10 Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners 2026 in the United States

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a versatile upright vacuum cleaner designed with features that cater particularly well to pet owners. One of its standout attributes is its powerful suction, which effectively picks up pet hair and dander from various surfaces, making it a great choice for households with furry friends. The vacuum’s Lift-Away functionality allows users to detach the pod, facilitating easy cleaning of above-floor areas like stairs and furniture. This feature enhances its usability and makes it more adaptable for different cleaning tasks.

The HEPA filtration system works in tandem with the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal, capturing 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is a significant advantage for allergy sufferers. Additionally, the extra-large dust cup capacity of 0.87L means you won’t have to empty it frequently, allowing for longer cleaning sessions without interruptions.

With swivel steering, the Shark Navigator is designed to maneuver easily around furniture and tight spaces, adding to its convenience. The included attachments, such as the dusting brush and crevice tool, extend its versatility for cleaning delicate surfaces and hard-to-reach areas.

The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum offers strong suction power, making it effective for deep-cleaning both hard floors and carpets. Its 2-in-1 Lift-Away technology allows you to detach the pod for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, which enhances its versatility. The advanced swivel steering feature further improves maneuverability, allowing easy navigation around furniture and tight spaces. Weighing 15.4 pounds, it may be slightly heavy for some users, but its functionality can compensate for the weight.

This vacuum is particularly suitable for pet owners, thanks to the included Pet Power Brush and upholstery tool that excel at removing pet hair and debris from various surfaces. The HEPA filtration system and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal technology are strong points, trapping 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers. The large 0.88-quart dust cup capacity allows for extended cleaning sessions without frequent emptying. LED headlights on the vacuum head are a convenient addition, illuminating hidden debris for more thorough cleaning.

The vacuum is corded, which might limit movement compared to cordless models, but the cord length is adequate for most household needs. The included attachments, such as the crevice tool and upholstery tool, add to the vacuum's versatility. However, the noise level of 80 dB might be considered loud for some users. With a 5-year limited warranty and a solid set of features, the Shark NV752 is a reliable and feature-rich option for those needing a versatile and powerful upright vacuum, especially pet owners and allergy sufferers.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Upright Vacuum is a strong choice for those who want a reliable vacuum that works well on carpets, bare floors, and stairs. Its suction power is good for deep cleaning, especially with the brushroll shutoff feature that lets you switch from carpets to delicate floors easily. It comes with a HEPA filter and anti-allergen technology, which is great if you want to reduce dust and allergens in your home. Weighing 12.5 pounds, it’s somewhat lightweight for an upright, though not the lightest model out there; however, its lift-away function helps with cleaning hard-to-reach places like stairs and furniture.

Maneuverability is enhanced by swivel steering, making it easier to navigate around furniture and tight spots. The dust cup holds about 1.1 quarts, which is a decent size but may require emptying during longer cleaning sessions. This model is corded, so you don’t have cordless freedom, but it avoids battery life worries and has a long enough cord for most rooms. Included accessories like a wide upholstery tool and crevice tool add versatility, especially useful for pet hair and tight corners.

The vacuum comes with a 5-year warranty, which adds peace of mind. For those needing a strong, allergen-trapping vacuum that performs well on mixed surfaces and are comfortable managing a cord, the Shark NV352 offers a solid, well-rounded option.