9 Best Upright Vacuums for Cleaning 2026

This featherweight powerhouse redefines what an entry-level upright can do. Weighing just 7.7 pounds, it’s one of the most effortless to maneuver vacuums we’ve tested—perfect for anyone who dreads lugging heavy machines up stairs or storing them in tight closets. Its 10.5-inch cleaning path and 700-watt motor deliver surprisingly strong suction across both carpets and hard floors, making quick work of daily debris without breaking a sweat. For users with mobility concerns or smaller spaces, this Eureka model eliminates the usual strain of vacuuming with a design that’s as thoughtfully compact as it is effective.

In real-world testing, the Airspeed handled light pet hair, cereal spills, and tracked-in dust with commendable ease. The dual-action brushroll transitions smoothly between floor types, though deep-pile carpets reveal its limits—fine for maintenance, but not deep cleaning. The quick-release handle is a standout, letting you snap on the included crevice tool or dusting brush for above-floor cleaning without hauling the whole unit. However, the small dust cup requires frequent emptying during whole-room sessions, and suction slightly degrades as it fills—typical for budget models, but still a minor frustration.

When compared to heavier-duty contenders like the Shark Navigator series, the Eureka trades raw power for unbeatable portability and simplicity. It doesn’t offer HEPA filtration or lift-away pods, but it delivers core performance at a fraction of the weight and cost. Ideal for apartments, small homes, or as a secondary vacuum, it’s a no-frills solution for light-to-moderate cleaning needs. While it can’t match the deep-cleaning prowess of pricier models, its agile, lightweight design outshines most in its class.

Step into the future of cleaning with the intelligent powerhouse that’s rewriting the rules of upright performance. The Shark POWERDETECT isn’t just powerful—it’s cognitively aware, using four Intelli-Sense sensors to detect floor type, direction, edges, and hidden dirt, then automatically adjusting suction and brushroll speed in real time. With ASTM-verified suction strength and a DuoClean dual-brushroll system, it devours embedded pet hair, fine dust, and debris on both carpets and bare floors without manual intervention. If you’re tired of toggling settings or missing spots along baseboards, this vacuum anticipates your needs before you do.

During rigorous testing, the POWERDETECT excelled in every scenario: it boosted suction within 2 inches of walls thanks to Edge Detect, ensuring no corner was left untouched. On hardwood, Floor Detect deactivated the rear brushroll to prevent scattering, while Direction Detect delivered equal cleaning power in reverse—rare in uprights. The self-cleaning brushroll handled long pet hair with zero wrap, and the HEPA-sealed system trapped 99.99% of allergens, a godsend for sensitive households. The only hiccup? Its 26.5-pound weight makes stair cleaning a two-hand job, and the tech-heavy interface has a slight learning curve.

Pitted against the Shark Detect Pro Lift-Away, this model offers similar intelligence but with stronger baseline suction and a more responsive lift-away pod. It’s not as budget-friendly as simpler models, but for pet owners and allergy sufferers who want set-it-and-forget-it precision, it’s unmatched. Compared to the Bissell CleanView, it’s heavier but far more adaptive and thorough, especially on mixed flooring. This is the smartest, most autonomous upright we’ve tested—where cutting-edge tech meets relentless cleaning power.

Don’t let the sub-$60 price tag fool you—this Eureka packs a punch far beyond its cost. It’s nearly identical to its green sibling but comes with a bonus replacement filter, making it the smartest budget buy for basic home cleaning. At 7.7 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to carry and store, yet its 10.5-inch cleaning path and 700-watt motor handle everyday messes on both carpet and hard floors with surprising efficiency. For renters or first-time homeowners who need reliable, no-nonsense performance, this model delivers exactly that—without bells, whistles, or buyer’s remorse.

In practice, it excels at light-duty cleaning: picking up crumbs, dust bunnies, and short pet hair with ease. The on-board crevice and dusting tools stay within reach, and the quick-release handle makes furniture and stair cleaning surprisingly manageable for such a compact unit. However, like most in this class, it struggles with deeply embedded debris and high-pile carpets, where suction falters. The filter requires frequent rinsing in dusty homes, and the plastic build feels utilitarian, not premium—but that’s expected at this price.

Compared to the Amazon Basics model, it offers slightly better suction and a more ergonomic handle release, though both target the same budget-conscious market. Against the Shark Freestyle Max, it lacks cordless freedom but wins on lower cost and plug-in reliability. It’s not built for heavy pet hair or large homes, but for small spaces and light maintenance, it’s a rare gem of value and simplicity—a vacuum that does the job without overcomplicating it.

Meet the most agile cordless upright Shark has ever built—lighter than 7 pounds and designed for effortless daily cleanups. The Freestyle Max eliminates cord clutter without sacrificing suction, offering two-speed brushroll control to tackle both deep carpet grime and delicate hardwoods. Its LED headlights are a game-changer, revealing dust bunnies and pet hair hiding under sofas and bed frames—details most vacuums miss. For quick pickups or homes where convenience trumps marathon cleaning, this model redefines speed and accessibility.

Real-world use confirms its strength in short, frequent cleaning bursts: it zips under furniture, pivots around legs, and glides over transitions thanks to swivel steering and ultra-lightweight build. The large dust cup reduces emptying frequency, and the easy-release mechanism makes disposal nearly hands-free. However, the battery lasts only 20–25 minutes on high, limiting whole-home use unless you recharge midway. It also lacks a HEPA filter, so allergen containment is weaker than sealed systems like the Shark AZ4002.

Against the Eureka Airspeed, it wins on modern convenience and cordless freedom, but loses on runtime and deep-cleaning power. Compared to other corded budget models, it’s pricier but offers unmatched mobility for daily touch-ups. Ideal for apartment dwellers, pet owners with small messes, or anyone who hates dragging cords, it’s the ultimate quick-clean companion. While it can’t replace a full-powered upright for deep cleans, it excels where others fall short—speed, agility, and spot-cleaning precision.

The lift-away revolution started here, and the Shark NV356E proves why this design remains a favorite. With a detachable pod, you can effortlessly convert from upright to portable—ideal for stairs, car interiors, or ceiling cobwebs. Its swivel steering makes it incredibly nimble, gliding around furniture legs and tight corners with surgical precision. Backed by a HEPA-sealed system that traps 99.9% of allergens, it’s a top pick for homes with asthma or allergy sufferers who need true air quality protection.

In testing, the 0.87L dust cup allowed for extended cleaning without constant emptying, and the brushroll shutoff was perfect for switching between carpet and hardwood without scattering debris. The pet power brush deep-cleaned upholstery, and the included tools stayed securely onboard. However, the cord is only 25 feet, which may require outlet hopping in larger homes, and the plastic pod feels less durable than premium models. It also lacks smart sensors, so floor transitions require manual adjustment.

Compared to the Shark ZU503AMZ, it offers similar lift-away functionality but fewer pet-specific tools. Against the Bissell CleanView, it’s more versatile with its detachable canister and superior filtration. For families needing above-floor flexibility and strong allergen control, it’s a proven workhorse. While newer models add intelligence, this one wins on simplicity, reliability, and proven performance—a classic for a reason.

For under $60, this Amazon Basics model delivers shockingly capable performance with a focus on practical essentials. At 8.4 pounds, it’s light enough for easy handling, yet its 720-watt motor and 1.7L dust cup outperform many pricier rivals in runtime and capacity. The detachable handle doubles as an extension wand, making above-floor cleaning simple without extra tools, and the washable filter keeps long-term costs near zero. If you want maximum function for minimum spend, this is the value king.

In real use, it handled cereal spills, dust, and light pet hair across tile and low-pile carpet with consistent suction. The wide cleaning path reduced pass counts, and the 25-foot cord provided generous reach. However, the plastic housing feels flimsy, and the wheels don’t swivel, making tight turns awkward. It also lacks edge cleaning enhancements, so baseboard debris often gets missed without manual repositioning. Still, for a vacuum at this price, it’s surprisingly capable.

Versus the Eureka Airspeed, it has a larger dust cup and slightly more power, but is heavier and less agile. Compared to other budget picks, it prioritizes capacity over finesse, making it ideal for garages, basements, or as a no-frills workhorse. It won’t impress with tech or design, but for dorms, rental units, or secondary homes, it’s hard to beat for pure utility.

Engineered for maximum agility, the Bissell 2252 shines with its 360-degree swivel head, letting you pivot around table legs and tight corners like a pro. Its Triple Action Brush Roll aggressively lifts embedded pet hair, while Scatter-Free Technology keeps kibble and litter from flying across tile floors—a common flaw in many uprights. With a large dirt tank and one-touch empty, it’s built for homes where pet messes are daily occurrences.

Testing confirmed its superior edge-to-edge cleaning, with side brushes capturing debris right up to baseboards. The included pet tools are effective for couches and car seats, and the airflow indicator helps maintain peak performance. However, the cord rewind is manual, and the filter isn’t washable, increasing long-term costs. It also lacks HEPA filtration, so it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers.

Against the Shark NV356E, it offers better pet hair tools and swivel agility, but falls short on allergen containment. Compared to the Eureka models, it’s heavier but far more effective on deep pet messes. For active pet households prioritizing maneuverability and mess control, it’s a top contender—just don’t expect quiet operation or advanced filtration.

This is the pet owner’s dream—a 1200-watt beast with a self-cleaning brushroll that never wraps hair, even with long-haired dogs. The lift-away pod detaches seamlessly for cleaning stairs, car interiors, or under furniture, while swivel steering ensures it never snags on furniture. With HEPA filtration and a complete anti-allergen seal, it traps dander and dust, making it ideal for homes where pet allergies are a concern.

In testing, the Pet Crevice Tool extracted fur from couch cushions with ease, and the upholstery tool handled drapes and lampshades gently but effectively. Suction remained strong across thick carpets and hardwood, though battery-free operation means unlimited runtime. The only downside? The dust cup is smaller than competitors, requiring more frequent emptying during deep cleans.

Compared to the Shark NV356E, it adds superior pet tools and a better brushroll, but costs more. Against the Bissell 2252, it offers better allergen control and lift-away versatility. For multi-pet homes with mixed flooring, it’s the most complete package—power, convenience, and pet-specific design in one.

This is Shark’s flagship allergen-fighting machine—a sensor-packed powerhouse built for maximum air purity and deep cleaning. With DuoClean Detect and ultrasonic floor sensing, it adapts in real time to carpets, tile, and rugs, boosting suction where needed. Its 5-year warranty and odor-neutralizing tech make it a long-term investment for sensitive households. The HEPA seal traps 99.99% of dust, outperforming even medical-grade standards.

In real use, Dirt Detect found hidden debris in high-traffic zones, and Edge Detect cleaned baseboards flawlessly. The lift-away pod is powerful yet portable, and the included accessories handle tough messes with ease. However, its 30-pound weight makes it cumbersome, and the premium price reflects its high-end status.

Against the Shark AZ4002, it offers longer warranty and better odor control, but similar intelligence. Compared to the Bissell, it’s far superior for allergies and automation. For asthma sufferers or tech lovers, it’s the ultimate high-performance, health-focused upright—where cutting-edge meets care.