10 Best Carpet Vacuums 2025 in the United States

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 is a solid choice for anyone seeking an effective carpet vacuum. It boasts powerful suction, making it capable of deep-cleaning carpets and handling various floor types. The vacuum's lift-away functionality allows for versatile cleaning, letting you reach under furniture or clean upholstery with ease, which is especially beneficial for those with pets. Speaking of pets, the included upholstery and crevice tools enhance its capability to pick up pet hair, a common challenge for pet owners.

In terms of filtration, it features HEPA technology combined with anti-allergen complete seal, effectively trapping dust and allergens, making it a good option for allergy sufferers. The large dust cup capacity (0.9 quarts) ensures you can clean longer without frequent emptying, which many users appreciate.

On the downside, the vacuum weighs about 15.96 pounds, which may feel a bit heavy for some users during extended cleaning sessions. The noise level of 80 dB can be a concern if you prefer a quieter cleaning experience. Additionally, since it is not cordless, you will need to manage the cord while vacuuming, which may limit maneuverability in larger spaces. Maneuverability is aided by swivel steering, making it easier to navigate around furniture and corners, but it's still something to consider based on your living space. Lastly, assembly is required, which might be a minor inconvenience for some users, although it should be straightforward.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 stands out for its powerful performance and versatility, especially for pet owners and allergy sufferers, but users should weigh its weight and noise level against their cleaning needs.

The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is a solid choice for pet owners and households with both carpet and hard floors. Its standout feature is the strong suction power combined with a triple action brush roll, which is highly effective at picking up pet hair and embedded dirt. The vacuum's multi-cyclonic cleaning system helps maintain suction power longer, and its edge-to-edge cleaning ensures no corner is left dirty. Additionally, it includes specialized pet tools, making it easier to clean pet hair from furniture and other surfaces.

Its swivel steering provides excellent maneuverability around furniture and obstacles, which is great for more detailed cleaning sessions. At 12.5 pounds, it's relatively lightweight for an upright vacuum, making it easier to carry around the house. The dust capacity is a decent 1 liter, and the large dirt tank is easy to empty, which adds to the convenience. However, the vacuum could be somewhat noisy during operation, which might be a consideration for noise-sensitive users.

The filtration system is effective but might not be as advanced as some higher-end models that offer HEPA filters. Given its moderate weight and the inclusion of various attachments, the Bissell 2252 is well-suited for pet owners and those needing a versatile vacuum for multiple surfaces.

The Oreck Commercial XL Vacuum Cleaner is a powerful option for both carpets and hard floors, designed especially for commercial use. It boasts strong suction power, which is essential for lifting deeply embedded dirt, making it highly effective for thorough cleaning. The high-speed brush roll and side edge brushes enhance its ability to agitate and lift debris from carpets, ensuring no dirt is left behind.

Additionally, its lightweight design, weighing just 9 pounds, makes it easy to maneuver around rooms and up stairs, which is a significant advantage for those needing to clean larger areas or multiple floors quickly. The automatic height adjustment feature adds to its usability, accommodating various floor types without manual intervention. However, being a bagged vacuum, it may incur additional costs for replacement bags over time. The vacuum also includes non-marring bumpers and an ergonomic helping hand handle, which improves ease of use and protects furniture and walls from damage during cleaning. The dust capacity of 9 quarts is sufficient for extensive cleaning sessions, reducing the need for frequent emptying.

The absence of cordless functionality might be seen as a limitation by some users who prefer the freedom of movement offered by cordless models. The vacuum is made for efficiency, but it might be louder compared to some modern alternatives, which may be a consideration for noise-sensitive environments. The Oreck Commercial XL is a robust and efficient choice for those needing a reliable vacuum for commercial or large-scale residential cleaning, though it may not be the best fit for those seeking a quieter or cordless solution.