Best Vacuum Cleaners: High-Performing Options for Every Budget

While the thought of vacuuming yet more pet hair/spilled kids’ snacks/dust bunnies off the floor and furniture is never going to be an exciting one, you can at least be sure of doing a quick and complete job of it, provided you have the right vacuum. To help you out, we’ve rounded up the best vacuum cleaners available. Because even though nature abhors a vacuum, everyone still needs one.

Our picks for the best vacuum cleaners

How to choose a vacuum cleaner

“Buying a vacuum should be based on how you plan to use it,” points out Angela Brown, CEO of Savvy Cleaner and host of the Ask a House Cleaner podcast. “Vacuuming a 6,000-square-foot home will require a different vacuum than one you’ll pull out for crumb control around the kitchen sink between meals.”

To help narrow down your choices, here are the top things to consider when you’re browsing:

Vacuum cleaner type

Toby Schulz, CEO and co-founder of Australian house cleaning company Maid2Match, explains that there’s more choice than ever when it comes to vacuum cleaner styles. Here, he breaks down the main options available:

• Stick vacuums: Smaller than upright models, making them ideal for smaller homes and apartments. Many are cordless, which is great for maneuvering but limits runtime. They also have smaller capacities and less suction power.
• Upright vacuums: The “typical” models you imagine when you think of a vacuum cleaner. They have wide cleaning paths and are usually corded, meaning they have unlimited runtime. However, their larger size makes them heavier and harder to maneuver.
• Canister vacuums: These come with a dirt bag and motor (housed in the canister) attached to the cleaning head by a hose. These will usually have the largest capacity, but you’ll be constrained by the hose length. They’re also harder to move around.
• Handheld vacuums: Lightweight and portable, these are best for spot-cleaning and small cleaning jobs, such as curtains or car upholstery.
• Robot vacuums: Self-propelled appliances that can tackle everyday dirt and dust. They’re best for small spaces and flat layouts, since they have a limited battery life and can’t go up or down. Some higher-end models can double as a mop or automatically detect changes in floor material.

Suction power

Per Schulz, upright and canister vacuums generally have stronger suction power than stick or handheld models. “Check the suction power of your choices and look for something between 100-200 AW [air watts],” he says. “You should also check if the vacuum has a HEPA filter.”

Power source

Decide if you need the unlimited run time of a cordless model, or if a battery-powered option (which will probably be smaller and lighter) will suffice for your space.

Attachments

Most vacuum cleaners will come with attachments for different kinds of cleaning. “Some useful attachments are those for cleaning carpets or upholstery, crevice tools, and grout tools,” says Schulz.

Size and weight

“If you can, test out the vacuum cleaner, or at least hold it to gauge how it feels in your grip,” advises Schulz. “You’ll be pushing and carrying this vacuum around, so it should feel comfortable to use.”

Floor type

Make sure the model you buy can cope with the various floor materials in your home. “Check the brush rollers and bars,” suggests Schulz. “Some can scratch hardwood floors, or snag on carpets.”

Maintenance tips for vacuum cleaners

“Before using any vacuum cleaner, check the hoses for tears–if a vacuum with a hose has a leak, it won’t suction properly,” says Brown. “Empty the canister if it’s full to ensure proper suction and check the beater bars for hair, twine, dental floss, or other strings that can keep the bar from picking up debris from carpets and hard surface flooring.”

“Change the vacuum bags regularly (every three to four months) or vacuum/wash out the dust chamber if recommended by the manufacturer,” advises Aaron Christensen, cleaning expert at Homeaglow. “Also, change any filters as needed to avoid putting excess stress on the motor. For example, HEPA filters in vacuum cleaners will likely need to be replaced twice a year, depending on the model.”

Best place to buy vacuum cleaners

“You can get a good vacuum cleaner from the home section of any reputable store,” says Schulz. “If you prefer to shop online, most brands have online stores you can order from directly. Best Buy and other electronics stores are great, just check the reviews to be sure!”

How I selected the best vacuum cleaners

Real-world performance

I grew up with a ridiculous number of pets, and am now a dad of two, so I know a thing or two about cleaning up after animals, both literal and metaphorical. All of the selections on my list were made through a combination of personal experience and the experience of the experts I interviewed.

Warranties

Even an inexpensive handheld vacuum should be guaranteed to withstand at least one year of usage—and everyday usage, for that matter. Though some warranties are more generous than others, all vacuums that made the list have a one-year warranty (or longer).

Versatility

I considered the fact that a home (or vehicle, if you’re considering car vacuums) can contain a multitude of messes, from snacktime spills to pet hair tumbleweeds, dust bunnies to tracked-in dirt. All of the picks have enough power to handle a variety of situations. Further, I tried to include as many options that would work on a range of surfaces—not just the usual carpet.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the best type of vacuum cleaner?

“There’s no singular ‘best’ type of vacuum cleaner, since it really depends on your cleaning needs,” says Schulz. “Cordless stick vacuums are great for small apartments, while upright or canister vacuums provide more value for large homes.”

That said, “I’d recommend that you stay away from vacuums with a hose,” warns Shari Cedar, CEO and co-owner at AK Building Services. “They get clogged often.”

How much should I spend on a vacuum cleaner?

“Vacuum prices go from less than $100 to a thousand dollars or more,” says Brown. “The average vacuum costs between $300 and $500, but if you take care of your vacuum, it should last seven to ten years or more.”

How do you know if a vacuum has strong suction?

“Check the AW or Pa ratings, but also try to test the model yourself if you can!” advises Schulz. “Your vacuum model should be sucking up dust and debris no problem.”

“You should be able to go over one area once and not multiple times,” adds Cedar. “Vacuum a rug, then turn it over and see if any debris is left on the regular floor.”