Wouldn’t it be nice if you could actually rely on your vacuum cleaner to pick up dirt? If instead of dealing with constant performance issues, draining batteries, and inefficient technology, your machine would just do what it’s supposed to do. What if I told you that the best upright vacuum cleaners on the market could continue serving you well for years?
Vacuum cleaners have gone through a lot of changes in the last hundred years. While many of those sleek stick vacuums you see on the market these days deserve a lot of praise, they don’t have the longevity that traditional uprights do. Just look at the annual release cycle from those big-name brands!
The average lifespan for a modern vacuum is only 3 to 5 years. But I bet that your parents or grandparents are still using an old upright model they purchased eons ago. Truth is, upright vacuums are solidly built machines that offer the very best when it comes to performance. That applies to newer models, too. They might not be as compact as other systems, but they certainly have the robust performance to keep your home looking pristine.
With this guide, we aim to break down the walls of misinformation about upright vacuum cleaners and show you exactly why you should be considering one for your home. But before we get to that, here are some of the best upright vacuums on the market today.
Comparing the Top 3 Upright Vacuums on the Market
Best Upright Vacuum Reviews (Updated List)
1. Dyson Ball Animal 2 – Best Overall Upright Vacuum
- Self adjusting cleaner head seals in suction across carpet, wood, vinyl, and tile floors
There’s no doubt that you’ve heard of Dyson before. The brand has emerged as one of the best in the last decade. This upright vacuum is one of the models that paved the way.
Technology:
The most impressive part of this vacuum is the motor. Rather than a standard fan, Dyson uses Radial Root Cyclone technology. Basically, the air is channeled through the center of the cyclone to significantly increase suction power.
Performance:
Thanks to all the fancy technology, this upright’s performance is top-notch. It’s capable of picking up microscopic dust from carpets, smooth floors, and more. With the sealed HEPA filter, everything you pick up will stay contained in the canister.
Specs:
- 2.2-quart capacity
- Radial root cyclone technology
- Automatic floor height adjustments
- HEPA filtration
- Bagless vacuum
- 30-foot cord
- Swivel ball for enhanced maneuverability
- One-touch dirt canister
- Includes several attachments
- High-powered suction
- Good for all floors
- Not good for high-pile carpets
- Can’t manually adjust cleaning height
Conclusion:
You really can’t go wrong with a Dyson vacuum. This model has all the bells and whistles you would ever need to keep your home sparkling clean.
2. Shark APEX AZ1002 – Best Upright Vacuum for Pet Hair
- SELF-CLEANING BRUSHROLL: The vacuum that deep-cleans now cleans itself. Engineered for more pet hair pickup with no hair wrap (vs. Shark bristle nozzles).
Shark is another big-name brand worth looking into. The APEX upright vacuum combines the powerful performance Shark is known for with its most innovative design feature.
Technology:
While this machine is a stand up vacuum, it can also be used as a canister! Just pop off the main power unit and move to wherever you need to clean. It’s relatively lightweight and easy to transport.
Performance:
From a performance standpoint, this is a great vacuum. It’s powerful and has a unique self-cleaning brush. The brush resists tangles and automatically removes hair. So, if you have a pet, this is a good choice that will pick up any shedding in seconds.
Specs:
- 1.5-quart capacity
- Power Lift Away design
- Self-cleaning beater brush
- HEPA filtration
- 30-foot cord
- Can be used as a canister vacuum
- Very easy to maneuver around furniture
- Comes with several useful attachments
- Anti-tangle brush design
- Built-in LED lights
- Too powerful for rugs
- Can be hard to pull back for some
Conclusion:
With its multifunctional design and strong suction, the Shark Apex upright vacuum is a worthy contender.
3. Hoover Air Cordless BH50111 – Best Value for Money
- Lithium life battery technology provides an average of 25 minutes of fade Free battery Power on carpet and hard floors
Want to clean untethered? Check out this cordless upright vacuum from Hoover!
Technology:
Powering this machine is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. There are no cords to fiddle with or move around. When fully charged, you can get up to 25 minutes of fade-free suction. That applies to when you use the standard cleaning head and the detachable hose.
Performance:
This isn’t the strongest upright vacuum cleaner out there. However, it certainly gets the job done. The motor creates three channels of air to effectively remove embedded dirt. It can lift dust between your carpet fibers to make your floors look fresh.
Specs:
- Bagless dirt canister
- Cordless upright
- 25 minutes of run time
- Detachable hose
- Comes with 5-year limited warranty
- Weighs less than 10 pounds
- Compact design
- Included crevice tool and brush
- Built-in LED lights
- Not as strong as corded options
Conclusion:
If flexible cleaning is what you’re after, this nice vacuum has you covered. You can clean anywhere without having to worry about fading as you work.
4. Bissell Cleanview 1831 – Best Bagless Upright Vacuum
- Every purchase saves pets
The Bissel Cleanview is a great upright vacuum that doesn’t break the bank. Despite its low price tag, it offers some impressive performance that won’t disappoint.
Technology:
Multi-cyclonic technology is used to pick up dirt in your carpets or on your smooth floors. These cyclones work in tandem to deliver dirt to the canister. It’s not affected by how much dirt you’ve collected, so you can keep vacuuming until it’s filled to the brim.
Performance:
You’re not just picking up dirt when you clean. You’re also improving the air. This has a multi-stage filtration system that reduces the number of airborne particles. It even works with Bissell’s scented filters to give your home some nice fragrance along the way.
Specs:
- Bagless vacuum
- Washable filter
- Multi-level filtration
- Multi-cyclonic suction
- 25-foot cord
- Comes with 2-year limited warranty
- Lightweight design
- One-pass cleaning
- Works with scented filters
- Comes with Turbo brush for upholstery
- Easy to empty dust bin
- Uncomfortable handle design
Conclusion:
All in all, this Bissell upright vacuum does a decent job across the board. It has respectable suction and some cool perks to freshen up your space.
5. Shark Navigator NV352 – Best Upright Vacuum for Robust Cleaning
- Lift-Away: Lift Away the detachable pod and easily clean, above-floor areas like stairs and furniture.
The Navigator is another one of Shark’s best-selling upright models. With its flexible performance options, it’s not hard to see why.
Technology:
If you’re worried about airborne dust, this upright has you covered. It’s sporting an anti-allergen seal. This means that dust can’t get out once it’s sucked. On top of that, the vacuum uses a HEPA filter to clean the air as you work.
Performance:
One thing we like about this machine is its flexibility. You can use on just about any surface. The beater brush is motorized, but it turns off with a flip of a switch to let you clean smooth floors. As if that weren’t enough, you can lift the canister out of the upright frame to clean hard-to-reach areas.
Specs:
- 1.1-quart bagless dust bin
- HEPA filter and allergen seal
- Independently powered brush
- 25-foot cord
- Comes with 5-year limited warranty
- Can be used on hard floors
- Handy suction-release feature
- Can be used as a canister vac
- Flexible swivel steering
- Dust bin can be a hassle to empty
Conclusion:
It might not be as small or compact as some modern stick vacuums, but the Shark Navigator has all of the same functionality.
6. Oreck Magnesium LW1500RS – Best Upright Vacuum for Multi-Surfaces
- Slim swivel design: Enables you to turn on a dime and lies virtually flat so you can easily maneuver around and reach under furniture.
Oreck may be a lesser-known brand for the general public, but it is a highly respected brand to those in the know. This simple vacuum continues the brand’s legacy by offering great performance features.
Technology:
This is a bagged vacuum cleaner. As a result, it does a fantastic job of keeping dust contained. When you factor in the 5-stage HEPA filtration system, this machine is great for allergy sufferers.
Performance:
There aren’t any fancy features on this model. You won’t find separate attachments or a hose, which is a downside. However, the vacuum does have a solid beater brush. The motor is fully protected thanks to the automatic shutoff feature. If the brush becomes tangled or clogged, the entire machine will turn off to prevent any lasting damage.
Specs:
- 5-layer HEPA filter
- Automatic shutoff protection
- Bagged vacuum
- 30-foot cord
- Low-profile design
- Swivel steering
- Works on carpet and smooth floor
- Only weighs about 8 pounds
- Brush prone to tangling with high-pile carpet
- No attachment hose
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a simple and effective upright vacuum cleaner, this is an option worth considering.
7. Shark ION P50 – Best Cordless Upright Vacuum With HEPA
- Powerful suction for whole-home cleaning: Dirt, debris, pet hair, and tough messes
On the hunt for a multipurpose upright machine that’s compact? The ION P50 from Shark may be for you.
Technology:
Like so many of Shark’s machines, this model features the Lift Away technology. Basically, the motor and dust bin are contained in one singular unit. You can easily detach it from the upright body to use the vacuum anywhere. Because it’s battery-powered, there are no limits to what you can clean.
Performance:
This vacuum does a fine job on hard floors and thinner carpets. Its performance isn’t too great on high-pile carpets. If that’s not a deal-breaker for you, the dual-brush design is a nice plus. Two roller brushes work in tandem to pick up more dirt. Plus, you can grab larger objects without any hassle.
Specs:
- Bagless
- Lift Away technology
- Two brush rolls
- Battery-powered
- Anti-allergen seal and HEPA filter
- 0.54-quart bin
- 50 minutes of run time
- Can be used as stick and canister vac
- Picks up large debris
- Lightweight
- Comes with detacheable hose and wand
- Built-in LED lights
- Not good for thick carpets
Conclusion:
Don’t let the unique design of this vacuum fool you into thinking its any less of an upright. It has the power and solid performance to help you complete any cleaning job.
8. Kenmore Elite 31150 – Best Upright Vacuum With Bag
- BAGGED UPRIGHT VACUUM: Remove pet hair, dust and more with this multifloor, multi-surface designed vacuum for use in your home, den, or kitchen with a wide sweeper path
The Kenmore Elite vacuum looks simple. However, it’s hiding some cool technology under the hood.
Technology:
One of the most noteworthy features of this upright vacuum is the dirt sensor. It uses infrared technology to monitor dirt levels as you clean. If it senses some particularly stubborn spots, a light on the vacuum will let you know that you need to focus on the area.
Performance:
A 3D inducer motor is used to provide some impressive suction power. 3 separate motors combine to increase air power. As a result, the machine has significantly stronger suction than some of its competitors.
Specs:
- Bagged vacuum
- HEPA filter
- 3D inducer motor
- Dirt sensor
- Anti-allergen seal and HEPA filter
- 35-foot cord
- Solid construction
- Comes with attachments, hose, and telescoping wand
- Multiple cleaning height adjustments
- Certified asthma friendly
- Can be louder than other models
Conclusion:
Thanks to the powerful motor and dirt sensor, this is a tool that you’re going to love using around your home.
Alternative Product:
The original product is out of stock, check out this closest alternative:
- BAGGED UPRIGHT VACUUM: Remove pet hair, dirt and more with this multifloor, multi-surface designed vacuum for use in your home, den, or kitchen with a wide sweeper path
9. Soniclean SFC-7000 – Best Upright Vacuum for Soft Carpets
- Developed with the leading global manufacturer of premium carpet. Designed to easily and properly clean all types of soft style carpets with pile lengths less than 1 inch.
The Soniclean upright vacuum cleaner is a unique machine. It looks like your average vacuum, but it’s hiding some innovative tech underneath the hood.
Technology:
While most vacuums on the market rely on a standard beater brush to get rid of stubborn dirt, Soniclean has taken this concept a step further. In addition to a brush, you’re getting a sonic vibration motor. It creates more than 200 vibrations a second to dislodge dust from deep within your carpet fibers.
Performance:
There are two performance options available, which can dramatically improve the way you clean. For heavily-soiled carpets, turn on the sonic vibrations to get rid of as much debris as possible. For smooth floors and delicate surfaces, you can use the gentle mode to avoid damage.
Specs:
- Bagged vacuum
- HEPA filter
- Sonic vibration motor
- Soft-bristle brush
- 35-foot cord
- Removes stubborn dirt
- Can be used with fragrance pods
- Easy to maneuver
- Brush and bag indicators
- Selectable cleaning modes
- Can sometimes kick up dirt
- No hose
Conclusion:
Ultimately, this upright vacuum has a lot to offer. While it doesn’t have a hose, it performs very well on most flooring surfaces.
10. Shark DuoClean NV803 – Best Upright for Deep Carpet Cleaning
- Dust cup capacity 0.9 quarts
Want the power of an upright with the versatility of a canister vacuum. This DuoClean model from Shark has you covered.
Technology:
This elegant looking model has Shark’s Lift Away feature. Thus, you can easily take the vacuum with you as you clean tougher spots. Just detach the hose, pop on the wand, and use it to clean everything from curtains to crown molding.
Performance:
Overall, the DuoClean vacuum is a jack of all trades when it comes to vacuuming your floors. The dual-brush design picks up debris big and small. You don’t have to stop the vacuum to get rid of fallen food. Just glide the cleaning head over the mess and it’ll suck everything right up.
Specs:
- 0.9-quart bagless dust bin
- Lift Away feature
- Anti-allergen seal and HEPA filtration system
- Dual-brush design
- 30-foot cord
- Picks up large debris
- Integrated LED lights
- Flexible swivel steering
- Can be used as a canister vacuum
- Comes with attachments
- Brush is prone to tangling
Conclusion:
This is an excellent upright vacuum that will cover all your bases. Whether you want to clean up high or down low, it’s up to the task.
11. Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS – A Handy & Lightweight Upright Vacuum
- LIGHTWEIGHT: Easy to use at 9 pounds for transportation from room to room and up stairways
If you have a ton of space to cover, the Oreck XL2100RHS may be the one for you. It’s a commercial-grade machine with plenty of power to complete large jobs.
Technology:
This isn’t a complex vacuum cleaner by any stretch of the imagination. It’s designed with simplicity in mind. The powerful motor powers up the high-speed brush roller. The brush can spin over 6,500 times a minute, making set-in dirt a thing of the past.
Performance:
Don’t expect to be able to clean every surface in your home with this machine. It’s made for floors and nothing else. The good news is that it can work with a wide variety of floors. The cleaning head automatically adjusts to accommodate piles low and high.
Specs:
- Commercial-grade bagged vacuum
- High-speed brush roll
- Large disposable bag
- 35-foot cord
- Comes with 1-year warranty on the belt
- Only weighs roughly 9 pounds
- 12-inch wide cleaning head
- Easy operation
- Handle controls
- Low-profile design
- No hose or attachments
Conclusion:
Tackle large cleaning jobs in only a fraction of the time with this Oreck vacuum.
12. Hoover UH70120 – Best Mid-Range Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- Windtunnel technology: Creates suction to lift and remove surface debris and deeply embedded dirt
Check out this T-Series vacuum from Hoover. It’s a heavy-duty upright vacuum that’s capable of tackling most jobs around the house.
Technology:
To lift up as much dirt as possible, the vacuum uses WindTunnel technology. The motor spins air around the canister, which offers a couple of benefits. First, it creates some strong suction power. Secondly, it helps to reduce the chances of clogging.
Performance:
There’s a lot you can do with this upright vacuum cleaner. Not only can you clean floors at 5 different heights, but you can also use the attachment hose to take care of those hard-to-reach spots.
Specs:
- Bagless
- WindTunnel technology
- Adjustable cleaning heights
- HEPA filter
- 25-foot retractable cord
- Comes with 2-year limited warranty
- 8-foot extendable hose
- Comes with powered attachment, brush, and crevice tool
- Filter indication light
- No option to turn off brush
- Not the best for smooth floors
Conclusion:
You won’t be disappointed with this Hoover machine. It’s a well-designed device that can serve you well for years to come.
13. Dirt Devil UD20124 – Best Upright Vacuum for Small Spaces & Stairs
- NO LOSS OF SUCTION: Consistently powerful performance on carpets and hard floors
Is there a more iconic name than Dirt Devil? This simple stand up vacuum from the famed brand is packing some very useful cleaning features.
Technology:
Beyond the powerful motor, Dirt Devil has included a unique filtration system to keep the suction as strong as possible. Air goes through a few different layers. Each one is capable of catching debris of different sizes, ensuring that dirt has a very minimal effect on the motor. Best of all, the filter is washable and reusable.
Performance:
The vacuum does a decent job across the board. It’s not the most powerful model out there, but it’s perfectly capable of taking care of moderate messes. Thanks to the detachable wand and hose, you can even clean shelves, curtains, fan blades, and more.
Specs:
- Bagless
- Rinsable Endura filter
- 1.5-liter capacity
- Fade-free suction
- Comes with 1-year limited warranty
- Weighs just 9 pounds
- Extendable wand and hose
- Multiple stages of filtration
- Works on carpet and hardwood
- Top-heavy design
- Dust bin can get clogged with hair
Conclusion:
With its affordable price tag and respectable performance, there’s a lot to like about this Dirt Devil vacuum cleaner.
14. Bissell Cleanview Upright 2486 – Great for Hardwood Floors
- OnePass technology with powerful suction and innovative brush design to clean on the first pass
Here’s another great choice from Bissell. This machine is made to provide reliable suction power without kicking up dirt.
Technology:
Bissell included its multi-cyclone technology in this upright. The motor produces a couple of air streams to improve the overall performance of the unit. You can see this technology at work. Just look at the canister. Dirt will continually move to prevent clogging and loss of power.
Performance:
Thanks to the multi-cyclone motor, performance in top-notch. You can get rid of surface dirt and messes with just a single pass. Not only that, but the brush is heavily controlled. It’s built to limit scatter, keeping dirt contained.
Specs:
- Bagless
- 1-liter capacity
- Multi-cyclonic suction
- One-pass technology
- 25-foot cord
- Removes surface dirt quickly and efficiently
- Brush is safe for smooth floors
- Powerful suction
- Washable filter
- One-touch emptying
- Comes with hose and attachments
- Can’t turn beater brush off
- Noisy operation
Conclusion:
This is an affordable upright vacuum with a lot to offer. If you’re on a budget, it’s worth trying out.
15. Shark Navigator NV70 – Best Wallet-Friendly Stand Up Vacuum
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology captures and holds over 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum
Take one look at this upright from Shark and you can tell it means business. It’s a robust machine that performs well across the board.
Technology:
To keep the air around you clean and dust-free, Shark has included a durable anti-allergen seal. The dust bin is completely sealed off from the rest of the vacuum, ensuring that dirt doesn’t escape through the exhaust. There’s also a HEPA filter to catch allergens as you work.
Performance:
You can use this machine on virtually any surface in your home. It works well on carpets thanks to the durable beater brush. However, you can easily turn the brush off to clean your smooth floors without having to worry about damage.
Specs:
- Bagless
- Large 2.9-quart bin
- HEPA filter
- Beater brush switch
- 25-foot cord
- Includes 1-year limited warranty
- Sleek design
- Smooth swivel steering
- Ultra-long hose
- Hose is easy to dislodge during use
Conclusion:
Shark has done it again with the Navigator DLX vacuum. It’s a solid investment that can keep your home looking great.
16. Eureka NEU100 – Best Lightweight Upright Vacuum for Swift Maneuverability
- Quick release handle for effortless above floor cleaning. Attach the crevice tool or dusting brush to the end of the handle for cleaning upholstery, windows and other hard to reach places
This Eureka vacuum is an affordable alternative to pricey uprights. Despite this, it performs surprisingly well.
Technology:
The AirSpeed technology helps to provide plenty of suction power. A 6 amp motor is used to lift surface dirt and agitate any debris that has been lodged between your carpet fibers.
Performance:
All in all, the performance is respectable. It isn’t the most powerful upright vacuum the market has to offer. However, the versatility this unit provides is great. The removable hose and included attachments make quick work of messes all around your home.
Specs:
- Bagless
- Washable air filter
- 2.7-liter dust bin
- 6 amp motor
- 18-foot cord
- Includes detachable hose and attachments
- Weighs less than 8 pounds
- One-touch dust bin
- Portable and easy to transport
- Loud
- Suction can diminish as bin fills up
Conclusion:
If you’re on a tight budget, this vacuum from Eureka can cover all of your bases.
17. Dyson Ball Multi-Floor 2 – Best Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Allergy Sufferers
- Self adjusting cleaner head seals in suction across carpet, wood, vinyl, and tile floors
Last, but not least, we have another option from Dyson. Like all vacuums from this brand, this one is sporting some high-tech features you’ll love.
Technology:
The vacuum is powered by Radial Root Cyclone technology. The motor generates multiple streams of air that are focused on the center of the cyclone. What results is a truly powerful pull that can take care of large debris and fine dust without missing a beat.
Performance:
You will appreciate the performance this vacuum has to offer. It’s stronger than most stand up machines on the market. Thanks to the unique ball swivel system, it’s also highly maneuverable. You can turn on a dime to get around furniture with ease.
Specs:
- Bagless
- Large dust bin
- Asthma friendly certified
- Radial Root Cyclone technology
- 31-foot cord
- Comes with 5-year limited warranty
- Innovative ball swivel steering
- Self-adjusting cleaning height
- Easy to empty dust bin
- Portable and easy to transport
- Quick-release wand
- Can be heavy to push and pull
- Bulky design
Conclusion:
There’s a lot to love about this vacuum cleaner. It has all the power you would expect from a Dyson.
What Are the Benefits of Owning an Upright Vacuum Cleaner?
There are several reasons why upright vacuums continue to prevail in today’s ever-changing market. These machines have a lot to offer. Sure, they might not be as portable as stick vacuums or as smart as robot vacuums, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t up to the task of cleaning your home.
In fact, many modern uprights perform better across the board than the alternatives. If you’re on the fence about whether or not an upright vacuum cleaner is right for you, maybe these benefits will make you convinced.
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Better Affordability
The first thing you’ll notice about upright vacuums: they tend to be much cheaper than other options!
That doesn’t mean that they are always cheap. The best upright vacuum cleaners can set you back anywhere between $50 to over $1,000! However, you’ll quickly find that you can get some high-performing models for a pretty reasonable price.
Even the upright options from heavy hitters like Dyson or Shark tend to be cheaper than the stick models. You can check out the best vacuums under $100 and $300 here.
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Easy Storage
Upright vacuums have a bit of a reputation for being behemoths compared to some other types of cleaning machines. It’s true, they are a bit larger than most. However, the upright design makes it surprisingly easy to stow away. All you need is a spot in a closet or utility room.
That’s not all. Most machines come with a bevy of attachments you can use with an accessory hose. We’ll get into accessories in a bit. While most vacuums these days do come with some attachments to increase functionality, most don’t have integrated storage. Uprights, on the other hand, so. Instead of having to run back and forth to your storage area, all of your attachments will be right there on the back of the machine for easy access!
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More Coverage
Another great perk is the wider cleaning path. Upright vacuum cleaners can have a head that’s up to 15 inches wide. Commercial-grade models can go beyond that.
With a wide head, you can cover more surface area in a shorter amount of time. Who doesn’t want to get their cleaning chores done a bit faster?
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Enhanced Handling
A common misconception you’ll hear about upright vacuums is that they are difficult to move around. While that might have been true for machines of yesteryear, manufacturers have improved on that issue significantly.
Most newer upright vacuum cleaners are equipped with swivel steering, making navigation a breeze. You can easily maneuver a large room and get from corner to corner without any issues.
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Stronger Suction Power
When it comes to suction power, there’s no beating a stand up vacuum cleaner. Several factors can contribute to a machine’s overall performance. This includes the design of the motor and the power source, which we’ll get into later.
However, upright systems usually have better components to provide enhanced performance. Why is that? Well, it all comes down to space. Because uprights are bigger and taller, there’s more room to incorporate high-powered motors.
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More Dust Capacity
Speaking of more space for essential components, upright vacuum cleaners also usually have far bigger dust bins than other models. It’s pretty comparable to what you’d find on a canister. However, stick and robot vacuums have notoriously small bins. You would have to empty out the bin of those vacuums multiple times before the bin on an upright got full.
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Deeper Cleaning
Along with a wider cleaning path, upright vacuums have an added feature that can make all the difference when you’re cleaning carpets. The beater brush is a small rotating cylinder that’s covered in bristles. As the system is sucking up dirt, the brush is spinning rapidly to dislodge dirt that’s deep within your carpet fibers.
The design of the brush can affect the overall performance of your vacuum cleaner. But for the most part, it’ll work wonders to get rid of stubborn dirt that other vacuums simply can’t suck up.
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Better Comfort
If you’re on the taller side or suffer from back problems, an upright vacuum cleaner can make your chores much more comfortable to complete. This isn’t the case with everyone, but most people will have no problem operating an upright model.
This is because the stand-up design puts the handle at a comfortable height. As you push and pull, you’re using your arm’s leverage to reach against the wall and clean up difficult-to-reach spots. There’s no need to get on your knees, bend over, or lift the machine. Unless you’re using attachments, these systems are very accessible to a wide range of people.
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Enhanced Air Filtration
As you’re cleaning, upright vacuums do a lot to improve air quality. All vacuums have some kind of filtration system built in. They are meant to protect the motor and prevent too much dust from escaping.
Upright models take things a step further. Most use larger filters thanks to the increased space. These filters are usually pleated, which increases the surface area for catching contaminants. Some even use HEPA filters to get rid of tiny irritants that could send your allergies into a tizzy!
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Better Dust Containment
Thanks to larger and more efficient filters, the best upright vacuum cleaners can keep all of the dust you pick up contained. Several models on the market today have multiple stages of filtration as well. Filters on the back-end of the vacuum ensure that exhaust air is free of dust so that you’re not affected by allergens.
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More Durability
When you’re potentially spending hundreds of dollars on a cleaning appliance, you need to make sure that it will work well and last a long time. Unfortunately, many machines just don’t prioritize durability anymore!
Luckily, that’s not the case with upright vacuums. The core design is much more robust than a stick vacuum. These machines are heavier, more solidly built, and made out of tougher materials. Thus, they tend to outlive all other types of vacuums.
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Easier Maintenance
All vacuums will require a bit of maintenance from time to time. Regular cleaning will ensure that your investment continues to provide you with top-notch performance.
Generally, upright models are easier to maintain. They have fewer removable components that could become damaged during use. The biggest issue you’ll have to face will most likely be a belt replacement. Even then, you can easily pick up some replacements online or take your machine to a repair shop to get the job done.
A Complete Buying Guide for Upright Vacuum Cleaners
Before you pull the trigger and purchase the first upright you see, there are several things to consider. These aren’t one-size-fits-all kinds of machines. Furthermore, quality can vary across the board. If you want to make an investment you won’t regret, you need to ask yourself from important questions and think about how an upright machine will fit into your home.
Questions You Need to Ask Yourself Before Buying
1. What is My Budget?
First things first, how much are you willing to spend on your new vacuum cleaner? The best upright vacuums can set you back a pretty penny, so be prepared to pay a lot if you want all the bells and whistles.
That said, you can still get a fine machine without breaking the bank. The key is to find an option that has all of your must-have features. Vacuums can vary in price based on the available features and performance settings, so keep that in mind when planning your budget.
2. Should I Go for a Bagged or Bagless Upright Vacuum?
Whether or not you want a bagged or bagless vacuum comes down to personal preference. Both options have their merits.
Bagged vacuum cleaners are often considered to be the more hygienic option. All of the dust is contained in a disposable bag, so you don’t really have to interact with it. Just toss it out and replace it with a new one.
Whether you have a disposable bag or a reusable one, you’re bound to get a better filtration experience, too. The air you suck up has to travel through the bag before exiting the machine, adding another layer of filtration. For this reason, vacuum bags are far better for those who are sensitive to common allergens.
On the other hand, bagged units do come with a recurring cost. With bagless systems, you don’t have to worry about purchasing extra bags. Just empty out the dust bin over a trash can and you’re all set to resume vacuuming.
3. Do I Need to Buy a Cordless or Corded Upright Vacuum? Which One is Better?
Again, the right option for you will depend on your priorities. Cordless models have the added perk of letting you work untethered to the wall. You can take the machine anywhere, which opens up a world of possibilities on what you can clean.
While corded upright vacuums are often viewed as “old school,” they provide you with strong consistent suction power. Think about how annoying it would be to have to stop in the middle of a cleaning session. Or even worse, having to deal with a loss of suction power as the battery drains! With a corded model, there’s no concern for those issues.
What Things Are Important to Consider When Buying an Upright Vacuum Cleaner?
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Brand
There’s no shortage of good vacuum brands out there. Heavy hitters like Dyson, Bissell, Hoover, and more all produce upright vacuum cleaners. Do some research before you pull the trigger. It’s always better to go with a respected brand that has a long reputation of producing quality products.
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Required Cleaning Surfaces
What kinds of surfaces do you have in your home? This is an important thing to think about, as some vacuums aren’t capable of treating hardwood or smooth tile. The spinning beater brushes can scratch the surface of smooth floors, which is something you don’t want to deal with.
If you do have multiple flooring types in your home, look out for a model that has adjustable cleaning heights, soft-bristle brushes, and the ability to turn the beater brush off completely.
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Surface Area
Whether you have a small apartment, dorm room or a sprawling home, uprights can serve you well. But, the size of your space is going to affect what types of vacuums work best. Larger homes can do well with a commercial-grade vacuum. They have larger capacities, allowing you to clean for longer periods of time before stopping.
Meanwhile, you can use a compact battery-operated unit for smaller spaces. The lower run time won’t affect your cleaning abilities and you’ll have the opportunity to clean your space from top to bottom.
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Included Accessories
Vacuum attachments can turn your machine into a multifunctional cleaning beast! Look out for models that have a removable hose and wand that you can use on other surfaces other than the floor. Attachments like crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and more can remove dust from awkward spaces around your home. It beats using a duster!
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Warranty and Support
Finally, pay attention to the warranty policies offered by the vacuum brand. Warranties offer peace of mind in case something happens. The manufacturer may cover the costs to repair your machine, which will help you save some money and improve the life of your investment.
The same goes for having reliable customer support. A simple email address or telephone support line is the best way to get answers to any questions you may have about your purchase.
Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners Comparison Chart
| Product | Bagged/Bagless | Corded/Cordless | HEPA | Dimensions | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Dyson Ball Animal 2 | Bagless | 35 ft. | Yes | 15.3 x 13.4 x 42.1 in. | 17.35 lbs | Check Price |
| 2. Shark APEX AZ1002 | Bagless | 30 ft. | Yes | 11.2 x 12.2 x 46 in. | 24.9 lbs | Check Price |
| 3. Hoover Air Cordless BH50111 | Bagless | Cordless | No | 10 x 11.5 x 44 in. | 9.6 lbs | Check Price |
| 4. Bissell Cleanview 1831 | Bagless | 25 ft. | No | 13.2 x 13.5 x 44 in. | 15.4 lbs | Check Price |
| 5. Shark Navigator NV352 | Bagless | 25 ft. | Yes | 15 x 11.4 x 45.5 in. | 8.7 lbs | Check Price |
| 6. Oreck Magnesium LW1500RS | Bagged | 30 ft. | Yes | 10.5 x 12 x 47.5 in. | 7.7 lbs | Check Price |
| 7. Shark ION P50 | Bagless | Cordless | Yes | 10.2 x 12.4 x 44.8 in. | 12 lbs | Check Price |
| 8. Kenmore Elite 31150 | Bagged | 35 ft. | Yes | 14.2 x 13.8 x 45.8 in. | 20 lbs | Check Price |
| 9. Soniclean SFC-7000 | Bagged | 35 ft. | Yes | 11.5 x 14 x 43.5 in. | 10.5 lbs | Check Price |
| 10. Shark DuoClean NV803 | Bagless | 30 ft. | Yes | 11.8 x 11.9 x 46.1 in. | 15 lbs | Check Price |
| 11. Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS | Bagged | 35 ft. | No | 6 x 13 x 35 in. | 9 lbs | Check Price |
| 12. Hoover UH70120 | Bagless | 25 ft. | No | 16 x 12 x 32.5 in. | 16.5 lbs | Check Price |
| 13. Dirt Devil UD20124 | Bagless | - | No | 10 x 11 x 42.5 in. | 9 lbs | Check Price |
| 14. Bissell Cleanview 2486 | Bagless | 25 ft. | No | 13 x 14 x 44.5 in. | 17.4 lbs | Check Price |
| 15. Shark Navigator NV70 | Bagless | 25 ft. | Yes | 11.4 x 12.2 x 45.5 in. | 15.2 lbs | Check Price |
| 16. Eureka NEU100 | Bagless | 18 ft. | No | 11.4 x 11.9 x 41.3 in. | 7.7 lbs | Check Price |
| 17. Dyson Ball Multi-Floor 2 | Bagless | 31 ft. | Yes | 15.6 x 13.4 x 41.9 in. | 15.6 lbs | Check Price |
Wrap Up
With all the upright vacuums have to offer, it’s no wonder that this design has stood the test of time! These machines are here to stay. While other types of vacuums have gotten more popular in recent years, nothing will beat the power of an upright. Check out one of the best upright vacuum cleaners on this list and experience the cleaning power firsthand.
