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The 8 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2024: Top Brands According to Editors and Shoppers
Whether you like vacuuming or loathe it, the best vacuum cleaner will make the chore easier and much faster. However, not all vacuums are created equal, so when in the market for a new one, it makes sense to invest in a top-performing model (and avoid doing things that shorten your vacuum’s life span). But with so many options to choose from, knowing the pros and cons of the best vacuum cleaners helps make the decision a little easier.
We went straight to the sources—cleaning experts, real editors and tens of thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon—to round up the definitive list of the best-performing vacuums in each category, from the best vacuum-mop combos to the top pet vacuum cleaners.
“When shopping for the best vacuums, usability and function are what you are looking for,” explains Pam Clyde, a house cleaning expert and owner of BritLin Cleaning. We kept this advice in mind when selecting our top pick for each category. Find reviews on all kinds of vacuum deals to help you choose the right one. And who knows, you may even look forward to vacuuming once you see how well they work!
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Best vacuum cleaner overall
Black+Decker Powerseries Extreme Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
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On Sale
Best vacuum cleaner overall
Black+Decker Powerseries Extreme Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
Pros:
- Brilliant battery efficiency and ease of use
- Affordable price point
- Easy maneuvering
- Can be used as a stick vacuum or handheld vacuum
- Several included attachments for corners, pet hair and unusual angles
Cons:
- Reviewers note that it rests better in its charging mount vs. against a wall or stairs
Easy maneuvering and an affordable price point make the Black+Decker Powerseries one of the best vacuum cleaner models of all time. Though it was designed with pets in mind, we love it for busy households of all types and styles. For starters, the angled floorhead can be used on multiple surfaces. V-shaped bristles pick up all kinds of debris and the anti-tangle pet hair brush bar goes to work on even the furriest corners and sofas. Reviewers rave about the removable battery, long run time and powerful suction.
“I love the LED floorhead light that literally shines a light on dog hair, crumbs and other dirt that I otherwise might not have seen,” writes our tester Anne Fritz in her Powerseries review. “When fully charged, it runs for 55 minutes—ample time for me to vacuum the areas I want to without it running out of charge.”
On Sale
Best value vacuum cleaner
Shark VM252 VacMop Pro
Pros:
- Affordable price point with a superb value
- Picks up wet and dry messes
- Doesn't leave streaks
- Lightweight model
- Switches easily from vacuum to mop capabilities
Cons:
- Requires disposable cleaning pads and solutions
- Doesn't hold a long enough charge for large rooms
Whether you have vinyl, tile or other hard floors, the Shark VM252 VacMop Pro is a multi-surface wonder. Though it’s not the best option for carpets and rugs (try these carpet cleaners for pets instead), it does clean messes without leaving streaks. Instead of being held down with a heavy dustbin or water tank, debris sticks to the disposable pads. At less than $100, it’s one of our best cheap vacuum picks.
Our Executive Editor Megan Wood loves her Shark, writing in her VacMop Pro review, “I love how easy it is to go from vacuuming to mopping with one machine, and not having to unplug anything to move between rooms. Tossing the disposable pad in the garbage without having to empty a filthy canister is convenient, too.”
Best splurge vacuum cleaner
Miele Complete C3 Canister Vacuum
Pros:
- Luxury vacuum model with added attachments and superior suction
- 10-year warranty
- Powerful motor and components
- Easy to maneuver thanks to the Parquet Twister
- A worthwhile investment that lasts for years
- Comes in several stylish colors
Cons:
- Heavy at 19.4 pounds
- High price point (but designed to last)
Wondering which luxury vacuum aggressively beats out all the rest? This Miele Complete C3 model. But be warned: This level of awesomeness doesn’t come cheap. High price point aside, it delivers an exceptional value. This top-performing canister vacuum tackles any mess. Powerful airflow makes its attachments especially effective. It’s also noticeably quieter than many models.
It’s worth buying just for its Parquet Twister, which provides 180-degree rotation for the agile yet gentle care on smooth floors and surfaces. It also has a savvy self-adjusting automatic setting that makes the transition from carpets to wood floors a breeze. Cleaning professionals swear by this Miele model as their one-and-only, and real customers say it “lasts for years.”
Best vacuum mop combo
Tineco iFloor 3 Cordless Vacuum
Pros:
- Powerful suction works on wet and dry messes
- Clean and dirty water is separated into two different tanks
- Cordless, lightweight model
- Doesn't leave streaks as it dries
- Quiet motor
- Dependable battery display
Cons:
- Roller attachments need to be manually cleaned
- May need more than one charge and tank refresh for larger homes
A device that vacuums and mops? Consider this a must-have cleaning product. The Tineco iFloor 3 clears up wet and dry messes without leaving streaks in its wake. You’ll also be able to see the results in real time as the clean and dirty water is held in two separate tanks. It boasts up to 25 minutes of runtime but will undoubtedly cut your cleaning time in half.
“After years of consistent use, and the welcome addition of a baby to my home, the vacuum mop works as well today as it did straight out of the box,” writes our Executive Editor Megan Wood in her iFloor 3 review. “The battery life is consistently strong. The mop roller doesn’t need to be replaced yet, though it does need to be cleaned and air-dried occasionally to prevent odors.” With more than 18,000 five-star reviews, it’s also a customer-favorite, and a top Amazon vacuum cleaner.
Best vacuum for pet hair
Bissell CrossWave X7 Cordless Pet Pro Wet Dry Vac
Pros:
- Advanced suction power hones in on all kinds of hair
- Double tank compartments for bigger rooms and messier loads
- Up to 30 minutes of runtime
- Includes a multi-surface cleaning formula with Febreze freshness
- Lightweight, cordless model
Cons:
- Water tanks may need to be cleaned after each use, especially if cleaning pet accidents
Pet owners know that a quality vacuum is essential for the battles between pet hair and a clean home. But with the Bissell CrossWave’s suction power and two-in-one versatility, you can easily win the war. It’s the best vacuum for pet hair and allergies and still easily cleans far more than just animal dander. Forgive the pun, but that’s nothing to sneeze at. FYI: For deeper carpet dirt, try the ChomChom Roller or a carpet scraper tool.
Although our Senior Editor Dawn Yanek didn’t have pets when she tested the Bissell CrossWave X7, she writes, “I also have a lot of long hair that tends to get everywhere (yep, like a pet), and I was worried that it would get tangled in the plush roller brush, but nope! The suction funneled it right into the tank without a problem. Plus, this genius vacuum mop somehow made my old area rugs look brand-new in 60 seconds flat.” Psst! We’ve also rounded up the best Bissell vacuums for all of your other cleaning needs.
Best robot vacuum
Eufy RoboVac 11S
Pros:
- Hands-free robotic cleaning
- Can be operated from anywhere you have Wi-Fi access
- Affordable price point for a robot vacuum
- Quiet motor
- Built-in cliff sensor
Cons:
- Some shoppers reported scattered debris
- Won't pick up heavier grains or large fragments
You don’t have to shell out hundreds and hundreds of dollars for one of the best robot vacuums—not if you get the Eufy 11S, that is. The Eufy RoboVac keeps carpets spotless and does even better on bare floors. This best vacuum cleaner pick also has a built-in cliff sensor to keep it from tumbling down steep staircases. That said, still never store your robotic vacuum in certain spots.
With brilliant remote control options and hands-free cleaning, it’s no wonder the Eufy has racked up more than 44,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. Check out our robot vacuum guide to make sure one of these hands-free gadgets is right for you.
Best cordless vacuum
Tineco Pure One S15 Smart Vacuum Cleaner
Pros:
- Offers heavy-duty debris cleanup in a lightweight cordless stick design
- One-touch trigger wipes the dustbin clean
- Quiet motor
- Impressive suction power
- Docks in a wall charger
Cons:
- Some consumers say the wall-mounting feature is hard to use
The feature-packed Tineco Pure One Stick Vacuum boasts impressive cleaning ability for household dirt and pet (or human) hair. An LED panel on the top displays the power level, battery time and clog warnings. It’s one of the best cordless vacuum models on the market, loved by customers and also the Reader’s Digest team. “Our puggle sheds like crazy, and this is the first vacuum to successfully remove fur from rugs—and in a single pass,” says Executive Editor Aviva Patz. “And unlike our old vacuum, the rotating parts never get clogged with fur—or hair from the four humans in the house.”
While also being cordless and lightweight, this vacuum runs for up to 40 minutes without a single charge, making it an ideal vacuum for whole-house cleaning. Plus, download the handy Tineco app to your phone to monitor the cleaning progress, battery levels and suction performance. Another brilliant feature: a smart sensor automatically adjusts suction power according to the soiling detected, improving the overall cleaning efficiency.
On Sale
Best handheld vacuum
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
Pros:
- Convenient size fits into every nook and cranny
- Works on carpet, upholstery, floors and more
- Perfect for spot cleaning
- Can be transported just about anywhere
- Easy to empty dirt bin
Cons:
- Requires a long charge time for about 20 minutes of runtime
What makes pet-focused vacuums so effective is their suction capabilities. While we tested the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser on a furry home, it also works effortlessly in pet-less houses to suck up hair and debris. The long nose allows it to reach tough spots, including behind couch cushions and underneath furniture. It even makes an excellent car vacuum. Plus, it comes with helpful attachments that make the job easier, including a crevice tool, motorized brush and upholstery tool.
“Alongside a dependable pet odor remover like Angry Orange, it’s an easy way to quickly clean pet messes. Even if you don’t have pets, this vacuum would be a good choice as a car vacuum or to clean up after kids,” writes Deputy Shopping Editor Reina Galhea in her Pet Hair Eraser review.
What to Look for When Buying the Best Vacuum Cleaner
“Look at the weight of the vacuum should you need to carry it upstairs, how difficult it is to push during use and the size of the vacuum head,” shares Clyde. “Larger doesn’t always mean better. This is true of all styles and models and includes handheld vacuums.”
Type of Vacuum
The right vacuum depends on how you’ll use it around the home.
- Upright vacuums are ideal for deep cleaning carpets.
- Canister vacuums offer versatility for both carpets and hard floors.
- Stick vacuums are lightweight and great for quick cleanups.
- Robot vacuums handle daily maintenance with minimal effort.
- Handheld vacuums are perfect for small messes and tight spaces.
- Central vacuum systems provide powerful, whole-home cleaning with less noise and dust recirculation. However, they are a considerable investment compared to a standard vacuum cleaner.
Suction Power and Performance
A vacuum’s suction power is crucial for its effectiveness as a cleaner. The more suction it has, the more easily it can remove dirt, dust and debris from surfaces, especially carpets. Performance can vary based on the vacuum’s motor, the filtration system it uses and the type of surface you’re cleaning.
A cordless vacuum cleaner might not be suitable for a larger home. The battery life likely won’t last long enough to clean the entire space.
- For larger homes or lots of carpet, consider a corded vacuum.
- For smaller homes or hard floors, cordless models quickly zip around without needing an outlet.
Dust Collection
Vacuum cleaners use bags or dustbins to collect dirt and debris.
- Bagged vacuums hold more dirt and are better for allergy sufferers as they trap dust more effectively. Keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase vacuum bags continually.
- Bagless models dispose of dirt easily, without the ongoing cost of replacement bags, though they require frequent maintenance since the canister becomes dirty over time.
Ease of Use
Think about the weight and maneuverability of the vacuum you want to buy. If your home has a lot of stairs, a lighter model is easier to carry up and down the stairs. If you prefer corded vacuums, check the length of the power cords. Ideally, you need a cord long enough to stretch around most of your home without hunting down several outlets.
Clyde suggests looking for easy-to-maneuver wheels and handles on the best upright vacuums and lightweight metal and plastic encasement materials.
Attachments and Accessories
Common vacuum accessories are crevice tools for tight spaces, upholstery brushes for furniture and dusting brushes for delicate surfaces. Some upright vacuums come with motorized brush rolls or pet hair attachments, which are great for homes with pets. A few extra tools for your vacuum can help tackle different cleaning jobs around the house and expand your vacuum’s functionality.
Noise Level
There’s no getting around it. Vacuums are noisy. That said, as motor technology advances, we hope they’ll only get quieter and quieter. But if you want a powerful vacuum with good suction power, remember it will make noise.
Vacuum brands boasting quiet operation usually achieve this with less powerful suction, which is a worthwhile consideration while shopping. Higher-end models produce less noise without compromising on suction power, so it comes down to how much you want to spend for a quiet yet powerful vacuum.
Maintenance and Durability
It’s not exactly glamorous, but regularly maintaining your vacuum keeps it performing well over time. This includes cleaning or replacing filters, emptying dustbins and checking for clogs.
Pam insists that shoppers opt for vacuum brands and models that are simple to clean and maintain. “Having a good maintenance schedule will allow even the least expensive vacuum to last longer. Remember to dump vacuum filters often—especially your best vacuum for allergies.”
Allergy Considerations
If you suffer from allergies, a vacuum with a HEPA filter is a good idea. HEPA filters trap fine particles like pollen, dust mites and pet dander, stopping them from returning to the air after vacuuming. A bagged vacuum does a better job because it can contain dust more effectively than canister vacuums.
Why You Should Trust Us
Bryce Gruber is a shopping editor who has contributed to a variety of lifestyle and parenting outlets and TV shows. She reviews a range of home and travel goods and has written for top brands such as MSN, Today, Martha Stewart Living and Harper’s Bazaar.
We also interviewed Pam Clyde, house cleaning expert and owner of BritLin Cleaning. She shared her expertise on specific aspects to consider when shopping for a vacuum. Clyde started her professional organizing business in 1998 and has built an extensive repertoire of cleaning knowledge over the years.
Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this article. Paul is a former commerce editor at Bobvila and has written shopping guides since 2021.
How We Found the Best Vacuum Cleaners
Regarding cleaning products, our editors aren’t just testers—they’re users, too! We all have homes to keep tidy, and when a product impresses us, we bring it home and make it part of our regular cleaning routine. In addition to cleaning products, we’ve had our hands on every type of vacuum you can think of, from upright vacuums to vac-mops to car and robot vacuums. We’ve tested the best vacuums and vac-mops on various surfaces, like hardwood, tile, carpet and stairs, and to clean up after pets. We also consulted professional cleaners, organizers and industry insiders to get their opinions and find out which brands they turn to time and time again. With more than 20 rounds of testing under our belts, we’re more than familiar with the best vacuum brands. We gathered all of this hands-on knowledge to curate our list of the top vacuum options that cover a variety of user preferences and cleaning needs.
FAQ
How do you know what type of vacuum cleaner to buy?
Before splurging on the latest expensive model, consider the best vacuum cleaner for your needs. Pets, children, floor type, living space and accessibility needs will all dictate which vacuum is right for you. So whether you need the best vacuum for hardwood floors or the best staircase vacuum cleaner, your perfect match is easy to find.
How long do vacuum cleaners last?
Vacuum cleaners last as long as you care for them. While some need regular maintenance or a replacement part occasionally, a well-maintained vacuum lasts multiple years. Clean the filters and follow through with regular checks.
Why do vacuum cleaners lose suction?
Vacuums typically draw power from an outlet, so if the machine is losing suction, something is probably blocking the filter or hose (a classic cleaning mistake). There could also be a broken part or hole somewhere, so it’s important to thoroughly check the device every few uses.
How often should you clean a vacuum?
A vacuum should be checked and cleaned at least once a month, considering all its uses. While some have self-emptying capabilities, a deep clean every six months will have your machine working like new every time.
What is the strongest suction vacuum?
Typically, Dyson and Miele vacuums are known for their excellent suction power. The elevated price tag usually indicates additional layers of technology invested to mitigate the loss of suction from the motor to the actual vacuum. Suction power is measured in pascals (Pa), and standard vacuums range around 20,000 to 30,000 Pa, so anything above 30,000 Pa provides strong suction. Sadly, not many vacuum brands actually list this number, so it can be tricky to gauge.
What is the best vacuum cleaner for senior citizens?
Look for a vacuum that is lightweight and built with ergonomics in mind. Specifically, it should have large handles for easy gripping and swivel heads for better maneuverability. If someone tech-savvy is around to assist with setup, a robot vacuum can help seniors clean floors without any physical effort.
What is the #1 rated pet vacuum?
The Bissell CrossWave X7 is a standout choice for homes with pets. It vacuums and washes simultaneously, so cleaning up after an accident is quick and simple. The brush rolls prevent pet hairs from tangling, and the self-cleaning cycle allows easy maintenance.
