10 Best Carpet Vacuum Cleaners 2025 in the United States

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a versatile and user-friendly option, particularly well-suited for homes that require cleaning on both carpets and bare floors. Its powerful suction ensures a deep clean on carpets while the brush roll shutoff feature allows you to switch to gentle bare floor cleaning with ease. The lift-away functionality is a standout, letting you detach the pod to clean stairs and furniture effectively. Its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, combined with a washable HEPA filter, makes it an excellent choice for those with allergies, as it traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum.

At 12.5 pounds, it strikes a good balance between being lightweight and powerful, making it easy to maneuver, especially with its swivel steering feature that helps navigate tight spaces and around furniture. The vacuum is bagless, which means you'll save on bag replacements, though you'll need to empty the dust cup regularly. It comes with useful attachments like a wide upholstery tool and a 12-inch crevice tool, enhancing its versatility for different cleaning tasks.

However, at a noise level of 80 dB, it is on the louder side, which might be a consideration if you prefer a quieter vacuum. The Shark NV352 is backed by a five-year limited warranty, reflecting the manufacturer's confidence in its durability. This vacuum cleaner is ideal for households with pets or allergy sufferers, offering a robust set of features in a compact, easy-to-use design.

The Shark Upright Vacuum NV360 is a versatile cleaner with several strong features and a few drawbacks. It boasts powerful suction suitable for deep-cleaning carpets and bare floors. The lift-away functionality allows for convenient cleaning under furniture and above-floor areas, like upholstery and stairs. Equipped with HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, it's excellent for trapping dust and allergens, making it ideal for households with allergy sufferers.

The brush roll can be shut off for safe cleaning on bare floors, adding to its versatility. The vacuum's large 0.9-quart dust cup permits longer cleaning without frequent emptying, which is convenient for extended sessions. However, at nearly 16 pounds, it is somewhat heavy, which might challenge users needing a lighter model. Swivel steering enhances maneuverability, aiding in navigating tight spaces and around furniture.

The included upholstery and crevice tools are valuable for detailed cleaning, especially for pet owners dealing with pet hair. This vacuum is bagless, reducing the cost and hassle of purchasing replacement bags. Although some assembly is required, the process is generally straightforward. The Shark NV360 is well-suited for homes with mixed flooring and pets, but its weight might be a drawback for those needing a more lightweight option.

The Hoover PowerScrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner is designed specifically for deep cleaning carpets and upholstery, making it a strong choice if you need to tackle stains and pet messes. It features five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes that work together to lift dirt effectively, which helps with suction performance. The built-in HeatForce technology speeds up drying times, which is useful after shampooing. It uses a dual tank system, separating clean and dirty water, so you won’t have to worry about mixing or spreading dirty water back onto your floors. The unit is bagless, using tanks instead, which can be easier to empty and clean.

It weighs about 18.5 pounds—fairly average for this type of machine—but might feel a bit heavy during extended cleaning or moving up stairs. Maneuverability is helped by the upright design and included 8-foot hose and multiple attachments like a pet tool, upholstery tool, and crevice tool, making it versatile beyond just carpets. It also has an Auto Mix feature that automatically blends cleaning solution for optimal washing.

This carpet cleaner is a solid option for those seeking a dedicated carpet shampooer with helpful accessories and effective brush action, though it may be less convenient for users who prefer lighter, quieter vacuum-only models.