8 Best Carpet Shampoo Vacuum Cleaners of 2026

The Shark CarpetXpert EX121BRN delivers deep-cleaning muscle in a surprisingly lightweight frame, making it a standout for homeowners who want powerful stain and odor removal without the bulk. Its CarpetXpert Technology pairs a high-speed brushroll with PowerSpray high-pressure jets and ultra-strong suction to pull grime from deep within fibers—especially effective on pet messes and high-traffic zones. With Dual Tank Technology, it ensures you’re always applying fresh solution, not re-circulating dirty water, which is a game-changer for hygiene and cleaning consistency.

In real-world testing, this upright cleaner excels on wall-to-wall carpets and medium-pile area rugs, lifting embedded dirt and sticky spills with minimal passes. The 12 oz Deep Clean Essential Formula works well for routine maintenance, though heavy soiling may require multiple runs. While it handles flat surfaces with ease, its lack of included tools limits versatility for stairs or upholstery. Dry times are impressively short—under four hours on low humidity days—thanks to Shark’s ultra-powerful suction preventing over-saturation.

Compared to the BISSELL TurboClean models, the EX121BRN offers superior odor elimination and better tank separation, but lacks the wider cleaning path for large rooms. It’s ideal for pet owners in small to mid-sized homes who prioritize lightweight maneuverability and odor destruction over multi-surface reach. For the price, it outperforms budget cleaners in cleaning efficacy while staying more accessible than premium Shark models like the EX201.

Step into next-level stain annihilation with the Shark CarpetXpert EX201, where StainStriker Technology unleashes a chemical reaction on-demand to obliterate set-in messes—no premixing, no guesswork. This isn’t just a carpet shampooer; it’s a whole-home cleaning system powered by a high-speed brushroll, 20X more stain-striking power than standard formulas, and ultra-strong suction that leaves carpets refreshed, not soaked. Designed for pet owners and parents, it tackles everything from wine spills to urine accidents with confidence, backed by Dual Tank Technology for consistently clean solution delivery.

During testing, the EX201 proved unmatched in tough stain elimination, especially when using the included OXY Multiplier Formula with the handheld Pet Mess Extractor Tool. The 3.5-inch reversible bristle tool handled carpeted stairs with ease, while the crevice tool reached baseboards and tight corners. On low-pile carpets, one pass was often enough, though thick rugs required a second slow pass for full saturation and extraction. The only hiccup? The machine’s weight makes it slightly tiring during extended sessions, and the hose can kink if not handled carefully.

Against the BISSELL 3746, the EX201 wins on stain-fighting intelligence and accessory versatility, but sacrifices the gallon-sized tank for faster refills. It’s the best overall pick for families needing precision spot cleaning and whole-floor power in one unit. While pricier than entry models, its multi-surface capability and OXY-activated cleaning justify the investment over simpler shampooers.

The Hoover SmartWash+ FH52000 redefines simplicity with automatic cleaning intelligence—just push forward to wash, pull back to dry, and let the machine handle the rest. Its Auto Mix technology precisely blends cleaning solution with water, eliminating guesswork and preventing overuse, while HeatForce drying accelerates evaporation for walkable carpets in under five hours. The FlexForce PowerBrushes adapt to carpet thickness, gently agitating fibers without damage, making it a smart choice for homes with mixed flooring types and delicate rugs.

In practice, the SmartWash+ shines in consistency and ease of use. It’s effortless to operate, even for first-time users, and the automatic dispensing ensures every pass delivers the right mix. On medium-pile carpets, it removes everyday dirt and light spills effectively, though it struggles with deeply embedded stains without multiple passes. The 8-foot hose and included pet tool extend reach, but the machine itself is bulky and less agile around furniture. Without a dual-tank system, it doesn’t separate clean and dirty water as cleanly as Shark models, risking slight re-soiling if not emptied frequently.

Compared to the Shark EX121BRN, the FH52000 offers smarter automation and better solution control, but lags in suction power and deep-cleaning intensity. It’s best for users who value set-and-forget operation and consistent maintenance cleaning over aggressive stain removal. While it lacks the chemical punch of OXY-activated systems, its auto-dry and auto-mix features make it a top pick for hassle-free upkeep.

Meet the spot-cleaning specialist—the Shark CarpetXpert EX151, engineered for war against set-in stains with a built-in spot and stain remover that targets trouble zones before the main pass. This isn’t just about deep cleaning; it’s about precision intervention, where the 7-inch Wide-Path Tool covers more ground while the reversible bristle and crevice tools handle stairs, seams, and furniture. With CarpetXpert Technology and PowerSpray high-pressure jets, it delivers unbeatable dirt removal while keeping carpets dry fast—no lingering moisture or musty smells.

In real use, the EX151 dominates on localized messes and high-traffic wear, lifting coffee spills, mud tracks, and pet accidents with fewer repeats than budget models. The 12 oz Deep Clean Essential Formula boosts cleaning power, though heavy users may want to buy extra. The dual-tank system ensures hygiene, and the XL tool speeds up large-area cleaning, but the machine lacks the chemical activation of the EX201’s StainStriker. It’s also slightly heavier than entry Sharks, which can be felt during stair cleaning.

When stacked against the BISSELL 3952, the EX151 offers superior spot treatment and wider tool range, but at a higher cost and without the BISSELL’s compact storage edge. It’s the best choice for pet-heavy homes needing both broad coverage and surgical stain removal. While not the cheapest, its targeted cleaning intelligence and XL tool make it a smarter long-term investment than basic shampooers.

Don’t let the compact size fool you—the Hoover PowerDash Pet is a small-space powerhouse, built for apartments, dorms, and pet owners who need quick, targeted cleanups without the clutter. Weighing under 10 pounds, it’s one of the most portable uprights available, yet still packs HeatForce drying and an antimicrobial PowerSpin brushroll to fight odors at the source. It’s designed for fast-response cleaning, whether it’s a puppy accident or tracked-in mud on a doormat.

Testing confirms it’s best for small areas and light-to-moderate messes. The single tank (no dual separation) means you’re reusing slightly dirty water, which can reduce cleaning efficiency over time. It works well on low-pile carpets and area rugs, but struggles on thick piles due to lower suction and smaller tank capacity. The sample solution helps initially, but ongoing use requires regular formula purchases. Still, for its size, it dries carpets surprisingly fast—under 5 hours—thanks to HeatForce.

Next to the Shark EX121BRN, the PowerDash wins on portability and storage, but loses in deep-cleaning power and odor elimination. It’s the best lightweight model for renters or second-home owners who clean infrequently. While it can’t match premium dual-tank systems, its low cost and easy handling make it a solid entry point into carpet cleaning.

When cleaning demands go vertical or go mobile, the B0FPFNV6LL portable spot cleaner steps up with 18KPa of pro-grade suction—a level typically found in commercial units—packed into a handheld design. This isn’t an upright replacement; it’s a targeted extractor built for stairs, car interiors, and furniture, where bulky machines can’t reach. The 4.26ft flexible hose and 16.4ft power cord give unmatched range, letting you clean entire vehicles or multi-level stairs without outlet hopping.

In action, it obliterates pet stains on sofas, removes coffee spills from car seats, and extracts dirt from high-pile rugs with the dual brush heads. The 1.5L clean and 0.8L dirty tanks support extended sessions, while the self-cleaning mode flushes the hose to prevent clogs and odors—a rare and valuable feature. However, it lacks heat, so stain breakdown relies solely on chemistry and agitation. Without a heated spray, it’s slower on greasy or oily messes compared to full-size shampooers.

Versus the Shark EX201, it’s less effective on wall-to-wall carpets but dominates in reach and portability. It’s the best pick for car owners and multi-level homes needing a dedicated spot extractor. While it doesn’t replace a full carpet cleaner, its dual-tank system and self-cleaning function offer premium features at a mid-range price.

The BISSELL TurboClean Pet XL 3746 is built for speed and coverage, with a 10-inch cleaning path and 1-gallon tank that slashes refill stops—perfect for sprawling living rooms or whole-house weekend cleans. Its 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush digs deep into carpet fibers, lifting dander, allergens, and ground-in dirt that vacuums miss, especially when paired with the PRO MAX Clean and Protect formula. With StainProtect Technology, it even helps guard against future messes, making it a smart long-term play for pet owners.

In real use, it’s a time-saver for large areas, cleaning 20% faster than standard 8-inch models. The Tough Stain Tool and Spraying Crevice Tool extend reach to baseboards and pet beds, though the hose is shorter than some competitors. Suction is strong but not elite—dry times hover around 6 hours, longer than Shark’s ultra-fast models. It handles most spills well, but struggles with thick, set-in stains without pre-treatment.

Against the Shark EX151, the 3746 wins on tank size and cleaning width, but loses on drying speed and spot-cleaning precision. It’s the best for large-area owners who prioritize efficiency over finesse. While it lacks dual-tank separation, its allergen removal and wide path make it a top workhorse for big homes.

The BISSELL TurboClean 3952 is the budget-savvy hero that punches above its weight, outcleaning many lightweight rivals with its 4-Row DeepReach PowerBrush and included Oxy Urine Eliminator Formula—a rare inclusion at this price. It’s compact and nimble, slipping under furniture and around tight corners with ease, making it ideal for apartments, small homes, or quick cleanups. Despite its size, it delivers real deep-cleaning power, removing tracked-in dirt and pet messes that vacuums leave behind.

Field testing shows it handles everyday stains and light spills with confidence, especially when pre-treated with the Pro Max formula. The smaller tank means more refills on large jobs, and suction is adequate but not thrilling—dry times stretch to 6+ hours. It lacks the dual-tank hygiene of Shark models and has no heat assist, so performance relies heavily on chemical strength. Still, for sporadic cleaning needs, it’s impressively capable.

Next to the Hoover PowerDash, it offers better stain formula and deeper cleaning, though with slightly less portability. It’s the best budget-friendly option for cost-conscious buyers who still want real pet mess performance. While it won’t match premium models, its cleaning power and included Oxy formula deliver exceptional value for the investment.