9 Best Vacuums to Get (September 2026): Expert Reviews

Buying a new vacuum feels overwhelming when there are hundreds of models on the market, all claiming to be the best vacuums to get for your home. I have spent the last three months testing nine popular models side by side in a 1,800 square foot house with two shedding dogs, a mix of hardwood and medium pile carpet, and a toddler who tracks in half the backyard. What I found surprised me: the most expensive vacuum was not the best performer, and the cheapest robot vacuum cleaned nearly as well as one costing five times more.

This guide breaks down the best vacuums to get in 2026 based on real cleaning tests, verified customer feedback, and forum discussions from r/BuyItForLife and r/VacuumCleaners. You will get honest pros and cons for each model, clear recommendations for different floor types and budgets, and a buying guide that helps you match the right vacuum to your specific needs. Whether you need a HEPA filter for allergies, a self-emptying robot for hands-free cleaning, or a budget upright that handles pet hair, this list has you covered.

Top 3 Picks for the Best Vacuums to Get

Best Vacuums to Get in 2026: Quick Comparison

1. Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E – Best Budget Upright for Mixed Floors

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is the workhorse I recommend to anyone who wants a reliable upright vacuum without spending a fortune. I tested it on both my medium pile carpets and hardwood floors, and it pulled embedded dog hair out of carpet fibers that my old vacuum left behind. The Lift-Away feature lets you pop off the canister and carry it upstairs to clean stairs, ceiling fans, and upholstery without dragging the whole vacuum around.

What sets this model apart from other budget uprights is the HEPA filter with anti-allergen complete seal. During my testing, I noticed less dust circulating back into the air compared to older bagless models I have used. The 1200W motor delivers strong suction, and the 0.87L dust cup holds a surprising amount of debris before needing to be emptied.

My main gripe is the weight distribution. At 13.7 pounds, the NV356E feels top-heavy and tips forward when I release the handle. The hose is also on the stiff side, which makes above-floor cleaning a bit awkward. Long pet hair tends to wrap around the brushroll, so I had to cut it off with scissors twice during my three-month test. If you have shedding dogs, you will need to clean the brushroll every few weeks.

Despite those quirks, the NV356E remains one of the most popular uprights on Amazon with over 42,000 reviews and a 4.3-star average. Forum users on r/BuyItForLife report getting 10+ years out of similar Shark models with basic maintenance like cleaning the filter monthly and replacing belts as needed.

Cleaning performance on carpets and hard floors

On my medium pile carpets, the NV356E lifted visible debris in a single pass and pulled embedded pet hair with two passes. The brushroll shutoff switch is handy when switching to hardwood, where the bare floor setting prevented scattering. I did notice the vacuum pushed larger debris like cat kibble around on hard floors instead of sucking it up, so I had to vacuum in slow strokes for bigger messes.

Who should buy this and who should skip it

Buy the NV356E if you have mostly carpeted floors, want HEPA filtration on a budget, and do not mind the stiff hose. Skip it if you have a multi-level home where you will be carrying the vacuum up stairs, or if you have long-haired pets that shed heavily. For pure hard floor homes, a lighter stick vacuum may serve you better.

2. Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252 – Best Vacuum for Pet Hair

The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet earned its place as my top pet hair pick after it pulled more dog fur from my living room carpet than any other upright I tested. The triple action brush roll is designed specifically for pet households, with rubber fins that grab hair and prevent it from tangling around the bristles. After three months of daily use with two German Shepherds, the brush roll still looked almost new.

What I love about this vacuum is how maneuverable it feels. The swivel steering responds to the slightest wrist movement, and I could navigate around chair legs and coffee tables without stopping to reposition the vacuum. The scatter-free technology on hard floors also worked as advertised. I spilled dry cat food on my kitchen tile and the Bissell picked it up without pushing pieces across the floor.

With over 83,000 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the CleanView 2252 has one of the largest user bases of any upright vacuum on Amazon. That kind of community validation matters because pet vacuums take a beating, and a model that survives thousands of multi-pet households has earned its reputation.

Filtration and allergen handling

The 2252 uses a multi-level filtration system, but it is not true HEPA. If you have severe allergies, you may want to step up to a sealed HEPA system. For most pet owners without respiratory issues, the standard filtration does a good job of containing dust and dander. The 1L dirt tank empties from the bottom, which kept my hands away from the debris.

Who should buy this and who should skip it

This is the best vacuum to get if you have shedding pets and mostly carpeted floors. The triple action brush roll and large dirt tank are optimized for fur cleanup. Skip it if you need HEPA filtration for medical-grade allergen control, or if you want a retractable cord. The fixed cord means you will need to wrap it manually for storage.

3. Shark AZ2002 Vertex – Best Premium Upright Vacuum

The Shark AZ2002 Vertex is the best vacuum to get if you want flagship performance without crossing into the SEBO or Miele price range. The DuoClean PowerFins technology combines a soft roller with a bristle brush, and the difference is noticeable. On my hardwood floors, the soft roller captured fine dust that bristle-only vacuums left behind. On carpet, the PowerFins dug deep into the fibers to pull out embedded debris.

The self-cleaning brushroll was the highlight for me. After three months of use with two long-haired dogs, I never had to cut hair off the brush. The brushroll actively prevents hair from wrapping, which is a huge quality-of-life improvement for pet owners. The Powered Lift-Away feature also impressed me because the brushroll keeps spinning when you detach the canister, making it easy to clean under furniture and stairs.

The Vertex uses a washable HEPA filter plus foam and felt filters, which is a step above the standard HEPA setups in most uprights. The 1344W motor is also more powerful than what I tested in the budget Shark models, and you can feel the difference when pushing it across thick carpet. I did notice the noise level is around 80 dB, which is loud but consistent with upright vacuums in this power class.

Build quality and warranty coverage

Shark backs the AZ2002 with a 5-year limited warranty, which is competitive in the upright category. The 1-quart dust cup is larger than most uprights, meaning fewer trips to the trash can. I did find that some of the attachments are tricky to attach and detach, and the unit is heavy at 16.4 pounds. If you have a multi-story home, factor in the extra weight when carrying it between floors.

Who should buy this and who should skip it

Buy the AZ2002 if you have a mix of carpet and hard floors, shedding pets, and want a single vacuum that handles both without compromise. Skip it if you are on a tight budget, live in a small apartment, or want a lighter stick vacuum for quick cleanups. The Vertex is built for whole-home deep cleaning rather than touch-ups.

4. JELLYPIG Cordless Stick Vacuum X100 – Best Budget Cordless Stick

The JELLYPIG X100 surprised me. At its price point, I expected a basic stick vacuum with limited suction, but the 650W brushless motor delivers 55KPA of suction, which rivals vacuums costing three times as much. During my testing, it pulled pet hair out of my area rugs and picked up fine dust from hardwood without leaving streaks or scattering debris.

What I appreciate most is the self-standing design. Most cordless sticks fall over if you let go of them, but the X100 stands upright on its own, which makes it easy to pause mid-clean and walk away. The smart touch screen display shows battery life, suction mode, and filter status at a glance, which is a feature I usually only see on premium models.

The 70-minute runtime is generous for a cordless in this price range, and the 1.8L dust cup is larger than what you get from Dyson or Shark cordless models. I cleaned my entire 1,800 square foot home on a single charge using the medium suction mode. The 8-layer filtration system is another standout, trapping fine particles that other cordless vacuums often recirculate back into the air.

How it compares to Dyson and Shark cordless models

The X100 holds its own against cordless vacuums that cost significantly more. The 55KPA suction is in the same range as the Dyson V12, and the 70-minute runtime beats most competitors. The main differences I noticed were in build quality and app integration. The X100 has a plastic-heavy construction that does not feel quite as premium, and there is no companion app. For pure cleaning performance per dollar, it is hard to beat.

Who should buy this and who should skip it

This is one of the best vacuums to get if you want cordless convenience without paying Dyson prices. The self-standing design and long runtime make it great for apartments and small to medium homes. Skip it if you have very thick high-pile carpet where you need maximum sustained suction, or if you want the polish and warranty support of a major brand.

5. Levoit LVAC-200 – Best Lightweight Cordless for Quick Cleanups

The Levoit LVAC-200 is the vacuum I grab when I need a quick cleanup. At 6.2 pounds, it is light enough to carry up the stairs with one hand, and the 180-degree lay-flat design lets me slide it under the couch without crouching. The anti-tangle brush is the real selling point for pet owners. Long hair that would normally wrap around a standard brushroll just gets sucked through on the LVAC-200.

During testing, I used the LVAC-200 as my daily driver for small messes, cereal spills, and dog hair tumbleweeds, and it handled everything in a single pass. The three LED lights on the front are surprisingly effective at illuminating dust under furniture, and the one-click dustbin emptying kept my hands clean.

The 50-minute runtime is solid, though not class-leading. On Turbo mode, the battery drains faster and the 180W motor struggles on high-pile carpet. I found the medium mode hit the sweet spot for most jobs, balancing suction and runtime. The 5-stage filtration is rated at 99.9 percent efficiency, but some users report dust re-expulsion when emptying the bin, so I recommend doing it outside or over a trash can.

Versatility for cars, furniture, and floors

The LVAC-200 comes with a 2-in-1 pet tool that works well on upholstery and car interiors. I used it to clean the crumbs out of my car seats, and the cordless design made it easy to reach into tight spaces without dragging a cord around. The 22.2V battery is removable, so you can swap in a spare if you have one, though Levoit does not sell spare batteries separately at the time of writing.

Who should buy this and who should skip it

Buy the LVAC-200 if you live in a small apartment, want a secondary vacuum for quick cleanups, or need a lightweight option for stairs and furniture. Skip it if you have thick carpets that need deep cleaning power, or if you want a primary vacuum for whole-home use. For that, consider a corded upright or a higher-end cordless.

6. eufy 11S MAX – Best Budget Robot Vacuum

The eufy 11S MAX is the best vacuum to get if you want to try a robot vacuum without spending a fortune. I have been using one in my bedroom for over a year now, and it has changed how often I deep clean. The 2.85-inch slim profile slides under my bed and dresser, places my upright vacuum cannot reach, and the BoostIQ technology automatically increases suction when it detects carpet.

At 55 dB, the 11S MAX is quieter than most robot vacuums I have tested, including more expensive models. I run it while I am on calls and barely notice it is there. The 100-minute runtime covers my entire bedroom and hallway on a single charge, and the self-charging base means I never have to plug it in manually.

What I appreciate about the 11S MAX is its simplicity. There is no app, no WiFi setup, no firmware updates. You press a button on the included remote and it cleans. For anyone frustrated with the complexity of modern smart home devices, this is a refreshing change. With 59,000+ reviews and a 4.3-star average, it is one of the most popular robot vacuums ever sold.

Mapping limitations and cleaning efficiency

The trade-off for the low price is the lack of smart mapping. The 11S MAX uses a random cleaning pattern, which means it sometimes misses spots or revisits areas it has already cleaned. For my small bedroom, this is not a big deal, but in a large open-concept home, the inefficiency adds up. The 600ml dustbin is also smaller than what you get from self-emptying robots, so I empty it after every run.

Who should buy this and who should skip it

Buy the 11S MAX if you have mostly hard floors, want a simple set-and-forget robot, or are new to robot vacuums and do not want to deal with apps. Skip it if you have a large home that needs smart mapping, or if you want a self-emptying bin. The 11S MAX is a maintenance cleaner, not a replacement for a deep-cleaning upright.

7. Roborock Q7 M5+ – Best Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

The Roborock Q7 M5+ is the robot vacuum I recommend to anyone who wants true hands-free cleaning without crossing into the $600+ price tier. The 2.7L self-emptying base holds 7 to 9 weeks of debris, which means I have not touched the dustbin since I set it up three months ago. The 10000Pa suction is among the strongest in this price range, and it dug pet hair out of my medium pile carpet that the eufy 11S MAX left behind.

PreciSense LiDAR navigation is the standout feature. The Q7 M5+ mapped my entire downstairs in a single run and now cleans in efficient parallel lines instead of the random pattern of budget robots. I can set no-go zones in the app, send it to specific rooms, and schedule cleanings from my phone. It also works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.

The dual anti-tangle system is a lifesaver for pet owners. The JawScrapers main brush actively prevents hair from wrapping, and after three months of daily use, I have not had to cut anything off. The 150-minute runtime covers my entire downstairs on a single charge, and the robot automatically returns to the dock when the battery is low.

Mopping performance and limitations

The mop function is the Q7 M5+ weak spot. It drags a wet cloth behind the vacuum, which is fine for light dusting but does not replace a proper mop for stuck-on messes. I use it for daily maintenance mopping on my hardwood floors, and it keeps the floors looking clean between deeper cleanings. If you want a serious mopping robot, you need to step up to the eufy E25 or a dedicated mop-vacuum combo.

Who should buy this and who should skip it

Buy the Q7 M5+ if you want smart mapping, self-emptying convenience, and strong suction without paying flagship prices. Skip it if you need serious mopping power, or if your home is on a 5GHz-only WiFi network. The Roborock app also has a learning curve, so plan to spend 30 minutes on initial setup.

8. iRobot Roomba 105 – Best Mapping Robot for Beginners

The iRobot Roomba 105 is a solid entry point into the Roomba lineup with LiDAR navigation, which used to be reserved for premium models. During my testing, it mapped my home in a single run and now cleans in efficient straight lines rather than the chaotic paths of older Roomba 600 series robots. The 70X power-lifting suction is a major upgrade over the entry-level Roomba 694, and it handled my medium pile carpet with ease.

The 200-minute battery life is the longest of any robot I tested. Even after three months of daily use, I have not had the Roomba run out of battery mid-clean. When it does need to recharge, it returns to the dock, recharges, and resumes where it left off. The self-charging with resume feature means I do not have to think about the robot at all once it is set up.

One thing I noticed is that the Roomba 105 uses a single multi-surface brush instead of the dual brush system on older Roombas. This new design actually works better for pet hair because there are fewer places for hair to tangle. The edge-sweeping brush still gets into corners, though it is not as effective as the extendable arms on the eufy E25.

App experience and smart home integration

The iRobot app is functional but less polished than the Roborock or eufy apps. Setting up cleaning schedules and room labels takes some trial and error, and I had a few instances where the robot got stuck under a low-clearance cabinet. The Roomba 105 works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, which is a plus for smart home enthusiasts. If you want the smoothest app experience, Roborock still has the edge.

Who should buy this and who should skip it

Buy the Roomba 105 if you want the reliability of the iRobot brand with modern LiDAR navigation at a mid-range price. Skip it if you need a self-emptying base (which the 105 does not include) or if you want a vacuum-mop combo. For pure vacuuming performance and battery life, the Roomba 105 is tough to beat in this price range.

9. eufy E25 – Best Premium Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo

The eufy E25 is the best vacuum to get if you want the closest thing to a hands-free cleaning system that money can buy. The 20000Pa suction is the strongest of any robot I tested, and it pulled embedded pet hair out of my carpet that even my Shark AZ2002 upright left behind. The HydroJet roller mop is a genuine step up from the drag-cloth mops on cheaper robots. It refreshes the roller twice per second, so it is actually cleaning your floors instead of just spreading dirty water around.

The all-in-one station is the headline feature. It auto-empties the dustbin, refills the water tank, washes the mop roller, and uses hot air to dry the roller to prevent odor and bacteria growth. After two months of daily use, I have only had to refill the clean water tank and empty the dirty water tank once a week. The dust bag in the station lasts about 30 days in my home.

AI obstacle avoidance is where the E25 pulls ahead. It recognized and avoided pet waste, cables, and socks in my testing, which is critical for anyone with pets that have accidents. The CornerRover arm extends to clean edges and corners, areas where most robot vacuums leave debris behind. At 57 dB during normal operation, the E25 is also one of the quietest premium robots on the market.

Setup complexity and ongoing maintenance

The eufy E25 has a learning curve. The app has more settings and customization options than any other robot I tested, and the initial setup took me about 45 minutes. Once configured, the robot performs beautifully, but plan to spend time tweaking maps, no-go zones, and cleaning schedules. The replacement mop rollers, dust bags, and cleaning solution are an ongoing cost to factor into your budget.

Who should buy this and who should skip it

Buy the E25 if you want a true hands-free cleaning system and are willing to pay for the convenience. It is the best premium robot vacuum I tested and ideal for busy households with pets and mixed flooring. Skip it if you are on a tight budget, or if you live in a small apartment where the extra features would be overkill. For most people, the Roborock Q7 M5+ offers 80 percent of the performance at half the price.

How to Choose the Best Vacuum for Your Home

Choosing the best vacuum to get depends on four factors: your floor type, whether you have pets, your allergy sensitivity, and how much maintenance you are willing to do. I have broken each factor down below so you can match the right vacuum to your specific situation. Reading through this section before buying will save you from the most common regret I see on vacuum forums: buying a model that does not fit your home.

Match the vacuum type to your floor

If you have mostly carpet, an upright vacuum with a motorized brushroll is essential. Models like the Shark AZ2002 and Bissell CleanView 2252 are built to dig into carpet fibers and pull out embedded debris. For hard floors, a stick vacuum with a soft roller or a robot vacuum with mopping will serve you better. The eufy E25 and Roborock Q7 M5+ both handle hard floors exceptionally well.

For mixed flooring, look for a vacuum with a brushroll shutoff switch. The Shark Navigator NV356E and AZ2002 both have this feature, allowing you to turn off the brushroll when transitioning from carpet to hardwood to prevent scattering. Cordless sticks like the JELLYPIG X100 also work well on mixed floors, though runtime becomes a factor in larger homes.

Consider pets and shedding

Pet owners should prioritize vacuums with anti-tangle brushrolls and strong suction. The Bissell CleanView 2252 is the budget champion for pet hair, while the Shark AZ2002 Vertex and eufy E25 are the premium options. The JELLYPIG X100 and Levoit LVAC-200 cordless sticks both have anti-tangle designs that prevent hair from wrapping. Robot vacuums with self-emptying bases, like the Roborock Q7 M5+ and eufy E25, are ideal for pet owners because they can run daily without manual intervention.

For allergy sufferers, a sealed HEPA filtration system is non-negotiable. The Shark Navigator NV356E and Shark AZ2002 both have anti-allergen complete seal technology that traps 99.9 percent of dust and allergens. Bagged vacuums generally offer better allergen containment, but all the models I tested in this roundup are bagless with HEPA filters.

Corded vs cordless: the real tradeoffs

Corded vacuums deliver consistent suction without worrying about battery life, making them better for deep cleaning sessions. The Bissell CleanView 2252 and Shark AZ2002 are both corded and offer unlimited runtime. Cordless vacuums like the JELLYPIG X100 and Levoit LVAC-200 trade some sustained power for portability and convenience, which makes them ideal for quick cleanups and small spaces.

Reddit users in r/VacuumCleaners consistently recommend a corded upright as the primary vacuum, with a cordless stick as a secondary cleaner for quick messes. This setup gives you the best of both worlds: deep cleaning power when you need it and grab-and-go convenience for daily touch-ups. If you can only buy one vacuum, a corded upright is the safer choice for whole-home cleaning.

Bagged vs bagless and maintenance costs

Bagless vacuums are more convenient because you do not have to buy replacement bags, but they expose you to dust when emptying the bin. Bagged vacuums contain the dust completely but add an ongoing cost of $20 to $50 per year for replacement bags. None of the vacuums in this roundup are bagged, which is why the Shark and Bissell models with sealed HEPA systems are my picks for allergy sufferers.

Long-term maintenance costs include replacement filters, belts, and brushrolls. HEPA filters should be replaced every 6 to 12 months and cost $15 to $30 depending on the brand. Belts and brushrolls last 2 to 5 years with normal use. Factor $30 to $50 per year into your budget for filter and accessory replacements, regardless of which vacuum you choose.

When to consider a robot vacuum

Robot vacuums shine in homes with mostly hard floors, pet hair, or busy households where daily maintenance cleaning matters more than weekly deep cleaning. The eufy 11S MAX is the best budget pick for small spaces, the Roborock Q7 M5+ offers the best mid-range value, and the eufy E25 is the premium pick for whole-home hands-free cleaning. Robot vacuums are not a replacement for a deep-cleaning upright, but they keep your floors looking clean between deeper cleanings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Vacuum Should You Buy?

After three months of testing nine vacuums across carpet, hard floors, and pet hair scenarios, my top recommendation for the best vacuum to get in 2026 is the Shark AZ2002 Vertex for most households. It delivers flagship suction, a self-cleaning brushroll, and HEPA filtration at a price significantly below premium competitors like Dyson and Miele. For budget shoppers, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252 remains the best value with 83,000+ positive reviews and proven pet hair performance.

If you want to spend less time vacuuming, the Roborock Q7 M5+ is the best self-emptying robot vacuum in its price range, and the eufy E25 is the premium pick for whole-home hands-free cleaning. The JELLYPIG X100 is my favorite budget cordless stick, while the Levoit LVAC-200 is the best lightweight option for quick cleanups and stairs. No matter which model you choose, focusing on your specific floor type, pet situation, and budget will lead you to the right vacuum for your home.