10 Best Upright Vacuums 2025 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 NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum offers several appealing features for household cleaning. It boasts strong suction power, making it effective for both carpets and hard floors. The HEPA filter, combined with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, ensures that dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers. Its lift-away functionality is a standout feature, allowing it to convert into a handheld vacuum for cleaning stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas.

The advanced swivel steering and LED headlights make it easy to navigate around furniture and spot hidden debris. The included attachments, such as the wide upholstery tool, dusting brush, and crevice tool, enhance its versatility for different cleaning tasks. However, at 15.5 pounds, it might be considered heavy by some users, especially for extended cleaning sessions. The noise level of 80 dB is relatively loud, which might be a concern for those seeking a quieter vacuuming experience.

Additionally, it is a corded model with an 8.4-feet hose length, which may limit mobility compared to cordless alternatives. Assembly is required, which might be an inconvenience for some users. Despite these drawbacks, the Shark NV501 remains a solid choice for those looking for a versatile and powerful upright vacuum with effective filtration and multiple cleaning tools.

The Dyson V15 Detect Plus is a powerful cordless vacuum well-suited for those seeking an easy-to-use, versatile cleaner for their home. It offers up to 60 minutes of run time, making it effective for cleaning larger areas without needing a recharge. Its suction is strong and smart enough to adjust automatically depending on the floor type and amount of dirt, ensuring thorough cleaning across carpets and hard floors. The vacuum is bagless with a 0.77-liter dustbin, so you don’t have to buy bags, and emptying it is straightforward. A significant advantage is its advanced HEPA filtration system that captures 99.99% of tiny particles, releasing cleaner air back into the room, which is beneficial for allergy sufferers.

Weighing just over 6 pounds, this vacuum is relatively lightweight and easy to carry around, including converting to handheld mode for cleaning cars, stairs, or upholstery. It comes with several useful attachments such as a special brush for pet hair and a crevice tool for tight spots, plus two cleaner heads designed for different surfaces. Additionally, it includes a wall dock and charger for convenient storage. The noise level at 70 dB is moderate, so it’s not overly loud during use.

On the downside, while the cordless design offers freedom of movement, some users might find the battery life limiting for very large homes or deep cleaning sessions without breaks. The price is also on the higher side, reflecting its premium features. This vacuum is ideal for users wanting a high-tech, easy-to-handle device that performs well on multiple floor types and helps with pet hair and fine dust, all while being lightweight and cordless.