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 Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind is a solid choice for those looking for an upright vacuum that balances power and ease of use. It offers a strong 5-horsepower motor with multi-cyclonic suction and a triple action brush roll, which helps remove embedded dirt and pet hair effectively from both carpets and hard floors. The included HEPA filter is great for trapping fine dust and allergens, which is helpful if you have pets or allergy sensitivities.

At about 18 pounds, it’s moderately heavy compared to some models but still manageable. Its swivel steering and active extension wand improve maneuverability around furniture and allow you to reach tight spaces, enhancing cleaning convenience. The automatic cord rewind is a handy feature to quickly store the 21-foot cord, although it means this vacuum is not cordless and you need to be near power outlets. The vacuum comes with useful attachments like a crevice tool and TurboEraser upholstery cleaner, making it versatile for different surfaces. One potential drawback is the 1-liter dirt tank, which may need frequent emptying if you have large areas to clean or lots of pet hair.

This vacuum is well suited for users who want powerful suction, good filtration, and practical features for everyday home cleaning, especially pet owners.

The Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean Upright Vacuum is a strong contender in the upright vacuum category, particularly well-suited for pet owners and larger homes. Its standout feature is its impressive suction power, touted as the strongest of any vacuum, making it highly effective at lifting dirt and allergens from various surfaces. The self-adjusting cleaner head enhances its usability across carpets and hard floors, ensuring optimal performance regardless of the flooring type.

One of the significant advantages is the vacuum's advanced filtration system, which utilizes HEPA filters to trap allergens inside, promoting a healthier home environment. This is especially beneficial for those with allergies or asthma. Additionally, the inclusion of eight versatile attachments, such as the tangle-free turbine tool and carbon fiber dusting brush, makes it adaptable for various cleaning tasks, from stairs to upholstery.

If you need a powerful vacuum for a pet-friendly home with a variety of cleaning needs, the Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean is a great choice. Those who prefer lightweight and cordless options may want to consider other models.