Carpet Cleaner reviews at Vacuum Wars are independent and non-sponsored. This approach ensures that you receive the most unbiased and trustworthy information from us. For a current listing of our top picks, see our Best Carpet Cleaners.
We tested hundreds of vacuums across seven major categories to find the best overall and best value picks right now. Here are our current recommendations for upright, cordless, handheld, carpet cleaner, spot cleaner, hard floor cleaner, and robot vacuums based on our testing.
The Shark CarpetXpert EX151 occupies a unique middle ground in Shark’s latest lineup, aiming to combine the simplicity of lightweight models with the performance of higher-end machines. We purchased and tested it in-house to evaluate whether it can deliver flagship-level results at a lower price point.
Every month, Vacuum Wars publishes a “snapshot” article highlighting our Best Overall, Best Value, and Best Budget carpet cleaner picks. Unlike our continuously updated “Best” lists, these reports go deeper—explaining exactly why each model earned its position and how it compares to the closest alternatives based on our latest testing.
The Bissell HydroSteam carpet cleaner is one of the few products on the market with a true steam clean function, which immediately sets it apart from other carpet cleaners for deep cleaning. The newest version, the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam 4123, continues that tradition by refining what made the original impressive. So naturally, we bought one with our own money and put it through all kinds of evaluations.
The Shark EX301 CarpetXpert HairPro with StainStriker is the flagship model in Shark’s CarpetXpert line and earned first place in our Best Carpet Cleaners 2026 competition. In this review, we break down its performance in our standardized tests, along with its key pros, cons, and how it ranks on the updated Vacuum Wars Top 5 Carpet Cleaners list.
Shark has quickly become a serious competitor in the carpet cleaner market. We tested every current Shark CarpetXpert model using updated stain reduction methods and performance evaluations to find the best overall pick and the best value option.
We’ve independently tested 30 of the best carpet spot cleaners of 2026 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.
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.
At 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, a leader in the upright vacuum market, just released its first carpet cleaner. We bought one and evaluated it extensively over several weeks, comparing it to some seasoned competitors to create this comprehensive Shark CarpetXpert EX201 review. We were initially skeptical about the EX201 since it’s Shark’s first attempt
