The best upright vacuums combine strong floor cleaning, useful attachments, and comfortable handling without taking up the space of a canister model. This roundup compares 10 options for pet owners, allergy-sensitive households, carpeted rooms, and everyday messes.
From lightweight budget cleaners to HEPA-equipped lift-away designs, these upright vacuums offer different ways to balance suction, maneuverability, filtration, and price.
Best 10 Upright Vacuums Picks for 2026
Best for Pet-Hair Pickup
Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252
- Triple-action brush roll tackles embedded pet hair
- Swivel steering helps navigate furniture
- Scatter-free cleaning for hard floors
Best For: Pet owners needing versatile carpet, hard-floor, and upholstery cleaning
Best Lightweight Budget Pick
Eureka AirSpeed Ultra-Light NEU10AE4
- Weighs just 7.7 pounds
- Works on carpets and hard floors
- Includes washable filter and two tools
Best For: Compact homes and users who prioritize easy carrying and storage
Best for Allergies and Whole-Home Cleaning
Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352
- HEPA filtration traps 99.9% of dust and allergens
- Lift-Away pod handles stairs and above-floor areas
- Includes pet, upholstery, and crevice tools
Best For: Allergy-prone homes and flexible whole-home cleaning
Best New Pet-Friendly Design
- 2024 model with active extension wand
- Triple-action brush roll handles pet hair
- Swivel steering and scatter-free hard-floor cleaning
Best For: Pet households wanting flexible reach and everyday multi-surface cleaning
Best All-Around Pick
Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360
- Lift-Away pod for stairs and furniture
- HEPA filtration with sealed allergen capture
- Brushroll shutoff for carpets and hard floors
Best For: Pet owners with mixed flooring
Best Lightweight Value
- Lightweight 10-pound upright design
- Five height settings for multiple floor types
- Large 4.1-liter dust cup
Best For: Lightweight whole-home cleaning
Best for Low-Light Cleaning
- LED headlights reveal hidden debris
- Lift-Away pod for above-floor surfaces
- HEPA filtration and sealed allergen capture
Best For: Pet owners cleaning stairs and dim areas
Best All-Around Value
- Powerful suction with a TurboPass brush roll
- Scatter-Free Technology for hard floors
- Large XL dirt container and TurboBrush tool
Best For: Versatile whole-home cleaning with pet-hair pickup
Best Lightweight Pick
- Lightweight, compact upright design
- Multi-floor brush roll for carpet and hard floors
- Quick-release wand with six feet of reach
Best For: Quick, easy cleaning in smaller homes
Best for Pet Homes
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser DualBrush
- Two brush rolls target hair and large debris
- HEPA sealed system traps dust and dander allergens
- FurFinder headlights and Lift-Off cleaning
Best For: Pet owners focused on fur pickup and allergen containment
Best for Pet-Hair Pickup – Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252 is a practical choice among upright vacuums for homes with pets. Its triple-action brush roll targets embedded hair and dirt, while swivel steering helps you work around furniture and obstacles.
Best For: Pet owners who need an upright vacuum for carpets, hard floors, upholstery, and edge cleaning.
Pros:
- Triple-action brush roll loosens, lifts, and removes embedded pet hair and dirt.
- Swivel steering improves maneuverability around furniture.
- Scatter-free technology helps capture messes on hard floors.
- Includes specialized pet tools for upholstery.
Cons:
- At 80 dB, it may sound loud during use.
- Its 6-foot hose is shorter than some competing models.
- It is corded, so cleaning range is limited by outlet access.
With a 1-liter bagless design and edge-to-edge suction, this model offers focused pet-hair and everyday floor cleaning. Its straightforward, single-speed design suits shoppers who prioritize targeted pet features over advanced controls.
Best Lightweight Budget Pick – Eureka AirSpeed Ultra-Light NEU10AE4
The Eureka AirSpeed Ultra-Light NEU10AE4 stands out among upright vacuums for shoppers who want a compact, easy-to-carry option. At 7.7 pounds, it is designed for quick cleaning across carpets and hard floors without taking up much storage space.
Best For: Small homes, apartments, and users who value a lightweight vacuum with basic above-floor tools.
Pros:
- Lightweight 7.7-pound design is easy to carry and store.
- 10.5-inch cleaning path helps cover floors efficiently.
- Washable filter can be rinsed for low-maintenance upkeep.
- Includes a crevice tool and dusting brush for above-floor cleaning.
Cons:
- Its 1.5-foot hose limits reach for above-floor tasks.
- At 90 dB, it is the loudest model in this selection by the listed rating.
- It has a basic single-speed, corded design.
This Eureka is a sensible fit for routine carpet, hard-floor, and upholstery cleaning when portability matters. Its compact build and washable filter keep ownership simple, though the short hose makes extended above-floor work less convenient.
Best for Allergies and Whole-Home Cleaning – Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352
The Shark Navigator NV352 is one of the more versatile upright vacuums for whole-home cleaning. Its Lift-Away pod supports stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas, while HEPA filtration and anti-allergen sealing help contain dust and allergens.
Best For: Allergy-prone households and pet owners who need flexible carpet, hard-floor, stair, and upholstery cleaning.
Pros:
- HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside.
- Lift-Away pod makes above-floor and stair cleaning more portable.
- Self-cleaning brush roll is designed to reduce hair wrap.
- LED headlights and swivel steering support more controlled cleaning.
Cons:
- At 12.5 pounds, it is heavier than the Eureka model.
- Its 1.1-quart capacity may require more frequent emptying than larger-bin models.
- It is corded and listed at 80 dB.
The NV352 combines strong floor coverage with useful above-floor flexibility and pet-focused tools. It is a strong choice when filtration and multi-surface versatility matter more than having the lightest possible upright vacuum.
Best New Pet-Friendly Design – Bissell CleanView Swivel 3836
The 2024 Bissell CleanView Swivel 3836 is a streamlined option among upright vacuums for carpet, hard-floor, and upholstery cleaning. It pairs swivel steering with a triple-action brush roll, scatter-free technology, and an active extension wand for more convenient reach.
Best For: Pet households wanting a newer upright vacuum with maneuverability and added above-floor reach.
Pros:
- Active extension wand helps clean hard-to-reach areas.
- Swivel steering supports movement around furniture and corners.
- Triple-action brush roll loosens, lifts, and removes dirt and pet hair.
- Scatter-free technology helps contain hard-floor messes.
Cons:
- The listed specifications show a single speed and corded power source.
- Its 1-liter capacity is modest for larger cleaning jobs.
- Some supplied runtime information is inconsistent with its corded design.
With a washable filter, multi-cyclonic suction, and an extension wand, the CleanView Swivel 3836 emphasizes practical everyday versatility. It is worth considering for shoppers who want Bissell’s pet-oriented brush roll and a newer design with easier reach.
Best All-Around Pick – Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360
For shoppers comparing upright vacuums, the Shark Navigator NV360 combines strong carpet and hard-floor suction with a flexible Lift-Away design. Its swivel steering, brushroll shutoff, HEPA filtration, and pet-hair tools make it a practical choice for whole-home cleaning.
Best For: Homes with pets, mixed flooring, and above-floor cleaning needs.
Pros:
- Lift-Away pod helps clean stairs, furniture, baseboards, and other above-floor surfaces.
- HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal help trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
- Brushroll shutoff supports cleaning both carpets and hard floors.
- Large 0.9-quart dust cup reduces the need for frequent emptying.
Cons:
- At 16 pounds, it is heavier than some lightweight upright models.
- The corded design requires access to an electrical outlet.
- Its listed noise level is 80 dB.
The NV360 is a versatile upright vacuum for households that want strong everyday cleaning and convenient above-floor reach. Its pet-focused tools and sealed HEPA system add useful benefits for busy homes, while the brushroll control makes switching between floor types straightforward.
Best Lightweight Value – Eureka PowerSpeed NEU182B
The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU182B is a lightweight option for shoppers seeking straightforward upright vacuums for everyday floor care. Its 10-pound build, five height settings, wide cleaning nozzle, and large dust cup support efficient cleaning across carpets, rugs, and hard floors.
Best For: Budget-minded shoppers who prioritize a lightweight design and large debris capacity.
Pros:
- At 10 pounds, it is easy to maneuver around the home.
- Five height adjustments accommodate carpet, shag rugs, and hard floors.
- The 4.1-liter extra-large dust cup allows longer cleaning sessions between emptying.
- Onboard crevice, dusting, and upholstery tools support above-floor cleaning.
Cons:
- It uses a foam filter rather than HEPA filtration.
- The model has one power level and one listed speed.
- Its listed noise level is 88 dB.
The NEU182B keeps the design simple while covering a broad range of household surfaces. It is especially appealing if low weight and fewer emptying stops matter more to you than sealed HEPA filtration or multiple power settings.
Best for Low-Light Cleaning – Shark Rotator Lift-Away NV501
The Shark Rotator NV501 adds useful visibility and above-floor flexibility to the upright vacuum format. With Lift-Away functionality, swivel steering, LED headlights, HEPA filtration, and pet-hair tools, it is designed for detailed cleaning across carpets, hard floors, stairs, and furniture.
Best For: Pet owners who want Lift-Away versatility and headlights for spotting hidden debris.
Pros:
- LED headlights illuminate dust, pet hair, and debris in darker areas.
- Lift-Away functionality supports cleaning stairs, furniture, curtains, and tight spaces.
- HEPA filtration and an Anti-Allergen Complete Seal help contain dust and allergens.
- Swivel steering improves control around corners and furniture.
Cons:
- Its 0.88-quart dust cup is smaller than the Eureka model’s listed capacity.
- At 15.5 pounds, it is not the lightest upright vacuum in this group.
- The corded design limits cleaning range to the available outlet and hose reach.
The NV501 is a strong fit for shoppers who value visibility and flexible cleaning modes. Its headlights distinguish it from many standard upright vacuums, while the Lift-Away pod and included tools make it useful beyond floors.
Best All-Around Value – Bissell CleanView 4438
The Bissell CleanView 4438 is a practical choice among upright vacuums for shoppers who want strong corded cleaning performance across carpets, upholstery, and hard floors. Its wide cleaning path, TurboPass brush roll, and large debris container suit routine whole-home cleaning.
Best For: Homes that need versatile carpet, hard-floor, upholstery, and pet-hair cleaning.
Pros:
- TurboPass brush roll and powerful suction help pick up pet hair.
- Scatter-Free Technology helps reduce messes spreading on hard floors.
- Two-liter XL dirt container means fewer emptying trips.
- Includes a TurboBrush tool for carpets, upholstery, and more.
Cons:
- The corded design requires access to a power outlet.
- At 12 pounds, it is heavier than the compact Dirt Devil option.
Choose this CleanView if you want a straightforward full-size upright with broad surface compatibility and useful pet-hair attachments.
Best Lightweight Pick – Dirt Devil Endura Lite
The Dirt Devil Endura Lite is one of the more maneuverable upright vacuums for everyday carpet and hard-floor cleanup. Its lightweight, compact frame, multi-floor brush roll, and quick-release wand make it useful in smaller spaces and for above-floor tasks.
Best For: Shoppers prioritizing a lightweight vacuum for quick indoor cleaning.
Pros:
- Lightweight nine-pound design is easier to carry and maneuver.
- Multi-floor brush roll supports carpet and hard-floor cleaning.
- Six feet of wand reach helps clean high surfaces.
- One-touch dirt-cup release and rinsable filter simplify maintenance.
Cons:
- Its 9-pound dirt capacity specification is less informative as a debris-bin size than the other listed models.
- Only one power level is listed.
- The 80 dB noise rating may be noticeable during use.
This Endura Lite makes the most sense when easy handling, compact storage, and quick cleanup matter more than premium filtration or specialized pet features.
Best for Pet Homes – Bissell Pet Hair Eraser DualBrush
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser DualBrush is a feature-rich option among upright vacuums for homes with pets. Its two brush rolls, FurFinder headlights, HEPA sealed allergen system, and Lift-Off pod are designed for pet hair, embedded debris, and cleaning beyond floors.
Best For: Pet owners who want dedicated fur pickup and allergen containment.
Pros:
- DualBrush Technology combines two brush rolls for large debris and stray hair.
- HEPA Sealed Allergen System traps and locks 99.97% of dust and dander allergens.
- FurFinder headlights help reveal more fur while cleaning.
- Lift-Off Technology supports cleaning stairs and hard-to-reach areas.
Cons:
- The one-liter capacity is smaller than the CleanView’s listed XL container.
- It is a corded model, so cleaning range depends on outlet access.
- The feature set may be more than needed for homes without pets.
If pet hair and household allergens are your main concerns, the DualBrush system and sealed HEPA filtration make this the strongest specialty pick in the group.
How We Picked the Best Upright Vacuums
We focused on features that make a measurable difference in routine home cleaning: floor versatility, brush-roll design, filtration, hose and attachment access, dustbin capacity, weight, and overall ease of use. The selection includes models suited to carpets, hard floors, pet hair, stairs, apartments, and larger homes.
We also considered practical differences between standard upright designs and lift-away models. A detachable pod can make stairs, upholstery, and high surfaces easier to clean, while a lightweight fixed-body vacuum may be more convenient for quick floor passes.
Quick Comparison
- Best for pet hair: Look for a dedicated pet tool, tangle-resistant or self-cleaning brush roll, and strong edge cleaning.
- Best for allergies: Choose a sealed system with a HEPA filter to reduce the amount of fine dust released back into the room.
- Best for stairs and upholstery: Lift-away models offer more flexible above-floor cleaning.
- Best for lightweight handling: Compact AirSpeed, PowerSpeed, and Endura Lite-style models are easier to carry and store.
- Best for larger carpeted areas: Prioritize a larger dustbin, adjustable height, wide cleaning path, and consistent brush-roll performance.
Key Buying Factors for Upright Vacuums
Floor Type and Brush-Roll Control
Carpet-focused homes benefit from an active brush roll and adjustable height, while homes with mostly hard flooring need a setting that limits scattering and prevents scratching. If your home has both surfaces, look for an on/off brush-roll control or clearly labeled floor modes.
Pet Hair and Debris Pickup
Pet owners should compare the included tools as carefully as the advertised suction. Motorized pet attachments, wide nozzles, edge-cleaning bristles, and anti-tangle technology can reduce the time needed to remove hair from rugs, furniture, and baseboards.
Filtration and Maintenance
A washable filter lowers ongoing costs, but it still needs regular cleaning and complete drying. For allergy concerns, a sealed HEPA system is generally preferable. Check whether the brush roll, hose, and dustbin are easy to access when clearing clogs or wrapped hair.
Weight, Steering, and Reach
A heavier vacuum may feel stable on thick carpet but become tiring on stairs. Swivel steering improves maneuverability around furniture, while a longer hose and power cord reduce interruptions in larger rooms.
Who Should Buy Which Upright Vacuums?
Choose a lightweight, affordable upright if you mainly need quick cleaning in a smaller home or apartment. Select a lift-away Shark model if stairs, furniture, and above-floor surfaces are frequent targets. Pet households should favor a Bissell or Shark option with dedicated hair tools or specialized brush-roll technology. If fine dust and allergens are your main concern, prioritize the models with HEPA filtration and a sealed allergen system. For a larger home with substantial carpeting, choose the model offering the best combination of dustbin capacity, floor-height adjustment, cleaning width, and comfortable steering.