The Best Vacuum Cleaners for Your Money
So just how clean can you get your home?
You are probably spending more time inside and exhausting your Netflix queue. You may also be trying to keep your place as tidy as possible, which is good on many fronts: Cleaning up can be great for both your mental health (especially if you have anxious tendencies, and who doesn't these days) and your physical health (especially if you have allergies).
Everyone needs a few cleaning tools to bust out occasionally to prevent their place from looking feral, and probably the most important one of all is a vacuum cleaner. With a vacuum cleaner, you can really get in there and remove the dust that collects in the corners and also give your fan blades a nice zoosh. Or you can just push the nozzle around your floor and countertop for ten minutes and decide that's enough. Your call, really.
No matter how committed you are to cleaning, here are a few tips to keep in mind before buying a vacuum, courtesy of Bailey Carson, a New York City cleaning expert and the "Head of Cleaning" for the cleaning and handyman booking site Handy.
• Think about your back. "When purchasing a vacuum, try to find one that is slim and lightweight so it’s easy to move around and carry to clean higher-up spaces," Carson says. "You’ll also want to find one that is rechargeable and portable so you don’t have to worry about finding a nearby outlet or vacuuming over the cord."
• Consider the floors in your house. "Most homes have a combination of flooring from tile to carpet and hardwood so you should look for a vacuum that works across multiple surfaces so you can use it throughout your home with ease," she says.
• Figure out what attachments you need. "Many vacuums come with different attachments so keep an eye out for vacuums that offer you the most for your money," she says, "and don’t forget to look at the warranty that comes with it in case anything happens to the vacuum and it needs to be repaired."
Carson also says that for best results, "be sure to vacuum 1-2 times per week to keep your home clean. If you have a pet though, I recommend vacuuming once a day to make sure you get rid of any hair, pet dander, or smaller allergens that can linger."
With that in mind, as part of our ongoing series of product recommendations from experts, here are the highest-rated vacuums of 2023, as recommended by cleaning experts.
The Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2023
1. Best Overall: Dreametech Dual-Head Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
List Price: $499.99
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The Dreametech Dual-Head Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is your ultimate cleaning companion. Designed to redefine your home's cleanliness and convenience, innovation is at the core of this vacuum cleaner. It boasts a dual-head design that is engineered for powerful and efficient cleaning like never before. You can say goodbye to the struggles of traditional cleaning methods and embrace a new era of effortless vacuuming instead.
As a cordless and versatile option, the standout feature of this product is the way it is equipped with not one but two motorized brush heads. This vacuum can tackle dirt, debris, and pet hair that accumulate on a wide range of surfaces. Its cordless nature provides users with the ultimate freedom to roam. Plus, with so many attachments, you can easily address your various cleaning needs. The most impressive part is that this vacuum cleaner operates with precision and thoroughness, making it our top recommendation.
Pros
- Features a dual-head design
- Offers maximum portability and flexibility
- Comes with a variety of attachments
Cons
- Limited battery life
2. Editor's Pick: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional Upright Vacuum
List Price: $199.99
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Mélanie Berliet is the general manager of the lifestyle website The Spruce, and she calls the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional "the best overall vacuum. What’s great about this model is that it’s easy to assemble and use, plus it maintains powerful suction whether you’re using it on carpet or bare floors," she says. "For those suffering from allergies, the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology traps dust and irritants, plus the vacuum comes equipped with a HEPA filter that traps 99.9% of allergens in the vacuum. The swivel steering makes it easy to maneuver, and the detachable and portable canister is ideal for hard-to-reach places."
Pros
- High-capacity dust cup for fewer interruptions while cleaning
- HEPA filter traps 99.9% of allergens
- Swivel steering for easy maneuverability
- Detachable and portable canister
Cons
- Hose attachment may feel stiff and cumbersome
- Cord-wrap hook may occasionally get in the way
3. Best Filter: Dyson Ball Multi Floor High Performance HEPA Filter Upright Vacuum
List Price: $248.00
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As part of his duties with his real estate group Poplar Holdings in Granite Falls, Washington, Thomas Ngo has had to clean his share of investment properties. "Good equipment makes the job comes easier," he says. His Dyson vacuum cleaners "dig into the carpet very well. Many times I spray carpet cleaner and just vacuum it up," he says. And he appreciates the company's commitment to quality. "When I have a problem, the local Dyson shop fixes it for free, for years."
Pros
- Available in five colors
- Very easy to maneuver, including on stairs
- Tangle-free turbine tool for hair removal
- Canister can be emptied with just one click
Cons
- May get stuck on very thick carpets
- Doesn’t fit well under furniture
4. Best for Carpets: Shark Apex DuoClean Stick Vacuum With Self-Cleaning Brushroll
List Price: $389.99
When it comes to floors, most of us have some combination of tile, hardwood, rugs and carpets, so it's good to pick a vacuum that can tackle whatever surface it's thrown on. If you mostly have carpeted surfaces, consider the Shark Apex Stick Vacuum.
Irina Nikiforova is the owner of the Los Angeles-based cleaning company Rocket Maids, and she calls the Shark Apex "lightweight but powerful enough to clean carpeted floors. Its brush roll is wonderful for collecting pet’s hair even the most stubborn ones," she says. "The dust cup is big enough even for a 3,000-square-foot house with pets. This vacuum won’t break your back even if you’re getting your house ready for the in-laws' visit."
Pros
- Transforms into a portable, handheld vacuum
- Includes tools for crevices, pet hair and dusting
- Features bright LED headlights for easier navigation
- Easily reaches under furniture
Cons
- Doesn’t have a HEPA filter
- May require belt replacement once a year
5. Best for Low Prices: BISSELL PowerForce Helix Vacuum
List Price: $104.99
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Of course, as Berliet admits, "You don't need to spend a bundle to get a clean home. This top pick from the trusted brand Bissell will clean your house in a jiffy and all for around $100,” she says. “Its lightweight construction makes it easy to clean all corners of the home while a washable filter means you won't have to replace it often."
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to assemble
- Very affordable price for great value
- Large 15-inch roller brush enables efficient cleaning
- Helix Separation System extends filter longevity
Cons
- May kick debris out the back on hard floors
- Doesn’t have auto-cord retrieval
6. Best for Pet Owners: BISSELL Cleanview Swivel Pet Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
List Price: $118.44
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Cats and dogs provide love and companionship and snuggles. For some people, they also provide sneezes. If your lovable ball of fluff is wrecking your allergies, Samantha B. Wenig of the New York City home organization company Neat Spaces recommends the BISSELL Cleanview Swivel Pet Upright.
"Pet hair, human hair and dander are the main causes of allergies, and now that everyone is working from home, this vacuum will easily get the job done. It has specialized features such as a triple action brush, which help to remove unwanted hair and particles in your house," she says. "With the swivel head, it makes cleaning around furniture and other large objects very easy. As a bonus, BISSELL donates up to $10 to the BISSELL pet foundation for every pet product purchase upon activation, so you're giving back and cleaning your home."
Pros
- Comes with five attachments, including Pet Turboeraser
- Supports the BISSELL Pet Foundation with each purchase
- Cleans effectively along edges and in corners
- Vacuums dry messes with less scatter
Cons
- Main brushes don’t turn off while using attachments
- Filter must be replaced every six months
7. Best Handheld Vacuum: BLACK + DECKER Dustbuster Handheld Vacuum, Cordless
List Price: $59.99
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Handheld vacuums aren't what you will turn to when you want to clean your floor, but if there's a problem area that needs some elbow grease to take care of, they'll be your best friend. Berliet recommends the BLACK + DECKER Dustbuster.
"Small but mighty, this is a great vacuum for picking up small spills or getting to those hard-to-reach spots. Not only does the lightweight design make this model easy to use, but the narrow nozzle, with an optional brush attachment, means you can even reach those previously inaccessible spaces like the crevice between your counter and your refrigerator," she says. "Plus, the filter is washable, meaning you won’t have the extra cost of replacing it down the line."
Pros
- Washable and easy-to-clean filter
- Built-in adjustable brush attachment for multi-surface cleaning
- Very lightweight design for convenient portability
- Ideal for cleaning vehicles
Cons
- Short use time on a full charge
- Some users find it operates loudly
8. Best for Liquids: Vacmaster 8 Gallon HEPA Vac With 2 Stage Motor
List Price: $199.00
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A lot of vacuums can't handle water or other spills, so it's best to wipe up any wet spots you notice before you vacuum. But sometimes spills can get really out of control. So if you're looking for a vacuum that works on wet surfaces as well as dry ones, then Ryan Thompson, a Miami blogger and plumber, recommends the Vacmaster brand.
"As a plumber, we often clean up after water and other liquid spills from broken pipes," he says. "The Vacmaster Professional is a wet and dry vacuum that makes for a great choice to clean up after spills in your home and cars. Its high-performing motor can remove any water or drinks from the carpet while the 20-foot power cord makes it convenient to vacuum around the house. You can also use it to vacuum your car. It's not just for cleaning liquids either, it still does a great job at removing dirt and dust from the carpet."
Pros
- Long 30-foot cord and wheeled design for maneuverability
- Certified HEPA system and four-stage filtration
- Two-stage industrial motor provides impressive suction power
- Durable and kink-resistant hose
Cons
- Bulky design may make storage difficult
- Not ideal for concrete dust
Why Trust Us
Our commitment to the consumer begins with product selection and ends with the last word we write in each article. Each vacuum cleaner is carefully vetted quantitatively through star ratings and the number of reviews and qualitatively through careful examination of reviews and the features each one has to offer. Leveraging our team of bargain hunters, we’re also always sure to keep your budget in mind while we find the best vacuum cleaners on the market. Our team of experts is dedicated to accurately depicting the pros and cons of each vacuum cleaner, translating technical product specifications into information you can understand. Our mission is to help you clean your space with the most effective vacuums so you can enjoy it to the fullest without breaking the bank.
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