Upright vacuums are usually best for homes with a lot of carpet or larger floor areas. They typically offer strong carpet agitation, larger dust bins, and corded power for longer cleaning sessions. Many upright vacuums also include hoses and attachments for above-floor cleaning.
Best for: carpet-heavy homes, larger homes, deep carpet pickup, longer cleaning sessions, users who prefer corded power
Not ideal for: compact storage, quick handheld use, users who want the lightest possible vacuum
This is our Best Overall upright vacuum because it offers the strongest combination of carpet cleaning performance, hard floor capability, filtration, attachments, and overall usability in the category.
The Shark PowerDetect swiftly became one of our favorites among upright vacuums, blending unparalleled power with groundbreaking features. Its exceptional performance in picking up all types of debris and hair on various surfaces, coupled with innovative technologies like the DuoClean roller and Shark's active hair removal system, solidifies its position as a top performer. The addition of 'detect' features—such as Floor Detect and Edge Detect—enhances its usability by automating adjustments for different cleaning scenarios, making it smarter than its predecessors. The Powered Lift-Away feature remains a standout, offering versatility in cleaning reach and method. Although it's on the heavier side and priced at a premium, the comprehensive capabilities and ease of use presented by the Shark PowerDetect justify its position as a leader in the vacuum cleaner market. See additional info
Price as of July 18, 2026
Automations: Edge Detect | Floor Detect | Dirt Detect | Direction Detect
Cleaning Heads: Swivel Head | Anti Tangle | LED lights | Powered Lift Away
Attachments*: Duster Crevice Tool | HairPro Self Cleaning Pet Power Brush | Pet Multi-Tool | Odor Neutralizer Technology Cartridge
Air Filtration: HEPA Filtration
| Scores | Shark PowerDetect | Average Upright Vacuum Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Wars Overall | 4.59 | 3.22 |
| Performance | 4.05 | 3.26 |
| Features | 4.79 | 2.38 |
| Hard Floor | 3.80 | 3.48 |
| Carpet | 3.64 | 3.71 |
| Attachments | 3.04 | 2.38 |
| Specs | Shark PowerDetect | Average Upright Vacuum Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 16.9 lbs | 15.27 lb |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 1.9 L | 2.56 l |
| Cord Length | 30 ft | 30.54 ft |
| In the Box*: Duster Crevice Tool | HairPro Self Cleaning Pet Power Brush | Pet Multi-Tool | Odor Neutralizer Technology Cartridge | ||
This is our Best Value upright vacuum because it delivers strong cleaning performance and practical features at a price that compares well against more expensive upright models.
We think that the Shark Stratos Powered Lift-Away is an exceptional performer in the premium vacuum category, boasting the strongest suction and airflow of any upright vacuum Shark has offered. Its DuoClean technology ensures top-tier performance on both carpets and hard floors, picking up everything from fine dust to large debris with ease. The new roller design enhances its carpet cleaning capabilities, making it the best Shark vacuum for deep cleaning carpets yet. It's equipped with advanced features like active hair removal, powered lift-away for versatile cleaning, and a complete seal HEPA filtration system, which effectively traps dust and allergens. The Stratos's power, combined with its innovative design, offers an unrivaled cleaning experience. See additional info
Price as of July 18, 2026
Cleaning Heads: Swivel Head | Anti Tangle | LED lights | Powered Lift Away
Attachments*: Upholstery Tool | HairPro Self-cleaning Pet Power Brush | Crevice Tool | Odor Neutralizer Technology Cartridge
Air Filtration: HEPA Filtration
| Scores | Shark Stratos | Average Upright Vacuum Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Wars Overall | 4.50 | 3.22 |
| Performance | 4.52 | 3.26 |
| Features | 3.98 | 2.38 |
| Hard Floor | 4.80 | 3.48 |
| Carpet | 4.80 | 3.71 |
| Attachments | 3.04 | 2.38 |
| Specs | Shark Stratos | Average Upright Vacuum Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 17.3 lb | 15.27 lb |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 1.6 l | 2.56 l |
| Cord Length | 30 ft | 30.54 ft |
| In the Box*: Upholstery Tool | HairPro Self-cleaning Pet Power Brush | Crevice Tool | Odor Neutralizer Technology Cartridge | ||
This is our Best Budget upright vacuum because it keeps the price low while still offering the core carpet and floor-cleaning performance needed from a full-size vacuum.
We are impressed by the Kenmore DU5092 bagless upright vacuum's performance, particularly in debris pickup on various surfaces and its versatility due to multiple attachments. Its standout features include a hair eliminator nozzle, LED lights for spotting hidden debris, and HEPA filtration for excellent air quality. Despite some drawbacks in unsealed suction, it offers great value for its price, making it a reliable choice for homeowners. See additional info
Price as of July 18, 2026
Cleaning Heads: Swivel Head | Anti Tangle | LED lights | Lift Away
Attachments*: 3-In-1 combination tool, Pet HandiMate
Air Filtration: HEPA Filtration
| Scores | Kenmore DU5092 | Average Upright Vacuum Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Wars Overall | 3.91 | 3.22 |
| Performance | 3.61 | 3.26 |
| Features | 3.68 | 2.38 |
| Hard Floor | 2.60 | 3.48 |
| Carpet | 4.80 | 3.71 |
| Attachments | 2.66 | 2.38 |
| Specs | Kenmore DU5092 | Average Upright Vacuum Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 14 lb | 15.27 lb |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 2 l | 2.56 l |
| Cord Length | 30 ft | 30.54 ft |
| In the Box*: 3-In-1 combination tool, Pet HandiMate | ||
While all vacuums under $100 come with trade-offs—like smaller bins, higher noise levels, and no sealed filtration—the Ultra Budget pick delivers the most balanced performance where it matters most.
The Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo 3437F is a lightweight, bagless upright designed to deliver full-size suction in a compact form factor ideal for apartments, dorms, and small homes. It uses a cyclonic cleaning system with multi-level filtration and a foam filter to separate dust and debris while maintaining airflow. The vacuum features a 10-inch cleaning path, 1-liter easy-empty dirt tank, and compact upright design with a carry handle for portability. It is powered by a corded 120-V motor (about 700 watts, ~6.2–7.2 amps) and includes a 25-ft power cord and 5-ft hose for extended reach. A Quick-Release extension wand allows above-floor cleaning, while Scatter-Free Technology helps capture debris on hard floors. The vacuum includes several tools such as a Pet TurboBrush, crevice tool, and dusting brush for cleaning upholstery, stairs, and tight spaces. Additional features include three height settings, multi-surface cleaning for carpets and hard floors, and a standard rotating brush roll. See additional info
Price as of July 18, 2026
Attachments*: Crevice Tool | Dusting Brush | Pet TurboBrush
Air Filtration: HEPA Filtration
| Scores | Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo 3437F | Average Upright Vacuum Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum Wars Overall | 2.31 | 3.22 |
| Performance | 3.26 | 3.26 |
| Features | 0.80 | 2.38 |
| Hard Floor | 3.70 | 3.48 |
| Carpet | 3.31 | 3.71 |
| Attachments | 3.04 | 2.38 |
| Specs | Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo 3437F | Average Upright Vacuum Tested |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.4 lbs | 15.27 lb |
| Dust Bin Capacity | 1 L | 2.56 l |
| Cord Length | 25 ft | 30.54 ft |
| In the Box*: Vacuum, Crevice Tool, Dusting Brush, Pet TurboBrush | ||
Upright Vacuum Cleaner reviews at Vacuum Wars are independent and non-sponsored. This approach ensures that you receive the most unbiased and trustworthy information from us.
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