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A vacuum cleaner is an essential appliance in nearly every home, but with so many types on the market, it can be difficult for shoppers to narrow down their options. That’s why we recently tested some of the highest-rated vacuums, pitting them against piles of dirt, food crumbs, and hair, evaluating their ease of use and testing any extra features.
Our top pick is the Dyson v15 Detect Cordless Vacuum thanks to its powerful suction, green illumination light that reveals hidden dust, versatility, and long battery life. It’s a great choice for most homes, efficiently cleaning hard floors and carpeted areas.
We also tested upright, canister, robot, handheld, and additional stick vacuums. Keep reading to learn how the best vacuums fared in testing and which models might suit your needs and budget.
- BEST OVERALL: Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Samsung Jet 75 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - BEST UPRIGHT: Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CANISTER: Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team Canister Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Tineco Pure One S11 Cordless Stick Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HANDHELD: Black+Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ROBOT: Roborock Q Revo Robot Vacuum and Mop
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR PET HAIR: Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Eureka OmniVerse Upright Vacuum
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 32 |
| Time spent testing | 9 weeks |
| Tests performed | 7 |
| Price range | $90 to $900 |
Our Top Picks
The following vacuums are our top picks. We chose each model based on its value, performance, and features.
Best Overall
Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum
Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Stick
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Weight: 6.8 pounds
What We Like
- Green illumination reveals invisible dust and hair
- Smart suction system automatically detects floor type
- Includes a variety of brush heads and attachments
- Ample battery life for most homes
What We Don’t Like
- Small dustbin requires frequent emptying
If your floors still seem dirty after you vacuum, you might not be picking up the tiny pieces of dust and hair that often litter the ground. The Dyson V15 Detect offers a solution: a laser that reveals small particles of dirt, ensuring every bit is vacuumed. The laser is only available on the Fluffy Optic cleaner head for hard floors. However, the V15 Detect also comes with a Digital Motorbar cleaner head that intelligently adapts its suction based on floor type to deep-clean carpets and hard surfaces.
The Dyson V15 has three cleaning modes: Eco (low), Auto (medium), and Boost (high). The Eco mode provided plenty of suction for our daily vacuuming needs, and the auto mode was sufficient for removing embedded hair from carpet. The Boost mode was helpful for large messes but created more suction than we needed, picking up rugs as we attempted to vacuum them.
It takes 4.5 hours to charge the Dyson completely, and each charge lasts approximately an hour. It’s important to note that runtime is impacted by which mode is being used. We were able to vacuum our entire 2,500-square-foot home on one charge with time left to spare. The vacuum is equipped with a digital display that shows the remaining battery life in minutes, the size and amount of dust particles captured, and cleaning mode. We have previously tested many Dyson models, and this vacuum was almost perfect. The only thing we’d wish for is a larger-capacity dustbin.
Get the Dyson V15 vacuum at Amazon, Wayfair, or Target.
Runner-Up
Samsung Jet 75 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum
Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Stick
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Weight: 6.2 pounds
What We Like
- Removable battery for easy charging
- Low-profile head fits under furniture
- 4 suction levels
- Battery lasts up to an hour
What We Don’t Like
- Must remove dustbin to empty it
- No lights to illuminate dirt and hair
Weighing in at only 6.2 pounds, the Samsung Jet 75 Pet is a cordless stick vacuum with four suction modes and two useful attachments. It works on all types of flooring, from vinyl and hardwoods to thick area rugs and carpet. A single battery charge allows it to run up to 1 hour, and since its battery is removable, you can purchase extras (sold separately) if you’d like an even longer runtime.
This lightweight stick vacuum was one of our favorites for cleaning messes quickly. We used it to suction M&Ms, rice, and flour from our hardwood floors and area rugs, and it had no problem tackling any of these substances. It has three vacuum setting levels, including Min, Mid, and Max, plus a “Jet” level we could activate to suction up especially tough messes.
The Samsung Jet 75 Pet comes with two attachments—a long crevice tool for reaching tight spots and a mini motorized tool that can clean pet hair and dirt off furniture and mattresses. Since this model was so lightweight, it was easy to hold overhead when we needed to vacuum cobwebs from the ceiling or dust from our curtains. The only thing we didn’t like was the dust canister. We had to remove the canister from the vacuum each time it needed emptying and then line it up to snap it in place, which often took a couple of tries.
Best Bang for the Buck
Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum
Our Ratings: Performance 4.8/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 4.3/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Upright
- Corded or cordless: Corded
- Weight: 12.5 pounds
What We Like
- Affordable price for an upright vacuum
- Ideal for allergy sufferers
- Lift-Away technology makes it easy to maneuver
- Ideal for carpets and hardwood flooring
What We Don’t Like
- Somewhat cheap-looking appearance
Sharing many of the same features of the brand’s top offerings, the Shark Navigator vacuum comes in at a much lower price. It features a lift-away pod that allows it to be used like a hand vacuum on stairs and furniture. It also allows for extended reach on curtains and upholstery. The Shark includes a wide upholstery tool, a crevice tool, and swivel steering, all of which make it easy to reach every nook and cranny.
The Shark Navigator has two settings: one for bare floors and another that activates the brush roll for carpet. During testing, it was able to pick up flour, rice, dirt, and small candies in both modes. We removed the lift-off pod for stair cleaning, which was as easy as pressing a button, stepping on the vacuum head, and lifting. The included upholstery and crevice tools enabled us to sweep up every piece of dirt from our steps. We found that the lift-off pod was also convenient for cleaning our car.
Although the plastic construction makes this vacuum look lower quality than others on our list, it didn’t affect its performance. We found it did a great job of cleaning, proved to be versatile, and is a standout among cheap vacuum cleaners.
Get the Shark vacuum at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Upright
Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra Upright Vacuum
Our Ratings: Performance 4.8/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 4.3/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Upright
- Corded or cordless: Corded
- Weight: 17.3 pounds
What We Like
- Works on all floor types
- Powerful suction picks up embedded hair
- Up to a 50-foot reach
- Easy to maneuver
What We Don’t Like
- Pricey compared to similar vacuums
- Vacuum head won’t fit under low furniture
Dyson has earned a reputation as one of the best vacuum brands, and after testing the Ball Animal 3 Extra, it’s easy to see why. This vacuum features settings for hard floors, low-pile, and high-pile carpets. Its ergonomic ball design made it effortless to maneuver around the home, and its powerful suction picked up every type of test debris we put in its path.
When we first received the Ball Animal 3 Extra, we used it daily for about a week, testing it on hardwood floors, carpet, area rugs, and stairs to get a good feel for how it performed in everyday life. Compared to the cordless vacuum we typically use, it was a bit heavier and bulkier but still easy to grab in a pinch.
The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra features a 35-foot cord and a hose with 15 feet of reach. This reach, combined with the stair tool attachment, made cleaning our stairs easy. It also comes with a pet-grooming attachment, which gently suctions the hair from medium- to long-haired dogs. The Ball Animal 3 Extra proved extremely versatile. The only con we could find was that the thicker vacuum head didn’t fit under all of our low-to-the-ground furniture.
Get the Dyson Ball Animal 3 vacuum at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Best Buy.
Best Canister
Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team Canister Vacuum
Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 4.3/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Canister
- Corded or cordless: Corded
- Weight: 19 pounds
What We Like
- Features a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) lifetime filter
- Comes with several nozzles and brushes
- Automatic power cord rewind
- Onboard storage for attachments
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy to carry up and down stairs
The Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team is a high-powered bagless canister vacuum with four suction settings. Two brushes are included with the vacuum: the flexible Parquet Twister, ideal for gently cleaning hardwood floors, and a turbo brush designed for carpeting. An upholstery nozzle and crevice nozzle are also included, which store directly on the canister for easy access.
The Miele Blizzard features a HEPA lifetime filter that never needs to be changed or replaced. The Gore CleanStream Fine Dust Filter traps dust, making this model perfect for allergy sufferers. Even though we typically use an upright or stick vacuum, the canister’s four caster wheels provided smooth maneuvering, and it was one of our favorite vacuums for hardwood floors. It was also one of the most efficient. Its high suction power picked up all dirt and debris in its path, allowing us to make it through each room quickly.
This Miele vacuum was easy to empty thanks to its dustbin that lifted from the canister and emptied from the bottom. At 19 pounds, this is the heaviest model on our list. While it wasn’t hard to carry from room to room, it did feel a little heavy when we took it up and down our stairs.
Get the Miele vacuum at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Wayfair.
Best Lightweight
Tineco Pure One S11 Cordless Stick Vacuum
Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Versatility 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Stick
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Weight: 5.73 pounds
What We Like
- LED light illuminates hidden dirt
- Auto adjusts suction power based on dirt level
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
What We Don’t Like
- Small dustbin fills up quickly
Lightweight vacuums make it easy to clean up crumbs and tracked-in dirt. They’re also handy for overhead work, such as removing cobwebs from the ceilings, and vacuuming furniture. The Tineco Pure One S11 is one such model. It’s lightweight and converts to a handheld cordless vacuum for versatility. Attachments include a crevice tool, a two-in-one dusting brush, and a mini power brush.
This Tineco vacuum has smart features, including an iLoop dust sensor that detects the level of dirt on the floor and automatically adjusts the suction. The vacuum’s LED display shows indicators for the battery level, dust detection, tangled roller, and blocked air channels. You can also connect the vacuum to a smartphone-compatible app.
During testing, this small vacuum cleaner was easy to maneuver around the home and provided adequate suction for hard floors and carpet. We were able to suction pet hair from a variety of surfaces and appreciated the display, which gave us a visual indication of the dirt level on our floors. The only feature we didn’t enjoy was the small dustbin that we had to frequently empty. It also has a somewhat shorter battery life than comparable stick vacuums, only lasting up to 40 minutes on a single charge.
Get the Tineco vacuum at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Handheld
Black+Decker Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum
Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Versatility 4/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Handheld
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
What We Like
- 2 speeds and a PowerBoost option
- Washable filter and prefilter
- Good suction and easy to use
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t include upholstery or pet hair attachments
Cordless dust busters are convenient for cleaning food spills, sweeping out cars, and tackling stairs, but some don’t have enough battery life or suction power to make them worthwhile. The Black+Decker portable vacuum comes equipped with a 20-volt MAX lithium-ion battery, which ran for 30 minutes during our testing. Its suction power was adequate for cleaning up large and small messes, and the washable filter and prefilter make it easy to clean the vacuum.
The included long crevice tool was helpful when cleaning our car’s interior, letting us reach into tight spaces under the gas pedals and between seats. We could switch between two speed levels or hit the PowerBoost button when we needed extra suction. Cleaning the dustbin after use was as simple as pressing a button and emptying the collected debris into the trash.
While we were happy with the Black+Decker’s ease of use, light weight, and ability to be used as a portable car vacuum, we were disappointed that it didn’t come with any attachments for upholstery or pet hair. The only attachment it comes with is the built-in extra-long crevice tool.
Get the Black+Decker vacuum at Amazon.
Best Robot
Roborock Q Revo Robot Vacuum and Mop
Our Ratings: Performance 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Versatility 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Robot
- Corded or cordless: Cordless
- Weight: 25.6 pounds
What We Like
- Excellent suction; picked up all test debris
- Vacuums and mops simultaneously
- Self-empties debris into docking station
- Self-cleans the dirty mop pads
What We Don’t Like
- Not ideal for carpeted homes
- Won’t fit under all low furniture
The Roborock Q Revo is a robotic vacuum and mop with a self-emptying base and self-washing mop. It has 7,000 pascals of suction power and was able to pick up all debris during our tests, including rice, flour, dirt, and M&Ms. This model features dual spinning mops that lift as the robot detects area rugs. The base holds a dustbin, mop fill tank, and mop emptying tank. The robot refills its water reservoir tank as needed and periodically washes the mop pads to ensure dirt doesn’t spread on the floor.
The Roborock Q Revo is Wi-Fi compatible and has a companion app. The first time we used it, it created a map of our home, which we could access through the app. The map allowed us to set no-go zones and create cleaning schedules.
We used the Q Revo on our hardwood and vinyl plank floors. It vacuumed and mopped simultaneously, lifting the mop pads when it detected rugs. It also avoided obstacles, which we appreciated since random toys and shoes often litter our floors. Every time we used this robot vacuum, our floors were spotless afterward. However, due to its mopping functionalities, we wouldn’t recommend it for mostly carpeted homes.
Get the Roborock vacuum at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best for Pet Hair
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Vacuum
Our Ratings: Performance 4.4/5; Versatility 4/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Upright
- Corded or cordless: Corded
- Weight: 13.75 pounds
What We Like
- Works well on low- and high-pile carpet
- Designed to pick up pet hair
- Includes a Febreze filter to eliminate odors
- Multiple attachments for cleaning pet hair
What We Don’t Like
- Less effective on hard flooring surfaces
One of the reasons the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is ideal for pet owners is that it uses a tangle-free brush roll, which prevents long pet hairs from becoming tangled. A quick-release wand offers extended reach for accessing ceilings and other hard-to-reach areas, and it comes with handy attachments, including an LED Crevice Tool, a Pet TurboEraser Tool, and a 2-in-1 Pet Dusting Brush.
We used the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser on our hardwood floors, low-pile carpet, and high-pile area rugs. It featured a switch at the top we could toggle between to choose what carpet type we were cleaning and a button that activated the brush roll. This vacuum did a fantastic job on carpet, suctioning hair, dust, and crumbs. We used it on our hard floors without the brush roll, and it picked up small dust and dirt particles but missed a lot of the large food crumbs. After use, we were able to empty the dustbin with the push of a button.
Thanks to its Smart Seal Allergen System, this pet hair vacuum is ideal for allergy sufferers. It also comes with an optional Febreze filter, which traps dust and allergens while simultaneously eliminating pet odors.
Get the Bissell vacuum at Amazon or Wayfair.
Also Consider
Eureka OmniVerse Upright Vacuum
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.4/5; Versatility 4/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Upright
- Corded or cordless: Corded
- Weight: 15.34 pounds
What We Like
- Adjustable canister height for easy under-furniture cleaning
- Bright headlight for better visibility
- Converts to a handheld vacuum
- Removable brush roll for easy cleaning
What We Don’t Like
- Upholstery and stair tool doesn’t swivel
- More expensive than similar models
The aptly named Eureka OmniVerse can tackle dust and debris anywhere in the house, on hard and soft surfaces, and it maneuvers around corners and under furniture with ease. It’s designed with onboard storage and comes with essential attachments: a crevice tool, a dusting brush tool, an upholstery and stair attachment, and a hose. What sets the OmniVerse apart is its canister. It slides up so you can easily glide the vacuum under furniture.
That said, we found it quite maneuverable even when we didn’t raise the canister. In addition to its maneuverability, there’s a lot to like about the Eureka. Its LED headlight brightly illuminated dust along baseboards and in corners, allowing us to clean anything we missed. It sucked up dog fur from stubborn car carpet nearly entirely. Plus, it’s easy to clean. We could empty the canister into the trash with the click of a button, and the brush roll pops out for easy maintenance as well. Its detachable canister enables this upright to double as a handheld vacuum, and though it’s heavier than a handheld, it’s a nice option to have.
We were less impressed with the motorized upholstery and stair tool. It doesn’t swivel, making it hard to clean the edge where risers and stairs meet. Also, as one of Eureka’s newest models, it’s a bit more expensive than comparable models. However, it’s still a solid choice for anyone who values maneuverability and versatility.
Get the Eureka vacuum at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Vacuums
Years of experience covering home products and appliances, as well as extensive product research, went into creating this guide. We explored over 50 of the best vacuums available and weighed several practical considerations before choosing which to test. There are many vacuum types, including upright, canister, handheld, robot, and stick. We wanted our guide to include the best models representing each type.
Testing parameters included using each vacuum in our homes for several weeks to evaluate how they performed in daily life. For more rigorous testing, we littered our floors with rice, dirt, and small candies to test each model’s suction power. We also assessed any included attachments or extra features.
The results from our tests were kept in a standardized rubric, where each vacuum was awarded a score from 0 to 5 based on performance, versatility, ease of use, and value. Ten vacuums earned a spot on our list due to their exceptional performance.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Vacuum
While it’s easy to assume that all vacuums offer similar performance, a number of factors affect their functionality. Keep reading to learn about several of the most important features to consider when choosing the best vacuum for your home.
Intended Use
The first thing to consider when choosing a vacuum is your intended use. There’s no one vacuum that’s right for everyone; each household has particular needs. Pet owners, for example, may seek out a different type of vacuum than a household without pets. The size of your home is another major consideration. Those with rugs and carpets will have different requirements than those with hardwood and tile floors. Robot vacuums offer a new level of convenience, but they’re not ideal for homes with lots of obstacles in place. Before you start shopping for a vacuum, take stock of how it will be used.
Weight and Maneuverability
Weight and maneuverability are key considerations, especially for shoppers with strength or mobility issues. Some types of vacuums are easier to maneuver than others. Canister vacuums, for example, are easier to carry up a flight of stairs and feel more lightweight to use because users are simply dragging the canister behind them while they work. Stick vacuums are designed to be lightweight and easy to move around the house, making them the top choice in terms of maneuverability. Upright vacuums, on the other hand, tend to be the heaviest and most cumbersome.
Corded vs. Cordless
There are two primary types of vacuums on the market today: corded and cordless. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages:
- Cordless vacuums offer optimal convenience, allowing users to maneuver around the house without worrying about plugging in the vacuum in each space. The downside is that they need to be charged between uses and may not have a sufficient battery life to vacuum an entire large home.
- Corded or plug-in vacuums tend to be more affordable and have longer lifespans than their cordless counterparts. Since they have unlimited runtimes, they’re ideal for those with larger homes since they don’t have a battery that can run out of power before the job is done.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Vacuums use either a refillable canister or a vacuum bag to collect dirt and debris. Most modern vacuums are bagless, but there are still some well-reviewed bagged vacuum cleaners on the market.
- Bagged vacuums are ideal for allergy sufferers because the bag can be neatly thrown away, preventing collected dust or dirt from reentering the home. They also improve a vacuum’s longevity because every speck of dirt is removed from the vacuum along with the bag. The biggest inconvenience is that users will need to repurchase bags periodically, adding another cost to their vacuum purchase.
- Bagless vacuums are convenient to use because the canister can simply be emptied out into a trash can and reused. The disadvantage is that dirt, hair, and other debris can clog the vacuum over time.
Additional Features
While all vacuums serve the same basic purpose, some models come with handy additional features.
- Added cleaning tools such as an edge cleaner, round brush, or upholstery brush make a vacuum more versatile.
- A bare-floor feature is ideal for those with hardwood floors or other uncarpeted surfaces.
- A brush agitator dislodges dirt from the carpet, making dirt easier to pick up.
- Pile-height adjustability is ideal for those with high-pile or shag carpets.
- Suction control allows for lighter suction when cleaning curtains or upholstery.
- A filtration system traps allergens to stop them from being dispersed into the air.
- A cord control feature automatically rewinds the cord.
Types of Vacuums
There are several different styles of vacuums, each of which has advantages and benefits. The most popular types of vacuums are upright, canister, stick, robot, handheld, and wet dry vacuums. Some types will work better for your home than others.
Upright
Upright vacuums have been popular for decades, and for good reason: They tend to offer high performance and are available for an affordable price. They can be corded or cordless and feature either bags or reusable dirt receptacles, offering variety to suit different needs. Most models have a built-in hose that comes with different attachments, allowing users to clean furniture and upholstery. Upright models are great for cleaning carpets and often offer adjustability to suit different pile heights. They’re also ideal for picking up pet hair. One downside is that they tend to be heavy and may be difficult to maneuver.
Canister
This style of vacuum features a wheeled canister that rolls behind you as you work. They have large, powerful motors, making them some of the highest-performing vacuums available. They typically come with a variety of cleaning heads, allowing users to switch the head depending on the task at hand. Canister vacuums are ideal for those with delicate flooring types—like handwoven rugs or softwood panels—because they come with cleaning heads designed to clean these areas gently without causing damage. They often have internal filtration systems that make them excellent for allergy sufferers. Their primary downside, however, is that they tend to be very expensive.
Stick
Stick vacuums are often cordless and feature small dirt receptacles that need to be cleaned out frequently due to their size. Their primary advantage is how easy they are to maneuver and use since they don’t need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Stick vacuums are slim, and their light weight makes them ideal for older users and those with mobility issues. Because they take up very little space, they’re also a great choice for those living in small apartments with limited storage space. Some are even designed to be wall-mounted so they can be accessed quickly and easily as needed. The downside is that they can be less powerful than upright and canister models.
Robot
Robot vacuums have become increasingly popular because they run automatically on set schedules, cleaning your house while you’re taking care of other tasks. They can’t perform quite as well as traditional vacuums, especially when it comes to cleaning carpets, but they work well for picking up everyday dirt, dust, and pet hair. In fact, they’re a great choice for pet owners because they can be set to run frequently to keep your home tidy. High-end robot vacuums have intelligent internal mapping systems that allow them to establish the floor plan of a home and work accordingly. Robot vacuums aren’t perfect, however, and often get stuck or require user intervention.
Handheld
Handheld vacuums are small and portable, making them the perfect choice for cleaning small messes as well as hard-to-reach areas. While older handheld vacuums couldn’t compete with standard models in terms of power and performance, today’s models have excellent suction, allowing them to pick up just as much as upright models. They can be corded or cordless, though cordless models are generally recommended for ideal ease of use.
FAQs
While you now know more about choosing the best vacuum for your home, you might want some additional information about how to use it. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about choosing and using a vacuum.
The right type of vacuum for you depends on the size of your home, the type of flooring you have, and a number of other factors. This guide should provide advice for choosing the best vacuum for your particular situation.
Professional cleaners typically use high-powered commercial vacuums that are capable of operating for hours each day. These models tend to be very expensive and are not necessary for everyday home use.
Some of the most popular vacuum brands include Shark, Dyson, Miele, Bissell, and Eureka.
Luckily, vacuums don’t need to be cleaned frequently. The entire device should be wiped down and deep-cleaned about once a year. Some vacuums have dirt canisters that should be cleaned more frequently in order to prevent clogs.
A vacuum cleaner can cost under $100 or over $1,000. The average price of a high-quality residential vacuum is between $150 and $500.
Meet the Testers
Katie Barton is a writer focusing on home improvement and cleaning. With three kids in tow, she’s spent the last 15 years vacuuming food crumbs and small pieces of paper from her floors. She looks for vacuums with high suction power and long lifespans.
Beth Cranston is an editor, writer, and product tester who has cleaned high-pile carpets covered in crumbs, dirt, and fur for more than 10 years. She looks for reasonably priced vacuums that can transform her carpet from flat to plush.
Glenda Taylor is a contractor, product tester, and writer focusing primarily on construction, DIY tools, and home appliances. Living in a very pet-friendly home, she’s learned what to look for in a quality vacuum.
Anne Holub is a Montana-based writer and first-time homeowner. With two dogs and a bunch of hardwood floors in her home, she knows how to put a vacuum through its paces. She’s tested handheld vacs, robot vacuums, mops, and more for BobVila.com, along with other household must-haves.
Debbie Wolfe is a writer, editor, and product tester who focuses on gardening and home improvement. She is the mom of several pets and boys, so vacuuming fur and crumbs are part of her daily routine. She prefers quality over bells and whistles, and her recommendations are always budget-minded.
Additional research provided by Savannah Sher.
