What’s the best upright vacuum in 2024?
Statistics show that close to 70% of online buyers invest in an upright vacuum cleaner in the course of the year. Despite the market being flooded with scores of vacuum designs, upright vacuum cleaners make three-quarters of overall vacuum purchases.
No wonder giant companies such as Shark, Hoover, Oreck, Dyson, and Bissell have invested heavily in them. This confirms how dependable uprights are. If you are planning to invest in one, you are on the right track.
In this review, we have listed 15 of the best upright vacuum cleaners in the market currently. We did quite a bit of research and realized upright vacuums are majorly used for carpeted homes. However, manufacturers have made a few adjustments to increase their versatility and make them all-floor vacuum cleaners.
Best Upright Vacuum 2024 – Comparison Table
Before we delve into the individual product reviews, we have summarized the main features of these vacuums. Have a look at our top picks and their vital details.
| Name | Bagged/Bagless | Weight | Power cord | Dirt capacity | Filtration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Shark APEX AZ1002 | Bagless | 17.1 lbs. | 30 ft. | 1.5 quarts | HEPA |
| 2. Dyson Ball Animal 2 | Bagless | 17.5 lbs. | 31 ft. | 0.55 Gallons | HEPA |
| 3. Shark Rotator NV752 | Bagless | 16.7 lbs. | 30 ft. | 1.5 quarts | HEPA |
| 4. Shark Rotator NV501 | Bagless | 15.5 lbs. | 25 ft. | 1.3 quarts | HEPA |
| 5. Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 | Bagless | 15.6 lbs. | 31 ft. | 0.42 Gallons | HEPA |
| 6. Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS | Bagged | 8.2 lbs. | 35 ft. | 11 quarts | Filter bag |
| 7. Hoover React QuickLift UH73301 | Bagless | 16.2 lbs. | 25 ft. | 1 liter | Sealed system |
| 8. BISSELL AeroSwift Compact 2612A | Bagless | 10 lbs. | 30 ft. | 1.5 liters | Multi-level |
| 9. Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 1650A | Bagless | 18 lbs. | 30 ft. | 1.5 liters | SmartSeal system |
| 10. Eureka PowerSpeed NEU202 | Bagless | 12.3 lbs. | 25 ft. | 2.1 liters | Foam |
| 11. Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max UH72625 | Bagless | 18 lbs. | 30 ft. | 1.42 liters | HEPA |
| 12. Eureka NEU562A FloorRover | Bagless | 18.18 lbs. | 35 ft. | 1.6 liters | HEPA |
| 13. Bissell PowerGlide 2215A | Bagless | 17.2 lbs. | 27 ft. | 0.75 liters | SmartSeal system |
| 14. Oreck Magnesium RS LW1500RS | Bagged | 7.7 lbs. | 30 ft. | 10 liters | HEPA |
| 15. Hoover Pet Max Complete UH74110 | Bagless | 17.1 lbs. | 30 ft. | 2.5 liters | AllergenBlock |
Reviews of the Best Upright Vacuums in 2024
There are dozens of upright vacuums in the market, both online and in the local shops. But which one should you buy? Well, making this decision is not a walk in the park. And that’s why we have selected some of the top models for you – at least two from each major vacuum brand.
Having a ‘smaller’ list to pick from should make the task easier for you. These are the best upright vacuums in 2024:
1. Shark APEX DuoClean Zero-M Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (AZ1002) – best upright vacuum
Apart from being equipped with Shark’s latest technologies, two features make Shark APEX AZ1002 the best upright vacuum cleaner to buy this year.
First, its 30-foot power cord, allows you to clean large areas flexibly, at almost the same comfort level as a cordless vacuum. Secondly, its accessories make cleaning easy and quick. The motorized pet tool can reach the base of the carpet regardless of how high the pile is.
The Shark APEX AZ1002 also comes with a 12-inch crevice tool to help you easily access cracks, crevices, and in between cushions.
Also, using the Shark APEX AZ1002 upright mode allows you to get a polished look on all floor types. This is thanks to DuoClean technology that features two brushrolls – one is designed for deep-cleaning carpets and the other to polish bare floors such as hardwood.
When you switch to powered lift-away mode, you get to enjoy the vacuum’s easy access to stairs and other above-the-floor areas. You also get to reach under furniture much easier.
Lastly, the Zero-M feature offers tangle-free cleaning as the brush self-cleans and removes hair non-stop so your cleaning is not interrupted. So, if you have pets, this vacuum will make your life easier. Besides, humans do shed hair too – and you need convenience when dealing with it.
Features
- Bagless
- Weight: 17.1 pounds
- 30-foot power cord
- Dirt cup: 1.5 quarts
- Cleaning path: 11 inches
- Advanced Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology
- Washable HEPA and foam filters
- 1350 Watts, 11.3 Amps
- Hose length: 5.5 feet
- Powered lift-away technology
- Zero-M technology
- DuoClean technology
- Handle and floor nozzle LED lights
- Active-glide technology
- Dimensions: 11.2 L X 12.2 W X 46 H (inches)
Pros
- Powerful suction
- Cleans on all floor-types
- Very easy to maneuver
- Efficient pet/human hair removal
- Excellent HEPA filtration
- A large dirt canister
- Long power cord
- Easy to empty and clean
- Lift-away mode helps to vacuum under furniture and above-floor areas
- Non-stop tangle-free cleaning using Zero M technology
- Easy to spot hidden dirt using the floor nozzle and handle LED lights
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- Relatively heavy
- A retractable power cord would have been better
Click here to see its current price.
2. Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Dyson is one of the leading vacuum cleaner brands, with products ranging from robot vacuums to cordless stick vacuums. So, it is obvious that any compilation of the best upright vacuums must have a few Dysons.
The Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum is one of the best upright vacuums for many reasons. First, it has a powerful suction that will leave your carpets and bare floors sparkling clean. Radial Root cyclone technology also ensures that the filter is not clogged. Therefore, suction remains constant from start to finish.
Secondly, its floor head auto-adjusts to smoothly transition and clean various surfaces. Also, due to its powerful suction, the vacuum effectively gets rid of all stubborn debris ranging from pet dander, hair, dust, pollen, mold, and food particles.
This makes it ideal for homes with pets and children. The vacuum’s ball technology makes it stable and gives it precision while moving. So, its maneuverability is greatly enhanced.
Also, the use of HEPA-standard filtration adds to its cleaning efficiency. Besides that, the dirt bin empties at a button press exempting you from touching dirt. The fact that it is certified by the AAFA underlines why it is a go-to vacuum for fighting pollutants that worsen allergies and asthma.
Dyson Ball Animal 2 accessories are another plus. It comes with a turbine tool for effective hair removal (tangle-free), a combination tool to help you access hard-to-reach areas, and a stair tool designed purposely to ease cleaning stairs.
Features
- Bagless
- Weight: 17.5 pounds
- Power cord: 31 feet
- Maximum reach: 40 feet
- Suction power: 306 Air Watts
- Radial Root cyclone technology
- Self-adjusting cleaner head
- Dirt capacity: 0.55 Gallons
- Washable lifetime filter
- Whole-machine HEPA filtration
- Ball technology for easy control
Pros
- Strong suction
- Effective cleaning of stubborn dirt on any floor type
- It’s easy to release the hose and wand
- Excellent allergen removal (AAFA certified)
- Lengthy power cord
- Gets rid of pet hair and dander like a pro
- It comes with useful attachments
- Emptying and cleaning is a walk in the park
- Seamless transition between floors enabled by the auto-adjusting cleaning head
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- It’s relatively heavy
- The power cord is not retractable
- Not great for medium to high-pile carpets
Click here to see its current price.
3. Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Corded Bagless Vacuum (NV752)
Another Shark vacuum that is recommended is the Shark Rotator NV752 TruePet. This upright vacuum has powerful suction and is super-easy to maneuver.
The Shark Rotator TruePet NV752 specifically does an epic job on pet hair picking using its array of accessories such as the motorized TruePet pet tool. Other attachments include a TruePet brush, an extendable crevice tool (nicknamed the dusting genie), a dusting brush, and a pet upholstery tool.
It also has a long power cord that offers convenience while cleaning large rooms. Besides, the extra-large dirt cup allows emptying after several uses depending on how dirty the house is.
It may not have automatic floor transitioning mechanism, but the Shark Rotator NV752 delivers powerful cleaning using its easy to use finger-tip controls. These controls support seamless movement between floors as well as on and off functions.
The canister is also detachable thus helping you to deep clean and reach tight spots such as under furniture and up the stairs.
When it comes to filtration, it is as efficient as the AZ1002, thanks to Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and the HEPA filter. So, if you need a vacuum that can protect you against allergy and asthma attacks, this is a worthy option.
Features
- Bagless
- Weight: 16.7 pounds
- Power cord: 30 feet long
- 6-foot hose
- 1150 Watts, 9.5 Amps
- Dirt capacity: 1.5 quarts
- Powered lift-away technology
- Swivel steering
- LED lights on the handle and nozzle
- Washable HEPA & foam filter
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology
- Cleaning path: 10.5 inches
- Dimensions: 13.2 L X 11.9 W X 45 H (inches)
Pros
- Strong suction
- One of the best vacuums for pet owners
- Powered lift-away helps to reach tight spots
- Many important attachments are available
- It has a long power cord
- It’s a multi-surface cleaner
- Convenient fingertip controls
- Swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver
- LED lights on handle and nozzle make it easy to clean dark spots
Cons
- Relatively heavy
- The power cord is not retractable
Click here to see its current price.
4. Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (NV501)
The Shark Rotator Professional NV501 is a dynamic ultra-quiet cleaner for all floor types. It ranks among the best upright vacuums for its superb cleaning ability for hard floors, carpets, vinyl, tiles, and above-floor areas.
Also, you can quickly engage the lift-away mode by detaching the canister. Once you lift away the pod, the vacuum becomes extra-light and you can easily move up and down the stairs. Also, vacuuming under furniture becomes a piece of cake.
Besides, it has great maneuverability enhanced by swivel steering technology. The Shark Rotator Professional NV501 also provides powerful deep cleaning for embedded dirt on carpets and area rugs.
Also, it comes with some amazing attachments. These include a crevice tool, a dusting brush, a premium pet power brush, and a wide pet upholstery tool. It also has a canister caddy.
Lastly, the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology alongside HEPA filtration ensures trapping of close to 100% of dirt particles. Therefore, you get to minimize exposure to dust, pollen, and other allergens.
Features
- Bagless
- Weight: 15.5 pounds
- Power cord length: 25 feet
- Hose length: 8.4 feet
- 1200 Watts, 10 Amps
- Washable HEPA and foam filters
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology
- Dust cup capacity: 1.3 quarts
- Swivel steering
- LED lights on the floor nozzle
- Cleaning path: 9.5 inches
- Dimensions: 12.1 L X 12.2 W X 45.7 H (inches)
Pros
- HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal enable capturing of over 99.9% of allergens
- Good for deep cleaning and serves all floor types
- Lightweight – easily portable
- Long cord enhances wall to ceiling reach
- Smooth steering using the swivel steering technology
- Sizeable dirt cup capacity
- Swift and easy to maneuver
- Lighter than the Shark AZ1002 and NV752
- Recommended for pet owners – comes with premium pet tools
- LED light helps reveal hidden dirt
Cons
- The power cord could be longer
- No LED lights on the handle
- Power cord not retractable
Click here to see its current price.
5. Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
With Dyson, you are assured of 2 things, its durability and impressive swivel thanks to the innovative Ball technology. Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 maneuvers even better considering its slimmer design.
We recommend it for carpeted, tiled, and wooden floors. At only 15.6 pounds, this vacuum is light enough for anyone to use including your teens. Besides, the cleaning head auto-adjusts as you transition from one surface to another making cleaning simple and fast.
Other commendable features of the Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 include easy-to-release wand and hose to help you to effectively clean above-floor areas. Also, hygienic dirt cup emptying and great filtration efficiency using Dyson’s whole-machine HEPA filtration is a huge plus.
It is also certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Most importantly, it has powerful suction on all floor types. So, picking up dust, debris, pet hair, and other dirt is quite straightforward.
Features
- Bagless
- Weight: 15.6 pounds
- Power cord: 31 feet
- Maximum reach: 40 feet
- Dirt capacity: 0.42 Gallons
- Auto-adjusting cleaner head
- Whole-machine HEPA filtration
- Radial Root cyclone technology
- Attachments: combination tool, stair tool
- Dimensions: 42.13 H X 15.35 L X 13.39 W (inches)
Pros
- It has amazing suction
- Excellent filtration
- Good for all floor types
- Not too heavy
- Easy to maneuver around obstacles
- The dirt cup easy to empty and clean
- Long power cord
- Has a 5-year warranty
Cons
- Not quite efficient on high pile carpets
- The power cord is not retractable
Click here to see its current price.
6. Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS Commercial Upright Vacuum Cleaner XL
Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS ranks among the best upright vacuums with regard to weight and high-speed cleaning. It’s a compact 8-pound vacuum complimented by a helping hand handle. So, if you’re looking for a good upright vacuum that uses bags and lightweight, look no further.
The vacuum’s balanced brush roll is fitted with double helix brushes to thoroughly clean edges, stairs, and under furniture with minimal effort.
If your home has multiple floor types, Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS will serve you efficiently except while cleaning high pile carpets. The microsweep feature makes transitioning from hard floors to carpeted surfaces seamless while the vacuum maintains consistent suction.
Features
- Bagged (top-fill design)
- Weight: 8.2 pounds
- Automatic floor adjustment
- Microsweep technology
- Power cord length: 35 feet
- Cleaning path: 12 inches
- Dirt capacity: 11 quarts
- Non-marring bumpers
- The brush roll has double helix brushes
- Helping hand handle
- Fingertip on/off controls
- Has a cord guard
- Edge-cleaning brushes
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble and use
- Powerful, consistent suction
- It’s very easy to transition between floor types
- It’s suitable for both commercial and domestic use
- Changing bags is easy and hygienic
- Compact storage
- Great filtration
- It has a long power cord
Cons
- No attachments
- Not suitable for high pile carpets and rugs
- Buying replacement bags is an extra cost
Click here to see its current price.
7. Hoover React QuickLift Bagless Upright Corded Vacuum Cleaner UH73301
Hoover combines several systems in the Hoover React QuickLift UH73301 model. These features make it one of the best upright vacuum cleaners to buy this year.
There is multi-cyclonic technology for fade-free suction, WindTunnel technology for thorough debris collection, and the FloorSense technology for seamless transitioning from one-floor type to another.
Also, Hoover React QuickLift UH73301 is relatively light at 16.2 pounds. This weight plus its swivel steering ability makes it user-friendly. Besides, it has a commendable cleaning path and a 7-foot hose.
This vacuum also has a good number of attachments that enhance your cleaning experience by ensuring that you reach tight spots, under furniture, and between obstacles. These include a crevice tool, a dusting brush, and a turbo tool.
Features
- Bagless
- Weight: 16.2 pounds
- 11 Amp motor
- Power cord length: 25 feet
- Dirt capacity: 1 liter
- Multi-surface cleaner
- 12-inch cleaning path
- Hose length: 7 feet
- It has headlights
- Sealed allergen system
- Multi-cyclonic technology – ensures fade-free suction
- Floor sense technology – adjusts the brush roll’s speed according to floor type
- WindTunnel technology – enhances debris pickup.
Pros
- Strong, fade-free suction
- Provides for multi-floor cleaning
- Wide cleaning path
- Conveniently place controls
- Easy to maneuver around obstacles
- Transitioning between floors is easy
- Excellent filtration
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- The power cord could be longer
Click here to see its current price.
8. BISSELL AeroSwift Compact Vacuum Cleaner 2612A
The BISSELL AeroSwift Compact Vacuum Cleaner 2612A has an impressive compact yet solid design. Apart from being considerably light for an upright vacuum, it has a carry handle. So, it is very easy to move around obstacles and from one point to the other as you vacuum.
It also allows onboard storage of its accessories. However, the long power cord does not automatically rewind, making storage quite cumbersome.
Also, it has a relatively large dirt capacity meaning that you don’t have to empty often. Besides, the dirt canister is super easy to empty and clean. Similar to other Bissell vacuum cleaners, BISSELL AeroSwift Compact comes with some crucial attachments.
These include a crevice tool, a TurboBrush tool, a combination dusting brush, and an upholstery tool. You also get a 16-inch extension wand to help you reach far areas.
Features
- Bagless
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Dirt cup capacity: 1.5 liters
- Power cord length: 30 feet
- Hose length: 7 feet
- Cyclonic suction
- Carry handle
- Multi-level filtration
- Febreze odor filter
- Scatter-free technology
- Cleaning path: 12 inches
- 5 adjustable height settings
- Swivel steering technology – enables swift movement around obstacles
- Pet hair corner tool
Pros
- Strong suction
- Compact and lightweight
- Easy to maneuver
- You can easily adjust it to clean different floor types
- Thorough at picking pet hair and dander
- The attachments make cleaning above-floor areas smooth
Cons
- Not ideal to high-pile carpets
- No cord rewind
Click here to see its current price.
9. BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser 1650A Upright Vacuum
This vacuum is your best option if you have allergies and you still want to keep pets. The Pet Hair Eraser effectively captures pet hair and dander. It helps to remove entrenched hair from your carpets, seats, and other furniture.
We also ranked the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser 1650A among the best upright vacuums for its ability to eliminate odor using Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator. As you get rid of allergens, you also keep from your home smelling clean and fresh.
This is a corded vacuum armed with a 30-foot power cord and an 8-foot hose. It also has a cleaning path. Therefore, cleaning your house will not take ages. It is also one of the best vacuums for pet hair.
The exclusive pet tools plus a tangle-free brushroll will make your cleaning seamless and quick. Some of the pet tools available include a pet TurboEraser tool, a combination dusting brush and upholstery tool, and a crevice tool.
Also, this vacuum has a large dirt can capacity that makes it easier to clean without emptying the bin frequently.
Features
- Bagless
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Power rating: 8.5 Amps
- Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator
- Power cord length: 30 feet
- Hose length: 8 feet
- Dirt capacity: 1.5 liters
- Cleaning path: 12.375 inches
- SmartSeal allergen system
- Swivel steering
- 5 height settings
- Cyclonic pet hair spooling system
- Tangle-free brushroll
- SmartSeal allergen system
Pros
- Powerful fade-free suction
- It’s one of the best vacuums for pet owners
- Long power cord and hose
- Easy to maneuver
- Excellent filtration
- Has a tangle-free brushroll
- The crevice tool has LED lights
- Easy to empty and clean
- Good for both carpets and hard floors
- Long warranty (5 years)
Cons
- It could use some LED lights on the floorhead too
- Heavier than most uprights
Click here to see its current price.
10. Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner NEU202
Another brand to consider when looking for a good upright vacuum is Eureka. The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU202, for example, probably has the largest dirt cup among bagless upright vacuums.
If you have pets, children, and frequent visitors, this is one of the best vacuum cleaners for your home.
Besides the XL dirt cup, you have multiple accessories for both the floor and above-floor cleaning. The attachments provided include a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, a dusting brush, and a pet turbo brush.
Besides, the vacuum’s power cord helps to clean large areas on a single plugging – unless the room are so big. This, in addition to a wide 12.6-inch cleaning path and an-foot hose, will make your vacuuming hassle-free.
Features
- Bagless
- Weight: 12.3 pounds
- 960 Watts, 8 Amps
- Dirt cup capacity: 2.1 liters
- Power cord length: 25 feet
- Automatic cord rewind
- Cleaning path: 12.6 Inches
- Hose length: 8 feet
- LED headlights
- 5 height settings
- Transparent brushroll view
- Dimension: 13.4 W x 13.78 D x 44.5 H
Pros
- It’s lightweight
- Powerful suction
- Multiple attachments
- Automatic rewind cord
- Extra-large and easy to empty dirt cup
- Height adjustment facilitates cleaning of all floor types
- LED lights help spot hidden debris
- 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- The power cord could be longer
- It’s a bit difficult to use on high pile carpets and rugs
Click here to see its current price.
11. Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance Upright Vacuum Cleaner UH72625
Hoover WindTunnel UH72625 is another multi-surface cleaner equipped with tools that support pet owners to keep their homes hair-free.
It comes with a pet turbo tool, a pivoting dust tool, and a crevice tool. The dirt cup capacity is about 1.4 liters. Therefore, it can hold dirt throughout your cleaning. It also has an on/off button for the brushroll to help you switch between floors (carpets to hard floors and vice versa).
This upright vacuum superbly supports cleaning of large homes with a 15-inch cleaning path. It also has 15-foot extra reach and a long power cord.
Besides, it has an odor-eliminating HEPA filtration system which ensures efficient capture of all allergens. So, this is a good option for fighting allergens and asthma. HEPA filters trap particles as small as 0.3 microns inside the dirt canister.
Lastly, it’s equipped with two innovative Hoover technologies – WindTunnel and multi-cyclonic technologies which boost its suction. Therefore, vacuuming becomes easy and thorough.
Features
- Bagless
- Weight: 18 pounds
- Total extended reach: up to 15 feet
- HEPA filtration
- Dirt capacity: 1.42 liters
- Power cord length: 30 feet
- Suitable for multiple floor types
- WindTunnel technology
- Multi-cyclonic technology
- Cleaning path: 15 inches
- 7-level floor height adjustment
Pros
- Recommended for pet owners – the pet turbo tool picks pet hair and pet dander efficiently
- 15-foot extra reach makes cleaning above floor stress-free
- Its 30-foot power cord makes cleaning of large rooms easy
- Powerful suction supported by the WindTunnel and multi-cyclonic technologies
- HEPA filtration effectively eliminates odor and allergens
- It has on/off brush-roll that facilitates smooth transitioning between floors
- Five-year motor warranty
Cons
- It’s relatively heavy
- Cleaning under furniture is not easy
Click here to see its current price.
12. Eureka NEU562A FloorRover Upright Vacuum Cleaner
All you need in an upright vacuum is the ease of movement, great suction, effective pet hair and pet dander pickup, and a sizeable dirt cup that is easy to empty.
And the Eureka NEU562A FloorRover offers this and more to make your cleaning experience pleasurable. It comes with a 16-inch crevice tool, a pet turbo brush, an upholstery tool, and a soft dusting brush. So, cleaning above-floor surfaces becomes stress-free.
Also, the Eureka FloorRover’s big easy-glide wheels make transitioning between floors seamless. This is supported by the presence of an on/off brushroll switch. It also has an ergonomic handle which promotes comfort and minimizes fatigue.
Features
- Bagless
- Weight: 18.18 pounds
- Large Easy Glide wheels
- Swivel steering
- HEPA filtration
- 1200 Watts, 10 Amps
- A 35-foot power cord
- Multi-cyclonic technology
- Dirt capacity: 1.6 liters
- On/off brushroll switch
- Brushroll view window
- Suction control
- Automatic height adjustment
- Multi- surface vacuum cleaner
Pros
- Consistent and strong suction
- You can control the suction
- Excellent filtration using the HEPA filter
- Easy to maneuver
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Great for pet hair and dander
- Economical – washable filters and no bags to replace
- Long power cord
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- It’s relatively heavy
- Not easy to clean under furniture
- No LED lights to illuminate dark areas
- The cord does not retract automatically
Click here to see its current price.
13. Bissell PowerGlide Pet Hair Bagless Vacuum Cleaner 2215A
Anytime Bissell designs a vacuum cleaner, we know it will pass the efficiency test and the durability test.
We ranked Bissell PowerGlide 2215A among the best upright vacuum cleaners for its consistent suction owing to SuctionChannel technology. We also think it has above average hair pick-up ability and a commendable cleaning path – 12.5 inches wide.
Also, this vacuum is thorough on debris pick up including the deeply embedded ones. It uses a superbly designed Triple Action brushroll to loosen and eliminate stubborn dirt. It’s also equipped with a Pet TurboEraser tool to help you get rid of all that persistent pet hair and dander, plus dust and other allergens.
Other attachments include an extension wand and a crevice tool.
However, its dirt cup capacity is a bit small at 0.75 liters but it is satisfactory for regular vacuuming sessions. The best part is this vacuum is that it’s so light yet extremely thorough at cleaning various floor types.
Features
- Bagless
- Weight: 17.2 pounds
- Cleaning path: 12.5 inches
- Dirt capacity: 0.75 liters
- Triple Action brushroll
- Cord length: 27 ft.
- Swivel steering
- All surfaces cleaner
- Carry handle
- Power rating: 9.5 Amps
- Automatic height adjustment
- MultiCyclonic cleaning system
- Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator
- SmartSeal allergen system
Pros
- Relatively light
- Has a wide cleaning path
- Excellent filtration
- Commendable suction
- Scatter-free cleaning
- Relatively quiet
- Easy to assemble and use
- The dirt cup is easy to empty and clean
- Effectively picks all dirt types via the Triple Action brushroll
- Gets rid of pet odors using the Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator
- The brush roll has an on and off option which helps with cleaning carpets and bare floors
- It comes with a 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- The dirt cup is small and might require frequent emptying
- The power cord does not have automatic rewind
Click here to see its current price.
14. Oreck Magnesium RS Swivel-Steering Upright Vacuum Cleaner LW1500RS
The Oreck Magnesium RS Swivel LW1500RS is the lightest upright vacuum on this list. But don’t mistake it’s compact, lightweight design for weakness. It has superb suction to help you get rid of all dust, dirt, and debris from your floors.
It’s designed with a slim body, impressive swivel steering, and a low profile build. You will enjoy effortless cleaning around and under the furniture as the vacuum virtually lies flat to reach far areas.
At 7.7 pounds, you can literally run up and down stairs carrying it. The Oreck Magnesium RS also transitions smoothly from one surface to another. The only undoing is that it doesn’t come with accessories.
Features
- Bagged
- Weight: 7.7 pounds
- Slim swivel design
- Power cord length: 30 feet
- 5-layer HEPA inner bag
- Multi-surface cleaner
- LED headlights
- Cleaning path: 12 inches
- Dirt capacity: approx. 10 liters
Pros
- It’s ultra-light
- Powerful suction
- Outstanding filtration efficiency with a 5-layer inner HEPA bag
- Fingertip controls with two brushroll settings
- Very easy to maneuver around obstacles
- Quieter than its peers
- Extra-large dirt capacity
- Cleans both carpets and hard floors
- Lies almost flat to clean under furniture
- 7-year limited warranty
Cons
- It doesn’t come with attachments
Click here to see its current price.
15. Hoover Pet Max Complete Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner UH74110
For over a century, Hoover has been producing top-notch home appliances. And the Hoover Pet Max UH74110 is one of them.
This is the best upright vacuum cleaner for homes within dusty environments and pet guardians. It’s equipped with AllergenBlock technology which helps in capturing allergens leaving the house clean and fresh.
You also get a chance to clean far to reach areas like the ceiling thanks to its 12-foot extended reach. The cleaning path is also commendable at 13.75 inches. Besides, you get three accessories; a crevice tool, a flexible dusting brush, and a pet turbo tool.
Features
- Bagless
- Weight: 17.1 pounds
- Power cord length: 30 feet
- 1140 Watts, 10 Amps
- AllergenBlock technology
- Dirt capacity: 2.5 liters
- Cleaning path: 13.75 Inches
- Extra reach of up to 12 feet
- Multi-floor vacuum
- 4-level floor height adjustment
Pros
- Powerful suction
- It’s inexpensive
- Tremendous above-floor cleaning
- Thorough pet hair elimination using the pet turbo tool
- Long power cord helps clean large rooms in a single plugging
Cons
- The power cord is not retractable
- Not ideal for cleaning under furniture
Click here to see its current price.
Important features to consider while selecting the best upright vacuum cleaner
Before settling on a particular product, you must ensure it meets your expectations. Apart from that, it must be able to do what it’s supposed to do – clean. A vacuum that leaves some dirt, dust, and debris untouched is a total waste of money.
These are the few things you need to keep in mind when shopping for an upright vacuum:
Suction
Suction is everything! Forget about height, weight, and all those other features. Nothing makes a vacuum detestable like poor suction – the ability to pick up debris from the surface. The reason why you are getting a vacuum cleaner is to avoid sweeping.
So, ensure that you get a vacuum that sucks dirt effectively. If it’s not designed for hard floors, ensure the brush roll has on/off function. This minimizes the chances of having debris being spun around as you transition between surfaces.
Also, brushroll shut-off protects your bare floors such as hardwood and vinyl.
Ease of movement
A vacuum may be heavy but easy to use due to its design – especially when the vacuum has swivel steering (swivel head). You should also avoid investing in a vacuum that must be dragged around the house. Instead, it should self-propel or have large wheels.
So, always check out the vacuum’s steering technology.
If you need to move up and down the stairs, consider buying a lightweight vacuum or one with lift-away technology. Also, note that a wide cleaning path is good but the wider it is, the harder it will be getting the vacuum to fit into narrow spaces.
Attachments
Although a vacuum can work perfectly fine as a unit, accessories ease cleaning especially when it comes to tight spaces, upholstery, and other above-floor surfaces. The most common attachment is the crevice tool. It helps you extract dirt from crevices, cracks, and tight corners.
If you opt for a vacuum that does not have its own tools, consider buying them separately. However, take note of the measurements to ensure they fit your vacuum. We recommend having a dusting brush and an upholstery tool in addition to the crevice tool.
Also, a pet tool will be a huge plus especially if you live with any fur babies.
Dirt disposal (bagged or bagless)
Most of the vacuums in our list are bagless. They are more popular and are considered hassle-free. When you think of how many bags you will buy throughout the vacuum’s lifetime, you understand why most clients prefer bagless vacuums.
But there is another point of view: dirt cups tend to harbor dust and it gets trapped into the vacuums system, sometimes necessitating replacement. If that happens, then using a bagless vacuum may be more expensive.
Besides, each time you empty a bagless vacuum, a few particles may escape. This may be harmful if you are allergic. On the other hand, emptying a bagged vacuum is usually mess-free. So, they are friendlier to allergy sufferers and the asthmatic.
However, we feel that choosing a bagless or bagged vacuum is purely a matter of preference. Having considered the aforementioned merits and demerits, you’ll be in a position to decide which one suits you.
Filtration
Good filtration goes hand in hand with excellent suction. It makes no sense for the vacuum to suck up dust and other pollutants, only for it to throw them back into the air. Therefore, a good vacuum must be able to trap all particles inside the dirt canister (or bag).
We recommend HEPA filtration because it ensures close to 100 percent of allergens are captured and trapped inside the vacuum. However, other technologies are equally efficient. For example, BISSELL’s SmartSeal allergen system is great for keeping allergens at bay.
HEPA filters are common in most brands, especially Shark upright vacuums.
Dirt capacity
Another factor to consider is how much dirt your vacuum can hold. The larger the dirt cup, the better for you. It means that you can vacuum for a long period before stopping to empty the dirt. However, ensure that you don’t leave dirt and debris inside the vacuum for too long to prevent the emission of odors.
Power cord
All our nominees are corded upright vacuums. You see, corded vacuums offer the convenience of cleaning for as long as you want. However, you don’t want to buy a vacuum with a short power cord if you have large rooms.
A short power cord means that you have to keep plugging and unplugging – such a convenience. You may use an extension cord, but that’s also cumbersome. A short power cord can only be ideal if you have small to medium-sized rooms. Also, storage is a piece of cake.
Another thing you may want to keep in mind is cord rewind. You can imagine having to manually wrap a 30-foot power cord around the unit once you’re done vacuuming. Of course, you’ll get used to it, but it could be better if the course would retract automatically at the press of a button.
If you prefer a cordless upright vacuum, you can check out the Shark ION P50 – IC162. It is powerful, cleans a variety of floor types, and can run for up to 50 minutes.
LED headlights
While this is not a critical feature, it does help a great deal in guaranteeing wholesome cleaning. If a vacuum has headlights, it illuminates dirt and dust in dark areas so that you can take care of it. This is especially useful for bare floors such as hardwood.
However, if your rooms are well lit, you can buy any vacuum that meets your expectations in terms of performance.
Price & warranty
The bottom line is, do not spend more than you can afford. If you go through our suggestions, you will definitely find a vacuum that will get the job done and at your budget. Also, please check how long the warranty is, and what exactly is covered.
A money-back guarantee is a huge plus, in case you quickly realize some faults that you can’t live with.
Conclusion
For this review, we were tempted to vote for two finalists, the Shark APEX AZ1002 and Shark Rotator NV752. They both have superior technologies, great suction, dirt capacity, and other features. The Dysons are also great, as are the other brands.
But, we had to choose one, and the Shark APEX AZ1002 stood out. It has epic deep cleaning ability and cleans all floor types efficiently. Also, the motorized pet tool adds to its versatility by getting rid of stubborn pet hair and dander.
Meanwhile, Zero-M technology ensures tangle-free experience throughout your cleaning session. This makes Shark APEX AZ1002 the winner of the best upright vacuum cleaner contest this year.
In summary, these are the best upright vacuums in 2024:
- Shark APEX DuoClean Zero-M Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (AZ1002)
- Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- Shark Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Corded Bagless Vacuum (NV752)
- Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (NV501)
- Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS Commercial Upright Vacuum Cleaner XL
- Hoover React QuickLift Bagless Upright Corded Vacuum Cleaner UH73301
- BISSELL AeroSwift Compact Vacuum Cleaner 2612A
- Bissell Pet Hair Eraser 1650A Upright Vacuum
- Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner NEU202
- Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance Upright Vacuum Cleaner UH72625
- Eureka NEU562A FloorRover Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- Bissell PowerGlide Pet Hair Bagless Vacuum Cleaner 2215A
- Oreck Magnesium RS Swivel-Steering Upright Vacuum Cleaner LW1500RS
- Hoover Pet Max Complete Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner UH74110