10 Best Upright Vacuums

The Shark NV360 Navigator is a solid choice for those looking for a powerful upright vacuum that works well on both carpets and hard floors. Its suction is strong enough to handle pet hair and deep-clean surfaces, supported by handy pet-specific tools like the upholstery brush. The vacuum weighs about 16 pounds, which is manageable but may feel a bit heavy for very long cleaning sessions or for people with limited strength. It uses a bagless design with a large 0.9-liter dust cup, so you won’t need to buy bags, and emptying is straightforward. The HEPA filter combined with anti-allergen sealing is excellent for trapping fine dust and allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers.

It’s corded, so you don’t have to worry about battery life, but the cord length is moderate and may require unplugging in larger spaces. The vacuum has swivel steering for easy maneuvering around furniture and tight spots, and the Lift-Away feature helps to detach the canister for portable cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas. The noise level is moderate at 80 decibels.

This upright vacuum is well suited for pet owners, allergy-conscious users, and those who want a versatile and easy-to-maneuver vacuum for various floor types, though it might be less ideal for those who prefer cordless convenience or need a very lightweight option.

The Shark Rocket Ultra-Lightweight Corded Stick Vacuum is a versatile and easy-to-handle option for those looking for a lightweight upright vacuum, weighing under 9 lbs which makes it great for quick cleaning and carrying between rooms. It delivers continuous strong suction thanks to its corded design, which is ideal for cleaning both carpets and hard floors without worrying about battery life. The vacuum’s 1.2-liter easy-empty dust cup is bagless, saving you from buying replacement bags and making cleanup straightforward. The included crevice tool adds versatility for tight spots.

Its swivel steering helps maneuver around furniture and in tight spaces, making it practical for smaller homes or apartments. The vacuum also converts to a handheld, offering more flexibility for cleaning above floors like stairs or upholstery. The foam filter is washable, which helps maintain performance over time, though it may not capture ultra-fine dust as well as HEPA filters.

Being corded means you’re limited by cord length and the need for power outlets, which might be less convenient than cordless models. It has only one power level and no height adjustment for different carpet types, which could limit deep cleaning on thicker carpets. While lightweight and easy to use, the brush roll features are basic, so it may not handle heavy pet hair as effectively as some specialized models. This vacuum is well suited for users who want an affordable, lightweight, and corded stick vacuum mainly for everyday cleaning on various surfaces, valuing portability and ease of use over advanced filtration or deep carpet cleaning features.

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 is designed for homes with pets and larger spaces, making it a great choice if you're looking to tackle pet hair and deep carpet dirt. Its powerful motorized brush with stiff nylon bristles and de-tangling technology helps clear hair from the brush bar automatically, so you spend less time maintaining it. The vacuum offers three cleaning modes tailored for different floor types, which gives you flexibility whether you have thick carpets or hard floors.

It weighs about 17 pounds, which is moderate—easy enough to maneuver but not the lightest option available. Being corded with a 120V power source means you get consistent suction (1350 watts) without worrying about battery life. The vacuum uses a bagless design with a 0.55-gallon dust bin, which is decent but may require emptying more often in very large homes. Its HEPA filter and whole-machine filtration system effectively trap allergens and fine dust, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. It also comes with useful tools like a combi tool and stair tool, adding versatility for cleaning tight spaces. Noise levels are moderate at 78 decibels, which is typical for this type of vacuum.

If you're looking for a powerful, pet-friendly, corded upright vacuum with advanced brush technology and strong filtration, this model fits well, though its weight and corded design might be less convenient if you prioritize lightweight or cordless devices.