Like every other electronic devices, vacuum cleaners have evolved over the years. However, that evolution has also created a new type of problem for potential buyers. In the past, you only had to choose between different manufacturers. Now, one manufacturer can have dizzying amount of products. Buying a vacuum cleaner is now a matter of taste and finding the one that best fits the purpose you have in mind.
Also, vacuum cleaners are getting smaller—and that is a good thing for modern homes with smaller spaces. From corded to cordless to robot to stick or handheld, finding the best vacuum cleaners has become so tough that it can keep you awake all night. We put in lots of hours rummaging through the best rated vacuum cleaners—including the less famous—to bring you the best vacuum cleaners for different purposes. Let’s take a dive and see what makes these products to stand out.
Review of the Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2021
Whether you are looking for best upright vacuum cleaners or something that falls within your budget, we’ve got you covered. These products should last for years without much maintenance, giving you full value for your money. However, you need to bear in mind that the overall satisfaction will depend on finding the one that fit your specific taste and need.
10 Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2021
- Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional – Best overall vacuum
- Miele Electro+ – Best Canister vacuum 2021
- Dyson Cyclone V11 Animal – Best cordless vacuum
- Hover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum – Best budget vacuum
- Black+Decker Pet Dustbuster – Best pet hair vacuum
- iRobot Roomba 675 – Best robotic vacuum
- Dyson Upright Ball Multi Floor – Best upright vacuum
- Black+Decker Dustbuster – Best handheld vacuum
- Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS8 – Best bagged vacuum cleaner
- Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Cordless Bagless Vacuum – Best bagless vacuum
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional – Best overall vacuum
If you are looking for the best vacuum cleaner for carpet, wood floor, and hard floor, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away will catch your attention. Designed to be versatile, this vacuum cleaner has a detachable Lift-Away pod that enables you to reach just anywhere. With this setup, you don’t need to carry the whole vacuum up the stairs. All you need to do is detach the pod and enjoy lightweight cleaning.
Another interesting feature of this vacuum is the XL cup with a capacity of 2.2 quarts. This allows you to clean for longer time without frequently interrupting your cleaning to empty the cup. It combines anti Allergen Complete Seal Technology with HEPA filter to trap 99.9 percent of dust and allergens in the vacuum as well as prevent them from going back into the air.
Although the Lift-Away pod of the Shark Navigator is lightweight, the entire vacuum is quite heavy at 13.7 pounds. Also, cords can be a great limitation irrespective of how long the cord may be. This vacuum has a 25 ft. long cord which is not quite impressive. However, it can also be potentially dangerous especially around kids. You also need a $200 budget to afford this. Ignore the potential flaws and you have one of the best cleaning companions on the market.
Pros
- XL cup for longer cleaning without interruption
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology traps dust and allergens
- Lift-Away pod for above floor cleaning
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Heavier than most competitors
- Cord length can be longer
- Energy intensive
Miele Electro+ – Best Canister vacuum 2021
Miele Electro+ is arguably the best canister vacuum in 2021—and the reasons are glaring. It has 6 stage variable speed which makes it quieter than most of the competitors. The suction control allows you to adjust to different cleaning surfaces. Also, the height of the Electro Plus floorhead is adjustable making the cleaning of carpets of different heights possible. The presence of an electrical beater bar ensures the removal of persistent soil that gets embedded on your carpet.
Unlike other vacuum cleaners, it makes use of the special Miele AirClean filter system alongside HEPA filter to ensure maximum filtration. They work together to filter over 99.9% of dust, allergens, and dirty. When you buy this vacuum, you will get three additional accessories which includes dusting brush, crevice tool, and upholstery tool. All these tools help you to clean hard-to-reach corners—simply impressive!
With great power comes great weight. Miele Electro+ weighs 18.7 pounds which is definitely a lot. The filter bag is big, about 3.5 liters which can let you clean longer. However, this canister vacuum is also energy intensive. The price is certainly not for those on a slim budget. If you have the physical and financial muscle, here you go!
Pros
- Floorhead is adjustable
- Large filter bag
- Electrical beater removes persistent soil
- Combines Mierle AirClean filter system with HEPA filter
Cons
- Highly expensive
- Large weight can be a burden
- Energy intensive
Dyson Cyclone V11 Animal – Best cordless vacuum
Dyson Cyclone V11 eliminates the limitations of corded vacuums. The elimination of cord also means using this product will not spike your energy consumption. The manufacturers promote it as the most powerful vacuum with twice the suction power of any other cordless vacuum. When set in auto mode, the torque cleaner head intelligently adapts to different floor types for maximum cleaning with 40% more suction power.
Another innovative feature of this vacuum is the LED screen display that keeps you on track of your cleaning mores, filter maintenance reminders, and blockages. The unique power system consisting of 7-cell lithium-ion batteries gives you about one hour of uninterrupted cleaning. Comes with a drop-in wall-mounted charging dock that keeps it safe as well as handy.
You can transform it to a handheld vacuum to reach under low furniture. When it’s time to take out the dirt, use the point and shoot hygienic dirt ejector to shoot it into the bin. Dyson Cyclone V11 is considerably lightweight at 6.68 pounds. However, the price makes it out of reach for budget buyers.
Pros
- Absence of cord eliminates cleaning restrictions
- Auto mode adapts head to different floors
- LED screen display monitor and reminders
- Transforms to handheld
- Considerably lightweight
Cons
- Extremely expensive
- You need to press and hold the power trigger to stay on
Hover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum – Best budget vacuum
Not having a hundred dollars doesn’t mean you can’t own the best vacuum cleaner. Hover Linx offer just as much as you will get with other high-budget vacuum cleaners. It makes use of fade free interchangeable batteries that makes it possible for you to clean just anywhere. The handle can recline allowing you to clean under furniture without having to move them.
Hover Linx makes use of Windtunnel technology that removes deep embedded dirt and surface debris. Also, it comes with edge cleaning bristles that lets you remove dirt, pet hair, and dust from hard-to-reach edges. The innovative battery gauge instantly lets you know the battery life making it easier for you to plan your cleaning.
This extremely budget-friendly vacuum cleaner weighs 10 pounds which is not entirely lightweight. The battery doesn’t last up to 30 minutes. This can greatly limit the amount of cleaning you can do. There has been a lot of complain about the durability of this product. Well, when it comes down to increasing you budget of sticking with what you can afford, Hover Linx is definitely better than nothing.
Pros
- Highly budget-friendly
- Makes use of interchangeable batteries
- Windtunnel technology removes deep embedded dirt
- Battery gauge provided
- Reclining handle allows you to reach tighter edges
Cons
- Not entirely lightweight
- Battery power is not impressive
Black+Decker Pet Dustbuster – Best pet hair vacuum
Pets lose their hairs far more than humans and this can get your furniture a little messy. Black+Decker promises to help you deal with that. This handheld vacuum is one you will probably see in most vacuum cleaner reviews and the reason is not farfetched. Firstly, it is highly lightweight at just 3.4 pounds. So, you can easily pick it up anytime you need it.
Black+Decker uses a motorized brush to grab stubborn pet hairs, leaving your furniture sparkling clean. Also, it has anti-tangle rubber bristles that quickly lift out hair trapped within carpets and furniture edges. Seamlessly switch between two speeds with a push of a button depending on the sensitivity of the material. Like all top rated vacuum cleaners, it has Smartech sensing features like autosense, battery sense, and filter sense.
Autosense adjust the suction power to optimize runtime while battery sense shows you how much power you have left. Filter sense, on the other hand, tells you when it is time to clean the filter. The presence of a translucent bagless dirt bowl makes it easy to see when it is time to empty the dirt. If you love to get your cleaning done quickly, this will make a great companion.
Pros
- Picks up long pet hairs
- Lightweight and flexible
- Two speed mode selection
- Features Smartech sensing technology
Cons
- Battery lasts less than 30 minutes
- Not much space to hold dirt
iRobot Roomba 675 – Best robotic vacuum
Technology is changing the way we do practically everything including how we vacuum clean our homes. iRobot Roomba is a game changer. Some of its impressive features are Wi-Fi connected, app compatibility, smart navigation, auto adjust cleaning head, as well as Alexa compatibility. This means you can control this robot vacuum with your voice. You will also be getting an impressive 90 minutes runtime before it docks to recharge.
iRobot Roomba makes use of 3 stage cleaning system namely; loosen, lift, and suction dirt, hair, or dust from the floor or carpet. This is made possible by the auto adjust cleaning head which automatically adapts its height to effectively clean all type of surfaces. It has patented dirt detection sensors that allows Roomba to focus on areas with more dirt.
You can connect Roomba with an app to schedule and monitor cleaning sessions. This robotic vacuum weight 6.77 pounds but that will not be a problem since it runs automatically. Inasmuch as Roomba can clean large and small particles, it becomes almost useless when you want to clean anything above the ground. Sudden introduction can scare pets. However, it saves you time and energy which you can invest in other tasks.
Pros
- App and Alexa support
- Auto adjust cleaning head for different surfaces
- Up to 90 minutes runtime
- Schedule cleaning
- Patented sensors detects dirt
Cons
- Not suitable for cleaning above ground surfaces
- Slightly expensive
Dyson Upright Ball Multi Floor – Best upright vacuum
This is one of the most powerful upright vacuum cleaners on the market. It has a massive 42 gallon capacity. It has self-adjusting cleaner head that suctions across carpet, vinyl, wood, and tile floors. It uses radical root cyclone technology to capture more microscopic dust than other vacuum cleaners. With a cord of 31 feet you can reach virtually anywhere around the house.
You can hygienically empty the bin with the push of a button. The presence of instant release wand allows you to empty the bin at the push of the button. The instant release wand and long-reach hose release makes it possible for you to clean high up and under furniture. An icing is the 5-year warranty offered by Dyson.
Inasmuch as this is one of the top 10 vacuum cleaners we strongly recommend, there are a few downsides. Firstly, it weighs 15.6 pounds which can feel like a load. It is also not budget-friendly. The cable is long enough but can be a potential source of danger around the home. It also has the potential of spiking your energy bill. However, if you need a product that can outlast its cost, this should be among your top pick.
Pros
- Massive 42 gallon capacity
- Extremely long 35 ft. cord
- Radical cyclone technology for trapping microscopic dust
- Long reach hose for high surfaces
- Comes with 5-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Extremely heavy
- Highly expensive
- Energy intensive
- Cord can be a potential source of danger
Black+Decker Dustbuster – Best handheld vacuum
Black+Decker will easily grab your attention when you are looking for the best handheld vacuum cleaner. It is powered by a lithium ion battery which is capable of holding its charge for up to 18 months and shuts off automatically when full. An impressive feature of this handheld vacuum cleaner is the Smart Charge Technology which uses 50% less energy. Its dustbowl has a capacity of 20.6 ounces—pretty larger than what you will get with regular handheld vacuums.
It uses cyclonic action to keep the filter clean. The rotating slim nozzle makes it suitable for a variety of applications. Also, the bagless dirt bowl is translucent making it easy for you to know when it is due to be emptied. When you settle for this product, you will also get 2-year limited warranty. Sometimes, warranty is all you need to keep your mind at rest when making a purchase.
Black+Decker weighs only 2.6 pounds making it one of the best lightweight handheld vacuum cleaners. On the down side, the battery takes four hours to charge but doesn’t last that long during use. Also, a lot of customers complain the battery stopped working after a short use. Considering the low price, it is still a good investment for non-regular users.
Pros
- Smart charge technology makes it energy efficient
- Automatically shuts off when fully charged
- Extremely lightweight
- Highly affordable
- Comes with 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- Runtime is less than 30 minutes
- Durability of battery is highly questionable
Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS8 – Best bagged vacuum cleaner
Bagged vacuum cleaner never go out of taste and one brand that really stands out is Oreck. This upright bagged cleaner has 12-inch-wide cleaning path allowing you to cover more area within a shorter time. Like other best rated vacuum cleaners, Oreck feature automatic floor adjustment which enables the vacuum to move between carpets and hard surfaces without you having to manually adjust the settings.
There is more to this vacuum cleaner than just the bagged design. It has 35 ft. power cord that allows you to reach the farthest part of the room. Also, it has edge brushes that gets dirt off hard-to-reach areas. One area this product really stand out is the disposable inner bag. With this product you will also get 1-year commercial warranty.
Oreck weighs 9 pounds which is slightly heavier than some of the competing brands. It is only slightly expensive. However, if you are not used to a bagged vacuum cleaners, you might have a hard time trying to keep the bag in place. Apart from these shortfalls, this is one of the best bagged vacuum cleaners on the market.
Pros
- Extremely long power cord
- Microsweep feature for automatic floor adjustment
- Disposable inner bag
- Cleaning path is 12-inch wide
Cons
- Slightly expensive
- Cables can be a potential source of accident
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Cordless Bagless Vacuum – Best bagless vacuum
The main advantage of Shark Rocket is that it can be used for cleaning the floor or ceiling. The hand vacuum can fit into the bottom of the wand or can be secured to a wall mount providing you with dial storage. This product has a 500 wattage rating meaning that it will not lead to a sudden spike in your utility bills.
It is also considerably lightweight at 8.2 pounds making it easier for you to handle. Accompanying the package are home and car detail kit micro tools which makes it easy to clean the tiniest of spaces. The controls are strategically placed within fingertips making it easy for you to switch from hard floor to carpet.
Like most vacuum, Shark Rocket is not perfect. The cord is only 25ft long which can be a big limitation to the areas you can reach. The dust capacity is also very low (0.42 quarts) and it lacks self-cleaning brushroll. This vacuum certainly finds the balance between performance and style.
Pros
- Suitable for cleaning the floor and ceiling
- Energy efficient
- Comes with accessories for cleaning hard-to-reach areas
- Fingertip controls
Cons
- Power cord could be longer
- Dust capacity is not the largest
- Manual adjustment when moving between surfaces
Buying Guide for the Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2021
Depending on your type of home as well as the type of furniture you have, some vacuum cleaners can work better for you than others. Owning the right vacuum cleaners will not only make it easier for you to keep your home clean but also save you a lot of energy. Whatever product tickles your fancy, pay attention to these features before making payment. Given the huge price of most vacuum cleaners, you need to get it right every time.
Bagged or Bagless
Recent vacuum cleaners are bagless. The dirt collects in a canister which you have to dispose in your bin. This saves you the stress of buying and replacing the bags all the time. However, disposing the dirt in the canister also exposes those with allergy to dust which can trigger a hard episode. With bagged vacuum cleaners, the dirt and dust are collected in a bag which you just have to remove and dispose. In this case, changing the bag can be costly. Your choice here is literarily between safety and cost.
Cord or Cordless
With wired vacuum cleaners you get to clean as much as you want without limitation. However, the presence of a wire means you can only clean within the range of your cable. Most wired vacuums will spike your energy bill. Also, you can trip on the cables and fall—or your kids can. In all, wires are potentially dangerous. With wireless you don’t have to worry too much about rising energy bill or limiting your cleaning to areas within the reach of the cable. However, you still have to worry about the battery life. If you want to clean for 1 hour and your battery lasts only 30 minutes, that can be a big blow to your plan.
Head adjustment
Here, it is a choice between manual or automatic head adjustment. Some vacuum cleaners will automatically adjust the height of the head as you move from one surface to another. In others, you need to make this adjustment manually. Bear this in mind so you don’t damage your cleaner.
Weight
The weight of a vacuum cleaner has a lot to do with the experience you will get. If it’s too heavy and lacks a hose, you can’t make use of it for cleaning the ceiling. The weight becomes even more of a problem if you are going to be moving up and down a flight of stairs. You don’t want your back to ache from pushing heavy vacuum cleaners. However, you need to bear in mind that more performance often come at the cost of higher weight.
Price
We all want the best things in life but price is often the major factor that determines what we will get. Inasmuch as majority of the best vacuum cleaners cost above $200, it is still possible to find a great vacuum below this price. Thus, we advise that you should be very flexible when setting your budget limit—except where it is impossible to do so.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best vacuum cleaner 2021?
Shark Navigator is arguably the best vacuum cleaner in 2021. You will certainly find it in most vacuum cleaner reviews. However, all the products on our list stand out for one reason or the other.
What is the best robot vacuum?
After reviewing tens of robot vacuum, we picked iRobot Roomba as our favorite. When you read through our review on this product, you will find out why it should be your favorite too.
What is the best vacuum for hardwood floors?
When it comes to cleaning hardwood surfaces, Shark Rocket stands out as one of the best options.
What is the best vacuum for pet hair?
Black+Decker is a must have if you have pets around the home. These wireless handheld vacuum cleaners are easy to use and do the work efficiently.
What is the best cordless vacuum?
Dyson Cyclone V11 is one of the best cordless vacuum cleaner on the market. Scroll to our review to see all the unique features that makes it a stunner.
Which vacuum has the strongest suction?
In terms of suction power, only a few products can match Dyson Upright Ball Multi Floor. The inclusion of a smart ball is the game-changer that gives this product unrivalled suctioning power.
Is Shark better than Dyson?
None of the brands are better than the other. They both parade a range of product that can match the other in performance. However, Dyson is usually more expensive and heavier when compared with product of similar features from Shark brand. Dyson usually have longer power cord which allows you to reach more areas.
Is Shark a good vacuum brand?
Shark makes a wide range of amazing vacuum cleaners. Finding a product that matches your expectation can greatly influence what you think about the brand.
Conclusion
Once you have made your pick, make sure you follow all the instructions stated by the manufacturer in terms of use and storage to make sure your product gives you the best value for money. This means paying attention to the controls if you are using a vacuum cleaner with manual control. Even when your vacuum cleaner is covered by warranty, bear in mind that you may still be asked to pay for shipping the replacement parts. Understand that every vacuum cleaner have a potential flaw. However, if it matches your need up to eighty percent, you can call it a great purchase. We have lined up ten of the best vacuum cleaners on the market but feel free to make your own research but pay attention to our buying guide for the best result.
Last update on 2020-09-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API