8 Best Vacuums for Carpets and Hard Floors 2026

Powerhouse performance meets intelligent design in the KARDV Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, a standout for homes craving deep cleaning without cords. With a 40Kpa max suction powered by a 500W motor, it effortlessly lifts pet hair from carpets and fine dust from hardwood floors, making it a dual-threat on mixed flooring. The V-shape anti-tangle roller is a game-changer—no more stopping to cut hair from the brush—while the smart LED display keeps you in control with real-time battery and mode feedback, solving the frustration of guesswork during cleaning.

In real-world use, this vacuum shines across surfaces: it handles low-pile rugs with ease and maintains strong pickup on tile and laminate, thanks to its sealed multi-layer filtration and efficient airflow. The 60-minute runtime in eco mode covers up to 1,500 sq. ft., ideal for daily maintenance, though max mode drains power quickly (20–25 mins). Its 1.5L dust cup reduces emptying frequency, but the larger capacity adds slight bulk—still, the wall-mount charging system keeps it organized and always ready. It falters slightly on ultra-thick carpets where suction dips, but for most homes, it’s impressively consistent.

Positioned between budget picks and premium models, the KARDV outperforms many in suction and smart features, though it’s not as nimble as ultra-light sticks. It’s a clear upgrade over basic cordless vacuums, especially for pet owners who value tangle-free operation and long runtime. Compared to the LEVOIT LVAC-200, it delivers stronger suction and smarter feedback, trading slightly more weight for significantly better deep-cleaning capability on carpets.

Pet owners, rejoice—the LEVOIT LVAC-200 is engineered for one thing: taming pet hair without the tangles. Its tangle-resistant roller brush slices through fur with ease, drastically reducing maintenance, while the 5-stage filtration system captures dander and allergens, making it a breath of fresh air for allergy sufferers. At just under 6 lbs, it’s featherlight, turning quick cleanups into effortless rituals—perfect for homes where fur accumulates fast and cleaning needs to be fast and frequent.

During testing, the vacuum proved reliable on both medium-pile carpets and hardwood, with strong suction that pulled embedded hair from rug fibers and picked up tracked-in dust along baseboards. The 50-minute runtime comfortably covers a 1,000 sq. ft. apartment, though power drops slightly on max mode. Attachments like the 2-in-1 pet tool excel at furniture and car interiors, but the 0.6L dust bin fills quickly during whole-home sessions, requiring mid-clean emptying. It struggles with large debris and isn’t built for deep carpet revival, but for surface-level pet messes, it’s impressively efficient.

When stacked against the KARDV, the LEVOIT trades raw power for lightweight agility and superior allergen control. It’s less of a deep-cleaning beast and more of a daily maintenance specialist, ideal for small to medium homes with pets. While the KARDV offers longer runtime and bigger capacity, the LEVOIT wins on ease of use, filter longevity, and pet-specific design, making it a smarter pick for households where speed and hygiene trump brute force.

Deep-cleaning prowess defines the Bissell CleanView Swivel, a corded upright that excels at lifting stubborn, embedded dirt from carpets without sacrificing hard floor performance. Its Triple Action Brush Roll aggressively loosens grime, while Scatter-Free Technology ensures debris stays contained on bare floors—no more chasing dust puffs across the kitchen. The active extension wand is a subtle but brilliant touch, letting you clean under sofas and beds without bending, solving a major pain point for back-strained cleaners.

In practice, this vacuum digs deep into medium to high-pile carpets, extracting years of tracked-in soil better than most budget models. The multi-cyclonic suction maintains power over time, and the 1.7L dirt tank allows extended cleaning—ideal for larger homes. However, it’s no lightweight at 12 lbs, and the cord rewind isn’t automatic, making storage slightly more cumbersome. It performs adequately on hardwood but lacks a dedicated brushroll shutoff, risking light scratching if used aggressively on delicate finishes.

Compared to the Amazon Basics upright, the Bissell offers superior agitation and deep-cleaning ability, thanks to its advanced brush roll and extension wand. It’s not as nimble as stick vacuums, but for carpeted homes needing serious soil removal, it’s a standout. While pricier than entry-level models, it delivers noticeably better performance on embedded messes, making it worth the investment for those prioritizing deep carpet revival over portability.

Affordability meets reliability in the Amazon Basics Upright Vacuum, a no-frills workhorse that delivers solid performance for the price. Weighing just 8.4 lbs and equipped with a 25-foot power cord, it’s easy to carry and maneuver across large areas, making it a top pick for budget-conscious buyers who still want full-home coverage. The 720W motor provides decent suction for light to moderate carpet cleaning, and the 1.7L dust cup means fewer trips to the trash.

In real-world use, it handles everyday dust, crumbs, and light pet hair competently on both carpets and hard floors. The detachable handle transforms it into a handheld unit for stairs and furniture, though suction drops slightly in this mode. It lacks advanced features like HEPA filtration or brushroll shutoff, and the basic filter doesn’t trap fine allergens effectively. On thick carpets, it struggles with deeply embedded dirt, but for maintenance cleaning in low-to-medium traffic homes, it performs admirably.

Against the Bissell CleanView, it’s clearly the budget alternative—lighter and cheaper, but without the deep-cleaning muscle. It’s best suited for apartments, small homes, or secondary units where cleaning demands are light. While it doesn’t offer the advanced agitation or wand extension of pricier models, it’s a reliable, low-maintenance option that proves you don’t need to spend much for functional, everyday cleaning.

Allergy sufferers and pet owners will find a true ally in the Shark Navigator NV356E, where HEPA filtration and complete seal technology combine to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens—a claim backed by independent lab testing. The lift-away pod is its secret weapon, detaching seamlessly for effortless cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and ceilings, solving the strain of lugging a full upright everywhere. With brushroll shutoff, it transitions instantly from carpet to hardwood, protecting delicate floors while maintaining strong pickup.

Testing revealed excellent performance on pet hair, especially with the included pet power brush, which agitates fibers deeply without tangling. The swivel steering makes it agile around furniture, and the 0.87L dust cup is easy to empty with one hand. However, the smaller capacity means more frequent emptying during big cleanups, and the cord isn’t self-retracting. It’s heavier than stick models, but the lift-away design compensates by reducing strain during above-floor tasks.

Next to the Eureka NEU612BL, the Shark trades some raw power for superior allergen control and versatility. While the Eureka has dual motors and a longer cord, the Shark wins on filtration and ease of overhead cleaning. It’s the best choice for homes with allergies or multiple pets, offering hospital-grade air cleaning without sacrificing floor performance. For those who value air quality as much as floor cleanliness, it’s unmatched in its class.

The Eureka WhirlWind redefines canister convenience with a 2.5L dust container and automatic cord rewind, blending large capacity with effortless storage in a lightweight 8.15 lb frame. Its integrated airflow control on the handle lets you switch between carpet and hard floor cleaning instantly—no dials or buttons—while the telescoping metal wand and swivel steering offer precise navigation under furniture and along baseboards. It’s a refreshingly smart design for those tired of losing attachments or wrestling with tangled cords.

In action, it delivers strong, consistent suction across surfaces, with the 2-in-1 crevice tool and dusting brush always within reach thanks to the handle-integrated design. The bagless system with washable filters eliminates ongoing costs, and the one-button dust cup release makes emptying quick and mess-free. It’s not the most powerful on thick carpets, but for hard floors, rugs, and upholstery, it’s highly effective. The hose could be longer for whole-home reach, and the motor noise is slightly higher than uprights.

Compared to the Shark Rocket HV301, it offers greater dust capacity and auto rewind, but lacks the convertible handheld convenience. It’s ideal for multi-room homes with mixed flooring where storage and ease of use are priorities. For users who want a low-maintenance, high-convenience canister, the WhirlWind strikes a rare balance of simplicity and performance, outclassing many in usability despite modest power.

Lightweight dominance defines the Shark Rocket HV301, a sub-9 lb corded stick vacuum that converts instantly to a handheld for floor-to-ceiling cleaning—no tools, no fuss. Its corded power ensures zero drop in suction, delivering consistent performance on both plush carpets and tile, while fingertip controls let you switch surfaces without bending down. The swivel steering makes it a nimble navigator in tight spaces, perfect for cluttered living rooms or under-kitchen-cabinet cleanups.

Real-world testing shows it excels at quick cleanups and above-floor tasks: it zips over area rugs, pulls pet hair from car seats, and tackles ceiling cobwebs with the included tools. The easy-empty dust cup minimizes mess, and the 5-year warranty speaks to its durability. However, the 0.3L bin fills fast, requiring frequent emptying during whole-home sessions. It’s not designed for deep carpet cleaning, but for daily maintenance and spot cleaning, it’s incredibly efficient.

Against the Eureka WhirlWind, it trades dust capacity for ultra-portability and instant conversion. While the WhirlWind holds more, the Shark Rocket wins on agility and versatility. It’s the best pick for small spaces, apartments, or supplemental cleaning, offering corded reliability in a stick format. For those who want no-sag performance without the bulk, it’s a top-tier lightweight performer.

The Eureka NEU612BL lays claim to ‘Best Overall’ with a dual-motor system that powers both the brush roll and suction independently, delivering sustained, cyclonic-grade cleaning across carpets and hard floors. Its anti-tangle brush roll slices through pet hair like butter, eliminating the dreaded post-clean maintenance ritual. With a 30-foot power cord and 8.2-foot hose, it covers large rooms without outlet hopping, a game-changer for open-concept homes.

In performance, it dominates thick carpets, extracting deeply embedded dirt and pet dander with ease, while swivel steering keeps it agile around furniture legs. The large dust cup minimizes interruptions, and the full accessory set—including a pet turbo brush—makes it a true whole-house cleaner. It’s slightly heavier than some, and the noise level is noticeable, but the cleaning payoff justifies the trade-offs.

Pitted against the Shark NV356E, it offers more raw power and reach, though it lacks HEPA filtration. It’s the best balance of performance, features, and price for families needing deep, reliable cleaning without premium costs. For those who want professional-level results at home, the Eureka NEU612BL delivers power, convenience, and durability in one compelling package.