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10 Best Vacuums For Carpets 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe with Large Dust Cup Capacity, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Crevice Tool, Blue, NV360

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,273
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Noise Level

Most important from
133855 reviews

Suction Power
The suction is phenomenal, picking up everything on the first pass, including stubborn glitter.
Weight and Maneuverability
The vacuum glides smoothly on both carpet and laminate floors, making cleaning effortless.
Noise Level
Despite its powerful suction, the vacuum is quieter than many others, which is a bonus for apartment living.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe, is a solid choice for households needing an effective carpet cleaner. One of its standout features is the powerful suction that effectively handles both carpets and bare floors, making it versatile for different cleaning needs. The lift-away functionality allows users to detach the pod, which is great for reaching under furniture or cleaning above-floor surfaces like upholstery and stairs. This flexibility is especially helpful in tight spaces or for those who have pets, as the included upholstery tool makes picking up pet hair simple and efficient.

Another notable aspect is the HEPA filtration system, paired with anti-allergen technology, which helps trap dust and allergens. This feature is advantageous for allergy sufferers, ensuring cleaner air quality during and after cleaning. Additionally, the 0.9-quart dust cup capacity means less frequent emptying, allowing for longer cleaning sessions without interruptions.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The vacuum is not cordless, which limits mobility and may be inconvenient in larger spaces. While it provides good suction, it does add some weight, which could make prolonged use tiring for some users. Noise level is also an aspect worth noting; while it's not excessively loud, it’s not the quietest vacuum on the market either. The swivel steering feature enhances maneuverability, but some users may find that the vacuum's bulk makes it harder to navigate in very tight spaces. Also, while the brush roll shutoff feature is useful for switching between carpet and bare floor cleaning, some may prefer a more intuitive transition without needing to adjust settings.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe proves to be a practical vacuum for carpet cleaning, particularly beneficial for pet owners or those with allergies, though its corded design and weight could pose challenges for certain users.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,273
Suction Power
Weight and Maneuverability
Noise Level

Most important from
133855 reviews

Suction Power
The suction is phenomenal, picking up everything on the first pass, including stubborn glitter.
Weight and Maneuverability
The vacuum glides smoothly on both carpet and laminate floors, making cleaning effortless.
Noise Level
Despite its powerful suction, the vacuum is quieter than many others, which is a bonus for apartment living.
#2

Shark StainStriker Portable Carpet Upholstery & Area Rug Cleaner, Bonus XL Tool & Full-Size Cleaning Solution, Stain & Odor Remover, Perfect for Car Interiors, 4 Cleaning Tools, Nordic Blue, PX202BRN

Rating
9.8
Suction Power
Brush Roll
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
6168 reviews

Suction Power
This little machine is amazing! The suction is strong and it quickly removes stains without leaving a soapy wet spot.
Brush Roll
The brush heads come apart for easy cleaning, and include both rubber and bristle sides for different needs.
Weight and Maneuverability
I can use hot water, and the machine is surprisingly light despite its large capacity for cleaner and dirty water.
Attachments and Accessories
It has much better attachments, including a wider head and scrub brush that make cleaning large areas manageable.

The Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine is designed to handle tough stains and odors on various surfaces, making it a versatile choice for homes with carpets, area rugs, and upholstery. Its standout feature is the dual-activated stain eliminator that requires no premixing, offering 20 times more stain-striking power. This makes it particularly effective for pet owners dealing with stubborn pet stains and odors, including urine and smoke. The machine's powerful suction helps extract deeply embedded dirt and liquid, rejuvenating carpets and furniture.

It comes with two carpet cleaner solutions and four different tools, such as a crevice tool and pet-specific tool, enhancing its functionality for various cleaning needs. Weighing under 9 lbs, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, which adds to its convenience for whole-home cleaning and storage. Additionally, the noise level is not specified, but it operates relatively quietly. It is bagless, making maintenance simpler and more cost-effective. However, it may not be suitable for those who prefer bagged vacuum systems for easier disposal of dirt.

The machine comes with a generous set of accessories and does not require assembly, making it user-friendly right out of the box. The only potential drawback is its reliance on a power cord, limiting its mobility to some extent, although this is typical for many powerful carpet cleaners. The Shark Carpet Cleaner Machine is a robust option for those needing a reliable and effective carpet cleaning solution, especially in homes with pets.

Rating
9.8
Suction Power
Brush Roll
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
6168 reviews

Suction Power
This little machine is amazing! The suction is strong and it quickly removes stains without leaving a soapy wet spot.
Brush Roll
The brush heads come apart for easy cleaning, and include both rubber and bristle sides for different needs.
Weight and Maneuverability
I can use hot water, and the machine is surprisingly light despite its large capacity for cleaner and dirty water.
Attachments and Accessories
It has much better attachments, including a wider head and scrub brush that make cleaning large areas manageable.
#3

Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum with Matrix Clean Navigation, Home Mapping, 60-Day Capacity, XL Self-Empty Base for Homes with Pets, Carpet & Hard Floors, Cool Grey

Rating
9.7
Brush Roll
Weight and Maneuverability
Bagged vs. Bagless

Most important from
44751 reviews

Brush Roll
Self-cleaning brushroll resists hair wrapping, reducing maintenance needs and sustaining suction power.
Weight and Maneuverability
The vacuum is lightweight and easy to relocate if needed, adding to its practical convenience.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Its self-emptying base is a standout feature, holding up to 60 days of dirt and eliminating the hassle of manual disposal.
Noise Level
Quiet operation allows conversations nearby, making it unobtrusive during use.
Attachments and Accessories
Voice control integration with Alexa and Google Assistant adds hands-free convenience.

The Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum is a strong choice for carpet cleaning, especially in homes with pets. It offers powerful suction capable of tackling dirt and debris on carpets and hard floors alike. Its self-cleaning brushroll is designed to dig deep into carpets and resist hair wrapping, which helps maintain consistent performance without frequent maintenance. The vacuum uses a cartridge filtration system to capture dust, and its XL self-emptying base can hold up to 60 days of dirt, eliminating the need for disposal bags, which adds convenience.

Maneuverability is good due to its robotic design and 360° LiDAR navigation that maps your home precisely, allowing the vacuum to clean methodically and avoid obstacles. It’s relatively lightweight for a robot vacuum at around 15 pounds, making it easy to move if needed. The vacuum also features voice control compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant, adding hands-free convenience.

This vacuum suits pet owners and busy households looking for automated, powerful carpet cleaning with low maintenance. While it may not fully replace manual deep carpet cleaning, it effectively keeps carpets tidy with minimal effort.

Rating
9.7
Brush Roll
Weight and Maneuverability
Bagged vs. Bagless

Most important from
44751 reviews

Brush Roll
Self-cleaning brushroll resists hair wrapping, reducing maintenance needs and sustaining suction power.
Weight and Maneuverability
The vacuum is lightweight and easy to relocate if needed, adding to its practical convenience.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Its self-emptying base is a standout feature, holding up to 60 days of dirt and eliminating the hassle of manual disposal.
Noise Level
Quiet operation allows conversations nearby, making it unobtrusive during use.
Attachments and Accessories
Voice control integration with Alexa and Google Assistant adds hands-free convenience.

Buying Guide for the Best Vacuums For Carpets

Choosing the right vacuum for carpets can make a significant difference in maintaining the cleanliness and longevity of your carpet. Carpets can trap dust, dirt, and allergens, so it's important to select a vacuum that effectively removes these particles. When shopping for a vacuum, consider the following key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs.
Suction PowerSuction power is the force with which the vacuum pulls in dirt and debris. This is crucial for carpets because strong suction helps to lift dirt that is embedded deep within the fibers. Suction power is often measured in watts or air watts. For light cleaning, a vacuum with lower suction power may suffice, but for thicker carpets or homes with pets, higher suction power is recommended to ensure thorough cleaning.
Brush RollThe brush roll, or beater bar, is a rotating brush that agitates carpet fibers to loosen dirt and debris. This feature is essential for deep cleaning carpets. Some vacuums offer adjustable brush rolls, which can be turned off for hard floors. If you have high-pile or shag carpets, look for a vacuum with a height-adjustable brush roll to prevent damage to the carpet fibers.
Filtration SystemA good filtration system traps dust, allergens, and other small particles, preventing them from being released back into the air. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are highly effective and are recommended for households with allergy sufferers. If air quality is a concern, opt for a vacuum with a HEPA filter or a multi-stage filtration system to ensure cleaner air.
Weight and ManeuverabilityThe weight and maneuverability of a vacuum affect how easy it is to use, especially if you have a large area to clean or multiple floors. Lightweight vacuums are easier to carry and push, but they may have less powerful motors. Consider your physical capabilities and the layout of your home when choosing the weight and maneuverability of your vacuum.
Bagged vs. BaglessVacuums come in bagged and bagless models. Bagged vacuums use disposable bags to collect dirt, which can be more hygienic and easier to dispose of without releasing dust. Bagless vacuums use a dustbin that needs to be emptied regularly. Bagless models can save money on bags, but emptying the dustbin can be messy. Choose based on your preference for convenience and hygiene.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a vacuum can be an important consideration, especially if you have young children, pets, or prefer a quieter environment. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). Quieter vacuums typically operate at around 60-65 dB, while louder models can exceed 70 dB. If noise is a concern, look for vacuums specifically designed to operate quietly.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your vacuum. Common attachments include crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and pet hair tools. These can be particularly useful for cleaning stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas. Consider what additional cleaning tasks you may need to perform and choose a vacuum that includes the appropriate attachments.

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