11 Best Vacuums of 2025

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Vacuum cleaners can be pricey, so it's best to do some research on high-quality models and consider what will work best for you, your home and your floor types. I've tested dozens of vacuums while working in the Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab, so I know which brands and models are best for each individual. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly vacuum options, lightweight models, high-tech vacuums with AI features or a simple, traditional vacuum cleaner, I've got a recommendation for you.

Our Top Pick: The Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum Cleaner AX3000. We loved this multitasking vacuum's ability to clean different floor types, useful attachments, powerful suction, compact size, easy-to-empty dust cup and a HEPA filter. All for a fair price.

To help you find the best vacuums, I've gathered a list of top-performing vacuums from our tests. In the Lab, we put all types of vacuums through extensive testing based on ASTM International industry-standard methods and use a custom-built machine to quantify the amount of embedded dirt that the vacuum cleaners remove from medium-pile carpeting. In addition, we assess bare floor cleaning, pet hair pick up, ease of use and more.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: If you prefer bagless vacuums but still want a model that filters out tiny particles, this sealed vacuum with a HEPA filter is a great option. It also boasts similar features to our previous pick for best overall, the APEX Upright Vacuum Cleaner, which has since been discontinued by Shark.

IN OUR LAB TESTS: When I tested the Shark Stratos, it was able to gobble up large and small debris (including hair!) on wood, tile and vinyl floors as well as low and medium-to-high pile carpets. The vacuum works fast and can clean along wall edges, thanks to its double-brush roll nozzle. The self-cleaning brush roll successfully prevented hair clogging, helpful for pet owners. I did, however, find the vacuum to be a tad bulky.

WHY WE LOVE IT: In addition to a HEPA filter, the Shark Stratos also features a sealed system to help keep dust inside the vacuum, making it a great choice for families with allergy sufferers. I also appreciate how versatile it is: you can turn the upright vacuum into a stick vacuum or a handheld canister for cleaning under furniture, windowsills and more. The model is easy to use and has a large carry handle on top of the canister as well as well-labeled buttons.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: I Tested Shark's Stratos Upright Vacuum Cleaner

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Based on our tests of similar Bissell models with many of the same features, I think the CleanView Bagless Vacuum is a great basic, affordable model for cleaning hard floors, carpets and other surfaces.

WHY WE LOVE IT: While it doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles of pricier vacuums, like multiple suction levels, a HEPA filter or a brush roll that can be turned off, it does have five height options ranging from bare floors to high pile carpets, an 8-foot hose for cleaning above the floor and a large, easy-to-empty dust cup.

A few of our other favorite perks on a vacuum at this price point are a TurboBrush tool similar to the motorized pet tools on many pricier models, a retractable cord and onboard storage for the tools.

RELATED: The Best Bissell Vacuums

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: This stick vacuum is ideal for those who want an easy-to-use model that can do it all. With multiple settings and attachment options for different surfaces to clean, this vacuum has a one-hour run time, which is quite high for a cordless model.

IN OUR LAB TESTS: Dyson stick vacuums are always among the best in our tests for both excellent performance and incredible features, and this V15 Detect is no exception. It earned a spot in our Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Awards in 2021 thanks to its innovative fluffy roller brush attachment that shines a laser on the floor to spotlight the tiniest bits of invisible, often overlooked debris.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Its whole-machine filtration helps keep allergens from escaping and the V15 Detect automatically increases the suction and speed of the brush roll to match the floor type and amount of dust it senses during cleaning. I like the clear LCD screen that shows battery life and the number and sizes of the particles being picked up.

Like most stick vacuums, this Dyson converts to a hand vacuum, though at over 6 pounds, it's heavier than others we've tested, and all this fancy technology comes at a bit of a steep price.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Dyson V15 Detect Cordless Stick Vacuum

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: The best vacuums for homes with pets are those that pick up hair from all surfaces and keep allergens and odors contained. This Kenmore wins on all accounts.

IN OUR LAB TESTS: The Pet Friendly Pop-N-Go aced our floor cleaning tests, we found the controls easy to use and the big wheels made maneuvering a breeze. I loved that the floor brush can be quickly attached with the press of a button. Some online reviewers said the hose was a bit short, but it didn't bother us during testing.

Why we love it: Powerful and versatile, this model has a motorized power nozzle to deep clean carpets, a mini motorized brush tool to lift pet hair from upholstery and a floor brush to gather fur on hardwoods and other bare floors. Bonus: All attachments except the power nozzle can be stored right on the vacuum.

To minimize odors, the disposable dust bag and sealed system keep unwanted debris from escaping while cleaning and the HEPA filter on the exhaust traps microscopic particles for those with allergies.

RELATED: The Best Vacuums for Pet Hair

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: This model is a great choice if your floors are mostly wood or laminate, thanks to its large parquet floor brush that safely and thoroughly cleans the cracks and crevices of hardwood floors.

IN OUR LAB TESTS: Miele is famous for making beautifully designed, great-performing vacuums. This little canister impressed us so much by its pick-up performance, high-end features, HEPA filter, attachments and more, earning it a Good Housekeeping Best Cleaning & Organizing Award. In our tests, it left no debris behind on any bare floor — including vinyl and tile — and it was very easy to maneuver and carry thanks to its oversized wheels, compact design and easy-grip handle.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Its extra-large dust cup is super easy to remove and the HEPA filter minimizes allergens emitted while vacuuming. Our testers called it “cute” and "convenient" with its retractable cord and place to clip the wand, though one wished that it also had an easy way to wrap the hose for even neater storage.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Vacuum mops are an excellent floor-cleaning innovation for those who have small storage spaces and want to clean all different floors and messes with one tool.

IN OUR LAB TESTS: The Dreame H12 Pro is an updated version of a previously tested pick with many of the same capabilities and features. We sent it out to consumer testers who confirmed it was easy and effective to use. One liked its speed, especially on hardwood floors, saying, “It honestly did all of the work and I barely had to fuss with a wet mop head or dry it off."

WHY WE LOVE IT: This two-in-one model sucks up both dry and wet spills and washes your floors all during the same cleaning session. Its edge-to-edge cleaning gets into corners and along baseboards, and a voice assistant provides cleaning and status updates. Improvements like a roller drying feature after self-cleaning and greater capacity in the dirty water tank make this model easier to care for, though some Amazon shoppers note that it can smell even if it hasn't sucked up anything smelly.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: If you're tired of cleaning the dustbin of a bagless vacuum and you're willing to spend big bucks on a vacuum, you'll love this self-emptying model with high-tech features.

IN OUR LAB TESTS: The Samsung ran for well over an hour, had excellent pick-up power and used AI technology to automatically adjust the suction and brush roll speed to the flooring type. Three cleaning modes — min, mid and max — adapt it to different carpet pile heights and densities.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The Samsung Bespoke Jet AI stick vacuum earned a spot in our most recent GH Best Cleaning & Organizing Awards thanks to its sensors and artificial intelligence that select the best power mode. These AI features spike the price of this model, but we think it's well worth it for effectively cleaning multiple floor and carpet types throughout a home. Plus, the vacuum runs for over an hour and is excellent at self-emptying. And I love that this model automatically closes the dustbin door once it's empty. When the bag is full, simply toss and replace it. The Samsung comes with extra dust bags and an assortment of attachments, though I wish it came with an extra battery for an even longer run time.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: You can walk around and vacuum cars, sofas, outdoor furniture, hard-to-reach places, shelves and more with this powerful handheld model.

IN OUR LAB TESTS: Worx beat 18 other handheld vacuums to earn the top overall score across tests on carpet, bare floors and pet hair pickup. Though we rated it highly across all of our testing categories, we did note that pet hair clung to the brush attachment. Its dust cup is small, but it empties from the bottom with the click of one button.

The Worx cordless cube ran for 23 minutes on low speed in our Lab tests but can run for longer with a higher-capacity battery from the brand. Although it's a little heavier than other handheld vacuums, you don't need to hold it to use it. It's quiet and all of its tools store on board.

WHY WE LOVE IT: Not your typical handheld vac design, the Worx has a unique boxy shape, a removable battery that fits into other Worx tools and a top handle for easy toting. It's a great option for a car vacuum for those reasons.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Designed to last for years, this Miele canister vacuum does an excellent job of picking up and trapping dust and dirt.

IN OUR LAB TETS: This Miele model comes equipped with a parquet floor brush, sturdy metal telescoping wands and a motorized brush roll with headlights. And it offers five different suction settings to clean everything from delicate drapes and lampshades to plush, high-pile carpets. It is one of the most expensive canister vacuums we’ve tested, but it is a favorite in our Lab and will last for years, preventing you from needing to replace it down the line.

WHY WE LOVE IT: The high-filtration dust bag and HEPA AirClean filter help keep dust from being released back into the air. The power cord is retractable and all of the included tools can be stored in the canister. According to some online reviewers, its small wheels can get caught when pulling the vacuum along, and it clocks in at over 20 pounds making carrying it upstairs difficult for some.

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Robot vacuums are a great tool for busy people who want to extend the length of time in between manual cleanings. If you don’t have room for a combo vacuum mop or self-emptying unit, this standalone robot vac saves space without compromising on power.

IN OUR LAB TESTS: This Dyson was the highest scoring standalone robot vac in our GH Cleaning Lab tests. It outperformed all other robot models in removing heavy debris like sand in our carpet pickup tests. It also did well in our pet fur removal tests, and its soft roller proved to be great at resisting hair tangles too.

WHY WE LOVE IT: It avoids obstacles like shoes and slippers, can map and remember multiple rooms and even generates a heat map showing the dirtiest parts of your floor plan. It also accomplishes edge cleaning with a retractable “side-actuator” duct rather than the traditional spinning brushes which can become tangled with pet hair or fling hard debris across the room. It automatically adjusts suction when moving between hard flooring and carpet and even increases suction when it senses an area is particularly dirty.

READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Dyson 360 Vis Nav Robot Vacuum

WHO IT'S BEST FOR: Those who live in a large home and are interested in robot vacuums should consider this Dreame model, which has a long runtime, a generous dust bin and superb maneuverability.

IN OUR LAB TESTS: Self-emptying bases are all the rage now, and in our tests, the L10s managed to empty all of the hair and debris in the vacuum into its base without clogging or leaving anything behind in the brush roll. I love the easy-to-use app that allows you to schedule cleanings and view the progress from a camera that is attached to the vacuum. This vacuum also came in second out of 10 vacuums for maneuverability.

WHY WE LOVE IT: We've tested many Dreame stick vacuums, robots and vacuum mops in the GH Cleaning Lab and can confidently say that it's one of our favorite brands because it performs well for the price in multiple categories, including robot vacuums, vacuum-mop combos and mops for hardwood floors.

This L10s combination robot vacuums and mops floors all in one cleaning session. And rather than using just plain water, it comes with the brand's own cleaning solution, which fits inside the charging base and dispenses automatically. The mop pads spin to scrub floors clean, and the robot seamlessly switches between bare floors and carpet without getting the carpet wet. The only hiccup is that it's pricey.

In the Good Housekeeping Cleaning Lab, we have tested hundreds of different vacuum cleaners including the best self-empty robot vacuums, top-performing HEPA vacuums, best-in-class car vacuums and more.

We're constantly getting new samples in for testing, and as a member of ASTM International's F11 Vacuum Cleaner Committee, we meet twice yearly with engineers and technical representatives from all brands to help develop and shape the vacuum cleaner test standards we all use to assess performance, ease of use, durability and more.

All vacuums are tested exactly the same way for more accurate performance comparisons, and our tests are based on the ASTM International industry standard test methods.

With a custom-built, automated machine (pictured) that makes the same number of passes over the same test carpeting, we objectively measure how well each vacuum removes dirt deeply embedded into medium-pile carpet. We even have a separate machine to clean the carpets between test runs so one result won't influence the next.

We look at how well the vacuums remove large and small debris, like gritty sand and dried orzo pasta, from hard flooring, how well they clean along edges and how much suction they draw through the tools. We use industry-standard rayon fibers to simulate pet hair that we evenly spread on a carpet’s surface to see how well each machine cleans it up.

In addition to performance testing, we test for ease of use of each vacuum cleaner. This testing includes evaluating maneuverability, battery run-time for cordless vacuum cleaners, the ease of the controls and how simple it is to empty and clean the dust cup or change the bag. We also factor in the weight of each model. All special features and claims are assessed, and we even give the tool storage and owner's manual a grade.

Because maneuverability can be different from one consumer to the next, we have consumer testers rate the vacuums’ maneuverability by running them on a bare floor and carpet, around corners and under furniture. They rate the ease of removing the dust cups or bags and the ease of operating the vacuums’ controls. We also test any other features like battery charge indicators, brush roll control buttons and other tools and accessories.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a single, universal vacuum that’s perfect for everyone, but there are some things to consider to help you make the best decision.

✔️ Bag or bagless: Both types clean well in our Cleaning Lab tests. Bagless models come with a dust cup and filter that needs frequent emptying and cleaning. The advantage is that you don’t have to stock up on bags or ever worry about running out of them. They can be messy to clean and empty, though, and may not be the best choice for those with dust allergies. Bagged vacuums are easier and neater to maintain and are great for allergy sufferers since all dust and allergens remain sealed in the dust bag. All you do is toss the bag when it’s about ⅔ full. You do need to keep a supply of replacement bags on hand.

✔️ Cord or cordless: Decide whether you want a vacuum with a cord, which can limit how far you can vacuum until you need to find another outlet, or if you prefer cordless, which has a battery life you'll need to monitor. You can also opt for a robot vacuum, which does the cleaning for you and goes back to recharge on its own when it’s time, but the charging base must remain connected to a power outlet and should not be moved so the robot knows how to get back to it after cleaning.

✔️ Attachments: The handy attachments that come along with your vacuum are equally important. A motorized power nozzle can help you clean carpets and rugs more efficiently, while a crevice tool can help you reach tough spots that tend to collect dust, such as behind a couch or dresser. There are also tools such as a mini-turbo brush that work wonders when it comes to getting your pet’s hair off furniture.

✔️ Battery life and dust cup: Let the size of your home guide you. If you live in a small apartment, you can consider a corded vacuum or one that doesn’t need as much battery life; if you have multiple floors, you'll want a longer run time and a bigger dust cup. If you have stairs, you’ll need a vacuum that can easily go up and down each step all while picking up dirt and dust. If you have a lot of carpet in your bedrooms, an upright vacuum cleaner or canister with a rotating brush roll will do the best job, whereas a vacuum cleaner with soft bristles or a brush roll that can be turned off is better suited for hardwood floors.

✔️ Cleaning modes: Consider a vacuum with various cleaning modes if you like the option to fully customize your cleaning experience or you're looking for one product that can clean multiple floor types. Plus, different cleaning modes (like Eco) have longer or shorter battery run times with less or more powerful suction. This can be helpful when you're trying to vacuum larger floor areas versus suck up a specific mess in one small area.

✔️ Weight: Lastly, the weight of a vacuum makes all the difference when lifting it up and down the stairs and around the house. A heavier, larger option may be great for power and durability, but it's not ideal if you live in a multi-level home or want to vacuum hard-to-reach places.

✔️ Choose an upright vacuum cleaner if:

✔️ Opt for a canister vacuum cleaner if:

✔️ Consider a stick vacuum cleaner if:

✔️ Go with a robot vacuum cleaner if:

✔️ Pick a handheld vacuum cleaner if:

A HEPA filter is a special high-performance filter that traps 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size — too small to see with the naked eye, but not too small to be felt by allergy sufferers. A HEPA filter on a vacuum cleaner is best located on the exhaust, where the air blows out of the vacuum and back into the room. Dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke and more are all caught by these high-efficiency filters that are also found on air purifiers, and since HEPA filters are available on many upright, canister and stick vacuums, it’s relatively easy to find a model to fit your needs.

Be wary of vacuums with “HEPA-type” or “HEPA-like” filters. They may look like traditional pleated HEPA filters and likely will trap some small particles, but they could miss the tiny, microscopic ones that can't escape a true HEPA filter. Vacuums with HEPA filters are generally more expensive. Less expensive vacuums can be sealed and have filters that grab 99% of particles down to 0.5 microns, but only a HEPA filter nabs 99.97% of particles as tiny as 0.3 microns (and yes, that can make a difference!).

Carolyn Forté has tested and reviewed hundreds of vacuum cleaners, carpet cleaners, mops and other major (and minor) home appliances as executive director of the Home Care Lab. She oversees all testing done in the Cleaning Lab and recently tested all of the handheld, stick, upright and canister vacuums that were submitted for consideration in the most recent Cleaning and Organizing Awards. She is an active member of the ASTM Committee on vacuum cleaners and chairman of the consumer information sub-committee.

Carolyn selected all of the picks for this round-up and advised the Cleaning Lab's former reviews analyst, Jodhaira Rodriguez, during the testing of wet-dry vacuum and mop combo devices, one of which was included in this list of the best vacuums. Rodriguez updated this story with notes from other Lab analysts’ extensive testing and research notes.

Carolyn Forté brings more than 40 years of experience as a consumer products expert to her role as executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute's Home Care and Cleaning Lab. Using deep analytical testing and writing expertise in appliances, cleaning, textiles and organizational products, she produces cleaning and home care advice for GH, has authored numerous books and bookazines for the brand and partners with the American Cleaning Institute to co-produce the Discover Cleaning Summits. She holds a bachelor's degree in family and consumer sciences from Queens College, City University of New York.

From 2021 to 2023, Jodhaira (she/her) was a product reviews analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care & Cleaning Lab, where she tested and wrote about home appliances, cleaning products and cleaning tips. Prior to joining GH, she graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s degree in forensic science and spent two years as an analyst in an environmental lab in Queens.

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Our Top Pick: weput all types of vacuums through extensive testing based on ASTM International industry-standard methods Weight: Cord length:Battery life/Run time: Bag or bagless: Dust cup capacity: Cleaning modes:WHO IT'S BEST FOR: IN OUR LAB TESTS: WHY WE LOVE IT: READ OUR FULL REVIEW:Weight: Cord length:Battery life/Run time: Bag or bagless: Dust cup capacity: Cleaning modes:WHO IT'S BEST FOR:a great basic, affordable model for cleaning hard floors, carpets and other surfaces.WHY WE LOVE IT: RELATED: Weight: Cord length:Battery life/Run time: Bag or bagless: Dust cup capacity: Cleaning modes:WHO IT'S BEST FOR: IN OUR LAB TESTS: IN OUR LAB TESTS: IN OUR LAB TESTS:WHY WE LOVE IT: WHY WE LOVE IT: READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Weight: Cord length:Battery life/Run time: Bag or bagless: Dust cup capacity: Cleaning modes:WHO IT'S BEST FOR: IN OUR LAB TESTS: Why we love it: RELATED:Weight: Cord length:Battery life/Run time: Bag or bagless: Dust cup capacity: Cleaning modes:WHO IT'S BEST FOR: IN OUR LAB TESTS: WHY WE LOVE IT:Weight: Cord length:Battery life/Run time: Bag or bagless: Dust cup capacity: Cleaning modes:WHO IT'S BEST FOR: IN OUR LAB TESTS: WHY WE LOVE IT: Weight: Cord length:Battery life/Run time: Bag or bagless: Dust cup capacity: Cleaning modes:WHO IT'S BEST FOR: IN OUR LAB TESTS: WHY WE LOVE IT: WHY WE LOVE IT:Weight: Cord length:Battery life/Run time: Bag or bagless: Dust cup capacity: Cleaning modes:WHO IT'S BEST FOR:IN OUR LAB TESTS: WHY WE LOVE IT: Weight: Cord length:Battery life/Run time: Bag or bagless: Dust cup capacity: Cleaning modes:WHO IT'S BEST FOR: IN OUR LAB TETS: WHY WE LOVE IT: Weight: Cord length:Battery life/Run time: Bag or bagless: Dust cup capacity: Cleaning modes:WHO IT'S BEST FOR:IN OUR LAB TESTS:WHY WE LOVE IT:READ OUR FULL REVIEW:Dyson 360 Vis Nav Robot VacuumWeight: Cord length:Battery life/Run time: Bag or bagless: Dust cup capacity: Cleaning modes:WHO IT'S BEST FOR: IN OUR LAB TESTS: WHY WE LOVE IT: All vacuums are tested exactly the same way for more accurate performance comparisons,custom-built, automated machine (pictured) that makes the same number of passes over the same test carpeting, we objectively measure how well each vacuum removes dirtwe test for ease of use of each vacuum cleaner.consumer testers rate the vacuums’ maneuverability by running them on a bare floor and carpet, around corners and under furnitureBag or bagless:Cord or cordless:Attachments: Battery life and dust cup:Cleaning modes: Weight: Choose an upright vacuum cleaner if:Opt for a canister vacuum cleaner if: Consider a stick vacuum cleaner if:Go with a robot vacuum cleaner if:Pick a handheld vacuum cleaner if:a special high-performance filter that traps 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns in size Carolyn Forté Jodhaira Rodriguez

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