10 Best Vacuums For Carpets 2026 in the United States

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a solid choice if you're looking for a vacuum mainly for carpets and pet hair. Its suction is strong enough to handle deep carpet cleaning and pick up pet dander and hair effectively. The brush roll can be turned off, which is handy when you switch from carpets to hard floors, helping prevent scratching and making it more versatile. It has a HEPA filtration system that traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is great if allergies are a concern.

Weighing about 13.7 pounds, it’s relatively easy to maneuver around furniture thanks to its swivel steering, and you can detach the vacuum pod to clean stairs or upholstery more comfortably. The vacuum is bagless with a large dust cup (0.87 liters), so you can clean longer before emptying, though emptying a dust cup can sometimes be messier compared to bagged models. Noise level sits around 80 decibels, which is average—noticeable but not overly loud. It includes useful attachments like a crevice tool and dusting brush for detailed cleaning.

It is corded, so managing the cord length during use is necessary. It offers two power speeds but doesn't have multiple specialized settings beyond that. It’s designed with pet owners in mind and performs well on carpeted floors but also can handle bare floors without hassle. This vacuum combines powerful cleaning with allergy protection and user-friendly features, making it a reliable option for homes with carpets and pets, provided you are comfortable with a corded device and a bagless system.

The Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean is a strong choice for carpet cleaning, particularly in homes with pets. It features powerful suction at 290 AW, which helps pull dirt deeply from carpets. The motorized brush roll combined with a self-adjusting cleaner head automatically adapts to different floor types, sealing in suction whether you’re on thick carpet or hard floors. This makes it versatile for mixed surfaces. Its ball technology allows for easier turning and maneuvering around furniture, which is helpful given the vacuum’s weight of about 17.4 pounds—a bit on the heavier side but manageable.

Filtration is a standout feature here, using advanced HEPA filters to trap allergens and prevent dust from escaping back into the air, which is great for allergy sufferers. Being bagless means you avoid ongoing costs for replacement bags, and emptying the 0.45-gallon bin is straightforward. The vacuum comes with a comprehensive set of eight accessories like a tangle-free turbine tool and dusting brushes, designed especially for pet hair and hard-to-reach places, adding great value.

There are some drawbacks to consider, such as the corded design which can limit mobility compared to cordless options. While it’s designed to reduce noise, some users may still find it louder than expected during use. Its weight might be a challenge for some users to carry up stairs or during longer cleaning sessions. The 5-year warranty and Dyson's customer support provide reassurance. This vacuum suits pet owners with carpeted homes who want powerful cleaning and good filtration, though those looking for ultra-light or cordless models might want to explore other options.

The Dyson V8 Plus cordless vacuum is a great choice for carpet cleaning, especially if you want something lightweight and easy to handle. It offers strong suction with up to 40 minutes of consistent power, which covers most cleaning sessions without interruption. Its motorized brush roll is designed to tackle all floor types and does a good job removing embedded dirt, long hair, and pet hair, thanks to an anti-tangle feature that helps prevent clogs. For those with pets, the included Hair screw tool is a helpful addition to pick up stubborn hair from carpets and upholstery. The vacuum converts to handheld mode, making it versatile for stairs, cars, and furniture.

On filtration, the V8 Plus has an advanced HEPA system that traps very small particles, which means it expels cleaner air and is beneficial for allergy sufferers. It’s bagless, so emptying the dustbin is simple, but the capacity is on the smaller side, so frequent emptying might be needed in larger homes. Weighing just 5.6 pounds, it’s comfortable to maneuver, although the battery life may be limiting if you have a very large carpeted area to clean. Noise level is around 70 dB, moderate for vacuums but noticeable. The vacuum comes with useful attachments like a crevice tool and dusting brush, increasing its cleaning flexibility.

One downside is the battery runtime, which is shorter in the more powerful MAX mode, requiring charging breaks during intensive cleaning. The Dyson V8 Plus is well-suited for those looking for a cordless, lightweight vacuum with good carpet cleaning ability, especially in pet-friendly homes, but may be less ideal for very large spaces requiring longer continuous use.