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PSA: tons of our top picks are on sale.
While Amazon may not be the first place we'd go for some things—custom goods, medications, and food, to name a few—it is our go-to retailer for vacuum cleaners. Why are we shopping for the best vacuums on Amazon, you may ask? Well, the online marketplace sells literally every top brand, including Dyson, Shark, and Black + Decker, giving us plenty of options to choose from. The bigger reason, though, is the reviews. If you are someone who likes to make an educated purchase, the thousands of Amazon reviews will definitely help you feel good about adding a vacuum cleaner to your cart. Plus, since none of them are incentivized, you can trust that both the pros and the cons are genuine and honest.
Shop Best-Selling Amazon Vacuums
For this list, which we've been building for years now, we did an audit of the top sellers on Amazon (complete with hundreds of five-star ratings and detailed reviews). We also added the vacuums House Beautiful editors own, use, and love. Ahead, you'll find quite a few options that will definitely get the job done—and then some. Did we mention that most of these picks are on sale?
A vacuum cleaner's aesthetic is probably the least important thing about it, but a nice-looking build never hurt anyone! Case in point: this sleek Shark vacuum that looks like something out of the future. It's not just stylish, though. It really works. In fact, it comes with a HEPA filter that can trap more than 99 percent of dust and allergens. If you want to use it on difficult-to-reach spots, just lift the detachable pod and do your thing. We're not the only ones who are obsessed. A reviewer said, "It transitions between the floor types with a quick click, and the wand and attachments are well stored and quickly accessible to make transitioning from floors to ceilings quick (when you find that giant cobweb and go OMG and need the wand like NOW.)" You may be wondering why we crowned this one the best overall, and we have an answer for you: We’ve been updating this story myriad times over the years, and time and time again, House Beautiful readers buy this one the most. We’d certainly say that makes it number one.
| Power | Corded |
|---|---|
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Attachments | Three |
| Run Time | N/A |
This may not be the most advanced vacuum on our list, but depending on your home's needs, this affordable find may be more than enough. Not only is it a vacuum, but it's also a floor mop. For small spills and particles too small to dust, attach one of the super-soft pads to the bottom of the vacuum and simply push it around the floor.
"I have all hardwood floors. I was using a standard broom and mop before and this saves so much time!" a reviewer said. "I love the ease of use and the ability to vacuum and mop at the same time. It's lightweight and has a light that makes corners easy."
| Power | Cordless, battery-powered |
|---|---|
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Attachments | None |
| Run Time | 12 minutes |
The mark of a good vacuum is not just if it cleans your floors and upholstery; its durability plays into what makes a vacuum worth buying, if you ask us. So, when curating a list of the best vacuums of all time, we had to ask Assistant Editor Meghan Shouse for her thoughts on her Shark, which she’s happily owned for nearly a year. "I've had the Shark PowerDetect vacuum for a while now, and I can say it holds up beautifully," she admits. "I probably don't run it for more than three minutes at a time (depending on where I'm vacuuming in my apartment) because it really is that powerful and quick. It's great for all the nooks and crannies, and it has yet to get all tangled up even though there are four women and one long-haired cat living in my home. I seriously love it." Well, you can’t beat that!
| Power | Cordless |
|---|---|
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Attachments | Three |
| Run Time | 70 minutes |
Anyone too busy to glide a vacuum around the floor multiple times a week, do what Senior Commerce Editor Marina Liao did and invest in a robotic vacuum that basically does everything for you—even mops—without you needing to lift a finger (except to program the schedule). "Roborock is the smartest vacuum I have ever owned. It has both wet and dry functions, seemingly knowing exactly when to mop your floors and when it's on my wool carpet and to switch to vacuum mode,” Liao says. "After initial installation, it maps out your entire space, and you can see the 'floorplan' via an accompanying app on your phone. Through this app, you can control all the functions, so it's nice because we just turn it on through the app, designate which areas we want the Roborock to clean, and it goes to work." Plus, it knows when to go back to the dock to self-clean during the mopping cycle, ensuring it's not just pushing dirt around your floors. "This Roborock is also whisper-quiet, so even my timid dog Willow doesn't run away from it in fear when it's roaming around our home," she adds.
| Power | Charging house |
|---|---|
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Attachments | None |
| Run Time | 120 to 180 minutes |
Few brands are more synonymous with the words "luxury" and "clean" than Dyson, so if you're looking for a reliable vacuum that will not only get the job done but also do a lot more than a typical one you'd buy on the cheap, this is a good find. "Believe it or not, this was a birthday gift I happily unwrapped when I turned 28. I'll be 32 in a few months, and this Dyson is still the most-used cleaning appliance in my apartment. It works as well today as it did the day I got it," says Associate Shopping Editor Jessica Cherner. Plus, unlike a few competitor vacuums, the Dyson is slender enough to store pretty much anywhere you have a few inches of space. "When I'm not using it, I actually keep it in the five-inch area under my dresser. It basically lies flat," Cherner adds. The V8 also comes with tons of attachments, Cherner's favorite of which is the hair screw tools. "I have long, thick hair (and a lot of it), and it really makes a home for itself in the fibers of my rug. Pre-Dyson, I used to spend at least an hour with a silicone broom (which I use occasionally and definitely recommend for anyone with pets or long hair), but now, I just push my vacuum around for about three minutes, and all the hair is gone."
| Power | Cordless |
|---|---|
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Attachments | Five |
| Run Time | 40 minutes |
When an opportunity arose to test Dyson's brand-new, very technologically advanced vacuum, Commerce Editor Samantha Jones jumped on it. After all, there's clean, and then there's Dyson-clean, so when the brand launches a new product, you know it's going to be incredible. Here's what makes this one top-notch: It's Dyson's most powerful cordless vacuum to date, courtesy of its fifth-generation Hyperdymium motor that spins up to 135,000 revolutions per minute (hence the name, Gen5). The second factor that plays into why it's so good is the filtration system. Unlike some older models, this one is equipped with a HEPA filtration that captures 99.99 percent of particles as small as 0.1 microns, which is ideal for allergy sufferers. Perhaps the coolest feature, though, is the real-time information, including particle size and quantity, remaining run time, and maintenance alerts, that displays on the LCD screen as you're using the vacuum. Jones says, "As you clean, the vacuum will categorize, count, and display facts about the different sizes of particles it picks up, and shrinks depending on how much of each debris type is detected on the floor." What's more, it shows you exactly what it's picking up. "The fluffy brush has a built-in laser that helps illuminate hard-to-see debris," Jones says.
| Power | Cordless |
|---|---|
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Attachments | Four |
| Run Time | 70 minutes |
Upon first glance, this vacuum doesn’t look a whole lot different than the Dyson V8 Cherner has, but most of the key differences (and dare we say upgrades) are elements, including the suction power, battery life, and motor technology, you wouldn’t be able to see. Let’s start with the suction power: the V8 has a suction power of up to 115 air watts, and the V10 is around 150. As for the battery life, the V8 can run on a full charge for 40 or so minutes, and the V10 can go for a touch over an hour. Lastly, the motor technology does help all of the other functions run smoothly. It’s just a more modern version of the V8’s tech to help it run better and more efficiently. Now, let’s talk about upgrades you can see, such as the bin capacity: The V8 can hold half a liter of dirt, and the V10 can hold three-quarters of a liter. If you're the type to want the latest or newest model and don't have a budget, go for this one.
| Power | Cordless, battery-powered |
|---|---|
| Attachments | Five |
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Run Time | 60 minutes |
"I don't know about you, but versatile appliances are a must in my house. That's exactly why I've been loving this Shark wet-dry vacuum," says former Commerce Editor Nashia Baker. "Instead of switching between a broom and mop when I'm cleaning, this cordless vacuum easily sucks up dust and dirt, then scrubs my floors at the same time." This Hydrovac MessMaster model is designed with a Stain Boost mode that releases a double boost of cleaning solution to help tackle tough stains. Vacuum maintenance is so simple thanks to its debris filtration technology that separates solids and liquids for easier tank cleaning. While this vacuum isn't the most carpet-friendly, it is designed to rid area rugs of debris and cleans nearly all hard surfaces like tile, hardwood, and marble.
| Power | Battery-powered, cordless |
|---|---|
| HEPA Filter | No |
| Attachments | One |
| Run Time | N/A |
There is nothing more gross than a vacuum cleaner bag. Think about it: It's full of dirt, hair, and crumbs that have been accumulating for at least a few days. And when you empty the bag into the trash, some of the bag's contents always spill onto the floor, creating yet another mess. That's why we love this Bissell vacuum. There's no bag, so emptying the tank is mess-free. Onto the vacuum itself: It may look a bit bulky, but it has serious swivel capabilities, making it easy to maneuver. One reviewer noted, "I have six cats and three dogs and a lot of messy humans in my home. I have to vacuum daily just to keep all the humans from getting hairballs so I was excited to try this one...Seriously fantastic."
| Power | Corded |
|---|---|
| HEPA Filter | No |
| Attachments | One |
| Run Time | N/A |
It's been a while since we saw a robotic vacuum on our list, so here's another favorite we've been eyeing for a long time. First, we have to acknowledge the price: At just $199, it's more than 70 percent off, which is reason enough to buy it. Here's how it works: It has built-in LiDAR technology capable of scanning your home, building a real-time map to navigate its way through the space. If you have a specific cleaning program you want it to follow, simply use voice control or the free app on your phone. One happy customer explained, "Having multiple dogs and allergies, these vacs are a lifesaver. Totally worth buying. I do hope they make a self emptying model but until then, these are great."
| Power | Charging port |
|---|---|
| HEPA Filter | No |
| Attachments | None |
| Run Time | 150 minutes |
Available in two colors, this Kenmore vacuum is a great find if you're looking for something basic to get the job done. Full disclosure: It does come with a vacuum bag, but there's a no-touch button so that you don't have to get anywhere near the gross contents of the bag. Unlike typical bag-included vacuums, this one's suction abilities don't start to fade once the bag fills. "I own a fairly new bagless vacuum cleaner. The reason why I switched from bagless to a bagged vacuum cleaner was because, when you go to empty a bagless vacuum in you house, the dirt and dander you just vacuumed gets back in to your home," A reviewer says. "For the price of the vacuum, I am impressed with the ease of use and great features—it has a great touchless bag feature and multiple attachments. I feel like the air quality in my home is so much better after vacuuming with this vacuum."
| Power | Corded |
|---|---|
| HEPA Filter | Yes |
| Attachments | Three |
| Run Time | N/A |
We couldn't round up the best Amazon vacuum cleaners and not include a hand-held dustbuster. "When I moved into my first post-grad apartment, I skipped the traditional vacuum and opted for a Dustbuster," Cherner explains. "I was wrong. Everyone needs a full-size vacuum, but this is amazing for small messes that don't necessarily require you breaking out the vacuum." It removes hair, dirt, and debris from carpets, furniture, and high-traffic floors, so if you're in need of something quick and easier to maneuver than a full-size vacuum, this is a good find for you.
| Power | Cordless |
|---|---|
| HEPA Filter | No |
| Attachments | None |
| Run Time | 15 minutes |
Vacuum cleaners—especially Dyson vacuums—aren't usually cheap, so before you make a big investment, do some research to figure out which one will work best. Here are a few things to consider.
Bagged vs. bagless: Whether your vacuum cleaner comes with a bag or a dirt container is totally up to you. One is not necessarily better than the other. The former is often easier on allergy sufferers because there's hardly any (if any) contact with the dust and allergens in the bag. The latter typically has better suction power. They're both solid options.
Cordless vs. corded: Personally, I prefer a cordless vacuum because I have more freedom to bring the appliance wherever I please, but of course, the disadvantage is that these types of vacuums have a limited run time compared to those of corded vacuums. Corded vacuums that plug into a power source can run for as long as you need. The limit does not exist. The only downside is that you'll need to unplug it and plug it back in if the cord won't reach where you're headed.
Wood vs. carpet: Consider what type of surface you'll be using your vacuum cleaner on the most. Luckily, most of the vacuum cleaners on our list come with attachments that work on everything from hardwood surfaces to rugs.
Special features: Some vacuums are a bit more basic (their only function is to suck up any visible debris on the ground), but others—especially the newer ones, do a lot more. In fact, some of our personal favorites come with everything from self-scheduling routines, touch screens, built-in lasers to reveal every microscopic particle of debris, and more. If you want the most in-depth and effective clean, you may want to opt for a vacuum cleaner that is equipped with some special features.
I may not be professional cleaner or product developer, but as a New York City dweller who is a self-diagnosed hypochondriac, I must keep my home as clean as humanly possible. Here's how intense I am: Every night, I shine my iPhone flashlight on my surfaces to see if any dust has collected throughout the day, and if any particles have accumulated, I break out my products to get rid of them before bed. Not to mention, I have covered a lot of ground when it comes to the best tools to keep any space clean—from solving the Shark vs. Dyson debate to the best air purifier on the market, and more. You can trust that I have selected the best products because many of the vacuums on this list are tested first-hand by House Beautiful editors have and use in their own homes. A few factors played into our honest reviews—namely how long we have had them, ease of use, pros, cons, whether or not it was worth the price, and more. As for the vacuums we didn't test ourselves, we made sure to spend hours (and we really mean hours) online in search of the most effective ones with the best reviews to include in our roundup.
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