10 Best Upright Vacuums 2025 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 Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360, offers a solid combination of features and performance, making it a great choice for households dealing with pet hair and allergens. One of its standout strengths is its powerful suction, which effectively cleans both carpets and hard floors. The detachable pod enhances usability by allowing users to clean under furniture and reach high-up areas with ease.

Its anti-allergen complete seal technology, paired with a HEPA filter, significantly reduces allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. Additionally, the large dust cup capacity means less frequent emptying, which is a plus for longer cleaning sessions. The included upholstery tool and crevice tool are handy attachments for tackling pet hair, while the swivel steering makes maneuverability around furniture effortless.

There are some drawbacks to consider. Weighing nearly 16 pounds, it might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially during extended cleaning. The noise level at 80 dB is reasonably loud, which could be a concern for those who prefer quieter appliances. Also, being corded, it limits mobility compared to cordless models, although the cord length is sufficient for most rooms.

The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum offers strong cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors, thanks to its 8-amp motor and five height adjustment settings. Weighing just 10 pounds, it is easy to carry and maneuver, which is beneficial for cleaning stairs or multiple rooms. Its bagless design with a large 2.6-liter dust cup reduces the frequency of emptying, while the washable foam filter helps keep maintenance costs low. Pet owners will appreciate the included attachments such as a pet turbo tool, crevice tool, and dusting brush, all conveniently stored on the vacuum itself.

The vacuum features a cord length of about 7 feet, which is suitable for indoor cleaning but might require changing outlets in larger spaces. The noise level is around 88 decibels, which is louder than some other models and may not suit those who prefer quieter cleaning sessions. Additionally, the brush roller requires regular cleaning to prevent hair buildup that can cause malfunctions, adding some upkeep. This vacuum is a solid option for those seeking powerful suction, lightweight handling, and pet-specific tools at an affordable price, with the consideration of routine brush maintenance and a somewhat noisy operation.