10 Best Upright Vacuums for Pet Hair, Carpets, and Hard Floors in 2026

The best upright vacuums combine strong floor cleaning with practical features such as swivel steering, lift-away designs, HEPA filtration, and easy-to-empty dust cups.

We compared 10 popular models across different budgets and cleaning needs to help you choose a vacuum that fits your floors, pets, home size, and maintenance preferences.

Best 10 Upright Vacuums Picks for 2026

Best for Pet Hair on a Budget – Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet

For shoppers comparing upright vacuums for pet hair, the Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet combines maneuverable swivel steering with a triple-action brush roll designed to loosen, lift, and remove embedded dirt and hair. Its scatter-free technology also helps capture messes on hard floors instead of pushing them around.

Best For: Pet owners seeking a straightforward corded upright vacuum with specialized upholstery tools and edge-to-edge cleaning.

Pros:

• Swivel steering helps navigate furniture and obstacles.
• Triple-action brush roll supports pet-hair pickup across multiple surfaces.
• Scatter-free technology and edge-to-edge suction assist with hard-floor and corner cleaning.
• Large 1-liter dirt tank reduces the need for frequent emptying.

Cons:

• At 80 dB, it may sound loud during use.
• The corded design requires access to an outlet.
• It has one speed and one power level.

This Bissell is a practical choice when pet-hair performance and easy steering matter more than premium filtration or cordless convenience. The included pet tools add useful flexibility for upholstery.

Best for Allergies and Above-Floor Cleaning – Shark Navigator Lift-Away

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is one of the more versatile upright vacuums for whole-home cleaning. Its detachable pod supports portable above-floor work, while HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology are designed to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.

Best For: Allergy-prone households and pet owners who need to clean floors, stairs, furniture, and other elevated surfaces.

Pros:

• Lift-Away pod makes stair, furniture, ceiling, and baseboard cleaning easier.
• HEPA filtration and sealed construction trap 99.9% of dust and allergens.
• Pet Power Brush and upholstery tool target hair on fabric surfaces.
• Swivel steering and LED headlights support more controlled cleaning.

Cons:

• At 80 dB, operation may be relatively loud.
• The corded design limits cleaning range to outlet access.
• The 1.1-quart dust cup still requires periodic emptying.

With its portable pod, washable filters, and included pet-focused attachments, this Shark is a strong all-around option for homes that need both floor and above-floor coverage.

Best Newer Bissell Value – CleanView Swivel 3836

This 2024 Bissell CleanView is a practical option among upright vacuums for shoppers who want swivel maneuverability and an extension wand. Its multi-cyclonic suction, triple-action brush roll, and scatter-free technology are suited to carpet, upholstery, and hard-floor cleaning.

Best For: Buyers wanting a newer corded Bissell with an active extension wand for hard-to-reach areas.

Pros:

• Active extension wand helps reach hard-to-clean areas.
• Swivel steering improves control around furniture and corners.
• Triple-action brush roll loosens, lifts, and removes dirt and pet hair.
• Multi-cyclonic suction and a washable filter support ongoing use.

Cons:

• It has one speed and one power level.
• The 1-liter dirt tank may need emptying during larger cleaning jobs.
• The corded design does not provide cordless flexibility.

The CleanView Swivel 3836 makes sense for shoppers prioritizing useful reach and everyday multi-surface cleaning in a relatively compact upright design. Its extension wand is the main distinction from a more basic floor-focused model.

Best for Multi-Surface Control – Shark Navigator NV356E

The Shark Navigator NV356E is a versatile choice among upright vacuums, pairing strong multi-surface suction with brushroll shutoff for switching between carpets and hard floors. Its Lift-Away pod and included attachments also extend cleaning to stairs, upholstery, baseboards, curtains, and blinds.

Best For: Homes with mixed flooring and pet hair that need adjustable floor cleaning plus portable above-floor access.

Pros:

• Brushroll shutoff helps transition from carpet to hard-floor cleaning.
• Lift-Away functionality supports stairs, furniture, and other elevated surfaces.
• HEPA filtration and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology trap 99.9% of dust and allergens.
• Includes a Pet Power Brush, dusting brush, and 8-inch crevice tool.

Cons:

• The 0.87-liter dust cup is smaller than the other listed Shark model’s 1.1-quart capacity.
• Its 5-foot hose may limit reach compared with longer-hose designs.
• It is corded and rated at 80 dB.

This Navigator is especially useful when floor types vary throughout the home. Brushroll control, sealed HEPA filtration, and the Lift-Away design give it broad cleaning coverage without requiring separate machines.

Pet-Hair Power Pick – Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off

For households comparing upright vacuums for pet hair, the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off combines strong suction with a tangle-free brush roll and a detachable canister. Its sealed HEPA allergen system and scatter-free hard-floor cleaning add useful versatility for everyday home cleaning.

Best For: Pet owners who want an upright vacuum with above-floor reach and allergen containment.

Pros:

• Lift-Off detachable pod and extension wand help clean stairs and hard-to-reach areas.
• Tangle-free brush roll is designed to handle hair and fur.
• Sealed HEPA system captures dust allergens inside the vacuum.
• One-liter dirt tank supports longer cleaning sessions between emptying.

Cons:

• It is corded, so cleaning range depends on outlet access.
• The product has one listed speed and power level.

This is a practical choice when pet-hair pickup and flexible above-floor cleaning matter more than cordless convenience. The detachable pod, pet tool, and sealed filtration make it particularly well equipped for homes with pets.

Lightweight Value Pick – Eureka PowerSpeed NEU280

The Eureka PowerSpeed is a lightweight option among upright vacuums, with an upgraded cyclone system for larger debris, fine dirt, and microscopic dust. Five height settings let it transition between carpet, shag rugs, and hard floors, while onboard tools support above-floor cleaning.

Best For: Shoppers seeking a lightweight corded upright for mixed flooring and routine indoor cleaning.

Pros:

• Light 11.5-pound design is easier to carry and maneuver.
• Five height settings accommodate carpets, shag rugs, and hard floors.
• Large 1.9-liter dust capacity reduces the need for frequent emptying.
• Onboard crevice, dusting, upholstery, and pet tools add cleaning flexibility.

Cons:

• The manufacturer recommends cleaning the roller brush and belt every two weeks.
• Its listed noise level is 88 dB.
• It uses a foam filter rather than a listed HEPA filter.

Choose this model if low weight and broad floor compatibility are priorities. Its larger bin and accessory storage are convenient, but regular brush-roll and belt maintenance is important for reliable operation.

Versatile Maneuverability Pick – Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV360

The Shark Navigator NV360 is one of the more versatile upright vacuums for homes with carpet, hard floors, stairs, and furniture. Its Lift-Away pod, swivel steering, brushroll shutoff, and sealed HEPA filtration support both whole-floor cleaning and above-floor tasks.

Best For: Homes with pets and mixed flooring that need maneuverability plus detachable above-floor cleaning.

Pros:

• Lift-Away pod makes stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas easier to clean.
• Swivel steering helps navigate corners and furniture.
• Brushroll shutoff allows switching between carpet and hard-floor cleaning.
• HEPA filtration with an anti-allergen complete seal helps keep captured allergens contained.

Cons:

• The 0.9-quart dust cup is smaller than the Eureka model’s listed capacity.
• Its hose is listed at five feet, limiting some above-floor reach.
• It weighs 16 pounds.

This Shark is a strong all-around pick when floor-type control and easy navigation are important. The detachable pod and included upholstery and crevice tools make it especially useful for pet hair on furniture, stairs, and tight spaces.

Compact Apartment Pick – Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo

If you need upright vacuums for a smaller home, dorm, or apartment, the Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo offers full-size suction in a compact design weighing less than 10 pounds. Its corded setup, quick-release wand, and multi-surface cleaning make it practical for everyday floors and above-floor tasks.

Best For: Apartments, dorms, and shoppers who want a lightweight upright with upholstery and high-corner cleaning capability.

Pros:

• Compact design with powerful suction and a lightweight build.
• Quick-release wand helps clean upholstery, curtains, and high corners.
• Scatter-free hard-floor cleaning plus carpet suction supports whole-home use.
• One-button dirt-tank emptying simplifies bagless maintenance.

Cons:

• The 1-liter dirt tank is smaller than the capacity on some full-size models.
• Its corded design requires access to an outlet while cleaning.
• It has one power level.

This is a sensible choice when storage space and low weight matter more than premium features. It covers the essentials for compact living while adding useful above-floor versatility.

Best Heavy-Duty Pick – Shark Stratos Powered Lift-Away Upright

Among upright vacuums for homes with pets, the Shark Stratos stands out for its DuoClean PowerFins HairPro system, self-cleaning brushroll, and included pet tool. Powered Lift-Away functionality also lets you clean under furniture, stairs, upholstery, and other above-floor areas.

Best For: Pet owners who want strong carpet and hard-floor cleaning with sealed HEPA filtration and above-floor versatility.

Pros:

• DuoClean PowerFins HairPro targets dirt, debris, and pet hair across carpets and hard floors.
• Self-cleaning brushroll is designed for pet hair pickup with no hair wrap.
• Powered Lift-Away pod and included tools extend cleaning to furniture, stairs, and upholstery.
• HEPA filtration and complete sealing trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, based on the supplied ASTM F1977 specification.

Cons:

• At 16.7 pounds, it is substantially heavier than compact upright options.
• Its corded design limits cleaning range to the available outlet and cord length.
• It has one power level.

The Stratos is feature-rich and especially well suited to pet-heavy households. Its heavier body may be less appealing for quick carry-and-go cleaning, but the lift-away design and specialized tools add considerable flexibility.

Best Simple Pick – Amazon Basics Bagless Upright

For shoppers comparing affordable upright vacuums, this Amazon Basics model keeps the design straightforward while covering carpets and hard floors. It weighs 8.4 pounds, includes a 25-foot power cord, and has a 1.7-liter dust cup for longer cleaning between emptying.

Best For: Budget-minded users who want a lightweight corded upright with basic above-floor tools and a washable filter.

Pros:

• Lightweight 8.4-pound design supports easy maneuverability.
• Long 25-foot cord provides convenient cleaning reach.
• Large 1.7-liter dust cup reduces the need for frequent emptying.
• Washable filter and included crevice and upholstery tools simplify routine maintenance and detail cleaning.

Cons:

• The listed noise level is 82 dB.
• It has one power level.
• The supplied notes do not list specialized pet-hair or HEPA features.

This is a practical everyday option for users who prioritize low weight, simple upkeep, and generous cord and dust-cup capacity. It is best viewed as a straightforward floor cleaner rather than a specialized pet or allergen model.

How We Picked the Best Upright Vacuums

We focused on features that make a measurable difference in everyday cleaning: suction and brush-roll design, carpet and hard-floor compatibility, pet-hair performance, filtration, maneuverability, dust-cup capacity, included tools, and overall convenience. The selection includes full-size machines, compact options for smaller homes, and lift-away models that can clean stairs, furniture, and other above-floor surfaces.

Because no single vacuum suits every household, we also considered the trade-offs between weight, reach, noise, maintenance, and specialized features. Product specifications and stated capabilities were weighed alongside practical use cases rather than treated as a simple ranking.

Quick Comparison

Best For	Look For
Pet hair	Tangle-resistant or specialized pet brush rolls, strong suction, and upholstery tools
Allergies	Sealed systems and HEPA filtration
Carpet and hard floors	Brush-roll control or a multi-surface cleaning head
Stairs and furniture	Lift-away canisters, extension wands, and flexible hoses
Small spaces	Compact dimensions, lighter weight, and easy storage
Large homes	Long cords, broad cleaning paths, and larger dust cups

Key Buying Factors for Upright Vacuums

Floor Compatibility

If your home has both carpet and hard flooring, choose a model designed for multi-surface cleaning. Brush-roll controls or adjustable cleaning heads can help prevent scattering debris on bare floors while maintaining agitation on carpets.

Pet Hair and Debris

Pet-focused vacuums commonly add specialized brush rolls, stronger agitation, and tools for upholstery and stairs. A tangle-resistant brush roll can reduce maintenance, but you should still check and clean the roll regularly.

Filtration and Dust Containment

HEPA filtration is useful for households concerned about fine particles and allergens. For the best results, look for a sealed filtration system and keep filters clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Weight and Maneuverability

Swivel steering improves control around furniture, while a lighter body is easier to carry upstairs. Lift-away designs add versatility but may require moving between multiple components during use.

Capacity and Maintenance

A larger dust cup means fewer interruptions, especially in homes with pets. Washable filters can reduce replacement costs, but every vacuum still needs periodic filter, brush-roll, hose, and airway cleaning.

Who Should Buy Which Upright Vacuums?

Pet owners should prioritize a dedicated pet model with specialized tools and brush-roll protection. Allergy-sensitive households should favor sealed HEPA-equipped designs. If you frequently clean stairs, sofas, or vehicles, a lift-away upright is generally more useful than a basic fixed-body model.

For apartments, dorms, and smaller rooms, a compact or lightweight vacuum may be easier to store and carry than a full-size machine. Larger homes with extensive carpeting may benefit from a bigger dust cup, longer reach, and a wider cleaning path. Finally, shoppers on a tighter budget should concentrate on reliable multi-surface cleaning, easy maintenance, and the attachments they will actually use rather than paying extra for features that do not match their floors.