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Expert Picks for January 2026

Best Vacuums (Upright)

The classic that still dominates. We compared upright vacuums from budget Bissells to premium Dysons—finding what delivers deep carpet cleaning and what just pushes dirt around.

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Best Overall Comparison All Products User Reviews Buying Guide FAQ

Best Overall Our top recommendation

Best Overall

Dyson

Ball Animal 3

4.7 (15,234 reviews)

The pet hair annihilator. If you've got shedders, this is your weapon. Ball steering makes it surprisingly agile for its power.

Suction

290 AW

Filtration

Whole-machine HEPA

Cord

35 ft

Weight

17.4 lbs

Pros

✓ Strongest suction in class
✓ Ball steering = maneuverability
✓ Whole-machine HEPA filtration

Cons

✗ Premium price
✗ Heavy at 18 lbs
✗ Loud operation

$500

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Product	Rating	Price	Action
Ball Animal 3 Best Dyson	4.7	$500	View
Navigator Lift-Away NV352 Value Shark	4.6	$180	View
WindTunnel 3 Max Performance Hoover	4.4	$250	View
CleanView Swivel Pet Bissell	4.5	$120	View

* Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

All Recommended Products

Best Overall

Dyson

Ball Animal 3

4.7 (15,234 reviews)

The pet hair annihilator. If you've got shedders, this is your weapon. Ball steering makes it surprisingly agile for its power.

Suction

290 AW

Filtration

Whole-machine HEPA

Cord

35 ft

Weight

17.4 lbs

Pros

✓ Strongest suction in class
✓ Ball steering = maneuverability
✓ Whole-machine HEPA filtration

Cons

✗ Premium price
✗ Heavy at 18 lbs
✗ Loud operation

$500

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Best Value

Shark

Navigator Lift-Away NV352

4.6 (89,234 reviews)

The value king that keeps winning. Lift-away feature turns it into a canister when needed. Hard to beat for the price.

Filtration

HEPA + Anti-Allergen

Cord

25 ft

Weight

12.5 lbs

Capacity

2.2 qt

Pros

✓ Lift-away pod for portability
✓ Anti-allergen seal
✓ Swivel steering

Cons

✗ Smaller dustbin
✗ Not as powerful as Dyson
✗ Brush roll can tangle

$180

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Premium Pick

Hoover

WindTunnel 3 Max Performance

4.4 (12,345 reviews)

Hoover's triple-channel suction pulls from all angles. Solid mid-range choice that handles everything.

Technology

WindTunnel 3

Cord

30 ft

Weight

16 lbs

Modes

Hard floor/Carpet

Pros

✓ Multi-floor cleaning
✓ WindTunnel technology
✓ On-board tools

Cons

✗ Heavier design
✗ Belt maintenance needed
✗ Average accessories

$250

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Budget Pick

Bissell

CleanView Swivel Pet

4.5 (67,890 reviews)

Gets the job done without the sticker shock. Scatter-free technology keeps debris contained. Entry-level excellence.

Brush

Triple Action

Cord

22 ft

Weight

14 lbs

Tank

1 L

Pros

✓ Scatter-free tech
✓ Triple action brush
✓ Easy empty dirt tank

Cons

✗ Shorter cord
✗ Basic filtration
✗ Plastic construction

$120

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Buying Guide: How to Choose Vacuums (Upright)

Upright Vacuums: The Deep Clean Workhorses

Why Uprights Still Dominate
Stick vacs are trendy, but uprights deliver cleaning power nothing else matches. That motor directly over the brush roll means deep carpet extraction cordless can't touch.

### What Actually Matters
Suction (Air Watts): More is better, but diminishing returns after 200 AW
- Filtration: HEPA is non-negotiable for allergy sufferers
- Brush Roll: Motorized for carpet, option to disable for hard floors
- Weight: You're pushing 12-18 lbs—lighter isn't always weaker

### Bagged vs Bagless
Bagless saves money, bagged is cleaner (no dust clouds emptying). For allergies: bagged. For convenience: bagless.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vacuums (Upright)

How often should I replace filters?

Pre-motor filters: every 3-6 months. HEPA filters: every 12-18 months. Rinse washable filters monthly.

Bagged or bagless for allergies?

Bagged. Emptying a bagless canister releases allergens back into the air.

Why Trust Our Recommendations?

We analyze thousands of real customer reviews, compare product specifications, and curate recommendations so you can make an informed decision without the research hassle.

Curated Recommendations

Real Customer Reviews

Specs Compared

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