What Are the Best Vacuums to Buy in 2026?
Our top-ranked vacuum cleaners based on suction power, pet hair pickup, HEPA filtration, and value for money.
Quick Answer
The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum with HEPA… is our top-rated vacuum pick for 2026 — priced at $269.99 with a 4.6/5 composite rating from verified buyers. It consistently leads our category testing for performance and value.
Our Top 5 Vacuums at a Glance
Our Vacuums Picks in Detail
Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum with HEPA…
$269.99
- ✓2-IN-1 POWERED LIFT-AWAY TECHNOLOGY: Allows you to lift the pod away to deep-clean hard-to-reach areas, like under furniture, while the powered brushroll keeps spinning.
- ✓ADVANCED SWIVEL STEERING: Easily maneuver your vacuum to get in and out of tight spaces, in corners, around furniture, and more.
- ✓ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL: Works with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner. (Based on ASTM F1977 of particles .3 microns or larger.)
Shark Upright Vacuum
$129.23
- ✓POWERFUL SUCTION: Deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with multi-surface powerful suction.
- ✓LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle to clean above the floor, on upholstery, furniture, stairs, and more.
- ✓ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL TECHNOLOGY: Works with a HEPA filter to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum cleaner.
Bissell PowerForce Helix Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner
- ✓Brand new Bissell PowerForce Helix vacuum cleaner, packaged in its original box.
- ✓Efficient Helix cleaning system with multi-cyclonic suction to effectively capture dirt and debris.
- ✓Bagless upright design with an easy-to-empty dirt tank, eliminating the need for replacement bags.
Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum
$469.99
- ✓Dyson V11 Cordless Vacuum, Wand, Docking Station, Charger, Mini Soft Dusting Brush, Crevice Tool, Hair Screw Tool, Motorbar Cleaner Head, Lithium Ion Battery (1)
- ✓Versatile and cordless for whole-home deep cleaning.
- ✓60% more power.¹ Up to 60 minutes of run time.²
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off with Powerful Suction
$179.99
- ✓POWERFUL SUCTION. Dirt, fur & dust don’t stand a chance against the Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off vacuum’s suction power.
- ✓LIFT-OFF DETACHABLE POD. Conveniently clean anywhere in your home, even hard-to-reach areas, with the lightweight canister and quick-release extension wand.
- ✓HEPA SEALED ALLERGEN SYSTEM. This vacuum captures dust allergens inside the vacuum so they don’t escape back into the air you breathe.
How to Choose the Best Vacuums
Always look for HEPA filtration
True HEPA filters trap 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger, including pet dander, pollen, and dust mites — essential for allergy sufferers. Make sure the vacuum has an 'Anti-Allergen Complete Seal' to prevent unfiltered air from escaping around the filter housing.
Corded vs. cordless: know the trade-off
Corded uprights deliver stronger, more consistent suction for whole-home cleaning sessions without battery limits. Cordless stick vacuums are convenient for quick cleanups but lose charge mid-session and typically need battery replacements after 2–3 years. For a primary whole-home vacuum, corded is usually worth it.
Check the dust cup capacity
Larger capacity means fewer interruptions to empty. The Shark NV752 has a 0.88-quart cup — fine for most homes, but pet owners with multiple large dogs may need to empty it every session. Check capacity before buying if you have heavy shedding pets.
Lift-Away technology adds real versatility
Shark's Lift-Away feature detaches the canister from the floor nozzle and converts it into a portable handheld vacuum. This is genuinely useful for cleaning stairs, car interiors, upholstered furniture, and ceiling corners without buying a separate handheld vacuum.
Common Questions About Vacuums
What is the best vacuum to buy in 2026?
The Shark NV752 Rotator TruePet is our top pick for 2026. It combines two-in-one lift-away flexibility, HEPA filtration that traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, and a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush that handles pet hair on carpets and upholstery better than most vacuums in its price range. At $269.99, it delivers premium performance without the Dyson price tag.
What is the best vacuum for pet hair?
Shark's lineup consistently tops the pet hair category. The Shark NV752 includes a self-cleaning Pet Power Brush and HEPA Complete Seal to trap 99.9% of allergens. Multiple verified buyers with large dogs specifically call it out as the best pet-hair vacuum they've owned. The Shark NV360 at $189.99 is a strong budget alternative with similar pet-hair attachments.
Is Shark or Dyson better for vacuums?
Both brands excel, but Shark offers more value for most households. Dyson vacuums often have stronger suction and lighter stick designs, but Shark upright models match or exceed Dyson in pet hair pickup, HEPA filtration, and durability at $100–$200 less. For most homes, Shark is the smarter buy in 2026.
How much should I spend on a good vacuum?
A good vacuum for most homes costs between $150–$300. Below $150, quality and durability drop noticeably. Above $300, you're often paying for brand premium rather than meaningfully better cleaning performance. The $190–$270 range from Shark delivers excellent suction, HEPA filtration, and multi-surface versatility.
What vacuum is best for hardwood floors?
Look for a vacuum with a brushroll shutoff feature, which prevents the spinning brush from scattering debris on bare surfaces. The Shark NV360 Navigator has this feature and transitions smoothly between hardwood and carpet. Both the NV360 and NV752 use fingertip controls to switch modes instantly.
Want detailed specs, side-by-side comparisons, and full buyer reviews for every vacuum?
See Our Full Full Vacuum Reviews →Affiliate disclosure: Greatest Appliances may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on independent testing and buyer review data, not paid placement.