10 Best Upright Vacuums

The Dyson V15 Detect Plus is a high-performance cordless vacuum that adapts its suction power automatically based on the dirt detected and floor type, making it very efficient for various surfaces. It offers impressive suction strength—about double that of older Dyson models—making it suitable for homes with pets and heavy debris. At 2.74 kg (around 6 pounds), it is lighter than many upright vacuums but still might feel a bit heavy for extended cleaning sessions or for users seeking an ultra-light option. Its advanced filtration system uses a HEPA filter that captures 99.99% of tiny dust particles, which is excellent for allergy sufferers. This model is bagless, with a decent 0.77-liter dust bin that is easy to empty, though might require frequent emptying in very large homes or heavy shedding pets.

Being cordless, it provides up to 60 minutes of run time, depending on the power mode and tools used, offering good flexibility without a cord to limit movement. The vacuum comes with useful attachments including a digital motorized brush that adjusts to different floors and untangles hair automatically, a soft dusting brush, crevice tool, and a unique optic cleaner head that reveals hidden dust for a more thorough clean. It also converts easily to a handheld vacuum for stairs, cars, and furniture.

The battery life may be shorter on the highest power setting, and while 60 minutes is good, some larger homes might find it limiting. The weight and price point may also be considerations for budget-conscious buyers or those wanting a lightweight stick vacuum. This Dyson model is an excellent choice for anyone wanting a versatile, powerful cordless vacuum with smart cleaning features and excellent filtration, especially in homes with pets, though it may exceed the needs of casual users.

The Bissell 2258B Cleanview Swivel Upright Vacuum is a solid choice for pet owners looking for an effective and easy-to-maneuver vacuum. It boasts a powerful 960-watt multi-cyclonic suction system, which helps maintain strong suction over time and efficiently captures dirt and pet hair. The inclusion of a Pet TurboEraser Tool with a rubber brush roll is a big plus for tackling pet hair on furniture and upholstery. Weighing around 14 pounds, it’s on the heavier side for an upright vacuum, which might make it a bit challenging to carry up and down stairs but still manageable for regular cleaning.

It uses a washable cartridge filter, which is good for reducing ongoing costs compared to disposable bags, but its 1-liter dust bin means you'll need to empty it fairly often if you have a lot of dirt or pet hair. With its 27-foot cord and automatic cord rewind, it offers decent reach without needing to switch outlets too often, although this model is not cordless, so you’ll always be limited by cord length. The vacuum’s swivel steering and scatter-free technology make it easier to clean around furniture and prevent messes from spreading on hard floors.

Attachments are limited but focused on pet hair removal, making it ideal for pet owners but possibly less versatile if you want tools for other cleaning tasks. This vacuum is well-suited for pet owners who value strong suction and convenient features like automatic cord rewind and swivel steering, though the weight and dust bin size might require a bit more frequent emptying and some effort when moving it around.

The Bissell AeroSwift Turbo Compact is a lightweight upright vacuum that offers solid cleaning power with its 120-watt motor and cyclonic technology, which helps keep suction strong by separating dirt effectively. It's corded, so you won’t have to worry about battery life, but the cord length isn’t specified, which might limit reach compared to some models. This vacuum is designed for carpets but should handle hard floors reasonably well with its TurboBrush tool.

It features a 1-liter dust bin with a convenient bottom-empty design, making it easy to dispose of dirt without much mess. The built-in lifetime cartridge filter means you don’t have to worry about replacing it, which is a nice cost-saving feature. While it doesn’t have dual-edge cleaning, the included crevice tool and extension wand help reach tight spaces and corners. The vacuum is praised for being lightweight, aiding maneuverability, but it lacks any height adjustment for different carpet thicknesses, which may affect deep cleaning on some rugs.

This vacuum represents a good choice for those who want a straightforward, no-fuss vacuum with useful attachments, especially if you mainly clean carpets and don’t mind using a corded model.