Best Vacuum Cleaner Brands

A vacuum may seem like a simple tool, but there are multiple styles available, all with various features, functions and levels of reliability. Choosing the right vacuum requires you to carefully compare a few models to see which fits your needs and preferences.

We’ve compared our favorite models from the 10 highest-rated vacuum brands on our site as of August 10, 2021, below.

• Hoover: WindTunnel T-Series
• Kirby: Avalir 2
• Dyson: Ball Animal 2
• Oreck: Cordless Vacuum with POD Technology
• Kenmore: 31220 Pet-Friendly CrossOver Max Upright Vacuum
• Dirt Devil: Vibe 3-in-1 Corded Bagless Stick Vacuum
• Rainbow: Rainbow Cleaning System
• Miele: Classic C1 Pure Suction PowerLine
• Bissell: ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro
• iRobot: Roomba 690

Hoover’s WindTunnel T-Series may have limited features, but it’s a solid buy if you want an affordable vacuum offering a respectable level of performance.

As of publishing, it’s priced at around $150 on Amazon.

The Kirby Avalir 2 is marketed as a complete home cleaning system because it combines the capabilities of a vacuum, a carpet shampooer and a hard floor scrubber. It can also be configured as an upright vacuum, a canister vacuum or a hand-held vacuum.

Prices vary, but a reviewer in Vermont said they paid $1,800. We couldn’t find any for sale on Amazon, so to get a new one, you’ll likely have to schedule a demo through a local Kirby distributor.

The Dyson Ball Animal 2 vacuum cleaner has a somewhat unique design and features that help with picking up pet hair from various surfaces, including steps and furniture. While it doesn’t have a HEPA filter, it is certified ”asthma & allergy friendly” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

As a midrange vacuum that's ideal for pet hair, the Dyson Ball Animal 2 costs around $500 on Amazon at the time of publishing.

The Oreck Cordless Vacuum with POD Technology is a good option for those who want a lightweight vacuum they can take all around the house. This vacuum comes with over 40 minutes of run time on one charge, and the POD Refill system acts like a bag to contain dirt and dust. However, like all cordless vacuums, you will have to recharge it once that time is up.

As of publishing, it costs about $400 on Amazon.

The Kenmore 31220 Pet-Friendly CrossOver Max Upright Vacuum can be used as either an upright vacuum or a canister vacuum. It also features a two-motor system and swivel steering for good overall control.

As of publishing, it costs about $140 on Amazon.

Dirt Devil’s 3-in-1 Corded Bagless Stick Vacuum is an affordable hand-held vacuum. It has a rinsable filter, but it also has a relatively short cord. It lacks an anti-allergy filter, too, making it better for cleaning up larger debris.

As of publishing, it goes for about $40 on Amazon.

The Rainbow Cleaning System uses a water-based filter, and it’s certified “asthma & allergy friendly” by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Accessories are available for different tasks, and the Rainbow Cleaning System comes with a dolly to make transporting the canister from room to room easier.

Pricing isn’t available online, and Rainbow only sells through authorized retailers, so you’ll have to contact the company for a free in-home presentation.

Miele’s Classic C1 Pure Suction PowerLine is one of the company’s entry-level options. It’s a canister vacuum with several convenient features, including a 1,200-watt motor and a proprietary AirClean System to capture debris. Still, it lacks an anti-allergy filter.

This vacuum costs around $300 on Amazon at the time of publishing.

Bissell’s ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Carpet Cleaner isn’t technically a vacuum. However, it’s still a great way to get a deep clean when you have pet messes (like pet hair or stains) to deal with. It has a 3-inch Tough Stain Tool that allows for targeted treatment of problem areas and a Pet Stain Tool that cleans deep into carpet fibers. Just bear in mind that it lacks some functionality versus the better-equipped vacuums above.

This carpet cleaner costs around $200 on Amazon, as of publishing.

The iRobot Roomba 690 is a solid choice if you’re looking for a robot vacuum. This Wi-Fi-connected vacuum offers up to 90 minutes of battery life, which it uses to clean your floor on its own. It also features multiple proprietary technologies to help it clean and navigate your home. However, it also lacks an anti-allergy filter.

As of publishing, this vacuum costs about $480 on Amazon.

When choosing which type of vacuum to buy, first consider your specific needs and preferences. Some models are better for thick carpeting, while others are better for hardwood floors. Likewise, certain models are better for containing allergens. Next, consider how easy each option is to empty and clean, where you plan to use it most and what warranty the manufacturer provides.

What features matter most?

Depending on your cleaning needs, you might prioritize having certain types of filters, attachments or technology.

There are multiple styles of vacuums available, but the right type of vacuum for you depends on your needs and preferences.

Upright vacuum cleaners

Upright vacuums are one of the most popular options for residential users. They usually have self-contained designs that make it convenient for you to clean large areas. Many also come with attachments that make them useful for cleaning other types of surfaces. They tend to have strong motors and strong suction. However, they can be heavy to push around.

Canister vacuum cleaners

A canister vacuum has a wand attached to a separate unit that contains the motor. They are usually lighter than upright models, but some owners may still find them more difficult to move from room to room. However, their separated design can make them more useful for cleaning stairs and other hard-to-reach areas.

Hand-held vacuum cleaners

Hand-held vacuum cleaners have small, portable designs that make them useful for cleaning small messes and awkward surfaces, such as stairs and vehicle interiors. However, most hand-held cleaners use filters that cannot capture the smallest particles, and they do not offer as much suction or filtration as upright and canister vacuums.

Cordless and bagless vacuum cleaners can fall into any of these categories.

Stick vacuum cleaners

Stick vacuum cleaners combine the benefits of upright and portable designs. They are extremely lightweight, making it easy for people to clean entire houses without tiring. Most models, however, have smaller motors that cannot offer as much suction as upright vacuums. Still, they are convenient options for cleaning small apartments and light messes without much fuss.

Water vacuum cleaners

If air quality is important to you, then a water vacuum might be better than traditional vacuum options. Water vacuums filter dirt and debris through water instead of a filter or bag. A water vacuum tends to remove more particles from the debris you vacuum, and it releases cleaner air than a standard vacuum. You can also use it in situations where the floor is wet or moist, which is something you can't do with a standard vacuum.

Robot vacuum cleaners

Robot vacuums are usually small, flat devices that move autonomously around your home to keep it clean. The technologies involved differ by brand, but you’re usually able to schedule cleaning for certain times of the day and leave the vacuum to do its work with little oversight. However, they don’t offer the targeted cleaning abilities of other vacuums, so they may be better suited for people that already own a more traditional vacuum.

When it comes time to buy a vacuum, compare several styles to determine which fits your needs and expectations. Then, get as much information as you can about individual models in that range to see how they match up.

Remember, a quality vacuum is a good investment. It makes it easier to keep your home looking and feeling fresh, and it helps cut back on pest control problems too.

For more housekeeping tips, read about how to clean a deck with a pressure washer next.