Upright vacuum cleaners remain the go-to choice for homes with lots of carpet, thanks to stronger suction and larger dirt bins than most stick or canister alternatives. After comparing 13 of the most popular models, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 stands out as the best overall pick because it balances cleaning power, HEPA sealed filtration, and a detachable canister at a mid-range price. If pet hair is your biggest headache, the Shark Vertex AZ2002 offers the strongest suction and a powered lift-away design, while the Eureka PowerSpeed is the standout budget option for its lightweight build and versatility on carpet and hard floors. The main tradeoffs in this category come down to weight versus power, bagless convenience versus filtration quality, and whether you need specialized pet-hair tools or self-cleaning brushrolls. Keep reading for the full breakdown of all 13 models, including who each one suits best and where each falls short.
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Key Takeaways
- The amazon.com/dp/B004Q4DRJW?tag=myfloorscrubber-20&ascsubtag=dc-1114208″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>Shark Navigator Lift-Away family dominates this lineup with five entries, but the differences between them are real: the NV356E adds a wider cleaning path and better hard-floor performance compared to the baseline NV352, while the ZU503AMZ adds a self-cleaning brushroll that makes it the pick for pet owners who hate hair wrap.
- Shark‘s powered lift-away design (detaching the canister to clean stairs and under furniture) is the single biggest differentiator in this roundup — no Eureka or Bissell model here matches it, which is why three of the top spots go to Shark.
- Eureka owns the budget and lightweight segment: the PowerSpeed and both Airspeed models weigh noticeably less than the Sharks and cost far less, but they cut corners on filtration and noise, making them better for apartments and quick cleanups than whole-house deep cleans.
- The two Bissell CleanView pet models earned their place through specialized pet toolkits and strong carpet pickup, but their build feels less durable than Shark‘s, and the Swivel version is the better choice if you value maneuverability over raw bin capacity.
- The Amazon Basics upright proved adequate on hard floors but fell behind on carpet agitation and edge cleaning — it is only worth choosing if upfront cost is the single deciding factor, and even then the Eureka Airspeed models outperform it.
| upright vacuum cleaner | Type | Model | Filter | Dust cup capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Bagless upright vacuum | NV352 | Washable HEPA with anti-allergen complete seal | 1.04 L |
| Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet B | Bagless upright vacuum | — | — | — |
| Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight | Upright vacuum cleaner | PowerSpeed | Washable | — |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Bagless upright vacuum | NV360 | — | 0.9 quart |
| Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Li | Powered Lift-Away upright vacuum | AZ2002 | — | 1 quart |
| Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upri | Bagless upright vacuum | NEU182B | Washable foam | 2.6 liters |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Upright vacuum | — | — | — |
| Eureka Airspeed Lightweight Ba | Bagless upright vacuum | — | Washable foam | 1.7 liters |
| Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightwei | Bagless upright vacuum | NEU10AE5 | Washable | — |
| Bissell CleanView Compact Turb | Bagless upright vacuum | 3437F | — | — |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Bagless upright vacuum | NV356E | Washable HEPA and foam filters with anti-allergen seal | 0.87 L |
| Amazon Basics Upright Bagless | Upright bagless vacuum | — | Washable cloth | 1.7 liters |
| Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet U | Upright vacuum | 3836 | Washable foam with HEPA filter | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, NV352
This model earns the top spot because it solves the problem most upright vacuums ignore: stairs and furniture. The Lift-Away pod detaches from the base, turning a floor-only machine into a portable canister in seconds — something the corded Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet can only approximate with its extension wand. Multi-surface suction plus a brushroll shutoff means it handles both plush carpet and bare floors without scattering debris, and the sealed HEPA system makes it a smarter pick than the Eureka PowerSpeed for allergy households. The tradeoff is maintenance discipline: the washable filter needs a full 24 hours to air dry, so buyers should plan ahead or keep a spare on hand. Compared with its sibling NV360 below, the larger dust cup here means fewer trips to the trash bin.
Pros:- Detachable Lift-Away pod handles stairs and above-floor cleaning
- Sealed HEPA filtration traps allergens instead of exhausting them back into the room
- Brushroll shutoff prevents scattering on hard floors
- Large dust cup and washable filter cut consumable costs
Cons:- Washed filters need 24 hours to dry before reinstallation
- No automatic cord rewind, so storage is more manual than the Bissell
Best for: Allergy sufferers and pet owners who want one machine for floors, stairs, and upholstery
Not ideal for: Buyers who want zero maintenance — the filter’s 24-hour drying cycle demands planning
- Model:NV352
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Dust cup capacity:1.04 L
- Filter:Washable HEPA with anti-allergen complete seal
- Key features:Lift-Away pod, swivel steering, brushroll shutoff
- Included tools:Wide upholstery tool, 12-inch crevice tool
- Origin:Made in USA or imported
Our verdict“If you want the most versatile upright in this lineup — floors, stairs, and allergen control in one machine — this is the pick.”
Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum
This Bissell makes the list on convenience rather than raw versatility. Its standout trick is automatic cord rewind — a small luxury that neither the Shark NV352 nor the Eureka PowerSpeed offers, and one you notice every single time you put the vacuum away. The TurboBrush gives pet owners a powered tool for stairs and upholstery, while Scatter-Free technology addresses the common complaint of hard floors flinging debris. The 25-foot cord plus a wand with up to 10 feet of reach covers most rooms without switching outlets. The tradeoff: unlike the Shark’s detachable pod, the wand only extends your reach — it doesn’t give you a true handheld cleaning experience, so deep stair work is more awkward. As a pure floor-and-furniture cleaner for pet households on a budget, though, this option holds its own.
Pros:- Automatic cord rewind makes storage painless
- TurboBrush tackles pet hair on stairs and furniture
- Scatter-Free technology reduces debris kickback on hard floors
- Washable filter and easy-empty dirt tank keep running costs low
Cons:- Corded design limits mobility far from outlets
- No true detachable pod, so above-floor cleaning is less flexible than the Sharks
Best for: Budget-conscious pet owners who prioritize low-hassle storage and upholstery tools
Not ideal for: Homes with long staircases — the wand can’t match the Shark’s detachable pod for stair cleaning
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Power cord length:25 feet
- Extension wand reach:Up to 10 feet
- Filter type:HEPA, washable
- Key features:Automatic cord rewind, OnePass cleaning, Scatter-Free technology
- Included tools:Active Extension Wand, TurboBrush
Our verdict“Pet owners who want cord rewind convenience and powered pet-hair tools without paying for premium features will find this the smart spend.”
Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Among the value options, this Eureka stands out for doing the fundamentals well at the lowest point of complexity. It’s lighter and simpler than the Shark NV360, which helps anyone who finds full-size uprights tiring to push around. The five height settings are a genuine differentiator at this tier — low-pile rugs, high-pile carpet, and bare floors each get an appropriate brush height, something cheaper single-setting machines can’t manage. Cyclone technology and 99.9% dust capture put it ahead of no-name budget picks, though it lacks the sealed HEPA architecture of the Sharks, so allergy sufferers should think twice. The real cost is upkeep: the roller brush and belt need cleaning every two weeks, and the floor brush clogs with hair. If you’re willing to trade maintenance minutes for dollars saved, this model makes sense.
Pros:- Five height settings adapt to carpet, rugs, and hard floors
- Lightweight design is easy to carry and maneuver
- Onboard tools cover above-floor cleaning without extra purchases
- Washable filter avoids replacement costs
Cons:- Roller brush and belt require cleaning every two weeks
- Hair and dirt can clog the floor brush
- Filtration isn’t fully sealed like the Shark lineup
Best for: First-time buyers and renters who want a capable multi-floor vacuum without a premium price
Not ideal for: Long-haired households or anyone who dislikes routine maintenance — the two-week brush cleaning schedule is mandatory
- Brand:Eureka
- Model:PowerSpeed
- Type:Upright vacuum cleaner
- Floor types:Carpet, rugs, and hard floors
- Height settings:5
- Included accessories:Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool
- Filter:Washable
- Dust and allergen capture:Traps 99.9%
Our verdict“A solid choice for price-sensitive buyers who accept regular brush maintenance in exchange for multi-floor flexibility.”
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum NV360
Think of this as the compact sibling of the NV352: same Lift-Away concept, same sealed HEPA filtration, same swivel steering — but with a slightly smaller 0.9-quart dust cup and a tighter overall package. For apartments and smaller homes, that trimmer size is a feature, not a compromise, since the NV352’s larger capacity goes underused when you’re cleaning 800 square feet. The detachable pod still handles stairs and furniture better than anything in the Eureka or budget Bissell lineup, and the anti-allergen complete seal keeps trapped dust from leaking back out. The shared drawback is the same too: washed filters need a full day to dry before going back in. Compared with the premium Shark Vertex, you give up the self-cleaning brushroll and powered pod, but you also skip the steep jump in cost.
Pros:- Detachable pod makes stairs and furniture cleaning easy
- Sealed HEPA filtration traps dust and allergens
- Compact size suits apartments and storage closets
- Includes both upholstery and crevice tools
Cons:- 0.9-quart dust cup requires frequent emptying in bigger homes
- Washable filters need 24 hours to air dry
Best for: Apartment dwellers and small-home owners who want Shark versatility in a tighter footprint
Not ideal for: Large homes or heavy-shedding households — the smaller dust cup fills fast and needs frequent emptying
- Model:NV360
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Dust cup capacity:0.9 quart
- Filtration:Washable HEPA with anti-allergen complete seal
- Key features:Lift-Away pod, swivel steering, brushroll shutoff
- Included accessories:Upholstery tool, crevice tool
Our verdict“Small-space residents get the full Shark Lift-Away experience in a right-sized package — just expect more frequent emptying.”
Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
This is the flagship of the roundup, and the differences from the standard NV352 are meaningful rather than cosmetic. The DuoClean PowerFins plus soft roller run two cleaning surfaces simultaneously, grabbing fine dust on hard floors and embedded debris on carpet without the manual brushroll switch other models require. The self-cleaning brushroll directly addresses the hair-wrap problem that forces biweekly cleaning on the Eureka PowerSpeed — a genuine quality-of-life upgrade for pet owners. Its powered Lift-Away pod keeps the motorized brush running even when detached, which the NV360’s passive pod cannot do, making under-furniture and stair work far more effective. Add LED headlights that expose hidden debris and a full HEPA sealed system, and the case for the premium tier is clear. The cost is weight, bulk, and price — this is overkill for a small apartment already served by the NV360.
Pros:- DuoClean PowerFins with soft roller clean carpets and hard floors in one pass
- Self-cleaning brushroll reduces hair wrap
- Powered pod keeps motorized brushing for under-furniture and stair cleaning
- LED headlights reveal hidden debris under furniture
Cons:- Heavier and bulkier than the Navigator models
- Premium price for features light-duty users may never use
Best for: Pet owners and mixed-flooring households who want maximum cleaning power with minimal hair-wrap maintenance
Not ideal for: Small apartments and light-duty cleaners — its size and premium features go to waste in tight spaces
- Model:AZ2002
- Type:Powered Lift-Away upright vacuum
- Cleaning system:DuoClean PowerFins with soft roller
- Dust cup capacity:1 quart
- Filtration:HEPA with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal
- Brushroll:Self-cleaning
- Included tools:Pet Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush
Our verdict“Worth the premium only if pet hair, mixed flooring, and hands-off brushroll maintenance are daily frustrations you want engineered away.”
Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Purple
Between the two sub-$100-feeling Eurekas in this roundup, the PowerSpeed is the one built like a full-size machine rather than a scaled-down one. Its 2.6-liter dust cup is more than half again the capacity of the Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4, which translates directly into fewer trips to the trash can during a whole-house cleaning session. Five height settings also give it a genuine advantage over fixed-height compact models — it can raise its nozzle for high-pile rugs and drop low for bare floors without fighting the carpet.
The tradeoff is noise: at 88 dB, it runs noticeably louder than the Shark Navigator ZU503AMZ at 80 dB, so early-morning vacuuming may be off the table. And unlike that Shark, there is no self-cleaning brushroll, so long-haired owners will be cutting hair off the roller by hand. For raw cleaning coverage per dollar, though, this pick makes the most sense.
Pros:- Five height settings handle everything from high-pile carpet to bare floors properly
- 2.6-liter dust cup is large for this weight class and cuts down emptying frequency
- At 10 lbs, it is easy to carry upstairs while still cleaning like a full-size machine
- Includes crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool for above-floor cleaning
Cons:- 88 dB noise level is loud enough to be disruptive in small homes or apartments
- No anti-hair-wrap brushroll means manual roller cleaning is routine
- Handle material varies between plastic and metal, so build feel is inconsistent between units
Best for: Budget-conscious households with a mix of carpet and hard floors who want full-size capacity without a full-size price
Not ideal for: Pet owners with long-haired dogs or cats — without a self-cleaning brushroll or pet tools, hair wrap becomes a regular chore
- Brand:Eureka
- Model:NEU182B
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Weight:10 lbs
- Dust cup capacity:2.6 liters
- Height settings:5
- Filter:Washable foam
- Noise level:88 dB
- Included accessories:7-inch crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool
Our verdict“A smart buy for anyone who wants the cleaning reach and capacity of a full-size upright at a lightweight price, as long as noise is not a dealbreaker.”
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with Self-Cleaning Brushroll, HEPA Filter, Teal (ZU503AMZ)
This model stands out for one thing its budget rivals cannot match: sealed HEPA filtration. The Eureka PowerSpeed relies on a basic washable foam filter, which means fine dust can escape back into the room; the ZU503AMZ’s Anti-Allergen Complete Seal keeps captured particles inside the machine, a difference that genuinely matters if anyone in the house has allergies or asthma. The self-cleaning brushroll is the other headline feature — where the Eurekas require manual hair removal, this one is engineered to shed pet hair into the dust cup on its own.
The Lift-Away pod detaches so you can carry the motor and canister to stairs and furniture, an approach shared with other Navigator models but paired here with a quieter 80 dB operation. The compromises: it is heavier to push than a 7.7-lb Airspeed, the 5.3-liter canister makes the body bulky for storage, and there is no variable suction dial for delicate rugs.
Pros:- Sealed HEPA filtration traps allergens inside the vacuum instead of exhausting them back into the room
- Self-cleaning brushroll reduces the hair-wrap maintenance that plagues standard rollers
- Detachable Lift-Away pod makes stairs, upholstery, and car interiors far easier to reach
- Swivel steering navigates around furniture more easily than fixed-wheel budget models
Cons:- Larger and heavier body than compact picks like the Eureka Airspeed series
- No variable power setting for delicate rugs or light carpets
- Filter is not specified as washable, so replacement costs may apply
Best for: Pet-owning households where allergies matter and sealed HEPA filtration is a priority, not a nice-to-have
Not ideal for: Anyone with limited storage space or who needs to vacuum delicate rugs — it is bulky and offers no variable power control
- Type:Upright vacuum
- Filter type:HEPA with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal
- Capacity:5.3 liters
- Noise level:80 dB
- Wattage:1200 watts
- Special features:Lift-Away pod, self-cleaning brushroll, swivel steering
- Surface recommendations:Carpet, hard floor, upholstery
- Included accessories:Upholstery tool, pet crevice tool
Our verdict“The right choice if sealed allergen capture and pet-hair handling are your top priorities and you have the storage space for a full-size machine.”
Eureka Airspeed Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum, NEU10AE4
At 7.7 pounds, this is one of the lightest true uprights available, and that number changes how you use it: carrying it between rooms, up a flight of stairs, or out to the car is effortless in a way the Eureka PowerSpeed at 10 lbs only approximates. The tradeoff is scale — its 1.7-liter dust cup holds barely two-thirds of the PowerSpeed’s capacity, and the 720-watt motor gives up some deep-carpet suction compared with full-size rivals. For an apartment or dorm with mostly hard floors and low-pile carpet, that is a reasonable exchange.
The 10.5-inch cleaning path also means more passes to cover a large room, so whole-house cleaners will feel the slowdown. The 1.5-foot hose is the real weakness: above-floor cleaning is possible with the detachable handle and tools, but the hose is too short for anything beyond quick touch-ups, unlike the wand-based reach of the Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo.
Pros:- At 7.7 lbs, it is effortless to carry upstairs, store in a closet, or keep in an RV
- Washable foam filter eliminates ongoing replacement filter costs
- Detachable handle converts to a handheld-style tool with crevice and dusting attachments
- Handles the hard-floor-to-low-carpet transition most small spaces need
Cons:- 1.5-foot hose severely limits above-floor reach compared with wand-equipped rivals
- 90 dB operation is the loudest in this lineup
- 1.7-liter dust cup and 10.5-inch path slow down larger cleaning jobs
Best for: Apartment and dorm dwellers who prioritize light weight, easy storage, and hard-floor cleanup over deep-carpet power
Not ideal for: Homes with large carpeted areas or shedding pets — the small dust cup, narrow path, and short hose make big jobs tedious
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Weight:7.7 lbs
- Dust cup capacity:1.7 liters
- Cleaning path:10.5 inches
- Wattage:720 watts
- Filter:Washable foam
- Noise level:90 dB
- Hose length:1.5 feet
- Warranty:1 year limited
Our verdict“A sensible compact pick for small spaces where portability wins, provided your cleaning is mostly floors rather than furniture and stairs.”
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum, NEU10AE5
The NEU10AE5 is nearly identical in spec to its sibling, the Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4 — same 7.7-lb weight, same 10.5-inch path, same crevice tool and dusting brush — but it is tuned and marketed for a different job: hard floors, low-pile carpet, and car interiors. Compared with keeping a single full-size machine like the Shark Navigator ZU503AMZ for everything, buying this as a dedicated quick-clean unit makes sense when your main vacuum is too heavy to grab for daily crumbs.
Where it diverges from the NEU10AE4 is maintenance expectations: the manufacturer explicitly calls for cleaning the roller brush and belt every two weeks to prevent clogs and malfunction. That is a real ownership cost in time, and it signals this machine needs more babysitting than the washable-filter, set-and-forget appeal suggests. It also shares the small-dust-cup limitations of its sibling, so it is a supplement rather than a primary cleaner for a family home.
Pros:- Ultra-light 7.7-lb body is ideal for grab-and-go daily cleanups
- Well matched to hard floors, low-pile carpet, and vehicle interiors
- Washable filter keeps long-term running costs minimal
- Crevice tool and dusting brush cover basic above-floor tasks
Cons:- Roller brush and belt require cleaning every two weeks to avoid clogs and malfunctions
- Small cleaning path and dust cup make it unsuitable as a whole-home primary vacuum
- Limited to low-pile carpet — high-pile rugs are outside its comfort zone
Best for: Households that already own a primary vacuum and want a featherweight machine for daily hard-floor touch-ups and car interiors
Not ideal for: Anyone seeking a maintenance-free primary vacuum — the biweekly roller and belt cleaning requirement makes it a poor fit for set-and-forget owners
- Model:NEU10AE5
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Weight:7.7 lbs
- Cleaning path width:10.5 inches
- Filter:Washable
- Recommended surfaces:Hard floors, low-pile carpet, car interiors
- Included accessories:Crevice tool, dusting brush
- Recommended maintenance:Clean roller brush and belt every 2 weeks
Our verdict“Buy it as a nimble second vacuum for hard floors and the car, not as your only machine.”
Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum, 3437F
What separates the CleanView Compact Turbo from the other lightweight picks here is reach. The Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4 saddles you with a 1.5-foot hose, but this Bissell’s quick-release extension wand actually gets you up to curtains, ceiling corners, and upholstery without contorting — a meaningful difference for anyone cleaning a full apartment rather than one room. The one-button dirt tank empty also keeps your hands out of the dust, which neither Eureka compact emphasizes.
ScatterFree technology is designed to stop debris flying across hard floors on the forward pass, a small but real benefit the budget Eurekas cannot claim. The honest weakness is transparency: Bissell publishes no dust cup capacity or filtration details, so allergy-sensitive buyers comparing it against the sealed HEPA of the Shark ZU503AMZ are being asked to buy on faith. If allergen capture matters to you, that gap should steer you elsewhere.
Pros:- Quick-release extension wand provides real above-floor reach that short-hose rivals lack
- One-button dirt tank emptying keeps hands clean and disposal quick
- ScatterFree technology helps contain debris on hard floors instead of scattering it
- Under 10 lbs with full-size suction positioning for compact living spaces
Cons:- No published dust cup capacity, making it hard to compare against rivals on paper
- Filtration details are not specified, a problem for allergen-sensitive households
- Compact size means more frequent emptying than full-size models in practice
Best for: Apartment dwellers and students who want a lightweight upright that can genuinely reach upholstery, stairs, and high corners
Not ideal for: Allergy sufferers — the lack of published filtration details makes allergen performance impossible to verify before buying
- Model:3437F
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Weight:Less than 10 lbs
- Floor types:Carpets and hard floors
- Key features:Quick-release extension wand, ScatterFree technology
- Dirt tank emptying:One-button release
Our verdict“The compact pick to choose when above-floor reach matters more than verified filtration specs.”
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, NV356E
Among the many Shark Navigators in this roundup, the NV356E stands out for its anti-allergen complete seal paired with a washable HEPA filter — a combination that keeps captured dust and pollen inside the machine instead of blowing them back into the room. Compared with the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet, which lists a foam filter without a sealed system, this model makes far more sense for households where air quality matters as much as floor cleanliness. The Lift-Away pod is the second differentiator: detaching the canister turns it into a portable cleaner for stairs and upholstery, something the fully fixed Amazon Basics upright simply cannot do. The tradeoff is maintenance discipline — the HEPA and foam filters need a full 24 hours of air drying after rinsing, so you’ll want to plan filter washes rather than do them on the spot. The 0.87 L dust cup is also on the small side for a whole-home cleaner.
Pros:- Anti-allergen complete seal with washable HEPA filtration traps dust and pollen instead of recirculating them
- Lift-Away pod detaches for portable cleaning of stairs, furniture, and above-floor surfaces
- Brushroll shutoff lets you switch safely between carpet and bare floors
- Pet Power Brush and crevice tool handle embedded pet hair and detail work
Cons:- Filters require a full 24 hours of air drying after rinsing, forcing planned maintenance
- 0.87 L dust cup is small compared with the 1.7 L Amazon Basics and the XL Bissell tank
Best for: Allergy sufferers and pet owners who want sealed HEPA filtration plus a detachable pod for stairs and furniture
Not ideal for: Buyers who hate maintenance downtime — filters need 24 hours to dry, and the small dust cup means frequent emptying in large homes
- Model:NV356E
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Filter:Washable HEPA and foam filters with anti-allergen seal
- Dust cup capacity:0.87 L
- Features:Lift-Away pod, swivel steering, brushroll shutoff
- Included accessories:Pet Power Brush, dusting brush, 8-inch crevice tool
- Color:White/Silver
Our verdict“This is the pick for households where sealed HEPA filtration and above-floor versatility matter more than a giant dust cup.”
Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floors
At 8.4 lbs, this is one of the lightest uprights in the entire lineup — lighter even than the Eureka Airspeed models — and it undercuts the feature-heavy Sharks by stripping the experience down to the basics. What you get is a single-speed, 720 W motor with 12 kPa of suction, a generous 1.7-liter dust cup (nearly double the Shark NV356E’s capacity), and a washable cloth filter that keeps running costs near zero. The detachable handle extends reach for cobwebs and curtains, a nice touch at this price point. The compromises are obvious once you compare it to the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet: no swivel steering, no specialized brushroll, and a loud 82 dB operation that makes evening cleaning less pleasant. One speed means one setting for every surface, so deep-pile carpet performance will lag behind the pet-focused models. For apartments, dorms, or a second vacuum upstairs, the tradeoffs are easy to accept.
Pros:- Featherweight 8.4 lb build makes it easy to carry between rooms and floors
- Large 1.7 L dust cup holds roughly twice the debris of the Shark NV356E
- Washable cloth filter eliminates replacement bag and filter costs
- Detachable handle extends reach for high corners and curtains
Cons:- Single speed and power level means no adjustment for different floor types
- Loud 82 dB operation is noisier than most models in this roundup
- 25 ft cord limits room-to-room movement without outlet switching
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, students, and apartment dwellers who want a light, simple upright for quick routine cleaning
Not ideal for: Households with thick carpets or multiple pets — single-speed suction and no specialized brushroll will leave debris behind
- Type:Upright bagless vacuum
- Weight:8.4 lbs
- Motor power:720 W
- Suction power:12 kPa
- Dust cup capacity:1.7 liters
- Cord length:25 ft
- Filter:Washable cloth
- Included tools:Upholstery tool, crevice tool
- Noise level:82 dB
Our verdict“A no-frills, featherweight upright that makes sense when price and portability outrank suction power and versatility.”
Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum, Model 3836
Where this Bissell earns its spot is reach and pet-hair aggression. The active extension wand stretches up to 12 feet — farther than anything else in this batch — which makes staircase and ceiling-corner cleaning genuinely practical rather than a stretch-and-hope exercise. The Triple Action Brush Roll digs embedded fur out of carpet pile more aggressively than the basic single brushroll on the Amazon Basics upright, and the included pet tools put it in the same pet-focused league as the Shark NV356E, though without Shark’s sealed allergen system. Scatter-Free Technology is the thoughtful detail: it helps stop kibble and litter from pinging across hard floors on the forward pass. The honest caveat is the spec sheet itself lists carpet as the surface recommendation despite hard-floor marketing claims, so buyers with mostly hard floors should weigh the Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet or a Shark with brushroll shutoff instead. The 1-liter tank is mid-sized, and the corded design anchors you to outlets like the rest of this category.
Pros:- Active extension wand reaches up to 12 feet, the longest reach in this lineup
- Triple Action Brush Roll extracts embedded pet hair from carpet pile
- Scatter-Free Technology keeps litter and kibble from scattering on hard floors
- XL Easy Empty tank and multi-cyclonic suction simplify messy, frequent pet cleanups
Cons:- Official surface recommendation is carpet only, despite hard-floor cleaning claims
- Corded power limits movement to outlet access
- Single speed offers no power adjustment for delicate rugs
Best for: Pet owners in carpeted homes who need long-reach wand access for stairs, baseboards, and above-floor fur removal
Not ideal for: Hard-floor-dominant homes — the carpet-first surface rating means debris control on bare floors is a secondary strength
- Model:3836
- Type:Upright vacuum
- Power source:Corded electric, 120 volts
- Filter:Washable foam with HEPA filter
- Features:Swivel steering, Scatter-Free Technology, multi-cyclonic suction
- Capacity:1 liter
- Wand reach:Up to 12 feet
- Surface recommendation:Carpet
- Color:Royal Blue
Our verdict“The choice for carpeted, pet-heavy homes where reach and fur extraction matter more than hard-floor finesse or allergen sealing.”
How We Picked
I evaluated these 13 upright vacuum cleaners against the factors that actually change the buying decision: suction and carpet agitation, weight and maneuverability, filtration quality (sealed HEPA systems versus basic foam filters), bin capacity and emptying design, pet-hair handling including brushroll wrap resistance, and versatility — particularly whether the vacuum can detach into a lift-away canister or convert for above-floor cleaning. Because this category spans budget sub-$100 models up to flagship machines, I also weighed value: what each model gives up relative to its cheaper and more expensive rivals in the same lineup.
The ranking reflects a clear hierarchy that emerged from the comparison. Models with sealed HEPA filtration and lift-away versatility clustered at the top because they solve the widest range of household problems. Mid-tier placements went to strong pet-hair specialists and lightweight performers that excel in one dimension but make visible compromises in others. The bottom of the list is reserved for models that are functional but outclassed on nearly every criterion by a similarly positioned competitor — a key reason the Amazon Basics model ranks below the Eureka budget options despite occupying the same price territory.
| upright vacuum cleaner | Type | Filter |
|---|---|---|
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Bagless upright vacuum | Washable HEPA with anti-allergen complete seal |
| Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet B | Bagless upright vacuum | — |
| Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight | Upright vacuum cleaner | Washable |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Bagless upright vacuum | — |
| Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Li | Powered Lift-Away upright vacuum | — |
| Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upri | Bagless upright vacuum | Washable foam |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Upright vacuum | — |
| Eureka Airspeed Lightweight Ba | Bagless upright vacuum | Washable foam |
| Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightwei | Bagless upright vacuum | Washable |
| Bissell CleanView Compact Turb | Bagless upright vacuum | — |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Bagless upright vacuum | Washable HEPA and foam filters with anti-allergen seal |
| Amazon Basics Upright Bagless | Upright bagless vacuum | Washable cloth |
| Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet U | Upright vacuum | Washable foam with HEPA filter |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Before choosing a specific model, it helps to understand what actually separates upright vacuums from one another — and where buyers most often go wrong. These are the factors I weighed most heavily, and the tradeoffs behind each one.Suction Power and Carpet Agitation
Suction alone does not clean carpet — the brushroll does most of the work by beating embedded dirt out of the fibers, which is why a motorized brushroll matters so much on medium and high-pile carpet. The biggest mistake buyers make is assuming more amps or a bigger motor means better cleaning, when brushroll design and airflow engineering matter more. Pet owners should pay particular attention to brushroll wrap: standard bristle rolls collect hair around the axle and need scissors to clean, while self-cleaning or anti-tangle brushrolls (like the one on the Shark ZU503AMZ) save real maintenance time. If your home is mostly hard floors, strong suction with a brushroll shutoff setting is more useful than aggressive agitation, which can scatter debris on bare surfaces. Homes with a mix of surfaces should prioritize models with surface-selection controls.
Weight and Maneuverability
Uprights range from roughly 8 to nearly 16 pounds, and that difference is felt every time you carry the vacuum upstairs or drag it around a coffee table. The tradeoff is direct: heavier machines typically house bigger motors, larger bins, and more robust construction, while lightweight models are easier to use but often feel flimsier and need empting more often. Swivel steering — a feature on the Bissell CleanView Swivel and most Shark models — dramatically improves navigation around furniture compared to fixed-head designs. A common mistake is buying a heavy, powerful machine that ends up sitting in the closet because nobody wants to use it. Honest assessment of who does the vacuuming and how often matters more than raw power specs for many households.
Filtration and Allergies
Filtration is the most misunderstood spec in this category. A vacuum with a HEPA filter but an unsealed system leaks fine dust back into the room through gaps in the housing, negating the filter’s benefit. Fully sealed systems — standard on the Shark Navigator and Vertex models — trap allergens inside the machine, which is a genuine difference-maker for allergy sufferers and pet households. Budget models like the Eureka Airspeed series use washable foam filters that are cheap to maintain but let microscopic particles escape. Another consideration is ongoing cost: bagged vacuums capture dust more hygienically but require continuous bag purchases, while every model in this roundup is bagless and requires periodic filter replacement instead. If anyone in your home has asthma or allergies, sealed filtration should be a non-negotiable feature.
Bin Capacity and Emptying Design
Bin capacity ranges from under one liter on compact models to over three liters on full-size machines, and the difference determines how often you interrupt a cleaning session to empty. This is especially relevant for pet households and large homes, where a small bin means stopping every few rooms. Just as meaningful is how the bin empties: bottom-release bins dump cleanly into a trash bag, while some designs require reaching into the dust cup to pull out packed debris — an unpleasant and dusty job. Lift-away designs add another dimension, letting you detach the canister and carry it like a handheld for stairs, upholstery, and car interiors. If your home has multiple floor levels or lots of stairs, this feature alone can justify choosing a Shark Navigator over a cheaper single-piece upright.
Attachments and Versatility
The included toolkit varies widely and directly affects what your vacuum can actually reach. Pet turbo brushes, crevice tools, upholstery wands, and extendable hoses determine whether you can clean baseboards, ceiling cobwebs, and car seats without buying accessories separately. The Bissell pet models include specialized tools like turbo brushes that outperform the standard kits on cheaper machines. A frequent buyer mistake is fixating on the vacuum head while ignoring hose reach — a short hose makes stair cleaning genuinely painful because the vacuum tips over at the top step. Consider where you actually clean beyond the floor and match the toolkit to those jobs before deciding that two models are ‘basically the same.’
Build Quality and Long-Term Value
Upright vacuums live a hard life — bumped down stairs, yanked by their hoses, and knocked into furniture — and build quality varies more here than the spec sheets suggest. Full-size Sharks generally use thicker plastics and better hose materials than the Eureka and Amazon Basics machines, which translates into a longer service life even though the upfront cost is higher. Washable filters are a hidden value factor: they eliminate recurring filter costs that can add up over five years of ownership. Cord length is another overlooked long-term convenience — a 25-plus-foot cord covers most rooms without switching outlets, while shorter cords turn cleaning into an outlet hunt. The cheapest option is rarely the best value if it needs replacing in two years; the mid-tier models in this roundup tend to hit the sweet spot of durability and price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Shark Navigator NV352, NV360, and NV356E?
These three models share the same core lift-away design but differ in details that affect everyday use. The NV352 is the baseline: it includes a dusting brush and the standard lift-away canister with HEPA filtration. The NV360 is nearly identical but ships with a slightly different accessory set and has minor color and fit variations, so it often comes down to which is available at a better price. The NV356E is the most capable of the three, with a wider cleaning path, a longer reach, and a brushroll shutoff for bare floors, making it the better pick for larger homes with mixed surfaces. If you only clean carpet in a small or mid-size home, the NV352 or NV360 will serve you just as well for less money.
Are bagless upright vacuums worse for allergies than bagged models?
Not necessarily — the deciding factor is whether the system is sealed, not whether it uses bags. A bagged vacuum with a poor seal still leaks dust, while a bagless machine like the Shark Navigators with fully sealed HEPA filtration traps particles inside effectively. The real allergy downside of bagless models is the emptying moment: releasing the bin creates a puff of dust, which is a problem if you are sensitive. You can minimize this by emptying outdoors and into a bag rather than an open bin. If allergies are severe, prioritize sealed HEPA construction over the bagged versus bagless question entirely, and consider having someone else empty the bin.
Is a lighter vacuum always better for older adults or people with limited strength?
Weight matters, but it is not the whole story — push weight and maneuverability often matter more than the number on the scale. A swivel-steering model like the Bissell CleanView Swivel can feel easier to guide than a lighter machine with a stiff, fixed head. Self-propulsion and smooth-rolling wheels also reduce the effort of pushing across carpet. For carrying up stairs, the Eureka Airspeed models are the lightest in this roundup at well under ten pounds, though their smaller bins mean more frequent emptying trips. The best approach is to match the machine to the home: one-story homes favor lightweight models, while multi-level homes benefit from a lift-away design that lets you clean stairs without carrying the full vacuum.
Which models in this roundup actually handle long pet hair without wrapping?
The Shark ZU503AMZ with self-cleaning brushroll is the clear leader here, engineered specifically to send hair into the bin instead of around the roller. The Shark Vertex AZ2002 also resists wrap well thanks to its advanced brushroll design and stronger airflow. The Bissell CleanView Rewind and Swivel Pet models come with turbo brush attachments that handle hair on upholstery effectively, but their main brushrolls can still accumulate long hair over time and need manual cleaning. Standard bristle brushrolls on the Eureka and Amazon Basics models wrap the most, so long-haired pet owners should expect regular scissors-and-pliers maintenance with those machines. If you have a shedding dog or long-haired cat, the self-cleaning brushroll is the single feature most worth paying extra for.
Do I need to pay Shark prices, or is a budget Eureka good enough?
It depends on your floors and how you clean. For a small apartment with mostly hard floors or low-pile carpet, a Eureka PowerSpeed or Airspeed handles the job adequately and saves you real money. Where the gap shows up is in carpet performance, filtration, and durability: Shark’s sealed HEPA systems, stronger suction, and lift-away canisters justify the premium for homes with pets, allergies, thick carpet, or stairs. Budget machines also tend to be louder and their filters need more attention to maintain suction over time. A reasonable rule: if you vacuum once a week in a small space, the Euregas are fine; if you vacuum several times a week in a larger home, the Shark investment pays for itself in results and lifespan.
Conclusion
After comparing all 13 upright vacuum cleaners, the right choice comes down to your household rather than any single spec. For best overall, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 delivers the best blend of sealed HEPA filtration, carpet performance, and lift-away versatility at a fair price, with the NV356E as the upgrade if you have a larger home or lots of hard floors. The Eureka PowerSpeed takes best value — it outcleans everything at its price point and is the smart pick for apartments and first homes. For those who want the best premium machine, the Shark Vertex AZ2002 offers the strongest suction and powered lift-away cleaning in this lineup, with the ZU503AMZ as the better premium choice specifically for pet owners thanks to its self-cleaning brushroll. Beginners and budget-limited buyers are well served by the Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE5, which keeps things simple and light, while the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet is the pick if maneuverability around pet-heavy furniture is your priority. Whichever direction you take, focus on the factors that match your actual floors and cleaning habits — that is what separates a satisfying purchase from an expensive regret.
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