10 Best Vacuum Cleaners 2026 in the United States

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is an upright vacuum cleaner designed with pet owners in mind. It boasts a strong suction power of 1200 watts and includes a HEPA filter that effectively traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a great choice for those with allergies. The vacuum’s lift-away functionality allows users to easily clean stairs and furniture by detaching the pod. Its swivel steering ensures maneuverability around tight spaces and furniture, adding to its convenience.

Additionally, the vacuum includes an XL dust cup with a capacity of 0.87 liters, reducing the frequency of emptying during cleaning sessions. It comes with several attachments such as a Pet Power Brush, Dusting Brush, and Crevice Tool, enhancing its versatility for various cleaning tasks. The vacuum is corded, which ensures consistent power but may limit mobility compared to cordless models. Weighing 13.7 pounds, it is relatively lightweight for an upright vacuum, though some users may still find it bulky for extended use.

Noise levels at 80 dB are moderate, typical for vacuums of this type, but might be a bit loud for some. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E stands out for its effective pet hair removal, allergy-friendly features, and versatile cleaning attachments, but its corded nature and weight might be minor drawbacks for some users.

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is designed for homes with pets and large spaces, making it a strong choice if you need powerful cleaning and pet hair removal. It boasts high suction power with a 3.24-horsepower motor and uses Radial Root Cyclone technology to boost dirt pickup. Its whole-machine filtration captures fine particles and allergens, which is great if you want cleaner air at home. The vacuum is bagless, so you won’t have to buy bags, and the filter is washable, reducing maintenance costs.

Weighing about 17 pounds, it's somewhat heavy, but the Ball technology helps you maneuver it around furniture with ease, which is helpful in big homes. It’s corded, so you don’t have to worry about battery life, but you’ll need access to outlets. The noise level is around 75 dB, which is moderate — not too loud for most people. The vacuum includes five useful attachments, like a tangle-free turbine tool that prevents hair wrapping around the brush, a pet groom tool for brushing pet fur directly, and tools for stairs and upholstery. These extras make it especially good for pet owners.

The upright design and weight might be a bit bulky if you’re looking for a lightweight vacuum or need something very compact. Also, being corded means you have to manage the cord while cleaning large areas. If you want strong suction, great pet hair removal, and built-in allergen control in a durable vacuum, this model is very capable, though it might not be the best pick if portability or cordless convenience is a top priority.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a versatile and lightweight vacuum cleaner that excels in various cleaning tasks. Its Lift-Away functionality allows users to detach the pod to clean hard-to-reach areas such as stairs and furniture. This vacuum is equipped with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology that works alongside a HEPA filter, ensuring that dust and allergens are trapped inside, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.

The vacuum’s powerful suction is effective on both carpets and bare floors, and the brushroll shutoff feature offers smooth transitions between different floor types. With swivel steering, it’s easy to maneuver around tight spaces and furniture, and it also includes attachments like a wide upholstery tool and crevice tool for versatile cleaning. Weighing 12.5 pounds, it balances power and portability well.

However, at 80 dB, it might be noisier than some users prefer, and as a corded vacuum, it lacks the convenience of cordless models. Despite requiring assembly, its ease of use and the 5-year limited warranty add to its appeal. This vacuum is especially suitable for pet owners and those with allergies, looking for a dependable all-around cleaning tool.