8 Best Vacuum Consumer Reports 2025 in the United States

The Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is a versatile and powerful cleaning tool suitable for various household needs. It features a lift-away functionality, allowing you to detach the pod for easy cleaning under furniture and above-floor areas like upholstery and stairs. The HEPA filter combined with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology is excellent for those looking to trap dust and allergens efficiently, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.

Additionally, the advanced swivel steering and LED headlights make maneuvering around furniture and spotting hidden debris a breeze. This model includes useful attachments like a wide upholstery tool, dusting brush, and crevice tool, enhancing its versatility for different cleaning tasks. With a suction power supported by 1200 watts and 10 amps, it handles most dirt and debris with ease.

However, at 15.5 pounds, it may be slightly heavy for some users, and the noise level of 80 dB is relatively loud. While it is not cordless and has a smaller dust capacity of 0.88 quarts, the 8.4-foot hose and 9.5-inch cleaning path provide adequate reach for most cleaning jobs. The Shark NV501 is ideal for those who seek a multi-functional upright vacuum with strong suction power and effective filtration, but it may not be the best choice for those prioritizing a lightweight, quieter, or cordless vacuum.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a versatile vacuum that excels in various areas. With its lift-away functionality, you can easily clean above-floor areas like stairs and furniture, making it great for multi-level homes. The HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology effectively trap dust and allergens, making it a good choice for those with allergies.

This vacuum is powerful yet lightweight at 12.5 pounds, making it easy to maneuver, especially with its swivel steering feature that helps navigate tight spaces and around furniture effortlessly. It’s ideal for both carpets and bare floors, and the brushroll shutoff feature allows for a seamless switch between different floor types. The included wide upholstery and crevice tools enhance its capability in handling pet hair and reaching tight spaces.

However, it is a corded vacuum, which might limit its range compared to cordless models. Additionally, with a noise level of 80 dB, it can be quite loud during operation. Assembly is required, which can be a minor inconvenience for some users. Despite these drawbacks, its strong suction power, versatile attachments, and allergen-containing capabilities make it a strong contender in the upright vacuum category, especially for households with pets and those needing a comprehensive cleaning solution.

The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum is designed for users looking to tackle a variety of cleaning tasks, especially those with pets. It features a powerful suction and a HEPA filtration system that traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers. The vacuum is bagless, which eliminates the need to buy replacement bags, and it has a large 0.88-quart dust cup capacity for extended cleaning sessions without frequent emptying.

The 2-in-1 Powered Lift-Away Technology allows you to lift the pod to clean hard-to-reach areas while keeping the brushroll spinning, which enhances its versatility for different surfaces and tight spots. Additionally, the advanced swivel steering aids in maneuverability, allowing easy navigation around furniture and into corners. LED headlights help illuminate hidden debris, and the included pet power brush and upholstery tool make it effective at removing pet hair from various surfaces.

Weighing 15.4 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might be a consideration for some users. The vacuum is corded, meaning you won't have to worry about battery life, but it does limit mobility compared to cordless models. The noise level is 80 dB, which is relatively standard for vacuums but can be loud for those sensitive to noise. The 5-year warranty is a positive aspect, providing peace of mind regarding its durability. While it excels in pet hair removal and offers multiple useful attachments, its weight and corded nature might be less appealing for those seeking a lightweight or cordless option. This vacuum is well-suited for households with pets and those needing a robust cleaning solution for both carpets and hard floors.