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 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.

The Shark Upright Vacuum AZ3002 is a strong contender in the upright vacuum category, featuring ultra-powerful suction that stands out for its hair pickup abilities. This makes it a great option for homes with pets. The DuoClean PowerFins system ensures thorough cleaning on both carpets and hard floors, while the self-cleaning brushroll prevents hair wrap, enhancing convenience for pet owners.

The vacuum also includes an anti-allergen complete seal with a HEPA filter, trapping 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers. Additionally, the odor neutralizer technology helps keep bad smells at bay, keeping your home fresh. It has a decent dust capacity of 1.48 quarts and a weight of 16.71 pounds, which is manageable but might be on the heavier side for some users.

The powered lift-away feature allows for easier cleaning under furniture and above-floor areas, increasing versatility. The vacuum also comes with useful attachments such as an upholstery tool, a self-cleaning pet power brush, and a crevice tool, enhancing its functionality. It is not cordless, which may limit mobility, but despite this minor inconvenience, the Shark AZ3002 is well-equipped to handle various cleaning tasks effectively, making it suitable for those looking for a dependable and robust upright vacuum cleaner.