10 Best Upright Vacuums of 2026 for Pet Hair, Carpets, and More

The best upright vacuums combine strong floor cleaning, practical attachments, and easy handling without taking up the space of a canister vacuum. This roundup compares 10 models for homes with pets, carpets, hard floors, allergies, and different budgets.

Our selections include versatile lift-away designs, HEPA-filtered options, lightweight cleaners, and straightforward bagless vacuums. Use the guide below to match the right features to your floors, household, and cleaning routine.

Best 10 Upright Vacuums Picks for 2026

Top Pet-Friendly Pick – Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252

If pet hair and everyday debris are your main concerns, this Bissell is a practical choice among upright vacuums. Its swivel steering helps navigate furniture, while the triple-action brush roll and specialized pet tools target embedded hair on carpets and upholstery.

Best For: Pet owners who want versatile cleaning across carpets, hard floors, and upholstery.

Pros:

• Triple-action brush roll loosens, lifts, and removes embedded dirt and pet hair.
• Swivel steering and edge-to-edge suction improve control around furniture, corners, and baseboards.
• Scatter-free technology helps capture messes on hard floors instead of pushing them around.
• Includes specialized pet tools and a washable filter.

Cons:

• Its 80 dB noise level may be noticeable during cleaning.
• The 6-foot hose is shorter than some competing models.

With a 1-liter capacity and corded power, the CleanView Swivel Pet is suited to regular whole-room cleaning rather than cordless convenience. Its pet-focused tools and maneuverability make it especially useful in homes with shedding animals.

Best for Allergy Control – Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352

This Shark Navigator combines upright cleaning with a detachable Lift-Away pod for above-floor tasks. Among upright vacuums, it stands out for washable HEPA filtration, anti-allergen sealing, LED headlights, and tools designed for pet hair and tight spaces.

Best For: Allergy-prone households needing carpet, hard-floor, stair, and upholstery cleaning.

Pros:

• HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
• Lift-Away pod supports portable cleaning on stairs, furniture, baseboards, and ceilings.
• Self-cleaning brush roll is designed for pet hair pickup without hair wrap.
• LED headlights and swivel steering help reveal and reach hidden debris.

Cons:

• The 80 dB noise level may be relatively loud.
• It is a corded model, limiting cleaning range to the outlet and its 8-foot hose.

The 1.1-quart capacity, washable filters, and included pet, upholstery, and crevice tools make this a flexible whole-home cleaner. The Lift-Away design is particularly helpful when floors are only part of the cleaning routine.

Best Value for Everyday Cleaning – Bissell CleanView Swivel 3836

The Bissell CleanView Swivel 3836 is a straightforward option for shoppers comparing upright vacuums for routine carpet and hard-floor maintenance. It pairs swivel steering with a triple-action brush roll, scatter-free cleaning, and a new active extension wand for above-floor reach.

Best For: Everyday carpet cleaning and quick access to hard-to-reach areas.

Pros:

• Triple-action brush roll loosens, lifts, and removes embedded dirt and pet hair.
• Swivel steering helps maneuver around furniture and corners.
• Active extension wand reaches hard-to-clean areas more easily.
• Scatter-free technology captures hard-floor messes with less scattering.

Cons:

• The 1-liter capacity may require more frequent emptying during larger cleaning sessions.
• It has one speed and one power level, offering limited adjustment.
• The supplied details list a foam filter rather than a washable HEPA filter.

This model offers useful core features without a complicated setup. Its corded design and multi-surface capability make it a sensible fit for regular indoor cleaning, especially when maneuverability and wand reach matter.

Best for Large Cleaning Sessions – Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E

The Shark Navigator NV356E is one of the more adaptable upright vacuums for homes with mixed flooring and above-floor surfaces. Its Lift-Away pod, brushroll shutoff, HEPA filtration, and extra-large dust cup support whole-home cleaning with fewer interruptions.

Best For: Homes with pets that need extended cleaning across carpets, bare floors, stairs, and upholstery.

Pros:

• Lift-Away functionality makes stairs, furniture, curtains, and baseboards easier to clean.
• Brushroll shutoff supports switching between deep carpet cleaning and gentler hardwood-floor cleaning.
• HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology trap 99.9% of dust and allergens.
• 0.87-liter dust cup allows extended cleaning before emptying.

Cons:

• The 80 dB noise level may be noticeable.
• Its 5-foot hose is shorter than the hose on the NV352.
• At 13.7 pounds, it is heavier than some listed alternatives.

With strong multi-surface suction, swivel steering, and pet-focused attachments, the NV356E is built for comprehensive indoor cleaning. The brushroll shutoff is especially useful for households combining carpets with bare floors.

Lightweight Whole-Home Pick – Eureka PowerSpeed

Eureka NEU182B PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Purple | 10lbs, 2.6L Dust Cup, Upright Vacuum, 5-Height Brush Roll Adjust, Pet Hair, Carpet & Hard Floor Cleaner, Purple

Check Price On Amazon

For shoppers comparing upright vacuums, the Eureka PowerSpeed is a lightweight corded option designed for whole-home cleaning. Its five height adjustments, wide cleaning nozzle, and washable filter make it suitable for carpets, rugs, and hard floors.

Best For: Lightweight everyday cleaning across multiple floor types, with above-floor tools for upholstery, cars, curtains, and other hard-to-reach areas.

Pros:

• At 10 pounds, it is relatively easy to maneuver.
• Five height settings support carpet, shag rugs, and hard floors.
• The 4.1-liter dust cup reduces the need for frequent emptying.
• Includes a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool stored onboard.

Cons:

• The 88 dB noise level may be noticeable during use.
• Its corded design requires access to a power outlet.

The Eureka PowerSpeed is a practical choice when you want broad floor-surface compatibility and a large dust cup without moving up to a heavier upright vacuum.

Check Price On Amazon

Pet and Allergen Pick – BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Lift-Off

BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off Vacuum, HEPA, 39883 | Lift-Off Pod, Carpet & Hard Floor Cleaning, Swivel Steering, Tangle-Free Brushroll, Upholstery/Crevice Tools, Pet Hair Pickup

Check Price On Amazon

Among upright vacuums, the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off stands out for homes dealing with pet hair and dust. It combines strong suction, a tangle-free brush roll, and a sealed HEPA allergen system with a detachable pod for more flexible cleaning.

Best For: Pet owners who want to clean carpets, hard floors, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas while keeping captured allergens sealed inside the vacuum.

Pros:

• HEPA sealed allergen system helps keep captured dust and allergens contained.
• Tangle-free brush roll is designed to handle hair and fur.
• Lift-Off pod and extension wand improve cleaning flexibility.
• Includes a TurboEraser pet tool and combination dusting brush/crevice tool.

Cons:

• At 15.7 pounds, it is heavier than the other listed options.
• The 1-liter tank is smaller than the Eureka model’s dust cup.

Choose this BISSELL if pet hair management and allergen containment matter more than minimizing the vacuum’s overall weight.

Check Price On Amazon

Budget-Friendly Lightweight Pick – Amazon Basics Upright

Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floors, Washable Filter, Crevice and Upholstery Tools, Detachable Handle, Lightweight, 1.7L Dust Cup, 25ft Cord, Black/White

Check Price On Amazon

For shoppers seeking straightforward upright vacuums, this Amazon Basics model offers a lightweight corded design for carpets and hardwood floors. Its 25-foot cord, washable filter, and quick-release 1.7-liter dust cup support convenient routine cleaning.

Best For: Budget-conscious users who want an easy-to-carry upright for carpet and hardwood floors, plus basic upholstery and crevice cleaning.

Pros:

• At 8.4 pounds, it is the lightest option in this roundup.
• A 25-foot power cord provides useful cleaning reach.
• The 1.7-liter dust cup empties quickly and reduces interruptions.
• Washable filter and included upholstery and crevice tools simplify maintenance and detail work.

Cons:

• Its 720-watt motor is rated lower than the Eureka model’s 960 watts.
• The cloth filter may offer less specialized filtration than a HEPA system.

The Amazon Basics upright is a sensible fit when low weight, long cord reach, and simple maintenance are priorities for everyday carpet and hardwood cleaning.

Check Price On Amazon

Best Overall – Shark Stratos Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum

The Shark Stratos is a feature-rich choice among upright vacuums, combining strong suction with DuoClean PowerFins HairPro brushrolls for carpets, rugs, and hard floors. Its powered Lift-Away pod and sealed HEPA filtration also make it versatile for above-floor cleaning and allergen-conscious homes.

Best For: Homes with pets, mixed flooring, and a need for deep whole-home cleaning.

Pros:

• Powerful suction and brushroll design target dirt, debris, and pet hair across multiple floor types.
• Powered Lift-Away functionality supports motorized cleaning under furniture and above-floor surfaces.
• HEPA filtration with an anti-allergen complete seal traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
• Includes a self-cleaning pet brush, upholstery tool, crevice tool, and LED headlights.

Cons:

• At 16.7 pounds, it is heavier than more compact upright options.
• The corded design requires access to an outlet during cleaning.

Choose the Stratos when cleaning performance and pet-hair features matter more than keeping the vacuum especially light. Its large 1.48-quart dust cup, odor-control technology, and included attachments add convenience for frequent cleaning.

Best Budget Pick – Dirt Devil Endura Lite Upright Vacuum

The Dirt Devil Endura Lite is a compact, lightweight option for shoppers comparing affordable upright vacuums. Its multi-floor brush roll, Endura filtration system, and simple one-touch dirt-cup release cover everyday carpet and hard-floor cleaning without a bulky design.

Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers who want a lightweight vacuum for routine indoor cleaning.

Pros:

• Weighs 9 pounds, making it easier to carry and maneuver than many full-size uprights.
• Multi-floor brush roll is designed for carpets and hard floors.
• Quick-release wand provides 6 feet of reach for higher surfaces.
• One-touch dirt-cup release and rinsable filter simplify maintenance.

Cons:

• It has fewer advanced features than the Shark models, such as no HEPA filtration or Lift-Away pod.
• The listed 80 dB noise level may be noticeable during operation.

The Endura Lite is a practical fit when low weight, compact dimensions, and basic versatility are the priorities. It is best suited to straightforward cleaning rather than specialized allergen control or intensive pet-hair tools.

Best for Maneuverability – Shark Rotator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum

The Shark Rotator NV501 is a versatile upright vacuum for homes that need both floor and above-floor cleaning. Strong multi-surface suction, swivel steering, Lift-Away functionality, and a selection of attachments make it useful around furniture, stairs, upholstery, and baseboards.

Best For: Homes needing flexible cleaning around furniture, stairs, carpets, and hard floors.

Pros:

• Swivel steering helps navigate corners, tight spaces, and furniture.
• Lift-Away pod supports cleaning stairs, furniture, and other above-floor surfaces.
• HEPA filtration and an anti-allergen complete seal help contain dust and allergens.
• LED headlights reveal hidden debris, while the 0.88-quart dust cup supports longer cleaning sessions.

Cons:

• At 15.5 pounds, it is not as light as the Dirt Devil Endura Lite.
• The dust cup is smaller than the Shark Stratos model’s 1.48-quart capacity.

The NV501 offers a strong balance of maneuverability and versatility for everyday whole-home cleaning. Consider it when swivel control and convenient above-floor access are more important than the Stratos’s specialized odor-control and pet-hair features.

How We Picked These Upright Vacuums

We focused on the features that matter most in everyday cleaning: suction and brush-roll performance, filtration, maneuverability, floor compatibility, attachment selection, dustbin capacity, and maintenance. The lineup includes established models from Bissell, Shark, Eureka, and Dirt Devil, along with an affordable Amazon Basics option.

Because cleaning needs vary, we did not treat one specification as decisive. A vacuum with powerful agitation may suit thick carpeting, while a lighter model or lift-away canister may be more useful for stairs, furniture, and quick cleanups.

Quick Comparison

Best For	Look For
Pet hair	Powered brush rolls, pet tools, and easy brush-roll access
Allergies	HEPA filtration and a sealed filtration system
Stairs and furniture	Lift-away bodies, long hoses, and upholstery tools
Carpets	Strong agitation, height adjustment, and a powered roller
Hard floors	Brush-roll control or a setting that reduces scattering
Low-cost cleaning	Washable filters and simple bagless maintenance

Key Buying Factors for Upright Vacuums

Floor Type and Brush-Roll Control

Carpet-focused homes should prioritize an effective rotating brush roll and, ideally, adjustable height settings. If you have hardwood, tile, or laminate, look for brush-roll shutoff or a hard-floor mode to reduce scattering and protect delicate surfaces.

Filtration and Allergy Control

HEPA filtration can help capture fine particles, but the entire system matters. A sealed design is preferable because it limits air leakage around the filter and dustbin. Washable pre-motor filters can also reduce recurring costs, provided they are cleaned and fully dried as directed.

Pet Hair and Attachments

For shedding pets, prioritize a tangle-resistant or easy-clean brush roll, a motorized pet attachment, and a crevice tool for edges. Upholstery tools are useful for sofas and pet beds, while flexible hoses make above-floor cleaning less frustrating.

Weight, Steering, and Lift-Away Design

Uprights can deliver strong floor performance, but weight affects how easily you carry them upstairs or use them on furniture. Swivel steering improves control around table legs, and lift-away designs are especially helpful for stairs and hard-to-reach areas.

Maintenance and Capacity

Check how easily the dustbin empties and whether filters, belts, and brush rolls are accessible. Larger bins mean fewer interruptions, while washable filters can make ownership more economical. Regularly remove hair and debris to preserve suction.

Who Should Buy Which Upright Vacuums?

Choose a pet-focused model if hair, dander, and embedded debris are your main concerns. A HEPA-equipped Shark or Bissell is a stronger fit for allergy-sensitive households. Select a lift-away model if stairs, vehicles, curtains, or furniture are part of your routine.

For mostly carpeted rooms, prioritize brush-roll performance and height adjustment. For mixed flooring, choose a vacuum with brush-roll control or flexible floor settings. If you want a simple, inexpensive cleaner for routine messes, a lightweight bagless model may offer the best value. Before buying, confirm the model’s included tools, warranty, and replacement-filter availability.