The 12 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Shark Vertex Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum with DuoClean PowerFins

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Ease of Emptying
  5/5
• Noise Level
  4.5/5

After tons of testing, this lightweight (yet mighty) vacuum by Shark is our pick for the best vacuum overall. It sucked up everything we put in its path, including Cheerios and tough popcorn kernels, and mostly did so during its first pass. Upon lifting the floor head off the ground, the materials didn't sprinkle everywhere, and the vacuum basically pulled itself around the surfaces. It took very little effort on our part to get the cleaning job done—and overall, it was difficult to find flaws with this model.

The Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Cordless Stick Vacuum was able to slip easily under a coffee table and couch, which sits fairly low to the ground. We found that the vacuum remains fairly quiet when it's in operation, too. (This can be a perk if you have a pet who’s easily spooked by loud noise.) Its quietness is no reflection of its strength, though: Two brush heads give this pick power, and while the collection canister could be bigger, you'll find that it's easy and painless to empty into your trash can. When your chores are all done, you can easily store this cordless stick vacuum, too, because it actually folds in half. This thoughtful design feature—on top of a 60-minute battery life that's longer than most other cordless picks we've seen and tested—makes it suitable for both smaller apartments and larger households alike.

Now, there are newer versions of this particular vacuum out there. We tested the Shark Cordless Pro with Clean Sense IQ, the newest model in this line, but found that the older version achieved a much better clean. The new version dropped debris and wasn't effective at picking up pet hair on upholstery. While the older version comes with individually wrapped pieces (which we didn't love) and a heavy handheld component, we still believe it's a top-notch option that's worth every penny. Even with the wrapping, the setup took us about three minutes—it doesn't get much better than that. While it isn't the cheapest vacuum available, we've found that this model is frequently discounted by retailers, so you might be able to snag a good deal on it. If you have the budget for it, we think the Shark Vertex DuoClean PowerFins Cordless Stick Vacuum is a solid bet for everyday cleaning tasks.

Price at time of publish: $430

_{Dimensions: 46.46 x 9.65 x 10.24 inches | Weight: 9.04 pounds | Cord Length: Cordless | Battery Life: 60 minutes | Bin Volume: 1.4 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 10.63 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Carpet, multi-surface, hardwood}

Best Budget

Dirt Devil Versa 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

4.7

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  4/5
• Ease of Emptying
  4/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Noise Level
  2/5

If you're looking for a vacuum with a basic design that's still versatile enough to clean different surfaces in your home, consider the DirtDevil Versa 3-in-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum. This vacuum clocks in under $100, making it a great value find. In our testing, we were blown away by how lightweight and easy it is to maneuver on various surfaces. This vacuum not only scored well for its overall performance but also its dust bin design. The release mechanism is pretty intuitive, but depicted instructions are also included in the manual, in case you run into any challenges when emptying the dust bin.

Although this vacuum may lack the bells and whistles that other higher-end stick vacuums have, we appreciated that we could move its compact floor head around furniture and that it didn't spit out any debris—a common problem with many three-in-one stick designs. Hair does get caught on the floor brush, but we were able to pull most of it off or cut it off. We recommend cleaning out the brush roll after each use to avoid any clogs.

Unlike our top pick, the Shark IZ462H, we found this vacuum to be quite loud, which is surprising for its size. Don’t expect to be able to watch TV or hold a conversation over it when it’s running. We don't completely fault the model for its noise level, though, because its suction is so impressive—with that in mind, we think the noise level is justifiable. Overall, we were thoroughly impressed with this vacuum's lightweight, compact, and easy-to-use design, making it a great option for anyone looking for a simple yet reliable vacuum for everyday messes.

Price at time of publish: $90

_{Dimensions: 42.5 x 10 x 7 inches | Weight: Less than 5 pounds | Cord Length: Cordless | Battery Life: 12 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.42 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 10 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Carpet, laminate, hardwood, tile, and vinyl}

Best Splurge

Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  4.5/5
• Ease of Emptying
  4.8/5
• Portability
  4.5/5
• Noise Level
  4/5

Although the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is a pricey upright vacuum, we think its intuitive suction and roller brush height settings set it apart from other models we've tested. It's a worthy contender if you have more wiggle room in your budget.

This vacuum is heavier than average upright models because of its central ball joint, but this joint helps the vacuum swivel around furniture and corners, making it practically as versatile as a stick vacuum. The vacuum operates on three different settings, and each adjusts the roller brush position to clean everything from flat surfaces to high-pile carpets. We found these height settings essential for sucking up various debris sizes, and we determined that the high-pile setting was great for removing larger debris and hair from hard flooring You also won't have to worry about hair becoming wrapped on the floor head's roller because it's equipped with enough suction to prevent tangling.

One thing to keep in mind is that this isn't the most straightforward vacuum to assemble. We were confused by the photo-only instructions for connecting the pieces. The same applied for the attachments Dyson provides with this model—but we were able to intuit how to use them.

In our testing, the attachments were incredibly helpful for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and corners. Since the vacuum's floor head was too large to clean the corners of our testing labs, the combination tool was essential for cleaning all of the debris. While the stair tool combined with the 15-foot extension hose is helpful for cleaning stairs, we found this upright vacuum's weight to be challenging in this area of our testing lab. With its weight in mind, we also don't recommend this model for users with limited mobility. However, its multi-surface cleaning power and intuitive attachments make it a great option for a busy household with kids and pets that produce a variety of messes.

Price at time of publish: $500

_{Dimensions: 42.2 x 11.02 x 15.5 inches | Weight: 17.3 pounds | Cord Length: 35 feet | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume: 1.8 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: Not listed | Compatible Floor Type: Carpet, laminate, hardwood, tile, vinyl}

Best Upright

Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Ease of Emptying
  4/5
• Portability
  4.8/5
• Noise Level
  2.5/5

Upright vacuums are known for their suction power, which is why many people opt for this style for cleaning up their carpets or tough messes, even if it's not the most space-conscious. Since upright vacuums tend to be bulkier than other types of vacuums, we pay particular attention to efficiency and maneuverability in our testing. This Shark model passed our tests with flying colors, proving itself as an effective and versatile choice at a very reasonable price.

We were especially impressed with how well it handled against floor edges, and how consistently it performed on different types of flooring, earning high marks for its performance on tile, hardwood, and carpet. We did notice that more muscle was required to push it on the high pile rug in our Lab—but that’s not uncommon with vacuums, so we’re not holding it against the machine. Stairs proved a bit tricky, too, if you try to use the entire machine on them. However, the included attachments and lift-away pod design give you options for portability and more targeted use, so you thankfully have more practical options for stairs and upholstery. Another perk worth mentioning was the simple and easy process to empty the dustbin—just two hooks to detach it from the vacuum, and one more to release the debris. Unlike with our best splurge pick, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra, we did find some hair wrapped on the beater bar after testing, but we were able to use a tool to cut it off. 

Overall, there’s not much we would change about this upright vacuum. If you prefer upright vacuums for their tried-and-true design and powerful suction capabilities but you don't want to splurge on a pricey model, the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum is our top recommendation.

Price at time of publish: $220

_{Dimensions: 14.37 x 11.61 x 26.77 inches | Weight: 16.96 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume: 1.2 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 9.5 inches | Compatible Floor Type: All floors}

Best Bagged Upright

Hoover Complete Performance Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner

4.2

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  3.8/5
• Maneuverability
  3/5
• Ease of Emptying
  5/5
• Portability
  2.5/5
• Noise Level
  2.5/5

After testing dozens of upright picks, the Hoover Complete Performance Bagged Upright Vacuum is our favorite bagged option. Its powerful suction on every single surface we tested it on, including upholstery, is hard to beat. It picked up all of our debris in just two passes, making its heavier, bulkier design feel like a total afterthought.

While you certainly would fight with this vacuum a bit on the stairs, since there's no stair attachment and it has a 10-pound build, we appreciated that it's easy to navigate on surfaces. The bag is also super easy to change—just press the release button to expose and dispose of the collection bag. Setup was a total breeze, we didn't even have to look at the instructions to understand where everything went, though did note that the vacuum's noise level matches its power level. You probably couldn't hold a conversation over this pick, and may want to warn your pets before turning it on.

All in all, this pick doesn't leave much to be desired, though. It has multiple settings for bare floors and carpet, which is a major plus for those who are worried about damaging their hardwood. With a 25-foot cord, 15-inch cleaning path, and more budget-friendly price tag, we feel more than happy recommending it for your home.

Price at time of publish: $155

_{Dimensions: 15 x 15 x 47 inches | Weight: 9.28 pounds | Cord Length: 25 feet | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume: Not listed | Cleaning Path Width: 15 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Hardwood, high-pile carpet, laminate, and tile}

Best Cordless Stick

Tineco Pure One S15 Pro Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  4.5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Ease of Emptying
  5/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Noise Level
  4/5

Cordless stick vacuums have become increasingly popular over the years, because they're often easier to use and store than their upright counterparts. However, the caveat to cordless stick models is, by nature, they run on a battery that must be recharged and have a dust bin that's usually quite smaller in comparison. The Tineco PURE ONE S15 PRO addresses a lot of these concerns, though, with its battery that lasts up to 40 minutes and overall cleaning effectiveness that's competitive with our "best upright" pick. Our tester said that, in automatic mode, the vacuum adjusted itself to the debris it was picking up and was all-around useful at suctioning up all debris, from cereal to popcorn kernels.

Not to mention, changing out the attachments was easy and the entire model transitioned seamlessly from a hard floor to a carpet, so you won't need to worry about your cleaning session being interrupted by your living room's area rug. We could also easily pick the vacuum up with one hand—a perk for those with lots of stairs—and an included charging dock keeps everything you need in one spot when your Saturday cleaning session is complete.

Ultimately, we didn't have any major complaints about this model or the very similar Tineco PURE ONE S15 PET that we also tested. In comparison, the PET model is $100 cheaper and doesn't include the extra LED soft roller brush that the PRO has. This soft roller brush is great for hard flooring, which can be more prone to scratching or denting from your vacuum cleaner. However, if you don't have a lot of hardwood floors in your home, take the PET model into consideration in order to save a few bucks.

Price at time of publish: $599

_{Dimensions: 45 x 11 x 11.14 inches | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Cord Length: Cordless | Battery Life: Up to 40 minutes | Bin Volume: Not listed | Cleaning Path Width: Not listed | Compatible Floor Type: Carpet, laminate, hardwood, tile, and vinyl}

Best Lightweight

Kenmore DS4095 Elite Cordless Stick Vacuum with EasyReach Wand

4.3

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Ease of Emptying
  3.5/5
• Portability
  4.5/5
• Noise Level
  5/5

If you're looking for a lightweight vacuum with a balanced design that also achieves a satisfying clean, check out the Kenmore DS4095 Elite Cordless Stick Vacuum. In testing, we appreciated the balanced feel, and we found it super easy to push over bumps and onto a higher-pile rug. (This balanced feeling isn’t a guarantee with cordless stick models, because the dust bin is typically located near the top of the handle.) On top of this, the swivel head was easy to maneuver, and the vacuum had zero issues navigating around furniture or other obstacles.

Now, this Kenmore vacuum does have a few quirks. For one, you'll want to make sure you're centered over your messes so the vacuum can easily suction them up. In our experience, the vacuum pulls hair and debris behind it and along its sides a bit. You may have to go over areas a few times to pick up any leftovers. However, there are no other real issues with its cleaning effectiveness. We weren’t super impressed with the included brush attachment, but we found that the crevice tool provided great suction power, and the whole vacuum picked up small and large debris with ease in The Lab.

They were most impressed by its quiet operation—you could easily hold a conversation over it. One of our testers even noted that it was the quietest vacuum they’d ever used, and we found that it outperformed some of the more expensive, cord-free options we tested in every way. Just keep in mind that this pick doesn't stand by itself and the attachments are a bit tricky to put on. You'll need to lean it up against a couch or wall, and spend some time getting to know the cleaning machine before tackling messes on your surfaces.

Price at time of publish: $180

_{Dimensions: 21.46 x 5.71 x 15.75 inches | Weight: Not listed | Cord Length: Cordless | Battery Life: Up to 40 minutes | Bin Volume: 1.06 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: Not listed | Compatible Floor Type: Carpet, laminate, hardwood, tile, and vinyl}

Best Canister

Miele Compact C1 Turbo Team Bagged Canister Vacuum

4.2

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Maneuverability
  4.5/5
• Ease of Emptying
  4/5
• Noise Level
  5/5
• Setup
  3.5/5

The Miele Compact C1 Turbo Team Bagged Canister Vacuum is worth splurging on if you're looking for a super effective vacuum that's also pretty standard in its design—and not, say, a robot vacuum that's typically highly priced. The Miele vacuum easily gobbles up debris on hard floors and carpeting, and ultimately impressed us. We noted that hair did clog up the otherwise-mighty canister vacuum, so this model might not be the best fit for households with pets. The instructions were a little unclear and the vacuum is a bit heavy, too, so it likely would not be ideal for carrying up and down stairs.

However, the canister vacuum—like all canister vacuums—is a great contender for homes with small nooks and crannies that need to be cleaned. The slim handle and floor head make it easy to reach under a couch or near a coffee table. The 21-foot cord of this model can be rewound automatically when you're finished as well. Plus, at 3.75 quarts, this little machine takes a while to fill up, which is convenient, since it's bagged instead of bagless. It's pricey, even before you purchase the replacement bags, but ultimately this vacuum's positives outweigh any of its negatives. Plus, we found it to be extremely quiet—so even if you disrupt your wallet with this investment vacuum, you won't likely disrupt the members of your household.

Price at time of publish: $580

_{Dimensions: 16.9 x 9.1 x 9.8 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Cord Length: 21 feet | Battery Life: Not applicable | Bin Volume: 3.75 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: Not listed | Compatible Floor Type: Carpet and hardwood}

Best Robot

ECOVACS Deebot N8 Pro+

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Setup
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  4.7/5
• Noise Level
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  4/5
• Features
  4/5

Robot vacuums add a level of convenience to your cleaning routines, and are the perfect option if vacuuming your floor doesn't sound even remotely satisfying or fun, or you have pets or children who frequently track all types of messes around your living space. While they are more expensive, robot vacuums (as well as vacuum-mop hybrids, like this pick) tend to be worth the splurge once they're set up the way you want them to be. We have tested dozens of robotic vacuums in The Lab, and our favorite remains the ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ Robot Vacuum and Mop.

That's right. It will also mop your floors. When we tested this model in a home setting, we found that the dual-functionality was a huge time-saver in our day-to-day routine. We love that the model senses when it's on carpet or hard flooring—and adjusts accordingly. This model's packed with smart features, too. It maps out your home, and then you can choose to clean the entire layout or a specific room. It has laser technology to avoid large items, such as furniture or door frames, that it may come across along the way, and smaller items, like socks or jeans left on the floor. (Even so, we suggest picking up a bit before running this device or any other robot vacuum, just in case.)

You can program the ECOVACS DEEBOT N8+ with a cleaning schedule or order it to start from your smartphone if you're expecting last-minute guests. If this hands-off cleaning experience isn't enough, it also self-empties—once it's completed its run, all you have to do is change the dust bag every so often. In our lab testing, we were impressed by how quiet this vacuum was when operating, as well, although you might brace yourself for a loud roar when it self empties.

Now, while robot vacuums may not be able to target specific messes or do a deep clean, if you have pets—and, therefore, a lot of visible and invisible pet hair—this ECOVACS robot vacuum and mop will suck up more pet hair than you ever thought possible as it makes its daily run around your living room. We found not only that it is an effective vacuum and mop, but also that it smartly navigates obstacles and can transition from floors to rugs with ease. We only had one complaint: According to the manufacturer, the mopping reservoir can only hold water (as opposed to a mix of water and floor cleaner). We got around this annoyance by soaking the mopping pad in a floor cleaner, before attaching it to the device.

Price at time of publish: $700

_{Dimensions: 16.6 x 16.16 x 11.9 inches | Weight: 26.4 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: 110 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.48 quarts | Cleaning Path Width: 14.5 inches | Compatible Floor Type: Carpet and hardwood}

Best Handheld

Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Maneuverability
  5/5
• Ease of Emptying
  5/5
• Portability
  4.5/5
• Noise Level
  4/5

When you have a small mess on your hands that you need to quickly zap up, reach for a handheld vacuum. A handheld vacuum is excellent for rapidly sucking up snack spills in your kitchen, or pet hair from your couch in an efficient manner. Of course, its smaller profile doesn't make it a great option for whole-home cleaning, so it should absolutely be a supplement to your cordless stick, robot, canister, or upright vacuum that tackles most of the larger or weekly messes in your household. Nonetheless, having a handheld vacuum on hand, especially the Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner, is beyond helpful for spot cleaning, car cleaning, and much more.

The Hoover ONEPWR Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner excelled at our tests in The Lab. Its powerful suction impressed us, as it sucked up cereal, pet hair, popcorn kernels, and other debris in its path. We gave it high marks on maneuverability since we were able to clean hard-to-reach areas including under a couch, in a car's cup holder, and along a baseboard with ease, thanks to its tapered nozzle. Setup also took less than two minutes, and when it came to the dust bin, emptying it was a total breeze.

The battery pack detaches from the vacuum for easy charging, but we noted that the pack adds some weight when inserted into the vacuum, bringing this model up to 3 pounds. It may not be the best option for a deeper clean, or someone who wants something lightweight and easy to maneuver. It's also quite expensive in comparison to other handheld vacuums, but since it's such a strong, reliable cleaner, we believe it's well worth the price.

Price at time of publication: $99

_{Dimensions: 16.5 x 5 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Cord Length: Cordless | Battery Life: 15 minutes | Bin Volume: Not listed | Cleaning Path Width: Not listed | Compatible Floor Type: Carpet, laminate, hardwood, tile, and vinyl}

Best for Pet Hair

Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Effectiveness
  4.5/5
• Maneuverability
  4.5/5
• Ease of Emptying
  5/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Noise Level
  3/5

The Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner impressed us with its lightweight design, overall portability, and ease of operation. While some of these traits are common features of cordless stick vacuums, this Dyson pick takes it to the next level with added technology that streamlines the cleaning process for pet owners.

The vacuum is equipped with a laser light that illuminates dust (and fur!) particles, an LCD screen that gives you a real-time update of your cleaning progress, and a cleaner head that automatically adjusts and adapts to different floor types. None of this translates to a complicated user experience for you though; it’s still quite intuitive and easy to use, which we appreciate. If you frequently find yourself following your pets around your home and vacuuming their favorite spots, this machine will make that process easier for you.

Aside from this vacuum's impressive suction power, we also appreciated its convenient charging station, which makes it super easy to just grab it from its designated spot, turn it on with a press of the trigger, and start cleaning in seconds. In fact, once we tested it in a home setting, we found that it easily became part of a daily cleaning routine (although, the trigger button does take some getting used to, if you’re not accustomed to using a machine with this feature). Long-term testing has also revealed that this machine’s built-in intelligence also seems to evolve over time. One member of our testing team noted that the vacuum used to struggle on their area rugs, but over time they’ve been able to vacuum the rugs without fighting against the vacuum’s suction power.

However, no machine is perfect, and it’s worth noting that the bin-emptying process was a bit clunky at first. It took a few minutes to figure out, then some debris was still stuck inside (so you may need a finger or a tool to help clear it). This Dyson is also very pricey compared to many other vacuum models, so it’s no small investment. Still, for its effective cleaning power and range of features that make cleaning up after pets a cinch, we think it’s a worthy choice for pet owners.

Price at time of publishing: $750

_{Dimensions: 49.6 x 9.84 x 10.47 inches | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Cord Length: Not applicable | Battery Life: Up to 60 minutes | Bin Volume: 0.8 quarts (0.2 gallons) | Cleaning Path Width: Not listed | Compatible Floor Type: Carpet, hardwood/wood laminate, marble, multisurface, tile, upholstery}