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

The best upright vacuums combine strong floor cleaning, practical attachments, and easy handling in a design that works well for whole-home maintenance. This roundup compares 10 popular models across pet-hair removal, allergen filtration, carpet performance, portability, and price.

Our selections include bagless options, HEPA-equipped vacuums, lift-away designs for stairs and furniture, and compact choices for smaller spaces. Use the guide below to narrow the list based on your floors, household needs, and cleaning routine.

Best 10 Upright Vacuums Picks for 2026

Best Pet-Ready Value – Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252

The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252 is a practical choice among upright vacuums for homes that regularly deal with pet hair, tracked-in dirt, and everyday floor messes. Its swivel steering, triple-action brush roll, and scatter-free cleaning help it transition between carpets, upholstery, and hard floors.

Best For: Pet owners seeking a maneuverable corded upright with dedicated pet-cleaning features.

Pros:

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

Cons:

• It is corded, with a 6-foot hose.
• The listed noise level is 80 dB.
• It has one speed and one power level.

Choose this model if pet hair pickup and easy navigation matter more than cordless convenience or adjustable cleaning settings. Its 1-liter capacity and washable filter support routine whole-home cleaning.

Best for Allergies and Above-Floor Cleaning – Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 stands out among upright vacuums for its combination of sealed HEPA filtration, portable above-floor cleaning, and pet-focused attachments. The detachable pod makes it easier to clean stairs, furniture, baseboards, and ceilings without moving the full upright.

Best For: Allergy-prone households and homes needing flexible pet-hair and above-floor cleaning.

Pros:

• HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside.
• Lift-Away pod supports portable cleaning on stairs, furniture, and other elevated surfaces.
• Pet Power Brush and Upholstery Tool target hair and debris on fabric surfaces.
• LED headlights and swivel steering help reveal and reach dirt around furniture and in corners.

Cons:

• It is a corded model.
• The listed noise level is 80 dB.
• It has one power level.

This is a strong all-purpose option when filtration and versatility are priorities. Its 1.1-quart capacity, washable filters, 8-foot hose, and five-year limited warranty add practical value for frequent cleaning.

Best New Compact Pick – Bissell CleanView Swivel 3836

The 2024 Bissell CleanView Swivel 3836 is a straightforward option among upright vacuums for carpet, upholstery, and hard-floor maintenance. It combines swivel steering with a triple-action brush roll, scatter-free technology, and a new active extension wand for cleaning beyond floor level.

Best For: Shoppers wanting a simple, maneuverable upright with an extension wand and pet-hair capability.

Pros:

• Active extension wand helps reach hard-to-clean areas.
• Swivel steering makes it easier to work around furniture and corners.
• Triple-action brush roll loosens, lifts, and removes embedded dirt and pet hair.
• Scatter-free technology helps contain messes on hard floors.

Cons:

• It has one speed and one power level.
• The 1-liter capacity may require regular emptying during larger cleanups.
• The supplied notes identify a foam filter rather than a washable HEPA filter.

This model makes sense for buyers who want core Bissell CleanView features in a newer design with added reach. It remains a corded upright, so it is best suited to homes with convenient outlet access.

Best Large-Capacity Navigator – Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360 is a versatile choice among upright vacuums for carpet, hard floors, stairs, and pet-hair cleanup. Its Lift-Away pod, brushroll shutoff, swivel steering, and HEPA filtration make it adaptable for both floor and above-floor tasks.

Best For: Pet households wanting a multi-surface upright with a detachable cleaning pod.

Pros:

• Lift-Away functionality supports cleaning stairs, furniture, baseboards, curtains, and blinds.
• Brushroll shutoff allows switching between carpet cleaning and gentler hard-floor cleaning.
• HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal help trap dust and allergens inside.
• Large 0.9-quart dust cup reduces the need for frequent emptying.

Cons:

• At 16 pounds, it is heavier than the listed 12.5-pound NV352.
• The hose is 5 feet long.
• It is a corded model with a listed noise level of 80 dB.

Consider the NV360 if you want strong multi-surface flexibility and convenient above-floor cleaning in one upright. Its washable HEPA filter and included upholstery and crevice tools further support routine home maintenance.

Lightweight Whole-Home Pick – Eureka PowerSpeed

The Eureka PowerSpeed is a practical choice among upright vacuums for shoppers who want a lightweight, corded model for carpets, rugs, and hard floors. Its wide cleaning nozzle, adjustable height settings, and large dust cup support faster whole-home cleaning.

Best For: Whole-home cleaning across carpet, shag rugs, and hard floors, especially when low weight and onboard tools are priorities.

Pros:

• Lightweight 10-pound design with smooth wheels for easier maneuvering.
• Five height adjustments accommodate carpets, rugs, and hard floors.
• Large dust cup reduces the need for frequent emptying.
• Includes a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool stored onboard.

Cons:

• Corded design requires access to a power outlet.
• Its 88 dB noise rating may be noticeable during use.

The Eureka PowerSpeed stands out for combining broad surface compatibility, useful accessories, and a lightweight upright format. It is a strong fit for routine indoor cleaning when you want capacity without a heavier machine.

Pet and Allergen Specialist – BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser

For homes with shedding pets, the BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser is one of the more specialized upright vacuums in this roundup. It combines strong suction, a tangle-free brush roll, a HEPA sealed allergen system, and a detachable pod for cleaning stairs and other hard-to-reach areas.

Best For: Pet owners who need carpet, upholstery, and hard-floor cleaning with dedicated hair-handling features and sealed allergen filtration.

Pros:

• HEPA sealed allergen system helps keep captured dust and allergens inside.
• Tangle-free brush roll is designed to handle hair and fur.
• Detachable lift-off pod improves access to difficult areas.
• Includes a TurboEraser pet tool and combination dusting brush/crevice tool.

Cons:

• At 15.7 pounds, it is heavier than the other listed upright models.
• The 1-liter tank is smaller than the Eureka model’s stated capacity.

The BISSELL is the most feature-focused option here for pet-related messes and allergen containment. Its lift-off design adds flexibility, though the heavier body may matter if you frequently carry your vacuum between floors.

Compact Budget-Friendly Option – Dirt Devil Endura Lite

The Dirt Devil Endura Lite is a compact option among upright vacuums, making it suitable for shoppers who want straightforward cleaning without a bulky machine. Its multi-floor brush roll, washable filter, quick-release wand, and easy-empty dirt cup cover common household tasks.

Best For: Smaller homes and everyday carpet or hard-floor cleaning where compact size, lighter weight, and simple maintenance matter.

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight 9-pound design is easy to maneuver.
• Multi-floor brush roll supports carpet and hard-floor cleaning.
• Quick-release wand provides 6 feet of reach for high surfaces.
• Rinsable filter and one-touch dirt-cup release simplify maintenance.

Cons:

• Its compact format may offer less capacity than larger upright models.
• It has fewer stated accessories than the Eureka and BISSELL options.

The Endura Lite focuses on convenience rather than advanced specialty features. Its small footprint, useful reach, and uncomplicated upkeep make it a sensible choice for regular floor cleaning in apartments or smaller homes.

Best for Deep Cleaning and Pets – Shark Stratos Upright

The Shark Stratos is one of the most feature-rich upright vacuums here, combining strong suction, DuoClean PowerFins HairPro brushrolls, and powered Lift-Away flexibility. It is designed for whole-home cleaning across carpets, rugs, hard floors, stairs, furniture, and upholstery.

Best For: Pet owners who want powerful hair pickup, sealed HEPA filtration, and above-floor versatility.

Pros:

• Self-cleaning brushroll and included Pet Power Brush help remove embedded pet hair.
• Powered Lift-Away pod supports motorized cleaning under furniture and above floors.
• HEPA filtration and complete sealing trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
• LED headlights, odor control, and a large 1.48-quart dust cup add useful convenience.

Cons:

• At 16.7 pounds, it is heavier than the compact models in this roundup.
• Its corded design requires access to an outlet during cleaning.

The Stratos is a strong choice when cleaning performance and pet-hair tools matter more than low weight. Its combination of sealed filtration, specialized brushrolls, and Lift-Away cleaning makes it particularly capable for larger homes with mixed flooring.

Best Compact Option – Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo

The Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo delivers full-size-style suction in a smaller upright design. Among these upright vacuums, it is a practical fit for apartments, dorms, and other spaces where easy storage and lighter handling are priorities.

Best For: Apartment and dorm residents who need a compact corded vacuum for carpets, hard floors, and upholstery.

Pros:

• Compact design provides substantial cleaning power while weighing about 10.9 pounds.
• Scatter-free technology helps capture messes on hard floors.
• Quick-release extension wand reaches upholstery, curtains, and high corners.
• One-button dirt-tank emptying keeps routine maintenance simple.

Cons:

• Its 1-liter dirt tank is smaller than the Shark Stratos dust cup.
• The supplied notes list a foam filter rather than HEPA filtration.
• It has fewer specialized pet-cleaning features than the Shark models.

The CleanView Compact Turbo makes the most sense when footprint and manageable weight are more important than premium filtration or advanced pet tools. It covers everyday multi-surface cleaning while remaining well suited to smaller living areas.

Best for Versatile Everyday Cleaning – Shark Navigator Lift-Away

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is a versatile upright vacuum with strong multi-surface suction, swivel steering, and a detachable pod. It offers a balanced approach for homes that need carpet and bare-floor cleaning plus convenient stair, furniture, and upholstery access.

Best For: Households wanting dependable multi-surface cleaning, pet-hair pickup, and flexible above-floor tools.

Pros:

• Lift-Away functionality makes stairs, furniture, upholstery, and baseboards easier to clean.
• Brushroll shutoff supports switching between carpets and bare floors.
• HEPA filtration and anti-allergen sealing trap 99.9% of dust and allergens.
• Swivel steering helps navigate corners, tight spaces, and furniture.

Cons:

• The 0.87-liter dust cup is smaller than the Stratos model’s capacity.
• At 13.7 pounds, it is not as lightweight as the compact Bissell.
• Its listed noise level is 80 dB.

The Navigator is a sensible middle ground for everyday whole-home cleaning. It lacks some of the Stratos’s specialized features, but its brushroll control, swivel steering, sealed HEPA system, and Lift-Away design cover a broad range of common tasks.

How We Picked These Upright Vacuums

We selected models that cover the most common upright-vacuum buying priorities: dependable floor pickup, useful attachments, maneuverability, filtration, and overall value. The list includes established Bissell, Shark, Eureka, and Dirt Devil models with different strengths rather than treating one feature as the deciding factor for every home.

Pet owners will find brush-roll and pet-tool options, while allergy-sensitive households can focus on HEPA filtration and sealed systems. We also considered lift-away designs for stairs and above-floor cleaning, compact models for apartments, and straightforward budget vacuums for routine maintenance.

Quick Comparison

Best For	Models to Consider
Pet hair and everyday messes	Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252; BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off 39883
Stairs and above-floor cleaning	Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352, NV360, or NV356E
Allergen-focused cleaning	Shark Navigator models; Shark Stratos AZ3002; BISSELL Pet Hair Eraser 39883
Large-area carpet cleaning	Shark Stratos AZ3002; Eureka PowerSpeed NEU182B
Compact or budget-friendly use	Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo 3437F; Dirt Devil Endura Lite

Key Buying Factors for Upright Vacuums

Floor Type and Brush-Roll Design

For wall-to-wall carpet, prioritize strong agitation and height adjustment. Homes with hard floors should look for brush-roll controls or settings that reduce the chance of scattering debris or scratching delicate surfaces. A versatile brush roll is especially useful when rooms combine rugs, carpet, and bare flooring.

Filtration and Dust Containment

HEPA filtration can help capture fine particles, but the overall dust-sealing design also matters. If allergies are a concern, choose a model advertised with HEPA filtration or a sealed system, and empty bagless dust cups carefully to minimize exposure.

Pet Hair and Attachments

Pet-focused models may include specialized tools and brush rolls that improve pickup on upholstery, stairs, and rugs. Check the attachment set, not just the product name, if you regularly clean furniture or hard-to-reach areas.

Weight, Steering, and Lift-Away Features

A heavier upright can offer a larger cleaner head or stronger construction, but it may be tiring on stairs. Lift-away designs improve portability for steps and above-floor surfaces, while swivel steering helps navigate furniture and narrow spaces.

Maintenance and Capacity

Compare dust-cup size, filter-washing requirements, brush-roll access, cord length, and hose reach. A vacuum that is easy to maintain is more likely to deliver consistent performance over time.

Who Should Buy Which Upright Vacuums?

Choose a Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet or Pet Hair Eraser model if pet hair and upholstery are your main concerns. Shark Navigator Lift-Away models are strong choices for shoppers who want HEPA filtration and a removable pod for stairs or above-floor cleaning. The Shark Stratos is better suited to buyers seeking a more feature-rich option for demanding whole-home cleaning.

The Eureka PowerSpeed fits shoppers who want a straightforward, full-size bagless upright, while the Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo and Dirt Devil Endura Lite make more sense for smaller homes, lighter-duty cleaning, or tighter budgets. Before buying, confirm the included tools and floor settings meet your specific needs.