Best Upright Vacuums for 2026

Upright vacuums combine powerful suction with ergonomic design to deliver efficient whole-home cleaning, making them a cornerstone of modern household maintenance. Our expert reviews analyze motor performance, filtration systems, maneuverability, and smart features to help you find the perfect upright vacuum for your flooring types and lifestyle needs.

Updated February 2026 17 Products Analyzed

The Good

  • Exceptional suction power removes pet hair effortlessly
  • Automatic brush bar clears tangled hair while cleaning
  • Durable construction built to last years
  • Versatile cleaning modes for multiple floor types
Dyson Ball Animal 3
8.8Score
Selection #1

Dyson Ball Animal 3

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is a powerful upright vacuum designed specifically for pet owners, featuring automatic hair-clearing technology and excellent suction on both carpets and hard floors. While it delivers impressive cleaning performance and durability that justifies its premium price point, the heavier weight and non-retractable cord may present challenges for elderly users or those with mobility concerns.

The Bad

  • Heavier unit difficult for elderly or disabled users
  • Non-retractable cord and cumbersome hose attachment

The Good

  • Exceptional suction power on carpets and hard floors
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver with swivel steering
  • Lift-Away detachable canister for stairs and tight spaces
  • HEPA filter traps allergens and pet dander effectively
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum NV360
8.7Score
Selection #2

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum NV360

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BudgetPremium

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is a lightweight, powerful upright vacuum designed for multi-surface cleaning with strong suction and lift-away functionality. It features HEPA filtration for allergen control, swivel steering for maneuverability, and comes with pet-cleaning attachments. Users consistently praise its exceptional suction power and ease of use, though some note the relatively narrow cleaning path and shorter cord length.

The Bad

  • Cord length requires frequent outlet changes
  • Narrow cleaning path covers less territory per pass

The Good

  • Exceptional pet hair removal with anti-tangle technology
  • Laser light reveals invisible dust on hard floors
  • Powerful suction adapts intelligently to debris
  • Converts to handheld with multiple useful accessories
Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum
8.6Score
Selection #3

Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum

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BudgetPremium

The Dyson V15 Detect is a powerful cordless upright vacuum featuring intelligent power adaptation, dual cleaner heads, and a revealing laser light for detecting invisible dust. With up to 60 minutes of runtime and advanced filtration, it excels at pet hair removal and whole-home cleaning. While premium-priced, the majority of users praise its performance and convenience, though some report issues with thick carpet and auto-speed inconsistencies.

The Bad

  • Auto-speed mode unreliable on certain carpet types
  • Premium price point limits accessibility

The Good

  • Exceptional suction power outperforms many competitors
  • Self-cleaning brushroll eliminates pet hair wrap issues
  • Lift-away design provides versatile cleaning options
  • Strong performance on both carpets and hard floors
Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Upright Vacuum
8.6Score
Selection #4

Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Upright Vacuum

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BudgetPremium

The Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins is an ultra-powerful upright vacuum featuring dual roller technology and self-cleaning brushroll designed for exceptional pet hair pickup without wrapping. Users consistently praise its strong suction, innovative lift-away design, and superior cleaning performance across multiple surfaces, though they note it is relatively heavy and requires some effort to maneuver.

The Bad

  • Heavier weight requires more physical effort to use
  • Dust cup alignment and engagement can be problematic

The Good

  • Outperforms comparable vacuums in carpet and floor suction
  • Lightweight design with easy lift-away canister functionality
  • Effortless filter cleaning and convenient dirt trap system
  • Excellent pet hair removal across multiple floor types
Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
8.6Score
Selection #5

Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum

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BudgetPremium

The Shark Rotator Professional offers exceptional cleaning performance with its 3-in-1 design combining upright, lift-away, and canister modes. Users consistently praise its powerful suction, lightweight maneuverability, and versatile attachments that rival premium competitors at a mid-range price point. The Rotator Technology provides enhanced steering and deep carpet cleaning, though hose length and durability concerns warrant consideration.

The Bad

  • Hose length may be limiting for taller users
  • Plastic clips and snaps raise durability concerns over time

The Good

  • Exceptional suction power outperforms most competitors
  • Self-adjusting head automatically adapts to all floor types
  • Superior pet hair and debris pickup capacity
  • Whole machine filtration traps allergens effectively
  • Hygenic push-button bin emptying system
Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum
8.6Score
Selection #6

Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Dyson Ball Animal 2 delivers exceptional suction power and intelligent floor detection with its self-adjusting cleaner head that seamlessly transitions between carpet and hard floors. Users consistently praise its superior pet hair pickup and premium build quality, though some find the powerful suction challenging to maneuver and note minor design inconveniences like difficulty reattaching the wand. This premium upright vacuum excels at deep cleaning and includes comprehensive accessories for whole-home cleaning.

The Bad

  • Extremely powerful suction can be difficult to maneuver
  • No suction adjustment feature for delicate rugs or mats

The Good

  • Powerful suction outperforms many premium competitors
  • Excellent pet hair removal with specialized tools
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver around furniture
  • Simple assembly and easy empty dirt tank
Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Vacuum
8.5Score
Selection #7

Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Vacuum

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel delivers powerful suction and excellent pet hair pickup at an accessible price point. Its lightweight design, swivel steering, and easy-empty dirt tank make it highly maneuverable and convenient for pet owners. Users consistently report superior performance compared to more expensive competitors, though some note issues with cord length and noise levels.

The Bad

  • Cord length requires frequent outlet changes
  • Operates at high noise levels during use

The Good

  • Excellent pet hair removal without tangling
  • Easy hands-free empty canister system
  • Powerful suction and strong performance
  • Comes with pet-specific attachments
BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Upright Vacuum
8.2Score
Selection #8

BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus Upright Vacuum

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BudgetPremium

The BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Turbo Plus is a powerful lightweight upright vacuum designed specifically for pet owners, featuring a tangle-free brush roll and SmartSeal allergen system. Users consistently praise its exceptional pet hair pickup, easy-empty canister, and strong suction performance on both carpets and hard floors. While heavier than stick vacuums and occasionally prone to static issues, it delivers impressive cleaning results that outperform many cordless alternatives.

The Bad

  • Heavier and more difficult to maneuver
  • Potential static charge buildup issues

The Good

  • Exceptional suction power for the price
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • Removable extension wand reaches high surfaces
  • Bagless with rinseable, cleanable filters
Dirt Devil Endura Reach Upright Vacuum
8.2Score
Selection #9

Dirt Devil Endura Reach Upright Vacuum

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Dirt Devil Endura Reach offers powerful suction in a lightweight, bagless design with a removable extension wand for reaching high places and tight spaces. It effectively handles both carpets and hard floors with minimal maintenance, though some users note the motor can run hot during extended use. At an economical price point, it delivers strong cleaning performance for households with pets and heavy shedding.

The Bad

  • Motor gets hot with prolonged use
  • Less powerful than premium models

The Good

  • Exceptional cleaning results on hard floors and sticky messes
  • Dual-tank system ensures cleaning with fresh water always
  • Hands-free self-cleaning cycle with convenient docking station
  • Larger water tank allows extended cleaning without refilling
Tineco Floor ONE S5 Smart Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum
8Score
Selection #10

Tineco Floor ONE S5 Smart Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Tineco Floor ONE S5 is a premium 2-in-one cordless wet-dry vacuum and mop designed for hard floors, featuring intelligent iLoop Smart Sensor Technology that automatically adjusts suction and water flow. Users consistently praise its exceptional cleaning performance, hands-free self-cleaning maintenance, and ability to dramatically reduce floor cleaning time. However, the device requires careful post-use maintenance, has a limited battery life of approximately 24 minutes, and demands meticulous component cleaning to prevent mold and odor issues.

The Bad

  • Battery life of approximately 24 minutes limits large jobs
  • Requires thorough manual maintenance after each use to prevent mold

The Good

  • MicroSweep technology eliminates adjustment between floor types
  • High-speed roller brush delivers deep carpet cleaning
  • Lightweight and easy to pull out and use
  • Includes 9 replacement bags in bundle
Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS Upright Vacuum
7.8Score
Selection #11

Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS Upright Vacuum

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS is a lightweight commercial-grade upright vacuum featuring MicroSweep technology for seamless carpet-to-floor transitions and a high-speed roller brush spinning at 5,000-6,500 RPMs for deep cleaning. With direct suction technology and odor-fighting capabilities, this vacuum is designed for efficient dirt removal and maintenance of strong suction power. Users appreciate its ease of use and portability.

The Bad

  • Limited raw review data available for assessment
  • Made in China quality concerns for commercial grade

The Good

  • Strong suction with anti-tangle brush bar for pet hair
  • Swappable battery system compatible with B&D tools
  • Easy-to-empty dustbin and washable filter design
  • Lightweight and self-standing for convenient storage
BLACK+DECKER PowerSeries Extreme Cordless Vacuum (BSV2020P)
7.8Score
Selection #12

BLACK+DECKER PowerSeries Extreme Cordless Vacuum (BSV2020P)

Pricing
BudgetPremium

This cordless stick vacuum combines strong suction power with up to 55 minutes of runtime, making it ideal for pet hair removal across multiple surfaces. Users praise its lightweight design, easy maintenance, and versatile hand-vac conversion, though some note battery degradation over extended use and brush roller maintenance challenges.

The Bad

  • Brush roller seizes frequently requiring regular maintenance
  • Battery performance degrades significantly after several years

The Good

  • Exceptional suction power captures pet hair and debris
  • Long 30-foot cord reduces outlet switching frustration
  • Includes specialized pet turbo attachment for stairs
  • Effective HEPA filtration reduces allergens and odors
Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance Pet Upright Vacuum
7.5Score
Selection #13

Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance Pet Upright Vacuum

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Hoover WindTunnel 3 Max Performance Pet is a powerful corded upright vacuum designed specifically for pet owners, featuring advanced suction technology, a quick-pass brush roll, and versatile cleaning attachments. Users consistently praise its exceptional cleaning power, particularly for pet hair and embedded dirt, though some report concerns about durability, weight, and design features like the lack of a retractable cord. Overall, it delivers strong value for households with pets seeking effective deep cleaning capabilities.

The Bad

  • Dirt cup emptying is messy; requires tools to loosen hair
  • Heavy unit difficult to carry up and down stairs
  • Manual cord winding lacks modern retractable design

The Good

  • No-touch bag technology eliminates direct dust contact
  • Lift-up handheld feature reaches stairs and high areas
  • HEPA filtration captures allergens and fine particles
  • Fits Kenmore Intuition vacuum lineup seamlessly
Kenmore Intuition No-touch BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum
7.5Score
Selection #14

Kenmore Intuition No-touch BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Kenmore Intuition BU4022 is a bagged upright vacuum featuring innovative no-touch bag technology for convenient maintenance. Its lift-up handheld design provides versatility for cleaning above floors and stairs, making it suitable for comprehensive home cleaning needs. HEPA filtration helps capture dust and allergens effectively.

The Bad

  • Limited customer feedback available for comprehensive evaluation
  • Bagged system requires ongoing bag replacement costs

The Good

  • Powerful suction with automatic carpet/hard floor detection
  • Excellent battery life for typical home cleaning
  • Removable, washable filters and dust bin system
  • LED headlight illuminates cleaning path effectively
LG CordZero Q3 Cordless Stick Vacuum
7.5Score
Selection #15

LG CordZero Q3 Cordless Stick Vacuum

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The LG CordZero Q3 is a powerful cordless stick vacuum featuring auto-detecting multi-surface technology and a convenient Kompressor dirt compression system. Users praise its strong suction, lightweight design, and easy maintenance with washable components. However, some note concerns about build quality, lack of height adjustment, and inconsistent instruction materials.

The Bad

  • Flimsy build quality and plastic construction concerns
  • Heavy for some users; doesn't stand alone without assembly

The Good

  • 50% more suction power than previous generation
  • Ultra-lightweight design under 10 pounds
  • Tangle Guard prevents pet hair wrapping
  • 15 Cyclone Technology with excellent particle capture
Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Elite Cordless Upright Vacuum
7.5Score
Selection #16

Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Elite Cordless Upright Vacuum

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Hoover ONEPWR Evolve Pet Elite is a lightweight cordless upright vacuum designed specifically for pet owners, featuring 50% more suction power than its predecessor and a Tangle Guard brush roll to prevent hair wrapping. With 15 Cyclone Technology capturing 99.4% of dirt and dust, plus pet odor elimination through included carpet refresher powder, this vacuum delivers strong cleaning performance in a portable under-10-pound design. The ONEPWR battery system provides approximately 35 minutes of runtime, making it suitable for most household cleaning tasks.

The Bad

  • 35-minute runtime may limit larger homes
  • Pet refresher powder sold separately for refills

The Good

  • Powerful suction with automatic floor surface detection
  • Flexible 3-in-1 design for multiple cleaning modes
  • Long battery life with power level control
  • Excellent build quality and reliable performance
Miele Triflex HX2 Cordless Stick Vacuum
7.2Score
Selection #17

Miele Triflex HX2 Cordless Stick Vacuum

Pricing
BudgetPremium

The Miele Triflex HX2 is a premium cordless stick vacuum featuring a powerful digital efficiency motor, flexible 3-in-1 design, and intelligent automatic floor detection. With up to 60 minutes runtime and a HEPA lifetime filter, it delivers strong suction and German engineering quality. However, user experiences are mixed, with some praising its durability and performance while others report issues with hair clogging and canister design.

The Bad

  • Hair frequently clogs brush, requires regular cleaning
  • Canister gasket easily lost, complicated to empty