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 Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum (model ZU503AMZ) is a strong choice for those who want effective cleaning on carpets and hard floors, especially pet owners. It offers a robust 1200-watt motor and a self-cleaning brush roll designed to pick up pet hair without tangling, which helps reduce maintenance time. The HEPA filtration combined with anti-allergen complete seal technology traps dust and allergens well, making it a smart pick if allergies are a concern.

This vacuum is bagless, with a fairly large 5.3-liter capacity, so you won’t need to replace bags, but emptying the bin might expose you to dust. At about 15 pounds, it’s moderately heavy but the swivel steering and lift-away feature improve maneuverability, allowing you to easily clean under furniture or above floors on stairs and upholstery. It comes with useful accessories such as an upholstery tool and a pet crevice tool, which help reach tight spots and delicate surfaces.

The noise level is around 80 dB, which is average for vacuums but may be noticeable in quiet environments. One small downside is that it’s corded, so you’ll need to manage the cord during use, and its weight might be a bit much for some users who prefer very lightweight models. For those with pets, multiple floor types, and a need for strong suction with allergen control, this vacuum provides a well-rounded solution.