10 Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners 2025 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 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.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe, is a strong contender in the upright vacuum cleaner category, especially for households with pets. One of its standout features is its powerful suction, which effectively deep-cleans carpets while also excelling on bare floors. The Lift-Away functionality is a game-changer, allowing users to detach the vacuum pod for cleaning hard-to-reach areas like under furniture or on stairs. This flexibility makes it user-friendly for various cleaning tasks around the home.

The vacuum also boasts an anti-allergen complete seal technology coupled with a HEPA filter, ensuring that dust and allergens are trapped inside, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers. Additionally, the large dust cup capacity of 0.9 quarts means less frequent emptying, which can save time during cleaning sessions.

Maneuverability is another strong point, thanks to the swivel steering feature that allows easy navigation around tight corners and furniture. The inclusion of pet hair attachments, like the upholstery tool, makes it particularly suitable for pet owners, as it simplifies the removal of stubborn pet hair. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is a corded model, which may limit mobility compared to cordless options, particularly for larger areas or when moving between rooms. While the vacuum is relatively lightweight, those with limited strength might still find it cumbersome over prolonged use compared to other models. Another consideration is that while the vacuum's filters are washable, it requires time to air dry for 24 hours, which may not be ideal for users looking for immediate use. This vacuum is an excellent choice, particularly for pet owners and allergy sufferers, but potential buyers should weigh the importance of cordless convenience against its many strengths.