7 Best Vacuum Cleaners for Houses 2026

The Bissell CleanView Swivel is a game-changer for homes dominated by hard floors, where scattered debris and pet messes demand precision and power. Its Triple Action Brush Roll works in concert with Scatter-Free Technology to lift embedded dirt while minimizing blowout—a common frustration on smooth surfaces. The 2024 model’s Active Extension Wand adds serious reach, making ceiling corners and ceiling fans suddenly accessible without dragging out a ladder. This vacuum doesn’t just clean—it anticipates the awkward spots that make cleaning feel like a chore.

In real-world use, the swivel steering delivers buttery-smooth navigation around dining room chairs and entertainment centers, while the multi-cyclonic suction system maintains strong airflow even as the 1.5L dirt tank fills. On medium-pile rugs, it pulls up tracked-in dust effectively, though deep-cleaning plush carpets reveals its limits—suction isn’t quite on par with heavier-duty models. The easy-empty dirt tank is genuinely mess-free, a rare win in upright vacuums, and the sealed system helps reduce dust plumes when dumping. Still, the 25-foot cord feels average, requiring multiple outlet changes in larger homes.

Positioned between budget picks and premium pet vacuums, the CleanView Swivel excels where most households spend their time: kitchens, hallways, and living rooms with hard flooring. It’s a smarter choice than basic models like the Amazon Basics, offering better control and specialized features, though it lacks the allergen-sealing prowess of the Shark NV356E. For pet owners who prioritize floor coverage over deep upholstery extraction, this Bissell delivers targeted, scatter-free performance with thoughtful upgrades that make daily cleaning faster and less frustrating.

Don’t let the modest branding fool you—the Amazon Basics Upright punches far above its price tag, delivering surprisingly robust performance for a sub-$60 vacuum. At just 8.4 pounds, it’s one of the most effortless uprights to lug up stairs or push across large rooms, making it ideal for older adults or anyone who dreads the physical toll of deep cleaning. The 1.7L dust cup is a standout, allowing uninterrupted cleaning of multi-room spaces without constant trips to the trash can—a rarity at this price point.

During testing, the 720W motor provided consistent suction across hardwood, tile, and low-pile rugs, handling cereal spills and tracked-in dirt without clogging. The detachable handle transforms it into a makeshift handheld for stairs or car interiors, and the included upholstery and crevice tools are actually usable, not afterthoughts. However, the lack of height adjustment means it can struggle on thicker carpets, occasionally pushing debris instead of lifting it. The washable filter is a smart cost-saver, but it requires frequent rinsing to maintain peak efficiency—neglect it, and suction drops noticeably.

When stacked against pricier contenders, this vacuum is the ultimate value champion—it won’t match the pet hair extraction of the Shark NV356E or the power of the Eureka PowerSpeed, but it covers 80% of household needs at a fraction of the cost. It’s the go-to for renters, small apartments, or secondary homes where reliability and simplicity matter more than bells and whistles. For budget-conscious buyers, it offers essential functionality without compromise, outperforming its price in nearly every category.

If you share your home with pets, the Shark Navigator NV356E is nothing short of a revelation. Its anti-allergen complete seal paired with a true HEPA filter captures 99.9% of dust and allergens—a must for asthma sufferers or homes with shedding dogs. The Lift-Away pod is the real star, letting you detach the canister and clean stairs, car seats, or drapes with surgical precision. For pet owners, the included Pet Power Brush aggressively pulls hair from upholstery, making it one of the few vacuums that truly earns the “pet-friendly” label.

In performance tests, the brushroll shutoff proved invaluable—switching instantly from carpet to hardwood without scattering debris. The swivel steering made tight turns around furniture effortless, while the 0.87L dust cup held up well during whole-home cleanings. Suction remained strong across all floor types, though fine dust on tile occasionally required a second pass. The washable filter is a long-term cost saver, but it demands regular maintenance to prevent odor and airflow loss. Battery-free operation means no runtime anxiety, a clear edge over cordless models like the VBUOO.

Compared to the Bissell CleanView or Eureka PowerSpeed, the Shark NV356E is heavier but delivers superior versatility and allergen control. It’s not the lightest or cheapest, but for homes with pets, allergies, or mixed flooring, it strikes the best balance of power, portability, and filtration. When clean air and pet hair removal are non-negotiable, this vacuum outclasses even more expensive options, offering hospital-grade filtration in a home-friendly design.

The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is a sleeper hit in the budget upright category—lightweight at 10 pounds, yet packing a 960-watt motor that delivers suction serious enough for homes with pets and mixed flooring. Its 5-height brush roll adjustment is a rare feature at this price, allowing precise cleaning from plush rugs to hardwood without kicking up dust. The 2.6-liter dust cup is the largest in its class, meaning fewer interruptions during deep cleans—a godsend for larger homes or multi-pet households.

Real-world testing showed it excelled on medium to high-pile carpets, where the adjustable roller dug deep into fibers to extract embedded fur and dander. On hard floors, it performed well when set to the correct height, though fine particles sometimes escaped the airflow. The onboard pet turbo brush is a standout, quickly removing hair from sofas and car seats without tangling. However, the lack of a HEPA filter is a missed opportunity—ideal filtration is sacrificed for cost, which may bother allergy sufferers. The build feels durable but not premium, with some flex in the hose connection.

Priced between the Amazon Basics and Shark NV356E, the PowerSpeed carves its niche as the best budget-friendly option for pet owners who need strong suction and real adjustability. It doesn’t have the Lift-Away convenience of the Shark or the filtration of the Bissell, but it offers raw cleaning power and capacity unmatched in the sub-$70 range. For families needing a workhorse vacuum without the premium price, this Eureka delivers serious bang for the buck.

The VBUOO cordless vacuum redefines what’s possible in a sub-$100 stick vacuum, boasting 50KPa suction—a spec that rivals models twice its price. Powered by a 600W brushless motor, it obliterates pet hair, cereal crumbs, and even fine dust from plush carpets with a single pass. The self-standing design is a small miracle: no more leaning against walls or worrying about spills when pausing mid-clean. Add in a smart touch screen that shows battery, clog alerts, and filter status, and you’ve got a vacuum that feels genuinely futuristic.

In daily use, the 70-minute runtime on low easily handled a 2,000 sq ft home, while the high-power floor brush with anti-tangle comb lived up to its promise—no hair wrapped around the roller, even after cleaning a husky’s favorite nap spot. The LED-lit flexible head made under-bed cleaning effortless, illuminating dust bunnies you didn’t know existed. However, suction drops noticeably on max mode, lasting just 25 minutes, and the wall mount doesn’t charge unless using the original adapter—a minor but annoying limitation. The bin is also on the smaller side, requiring frequent emptying during whole-home cleans.

Against the Shark NV356E or Eureka PowerSpeed, the VBUOO wins on convenience and tech, trading corded reliability for cordless freedom and smart features. It’s not ideal for homes without wall space for mounting, and the plastic build isn’t as durable as uprights. But for tech-savvy users, pet owners, or anyone tired of tripping over cords, it offers cutting-edge performance and design that makes cleaning almost enjoyable. With top-tier suction and intelligent features, it outshines even more expensive stick vacuums in daily usability.

The Eureka WhirlWind NEN110A proves that canister vacuums still have a place in modern homes, especially for those who value quiet, deep cleaning and effortless maneuverability. Weighing just 8.15 pounds, it glides under sofas and across hardwood with zero effort, thanks to swivel steering and a telescoping metal wand. The 2.5L bagless dust container is massive for a canister—few competitors offer this capacity without bags—making it perfect for large homes or weekly deep cleans. And with no bags or filters to replace, long-term costs are nearly zero.

In testing, the 960-watt motor delivered consistent suction across rugs and tiles, though it struggled slightly on ultra-plush carpeting where uprights dominate. The integrated 2-in-1 crevice tool and dusting brush—built into the hose handle—are genius: no more lost attachments. The automatic cord rewind is satisfyingly smooth, saving time and frustration. However, the hose is shorter than ideal, requiring repositioning when cleaning large rooms. And while it’s quiet compared to uprights, the motor noise is still noticeable on hard floors.

Compared to the Amazon Basics upright or even the Shark NV356E, the WhirlWind offers a different kind of cleaning experience—one focused on precision, reach, and low maintenance. It’s ideal for older adults, allergy sufferers, or homes with lots of furniture and stairs. While it lacks the pet-specific tools of the Shark, its large capacity and innovative design make it the best canister vacuum for hassle-free, whole-home cleaning. For those who want quiet power and zero ongoing costs, it’s a standout.

At just 3 pounds, the Intercleaner 12-in-1 is the lightest vacuum in the lineup, making it a dream for quick cleanups, elderly users, or kids helping with chores. Despite its featherweight frame, it packs 15KPa suction—enough to tackle cereal spills, dust bunnies, and pet hair on hardwood and low-pile rugs. The 12-in-1 design with 11 accessories turns it into a Swiss Army knife of cleaning: go from baseboards to car seats to ceiling fans in seconds. The handheld mode is seamless, and the 4-in-1 brush head adapts to surfaces without changing tools.

In practice, it excels at spot cleaning and maintenance tasks, not deep carpet extraction. The 16.4-foot cord provides generous reach, eliminating constant outlet hopping. The three-layer HEPA filtration keeps exhaust air clean—great for allergy sufferers—while the one-button dust release keeps hands clean. However, the 0.8L dust cup fills fast during whole-home cleaning, and the plastic build feels fragile under heavy use. It also lacks the power to deep-clean thick carpets, where models like the Eureka PowerSpeed dominate.

Positioned as the best lightweight option, it’s not a primary vacuum for large homes with pets, but it’s perfect as a secondary unit for quick tasks or small spaces. Compared to the VBUOO or Shark, it’s less powerful but far more portable and affordable. For apartment dwellers, car cleaners, or anyone needing a no-fuss, ultra-portable vacuum, it delivers exceptional convenience at a rock-bottom price. It may not replace your main vacuum, but it’ll become your go-to for daily touch-ups and hard-to-reach spots.