10 Best Upright Vacuums 2026 in the United States

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away (model NV356E), is a versatile and powerful vacuum designed to meet various cleaning needs, particularly for pet owners. Its lift-away functionality allows you to detach the pod for easy cleaning of above-floor areas like stairs and furniture. The vacuum features a robust HEPA filtration system combined with an anti-allergen complete seal, trapping 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is excellent for allergy sufferers.

The vacuum is slightly on the heavier side at 13.7 pounds, but it compensates with swivel steering for easy maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces. The brushroll shutoff feature allows you to switch between deep carpet cleaning and gentle bare floor cleaning effortlessly. The extra-large dust cup (0.87 liters) means fewer trips to the trash can during extended cleaning sessions. It also comes with useful attachments like a pet power brush, dusting brush, and an 8-inch crevice tool, making it highly versatile.

However, it is not cordless, which could limit mobility, and its noise level at 80 dB may be considered loud by some users. Despite these drawbacks, its powerful suction, excellent filtration, and multiple attachments make it a top choice for households with pets and varied flooring types.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360, offers a solid combination of features and performance, making it a great choice for households dealing with pet hair and allergens. One of its standout strengths is its powerful suction, which effectively cleans both carpets and hard floors. The detachable pod enhances usability by allowing users to clean under furniture and reach high-up areas with ease.

Its anti-allergen complete seal technology, paired with a HEPA filter, significantly reduces allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. Additionally, the large dust cup capacity means less frequent emptying, which is a plus for longer cleaning sessions. The included upholstery tool and crevice tool are handy attachments for tackling pet hair, while the swivel steering makes maneuverability around furniture effortless.

There are some drawbacks to consider. Weighing nearly 16 pounds, it might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially during extended cleaning. The noise level at 80 dB is reasonably loud, which could be a concern for those who prefer quieter appliances. Also, being corded, it limits mobility compared to cordless models, although the cord length is sufficient for most rooms.

The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum (HV301) is a versatile and lightweight option for those needing a vacuum for both carpet and hard floor cleaning. Weighing under 9 pounds, it is easy to carry and maneuver, especially with its swivel steering feature that helps navigate tight spaces and around furniture. The vacuum offers strong and consistent suction power, ensuring effective cleaning on various surfaces, and fingertip controls make it easy to switch between different floor types.

It also converts to a handheld vacuum, providing flexibility for above-floor cleaning tasks like stairs and furniture. The inclusion of tools like the Upholstery Tool, Anti-Allergen Dust Brush, and Crevice Tool adds to its versatility. Its corded design means it's always ready to use without worrying about battery life, though the 500-watt motor can make it slightly less powerful compared to some higher-end models.

Additionally, with a noise level of 80 dB, it is somewhat louder than some other vacuums. The dust cup capacity of 0.31 quarts means more frequent emptying, which might be a minor inconvenience. The HEPA filtration system is a significant plus, particularly for those with allergies, as it helps capture small particles and allergens. However, being corded with a limited hose length of 1.17 meters might restrict mobility somewhat. This vacuum is ideal for users looking for a lightweight, easy-to-handle vacuum with strong performance across different surfaces, though it may not suit those who prefer a quieter or cordless option.