The Best Carpet Cleaners of 2026
Welcome to Vacuum Wars' definitive guide to the best carpet cleaners of 2026! These selections are based on our own in-depth independent and non-sponsored evaluations, focusing on cleaning performance and essential features like water management, maneuverability, and versatility. We also consider customer satisfaction scores to ensure you choose a rug cleaner that offers high value for your investment. Our recommendations are updated regularly to reflect the latest evaluation results and industry insights so you can easily find the ideal and best-rated carpet cleaner for your home.
1- Best Overall
The Shark CarpetXpert EX301 offers the brand's most advanced feature set and strongest overall performance. It delivers excellent stain reduction, supported by Shark’s dual-solution system that automatically mixes an undiluted Oxy solution with the standard cleaning formula, along with a more powerful 9.5-amp motor.
Despite being the largest model in Shark’s lineup, it remains lighter than the average carpet cleaner and is easy to maneuver thanks to its well-designed ergonomics. With a fully onboard hose system, a sizable attachment set and an onboard hose self-cleaning system, the EX301 is well suited for deep carpet cleaning as well as stairs, upholstery, and pet-related messes.
Despite being the largest model in Shark’s lineup, it remains lighter than the average carpet cleaner and is easy to maneuver thanks to its well-designed ergonomics. With a fully onboard hose system, a sizable attachment set and an onboard hose self-cleaning system, the EX301 is well suited for deep carpet cleaning as well as stairs, upholstery, and pet-related messes.
Pros:
- Exceptionally powerful suction
- Onboard hose enhances versatility
- Premium attachment set
- Dual activated solution dispensing
- Effective on both wet and dry stains
- Easy to empty and clean
- Lightweight and agile for its class
- Onboard self-cleaning hose system
Cons:
- Smaller water tank than competitors
$357.27
2
The Shark CarpetXpert EX151 is a lightweight hybrid carpet cleaner that combines a compact body with the added versatility of an onboard hose. It delivers strong stain reduction for its size using an 8-amp motor and stands out for being one of the lightest hose-equipped models in Shark’s lineup.
The EX151 is easy to maneuver, has notably good ergonomics, and includes a longer power cord than most other Shark carpet cleaners. With its onboard hose system and practical attachment set, it is well suited for everyday carpet cleaning as well as stairs, upholstery, and spot cleaning tasks.
The EX151 is easy to maneuver, has notably good ergonomics, and includes a longer power cord than most other Shark carpet cleaners. With its onboard hose system and practical attachment set, it is well suited for everyday carpet cleaning as well as stairs, upholstery, and spot cleaning tasks.
Pros:
- Lightweight hybrid design
- Onboard hose enhances versatility
- Strong stain reduction for its size
- Good ergonomics and easy maneuverability
- Longer power cord than most Shark models
- Useful attachment set for above-floor cleaning
Cons:
- No dual Oxy solution system
- Smaller water tank than full-size carpet cleaners
$229.99
3
In our evaluations, the Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus 3588F Carpet Cleaner is a powerhouse in the realm of home carpet cleaning, especially for those with pets. Its innovative CleanShot technology allows for precise targeting and treatment of stubborn stains, enhancing its effectiveness.
The dual tank system maintains the separation of clean and dirty water, optimizing the cleaning process. With multiple cleaning modes, including a quick-drying Express Clean and a comprehensive Deep Clean, this machine is adept at handling a variety of cleaning tasks. Additionally, the inclusion of a hose and multiple attachments extends its utility to upholstery and stairs, making it a versatile tool for thorough home cleaning. See full review
The dual tank system maintains the separation of clean and dirty water, optimizing the cleaning process. With multiple cleaning modes, including a quick-drying Express Clean and a comprehensive Deep Clean, this machine is adept at handling a variety of cleaning tasks. Additionally, the inclusion of a hose and multiple attachments extends its utility to upholstery and stairs, making it a versatile tool for thorough home cleaning. See full review
Pros:
- CleanShot technology for targeting stains
- Dual tank system for efficient cleaning
- Deep Clean and Express Clean modes
- Quick drying in about 30 minutes
- Includes hose and multiple attachments
- Excellent at removing deep-seated dirt
Cons:
- Heavier build
$277.99
4 - Best Value
We think that the Kenmore RevitaLite Pet is an impressive carpet cleaner that offers excellent value for its price. Standing out for its effective stain removal capabilities, it is a reliable choice for those who need potent cleaning without the hefty price tag of premium models.
The Kenmore RevitaLite boasts a balance of features typically found in more expensive machines, such as good suction power and a user-friendly design. It's particularly suited for pet owners or anyone dealing with frequent spills and stains who require a robust, yet budget-friendly, cleaning solution.
The Kenmore RevitaLite boasts a balance of features typically found in more expensive machines, such as good suction power and a user-friendly design. It's particularly suited for pet owners or anyone dealing with frequent spills and stains who require a robust, yet budget-friendly, cleaning solution.
Pros:
- Excellent stain removal
- Cost-effective compared to competitors
- Good suction power
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Simple, user-friendly design
Cons:
- Smaller water tank
- Lacks some premium features
- No handheld hose attachment
5- Best Budget
We think that the Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet is a surprisingly capable entry-level carpet cleaner that offers exceptional value for its cost. Despite being one of the lightest and least expensive models in our comparison, it demonstrated remarkable cleaning power, performing exceptionally well in our usability suction tests.
This carpet cleaner is straightforward in operation, relying on a simple trigger mechanism for water solution application, and proved effective in handling light to moderate stains efficiently. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a budget-friendly solution for maintaining their carpets, especially given its lightweight design and surprising effectiveness. See full review
This carpet cleaner is straightforward in operation, relying on a simple trigger mechanism for water solution application, and proved effective in handling light to moderate stains efficiently. It’s a solid choice for anyone needing a budget-friendly solution for maintaining their carpets, especially given its lightweight design and surprising effectiveness. See full review
Pros:
- Lightweight, easy to maneuver
- Impressive suction for its class
- Effective on light and moderate stains
- Simple trigger operation
- Affordable price point
- Compact size for easy storage
Cons:
- Smaller water tank
- Lacks some premium features
- No handheld hose attachment
$179.99
How We Test Carpet Cleaners at Vacuum Wars
At Vacuum Wars, our carpet cleaner testing process is designed to be objective, repeatable, and grounded in real-world use. We purchase the products we test ourselves and evaluate them using standardized methods so performance differences are driven by the machines. This article outlines how we currently test carpet cleaners, why each test matters, and how we translate raw data into meaningful insights for consumers.
Carpet Cleaner Fundamentals
While carpet cleaners vary in size, features, and design, they all operate on the same core principle. Clean water and a manufacturer-recommended cleaning solution are dispensed onto carpet fibers, brushes agitate the surface to loosen debris and stains, and suction extracts the dirty liquid into a separate tank.
Some machines rely on manual triggers to dispense solution, while others automate this process. From a testing standpoint, we account for both designs and focus on how consistently and effectively the machine applies water, agitates carpet fibers, and recovers moisture during normal operation.
Controlled Testing Conditions
Consistency is critical when comparing carpet cleaners. To ensure results are fair and repeatable, all machines are tested on the same type of carpet on the same types of stains and using the same cleaning solution and water-to-solution ratio. Each unit is operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using the appropriate cleaning mode for each test.
We do not use pre-treatment sprays during standardized testing unless a specific test calls for it. This allows us to measure the carpet cleaner’s capabilities on its own, rather than the effectiveness of an external chemical.
Measuring Suction and Power
Suction plays a major role in both cleaning performance and drying time, so we measure it in multiple ways. One measurement focuses on sealed suction, which reflects the maximum suction potential of the machine at the hose or intake. While this helps illustrate raw power, it does not always translate directly to carpet cleaning effectiveness.
To better represent real-world performance, we also measure usable, or unsealed, suction at the cleaning head against a flat surface. This provides a clearer picture of how efficiently the machine extracts water and debris from carpet fibers during normal operation.
Stain Removal Testing Using Instrumented Measurement
Stain removal is one of the most important metrics in carpet cleaner testing, and it is also one of the easiest to misjudge visually. To address this, we use a standardized stain test paired with instrument-based measurement.
A precise amount of liquid stain is applied to white carpet and allowed to dry for at least 24 hours. Each carpet cleaner is then run over the stain using a fixed number of timed back-and-forth passes, following manufacturer guidelines for solution use and cleaning mode. No pre-treatment is applied.
After cleaning, the carpet is allowed to dry before we measure stain reduction using a colorimeter. This device quantifies changes in perceptual lightness, allowing us to compare results numerically rather than relying on subjective visual inspection. Multiple readings are taken for each stain, with outliers removed and the remaining measurements averaged for accuracy.
Water Usage and Cleaning Modes
We also evaluate how carpet cleaners manage water during use. This includes assessing clean water tank capacity, how efficiently water is used during cleaning, and whether multiple water modes are available.
Machines that offer lower-water or quick-dry modes are evaluated for their ability to clean effectively while leaving less residual moisture behind. These features can be especially important for users who want faster drying times or need to clean high-traffic areas.
Ergonomics and Ease of Use
A carpet cleaner’s usability can have a significant impact on the overall experience, particularly for large cleaning jobs. During testing, we evaluate how easy each machine is to maneuver, how it feels to push and pull on carpet, and how balanced it is in motion.
Weight, handle design, and cord length are also considered, as these factors influence fatigue and reach during extended use. Even small ergonomic differences can become noticeable over the course of a full-room cleaning.
Hose Performance and Attachments
For carpet cleaners equipped with hoses, we assess above-floor cleaning performance using a consistent method. Hose length, flexibility, and ease of access are evaluated alongside the effectiveness of included attachments.
We also consider how hoses are stored and whether they are permanently onboard or require separate setup. Convenience plays a major role in how often these features are actually used in real homes.
Water Tank Design and Maintenance
Clean and dirty water tank design affects both convenience and hygiene. During testing, we evaluate how easy tanks are to remove, fill, empty, and clean. We also note whether the dirty water tank includes features that help separate hair and debris from liquid, which can simplify disposal and maintenance.
Scoring and Evaluation Approach
Each carpet cleaner is evaluated across multiple categories, including cleaning performance, suction, water efficiency, usability, features, and overall design. No single test determines the final assessment. Instead, we look for consistent performance across the full range of evaluations. Our Scores are based on measured data and standardized observations. This approach allows us to compare carpet cleaners objectively, even when their designs and feature sets differ.
Why Our Testing Continues to Evolve
As carpet cleaner technology changes, our testing methods evolve with it. We periodically refine our procedures to improve accuracy, reduce subjectivity, and better reflect how people actually use these machines in their homes. Our ongoing goal is to provide clear, trustworthy evaluations based on repeatable testing—not isolated impressions.
Final Thoughts
Testing carpet cleaners requires balancing controlled measurements with practical usability considerations. By combining standardized procedures, instrument-based testing, and real-world handling assessments, we aim to deliver insights that go beyond surface-level claims.
Looking for a portable spot carpet cleaner?
Discover our 2025 guide to the best models—based on independent tests, essential features, and real customer feedback. Updated often so you can choose with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of carpet cleaners available and what are their primary uses?
- Compact Carpet Cleaners: Ideal for spot cleaning or small areas. They are lightweight and easy to use but have smaller tank sizes, requiring frequent refilling for larger spaces. A notable downside is the lack of hose and attachments for manual spot cleaning.
- Budget and Premium Mid-Size Carpet Cleaners: Suitable for cleaning entire houses with larger tank capacities and hoses for manual cleaning. These models often feature dual or spinning brushes for enhanced cleaning efficiency. Budget options often do not have hose attachments.
- Commercial Carpet Cleaners: Designed for frequent use or large-scale cleaning with larger water capacities and more powerful motors, making them highly efficient for extensive carpeted areas.
How does suction power impact the performance of a carpet cleaner?
Suction power is crucial for a carpet cleaner's performance as it directly affects its ability to remove water and dirt from the carpets. Strong suction ensures better water pickup, contributing to faster drying times and more effective cleaning.
Why are hose attachments important for a carpet cleaner?
Hose attachments significantly enhance the versatility of a carpet cleaner. They allow for spot cleaning, easy cleaning of upholstery, and reaching into tight spaces. Premium attachment sets with different brushes can also provide more effective cleaning on a variety of surfaces.
What should I consider regarding the tank size of a carpet cleaner?
A larger tank size means less frequent refills, making it more convenient for larger cleaning tasks. However, it also makes the machine heavier and potentially harder to maneuver. It's important to find a balance between tank size and the efficiency of water use to suit your space and cleaning habits.
Can I use a carpet cleaner to wash hard floors?
While some devices are designed to handle both carpets and hard floors, such as certain hard floor cleaners, it is crucial to check the manufacturer's guidelines for your carpet cleaner. Using a carpet cleaner in ways not intended by the manufacturer can damage both the floor and the cleaner. Always refer to the user manual to ensure compatibility and proper use.
2024 Carpet Cleaner Competition
We have purchased almost every popular consumer carpet cleaner on the market and put them through various tests. This year, we even introduced a brand-new testing method designed to measure and compare actual performance.
Keep reading, and we'll delve into each carpet cleaner’s specifications, features, and the evaluation results crucial in scoring each product. We’ll also share why each evaluation method was chosen, our verdict on the best carpet cleaners, and highlight our top picks in three essential categories.
Best carpet cleaners: the fundamentals
All the carpet cleaners we evaluated operate on the same fundamental principle. You start by filling their clean water tanks with water and the manufacturer-provided carpet shampoo. Then, press the trigger on the handle to release the water and solution mixture onto the carpet, which most models include.
As you move the vacuum back and forth, the brushes agitate the carpet while the machine draws the dirty water into a separate tank.
However, some models do not have triggers; they automatically switch between water application and suction-only modes instead, which enhances user convenience. The ones with this feature earned extra points in our evaluation.
Additionally, we gave a lot of extra points to the carpet cleaners with a hose option. That means they include a hose, ranging from 7 to 12 feet in length, and at least one attachment for tackling upholstery, stairs, or stubborn stains.
Most models we reviewed included a hose feature, except ultra-budget options like the Hoover PowerDash Pet and the Bissell TurboClean Powerbrush Pet.
Notably, the Shark CarpetXpert features an onboard hose, which means it’s more or less permanently attached for easy access, similar to an upright vacuum.
Evaluation and performance
In our quest to determine the best carpet cleaners, we evaluated more than the basics. Let’s examine more evaluation outcomes, highlighting key findings and how they translate into real-world usability.
Power and suction
We assessed each carpet cleaner's power in multiple ways. For example, we measured suction using maximum power at the hose and/or base.
We also evaluated usable suction—the suction power measured at the head on a flat, unsealed surface—which we consider a more useful metric. It provides a better practical indication of performance.
Interestingly, both the Shark's premium and budget models demonstrated superior suction power, significantly outperforming their competitors in this vital aspect.
Specs and Features
We considered various features and specifications, such as the tank size of each carpet cleaner. Notably, the Bissell Big Green Professional and the Rug Doctor Mighty Pro X3 had the largest tanks. This makes them particularly suitable for large areas or frequent use.
Also, if you have a very large area to clean or plan on using your carpet cleaner daily, consider the commercial-type models. The larger tanks reduce the need for frequent refills and emptying, enhancing efficiency for extensive cleaning tasks.
Bissell Big Green Professional
Best Professional
Plus, commercial-grade models are built to a much higher standard. You’ll commonly find them in rental fleets. Because of this, finding replacement parts for these carpet cleaners is easier.
Water modes
Another critical criterion in our evaluation was the availability of multiple water modes. Models with adjustable water modes got extra scores due to their added flexibility. For instance, using less water is a considerable advantage for people who want their carpets to dry more quickly.
Some carpet cleaners feature a rinse-only mode, which allows you to use only water to clean your carpets—perfect for a quick refresh without any soap residue.
Unique features
Some of the carpet cleaners have unique features. For example, the Bissell 2X Revolution Pet Pro features a “Clean Shot” technology, which allows you to target stains directly by pressing a button with your foot—functioning like a pre-treatment.
The Bissell HydroSteam is the only model that uses steam. Similarly, the Tineco Carpet One is the only one we evaluated that uses hot air to dry carpets and keep the water warm. It's also the only carpet cleaner with a dirt sensor and an automatic suction adjustment feature. That means it will raise suction power up or down based on the level of dirt detected in the carpet.
With every contender for the best carpet cleaner, we also considered practical aspects such as weight, cord length, and the number of attachments provided in our evaluations.
Stain test
For the stain evaluation, we went with a newly refined approach aimed at delivering unbiased scores for each carpet cleaner’s stain removal abilities. First, we applied equal amounts of juice to a white carpet and allowed it to dry for several days.
To ensure consistency across all evaluations, we used the same batch of cleaning solution mix. We also used identical brands of carpet shampoo and the exact same water-to-shampoo ratio to ensure the results were due to the given carpet cleaner, not the solution.
Additionally, we introduced a new testing method with this year's competition, where we measured each stain's perceptual lightness or CIELAB L data using a spectrophotometer both before and after the assessment. We took five readings for each stain, discarding the highest and lowest measurements and averaging the remaining three, resulting in over 400 precise measurements.
We ran each machine over the stains, doing four five-second back-and-forth passes at maximum power. Then, allow the stains to dry for 24 hours before measuring the lightness again.
It's important to note that we did not use any pre-treatment sprays; our goal was to leave a slight residue to measure post-cleaning. However, pre-treating is recommended if you’re trying to remove similar stains at home.
The results of our stain evaluations were quite revealing. The Shark EX201 CarpetXpert led the pack, closely followed by the Kenmore KW4070 RevitaLite Pet and Bissell Big Green Professional.
Surprisingly, ultra-budget models such as the Bissell TurboClean Powerbrush Pet and the Hoover PowerDash Pet also performed well, making the top six list in stain removal efficiency.
Best carpet cleaners: final scores
After meticulous scoring across evaluations, the top contenders overall, with and without price taken into account, looked as follows.
As you can see, the Shark EX201 CarpetXpert secured the top spot in both cases, with the Bissell 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus runner-up. And with that note, here are our top picks for best carpet cleaners.
Best Overall: The Shark EX201 CarpetXpert
The Shark CarpetXpert had excellent suction power, the best stain reduction capabilities, and considerable versatility with its onboard hose and additional features. It’s also available at a competitive price despite its premium features. The only potential drawback we found was the somewhat small water tank. However, previous evaluations showed it has pretty good water efficiency.
Shark CarpetXpert
Best Carpet Cleaner
ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro
Runner Up
Best Value: The Kenmore KW4070 RevitaLite Pet
The Kenmore RevitaLite Pet ranked second in the stain reduction assessment. It’s priced significantly lower than the Shark CarpetXpert and Bissell 2X Revolution but offers most of the same features. This makes it an outstanding value purchase.
Kenmore KW4070 RevitaLite Pet
Best Value
Best Budget Option: The Bissell TurboClean Powerbrush Pet
Finally, the Bissell TurboClean did very well in the stain evaluation. It’s also super lightweight and affordable compared to the others. However, it has minor potential limitations, specifically the smaller water tank, a lack of extra features, and no hose attachment.
Bissell TurboClean PowerBrush Pet
Best Budget
These options cater to various needs and budgets, all capable of delivering impressive cleaning results for your home. Whether you prioritize efficiency or seek the best bang for your buck, these models make excellent selections.
Latest Carpet Cleaner Reviews
- Best Carpet Spot Cleaners 2025
We’ve independently tested 30 of the best carpet spot cleaners of 2025 to help you remove stains quickly and easily. Each model is purchased at full retail price and put through the same rigorous Vacuum Wars testing for stain removal, portability, ease of use, and features like heated cleaning, multiple attachments, and self-cleaning systems. Whether you need a portable carpet cleaner for pet messes, high-traffic areas, or budget-friendly deep cleaning, this guide highlights the top performers—updated as scores, models, and prices change. - Bissell Steam Shot vs. Steam Shot Deluxe: Which Steam Cleaner We Prefer
The Bissell Steam Shot and Steam Shot Deluxe (or OmniReach) are two of the most popular handheld steam cleaners on the market. We tested both models and found a key difference that makes one more efficient and easier to use. - Best Budget Vacuums of 2024: Top Affordable Picks from Vacuum WaAt Vacuum Wars, we’ve tested hundreds of vacuums, and while premium models often steal the spotlight, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that still perform well. In this roundup, we reveal our top affordable vacuum picks of 2024—covering robot vacuums, cordless models, uprights, and more—based on real-world tests and data.
- Shark CarpetXpert EX201 Review: A New Era of Clean
Shark, a leader in the upright vacuum market, just released its first carpet cleaner. We bought one and evaluated it extensively over several weeks, comparing
