10 Best Vacuums 2026 in the United States

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away NV356E, is a versatile cleaning tool best suited for pet owners and those with allergies. It features a powerful suction system with a HEPA filtration system that captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it ideal for maintaining a clean, allergy-free home. The lift-away functionality is a standout feature, allowing you to detach the pod and clean hard-to-reach areas like stairs and furniture with ease. This vacuum is particularly effective at picking up pet hair and dander, thanks to its specialized attachments like the Pet Power Brush.

Weighing 13.7 pounds, it strikes a balance between being lightweight and sturdy, though some users might find it slightly heavy for prolonged use. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability, allowing you to navigate around furniture and tight spaces effortlessly. The extra-large dust cup minimizes the need for frequent emptying, which is convenient for longer cleaning sessions.

For those who deal with a variety of surfaces, the Brushroll Shutoff feature allows seamless transition from carpets to hard floors. However, being a corded model, it might limit your movement compared to cordless vacuums. The noise level is at 80 dB, which is relatively average for this type of appliance but might be noticeable during extended cleaning sessions. This model includes useful accessories such as a dusting brush and an 8-inch crevice tool, enhancing its versatility for different cleaning tasks. The vacuum is not cordless, which might be a drawback for those seeking maximum portability. With a strong customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on over 110,000 reviews, this vacuum is a popular choice that effectively balances performance with practical features.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away vacuum is designed to handle everyday cleaning needs, especially if you have pets. It offers strong suction with a 1200-watt motor and a self-cleaning brushroll that helps pick up pet hair without tangling, which is a plus for pet owners. Its HEPA filter paired with anti-allergen complete seal technology traps dust and allergens effectively, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers.

The vacuum has a 5.3-liter dustbin, which is fairly large and reduces how often you need to empty it. Weighing about 15 pounds, it’s not the lightest model but remains manageable, especially since it features swivel steering and a lift-away pod that lets you clean under furniture and on stairs more easily. The included attachments like the upholstery tool and pet crevice tool are practical for cleaning furniture, tight corners, and hard-to-reach spots.

Noise level sits around 80 decibels, which is moderate but might be a bit loud for very noise-sensitive users. Being corded means you won’t worry about battery life during cleaning sessions, but it may limit mobility compared to cordless models. This vacuum fits well for homes with pets and mixed floor types, offering good suction and filtration along with useful tools to tackle various surfaces and tricky areas.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe, is a versatile and powerful cleaning tool designed to handle various surfaces with ease. It features strong suction power that ensures deep-cleaning on both carpets and bare floors. One of its standout features is the Lift-Away functionality, which allows you to detach the pod to clean hard-to-reach areas like under furniture or above-floor surfaces like upholstery and stairs. This makes it particularly useful for users who need a flexible cleaning solution.

The vacuum also boasts Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter, which are excellent for trapping dust and allergens, making it a good choice for allergy sufferers. Additionally, the upholstery tool and crevice tool included are great for picking up pet hair and tackling tight spaces, enhancing its appeal for pet owners. The swivel steering offers easy maneuverability around furniture and corners, and the large 0.9-quart dust cup capacity means less frequent emptying during longer cleaning sessions.

On the downside, the vacuum weighs nearly 16 pounds, which may be a bit heavy for some users, especially when carrying around the house. It's also corded, which limits its range compared to cordless models. However, the corded design ensures consistent power without worrying about battery life. While it is relatively quiet, noise-sensitive users might still find it a bit loud. The vacuum comes with a five-year limited warranty, providing some peace of mind regarding its durability. If you're looking for a robust and flexible vacuum with strong allergen control, especially if you have pets, this model could be a great fit.