Best Lightweight
Dyson V15 Detect Absolute
Pros
- Cordless and lightweight
- HEPA filtration
- Built-in sensor to detect and light up dust
- 60-minute run time per charge
- Powerful suction
Cons
- May need frequent emptying
- Can be difficult to empty
Key Specs
- Vacuum type: Cordless, bagless, upright
- Filter type: HEPA
- Capacity: 0.2 gallons
- Special features: HEPA filtration, adjustable suction, built-in light for dust
For a powerful vacuum that’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, consider the Dyson V15 Detect Absolute. It’s a cordless upright vacuum that weighs less than 7 pounds (lb), so it’s ideal for quickly cleaning up messes around the house. The powerful suction makes it a good fit for more heavy-duty vacuuming, too. Tester Sarah Glinski says, “It has a long battery life and gives an extremely deep clean.” According to the Dyson website, the vacuum can run for 60 minutes on a single charge.
According to Glinski, the major drawback of the vacuum is that the canister is fairly small and difficult to empty, and it needs to be emptied frequently. “Sometimes hair or fur gets stuck, and I have to shake it quite vigorously to remove debris,” she says. This is also a more expensive choice than many other upright, cordless vacuums.
Runner-Up The Dyson V10 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum is easy to maneuver and extremely lightweight. Tester Malissa Rodenburg likes that it’s compact enough to easily use on furniture and in the car, too.
Best for Mobility Issues
Tapo RV30 Max Plus
Pros
- Hands-free vacuuming option
- Built-in automatic mop
- Maps the floors on a grid to ensure complete cleaning
- Adjustable suction based on flooring type
Cons
- Suction not as powerful as other vacuum types
- Slower than manual vacuuming
Key Specs
- Vacuum type: Robot
- Filter type: HEPA
- Capacity: 3 liters (L)
- Special features: Built-in mop, automatic mapping, self-empties into base, adjustable suction based on flooring type
The dustbin empties automatically into the base, which can store up to 3 L of debris in a sealed dust bag. According to Tapo, this means it only needs to be emptied roughly every 60 days. The vacuum also uses a HEPA filter. “The app is comprehensive in terms of features,” adds Olsen. “I love that I can view the live mapping, set up rooms and cleaning preferences, and watch in real time.”
However, one common problem with robot vacuums is that the suction isn’t as powerful as many other vacuums, especially in the more affordable models like this one that’s under $300. “I found that it missed some key debris and crumbs,” says Olsen, “And it does take some time to clean.”
Runner-Up If you have mobility issues but prefer to avoid robot vacuums, consider the affordable Bissell 2156A Zing Canister Bagless Vacuum. It’s lightweight, and tester Eve Lederman says it wheels around very easily.
Best Robot
Roborock Saros 10R
Pros
- Dual smart mop–vacuum combo
- Performed well, according to our tester
- Easy-to-use scheduling features
- Self-emptying base
- HEPA filtration
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than other vacuums
- Noisy
Key Specs
- Vacuum type: Robot
- Filter type: HEPA
- Capacity: 2.5 L
- Special features: Built-in mop, precision navigation, dirt detection, scheduling ability
Among the many robot vacuums and robot dual mop-vacuums our team tried, the Roborock Saros 10R performed especially well. It’s both a vacuum and a mop, and it features a self-emptying base that collects debris from the vacuum and stores both clean and dirty water from the mop. “This has been great at keeping the general day-to-day dirt and dog hair buildup at bay,” says tester Michael Striker.
The vacuum boasts a number of smart features, including precision navigation and seamless switching between vacuum and mop modes. It has a built-in light, sensors to assist with dirt detection, and brushes that help to clean corners more efficiently. It’s also equipped with a washable HEPA filter. The dust bag in the base holds 2.5 L, and, according to Roborock, it only needs to be changed approximately every seven weeks. Striker appreciates the simplicity and ease of use of the scheduling features on the Roborock app, too.
The largest complaint from Striker was that it’s a little loud while in use. “Trying to find the best time to run the vacuum has been the hardest part while working from home,” he says. At more than $1,500, this is also one of the most expensive vacuum cleaners our team tested.
Runner-Up The Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro has many of the same features as the Roborock Saros 10R, but setup was tricky and time-consuming during testing.
Best for Pets
Shark Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum
Pros
- HEPA filtration system
- Bagless and easy to empty
- Odor-neutralizing technology
- PowerFins keep hair from wrapping around the brush roller
- Powerful suction
Cons
- Tricky to use on the stairs
- Bagless vacuum may not be ideal for people with allergies
Key Specs
- Vacuum type: Upright
- Filter type: HEPA
- Capacity: 2.9 L
- Special features: PowerFins, odor-neutralizing technology
A powerful vacuum with strong suction and easy-to-use corner and detailing tools is a must for managing pet hair and dander, making the Shark Rotator Pet Upright Vacuum an excellent choice for pet owners. “When it comes to pet hair, you need a powerful vacuum that can get it all up out of the carpet,” says tester Raki Swanson. “This is it.”
The roller is designed to maintain constant contact with your floors using Shark’s PowerFins design, which also helps prevent hair from getting wrapped around the brush roller. The vacuum also features odor-neutralizing technology to help eliminate unpleasant smells. It features a HEPA filter and a complete seal system to trap dust and allergens and is bagless, making it easy to empty into your trash can. Swanson has owned this vacuum for more than a year and says the suction is still just as powerful as it was on its first day of use.
However, Swanson notes that it can be tricky to use this vacuum on the stairs. Although it has a 12-foot hose attachment, it’s not long enough to reach from the bottom to the top of a regular flight of stairs. Because it’s bagless, it may not be the best fit for people with allergies because particles can be rereleased into the air when emptying the canister.
Runner-Up The Dyson Ball Animal Origin Upright Vacuum is heavy, but tester Jen Sinclair says it can pick up pet hair in a single pass.
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Best Handheld
Dyson Car+Boat Handheld Vacuum
Pros
- Strong suction
- Fully sealed HEPA filtration system
- Three attachments
Cons
- Heavier than other handheld vacuums
- Significantly more expensive than comparable vacuums
Key Specs
- Vacuum type: Handheld
- Filter type: HEPA filter
- Capacity: 0.14 gallons
- Special features: Three attachments, closed HEPA filtration
A strong handheld vacuum like the Dyson Car+Boat Handheld Vacuum is ideal for small spaces with lots of nooks and crannies, such as those found inside vehicles. It can also be used to clean up small messes like crumbs or dry food spills. For people with no carpet or rugs, a handheld vacuum like this one can also serve as a stand-in for a full-sized vacuum in addition to a broom and mop. “I love how strong the suction is,” says tester Ashley Ziegler. “It packs a surprising punch!”
The Dyson Car+Boat has a fully sealed HEPA filtration system, and the battery can last for up to 50 minutes on a full charge. Because it's handheld, it has a small dust cup that needs to be frequently emptied. It comes with three attachments, including a crevice tool and a combination tool for awkward spaces.
“It’s heavier than others I’ve tried, but it’s also stronger and comes with more attachments,” says Ziegler. However, she notes it’s also more expensive than many other comparable handheld vacuums, although they may not be as powerful. “I think there’s a brand-name premium here,” she says.
Runner-Up The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is another good choice for small cleaning jobs. Tester Simone Scully was pleased with its performance and portability.
Best for Allergies
Kenmore 600 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum
Pros
- Bagged HEPA filtration system
- Vacuum hose has a 9.5-foot reach
- Four attachments
- Four height levels
Cons
- Vacuum is heavier than others
- Canister can be awkward to move around
Key Specs
- Vacuum type: Bagged canister
- Filter type: HEPA
- Capacity: 0.55 gallons
- Special features: Four height adjustment levels, four attachments, HEPA bagged filtration system
Canister vacuums that have a sealed, bagged HEPA filtration system — such as the Kenmore 600 Series Bagged Canister Vacuum — can be particularly helpful for trapping allergens, according to Dr. Shepherd. Bagged filtration systems trap allergens and seal them within the bag, so there’s minimal exposure to allergens because you don’t have to empty the canister contents directly into the trash can.
Canister vacuums can also be helpful for people with limited mobility. “It’s fairly agile when in use,” says Katie Tuttle. “It’s also constructed in such a way as to limit the amount of bending over you have to do in order to switch out the parts or retract the cord.”
The vacuum features four height-adjustment levels to accommodate different flooring types, from hard floors to high-pile carpets. It also includes four attachments: a bare-floor tool, a dusting brush, a crevice tool, and a Pet PowerMate for removing pet hair and dander. The attachments have a reach of 9.5 feet from the canister. With a dust bin capacity of 0.55 gallons, each dust bag can last for up to two months of regular vacuuming.
“The canister is a bit awkward, as it drags along behind you as you vacuum,” says Tuttle. “However, the vacuum has enough reach that you aren’t constantly adjusting it.” Although the vacuum weighs 24 lbs, which is heavier than many other vacuums, the canister has wheels that make it easier to maneuver.
Runner-up: The Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum is a good choice for people with allergies who prefer an upright vacuum. Tester Nicole Bonaccorso says, “It feels powerful and effective.”
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Best Bagless
Levoit LVAC-300 Cordless Vacuum
Pros
- Convenient and lightweight
- Powerful suction for a cordless vacuum
- Three settings for different floor types
- Crevice tool and upholstery brush included
Cons
- Small dust cup that may need more frequent emptying
- Bagless and not ideal for people with allergies
Key Specs
- Vacuum type: Bagless, cordless, upright
- Filter type: 5-stage HEPA filtration
- Capacity: 0.75 L
- Special features: Three suction settings, two accessories, self-standing, LED lights
The Levoit LVAC-300 is a cordless, bagless vacuum that is both convenient and effective. “It makes it super easy to clean up pet hair,” says Alexandra Klausner, “and being cordless makes it easy to port around.” According to the Levoit website, the device features a powerful motor capable of up to 12,000 sweeps per minute, which enables it to vacuum floors just as effectively as corded or canister vacuums.
The vacuum has three different settings: Eco for hard floors, Mid for low-pile carpets, and Turbo for high-pile carpets. It also comes with two accessories: a crevice tool and a mini motorized upholstery brush. Its slim profile makes it easy to assemble, store, and maneuver, too. It uses five-stage HEPA filtration to trap dust and allergen particles. Additionally, it’s self-standing and features LED lights mounted near the roller to help you see dust and dirt.
However, it has a smaller dust cup than other upright vacuums, so it may need to be emptied more frequently. Because it’s bagless it may also release some trapped dust and dirt particles back into the air when you empty the canister, so it may not be the best choice for people with severe allergies or people who are sensitive to dust or pet dander.
Runner-Up For a more budget-friendly bagless vacuum, consider the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet Vacuum Cleaner. Tester Maria Lalonde appreciates its durability and suction power.
Best Budget
Eureka PowerSpeed
Pros
- Canister is easy to empty
- Washable and reusable foam filter
- Less expensive than many other vacuums
- Five height settings
- Three accessories included
Cons
- Filter is not HEPA rated
- Gets caught on lightweight rugs
Key Specs
- Vacuum type: Upright, bagless, corded
- Filter type: Foam (non-HEPA)
- Capacity: 1.9 L
- Special features: Adjustable height, three accessories included
The Eureka PowerSpeed vacuum provides impressive performance for less than $100. It’s a straightforward and easy-to-use corded bagless vacuum, and I was pleasantly surprised at how well it was able to pull dust and dirt from my rugs. It’s also very easy to detach the canister and empty it directly into the trash can. It also comes with a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool.
The filter is washable and reusable, although it’s not HEPA rated. The height can be adjusted to five different levels using a dial on the front of the vacuum — from high-pile carpet to bare floor. The key drawback of this vacuum that I noticed was that it was too powerful to vacuum smoothly over some of my smaller, more lightweight rugs. It was also somewhat difficult to maneuver around furniture and children’s toys.
As a bagless vacuum, a significant amount of dust is released into the air when the canister is emptied into the trash. For this reason, it may not be the best choice for people with allergies.
Runner-Up The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum is a no-frills, corded bagless vacuum that costs less than $60. Tester Kimberly Dawn Neumann says, as far as suction power goes, it’s also one of the best compact vacuums she’s ever owned.
Why Trust Everyday Health
SaVanna Shoemaker, MS, RDN, LD
Author
SaVanna Shoemaker is a registered dietitian and health writer. As a registered dietitian, SaVanna has worked with pregnant and postpartum women, infants and children, people with chronic kidney disease, and people who are critically ill. She is particularly interested in culinary and functional nutrition for weight loss and female hormone health.
She's currently a contributor for Everyday Health and Yahoo Life, and her work has also appeared in Forbes Vetted, Healthline, Greatist, mindbodygreen, and Bicycling magazine, among other outlets.
SaVanna lives with her husband and three kids in Little Rock, Arkansas. She enjoys cooking, reading, writing fiction, and weightlifting.
Asal Naderi, MD
Medical Reviewer
Asal Naderi, MD, is an assistant clinical professor of allergy and immunology at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Her areas of focus include allergic rhinitis, asthma, chronic sinusitis with nasal polyposis, chronic urticaria, angioedema, food allergy, drug allergy, and primary immunodeficiencies.
She received her bachelor's degree from the University of California Los Angeles and then received her medical degree from Saint Louis University. She completed her internal medicine residency at University of California Irvine, and her fellowship at the University of California Irvine. She has been a principal investigator in clinical trials for asthma as well as chronic sinusitis.
Outside of the office, she enjoys exercising, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.
Daniel Oakley
Fact Checker
Daniel Oakley is a journalist, editor, and fact-checker. He has written, edited, taught, and produced media for Dow Jones, S&P Global, IHS Markit, Third Coast Studios Magazine, and 826 National.
Oakley's path has always been a health-and-wellness-focused one. A competitive triathlete and racing fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, he also spends summer weekends as an ISA-certified surf instructor and Red Cross professional water rescuer with Laru Beya Collective in Rockaway Beach, which helps kids master and delight in their own backyard — the ocean. It has taught Oakley that “optimizing body and mind” flourishes precisely at the wellspring of community.
Ashley Ziegler
Editor
Ashley Ziegler is a full-time writer with extensive experience covering women’s health, babies' and kids' health, mental health, and wellness. Her work has appeared on websites including The Bump, Health, Pregnancy & Newborn, People, Parents, Romper, Scary Mommy, and more.
Before transitioning into her full-time writing career, Ashley worked in the departments of pediatric cardiology and general medicine at Duke University Medical Center, and later at the North Carolina Medical Board. During undergrad, she majored in communications at Purdue University and then earned her master’s degree with a concentration in healthcare management from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Ashley lives with her husband and two young daughters in North Carolina. In her free time, she enjoys reading, walking, taking barre classes, and catching up on her favorite podcasts.
Sarah Glinski, RD
Tester
Sarah is a registered dietitian and accomplished health and nutrition writer known for her expertise in crafting engaging content. She received dual bachelor’s degrees in nutrition and biology with distinction from the University of Alberta. She started her career in 2018 as a clinical dietitian and has experience in several clinical areas, including weight management, diabetes, kidney disease, oncology, gut health, and intuitive eating.
In 2022, Sarah took her wealth of clinical experience and transitioned to freelance writing. She has contributed to outlets like Forbes Health, Well+Good, Livestrong, Yahoo!, and PS, and has written about topics ranging from mental health to gut health to diabetes care. Her goal as a writer is to convey complex health information in an easy-to-understand and engaging way.
Sarah is dedicated to simplifying complex health information so people can make informed decisions regarding their health. She currently lives in British Columbia, Canada, where she enjoys reading or crocheting in the company of her husband and two cats.
Malissa Rodenburg
Tester
Malissa Rodenburg is an independent science and health journalist with a bachelor's degree in creative writing from Columbia College Chicago and a master's degree in science writing from Johns Hopkins University. Her work mainly focuses on advances in women’s health research and exercise science. She is passionate about threading health discoveries into the context of everyday life.
She has written for top universities, including Weill Cornell Medicine, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, and the University of Colorado. You can also find her byline in Science, Women’s Running, Outside, and other national publications.
Eve Lederman
Tester
Eve Lederman is a senior developmental editor of work published by Dotdash Meredith, where she focused on Verywell Health during her nine-year tenure. She is also a freelance editor with U.S. News & World Report, contributing to health and wellness articles in the commerce space.
Previously, she was a freelance editor for Fitness magazine and worked with the former medical advertising agency Friedberg Feder DeMasi, spearheading market research.
Eve is also the author of several essays that have appeared in The New York Times, five published books, and two plays.
Michael Striker
Tester
Raki Swanson
Tester
Raki Swanson is a Minnesota-based freelance health writer and married mother to two adult children. She has experience covering mental health, fitness, food, and lifestyle topics, as well as significant experience reviewing and testing products for the Marketplace team, including online therapy, fitness gear, and food.
She received a bachelor's degree in applied psychology from St. Cloud University in Minnesota. She has also worked as a business development manager at a Fortune 500 company in Minnesota, and spent several years living in the south of France while growing up, which inspired her love of travel and food.
When she's not writing, you can find her reading, blogging, and enjoying being an empty nester with her husband, two dogs, and tabby cat named Kevin.
Jen Sinclair
Tester
Jen Sinclair Is a freelance health and wellness writer who has spent the last two years writing feature articles and reviews of mental health and medical services and products. Her work has been published by Verywell Mind, Verywell Health, Health, and Parents. Prior to this, she worked for six years as a copywriter and blog writer for several legal and healthcare businesses, and as a paralegal for 15 years.
Jen currently lives with her husband and children in St. Augustine, Florida, where she enjoys spending time outdoors paddling waterways, driving around with the top off her Jeep, or trekking around with her writer hiker pals.
Katie Tuttle
Tester
Katie Tuttle is an editor and writer specializing in food, nutrition, and product testing. Her work has appeared in EatingWell, Food & Wine, The Spruce Eats, and Real Simple. She has written about meal kits, kitchen tools, fitness, and wellness, and has tested and reviewed a wide range of products, with a particular focus on meal delivery services and their impact on nutrition and convenience.
Beyond food, Katie has covered fitness and wellness topics, drawing from her own experience as a powerlifter and an occasional runner. She’s always interested in how products and services can make healthy living more accessible and practical.
When she’s not researching or writing, Katie is usually surrounded by houseplants or spending time with a foster dog. She firmly believes there’s no such thing as too many books or too much coffee.
Nicole Bonaccorso
Tester
Nicole Bonaccorso is a writer and editor with more than 12 years of journalism experience. She has been writing for Everyday Health since 2025, and has also been published on NBCNews.com, Treehugger, Verywell, Mashable, and Upworthy, among other publications.
Nicole was also a senior editor at Weather.com for more than 11 years, covering everything from weather and climate change to health, science, and travel.
In addition to writing, Nicole has also found a passion in helping new parents reach their breastfeeding goals and is working towards becoming a certified breastfeeding specialist.
In her free time, Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, reading, and spending time outdoors with her two young sons, husband, and dog.
Alexandra Klausner
Tester
Alexandra Klausner is a freelance health writer and editor with over 10 years of journalism experience. Prior to going freelance, she worked as a reporter and editor at the New York Post for eight years covering everything from health and wellness to features and breaking news. Before that, she covered multiple beats at the Daily Mail Online for three years.
Alexandra graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs with a bachelor's degree in theater. As a New York City native, she is also a grant-winning playwright, actor, freestyle singer, catchy-hook writer, and podcaster. She loves yoga, 5 Rhythms dance meditation, and running.
Maria Cristina Lalonde
Tester
Kimberly Dawn Neumann
Tester
Kimberly Dawn Neumann is a NYC-based magazine and book writer whose work has appeared in a wide variety of publications including Forbes Health, Forbes Home, Women’s Health, Health, Cosmopolitan, Fitness, Prevention, Redbook, Realtor.com, Maxim, Allure, and more.
After graduating first in her class, summa cum laude, with a degree in journalism, she earned a Life Coach certification through the Coach Training Alliance, an American Council on Exercise fitness professional certificate, a 200-hour RYT yoga instructor certification, and an Active Isolated Flexibility Technician certification.
She’s had two books published, The Real Reasons Men Commit and Sex Comes First. A top fitness and dance instructor as well as a former National Competitive Aerobics Champion bronze medalist, she has starred in 10 exercise videos. She has also performed in several Broadway shows and made many film, TV, and radio appearances.
Simone Scully
Tester
Simone Scully is the editorial director for service commerce and marketplace content at Everyday Health. She has nearly 15 years of experience as a professional health and science journalist, covering topics such as the psychological impacts of living with chronic conditions, nationwide gaps in menopause healthcare, grief, neonatal loss, and the latest wellness trends over her career. Her byline has been published by over 35 publications, including Healthline, Well+Good, InStyle, Psych Central, Romper, Narratively, Nautilus magazine, and more.
Before joining Everyday Health, Simone was an editorial director of health and parenting commerce and service content at Dotdash Meredith. She oversaw a team of editors and writers that published content across nine different sites, including the Verywells, Parents, Health, and Shape. Prior to this, she also worked as an editor at The Weather Channel's Weather.com, Upworthy, theSkimm, and Business Insider. A project Simone oversaw at Weather.com on the health and environmental impacts of global water shortages won several awards in 2020, including the CMA award for Best Series of Articles, an IAC award, and an Eppy award, among others.
Simone received a master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University's Graduate School of Journalism, where she focused on science and health long-form reporting and photojournalism. Her master's thesis explored the treatment of prolonged grief disorder following a miscarriage or the loss of a child. She was also awarded the John Horgan Award for Critical Science and Health Journalism at graduation.
Born in Minnesota, Simone lived 14 years in France until she graduated high school, then three years in London to get her bachelor's degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She currently lives in the Hudson Valley of New York with her husband, son, dog, and cats. When she's not working, you can find her writing fiction or plays, hiking in national parks, or tending to her garden and indoor plants.