7 Best Upright Vacuums with Bags 2026

If you suffer from allergies and demand hospital-grade air purity, the Simplicity S20EZM isn’t just a vacuum—it’s a respiratory safeguard. Boasting a certified HEPA filtration system with dual media filters and a completely sealed bag compartment, this upright traps 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it a powerhouse for asthmatics and allergy sufferers. Its 12-amp motor delivers relentless suction, while the continuous brushroll aggressively pulls embedded pet hair and dust from carpets, solving the common issue of allergens being blown back into the air by lesser machines.

In real-world use, this vacuum excels across carpets, rugs, and hardwood, thanks to its multi-surface height adjustment that prevents scattering debris on hard floors. The 30-foot power cord and onboard storage (including an aluminum telescopic wand) make whole-home cleaning seamless, especially in larger layouts where outlet-hopping is a chore. However, its heavier build—typical of durable bagged models—makes stair cleaning more taxing compared to lighter competitors. While it handles transitions well, the brushroll can struggle slightly on ultra-thick rugs if not adjusted manually.

Positioned as a premium allergy-focused machine, the S20EZM outshines budget bagged vacuums in filtration integrity and build quality. Compared to the Oreck Commercial XL, it’s heavier but far superior in sealed-system performance, ensuring no leakage of fine dust. It’s ideal for families with pets, kids, or chronic allergy concerns who prioritize long-term health over portability. While pricier than some, its filtration performance and durability offer unmatched peace of mind—especially when clean air isn’t negotiable.

For commercial cleaners or busy households that need lightning-fast, no-fuss cleaning, the Oreck Commercial XL is a game-changer in lightweight efficiency. Weighing just 9 pounds, this featherlight upright glides effortlessly from room to room and up flights of stairs, solving the universal pain point of heavy vacuums that leave users fatigued. Its high-speed brush roll and side edge cleaner aggressively pull dirt from deep within carpets, while the automatic height adjustment ensures optimal contact without manual tweaking—perfect for mixed flooring in offices or homes.

During testing, the Oreck proved exceptionally efficient on low-to-medium pile carpets and hard floors, maintaining strong suction without bogging down. The ergonomic helper handle makes carrying it up stairs a one-hand job, and wall bumpers prevent scuffing—a small but critical detail for rental properties or tight spaces. However, its smaller dust capacity means more frequent bag changes in large homes, and the suction, while powerful, doesn’t match the deep-lift performance of heavier-duty motors like the Simplicity’s 12-amp unit. It’s best suited for quick cleanups, not deep weekly cleans.

Against the Kenmore BU3040, the Oreck is lighter but lacks advanced features like LED headlights or swivel steering. It’s the go-to for janitorial staff, landlords, or anyone valuing speed and portability over high-end filtration or attachments. While it doesn’t have HEPA-level sealing, its simplicity and reliability make it a standout in the commercial lightweight category. It delivers pro-level ease with household-friendly design—making cleaning feel less like a chore and more like a sprint.

The Kenmore BU3040 redefines what a lightweight bagged vacuum can do—proving you don’t need bulk to achieve deep, whole-home cleaning. At only 12 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to maneuver, yet packs a punch with PowerFlow bag technology that maintains consistent suction even as the bag fills—solving the annoying drop in performance common in cheaper models. Its swivel steering and LED headlight make it a ninja under furniture, illuminating dust bunnies in dark corners while gliding around legs of sofas and chairs with surgical precision.

In real-world use, the BU3040 shines on carpet-to-hardwood transitions, especially with its 6-foot hose and 30-foot cord enabling extended reach without unplugging. The no-touch bag system is a revelation—press a button, and the sealed bag drops straight into the trash, eliminating dusty hands and airborne plumes. It handles pet hair well, though long strands can occasionally wrap around the brushroll if not cleaned regularly. The 3-in-1 tool and Pet Handi-Mate add serious versatility for upholstery and stairs.

Compared to the Vacmaster UB0302E, it offers similar weight and HEPA filtration but with better ergonomics and tool integration. It’s the ideal pick for pet owners in small-to-medium homes who want HEPA-level air quality without the heft. While not as powerful as the Kenmore Elite 31150, it strikes a sweet spot between lightweight agility and filtration performance—offering premium features at a fraction of the effort. For those tired of wrestling with heavy machines, this vacuum is a breath of fresh air.

The Kenmore BU4050 stands out with a brilliant lift-up canister design that transforms it from an upright into a portable cleaning pod in seconds—perfect for homes with multiple levels or cluttered layouts. This 14-pound upright solves the age-old problem of cumbersome above-floor cleaning: just press a button, lift the canister, and carry it upstairs to tackle stairs, furniture, or car interiors without dragging the whole unit. The Hair Eliminator brushroll is a standout, automatically releasing tangled hair during use—ideal for long-haired pets that typically clog standard rollers.

In practice, the swivel steering and low-profile head allow it to slip under beds and sofas with ease, while the 6-foot hose and 30-foot cord ensure coverage across large rooms. The no-touch bag system keeps disposal clean and hygienic, and the sealed HEPA filtration traps allergens effectively. However, the lift-up pod, while convenient, has a shorter hose reach than standalone canisters, limiting flexibility for ceiling fans or high shelves. It performs well on both carpet and hard floors but lacks speed settings for fine-tuning suction.

Compared to the BU3040, it’s slightly heavier but offers superior versatility with the lift-up feature—making it a better fit for multi-level homes or pet owners needing frequent above-floor cleaning. It doesn’t match the raw power of the Elite 31150, but its unique design and hair-resistant brushroll make it a smarter daily driver. For those who vacuum stairs often or dread carrying a full upright upstairs, this model delivers innovation that actually improves workflow—blending convenience with real performance.

Don’t let the price tag fool you—the Vacmaster UB0302E is a budget powerhouse that delivers HEPA-level filtration and modern features at a fraction of the cost of premium models. Its dual-motor system provides strong suction on both carpet and hardwood, while the LED headlight reveals hidden dust under furniture, solving the common issue of missed spots in dimly lit areas. The standout Bag Drop Function allows one-click disposal: no touching dirt, no mess—just a sealed bag that drops straight into the trash, making it ideal for allergy sufferers or germ-conscious households.

In real-world testing, the 7-foot extended reach and 3-in-1 tool combo make above-floor cleaning surprisingly effective for a budget model. The check-bag indicator is a thoughtful addition, eliminating guesswork about when to replace the bag—ensuring consistent suction. At under 12 pounds, it’s easy to carry and maneuver, though the swivel steering isn’t as smooth as Kenmore’s. It handles pet hair decently, but long strands can wrap around the brushroll if not monitored. Still, for its class, it outperforms many pricier vacuums in usability and filtration.

When stacked against the Vacmaster UB0402, it offers better tool integration and HEPA filtration, while the UB0402 wins in cord length and speed settings. This model is perfect for renters, small homes, or anyone needing affordable, no-nonsense cleaning with real HEPA benefits. It proves you don’t need to spend hundreds to get sealed filtration, LED lighting, and touchless disposal—making it the smartest entry-level bagged vacuum for health-conscious buyers.

For large homes or frequent cleaning, the Vacmaster UB0402 is a value-packed workhorse that combines ultra-lightweight design with massive coverage. Weighing less than 11 pounds, it’s easy to carry room to room or up stairs, yet equipped with a 31.5-foot power cord—the longest in this lineup—drastically reducing outlet changes during whole-house cleanups. Its 2-speed motor lets you dial in suction for carpets or hard floors, a rare feature at this price, solving the one-size-fits-all limitation of most budget vacuums.

In practice, the low-profile head and LED headlight excel at reaching under sofas and beds, while the dual-motor system maintains strong suction across surfaces. It handles pet hair adequately, though lacks a self-cleaning brushroll, so tangles require manual removal. The 14L bag capacity means fewer changes—ideal for large spaces—but the lack of HEPA filtration means it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers. It’s best suited for homes prioritizing coverage and convenience over medical-grade air cleaning.

Compared to the UB0302E, it trades HEPA and tool storage for longer cord and speed control, making it better for big homes with mixed flooring. It’s not as feature-rich as the Kenmore models, but for the price, it delivers unmatched reach and ease of movement. If you’re cleaning 2,000+ sq ft regularly and hate plugging and unplugging, this vacuum offers practical power with minimal fatigue—a true large-space solution that doesn’t weigh you down.

The Kenmore Elite 31150 isn’t just the best in this lineup—it’s a benchmark for bagged uprights, combining triple HEPA filtration, beltless technology, and 20% more air power into a single, no-compromise machine. Its 3D Inducer Motor acts like three motors in one, delivering relentless suction that never drops, even as the bag fills—solving the #1 frustration with weaker vacuums that lose power mid-clean. The beltless agitator eliminates snapped belts and maintenance headaches, while the Pet Handi-Mate tool uses airflow to spin a brush for removing pet hair from car seats and furniture—no batteries, no cords.

In real-world use, the 5-position height adjustment ensures perfect contact on everything from plush carpets to bare floors, and the 10-foot telescoping wand makes ceiling cobwebs or high shelves accessible without a ladder. The triple HEPA system captures dander and fine dust with surgical precision, making it ideal for homes with shedding pets and allergy sufferers. It’s heavier than others, but the comfort-grip handle and swivel steering offset the weight during extended use.

Against the Simplicity S20EZM, it offers better suction and more tools, while the Simplicity has slightly better filtration sealing. It outperforms the Oreck and Vacmaster models in every category—power, versatility, and pet-specific design. This is the ultimate choice for pet owners in large homes who want maximum performance, minimal maintenance, and hospital-grade air quality. It’s not the lightest or cheapest, but for those who want the best all-around bagged upright, it’s worth every penny—delivering elite performance that justifies its top-tier status.