10 best vacuums 2023
If you’re on the hunt for the ideal vacuum cleaner, turn to those who combat the most challenging cleaning tasks. I’ve reached out to an assortment of experts, including home organizers, culinary aficionados, cleaning specialists, childcare professionals, and pet enthusiasts, to get their insights on the best vacuums for various surfaces and tackling issues like pet hair and dust. (Please note that this article excludes robot vacuums.) These knowledgeable individuals have dealt with everything from fine dust to stubborn dog hair and even Play-Doh. They’ve also assessed a vacuum’s performance on different floor types, such as hardwood and shaggy carpets, as well as its maneuverability. In addition to gathering recommendations, I’ve personally put more than a dozen top-rated models to the test, providing you with firsthand insights into their exceptional suction power. Keep reading for valuable insights and our top picks for the ten best vacuums.
What we are seeking:
Type | Bagless Dominance |
Weight | Corded Considerations |
Cored length or run time | Portability Matters |
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Best Performing-Vacuum
Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
Type: Cordless stick | Run time: 70 minutes | Weight: 7.72 lbs.
$950 - 1000
Dyson enthusiasts are unwavering in their loyalty to the brand, with the Gen5detect quickly gaining a following since its June debut in the U.S. Emily Ranager, Director of Business Operations at NYC-based organizing service Shelfie, is an enthusiastic advocate of her Gen5detect, highlighting its impressive 70-minute run time and groundbreaking dust-illuminating technology, boasting twice the power of earlier iterations. She applauds its ability to reveal hidden dust and hair on her floors, ensuring a thorough clean. Ranager also praises its versatility as it transforms into a handheld vacuum, perfect for handling countertop spills.
This multifunctionality finds favor with Toni Roberts, Executive Pastry Chef at the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, who values the Gen5detect's lightweight design and its effectiveness in tackling various kitchen messes. She appreciates the multiple cleaning heads and washable filter, emphasizing its eco-friendly attributes.
During my own assessment of the Gen5 (specifically the Gen5outsize, offering double the run time and a dustbin over twice the size of the Gen5detect), one standout feature was the built-in LCD screen. This screen provides a satisfyingly comprehensive tally of the particles it captures from your floors. With just one pass under my writing desk, it revealed a staggering count of 108 million microscopic crumbs – a remarkable achievement in tackling WFH-related messes.
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Best Affordable vacuum cleaner
Shark IZ862H Stratos Cordless Vacuum
Type: Cordless stick | Run time: 70 minutes | Weight: 7.72 lbs
$450
For the top-rated vacuum, it was a close competition between the Dyson Gen5detect and the Shark Stratos. Ultimately, the Dyson won the top spot due to its impressive run time, but the Shark Stratos offers some remarkable features at less than half the price.
Firstly, the Shark Stratos boasts a unique design that allows the stick to bend at a right angle, enabling you to easily maneuver it under tables, couches, and beds. Ceramicist Liz Burns raves, "Sliding my Shark Stratos under my pottery wheel and nearby shelves to effortlessly pick up dust and debris is a dream. Plus, it conveniently folds in half for super-compact storage – it's astonishing how compact it becomes."
Moreover, similar to the Dyson Gen5detect, the Shark Stratos automatically increases its suction power when encountering larger messes. This feature, known as Clean Sense IQ in the Stratos, not only detects debris but also visually indicates when the area is clean. I put the Stratos to the test after a dinner with my three rambunctious nephews, and we found it quite amusing how it functions as a "messy-eater detector" when run under each dining chair.
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Top vacuum for carpets and rugs
Bissell CleanView Swivel Rewind
Pet Reach Vacuum Cleaner
Type: Upright | Cord length: 27 feet | Weight: 13.65 lbs.
$145
Cleaning expert Sarah McAllister has her go-to vacuums for different tasks. While she favors the Bissell Zing for tackling hard floors, her choice for carpets is the Bissell CleanView, and she firmly prefers a corded option. According to McAllister, "For carpets, we prefer an upright vacuum with easily replaceable filters," as this prolongs filter life, sometimes reaching up to eight months. The CleanView, equipped with a specialized roller head featuring heavy-duty bristles, excels at loosening, lifting, and efficiently extracting deeply embedded debris from carpets. Even after prior vacuuming with other models, McAlister attests that the CleanView consistently manages to uncover a significant amount of additional dirt, ensuring a thorough and comprehensive clean for your carpets.
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Best canister vacuum
Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Canister Vacuum
Type: Canister | Cord length: 18 feet | Weight: 13 lbs.
$330
In the world of vacuum cleaners, some are fleeting affairs, here today and gone tomorrow, while others are designed to go the distance. Take it from Leah Guadagnoli, an artist and the mastermind behind the monthly Fancy Feast Supper Club, who swears by her Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction for the most thorough cleaning experience.
Leah's admiration for this vacuum isn't just a passing fancy; it's deeply rooted in its ability to navigate the nooks and crannies of her wood floors, effortlessly tackling those persistent flour and crumb accumulations. This vacuum is her secret weapon for conquering the nitty-gritty corners of her kitchen and home. And when it's time for her mother's visit, she excitedly declares, "Mom's on her way? Time to bring out the Miele!" This vacuum is built to impress and built to last.
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Best vacuum for hard floors
Bissell Zing Canister, 2156A Bagless Vacuum, Green
Type: Canister | Cord length: 16 feet | Weight: 10.23 lbs.
$80
Sarah McAllister, the founder of the popular cleaning website Bleach, Pray, Love, and the creative mind behind the Instagram sensation GoCleanCo, has some glowing words for the Bissell Zing. She touts its exceptional performance on hard floors and its suitability for compact spaces. What's more, it challenges the notion that maneuverability belongs solely to stick vacuums. McAllister highlights its lightweight build, which allows you to effortlessly carry it into tight or elevated spots. And if you're concerned about the price, she assures you won't be disappointed. She exclaims, "If you're on the hunt for a vacuum that packs a punch and stays under the $75 mark, this is the one. In fact, all my staff members use it."
Maxine Builder, an editor at Strategist, also joins the chorus of Bissell Zing enthusiasts. She particularly appreciates its canister design, which neatly fits into the bottom of her coat closet. Living in a Brooklyn apartment with a notably furry (part-husky) dog, she finds the Bissell Zing a savior for her hardwood floors. However, she does offer a word of caution – it might not perform as admirably on rugs. Builder confesses, "It struggles a bit more on rugs. I usually have to go over the runner two or three times to get all the pet hair out."
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Best wet/dry vacuum
Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam Wet Dry Vacuum
Type: Upright | Cord length: 25 feet | Weight: 12.5 lbs.
$300
In today's world of vacuum technology, versatility is the name of the game. Upright vacuums can transform into handhelds, pet-hair erasers double as upholstery cleaners, and dusters moonlight as brooms. That's why when I first heard about the CrossWave HydroSteam—a combination vacuum, mop, and steamer—I couldn't resist putting it to the test. Fortunately, the perfect opportunity arose after a family BBQ left behind a challenging mess: mustard-smeared tile, crushed Cheetos on an area rug, and the aftermath of an exuberant bounce house adventure resulting in a not-so-pleasant entryway incident.
Setting up the CrossWave HydroSteam was surprisingly straightforward. The vacuum comes with sterilizing formulas for both hard floors and multi-surfaces. You just need to fill a tank with water and formula, then snap it onto the back of the vacuum. Switching between cleaning modes (hard floor, steam wash, or area rug) is a breeze using the handle, which, I must say, features an elegant copper design. Within minutes, I tackled my multi-surface mess, and I was genuinely pleased with how effortlessly it handled the cleanup, delivering impressive results. Of course, after each cleaning, you'll need to empty a dirty water tank, but that's par for the course with any mop. What sets the CrossWave HydroSteam apart is its automatic self-cleaning cycle, which takes care of the brush roll—a feature you won't find in your typical mop head.
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Best vacuum for allergy sufferers
Miele Triflex HX2 Cordless Stick
Vacuum Cleaner
Type: Cordless stick | Run time: 60 minutes | Weight: 8 lbs.
$650
Naveen Singh, a devoted fan of Shark vacuums and a lifelong allergy sufferer, underwent a transformative experience when he put the Miele Triflex HX2 to the test. Singh had always associated Miele with canister-style vacuums, so discovering the Triflex HX2's blend of cordless stick maneuverability with Miele's powerful motor was a delightful revelation.
What truly won Singh over was the Triflex HX2's remarkable proficiency in capturing dust particles on both hardwood floors and rugs, a crucial factor in his ongoing battle against allergies. For someone who takes allergen management seriously, this feature was a game-changer. With its HEPA lifetime filter boasting 99.999% filtration efficiency, it excels at trapping dust, allergens, and even viruses, providing Singh with peace of mind and cleaner air.
But the Triflex HX2 doesn't stop there. Its versatility shines through as it effortlessly transforms into a handheld device, making it ideal for cleaning the interior of Singh's car. Singh, who is meticulous about cleanliness, even keeps a mini trash can in his car. Therefore, the Triflex HX2's reliable performance adds a significant layer of trustworthiness to his cleanliness standards.
In sum, Naveen Singh's journey from a loyal Shark vacuum user to a fervent Miele Triflex HX2 enthusiast is a testament to the vacuum cleaner's adaptability, allergen-fighting capabilities, and versatility, all of which align perfectly with Singh's quest for a cleaner and allergy-free living environment.
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Best less expensive vacuum for pets
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight
Bagless Vacuum
Type: Stick with cord | Cord length: 15 feet | Weight: 2.6 lbs.
$34
In the world of vacuum cleaners, the Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum stands out as a true gem – not only for its incredibly light weight but also for its budget-friendly price tag, which is a mere fraction of what you'd pay for a Dyson. According to Twila McGee, CEO and founder of Nola’s Finest Pets, this vacuum is a pet parent's dream come true.
Despite its feather-light design, McGee attests to the Featherweight's surprising suction power. It effortlessly tackles the notorious problem of pet hair on carpets, rugs, and hard floors, making it a go-to choice for pet owners seeking a clean and fur-free home.
But what about longevity? McGee's personal experience speaks volumes. She proudly mentions that her Featherweight has faithfully served her for nearly two years, maintaining its cleaning prowess just as impressively as it did on day one.
Here's where it gets even more exciting: just like its pricier Dyson counterparts, the Featherweight can transform into a handheld device for added versatility. However, what sets it apart is its playful range of bright colors. Why settle for the ordinary when you can own a vacuum in a vibrant lime-green shade? With the Featherweight, you might just become the envy of the neighborhood, as you're likely to have the only lime-green vacuum on the block.
In conclusion, the Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum is a remarkable blend of affordability, performance, and style. It's an absolute must-have for pet parents and anyone seeking a reliable and fun vacuuming experience without breaking the bank.
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Best vacuum for pets
Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum
Type: Cordless stick | Run time: 40 minutes | Weight: 5.58 lbs.
$389
Within the community of pet enthusiasts and cleaning aficionados, Dyson vacuums enjoy a prominent place in the spotlight. While the Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum earned the prestigious "best overall" title in our exploration of the finest pet hair vacuums, it's the trusty Dyson V8 that has captured the hearts of some animal-loving experts.
Kelly Crook, a devoted pet foster parent and the creative force behind the canine-friendly ice cream company, Pupper Cup, sings praises for the Dyson V8. In her bustling Bronx apartment, the V8's remarkable ability to swiftly devour pet hair has been a game-changer. Crook lauds its lightweight build, cordless convenience, and effortless emptying, making the entire cleaning process far from the "gross" experience one might expect. Even in the face of daily fur battles, this vacuum has never once clogged, a testament to its reliability.
Andrea Arden, the renowned founder of Andrea Arden Dog Training, has her own reasons to cherish the V8. Besides its prowess in pet hair removal, she values its transformation into a handheld device, eliminating the need for an additional cleaning tool. Such practicality is evident in her choice to equip each of her five NYC locations with not just one, but two Dyson models—the V8 and Dyson Cyclone V10.
But the V8's appeal extends beyond pet hair. Jen Jordan, a hairstylist who works out of her Brooklyn apartment, extols its proficiency in picking up human hair. Unlike brooms and Swiffers that tend to push cut hair into hard-to-reach corners, the V8's attachment boasts a felt roller at the front, which expertly draws in hair, dust, and even stray cat litter into its vortex.
As for Patrice Novkov, the visionary behind the NYC-based Mulberry Nanny Agency, the Dyson V8 is her trusted ally in the never-ending battle against Play-Doh and car-seat crumbs, proving its versatility beyond pet-related messes.
In summary, the Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum has firmly secured its place in the hearts and homes of these diverse users, from pet lovers to hairstylists and busy parents, thanks to its powerful performance, adaptability, and remarkable cleaning capabilities. It's a vacuum that goes beyond expectations, tackling a wide range of cleaning challenges with ease.
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Best vacuum for storage
LG CordZero All in One Cordless Stick Vacuum
Type: Cordless stick | Run time: 60 minutes | Weight: 5.95 lbs.
$696
In the world of cordless vacuum cleaners, the CordZero comes with a storage tower that stands over three feet tall, and at first glance, it might seem like a bit of overkill. We've all experienced those awkward moments when other cordless sticks lean precariously or fall over when not in use. But when I received mine and put it to the test, I couldn't help but appreciate the wisdom behind this substantial station.
As I tackled the task of vacuuming my entire apartment on a single charge and then neatly docked the cordless stick back onto its tower, I discovered the true beauty of this setup. The CordZero's tower boasts a remarkable feature – an automatic dustbin emptying system. When the CordZero returns to its stand, it ingeniously empties its dustbin for you. Inside the tower, the dust is seamlessly funneled into a disposable bag that you can conveniently pop out and toss away when it's full, which typically happens about once a month. Say goodbye to the days of hunching over a garbage can, struggling to dump dirt, only to accidentally scatter dust back onto your freshly cleaned floors.
This hands-free auto-empty feature of the CordZero isn't just a convenience; it's a game-changer, particularly for those who suffer from allergies. It's no surprise that it's earned certification from the British Allergy Foundation. But the tower's utility doesn't stop there – it also serves as a charging station for the vacuum and provides storage for its various attachments.
When Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo tried out another LG CordZero model, the A9 Kompressor Stick Vacuum with Power Mop, she was astounded by its performance. It effortlessly picked up an impressive amount of dust, dirt, and even dog hair from her rug, surpassing the capabilities of her trusty robot vacuum. Liza humorously notes, "Please don't judge me when I say this, but the dustbin on the LG filled up and needed to be emptied after just 20 minutes of vacuuming."
In the world of cleaning technology, the CordZero and its innovative tower are a testament to the quest for convenience, efficiency, and a dust-free home.
In the world of vacuum cleaners, the quest for the best is an ever-evolving journey. From powerful cordless sticks to intelligent robot vacuums, there's a vacuum cleaner for every need and preference. Ultimately, the best vacuum cleaner for you depends on your unique requirements, whether it's hassle-free maintenance, deep cleaning power, or cutting-edge technology.
As you embark on your search for the perfect vacuum cleaner, remember to consider factors like your home's layout, flooring type, and any special cleaning needs you may have. Don't forget to check out user reviews and expert recommendations to make an informed decision.
The best vacuum cleaner is the one that makes your life easier and your home cleaner, so choose wisely and enjoy the benefits of a spotless space. Happy cleaning!