10 Best Upright Vacuums 2025 in the United States

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away (model NV356E), is a versatile and powerful vacuum designed to meet various cleaning needs, particularly for pet owners. Its lift-away functionality allows you to detach the pod for easy cleaning of above-floor areas like stairs and furniture. The vacuum features a robust HEPA filtration system combined with an anti-allergen complete seal, trapping 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is excellent for allergy sufferers.

The vacuum is slightly on the heavier side at 13.7 pounds, but it compensates with swivel steering for easy maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces. The brushroll shutoff feature allows you to switch between deep carpet cleaning and gentle bare floor cleaning effortlessly. The extra-large dust cup (0.87 liters) means fewer trips to the trash can during extended cleaning sessions. It also comes with useful attachments like a pet power brush, dusting brush, and an 8-inch crevice tool, making it highly versatile.

However, it is not cordless, which could limit mobility, and its noise level at 80 dB may be considered loud by some users. Despite these drawbacks, its powerful suction, excellent filtration, and multiple attachments make it a top choice for households with pets and varied flooring types.

The Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a strong choice if you need a powerful vacuum for pet hair and mixed floor types like carpets and hard floors. Its standout feature is the DuoClean Detect system, which uses two brush rolls and smart sensors to spot hidden dirt and adjust suction automatically, making it easier to clean thoroughly without extra effort. The vacuum is corded, providing consistent suction power rated very high (up to 120 inches of water lift), which is great for deep cleaning but means you’ll need to stay close to power outlets. It weighs about 17.6 pounds, so while not super light, it's manageable for most people to push around. The self-cleaning brushroll helps prevent hair tangles, a big plus if you have pets.

It includes several useful tools like a crevice tool and pet-specific brushes, plus an odor neutralizer to keep your home smelling fresh. Its HEPA filtration and sealed system trap 99.99% of dust and allergens, which is beneficial if allergies are a concern. Noise level is moderate at around 80 dB, so it won’t be too disruptive but is noticeable. The dust cup holds just over 2 quarts, which is decent but might require emptying during larger cleaning sessions.

Since it’s corded and not portable, it’s best suited for users who prioritize strong suction and advanced cleaning technology over cordless convenience. This vacuum is particularly suitable for pet owners and households with mixed flooring looking for thorough cleaning and allergen control without the need to worry about battery life.

The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum offers strong cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors, thanks to its 8-amp motor and five height adjustment settings. Weighing just 10 pounds, it is easy to carry and maneuver, which is beneficial for cleaning stairs or multiple rooms. Its bagless design with a large 2.6-liter dust cup reduces the frequency of emptying, while the washable foam filter helps keep maintenance costs low. Pet owners will appreciate the included attachments such as a pet turbo tool, crevice tool, and dusting brush, all conveniently stored on the vacuum itself.

The vacuum features a cord length of about 7 feet, which is suitable for indoor cleaning but might require changing outlets in larger spaces. The noise level is around 88 decibels, which is louder than some other models and may not suit those who prefer quieter cleaning sessions. Additionally, the brush roller requires regular cleaning to prevent hair buildup that can cause malfunctions, adding some upkeep. This vacuum is a solid option for those seeking powerful suction, lightweight handling, and pet-specific tools at an affordable price, with the consideration of routine brush maintenance and a somewhat noisy operation.