum (it's only $59) boasts powerful suction on both carpets and hard floors. Weighing less than nine pounds, it's also lightweight and compact. We also appreciate that the dirt cup is easy to empty with the press of a button, and the filter can be rinsed out.
Things to Consider When Buying an Upright Vacuum
Upright vs. Stick Vacuums
Upright vacuums are the most common type of vacuum cleaner due to their versatility and reliable suction power. As the name suggests, they stand upright and are operated from a handle on the top.
Cordless stick vacuums (which we also tested) stand upright, but they're usually much slimmer and lighter than traditional upright vacuums. This makes stick vacuums easy to maneuver and handy for accessing hard-to-reach areas. The main downside to cordless stick vacuums is that they run on batteries, so you have to recharge them after about 20 minutes of use.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Most of today's upright vacuums are bagless, meaning they have a removable canister you empty each time it fills up with dirt. With a bagged model, you can easily replace the dust bags when they fill up. But since you have to keep extras on hand, it's an added expense and somewhat wasteful because you throw out the used bags.
Attachments
"Most upright vacuums come with an assortment of attachments for upholstery and small crevices," says Becnel. For instance, the Kenmore AllergenSeal Lift-Up Upright Vacuum includes a combination tool, upholstery tool, crevice tool, pet tool, and dusting brush. These interchangeable pieces make it easy to access hard-to-reach areas and clean surfaces other than floors, like furniture upholstery, curtains, or car interiors.
HEPA Filter
Many upright vacuums have built-in HEPA filters, like the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum. "These are so important because they capture such a large amount of allergens in your home," says Becnel.
HEPA stands for "high-efficiency particulate air." As the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) explains, these filters trap over 99.9 percent of dust, dander, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other microscopic particles floating around your indoor air.
When to Buy an Upright Vacuum
The best time to buy an upright vacuum is in the spring. Manufacturers run sales in line with consumers' "spring cleaning" spirit, and they often need to get rid of their current inventory to make room for new releases, which usually come out in June.
You'll often see discounts during the holidays (spanning from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day), particularly on or around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Additionally, many vacuum brands have sales on other bank holidays, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
People/Henry Wortock
How We Tested Upright Vacuums
After researching today's best upright vacuums, we selected dozens of the highest-rated models to try firsthand. We performed four rounds of tests on general vacuums, upright vacuums, pet hair vacuums, and wet/dry vacuums.
Setup: Upon unboxing them, we timed how long it took to assemble each vacuum. After weighing them, we switched them on and used a decibel reader to measure the noise output.
Effectiveness: We ran the vacuums on various flooring surfaces (including grouted tile, hard floors, and carpet with different pile heights), as well as on furniture and stairs. They were evaluated for how quickly and effectively they picked up various debris, such as hair, dirt, coffee grounds, and rice. We noted how easy they were to push, lift, and move around tight corners. Finally, we tried out all the attachments and emptied the dirt cups or changed the bags.
Long-Term Testing: The upright vacuums were tested in long-term at-home settings for up to six months.
Overall Value: We awarded each upright vacuum a score for ease of setup, noise level, effectiveness, maneuverability, portability, ease of emptying, and value. With effectiveness accounting for roughly half the total score, those upright vacuums with the highest ratings were selected for this roundup.
People / Dera Burreson
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest upright vacuum to push?
According to our tests, the Shark Vertex Powered Lift-Away Vacuum is the easiest upright vacuum model to push, even on medium- and high-pile carpets. We also found the Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner easy to maneuver on flat surfaces, though it was a little cumbersome when cleaning stairs.
Which upright vacuum has the most suction?
In our tests, we found the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum to have the most powerful suction. It quickly and effortlessly sucks up all types of debris in one or two passes. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra also has impressive suction power, though it's a more expensive option.
Should I get an upright or stick vacuum?
This is ultimately a matter of preference. Upright vacuums are generally more powerful, and since they usually plug into a wall, you can use them as long as you need to without worrying about the battery dying. Stick vacuums, on the other hand, are slimmer and lighter-weight, making them more portable and a little easier to maneuver. But most only run for about 20 minutes before needing to be recharged.
Related: The 6 Best Canister Vacuums of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Why Trust People?
In compiling this list of best upright vacuum cleaners, freelance writer and editor Theresa Holland drew on the experiences of our team of product testers, countless online user reviews, and an interview with cleaning expert Hailey Becnel. As stated above, we put these vacuums through multiple rounds of lab testing, including testing them at home for six months.
Meet Our Expert
Hailey Becnel is a cleaning expert.
People / Dera Burreson
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
Up Next: The 7 Best Vacuums for Hardwood Floors of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
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