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Backpack vacuums are a great alternative to standard upright and stick vacuums. They are more convenient for large spaces and challenging spots like stairs. They generally feature simpler designs and fewer parts than most other vacuum types, meaning they typically require less maintenance.
Karina Toner, Operations Manager for Spekless Cleaning, says backpack vacuums are also remarkably lightweight and user-friendly. According to Toner, “Many backpack vacuums weigh less than 10 pounds, which significantly reduces the physical effort required to carry and use them. This lightweight design makes them ideal for extended cleaning sessions, as they minimize fatigue and strain.”
Our top pick, the Hoover Commercial Shoulder Vac Pro, is one of the lightest models on our list yet features a debris bin large enough for cleaning both homes and commercial spaces. To help you find the right options for your needs, here are our picks for the best backpack vacuums.
- BEST OVERALL: Hoover Commercial Shoulder Vac Pro Backpack Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Atrix Ergo HEPA Backpack Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Prolux 2.0 Cordless Bagless Backpack Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CORDLESS: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COMMERCIAL: Prolux 2.0 Commercial Bagless Backpack Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR COMFORT: Powr-Flite Comfort Pro Backpack Vacuum With Tools
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
Whether you’re looking to clean a home with many stairs, a large commercial office, or a dusty construction site, we think these are six of the best backpack vacuums on the market. While upright, stick, and canister vacuums would also be excellent options, we like the following backpack vacuum picks for their combination of capacity and ease of use.
Best Overall
Hoover Commercial Shoulder Vac Pro Backpack Vacuum
Product Specs
- Weight: 9.2 pounds
- Capacity: 6.4 quarts
- Cord length: 48 feet
What We Like
- Lightweight yet large enough for big cleanups
- Comes with a versatile accessory pack
- Quiet operation is ideal for homes or offices
What We Don’t Like
- Extra-long cord requires attention during use
Whether you’re looking for a quality backpack vacuum to clean the house or the best vacuum for business use, the Hoover Commercial Shoulder Vac Pro will get the job done. Its 9.2-pound weight and chiropractor-designed harness make it one of the most comfortable models on the market.
This lightweight backpack vacuum cleaner has a generous capacity of 6.4 quarts, and it’s easy to monitor remaining canister space through the clear lid. When the debris bin is full, simply remove the bag and replace it with another disposable insert or reusable cloth liner. This vacuum features a hypercone HEPA filter that traps 99.97 percent of dirt, dust, and pollen down to 0.3 microns. It operates at 66 decibels, less than the average noise level of an office. We also like the convenient 48-foot cord on this unit, as it decreases the need to change outlets as you clean. We do, however, recommend you keep ahold of it as you go to avoid tripping.
Get the Hoover backpack vacuum at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Bang For The Buck
Atrix Ergo HEPA Backpack Vacuum
Product Specs
- Weight: 10.3 pounds
- Capacity: 8 quarts
- Cord length: 12 inches
What We Like
- Ergonomic design accommodates right or left-handed use
- Includes a crevice tool, nozzles, brushes, and filters
- Provides good value for commercial or home use
What We Don’t Like
- Short cord may not be ideal for some spaces
Although inexpensive vacuums often scrimp on included accessories and filter type, the Atrix Ergo HEPA backpack vacuum doesn’t leave you wanting for either. It has four filter levels and comes with a 10-pack of cloth replacement filters. Users also get a crevice tool and multiple nozzles, brushes, and hose/filter plugs with this bundle.
This backpack vacuum from Atrix also features a belt strap and low-profile design to ensure comfort during extended cleaning sessions. With its 8-quart capacity and 1,400-watt motor, this powerful vacuum can suck up lots of debris, including bed bugs, before you need to replace the bag.
Get the Atrix backpack vacuum at Amazon.
Prolux 2.0 Cordless Bagless Backpack Vacuum
Product Specs
- Weight: 11 pounds
- Capacity: 2 quarts
- Cord length: N/A
What We Like
- Adjustable straps accommodate most users
- HEPA filter is washable for extended use
- Lightweight and compact design enables longer cleaning sessions
- Includes 2 batteries for increased runtime
What We Don’t Like
- Battery charge takes 8 hours
Those wanting the best battery backpack vacuum need look no further than the Prolux 2.0 cordless and bagless backpack vacuum. Equipped with a self-cleaning HEPA filter to eliminate clogs, it’s also engineered to prevent loss of suction, even if the vacuum is full. Since it comes with two 30-minute batteries, you’ll be able to get through several rooms in just one session.
While the canister on this Prolux is smaller than most other models on our list, user reviews point out how easy it is to wear the lightweight and compact machine when moving from room to room. This cordless model also offers plenty of useful accessories, including a cleaning nozzle, crevice tool, upholstery tool, adjusting telescopic wand, and duster brush, so you can tackle nearly any type of cleaning job.
Get the Prolux cordless backpack vacuum at Amazon or The Home Depot
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum
Product Specs
- Weight: 15.25 pounds
- Capacity: 4 quarts
- Cord length: N/A
What We Like
- Quieter and more powerful than most jobsite and shop vacuums
- Has a HEPA filter, dust-extraction adapter, crevice tool, floor tool, and telescoping extension wand
- Harness is removable for users who’d rather carry it
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier than our other picks
- Batteries and charger are sold separately
Cordless vacuums are incredibly convenient for cleaning jobsite dust and debris. This cordless backpack model ups the ante by adding a removable harness for those who would prefer to wear this cleaning tool rather than carry it. It also has a generous 1-gallon (4-quart) dirt cup capacity and comes with a HEPA filter, flexible hose, dust-extraction adapter, crevice tool, floor tool, and telescoping extension wand.
While this particular Milwaukee M18 FUEL backpack vacuum doesn’t come with a battery or charger, users who don’t already own a compatible pack from the RedLithium line can opt to buy the kit version instead. In low mode, this Milwaukee model will run for around 40 minutes, and runtime is still an impressive 25 minutes when set on high.
Get the Milwaukee backpack vacuum at The Home Depot.
Prolux 2.0 Commercial Bagless Backpack Vacuum
Product Specs
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Capacity: 2 quarts
- Cord length: 50 feet
What We Like
- 40 percent more powerful than standard vacuums
- Comes with a 7-piece tool kit and pet-hair-eliminating mini turbo head
- Virtually maintenance-free for reliability and ease of use
What We Don’t Like
- Metal pole could scratch wood flooring if used without a tool
The Prolux 2.0 Commercial Bagless Backpack Vacuum is light in weight but heavy on accessories. With a hard floor tool, carpet tool, telescopic wand, crevice tool, and duster brush, as well as an upholstery tool with removable bristles, it’s easy to suck up dirt anywhere in the home. The 50-foot-long cord facilitates continuous multiroom cleaning.
Those with allergies and asthma will want to consider this commercial backpack vacuum cleaner since it has two HEPA filters, both self-cleaning and washable, to ensure collected particles are not released back into the air.A “vortex chamber” also moves dust particles away from the filter, eliminating filter clog. Since it’s bagless, this commercial model empties easily to prevent holdups during extended cleaning sessions.
Get the Prolux commercial backpack vacuum at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot or Target
Powr-Flite Comfort Pro Backpack Vacuum With Tools
Product Specs
- Weight: 8.62 pounds
- Capacity: 6 quarts
- Cord length: 50 feet
What We Like
- 5-stage HEPA filter helps reduce allergens and dust
- 62-decibel operation reduces noise pollution
- Padded waist belt holds tools and provides lumbar support
What We Don’t Like
- Long cord can be a tripping hazard if not monitored during use
Using a backpack vacuum can be more physical than pushing a traditional upright, so it’s crucial to choose a model with extra comfort features, such as the Powr-Flite Comfort Pro. In addition to contoured and padded shoulder straps, it features an adjustable chest strap and shoulder-mounted load stabilizers. It also has a padded waist belt and lumbar support to help transfer weight to your hips instead of shoulders for a more ergonomic fit.
The Powr-Flite Comfort Pro has a 6-quart capacity, weighs 8.62 pounds, and boasts a user-friendly 50-foot cord. It’s also loaded with accessories, including a crush-proof hose, crevice tool, upholstery tool, dusting tool, hard floor tool, carpet tool, and a Powr-Glide carpet tool. Between all those accessories and its zero-loss suction design, this is a great machine for cleaning everything from floors and sofas to window treatments.
Get the Powr-Flite backpack vacuum at Amazon or The Home Depot
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Backpack Vacuums
We curated our list of top picks based on a variety of factors. Features such as weight, included accessories, and canister size were primary considerations. We ensured each potential pick was versatile enough for multiple spaces and favored those using HEPA filtration since they help improve indoor air quality. Lastly, we considered price and how much value each machine would deliver to various types of users.
What to Consider When Choosing a Backpack Vacuum
There are many factors to consider when buying a backpack vacuum. For instance, will it be needed for a residential, commercial, or industrial setting? Who will use it, and how long will it be used per session? Is the vacuum easy to clean? Read on for our answers to these considerations and to see which additional features to look for when buying a backpack vacuum.
Capacity and Suction Power
Capacity should be a primary consideration. If the backpack vacuum will be used for commercial cleaning or construction-site cleanups, a high-capacity canister or bag will be the most convenient choice. A lower-capacity model will require continual emptying, which will demand more frequent stops during larger jobs. However, remember that high-capacity backpack vacuum cleaners are typically larger and can be more expensive.
Capacity can also affect suction. If the bag or canister is full, some backpack vacuum cleaners lose suction. When buying a backpack vacuum for a large space, you may want to look for a model engineered to maintain suction power even when full.
Weight
There is no standard weight for a backpack vacuum, but these appliances generally range from approximately 9 pounds to over 25 pounds. The heavier the vacuum is, the less likely it is to be comfortable. For models weighing more, it’s smart to prioritize choosing one with comfort features like padded belts and chest or waist straps.
Heavier models may have some advantages over lightweight vacuums, however. They often have a larger debris canister and a more powerful motor, which will be helpful to those using a backpack vacuum for industrial purposes like cleaning up drywall or wood dust.
Corded vs. Cordless
Corded models are the best options for extended cleaning sessions because there’s no need to worry about a battery dying, potentially stopping to swap a dead battery for a charged one, or being unable to finish cleaning until the battery recharges.
On the other hand, cordless backpack vacuums can be more convenient than corded ones because you won’t have to pause when moving between rooms to plug and unplug. With a battery-powered backpack vacuum, there’s also no cord to get in the way when cleaning tight areas. For this reason, backpack options can be the best vacuums for stairs and bathrooms. However, keeping track of remaining battery power can be a nuisance, and batteries generally add weight to cordless options.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Choosing whether the best vacuum is a bagged or bagless version is simply a matter of preference. Vacuums with bags may cost more to maintain because the bags must be replaced (unless the machine comes with reusable bags). Still, these vacuums can be easier to clean since you simply need to take out the old bag and replace it with a new one. It can be difficult to know when it’s time to do this, however, since you generally can’t see the fill level of a debris bag.
Alternatively, bagless vacuum capacity is easier to monitor because the dirt cup or canister is often clear. Most have a button or lever to open the canister for easy emptying into a receptacle.
Features and Accessories
For many users, especially those with asthma or allergies, one of the most important features to look for in a backpack vacuum is a HEPA filter. These filters can capture 99.97 percent of pollen, dust, bacteria, mold, and other small airborne particles.
Karina Toner, Operations Manager of Spekless Cleaning, further reinforced the importance of HEPA filtration. “This filtration improves indoor air quality, making the environment healthier for occupants. In homes with allergy sufferers or businesses like healthcare facilities, maintaining clean air is particularly important.”
The best backpack vacuums also come with a variety of accessories, such as crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and carpet tools that attach easily to the vacuum’s hose. Look for a hose that’s flexible and long enough to use the tools and accessories comfortably and safely.
Noise
Noise level is a crucial consideration when choosing a backpack vacuum—and not just because motors make an unpleasant sound. Though it might not appear to be a major problem for the average person vacuuming a home, a noisy vacuum can be very disruptive when used in a commercial setting such as an office.
But more significantly, a backpack vacuum that’s too noisy can potentially damage the user’s hearing. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), exposure to any sound above 85 decibels could be dangerous over time and may require intervention such as earplugs, particularly for someone vacuuming for 8 or more hours a day.
FAQs
A backpack vacuum is a great way to clean any home, commercial property, or jobsite, but you may still be wondering whether this type is right for you. Read on for answers to some of the most commonly asked backpack vacuum questions.
Backpack and upright vacuums both have their upsides and downsides. For users needing to clean large spaces and who are capable of carrying a backpack vacuum, these models can be an especially convenient option.
Yes! Backpack vacuums are versatile appliances that can be used on carpet, hardwood floors, and tiles. Check the information included with your backpack vacuum to see if there are any surfaces you should never vacuum with your particular machine.
Vacuum cleaners with a bag aren’t better than bagless ones; it’s simply a matter of preference. With bagless, you will need to periodically empty the canister but won’t have to keep a supply of bags on hand.
Every backpack vacuum is different, but most models weigh between 9 and 25 pounds.
Backpack vacuums are best stored in a utility closet. If the backpack vacuum is cordless, be sure to plug it in to charge the battery. Users can store a backpack leaf vacuum in an outdoor shed.
We recommend you read the manufacturer’s instructions for information on how to clean a vacuum since different machines will require different cleaning steps. Depending on whether you have a bagless or bagged model, you’ll need to empty the canister or replace (or wash) the bag. You’ll also want to clean or replace the filter(s), wipe the machine down, and likely rinse any accessories you use.
