Upright vacuum cleaners remain the go-to choice for whole-home carpet cleaning, and the differences between models matter more than most buyers realize. The Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Lift-Away earns the best overall spot thanks to its powered lift-away canister and strong performance across carpet and hard floors. If budget leads your decision, the Eureka PowerSpeed delivers full-size cleaning power at a value price, while the Shark Navigator NV356E strikes the best balance of HEPA filtration, lift-away versatility, and everyday usability. The main tradeoffs in this category come down to weight versus suction, bagged convenience versus bagless savings, and whether you need specialized pet-hair tools. Keep reading for the full breakdown of all 15 models.
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Key Takeaways
- amazon.com/dp/B08TT4YHG1?tag=myfloorscrubber-20&ascsubtag=dc-1114238″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener”>Shark‘s Lift-Away designs dominate the mid and upper ranks because the detachable canister capability solves the upright category’s biggest weakness: cleaning stairs, upholstery, and under furniture.
- The Eureka PowerSpeed and Bissell CleanView lines prove you don’t need to pay premium prices for strong carpet suction, but they cut corners on filtration and hose reach.
- Four Shark Navigator variants made the list, and the differences between them are smaller than their model numbers suggest — the NV356E pulls ahead mainly on hose length and included attachments.
- Pet owners get real, measurable benefits from the Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet and Swivel Pet 3836 thanks to tangle-resistant brushrolls and rewind cords, features the cheaper Eureka models lack.
- The two cordless stick vacuums in this lineup trade raw deep-cleaning power for convenience — they suit hard-floor apartments, not plush carpet households.
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with Self-Cleaning Brushroll, HEPA Filter, Teal (ZU503AMZ) |  | Best Overall | Type: Bagless upright vacuum | Filter type: HEPA with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal | Dust cup capacity: 5.3 liters | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Purple (NEU182B) |  | Best Value | Type: Bagless upright vacuum | Weight: 10 lbs | Dust cup capacity: 2.6 liters | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Eureka Airspeed Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum, NEU10AE4 |  | Best Compact for Small Spaces | Type: Bagless upright vacuum | Weight: 7.7 lbs | Dust cup capacity: 1.7 liters | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum, 3437F |  | Best for Apartments and Dorms | Model: 3437F | Type: Bagless upright vacuum | Weight: Less than 10 lbs | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum NV360 |  | Best for Allergy Sufferers on a Budget | Model: NV360 | Type: Bagless upright vacuum | Dust cup capacity: 0.9 quart | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum |  | Best Premium Feature Set | Model: AZ2002 | Type: Powered Lift-Away upright vacuum | Cleaning system: DuoClean PowerFins with soft roller | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Cordless Self-Standing Stick Vacuum with Touch Screen |  | Best Cordless Option | Motor: 500W brushless | Maximum suction: 45 kPa | Runtime: Up to 60 min low setting; up to 45 min Turbo | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, NV356E |  | Best Value All-Rounder | Model: NV356E | Type: Bagless upright vacuum | Filter: Washable HEPA and foam | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum |  | Best Budget Pick | Type: Bagless upright vacuum | Power cord length: 25 feet | Extension wand reach: Up to 10 feet | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum, Model 3836 |  | Best for Pet Hair on Carpet | Model: 3836 | Type: Corded upright vacuum | Power source: 120V corded electric | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floors |  | Best All-Floor Versatility | Brand: Eureka | Model: PowerSpeed | Type: Upright vacuum cleaner | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner with Anti-Tangle Brush |  | Best Cordless Freedom | Motor: Brushless | Suction modes: 3 | Runtime: Up to 60 min (Low), 35 min (Medium), 20 min (High) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floors |  | Best Bare-Bones Budget Pick | Type: Upright bagless vacuum | Weight: 8.4 lbs | Motor power: 720 W | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum, NEU10AE5 |  | Best Lightest Weight | Model: NEU10AE5 | Type: Bagless upright vacuum | Weight: 7.7 lbs | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, NV352 |  | Best for Allergies and Above-Floor Cleaning | Model: NV352 | Type: Bagless upright vacuum | Dust cup capacity: 1.04 L | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| upright vacuum cleaner | Type | Dust cup capacity | Included accessories | Model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Bagless upright vacuum | 5.3 liters | Upholstery tool, pet crevice tool | — |
| Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upri | Bagless upright vacuum | 2.6 liters | 7-inch crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool | — |
| Eureka Airspeed Lightweight Ba | Bagless upright vacuum | 1.7 liters | — | — |
| Bissell CleanView Compact Turb | Bagless upright vacuum | — | — | 3437F |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Bagless upright vacuum | 0.9 quart | Upholstery tool, crevice tool | NV360 |
| Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Li | Powered Lift-Away upright vacuum | 1 quart | Pet Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush | AZ2002 |
| Cordless Self-Standing Stick V | — | 1.1L | Wall dock, 2-in-1 crevice brush, upholstery brush, tool holder | — |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Bagless upright vacuum | 0.87 L | Pet Power Brush, dusting brush, 8-inch crevice tool | NV356E |
| Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet B | Bagless upright vacuum | — | — | — |
| Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet U | Corded upright vacuum | — | — | 3836 |
| Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight | Upright vacuum cleaner | — | Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool | PowerSpeed |
| Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner | — | 1.8 liters | Crevice tool, 2-in-1 dusting brush, two washable spare filters, wall-mountable charging dock | — |
| Amazon Basics Upright Bagless | Upright bagless vacuum | 1.7 liters | — | — |
| Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightwei | Bagless upright vacuum | — | Crevice tool, dusting brush | NEU10AE5 |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Bagless upright vacuum | 1.04 L | Wide upholstery tool, 12-inch crevice tool | NV352 |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with Self-Cleaning Brushroll, HEPA Filter, Teal (ZU503AMZ)
This Shark earns the top spot because it solves the two problems that frustrate upright buyers most: hair wrap on the brushroll and awkward above-floor cleaning. The self-cleaning brushroll means pet owners spend less time cutting tangled hair out with scissors, while the Lift-Away pod detaches so stairs and furniture no longer require wrestling the whole machine. Compared with the Eureka PowerSpeed, it adds sealed HEPA filtration and far better maneuverability, which matters for allergy households and cluttered rooms alike. The tradeoff is honest: at 80 dB it is loud, and its 5.3-liter capacity comes in a bulkier frame than the Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4. Buyers wanting a machine that does everything competently — floors, pets, allergies, stairs — will find the fewest compromises here.
Pros:- Self-cleaning brushroll actively reduces pet hair wrap
- Detachable Lift-Away pod makes stair and upholstery cleaning practical
- Sealed HEPA filtration traps allergens inside the machine
- Swivel steering maneuvers around furniture more easily than fixed-handle rivals
Cons:- 80 dB noise level makes it one of the louder options here
- No variable power setting or clearly washable filter, adding maintenance guesswork
Best for: Pet owners and allergy sufferers who want one vacuum for floors, stairs, and furniture
Not ideal for: Buyers in small apartments or those sensitive to noise — it is loud at 80 dB and fairly bulky to store
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Filter type:HEPA with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal
- Dust cup capacity:5.3 liters
- Special features:Self-cleaning brushroll, Lift-Away pod, swivel steering
- Noise level:80 dB
- Wattage:1200 watts
- Surfaces:Carpet, hard floor, upholstery
- Included accessories:Upholstery tool, pet crevice tool
Our verdict“The best all-around choice for households that need pet hair handling, allergen sealing, and above-floor versatility in one machine.”
Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Purple (NEU182B)
The PowerSpeed earns the value slot by delivering full-size cleaning capacity at a 10-pound weight that undercuts heavier machines like the Shark ZU503AMZ. Its five height settings are the standout differentiator in this batch — most competitors here offer no height adjustment at all, and that flexibility means it transitions from plush carpet to bare floors without fighting the pile. The washable foam filter also removes the recurring filter costs that cheaper designs quietly impose. The compromises are real, though: 88 dB makes it louder than either Shark, and there is no HEPA sealing for allergy households. Still, for a budget buyer who wants big-machine cleaning without a big-machine payment, this pick makes the most sense.
Pros:- Five height settings adapt to carpet, rugs, and hard floors
- Lightweight 10 lbs frame is easy to carry between rooms
- Washable filter eliminates replacement filter costs
- Includes crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool
Cons:- 88 dB noise level is louder than both Shark models
- No sealed HEPA filtration for allergen trapping
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers in mixed-floor homes who want height adjustment and low running costs
Not ideal for: Allergy sufferers — open filtration and an 88 dB noise level make it a poor fit for sensitive households
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Weight:10 lbs
- Dust cup capacity:2.6 liters
- Height settings:5
- Filter:Washable foam
- Noise level:88 dB
- Surfaces:Carpet, hard floor, upholstery, rug
- Included accessories:7-inch crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool
Our verdict“The smartest budget buy for mixed flooring, as long as noise and allergen sealing are not dealbreakers.”
Eureka Airspeed Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum, NEU10AE4
At 7.7 pounds, this is the lightest upright in the roundup, and that single fact defines who it is for. Compared with the Eureka PowerSpeed NEU182B, it trades a smaller 1.7-liter dust cup and a narrower 10.5-inch cleaning path for a body that carries up stairs and stows in a closet without rearranging anything. The detachable handle plus crevice tool and dusting brush give it above-floor capability that most ultra-light machines skip entirely. The costs are unavoidable at this size: the 1.5-foot hose is the shortest here, severely limiting reach, and the 720-watt motor means modest suction on dense carpet. This model is better suited to hard floors and light rugs in apartments than whole-house deep cleans.
Pros:- Lightest option here at 7.7 lbs, easy to carry upstairs
- Compact footprint fits small storage closets
- Washable filter avoids ongoing replacement costs
- Detachable handle with tools handles above-floor dusting
Cons:- Very short 1.5-foot hose limits above-floor reach
- 90 dB noise level is the loudest in this batch
Best for: Apartment dwellers and anyone who carries a vacuum between floors or stores it in tight spaces
Not ideal for: Homes with thick carpet or large areas — weak suction, a tiny dust cup, and a 1.5-foot 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
- Warranty:1 year limited
Our verdict“A space- and budget-saver for small hard-floor homes, provided you accept its limited reach and power.”
Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum, 3437F
Bissell positions this cleanly between the featherweight Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4 and full-size machines like the Shark ZU503AMZ: under 10 pounds, but promising full-size suction rather than the Eureka’s modest 720-watt motor. The quick-release extension wand is its most practical feature — reaching curtains and high corners without the awkward hose wrestling the Eureka demands with its 1.5-foot hose. ScatterFree technology also helps on hard floors where cheaper uprights fling debris sideways. The frustration is transparency: Bissell publishes no dust cup capacity or filtration details, so buyers are gambling on specs that competitors list openly. For a dorm or one-bedroom apartment, that risk is manageable; for a large home, it is not.
Pros:- Under 10 lbs yet claims full-size suction
- Quick-release wand reaches curtains, upholstery, and high corners
- ScatterFree technology reduces debris scatter on hard floors
- One-button dirt tank emptying keeps hands clean
Cons:- No published dust cup capacity or filtration details
- Small tank class means frequent emptying in larger homes
Best for: Students and apartment residents who want stronger suction than an ultra-light without full-size bulk
Not ideal for: Detail-driven buyers and pet owners — missing capacity and filtration specs make comparisons and allergy planning difficult
- Model:3437F
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Weight:Less than 10 lbs
- Floor types:Carpets and hard floors
- Special features:Quick-release extension wand, ScatterFree technology
- Emptying:One-button dirt tank release
Our verdict“A sensible middle ground for small living spaces, best for buyers comfortable with less-documented specs.”
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum NV360
The NV360 delivers the Shark Lift-Away formula — detachable pod, swivel steering, sealed filtration — at a lower tier than the ZU503AMZ. What you give up versus that model is the self-cleaning brushroll, so long-haired pet owners will still be de-tangling manually. What you keep is a washable HEPA filter with anti-allergen complete seal, which is rare at this price point and absent from both Eurekas here. The brushroll shutoff adds safe bare-floor cleaning that fixed-brushroll budget machines lack. The standout quirk is maintenance timing: the washable filter needs a full 24 hours of air drying before it goes back in, so allergy sufferers should plan around it or buy a backup filter.
Pros:- Washable HEPA filter with sealed anti-allergen system
- Lift-Away pod converts to a portable cleaner for stairs and furniture
- Brushroll shutoff protects bare floors from scatter and scratching
- Swivel steering improves maneuverability over fixed-handle rivals
Cons:- Washable filter requires 24 hours of drying before reuse
- No self-cleaning brushroll, so pet hair tangles are manual work
- Small 0.9-quart dust cup needs frequent emptying
Best for: Allergy-sensitive households who want sealed HEPA filtration and a detachable pod without paying for premium extras
Not ideal for: Long-haired pet owners — without a self-cleaning brushroll, hair wrap requires regular manual removal
- Model:NV360
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Dust cup capacity:0.9 quart
- Filtration:Washable HEPA filter with anti-allergen complete seal
- Special features:Lift-Away pod, swivel steering, brushroll shutoff
- Surfaces:Carpets and hard floors
- Included accessories:Upholstery tool, crevice tool
Our verdict“The affordable path to Shark’s Lift-Away versatility and sealed HEPA filtration, ideal for allergy households without heavy pet-hair demands.”
Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
The Vertex AZ2002 sits near the top of Shark’s upright lineup, and the difference comes down to the DuoClean PowerFins plus soft roller combo — two floor contacts working at once, so you’re not fumbling with a brushroll shutoff when moving between carpet and hard floors. Compared with the Shark Navigator NV356E, the self-cleaning brushroll alone changes the ownership experience: long-haired households stop cutting tangled hair off the roller every few weeks. The powered Lift-Away pod keeps the brushroll spinning even when detached, which the Navigator’s passive pod can’t match. The tradeoff is weight and bulk — this is a heavier machine to push and store than the Bissell CleanView Rewind, and the 1-quart dust cup is good but not class-leading.
Pros:- DuoClean PowerFins and soft roller clean carpet and hard floors without switching modes
- Self-cleaning brushroll dramatically reduces hair wrap
- Powered Lift-Away pod maintains brushroll power under furniture and above floor
- HEPA filtration with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal traps dust and allergens
Cons:- Heavier and bulkier thanNavigator-class uprights, making it tiring for stairs
- Premium feature set costs meaningfully more than basic uprights like the Eureka PowerSpeed
Best for: Mixed-floor homes with pets and long-haired residents who want tangle-free maintenance
Not ideal for: Apartment dwellers with limited storage or anyone who needs a light machine for quick daily pickups
- 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 accessories:Pet Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush
Our verdict“If hair wrap and multi-surface switching are your two biggest vacuum frustrations, this pick justifies its premium positioning.”
Cordless Self-Standing Stick Vacuum with Touch Screen
Strictly speaking this is a stick vacuum, but for buyers weighing it against corded uprights it plays a distinct role: freedom from outlets entirely. Where the Bissell CleanView Rewind tethers you to a 25-foot cord, this model runs up to 60 minutes on its lowest setting and parks itself freestanding between rooms. The touch-screen display with battery level and cleaning alerts is something none of the corded picks here offer, and converting to a handheld makes car interiors realistic. The catch: that 60-minute figure drops to around 45 minutes in Turbo mode, and deep-carpet cleaning at 45 kPa still trails a corded machine like the Shark Vertex AZ2002 for sustained, raw suction. It’s a convenience-first choice, not a power-first one.
Pros:- Up to 60 minutes of runtime on the lowest setting
- Anti-tangle brush with LED lighting targets pet hair and visible debris
- Self-standing design and handheld conversion add flexibility
- Wall-mounted charging dock and full accessory kit included
Cons:- Turbo mode cuts runtime to about 45 minutes
- Self-standing feature only works reliably on level floors
- Sustained deep-carpet performance trails corded uprights
Best for: Small to mid-size homes that prioritize grab-and-go convenience and quick daily cleanups
Not ideal for: Large homes with thick carpet, where runtime limits and cordless suction make full-house cleaning impractical
- Motor:500W brushless
- Maximum suction:45 kPa
- Runtime:Up to 60 min low setting; up to 45 min Turbo
- Suction levels:3 levels plus Turbo mode
- Dust cup capacity:1.1L
- Tube:Adjustable aluminum telescopic
- Display:Touch screen with battery level and alerts
- Included accessories:Wall dock, 2-in-1 crevice brush, upholstery brush, tool holder
Our verdict“This makes sense for buyers who value speed and convenience over maximum carpet-cleaning muscle.”
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, NV356E
The Navigator NV356E earns its spot by doing the fundamentals well at a midrange price. Its Lift-Away pod detaches for stairs and car interiors — a feature the Bissell CleanView Rewind can only approximate with its extension wand, since the wand doesn’t carry motorized brush power. The brushroll shutoff gives you explicit hard-floor control, a manual approach compared to the Shark Vertex AZ2002‘s automatic dual-brush system, but it works. Where this model shows its age is maintenance: the washable HEPA and foam filters need a full 24 hours of air drying after rinsing, so you’ll want to plan cleanings around that downtime. The 0.87L dust cup is also on the small side for pet-heavy households.
Pros:- Detachable pod handles stairs, furniture, and above-floor cleaning
- Washable HEPA filter with anti-allergen complete seal
- Pet Power Brush removes pet hair from carpets and upholstery
- Swivel steering and brushroll shutoff adapt to different floor types
Cons:- Filters require 24 hours of air drying after washing
- 0.87L dust cup fills quickly in multi-pet homes
- Lacks the self-cleaning brushroll of newer Shark models
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want Lift-Away versatility and sealed HEPA filtration without paying premium prices
Not ideal for: Allergy sufferers who vacuum daily and can’t tolerate 24-hour filter-drying gaps
- Model:NV356E
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Filter:Washable HEPA and foam
- 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
Our verdict“A dependable middle ground that delivers most of Shark’s signature versatility at a friendlier price than the Vertex.”
Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum
For straightforward, no-frills floor cleaning, the CleanView Rewind is the value play in this lineup. Its standout convenience feature is the automatic cord rewind — a small luxury that neither the Shark Navigator NV356E nor the Shark Vertex AZ2002 offers, and one you notice every single time you put the vacuum away. OnePass technology is designed to pick up debris on the first stroke rather than requiring repeat passes, and the 10-foot extension wand with TurboBrush covers upholstery and cobwebs. What you give up is the Lift-Away versatility of the Shark models — there’s no detachable pod for stairs — and the washable filter system is simpler and less allergen-focused than Shark’s sealed HEPA designs. It’s a corded machine, so outlet placement shapes your cleaning path.
Pros:- OnePass and Scatter-Free technology target efficient carpet and hard-floor pickup
- Automatic cord rewind makes storage painless
- 10-foot extension wand and TurboBrush handle upholstery and high reach
- Washable filter and easy-empty dirt tank keep running costs low
Cons:- No detachable pod, limiting stair and furniture cleaning versus Shark Lift-Away models
- Corded design ties you to outlet access across the house
Best for: First-time vacuum buyers and budget-limited households that want solid carpet cleaning with hassle-free storage
Not ideal for: Homes with lots of stairs or above-floor cleaning needs, since there’s no detachable pod
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Power cord length:25 feet
- Extension wand reach:Up to 10 feet
- Filter type:HEPA, washable
- Features:Automatic cord rewind, OnePass, Scatter-Free technology
- Included tools:Active Extension Wand, TurboBrush
Our verdict“A smart budget choice for single-level homes that prioritize simple, effective floor cleaning over versatility.”
Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Upright Vacuum, Model 3836
Positioned above the CleanView Rewind in Bissell’s range, the Swivel Pet 3836 earns its pet-focused role through the Triple Action Brush Roll, which digs at embedded hair and dirt rather than skimming the surface. The swivel steering closes the maneuverability gap with Shark’s Navigators, letting you pivot around furniture legs instead of fighting a rigid head. Its 12-foot wand reach edges out the Rewind’s 10 feet, and the 1-liter Easy Empty tank is larger than the Navigator NV356E’s 0.87L cup. The honest caveat: Bissell’s own specs list the surface recommendation as carpet, so despite the Scatter-Free hard-floor claims, hard-floor performance is a secondary strength here, and a single power level means no suction dialing.
Pros:- Triple Action Brush Roll extracts embedded dirt and pet hair
- Swivel steering navigates furniture and corners easily
- Scatter-Free Technology helps contain debris on hard floors
- 12-foot extension wand and XL 1-liter dirt tank reduce interruptions
Cons:- Manufacturer’s surface recommendation is carpet despite hard-floor claims
- Single power level with no suction adjustment
- Corded design limits range by outlet access
Best for: Pet owners with mostly carpeted homes who want strong hair extraction and easy maneuvering
Not ideal for: Hard-floor-dominant homes, given the carpet-first design and lack of suction settings
- Model:3836
- Type:Corded upright vacuum
- Power source:120V corded electric
- Filter:Foam; washable, with HEPA filtration
- Features:Swivel steering, Triple Action Brush Roll, Scatter-Free Technology, multi-cyclonic suction
- Capacity:1 liter
- Wand reach:Up to 12 feet
- Power levels:1
Our verdict“A carpet-focused pet-hair specialist that out-maneuvers most budget uprights but shouldn’t be your pick for mostly bare floors.”
Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floors
The PowerSpeed earns its spot as the most adaptable budget upright here, thanks to five height settings that let the brushroll sit at the right level for everything from plush carpet to bare floors. Compared with the Amazon Basics Upright, which locks you into a single fixed setting, this model adapts as you move between rooms with mixed flooring. The washable filter and onboard crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool mean you’re not buying replacement bags or hunting for attachments mid-clean. The tradeoff is upkeep: the roller brush and belt need cleaning every two weeks, and hair does tend to wrap and clog the floor nozzle if you skip that routine. Pet owners in particular will feel that burden more than someone vacuuming a hair-free apartment.
Pros:- Five height settings adapt to carpet, rugs, and hard floors
- Washable filter cuts ongoing replacement costs
- Onboard crevice, dusting, and upholstery tools for above-floor cleaning
- Lightweight design makes stair and room-to-room cleaning easier
Cons:- Roller brush and belt require cleaning every two weeks
- Hair and dirt can clog the floor brush between cleanings
Best for: Households with a mix of carpet, rugs, and hard floors who want one vacuum to handle all of them
Not ideal for: Pet owners or long-haired households — hair clogs the floor brush quickly and demands frequent roller cleaning
- Brand:Eureka
- Model:PowerSpeed
- Type:Upright vacuum cleaner
- Floor types:Carpet, rugs, and hard floors
- Height settings:5
- Filter:Washable
- Allergen capture:Traps 99.9% of dust and allergens
- Included accessories:Crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool
Our verdict“A flexible pick for mixed-flooring homes, as long as you’re willing to stay on top of brushroll maintenance.”
Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner with Anti-Tangle Brush
This is the one entry in the roundup that abandons the cord entirely, and that changes how you clean: 60 minutes of runtime on low mode, a self-standing design you can park mid-task, and an anti-tangle brush with green LED lights that highlights hidden pet hair. Where the Eureka PowerSpeed traps you near outlets with its cord, this stick model glides from room to car to upholstery without unplugging. It also has a genuinely large 1.8-liter dust cup — bigger than the corded Shark Navigator NV352’s 1.04 L — plus a HEPA filter and two washable spares. The compromise is raw staying power: high suction mode drains the battery in about 20 minutes, and a full recharge takes roughly four hours, so whole-house deep cleans on thick carpet will outlast it.
Pros:- Three suction modes let you balance power against battery life
- Anti-tangle brush and green LED lights tackle pet hair and low-visibility debris
- Self-standing design allows hands-free pausing mid-clean
- Large 1.8-liter dust cup with HEPA filter and two washable spares
Cons:- High suction mode lasts only about 20 minutes
- Full recharge takes approximately 4 hours
Best for: Apartment dwellers and quick-clean households who value cordless convenience over unlimited runtime
Not ideal for: Large homes with wall-to-wall thick carpet — high-mode runtime caps at 20 minutes and recharging takes about 4 hours
- Motor:Brushless
- Suction modes:3
- Runtime:Up to 60 min (Low), 35 min (Medium), 20 min (High)
- Recharge time:Approximately 4 hours
- Dust cup capacity:1.8 liters
- Filter type:HEPA
- Noise level:70 dB
- Battery:Rechargeable lithium-ion
- Included accessories:Crevice tool, 2-in-1 dusting brush, two washable spare filters, wall-mountable charging dock
Our verdict“The pick for buyers who’d rather swap a cord for a battery, provided their home fits inside a 60-minute session.”
Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floors
At 8.4 lbs with a 720 W motor and a 25-ft cord, the Amazon Basics upright does the simple things without asking much in return. There’s exactly one speed — no height dial like the Eureka PowerSpeed offers — so it’s best understood as a no-frills workhorse for a single-floor-type home rather than a whole-house solution. The detachable handle is a nice touch at this price, extending reach to cobwebs and car interiors, and the washable cloth filter plus 1.7-liter dust cup keep running costs near zero. Two real compromises stand out: it runs at a loud 82 dB, noticeably noisier than the 70 dB cordless stick model elsewhere in this roundup, and the fixed cord means you’ll be re-plugging in larger spaces.
Pros:- Lightweight at 8.4 lbs for easy carrying and storage
- Works on both carpet and hard floors
- Washable cloth filter and 1.7-liter dust cup keep maintenance costs low
- Detachable handle extends reach to higher areas and car interiors
Cons:- Only one speed and power level — no adjustment for different surfaces
- Loud operation at 82 dB
- Corded design limits movement between rooms
Best for: First-time buyers or small-home residents who want a cheap, simple vacuum for one or two floor types
Not ideal for: Quiet-conscious households or large multi-room homes — it’s loud at 82 dB and the 25-ft cord forces frequent outlet changes
- 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
- Noise level:82 dB
- Included tools:Upholstery tool, crevice tool
Our verdict“The cheapest path to a functioning upright, as long as one speed and some noise don’t bother you.”
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum, NEU10AE5
At 7.7 lbs, the Airspeed NEU10AE5 is the lightest corded upright in this lineup — lighter even than the Amazon Basics model at 8.4 lbs — and that difference matters if you’re carrying a vacuum up stairs or lifting it into a closet shelf daily. The 10.5-inch cleaning path keeps it nimble around furniture, and the washable filter plus two onboard tools (crevice and dusting brush) cover basic above-floor jobs. Eureka positions it for hard floors, low-pile carpet, and car interiors, which is honest labeling: this isn’t the machine for deep-pile carpet the way the height-adjustable Eureka PowerSpeed can be. Like that model, the roller brush and belt need cleaning every two weeks to prevent clogs — a recurring chore that’s the price of an affordable, featherweight build.
Pros:- Ultra-lightweight at 7.7 lbs for stairs and carrying
- Compact design stores easily in small closets
- Crevice tool and dusting brush handle above-floor tasks
- Washable filter reduces replacement costs
Cons:- Roller brush and belt need cleaning every two weeks
- Limited to hard floors and low-pile carpet
- Narrow accessory set — no upholstery tool included
Best for: Older adults, dorm residents, or anyone who carries a vacuum between floors and mostly cleans hard floors and low-pile carpet
Not ideal for: Homes with thick, deep-pile carpet — it lacks the height adjustment and deep-cleaning muscle of larger uprights
- Model:NEU10AE5
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Weight:7.7 lbs
- Cleaning path width:10.5 inches
- Filter:Washable
- Surfaces:Hard floors, low-pile carpets, car interiors
- Included accessories:Crevice tool, dusting brush
Our verdict“The easiest upright here to carry and store, ideal for light-duty floors if you accept the upkeep schedule.”
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, NV352
The NV352 is the most feature-rich pick in this batch, and its Lift-Away pod is the differentiator: detach the canister and carry it while you vacuum stairs, drapes, or under furniture — something neither the Eureka PowerSpeed nor the Amazon Basics upright can do. Its sealed HEPA filtration with anti-allergen complete seal is the strongest allergy story here, containing captured particles instead of leaking them back into the room, and the brushroll shutoff protects bare floors the way basic single-setting models can’t. Compared with the cordless stick vacuum, its 1.04 L dust cup is smaller, but it never needs charging. The one frustration: after washing the HEPA filter, you’ll wait a full 24 hours for it to air dry before reinstalling, so a spare filter or advance planning is wise.
Pros:- Sealed HEPA filtration with anti-allergen complete seal traps particles instead of releasing them
- Lift-Away detachable pod makes stairs and above-floor cleaning far easier
- Brushroll shutoff protects hard floors from scatter and scratching
- Swivel steering improves maneuverability around furniture
Cons:- Washed filter requires 24 hours to air dry before reinstalling
- Smaller 1.04 L dust cup needs more frequent emptying than the Eureka or Amazon Basics models
Best for: Allergy sufferers and pet owners who need sealed HEPA filtration plus portable above-floor cleaning
Not ideal for: Buyers who want grab-and-go convenience — the washable HEPA filter needs 24 hours to dry before reuse
- Model:NV352
- Type:Bagless upright vacuum
- Dust cup capacity:1.04 L
- Filter:Washable HEPA with anti-allergen complete seal
- Features:Lift-Away pod, swivel steering, brushroll shutoff
- Surfaces:Carpets, hard floors, pet hair
- Included accessories:Wide upholstery tool, 12-inch crevice tool
Our verdict“The best choice in this group for allergen-conscious homes that also want a portable pod for stairs and upholstery.”
How We Picked
I evaluated these upright vacuum cleaners against the factors that actually determine day-to-day satisfaction: cleaning performance on carpet and hard floors, weight and maneuverability, filtration quality, pet hair handling, and maintenance burden. Because uprights live and die by their ability to deep-clean carpet, suction and brushroll design weighed heaviest in the rankings. I also factored in cord length, bin capacity, hose reach for above-floor cleaning, and how easily each machine converts to a handheld or canister mode where applicable.
The ranking logic favors versatility per dollar. Models like the Shark Vertex AZ2002 rank high because powered lift-away mode extends cleaning reach beyond what a standard upright can do, while budget picks like the Eureka Airspeed earn their positions by delivering dependable basics without pretending to be premium machines. Products were penalized for short cords, small bins that need constant emptying, brushrolls that tangle with pet hair, and designs that make filter access awkward. Where two models are near-identical — as with the Shark Navigator family — I ranked them by attachment bundle and hose reach rather than treating them as separate tiers.
| upright vacuum cleaner | Type |
|---|---|
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Bagless upright vacuum |
| Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upri | Bagless upright vacuum |
| Eureka Airspeed Lightweight Ba | Bagless upright vacuum |
| Bissell CleanView Compact Turb | Bagless upright vacuum |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Bagless upright vacuum |
| Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Li | Powered Lift-Away upright vacuum |
| Cordless Self-Standing Stick V | — |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Bagless upright vacuum |
| Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet B | Bagless upright vacuum |
| Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet U | Corded upright vacuum |
| Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight | Upright vacuum cleaner |
| Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner | — |
| Amazon Basics Upright Bagless | Upright bagless vacuum |
| Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightwei | Bagless upright vacuum |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upri | Bagless upright vacuum |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Before settling on a specific model, it helps to understand what actually separates upright vacuum cleaners into different performance and price tiers — and where buyers most often regret their choices.Suction Power and Floor Type Match
The single biggest mistake buyers make is choosing a vacuum for the floors they wish they had rather than the floors they actually have. Plush carpet rewards high-suction, motorized brushroll machines like the Shark Vertex line, while hard floors need adjustable height or brushroll shutoff to avoid scattering debris. If your home mixes carpet and tile or hardwood, prioritize models with surface selection controls — a fixed-height vacuum will either bog down on thick pile or slam too hard on bare floors. Also remember that suction claims on marketing pages rarely translate directly to real-world performance; the design of the airpath and the seal of the brushroll housing often matter more than peak motor ratings. Buyers with mostly hard floors should honestly question whether a full upright is even the right format, since stick vacuums handle that job with far less effort.
Weight and Who Will Push It
Vacuum weight spans a wide range in this category, from ultra-lightweight Eureka models to full-size Sharks pushing toward the heavier end of the scale. Weight matters less while pushing — self-propelled designs and good swivel steering compensate — and more when you carry the machine up stairs or lift it to store it. A heavier vacuum with a lift-away canister often beats a light vacuum without one for stair cleaning, because you detach the canister and leave the bulky base behind. Think about who does the cleaning in your household: an elderly parent or anyone with joint issues will abandon a heavy machine in a closet, no matter how well it cleans. The honest tradeoff is that lighter machines typically sacrifice suction, bin size, and durability to hit their weight target.
Filtration and Allergies
Filtration is where budget and premium uprights diverge sharply, and it’s the spec allergy sufferers should never skip. Fully sealed HEPA systems — like those in the Shark Navigator and Vertex lines — trap fine particles inside the machine instead of exhausting them back into your room. Cheaper machines may include a HEPA-rated filter, but if the system isn’t sealed, air leaks around the filter and carries dust with it. Washable foam and felt pre-filters reduce long-term costs but add a maintenance routine most owners forget until suction drops. If anyone in your home has asthma or allergies, treat sealed HEPA as a requirement, not a bonus feature. For everyone else, standard multi-level filtration is usually adequate and saves money.
Pet Hair Features That Actually Matter
Pet-specific vacuums aren’t just marketing — a few design features genuinely change the experience for fur-covered homes. Anti-tangle or self-cleaning brushrolls prevent hair from wrapping around the roller, which is the single most annoying maintenance task for pet owners. Retractable cords, like those on the Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet, save you from wrestling with hair-fouled cords, and rubberized pet tools grab embedded fur from upholstery far better than generic crevice tools. A larger bin also matters more with pets, since fur fills bins fast and a small canister means stopping mid-room to empty. What doesn’t matter much: ‘pet’ branding on otherwise standard machines. Check the actual tool list and brushroll design rather than the label.
Bagged Versus Bagless
Every model in this roundup is bagless except where noted, and that’s become the market default — but the tradeoff deserves honest attention. Bagless designs save you ongoing bag purchases and let you see when the bin is full, but emptying them releases a puff of dust back into the air, which is miserable for allergy sufferers. Bags contain debris more hygienically and tend to maintain suction better as they fill, at the cost of recurring purchases. If you go bagless, look for bottom-release bins that drop debris straight into the trash, and empty them outdoors if dust bothers you. Also budget for filter replacements or commit to a washable-filter model, because a neglected filter will choke even the best suction in this list.
Corded Convenience and Cordless Temptation
Cord length quietly determines whether vacuuming your home is one session or a repeated plug-swapping chore, and it varies widely even among similar models. A 25-30 foot cord covers most rooms from a single outlet; shorter cords force mid-room repositioning that gets old fast. Retractable cords, featured on the Bissell Rewind Pet, are a small luxury that pays off weekly. Cordless stick vacuums are tempting for their grab-and-go convenience, but honest buyers should recognize their limits: runtime of 30-45 minutes doesn’t cover a large home, and suction on thick carpet trails any corded upright. The best arrangement for many households is a corded upright as the primary deep cleaner plus a cordless stick for daily crumb duty — which is exactly why this roundup includes both formats.
Frequently Asked Questions
The core cleaning system is nearly identical across the Navigator Lift-Away family, so you’re choosing between secondary features rather than performance tiers. The NV356E includes the widest accessory bundle — typically a dusting brush, crevice tool, and upholstery tool — plus a longer hose, making it the most versatile pick of the group. The NV352 and NV360 are close siblings that differ mainly in included attachments and minor design updates. The ZU503AMZ steps up with a self-cleaning brushroll and zero-loss suction technology, which matters most for pet owners tired of cutting hair off the roller. My advice: choose the cheapest Navigator that includes the attachments you’ll actually use, unless pet hair is a daily battle, in which case the ZU503AMZ earns its premium.
Are the cheap Eureka models really good, or will I regret not spending more?
The Eureka PowerSpeed and Airspeed lines legitimately deliver strong carpet suction at budget prices, and many buyers will be perfectly satisfied with them. What you give up is sealed HEPA filtration, longer hoses, better build quality, and refined steering — the plastics feel lighter, the attachments are fewer, and the filters need more frequent attention. Compared directly with a Shark Navigator, the Eurekas clean floors almost as well but feel less polished doing it. They’re the right choice for a first apartment, a rental, a garage, or a secondary floor of the house. If your home has allergy sufferers, pets that shed heavily, or mostly thick carpet you expect to last a decade of weekly use, spending more upfront pays for itself.
Is the Shark Vertex AZ2002 worth the premium over the Navigator line?
The Vertex AZ2002 justifies its higher price through two upgrades that genuinely change how you clean: powered lift-away mode, which keeps the brushroll spinning while the canister is detached, and a dual brushroll system that handles both carpet and hard floors without switching heads. The Navigator’s lift-away mode goes quiet on the brushroll once detached, so it’s better for suction-only tasks like upholstery, while the Vertex keeps full agitation for cleaning stairs with carpet. Where the Vertex makes sense: large multi-level homes with mixed flooring and heavy traffic. Where it doesn’t: small apartments or single-floor homes, where the extra capability mostly sits unused and the Navigator does the same job for less.
Should I buy a corded upright or one of the cordless stick vacuums in this list?
This comes down to your flooring and home size more than preference. Corded uprights deliver sustained, stronger suction and unlimited runtime, which matters enormously on carpet and in homes over about 1,200 square feet. The cordless stick vacuums here — the self-standing touch-screen model and the anti-tangle brush model — excel as quick-clean machines for hard floors, crumbs, and daily touch-ups, but their 30-45 minute runtime and weaker carpet performance limit them as primary machines. If you can only buy one vacuum and have significant carpet, go corded. If your home is mostly hard flooring and you value grabbing the vacuum off its charger for thirty seconds of cleanup, a cordless stick can genuinely be your only machine.
Which of these vacuums is best for a home with multiple shedding pets?
For serious pet households, the shortlist is the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 3836, the Bissell CleanView Rewind Pet, and the Shark ZU503AMZ with self-cleaning brushroll. The Bissell models win on specialized pet tooling — rubberized brush attachments that pull embedded fur from stairs and car interiors — and the Swivel Pet’s steering makes circling furniture with a heavy machine less exhausting. The Shark ZU503AMZ counters with sealed HEPA filtration and a brushroll that actively resists hair wrap, which reduces the grossest maintenance job. If pet dander allergies are in play, the Shark’s sealed system gives it the edge. If your battle is volume of fur on upholstery and carpets, the Bissell Swivel Pet’s toolset is harder to beat.
Conclusion
The right upright vacuum depends less on which model is ‘best’ and more on what your floors, household, and budget demand. For the best overall pick, the Shark AZ2002 Vertex Powered Lift-Away covers every scenario — mixed flooring, stairs, pets, and allergies — with the fewest compromises, which is why it tops the ranking. For best value, the Eureka PowerSpeed delivers full-size suction at a fraction of the premium price, with the honest caveat of weaker filtration and fewer tools. The best premium experience also goes to the Vertex AZ2002, though the Shark ZU503AMZ offers most of its benefits for pet owners at a mid-tier price. For beginners and first-apartment buyers, the Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE5 is simple, light, and forgiving — there’s little to misuse and little to break. For specific needs: pet households should target the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet or Rewind Pet, allergy sufferers should insist on a sealed HEPA Shark Navigator like the NV356E, small-space dwellers with hard floors can happily choose a cordless stick model, and the Amazon Basics and Bissell Compact Turbo fill the backup-vacuum role well. Whatever you choose, match the machine to your actual floors — that single decision predicts satisfaction more than any spec sheet.
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