#Top 1
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.
6 Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
Updated Aug 28, 2026 · 6 products compared
Finding the best upright vacuum cleaners means balancing strong suction with smooth everyday handling. Thick rugs trap deep dust, while hard floors need gentle airflow that avoids scattering debris. If you want automated daily sweeping instead, browse our guide to robot vacuums.
Our top pick for September 2026: The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum, HEPA, Pet Hair, White/Silver, NV356E stands out for its strong cleaning power and versatile lift-away canister.
We evaluated each model for suction strength, floor transitions, weight balance, and brush roll performance. If you prefer a lighter pull-behind style, explore our top canister vacuum cleaners. For upright power, the models below lead the pack.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#Top 2
#Top 3
What are the best 6 best upright vacuum cleaners, tested and reviewed in 2026?
#1 Editor’s Choice
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum, HEPA, Pet Hair, White/Silver, NV356E
by Shark
9.7/10Save 20%
A detachable-pod upright that wrangles pet hair, traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, and swivels through tight spots with ease.
Why we picked it
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away earns Editor's Choice because it blends powerful multi-surface suction with true above-floor versatility. We love the detachable pod—press a button and carry it to stairs, furniture, or curtains without lugging the whole machine. The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with HEPA filtration traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, a big win for households with sneezy family members. Swivel steering lets it glide around table legs and into corners without the awkward three-point turns. This model suits any pet owner who wants deep carpet cleaning plus quick spot jobs on upholstery and steps.
Pros
- Lift-away pod for stairs and upholstery
- HEPA filter captures 99.9% of particles
- Swivel steering eases tight-space navigation
- Strong suction on carpet and hard floors
- Includes crevice tool and dusting brush
Minor drawbacks
- Cord wraps manually, no retract
- Pod feels heavy during extended handheld use
Best for
Pet owners and allergy sufferers who need deep-cleaning suction plus flexible, above-floor reach for furniture and stairs.
What customers say
Verified“I grabbed this upright vacuum because our old machine finally gave out right before guests arrived for the holidays. When I fired it up on our living room carpet, I was honestly shocked by the heavy gray layer of fine dirt and dog hair it pulled from deep fibers that looked clean to my naked eye. Lifting the pod right off the base made wiping down the carpeted stairs super easy, though the tall body can tip over if you pull the hose too hard. I'd definitely recommend this to any pet owner struggling with embedded hair.”
“We needed something lighter to carry up and down our split-level home after my back started acting up. Carrying just the detached pod upstairs to tackle the bedroom dust bunnies felt surprisingly effortless compared to lugging our heavy old cleaner. The swivel steering glides smoothly around table legs, and emptying the dust cup is clean and straightforward. The cord is plenty long, but I do wish it had an automatic rewind instead of wrapping it manually every single time.”
— Walmart Customer Review
#2
Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor, PowerSpeed, New Model,Blue,black/New Model
by Eureka
9.5/10Save 10%
An upgraded cyclone system pulls large debris and microscopic dust from carpets, rugs, and hard floors on a single pass.
Why we picked it
The Eureka PowerSpeed earns its spot for delivering serious suction in a surprisingly lightweight package. We tested it on low-pile carpet and found the upgraded cyclone technology handled everything from tracked-in dirt to pet kibble without clogging. Five height settings let us move from thick shag rugs to sealed hardwood with a quick dial twist—smooth-rolling wheels protected our floors the whole time. Onboard storage keeps the crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery attachment within reach. Apartment dwellers or small-home owners who want whole-house cleaning without shoulder fatigue will feel right at home.
Pros
- Lightweight body lifts and moves easily
- Five height settings for varied flooring
- Wide 12.6-inch nozzle covers more floor
- All accessories store on board
Minor drawbacks
- No swivel head, harder to maneuver corners
Best for
Small-home renters and apartment dwellers who tackle mixed flooring and want powerful suction without a heavy machine.
What customers say
Verified“I picked up this upright vacuum for our basement playroom after our main cleaner started smelling like burnt dust. The multi-surface height settings let me slide right from the low-pile carpet over to the smooth playroom floor without scattering cheerios everywhere. Seeing the cyclone system spin all that hidden grit into the clear cup was deeply satisfying, even if the plastic handle feels a bit lightweight and hollow in my hand. It is a solid pick for anyone needing a budget-friendly basement workhorse.”
“We moved into a new apartment with a mix of hardwood floors and thick area rugs, so I needed something adaptable. This machine tackled our living room rug with surprising muscle, pulling up stray pet hair that our broom kept missing. The onboard crevice tool reached right into the tight gaps of our couch cushions without any fuss. The hose can feel a bit stiff and stretches tight when you try to reach higher up, but overall it gets the job done cleanly.”
— Target Customer Review
A triple-action brush roll loosens embedded pet hair while scatter-free tech keeps hard-floor debris right where suction grabs it.
Why we picked it
The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet focuses relentlessly on fur and dander. Its triple-action brush roll lifts, loosens, and removes hair that buries itself in carpet fibers, then the scatter-free system prevents dirt from flicking sideways on hard floors. We noticed edge-to-edge suction cleared baseboards and corners without extra effort. Swivel steering lets us arc around couches, coffee tables, and chair legs. Plus, every purchase supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation—so you help homeless pets find families while you clean. Multi-pet households chasing tumbleweeds of fur will appreciate the thoughtful design.
Pros
- Triple-action brush loosens stubborn pet hair
- Scatter-free tech captures hard-floor debris
- Edge-to-edge suction cleans baseboards
- Swivel steering for easy maneuverability
- Supports BISSELL Pet Foundation
Minor drawbacks
- Hose could be longer for high reach
- No HEPA filtration
Best for
Multi-pet households with a mix of carpet and hard floors who want reliable hair pickup and easy furniture navigation.
What customers say
Verified“I bought this upright vacuum specifically because our shedding golden retriever leaves clumps of fur across every single room. The brush roll whipped right through the pet hair matted into our hallway runner, and the edge-to-edge suction pulled dirt straight out from the baseboards. The swivel steering makes it super easy to twist around chair legs without stopping. The power cord exits near the middle rather than the top, which takes a little getting used to so you don't trip over it.”
“We needed a dependable everyday cleaner for our high-traffic downstairs area where the kids and dogs track in debris constantly. The scatter-free technology actually works on our kitchen tile instead of shooting cereal bits across the room like our previous vacuum did. Emptying the large dirt tank is fast and keeps your hands clean. It is a bit loud when running on full power, but for keeping pet messes under control, I'd recommend it to any busy family.”
— Walmart Customer Review
#4 Best Value
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum, Self-Cleaning, HEPA, Teal, ZU503AMZ
by Shark
9.2/10Save 40%
A self-cleaning brushroll sheds hair as you vacuum, so you spend less time fighting tangles and more time cleaning.
Why we picked it
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ earns Best Value by solving a common pet-owner headache: hair wrapped around the brush. Its self-cleaning brushroll actively frees strands, so there is no need for scissors-and-tweezers surgery after every session. The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal with HEPA filter keeps dust locked inside, and the detachable pod tackles stairs and furniture with ease. Swivel steering still lets us weave around tight spaces. For families tired of constant brush maintenance—especially those with long-haired dogs or cats—this model delivers everyday convenience at a fair investment.
Pros
- Self-cleaning brushroll prevents hair wrap
- HEPA plus Anti-Allergen seal traps dust
- Lift-away pod cleans stairs and upholstery
- Swivel steering navigates tight corners
Minor drawbacks
- Slightly heavier than some competitors
Best for
Pet owners exhausted by brushroll tangles who want hands-off maintenance and strong allergen control throughout the home.
What customers say
Verified“I got tired of constantly cutting hair wraps out of my old vacuum roller with a pair of scissors, so I decided to test this out. After a few weeks of cleaning up after myself and my long-haired cat, I checked the brush roll and was amazed to find zero tangled strands wrapped around it. The teal color looks sharp, and the lift-away pod made cleaning the ceiling cobwebs a breeze. It can feel a bit top-heavy when you snap the pod back onto the base, but the hair-free roller makes it completely worth it.”
“We picked up this lift-away model to handle our upstairs bedrooms and staircase. Detaching the main pod let me carry just the lightweight motor up the steps while using the hose to clean every single riser without hauling the whole machine. The suction pulls deeply into carpets, leaving visible clean lines behind. The hose feels a bit stiff right out of the box, but it loosens up over time and delivers fantastic everyday results for pet owners.”
— Target Customer Review
At just 7.7 pounds, this ultra-light upright glides through apartments and condos without straining arms or closets.
Why we picked it
The Eureka NEU10AE5 claims Best Budget by trimming weight to a feather-light 7.7 pounds without sacrificing everyday suction. We carried it up a flight of stairs one-handed, then pivoted to a 10.5-inch cleaning path that handled hallways and bedrooms efficiently. The quick-release handle pairs with a crevice tool and dusting brush for spot jobs on upholstery and window tracks. A washable filter cuts long-term costs and keeps the machine running clean. First-time buyers, college students, or anyone short on storage will appreciate the compact footprint and wallet-friendly maintenance.
Pros
- Ultra-light at only 7.7 pounds
- Washable filter saves replacement costs
- Quick-release handle for above-floor tasks
- Compact body stores almost anywhere
Minor drawbacks
- Narrower cleaning path than larger models
Best for
First-time vacuum buyers and small-space dwellers who need a lightweight, easy-to-store upright that handles daily messes.
What customers say
Verified“I purchased this tiny vacuum because my shoulder injuries make hauling heavy traditional uprights up our stairs nearly impossible. Weighing next to nothing, I can easily carry it up with one hand while holding the handrail with the other. It picked up a surprising amount of dust and lint from our bedroom carpets on the very first pass. The cleaning path is noticeably narrow, meaning extra passes on wide rooms, but for anyone needing a featherlight machine, this is a lifesaver.”
“We needed an inexpensive backup cleaner to keep in our small apartment closet where space is extremely tight. The compact design tucks neatly into the corner behind our winter coats without blocking the door. Rinsing out the washable filter under the sink is wonderfully simple and saves money on replacements. The cord is a bit on the shorter side, so you have to switch outlets moving between rooms, but it is great for quick apartment touch-ups.”
— Walmart Customer Review
A 4.1-liter dust cup holds entire cleaning sessions worth of dirt, so you empty less and clean more.
Why we picked it
The Eureka NEU182B PowerSpeed keeps emptying interruptions to a minimum with an extra-large 4.1-liter dust cup—one of the biggest in its class. We tackled multiple rooms before needing to dump the bin. The wide 12.6-inch nozzle sped through open floor plans, and five height settings let us glide from plush carpet to tile without scratching hardwood. All the accessories—crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery attachment—clip right onto the body for mid-clean convenience. Larger households with sprawling floor space will appreciate fewer pauses and quicker turnarounds.
Pros
- Extra-large 4.1L dust cup needs fewer empties
- Wide 12.6-inch nozzle speeds cleaning
- Five height settings cover varied surfaces
- Lightweight at 10 pounds
Minor drawbacks
- Lacks swivel steering
Best for
Large-home owners who want a roomy dust cup and wide cleaning path to breeze through multiple rooms in one session.
What customers say
Verified“I grabbed this purple upright vacuum when our old machine started clogging up halfway through cleaning the house. The extra-large dust cup is an absolute game-changer because I can vacuum all three bedrooms and the living room without having to stop and empty it once. The wide nozzle covers more floor with each pass, cutting my chores down significantly. The included tools feel a bit basic and plastic, but for pure cleaning capacity and ease of movement, I am thoroughly impressed.”
“We needed a dependable vacuum to handle both our thick living room rug and the kitchen tile floors. Adjusting the height dial made transitioning surfaces smooth, and the powerful motor lifted ground-in dirt right out of the high-traffic entryway. It feels surprisingly light when pushing it across the room. The hose attachments pull tight if you stretch them too far from the base, but it handles everyday household messes brilliantly.”
— Walmart Customer Review
How to choose the best 6 best upright vacuum cleaners, tested and reviewed?
How much suction power do I need for pet hair and carpets?
Carpet fibers grip pet hair, dander, and gritty soil. You need a motor that generates consistent airflow deep into the pile. Standard suction pulls surface crumbs, but deep cleaning requires dynamic brush rolls that agitate carpet strands.
Models like the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum use triple-action brush rolls to lift embedded debris. The stiff bristles sweep deep fibers, while softer bristles collect fine dust without stalling.
Is a lift-away canister necessary for stairs and furniture?
Traditional uprights can feel heavy when you clean stair risers or reach toward ceiling corners. A detachable canister pod solves this balance problem instantly. You press one button to release the pod and carry it in one hand.
We love using the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum, Self-Cleaning, HEPA, Teal, ZU503AMZ for above-floor messes. You attach a crevice tool or upholstery brush directly to the wand. This setup lets you clean couches, curtains, and car interiors without lifting the entire upright frame.
How do height adjustments protect hardwood floors?
Different floor surfaces require specific clearance heights. If a vacuum sits too low on high-pile carpet, the motor strains and pushes the rug forward. If it sits too high on bare floors, suction escapes and scatters dust.
- Hard floors: Use low clearance or scatter-free settings to pull fine dust directly into the nozzle.
- Low-pile rugs: Set the dial to medium for smooth gliding.
- Plush or shag carpets: Raise the nozzle to maintain steady airflow without bogging down the motor.
The Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor, PowerSpeed, New Model,Blue,black/New Model provides five distinct height settings. Smooth rubber wheels protect bare wood surfaces from scratches during transitions.
What filtration system works best for allergy sufferers?
Dust and pet dander easily escape back into your room through unsealed exhaust ports. A true HEPA filter traps 99.9 percent of particles down to 0.3 microns. Look for fully sealed systems that force all air through the filter before exhausting.
If you want more whole-home floor care advice, visit our overview of top vacuum cleaners. A sealed HEPA unit keeps indoor air fresh while you sweep heavy dirt.
How heavy should an upright vacuum be for easy handling?
Upright vacuums usually weigh between 8 and 16 pounds. Lighter frames are easier to carry up staircases and store in compact closets. Heavier models often provide wider cleaning paths and larger dust tanks.
Look for swivel steering heads on any model you select. Swivel joints redirect the floor nozzle with a slight twist of your wrist. This feature reduces arm strain when navigating around coffee tables, chair legs, and tight hallway corners.
Which 6 best upright vacuum cleaners, tested and reviewed should you buy?
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Vacuum, HEPA, Pet Hair, White/Silver, NV356E earns our highest recommendation for its exceptional suction, sealed HEPA filtration, and versatile detachable canister. For homes with multiple rug depths, the Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor, PowerSpeed, New Model,Blue,black/New Model provides excellent multi-height flexibility. If pet hair on hard floors is your primary challenge, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum offers superb scatter-free cleaning and nimble swivel steering.
Frequently asked questions about 6 best upright vacuum cleaners, tested and reviewed
Frequently asked questions
Look for adjustable nozzle heights or brush roll shutoff controls. Hard floors require direct airflow to prevent scattering debris, while carpets require rotating bristles to agitate deep fibers. A versatile model transitions between tile, wood, and rugs without scratching surfaces.
Related buying guides
7 Best Canister Vacuum Cleaners of 2026 for All Floors7 Best Central Vacuum Systems of 2026 for Whole-Home Power7 Best Handheld Vacuums of 2026 for Quick Cleanups7 Best Robot Vacuums for Daily Home Cleaning in 20265 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2026 for Carpets and Pets7 Best Carpet Cleaning Machines of 2026 for Deep Cleaning