The 6 Best Vacuum Cleaners – Fall 2023 Reviews
Ask yourself if you really have the need for a “forever” vacuum.
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This is one of those industries with lots of marketing dollars. The reviews come across as market spend. And I haven’t had much luck finding a good one.
What have you found to be good, reliable vacuum cleaners?
Harmanic Posts: 935 Joined: Mon Apr 04, 2022 10:19 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by Harmanic » Thu Feb 23, 2023 4:56 pm
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ResearchMed Posts: 16243 Joined: Fri Dec 26, 2008 10:25 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by ResearchMed » Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:00 pm
Miele, but they are not inexpensive.
We got the least expensive (that’s relatively speaking) canister that had HEPA filters.
We didn’t need a lot of bells and whistles.
The previous one lasted >20 year (with some heavy work, due to our having cats for many years), with only one time it “wouldn’t work”.
We took it to the repair shop (at least there was an authorized shop nearby), and.
. um. er. turned out there was a delicate clothing item stuck in the hose.
Otherwise, they’ve each worked like a charm.
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stan1 Posts: 13346 Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2007 4:35 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by stan1 » Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:09 pm
Our mid line (old enough to be discontinued) Shark has been fine. We like the lift off canister. However, we don’t have heavy duty dirt, deep shag carpet, or large shedding dogs. Tile and wood floors with some rugs.
Normchad Posts: 5318 Joined: Thu Mar 03, 2011 6:20 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by Normchad » Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:17 pm
Invest4lt Posts: 317 Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2017 12:25 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by Invest4lt » Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:18 pm
Miele, without a doubt. They aren’t cheap, but they are worth the extra money in my opinion.
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orange96 Posts: 28 Joined: Sat Nov 06, 2021 10:25 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by orange96 » Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:19 pm
UpperNwGuy Posts: 9152 Joined: Sun Oct 08, 2017 7:16 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by UpperNwGuy » Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:21 pm
Atilla Posts: 1612 Joined: Tue Feb 09, 2010 6:44 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by Atilla » Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:28 pm
We did the Dyson thing; and while they do work well, they don’t hold up.
Love the Shark we bought a few years ago. We do have a large shedding dog; and the amount of hair and crap it pulls up is impressive. I’m talking a full dirty hedgehog-size glob of hair and dirt every time we vacuum.
Maintenance and finding replacement parts for the Shark is easy. Plug and play and carry on. It just seems solid and I give it a fair amount of abuse doing stairs, cleaning out vehicles, etc.
And it’s super-easy to work with. Lift off canister, sucking crap out of corners. It just works nice.
bob60014 Posts: 3421 Joined: Mon Jul 31, 2017 8:59 pm Location: The Land Beyond ORD
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by bob60014 » Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:34 pm
A topic that sucks!! My 25 year old Hoover just chugs along. Other than one electric cord replacement it’s been rock solid.
Last edited by bob60014 on Thu Feb 23, 2023 6:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Normchad Posts: 5318 Joined: Thu Mar 03, 2011 6:20 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by Normchad » Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:38 pm
I should also add, our daughter brought a Roomba home. It actually does a really good job. And since it just does its own thing without us, overall our floors are getting cleaned a lot more often.
It does have a built in dirt sensor. So it will spend extra time in places as required.
SmileyFace Posts: 8533 Joined: Wed Feb 19, 2014 9:11 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by SmileyFace » Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:46 pm
Miele – going strong after many years – handed down to daughtwr that moved out and bought another.
HereToLearn Posts: 1339 Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2018 5:53 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by HereToLearn » Thu Feb 23, 2023 5:52 pm
Another vote for Miele.
The one I bought 24 years ago needed a couple of repairs that the local shop quoted $350 for, so I bought a new one instead. Was able to have the old one repaired in a much lower COL area for $39 and it is still going strong a 12 years later. The original one was quite heavy and involved an extra step when switching to the carpet attachment so it resides in the basement. The newer model has never needed any maintenance and is still going strong. I think the equivalent model sells for $1100 today, but you might never need another vacuum.
obgraham Posts: 1589 Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2013 6:30 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by obgraham » Thu Feb 23, 2023 6:07 pm
Used to be Kenmore. Sadly, gone.
Now: Shark. Pulls up stuff you cannot believe. Warning: clean/change those filters (don’t ask me how I know!)
I see no-reason to cough up so much for a Miel/Dyson, or whatever.
harland Posts: 326 Joined: Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:33 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by harland » Thu Feb 23, 2023 6:18 pm
I watched this YouTube channel for vacuum reviews and teardowns – https://www.youtube.com/@PerformanceReviews
The guy behind the channel is a vacuum repair technician.
The best vacuum (in his opinion) is a whole house central vacuum. I think he uses an MD central vacuum in his home. Otherwise he suggests a bagged vacuum cleaner from brands like Sebo, Miele, Lindhaus, Henry, Hoover and Oreck. Bagless vacuums tend to eject the dust back into the home when you empty the canister. When you change out a bag, you basically return the vacuum to peak performance. The bag also can also help protect the motor from dust and particles that otherwise would get through a sub-optimal bagless design.
We own a Miele canister with a power brush floorhead that’s suitable for all the wall-to-wall carpeting in our house. If you have mainly hard flooring, you probably only need a straight suction vacuum and a ‘turbo’ brush for area rugs.
Note that with some brands like Miele and Sebo, authorized dealers sell vacuums that come with longer warranties than what you’d get by purchasing over the internet either through third parties like Amazon or even direct from the manufacturer. For Miele, this is called the ‘HomeCare’ line and the vacuums all have a red color body. The HomeCare line costs more, but that can be offset if the dealer offers a trade-in program.
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cityscapex5 Posts: 19 Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2018 6:53 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by cityscapex5 » Thu Feb 23, 2023 8:42 pm
Another vote for Miele – preferably made in Germany. I have a 20 year old one which is still great. Needed 1 electrical repair but that was because it fell off a staircase. We have several cordless Dyson’s and while convenient, doesn’t have the suction and the battery will need somewhat frequent replacement.
Last edited by cityscapex5 on Thu Feb 23, 2023 8:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Bogle7 Posts: 1984 Joined: Fri May 11, 2018 9:33 am Location: In the Witness Protection Program
Miele
Post by Bogle7 » Thu Feb 23, 2023 8:44 pm
Last edited by Bogle7 on Thu Feb 23, 2023 10:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
gnujoe2001 Posts: 118 Joined: Mon Jan 13, 2014 1:21 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by gnujoe2001 » Thu Feb 23, 2023 9:11 pm
The most recent best we used to have is the “Hoover Anniversary WindTunnel Self Propelled Bagged Upright”. If you happen to stumble upon one at a thrift store or like, take it! That model isn’t being manufactured anymore and subsequent makes are an exercise in absolute minimum viable product (MVP) product design. If I had known it was discontinued I would have tried shoving it into the PODS when we moved.
That being said, the Hoover Windtunnel Max Bagged upright that’s available today is a competent performer for $200.
sleepy06 Posts: 375 Joined: Tue Oct 18, 2016 8:20 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by sleepy06 » Thu Feb 23, 2023 9:37 pm
I’ll provide a contrarian view.
We use different ones for different things.
Shopvac for all the heavy duty stuff outside and in the cars.
Dyson cordless for touching up this or that.
Bag vacuum for routine cleanings
There is an Oreck XL commercial on sale on amazon right now for it and 75 bags for
barnaclebob Posts: 5268 Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2012 10:54 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by barnaclebob » Thu Feb 23, 2023 10:22 pm
I know nobody buys them anymore but I vote for Oreck. Parts are cheap and the vacuum is easily serviceable. Ours is 15 years old.
Gort Posts: 922 Joined: Sat Mar 17, 2007 5:07 pm Location: Texas
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by Gort » Thu Feb 23, 2023 11:06 pm
Oreck XL commercial. Works well, durable, very light, easy to lift and use on stairs. Every hotel I ever stay at I notice the housekeepers use the Oreck.
lazybones18 Posts: 128 Joined: Thu May 14, 2020 9:31 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by lazybones18 » Thu Feb 23, 2023 11:16 pm
hijacking the thread
but we are looking robot vacuum that can mop vinyl / hardwood floors also
twh Posts: 1659 Joined: Sat Feb 08, 2020 2:15 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by twh » Thu Feb 23, 2023 11:18 pm
N10sive Posts: 730 Joined: Thu May 05, 2016 6:22 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by N10sive » Fri Feb 24, 2023 12:30 am
No love for Electrolux?
That being said I just bought my mom a Miele and she so far loves it.
hunoraut Posts: 1524 Joined: Sun May 31, 2020 11:39 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by hunoraut » Fri Feb 24, 2023 3:32 am
The Miele canister is very cumbersome and unwieldy to use. You have this large semi-flexible hose dragging a heavy canister behind. And the retracting power cord, while long, still needs to be replugged room to room. Try it somewhere before you commit.
Its beefy and strong and durable, but not fun for everyday.
For everyday I use a Miele cordless upright. Its less good than the canister in performance, but is 20x as convenient. The canister only comes out for heavy jobs.
WoostaGal Posts: 139 Joined: Sat Feb 26, 2022 8:01 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by WoostaGal » Fri Feb 24, 2023 5:03 am
The Miele canister is very cumbersome and unwieldy to use. You have this large semi-flexible hose dragging a heavy canister behind. And the retracting power cord, while long, still needs to be replugged room to room. Try it somewhere before you commit.
Its beefy and strong and durable, but not fun for everyday.
For everyday I use a Miele cordless upright. Its less good than the canister in performance, but is 20x as convenient. The canister only comes out for heavy jobs.
I agree with this 100%. I bought a refurbished Miele canister from a local vacuum store at least 15 years ago. It just keeps chugging along. Although it is ‘cumbersome and unwieldy to use’ I’m too frugal to replace it with a cordless upright until it gives out. But I will definitely be sticking with Miele.
onourway Posts: 3623 Joined: Thu Dec 08, 2016 2:39 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by onourway » Fri Feb 24, 2023 5:22 am
We have, let me count, a Miele that is going on 20 years old, a Dyson V6 that must be 6-7 years old, a couple of various brands of Shop Vacs, and I think, two Orecks. We also had a Roomba at one point.
No question the Miele is the best built and if I could only have one vacuum, it’d be that. It’s heavy and awkward to use though, and bags are not an insignificant expense if you buy branded ones. The Miele is what we use when we are doing serious cleaning.
The Dyson is what we use every day, however. It’s much lighter and does a more than adequate job at keeping the house clean enough. I’ve replaced the battery once and it needs to be deep cleaned every year or so (disassembled, cleaned, and put back together). Yes, it’s all plastic, but Dyson sells literally every piece as a replacement at fair prices. I bought an aftermarket battery for $40 when Dyson couldn’t supply one during Covid, and it is going on two years now and it doubled the run-time.
The Orecks came with the house. I would never spend a penny on one; I don’t understand how you can clean anything except a hotel hallway with one. They’re loud and basically impossible to clean under or around obstacles, and no attachments.
abner kravitz Posts: 981 Joined: Tue May 05, 2015 7:42 am Location: East Coast
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by abner kravitz » Fri Feb 24, 2023 6:06 am
I have a Shark NV501 for both upstairs and downstairs in my house. They typically run about $300 each but bought them for $150 on Prime day. They are light, easy to service, and really pick up an incredible amount of dirt, dog hair, etc.
climber2020 Posts: 2642 Joined: Sun Mar 25, 2012 8:06 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by climber2020 » Fri Feb 24, 2023 6:14 am
I use a Dirt Devil. $50 at Walmart.
It’s not the best, but it’s good enough at the job it’s supposed to do, and it’s inexpensive enough to easily replace when it dies. My current one is 9 years old and I clean the floors 2-3 times a week.
Ask yourself if you really have the need for a “forever” vacuum.
livesoft Posts: 84451 Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2007 7:00 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by livesoft » Fri Feb 24, 2023 6:14 am
I am amused by folks who want a vacuum cleaner that last decades. Technology changes. Remember those paperish vacuum cleaner bags that you had to buy years ago? I”m glad the filters are now washable.
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stoptothink Posts: 14562 Joined: Fri Dec 31, 2010 8:53 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by stoptothink » Fri Feb 24, 2023 6:20 am
livesoft wrote: ↑ Fri Feb 24, 2023 6:14 am I am amused by folks who want a vacuum cleaner that last decades. Technology changes. Remember those paperish vacuum cleaner bags that you had to buy years ago? I”m glad the filters are now washable.
+1. We’ve had a Shark for about a decade, zero complaints and it was like $120. I’m certain a Miele is “better” (more powerful, more durable), but if I get a decade+ of solid use out of a machine that is a fraction of the price, how can I justify something that is high-end?
I’m sure when the Shark no longer functions (which may be a long while), we’ll be purchasing something cordless. The capacity and range of the budget cordless options aren’t as good as I’d like, but I bet that will change in the next several years.
Stinky Posts: 13208 Joined: Mon Jun 12, 2017 11:38 am Location: Sweet Home Alabama
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by Stinky » Fri Feb 24, 2023 6:25 am
Is there any love here for a Sirena? Been seeing that brand on line recently.
It uses a water reservoir to catch dirt and such, rather than a bag or a filter.
Less expensive than a Rainbow, which uses the same technology but is much more expensive since it’s sold through multi level marketing.
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iwishiwaswise Posts: 4 Joined: Sun May 08, 2022 6:31 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by iwishiwaswise » Fri Feb 24, 2023 6:39 am
My Rainbow from 2003 is still running perfectly. It still has great parts availability. I would recommend a Rainbow.
tm3 Posts: 730 Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2014 6:16 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by tm3 » Fri Feb 24, 2023 6:57 am
Bang for buck: Shark and Dirt Devil. Work reasonably well and relatively lightweight which IMO is a very important feature for a vacuum to have.
Convenient: Dyson V-something. Ridiculously overpriced, even on closeout/sale/whatever, and poor suction relatively speaking. But, so small handy and lightweight that it gets used a lot and thus floors stay cleaner since is arrival.
Quality construction: Kirby and Miele. Long lasting and repairable, good performers, but heavy and to me not worth the premium price.
hunoraut Posts: 1524 Joined: Sun May 31, 2020 11:39 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by hunoraut » Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:18 am
livesoft wrote: ↑ Fri Feb 24, 2023 6:14 am I am amused by folks who want a vacuum cleaner that last decades. Technology changes. Remember those paperish vacuum cleaner bags that you had to buy years ago? I”m glad the filters are now washable.
Its not about wanting a vacuum to last forever, its that one that lasts long is indicative of durability. Vacuum gets banged around, dragged up stairs, hose twisted out of articulation, connections stressed, etc, and not having it fail.
Wife had a ‘normal’ Samsung canister and the difference is night and day.
Theres no real ‘tech’ I consider in a manual vacuum. Just need a motor with good suction. Whats nice about about the Miele is the relief valve at the handle. If the vacuum head gets stuck on a piece of carpet because suction is too strong, you can flip the valve with your thumb for the head to let go.
Sidenote its interesting how these are priced as ultra-premium in the US. In europe, while its a premium brand, the typical C1/C2 are just above market price. Nothing like the $$$$ charged in the US.
Mr. Rumples Posts: 2745 Joined: Sun Aug 25, 2019 7:16 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by Mr. Rumples » Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:28 am
I have had a Sears Progressive 360 for 12 years; still going strong, but alas, Sears is going by the wayside. It is now tiring to use due to my age; so am thinking about this Shark ZS350, but not sure if it has a HEPA filter. I like this guy’s review: https://www.google.com/search?q=ZS350&c . PQw2n2ypJ8
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snackdog Posts: 2738 Joined: Wed Nov 12, 2014 3:57 am Location: PNW
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by snackdog » Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:30 am
Only you can define “good”. You want it to last 100 years? Be light? Cordless? Cheap? Floor only? Pet hair? Stairs? Too many variables.
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livesoft Posts: 84451 Joined: Thu Mar 01, 2007 7:00 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by livesoft » Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:37 am
hunoraut wrote: ↑ Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:18 am . Whats nice about about the Miele is the relief valve at the handle. If the vacuum head gets stuck on a piece of carpet because suction is too strong, you can flip the valve with your thumb for the head to let go.
Every vacuum cleaner that I have ever owned has that.
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homebuyer6426 Posts: 1771 Joined: Tue Feb 07, 2017 8:08 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by homebuyer6426 » Fri Feb 24, 2023 7:41 am
When I bought the house and had the carpets replaced I splurged on a $300 Dyson ball. 6 years later it’s still going strong and working well, though a few of the plastic parts have some wear. I like that it’s quiet and controls well in the hand. It keeps the carpets very clean, I have a dog and there are no visible stains, they look like when they were installed.
For the tougher/dirtier/wetter jobs I use a DeWalt shop vac that was around $100. It is loud and doesn’t do carpets as well because it doesn’t have a rotating brush but it’s great for everything else.
I cannot justify the price of a Miele. But I’ve never used one. I’d sooner buy a $50 model from Walmart and keep replacing it when it breaks. Although the same could be said for the Dysons, to a lesser extent.
With any vacuum it will last longer if you maintain it. Learn how to take it apart and clear any clogs. If you’ve ever picked up anything with moisture, you likely have reduced suction after it dried inside the vacuum. And you must regularly cut hairs that wrap around the rotating brush, if any human/animal with long hair is in the home.
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Go Blue 99 Posts: 1110 Joined: Thu Oct 09, 2008 3:42 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by Go Blue 99 » Fri Feb 24, 2023 8:03 am
Does anyone here have a Miele cordless stick vacuum? If so, what are your thoughts on it?
YoungSisyphus Posts: 315 Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2018 7:35 am
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by YoungSisyphus » Fri Feb 24, 2023 8:08 am
I just bought the Shark Stratos cordless model and absolutely love it. Wish I would have upgraded a long time ago:
1. Battery life is great and does my whole house in one charge
2. Being able to grab and go with no cord is more enjoyable than I thought it would be
3. It detached to a hand held vacuum which is useful
4. The suction on it is amazing and picks up allergens and dog hair my old vacuum never was able to
5. It’s pivoting head and smaller form factor let me get it under all my furniture without needing to move anything
6. I wouldn’t go back to a regular vacuum that makes it hard to get into corners, underside of kitchen cabinets, etc
7. Has a cool scent technology which leaves behind a nice smell. Also has led lights which help identify things to vacuum on hardwood floors.
Rex66 Posts: 2537 Joined: Tue Aug 04, 2020 5:13 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by Rex66 » Fri Feb 24, 2023 8:20 am
I pretty much have them all
I can’t put my finger on why but people use the dyson more than the Miele even though I commonly see posts like these where Miele is felt to be best
Nowizard Posts: 4650 Joined: Tue Oct 23, 2007 5:33 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by Nowizard » Fri Feb 24, 2023 8:22 am
Having just bought a new one, here is one opinion. We went through the process of whether to purchase a more expensive or less expensive upright, which we knew we wanted. We had a Hoover upright that was the highest recommended one when we purchased previously, and it was very good. Initially, the marketing of Dyson and Shark was questioned, but we ultimately decided to purchase an inexpensive Shark LiftAway for approximately $200 based on reviews regarding its suction and the ability to separate sections for stairs and under furniture. Before using it, we thoroughly vacuumed our rugs with our Hoover which is in good shape but heavy for stairs and more difficult to use for underneath couches. Also, the Shark is bagless. The first use was amazing and totally filled the container when used with what we thought were carefully vacuumed rugs. We do have a dog, and it does pick up dog hair well, though the rotator does require removal of hair after one or two uses. Just one opinion.
enad Posts: 1581 Joined: Fri Aug 12, 2022 2:50 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by enad » Fri Feb 24, 2023 9:13 am
Miele. Going on 21 years now. We bought a Shark about 5 years ago that we use on the other side of the (big) house. Both have their strengths.
If you have a vacuum shop in your area that repairs and sells vacuums, talk to the owner to find out which models are serviced often and which ones are not. I did that with the Miele and 21 years later he was right.
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bbqguru Posts: 242 Joined: Sat Sep 17, 2011 8:31 pm
Re: Best Vacuum Cleaners
Post by bbqguru » Fri Feb 24, 2023 9:43 am
Go Blue 99 wrote: ↑ Fri Feb 24, 2023 8:03 am Does anyone here have a Miele cordless stick vacuum? If so, what are your thoughts on it?
We purchase the Miele based on the brand reputation and features. This seems like an instance where the technology is over engineered.
It’s horrible. I cringe every time I go to use it and wish I could bring myself to throw it away. It’s nothing more than a glorified $1000 Dustbuster.
The brush bar is variable speed and suction based on the dirt it senses. When you on carpet it does great, however, hard surfaces are a different story. It deactivates the brush bar on hard surfaces and kicks it into low suction. If you’ve got big visible piles of dirt, it does a decent job. However, if you’ve got smaller particles (paper from a hole punch for example), I wouldn’t even bother getting it out of the closet.
Having fully remodeled a house this past year and spending more on flooring than the first few vehicles I owned combined, we went down the YouTube rabbit hole of vacuums. Turns out airflow is more important than suction power. There are a few videos of the major brands where they are what you’d expect from the suction perspective, but when they do the airflow test, they are on the bottom of the chart.
We Ended up with two Riccar bagged models. They are made in the US, have a good suction to airflow balance, and are virtually indestructible. We purchased them online from a place in Michigan.
We have an upright Riccar Supralite for our main level where there is mix of flooring types. It weighs virtually nothing (9lb) and the cord is 30′ long. It picks up anything we throw at it, and it’s impressive for its size.
We’ve also got a Riccar canister that we keep in the basement, which is virtually all carpet. The motor power is manually adjustable, with max being strong enough you can see the carpet try and lift off the pad. It can do the hard surfaces just fine as well.
I do know that after only every owning bagless vacuums, I should have made the switch to bagged vacuums long ago. The bags last an extremely long time, are cleaner to deal with, and don’t cost much. We’re a family of three with a young messy child, our housekeep comes weekly and it’s been over 8 months since she’s changed a bag.
The 6 Best Vacuum Cleaners – Fall 2023 Reviews
Depending on what kind of floors you have and the debris you encounter, having the right vacuum for the job is crucial to keeping your space clean. The best option for your needs might vary depending on your specific needs. If you have staircases or bare floors, you may want to consider canister vacuums for their portability and range. If you live in a carpeted home, an upright vacuum can help pick up debris and hair on high-pile textiles. Lightweight stick/handheld vacuums are also a good choice if you need your vacuum to be highly maneuverable.
We’ve tested over 135 vacuums, and below are our recommendations for the best vacuum cleaners you can buy. If you’re looking for more vacuums, check out our recommendations for the best lightweight vacuums, the best cordless vacuums, and the best bagless vacuums.
Best Vacuum
The best vacuum cleaner we’ve tested is the Dyson V15 Detect, especially if you want something cordless. This high-end stick vacuum is remarkably potent, delivering similar debris pickup performance to many corded models. However, it has the advantage of being remarkably easy to deploy and maneuver. It’s capable of automatically modulating its suction power depending on the surface that it’s on and features a dirt sensor to count and measure the size of particles sucked into the vacuum. However, it feels somewhat fragile, which is disappointing for a vacuum at this price point, and it has a relatively basic floorhead with no height adjustment or brushroll off switch, meaning it can get stuck on thicker carpeting pretty often. Consider the Samsung Bespoke Jet if you’re looking for something sturdier. It has a uniquely designed standup charging rack doubling as a self-emptying base station for its dustbin, making it easier and more hygienic to dispose of debris. However, its bulkier floorhead makes maneuvering more hassle than the Dyson, and it can’t adjust its suction power automatically.
Best Mid-Range Vacuum
The Samsung Jet 75+ is a great option if you want a mid-priced vacuum that can handle a variety of messes. Unlike the Dyson V15 Detect, it has no automatic power adjustment mode or an onboard dirt sensor. However, it offers similarly strong debris pickup performance on bare floors and carpeting at a considerably more affordable price. That parity in performance is largely down to its powerful 200AW suction motor, which is remarkably potent for a vacuum at this price point. Unlike the Dyson, this vacuum is also fully compatible with a self-emptying base station, which sucks debris from the vacuum’s dustbin into a disposable dirtbag with a button. That said, this accessory is rather expensive, and buying it with the vacuum does push it into a higher price bracket. The Pet variant of the Jet 75 comes with a miniature turbo brush for cleaning fabric surfaces, though it’s worth noting this attachment is a little unwieldy and can miss really short strands of hair. If you’re hung up on the Samsung vacuum’s lack of an automatic power adjustment feature but aren’t willing to spend that much more, the Shark Stratos Cordless is worth a look. That said, it’s noticeably bulkier and heavier than the Samsung, and it isn’t currently available with two included batteries.
Best Budget Vacuum
The Wyze Cordless Vacuum is a good option to save money on a vacuum cleaner. Despite its budget-friendly price point, it delivers pretty strong overall debris pickup performance, easily clearing away debris on both hard floors and carpet. It also does a good job of dealing with pet hair on different floor types, though the bundled upholstery tool isn’t all that effective for dealing with hair on fabric furniture; you’re better off purchasing the miniature turbo brush tool from Wyze’s website if you have a pet that sheds heavily. Its onboard HEPA filter is pretty effective in sealing in allergens, too. Battery performance isn’t bad for a cordless model in this price bracket. While its runtime is very limited in its high-power ‘Turbo’ mode, it can run for almost an hour in its most energy-efficient ‘ECO’ setting. That said, compared to pricier models like the Samsung Jet 75, the Wyze’s build quality is somewhat cheap and flimsy-feeling, with a body made mainly from thinner plastic. Its dirt compartment feels particularly fragile, and its floorhead scratches rather easily.
Best Corded Vacuum
If you don’t mind exchanging the portability and convenience of a cordless model like the Dyson V15 Detect for better raw cleaning performance, sturdier build quality, and greater versatility over a range of surfaces, the Miele Complete C3 should be on your shopping list. The Brilliant variant sits at the top of the C3 lineup and includes many convenience features. There are additional handle-mounted controls and an extra ‘Auto’ setting that allows the vacuum to automatically adjust suction power depending on the surface it’s on. There’s additional sound insulation for its already quiet motor. This flagship variant also comes with a lightweight parquet floorhead, another straight-suction floorhead with retractable bristles, and Miele’s top-of-the-line SEB 236 powerhead with five levels of height adjustment. If you don’t need as many attachments and can live without the handle-mounted controls, automatic power setting, and additional sound deadening, the C3 Kona variant delivers a similar user experience at a lower price. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a different kind of canister vacuum, consider the SEBO Airbelt D4, which incurs lower ownership costs thanks to its use of bigger dirtbags, which won’t need to be replaced as often, and longer-lasting filters. It also has a longer operating range of nearly 50 feet, enabling you to clean far-away areas easily. However, its bulkier design and stiffer hose make it less maneuverable than the Miele.