10 Best Carpet Vacuums 2026 in the United States

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away is a versatile and powerful option, especially suitable for homes with pets. It features a self-cleaning brushroll designed to pick up pet hair efficiently without tangling, which is a significant advantage for pet owners. The suction power is strong with 1200 watts, making it effective for both carpets and hard floors. The Lift-Away functionality adds convenience, allowing you to detach the pod for easy cleaning under furniture and above-floor areas like stairs and upholstery.

The HEPA filter combined with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology ensures that dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers. At 14.99 pounds, it is relatively lightweight for an upright vacuum and the swivel steering enhances its maneuverability in tight spaces. The dust capacity of 5.3 liters is ample, reducing the frequency of emptying the vacuum. The included attachments, such as the upholstery tool and pet crevice tool, add to its versatility.

However, it is not cordless, which might limit its portability. Additionally, with a noise level of 80 dB, it is on the louder side, which could be a concern for noise-sensitive users. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away offers strong performance and useful features for pet owners and multi-surface cleaning, though it may not be the best choice if you need a quieter or more portable vacuum.

The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum is a versatile option for anyone looking to keep their home clean, especially those with pets. One of its standout features is the 2-in-1 Powered Lift-Away technology, allowing you to detach the pod for easy cleaning in hard-to-reach spots without compromising suction power. The vacuum also boasts advanced swivel steering, making it easy to maneuver around furniture and tight corners.

When it comes to suction power, this model does a solid job on both carpets and hard floors, thanks to its fingertip controls that let you switch modes effortlessly. The anti-allergen complete seal combined with a HEPA filter effectively traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers. Its large dust cup capacity of 0.88 quarts allows for longer cleaning sessions without frequent emptying, which is a significant convenience.

The included accessories, like the Pet Power Brush and crevice tool, enhance its cleaning capabilities, particularly for pet owners, enabling effective removal of hair and debris from various surfaces.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a solid choice if you’re looking for a vacuum that handles carpets and hard floors well. Its suction power is strong enough to tackle pet hair and deep-clean dander from upholstery, making it especially useful for pet owners. The HEPA filtration system works with a sealed design to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is great if allergies are a concern.

Although it weighs about 13.7 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy for some, the swivel steering and Lift-Away feature make it easier to maneuver around furniture and clean stairs or above-floor areas. The dust cup holds a generous 0.87 liters, so you can clean longer before needing to empty it. It comes with helpful attachments like a crevice tool and dusting brush, which add versatility for tight spaces and delicate surfaces.

The vacuum operates at around 80 decibels, which is somewhat noisy compared to quieter models. It’s corded, so you won’t get the freedom of cordless movement, and it has only two speed settings, which may limit customization. With strong cleaning performance, HEPA filtration, and useful features, this vacuum suits households looking for reliable, allergen-conscious cleaning, especially where pet hair is a challenge.