Finding the ideal vacuum for your needs and the aspects of your home might be difficult. Numerous alternatives are available, and no one-size-fits-all vacuum is ideal for every home. You’ll need to think about the size of your room, the sort of flooring you have, and whether or not you want one with a cord.
To assist you in navigating this huge product area, we’ve highlighted 11 of our top vacuum picks based on our Cleaning Lab testing and some new winners from our 2023 Home Accessories Best Cleaning and Organizing Awards. All of these options perform well on low- to medium-pile carpets and hardwood floors, but if you’re looking for something more particular, like a robot or stick vacuum, we’ve got you covered.
Our top picks:
We subjected them to comprehensive testing using ASTM International industry-standard methodologies to choose the best vacuums. As a test track, we employ a custom-built machine that resembles a carpeted treadmill. This allows us to quantify the number of passes and the amount of debris removed by the vacuums.
We’ve evaluated hundreds of vacuum cleaners over the years, including the finest car vacuums, Cordless Stick Vacuums, Vacuum Cleaners, Robot Mops, Robot Vacuums, Cordless Handheld Vacuums,Best Vacuums on Amazon, cheap vacuum cleaners, and more. We look at bagged and bagless variants, corded and cordless models, and see how easy they are to maneuver, what equipment they come with, and how well they operate.
At the end of this guide, you can read more about how we evaluate vacuums in our Lab and all you need to know to pick the best vacuum cleaner for your home. Need help finding what you were looking for? More options can be found in our guides: the best vacuums for hardwood floors, the best vacuums for pet hair, and the best canister vacuums.
1
PROS
- Rinsable HEPA filter
- Removable and replaceable battery
- Quiet
CONS
- Some pet hair clung to the brush attachment in testing
Weight: 3 lbs.
Cord length: Cordless.
Battery life/ Run time: 10 minutes (high speed) or up to 25 minutes (low speed).
Bag or bagless: Bagless.
Dust cup capacity: 0.18 L.
Cleaning modes: High speed and low speed.
Make room for another winner of the GH Cleaning Awards. The Worx model is not your average handheld vacuum; it has a unique compact, boxy appearance, a replaceable battery that plugs into other Worx products, and a top handle for effortlessly transporting it to messes. For that reason, it’s an excellent car vacuum.
It outperformed 18 handheld vacuums in our lab tests, earning the highest overall score across carpet, bare floor, and pet hair pickup tests. Though we gave it good marks in all of our testing categories, we did notice that a lot of pet hair adhered to the brush attachment. It has a very little dust cup, so that it could be better for large messes, but it can empty the bottom with the push of a button.
In our lab tests, the Worx cordless cube operated for 23 minutes at low speed with a 2Ah battery, which is a reasonable run time for a hand vacuum of its size. Still, it can also run longer with a higher-capacity battery from the manufacturer. Although it is slightly heavier than comparable portable vacuums, you do not have to hold it up to use it, and all of its tools are conveniently stored on board. This hand vac has a three-star rating from QuietMark for good and quiet operation, and our consumer tester enjoyed it, saying, “I LOVED it and can see me bringing it in the trunk of the car if we are going somewhere that I know will be messy.”
2
PROS
- Base washes and dries the mopping pads after a cleaning task
- Floor cleaning solution included with robot
CONS
- Pricey
- Mop pads can develop mold or mildew
Weight: 39.3 lbs.
Cord Length: Cordless.
Battery life/Run time: 210 minutes.
Bag or Bagless: Bagless.
Dust cup capacity: 3 L.
Cleaning Modes: 3 Water Usage Modes, mop-cleaning and drying, hard and carpeted flooring.
This robot vacuum, another winner in this year’s Cleaning Awards, will mop and vacuum your floors in a single cleaning session. The vacuum comes with the brand’s cleaning solution, which fits inside the charging base and automatically dispenses as needed.
It includes two rotary mops that can go from carpets to hard surfaces without getting the carpet wet. Following mopping, the mops are dried using hot air to help prevent smells and mildew. However, drying time might vary depending on how wet the mop pads are, which can be affected by the cleaning cycle’s intensity. It uses artificial intelligence and 3D navigation technologies to control the height of the brush roll when vacuuming and the volume of cleaning fluid dispensed when mopping.
In our tests, it could automatically clear all of the hair and debris from the dustbin without clogging or leaving anything on the brush roll. It collects material in a 3-liter dust bag that can be used for up to 60 days of regular cleanings. We like the simple software that allows users to schedule cleanings and monitor progress via a camera linked to the vacuum.
3
PROS
- Best spot cleaning robot in our tests
- Automatically empties dirt into its bin
- Doesn't clog with pet hair
CONS
- Has trouble navigating around small objects
Weight: 8.15 lbs.
Cord length: Cordless (dock is corded).
Battery life/ Run time: 75 minutes.
Bag or bagless: Bagless (bag in charging base).
Dust cup capacity: The charging base holds up to 60 days’ worth of debris.
Cleaning modes: Spot clean, scheduled clean, and regular cleaning mode.
The Roomba S9+ gathered 99% of the uncooked oatmeal, sand, baking soda, and small nuts and screws we scattered on hard floors during our Cleaning Lab tests.
It can map and recall several rooms and floor plans, outperforming all other robot vacuums when cleaning a small area swiftly and effectively. This robot vacuum is expensive, but it has high-end capabilities like carpet sensing that automatically increases suction only when needed and twin rubber roller brushes that don’t clog with pet hair like bristles do. When the battery runs low, the vacuum returns to its charging base, where dirt is automatically transferred into a sealed large-capacity bag for mess-free disposal and resumes where it left off.
The charging base is really useful but requires a lot of space to set up because it must be linked to a power outlet and have at least 1.5 feet of vacant space on both sides and 4 feet in front. You can use the app to create cleaning schedules and no-go zones and instruct the robot to clean only one area at a time. While the S9+ can get around larger impediments, it struggles with little stuff like wires and pet waste.
4
BEST WET DRY VACUUM AND MOP COMBO
Dreametech H11 Max Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner
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PROS
- Cleaned up wet messes without streaking
- Brush roll cleans itself as you use it
CONS
- Some dirty water dripped out after cleaning
Weight: 12 lbs.
Cord length: Cordless.
Battery life/Run time: 36 minutes.
Bag or bagless: Bagless.
Dust cup capacity: 900 ml clean water tank and 500 ml dirty water tank.
Cleaning modes: Auto, water absorption.
Dreametech floor-cleaning appliances, such as its robots and stick vacuums, perform admirably in HA Cleaning Lab testing, and this vacuum mop is no exception. It sucks up dry and wet stains and washes your floors during the same cleaning session, as do all brands in this new category. We put 11 of these wet-dry vacuum mop devices through their paces in our most recent Lab tests, gathering up dry debris like oats and wet messes like water and ketchup and testing their scouring power with a soy sauce stain on vinyl flooring.
The Dreametech, in our opinion, was a joy to use. It not only cleaned beautifully without streaks, but it also received flawless scores in six of our eight ease-of-use categories. We found it easy to maneuver around furniture and into tight spaces, but what truly impressed us was how it moved almost independently. All we needed to do was steer it.
This device cleans the brush roll as the vacuum moves along, preventing messes from building up and getting re-deposited further down your cleaning route. When the H11 Max detects additional debris on the floor, it automatically raises the suction. It is silent, has a lengthy run time, and has an LED panel that displays information ranging from debris detection to error alerts and battery levels. Its only flaw was that a small amount of unclean water remained after cleaning and when we raised it off the floor.
5
PROS
- Five power settings
- HEPA filter
- Works on all carpet heights and densities
CONS
- Small wheels may get caught in high-pile carpet
Weight: 23 lbs.
Cord length: 24 ft.
Battery life/ Run time: N/A.
Bag or bagless: Bag.
Dust cup capacity: 4.5 L dust bag.
Cleaning modes: Curtains, upholstery, deep pile carpet, energy-saving, loop pile carpet, hard flooring.
This Miele gained our HA Seal for effectively cleaning all types of flooring. Miele vacuums perform the best of all vacuum brands in lab tests by collecting up and trapping dust and grime.
This canister vacuum has a parquet floor brush and a brush roll with five different settings for cleaning everything from hard flooring to plush, high-pile carpeting. It’s one of the priciest canister vacuums we’ve evaluated, but it’s a Lab favorite and close to the type our Cleaning Lab executive director uses at home.
Allergy sufferers will appreciate the high-filtration bag and HEPA AirClean filter, which prevent dust from recirculating in the air. The power cord retracts, and all accompanying tools fit inside the canister. According to several online reviews, its little wheels can get hooked when moving the vacuum along, and it weighs more than 20 pounds, making it difficult for some to lift it upstairs.
6
PROS
- Long run-time
- Self-emptying and huge dust cup capacity
CONS
- Expensive
Weight: 6.3 lbs.
Cord Length: Cordless.
Battery life/Run time: 100 minutes.
Bag or bagless: Bagless.
Dust Cup Capacity: .5 gallons.
Cleaning modes: Automatically adjusts to carpet or hardwood; offers mid, min, and low speeds.
This stick vacuum won the Home Accessoris Best Cleaning and Organizing Award in 2023, blowing us away in our tests. During testing, it ran for more than an hour and used AI technology to automatically adjust the suction and brush roll to the kind of flooring. It includes three cleaning settings — min, mid, and max — useful for cleaning carpets with varied pile heights. We also ensure that the vacuums we evaluate can easily hold onto the dirt they take up.
When you’re through with an area, place the vacuum back on its charging station, and it will automatically empty the 5-gallon dust container. The vacuum also includes seven dust bags for the base, which should last around two years. We appreciated how it closed the dust cup door during testing, ensuring that our hands were never soiled.
In addition, the Bespoke Jet features a powerful HexaJet 2.0 motor with an incredible suction force capable of cleaning even the finest grit and particles in tests.
7
PROS
- Parquet floor brush specifically designed for hardwood floors
- Four suction power settings
- Large wheels make it easy to maneuver
CONS
- Hose does not lock into place for storage
Weight: 18 lbs.
Cord length: 21 ft.
Battery life/Run time: N/A.
Bag or bagless: Bagless.
Dust cup capacity: 1 L.
Cleaning modes: Curtains/lightweight fabric, deep pile carpets, low pile carpets, and hard flooring.
Because of its high suction and tiny size, this canister vacuum was one of the winners of a previous Cleaning & Organizing Awards.
This version comes with a parquet floor brush built specifically for hardwood floors, but it may also be ordered with a universal floor brush for bare floors and carpets or a TurboBrush for picking up pet hair. In our tests, it left no residue on carpets, hardwood floors, or tiles, was easy to move, and reached far enough to clean a significant stretch of our Institute halls without switching power outlets.
Its dust cup can be withdrawn and reinstalled without ever pressing a button. While some dust may escape during emptying due to its bagless design, the vacuum has a HEPA filter to reduce allergens discharged back into the air during cleaning.
Our Cleaning Lab Reviews Analyst praised the sleek appearance, saying it was “cute enough to keep out of the closet.” It features a retractable cable and a spot to clip the wand on board, but one of our testers wishes it had space to wrap the hose around the canister for even neater storage.
8
PROS
- Automatically adjusts speed and suction according to how much dust it senses
- Laser spotter makes it easier to see dust on bare floors
- Converts to a handheld vacuum
CONS
- Pricey
Weight: 6.8 lbs.
Cord length: Cordless.
Battery life/ Run time: Up to 60 minutes.
Bag or bagless: Bagless.
Dust cup capacity: 0.76 L.
Cleaning modes: Eco, auto, boost.
The V15 Detect earned a Home Asseccoris Cleaning Award for its bare floor brush, which beamed a laser on the floor to spot and pick up even the tiniest bits of debris that were otherwise invisible to us. It is consistently one of the best stick vacuums for its excellent performance and incredible features.
It is somewhat expensive, but it has whole-machine filtration, which means that even the smallest particles cannot escape. It automatically adjusts the suction and speed of the brush roll based on the type of floor and the dust detected during cleaning. We also enjoy how many tools it comes with, such as a dusting brush, hair screw screwdriver, and digital motorbar.
It also includes a clear LCD that tells you the battery life and real-time performance data, such as the number and size of particles picked up. Almost all of its Amazon reviews are positive, with one reviewer stating, “This vacuum is the second thing I would grab if my house were on fire.” The V15 Detect may be readily converted into a hand vacuum, albeit heavier than some of the others we’ve tested at over 6 pounds.
9
PROS
- Brush roll and dust cup help eliminate pet hair messes
- Notably powerful suction
- Easy to use
CONS
- Some reviewers found it too heavy
Weight: 13.75 lbs.
Cord length: 30 ft.
Battery life/Run Time: N/A.
Bag or bagless: Bagless.
Dust cup capacity: 0.8 L.
Cleaning modes: Low carpet, plush carpet, and brush roll can be turned off to vacuum hardwood flooring.
This vacuum cleaner has features that help it suck up every piece of pet hair. A tangle-free brush roll prevents pet hair from clogging the bristles, and a hair spooling system within the canister keeps the waste contained, making emptying easier and cleaner.
Like many of Bissell’s greatest vacuums, it comes with many attachments, including a two-in-one pet dusting brush and a Pet TurboEraser Tool for picking up pet hairs. It performed admirably in our lab testing due to its ease of use and strong suction, but we wish it had a retractable cable for simpler storage.
Cleaning hardwood floors with vacuums with firm bristles on the brush roll can cause microscopic scratches that can degrade the finish of sealed hardwood floors. With a brush roll that can be shut off with a button, the Pet Hair Eraser Turbo makes cleaning hardwood floors safer. Switching between cleaning surfaces is easy with auto-height adjustment and two suction settings for low and plush carpets. However, it is heavier than some reviewers prefer.
This vacuum does not feature a HEPA filter. Still, its sealed allergen system catches tiny particles, and the filter employs Febreze technology to remove odors caused by sucking up pet hair.
10
PROS
- Adjustable height settings for every floor type
- Can be turned on and off with your foot
- Onboard storage for all tools
CONS
- Brush roll cannot be turned off
Weight: 16 lbs.
Cord length: 27 ft.
Battery life/Run time: N/A.
Bag or bagless: Bagless.
Dust cup capacity: 1 L.
Cleaning modes: One suction power mode, five height settings (bare floor to high pile carpet).
With a 4.6-star rating on Amazon, this inexpensive upright vacuum from Bissell is a fan favorite. We have yet to try this specific model, but we have tested many other Bissell models, including earlier ones that use the same OnePass technology. We also included this selection in our list of the top Bissell vacuums because of its strong suction and features that make it ideal for cleaning hard surfaces and carpets.
While it lacks some of the bells and whistles found in more modern vacuums, such as multiple suction options or a brush roll that can be turned off, it does have five height settings ranging from bare floors to high pile carpets, an 8-foot hose for cleaning above the floor, and a large, bottom-opening dust cup that is easy to empty. This vacuum has no HEPA filter, but it does contain a pre- and post-motor filter that must be updated every three to six months.
A few of our other favorite features include a foot-activated on/off switch, a TurboBrush tool comparable to the motorized pet tools seen in many other models, a rewindable cord, and onboard storage for all the tools supplied.
How we test vacuum cleaners
Vacuum cleaners are a key product review area in the Home Accessories Cleaning Lab: As a member of ASTM International’s F11 Vacuum Cleaner Committee, we meet and interact twice a year with engineers and technical representatives from all brands to help develop and shape the vacuum cleaner test standards we all use to assess performance, ease of use, durability, and other factors. For more accurate performance comparisons, all vacuums are tested the same way, and our tests are based on ASTM International industry standard test methodologies.
We objectively analyze how well each vacuum eliminates the dirt deeply embedded in the medium-pile carpet using a custom-built, automated system that makes the same number of passes over the same test carpeting (seen below). We even have a separate machine that cleans the carpets between test runs to ensure that one outcome does not affect the next.
We assess how well vacuums remove large and small dirt from hardwood, tile, and linoleum flooring, how well they clean along edges, and how much suction they pull through the equipment. We utilize industry-standard rayon fibers to replicate pet hair, which we equally distribute on the surface of a carpet to assess how well each machine cleans it. We also assess how efficiently each vacuum takes up simulated “pet hair” from the carpet.
We examine each vacuum cleaner for simplicity of use in addition to performance. This testing involves analyzing mobility, cordless vacuum cleaner battery run-time, control ease, and how easy it is to empty and clean the dust cup or change the bag. We also take into account the weight of each model. All special features and claims are evaluated, and the owner’s manual is graded.
We have consumer testers score the maneuverability of the vacuums by running them on a bare floor and carpet, around corners, and under furniture because mobility varies from one customer to the next. They score the ease of removing dust cups or bags, as well as the ease of using the vacuum’s controls. We collaborate with Quiet Mark, an independent global sound certification program, to objectively evaluate each model’s loudness. Other elements, such as battery charge indicators, brush roll control buttons, and other tools and accessories, are also tested.
Why trust Home Accessories?
Brigit Earley is a writer and editor with over 15 years of expertise covering home products such as furniture and accessories. She researched and reviewed the vacuum cleaner mentioned in this story with the help of HA Institute professionals, including vacuum scientists and engineers in the HA Institute Textiles Lab.
