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Nov 06, 2024

15 Best Vacuum Cleaners 2024 | The Strategist

The Strategist’s carefully chosen and rigorously vetted flagship shopping guides. Learn about our methodology here, and find all our Best in Class guides here. The Strategist’s carefully chosen and

The Strategist’s carefully chosen and rigorously vetted flagship shopping guides. Learn about our methodology here, and find all our Best in Class guides here.

The Strategist’s carefully chosen and rigorously vetted flagship shopping guides. Learn about our methodology here, and find all our Best in Class guides here.

I’ve tested dozens of top-rated vacuum cleaners on multiple types of messes, including flour, sand, and cracker crumbs — plus scrambled-egg and applesauce spills for the wet/dry vacuums. (Fortunately, a trusty sidekick, my 1-year-old son, was able to aid in much of this mess-making.) In the process, I’ve considered if a model works better on one surface than another, or if it works equally well on hardwood floors and shaggy carpets, and how easy it is to maneuver.

Additionally, I reached out to an array of folks for whom a good vacuum can make all of the difference — including home organizers, chefs, cleaning specialists, nannies, and pet pros — to see what vacuum each recommends. These opinionated authorities have used their own vacuums to suck up everything from dust to dog hair to Play-Doh. There are many brands in this category, but the more dominant players are Dyson, Shark, and Bissell, and you’ll notice their models among our picks for the best vacuums, below. (If you’re looking for robot vacuums, you won’t find them here. But we do have a separate guide.)

Update on November 3, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.

Over time, bagless vacuums have overtaken bagged ones as the standard because they’re easy to empty and don’t require the additional purchase of extra vacuum bags. One advantage that bagged vacuums have, however, is that they keep the dust more contained when it comes time to empty them, though there are self-emptying models that can help with that. In addition to those considerations, there are three main options: upright, stick, and canister. Upright vacuums are the most traditional, with a handle on top, a swiveling brush head, and a corded power source. Stick vacuums have become more popular thanks to Dyson, and they’re often cordless (though you can find corded options). Canister vacuums, which are usually corded, are the most compact full-size option and come with a long hose that makes it easier to get into nooks and crannies.

Corded vacuums are great if you’ve got a larger space and don’t want to worry about running out of battery halfway through your cleaning session. But of course, they’re limited to areas where you can find an outlet. That’s why we’ve listed the length of the cord, which ranges from 15 to 27 feet. For the cordless vacuums, we’ve listed the maximum run time, according to the manufacturer. (Of course, that run time is variable in real life, and it can change depending on whether the battery is fully charged and which power setting you’re running it on. But it will give you a good sense of whether the vacuum has enough battery life to clean your whole apartment or if it’s better for spot treatments.)

If the vacuum is too heavy to carry around, you probably won’t want to take it out often and clean. In general, stick vacuums are lighter than upright or corded ones.

Additional tools can turn a simple carpet cleaner into a multipurpose machine, tackling hardwood floors, upholstery, baseboards, countertops, stairs, and hard-to-reach corners. Some models can even be turned into a mop. Common attachments include an anti-tangle brush for pet hair, a crevice tool (an angled nozzle for narrow spaces), and a combination tool (two tools in one — usually a hard nozzle and brush for quick switches between surfaces and cleaning needs). We’ve listed the attachments included with each model. In some cases, additional attachments may be available for purchase.

Type: Cordless stick, bagless | Run time: 70 minutes | Weight: 7.72 lbs. | Attachments: Digital Motorbar cleaner head, Fluffy Optic cleaner head, combination tool, hair screw tool, built-in dusting and crevice tool

Dyson inspires remarkable loyalty among its customers, and it’s at least partly because of the effectiveness of its vacuums and the innovations they’ve brought to floor cleaning, particularly cordless sticks. The Gen5 is the top of the line and the most powerful of Dyson’s cordless stick vacuums.

I tested the Gen5outsize, which has double the run time and a dustbin that’s over twice as large as the Gen5detect’s, but its top-heaviness and size make it a bit too unwieldy for many people. What blew me away was the vacuum’s built-in LCD screen that gives you a satisfyingly grotesque count of how many particles it nabs from your floors. One pass beneath my writing desk yielded 108 million microscopic crumbs — an impressive amount of WFH bagel bits. You can also find the screen on the Gen5detect, which is what I’d actually recommend to most people.

Emily Ranager, director of business operations at Shelfie, an NYC-based organizing service, is “obsessed” with her Gen5detect and says it’s a favorite of many in her circle. In addition to its 70-minute run time, she’s a fan of the included Fluffy Optic head’s built-in light, which has twice the power of previous versions. “It illuminates invisible dust and hair on my floors, so I can be sure I’m sucking up as much filth as possible.” Ranager also raves about how it converts to a handheld vacuum, which is ideal for countertop spills. That’s likely why Toni Roberts, the executive pastry chef at the Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, loves using her Gen5detect in the kitchen. “It’s superlight and gets all kinds of dusty bits,” she says. “It also has multiple cleaning heads that can be swapped in, and the filter is washable, so there’s less waste.”

In addition to the cleaning heads and tools that come with the Gen5detect, you can also purchase additional specialized tools, such as adaptors for cleaning under low furniture or high-up places.

Type: Cordless stick, bagless | Run time: 60 minutes | Weight: 8.9 lbs.| Attachments: Duster crevice tool, anti-allergen brush

For the best overall vacuum, it was neck and neck (wand and wand?) between the Dyson Gen5detect and the Shark Stratos. Ultimately, the Dyson snagged the top spot for its run time, but the Shark has some major tricks up its cordless sleeve and is less than half the price. I was especially impressed by the Shark’s ability to bend at a right angle so you can slide the whole vacuum under tables, couches, and beds (you can purchase a low-reach adaptor for the Gen5detect, but it’s often out of stock). And like the Gen5detect, the Stratos automatically boosts its suction power when it comes across bigger messes. This feature, called Clean Sense IQ, visually shows you when debris is detected and when it’s clean. I tested the Stratos after hosting my three kid nephews for dinner, and we laughed about it working as a messy-eater detector when you run it under each dining chair.

Ceramicist Liz Burns is also a fan of the Stratos’s contortionist capabilities. She says, “It’s a dream to slide my Shark Stratos under my pottery wheel and beneath nearby shelves to pick up dust and debris with ease. Plus the whole thing folds in half for super-compact storage — it’s seriously amazing how small it becomes.”

Type: Canister, bagless | Cord length: 16 feet | Weight: 10.23 lbs.| Attachments: Multi-surface brush, crevice tool

Admittedly, I’ve never owned a canister vacuum for fear that the motor would be a pain to lug around. But in testing the Bissell Zing, I found it remarkably nimble on its wheels, following me around my tiled bathroom, over multiple mats and its own cord, with ease. Though I kept my hands free to move bathroom accessories, the canister’s handle and light weight make it ideal for carrying as well. With no maneuverability problems, I was free to enjoy the perk that canister fans rave about: pure suction power. I poked the wand into each bathroom nook and cranny, where the Zing sucked up every strand of hair in its path and even those off to its periphery. The machine’s retractable cord is the cherry on top.

Sarah McAllister, founder of the cleaning site Bleach, Pray, Love and creator of the Instagram account GoCleanCo, agrees that the Bissell Zing is great for hard floors and small areas. “It’s lightweight, so you can carry it around to get in tight or high-up spaces,” says McAllister. And the price doesn’t disappoint either. “If you’re looking for a vacuum that packs a punch and is under $100, this is a go-to. All of my staff carry them.”

Type: Upright, bagless | Cord length: 27 feet | Weight: 13.65 lbs. | Attachments: Pet TurboEraser tool, 2-in-1 dusting brush and crevice tool

For cleaning rugs or carpet, a specialized head with a brush roll works best for knocking dirt loose from the fibers. With its roller head covered in heavy-duty bristles, the CleanView loosens, lifts, and sucks up deeply embedded debris from carpets.

While cleaning expert Sarah McAllister relies on the Bissell Zing for hard floors, she counts on the Bissell CleanView for carpets, noting once again that she prefers a corded option. “For carpets,” she says, “we like an upright vacuum with replaceable filters that you can clean easily,” which helps the filters last much longer — up to eight months. McAlister says that even after running other vacuums over carpeting first, the CleanView still manages to scrounge up a good amount of additional dirt, providing a truly thorough cleaning.

Type: Canister, bagged | Cord length: 18 feet | Weight: 13 lbs.| Attachments: Combination floorhead, dusting brush, crevice tool, upholstery tool

Miele canister vacuums are widely considered ― by cleaning professionals, vacuum experts, and many vacuum owners ― to be the longest-lasting and best performing out there. Leah Guadagnoli, an artist and the founder of the monthly dinner party Fancy Feast Supper Club, which she often hosts in her upstate New York home, is a fan. “For deeper cleans, I’m in love with my Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction,” she says. “It works great for getting in between the crevices in my wood floor where flour and crumbs annoyingly always accumulate. This is for those nitty gritty corners of my kitchen and home.” It’s also the vacuum she uses to prepare for her mother coming over. “Mom’s coming to visit?” she says. “Better bust out the Miele!”

Shara Kay, a certified professional organizer and the founder of SK Organizing in Beverly Hills, agrees about the reliability of Miele canisters. She praises their high suction, efficient size, and retractable cord storage. “They’re expensive but last for decades,” she says.

Type: Cordless stick, bagless | Run time: 70 minutes | Weight: 7.72 lbs. | Attachments: Digital Motorbar cleaner head, Fluffy Optic cleaner head, combination tool, hair screw tool, built-in dusting and crevice tool

It’s unsurprising that the Gen5detect appears on this list twice. The qualities that make it our pick for best vacuum overall are what makes it a standout for cleaning up after pets as well. As I don’t have pets myself, I popped the Gen5detect in my trunk (an easy task with this powerful but lightweight machine) to head to my brother’s house and vacuum up after his cat, Piper. I beelined to her bed and watched the hair screw tool gobble up every last piece of fur without tangling. Next, I tackled the area around her litter box, swapping in the Fluffy Optic cleaner head, which illuminated my path with a precise blade of light so I could see each particle before the Dyson devoured it. While I couldn’t coax Piper into my car for further testing on the upholstery, I know that the Gen5detect would be equally effective for that task in handheld mode because of its extra-strong suction and effective attachments. Also highly appreciated: The vacuum’s HEPA filtration system that traps microscopic particles, including pet dander.

Type: Stick with cord, bagless | Cord length: 15 feet | Weight: 2.6 lbs. | Attachments: Crevice tool, floor nozzle

This amazingly affordable vacuum — it’s only a fraction of the price of the Dyson — is not just lightweight, it’s also extremely capable. I brought the Featherweight to my brother’s house for testing on his cat Piper’s preferred perch, a carpeted staircase. I watched the Featherweight slurp up all the fur on each step, noting how nice it is that the floor nozzle is the exact width of a standard step.

Twila McGee, CEO and founder of pet-care company Nola’s Finest Pets, agrees that the Featherweight gets the job done for pet parents. “Even though it’s extremely light, this vacuum has a powerful suction that makes picking up pet hair on carpet, rugs, and hard floors a breeze,” she says. And if you think such a bargain price means the vacuum won’t last, McGee notes that she’s had hers for almost two years now and it still works like it did on the first day. Like the Dyson, it can be converted into a handheld.

Type: Cordless stick, bagless | Run time: 60 minutes | Weight: 8 lbs. | Attachments: Crevice nozzle, dusting brush, upholstery nozzle, multi-floor electric brush

I’ve been mindful of not only being impressed by large debris pickup (“This thing just took down an entire ravioli!”), but also by machines that can handle microscopic messes. The Miele Triflex can do both, eradicating big crumbs as well as all traces of dust when I ran it beneath my couch. And because we can’t see every puny particle, the machine automatically detects floor type and changes its rolling speed and power, concentrating longer on carpet. This gives me peace of mind, as my sinuses are especially sensitive to dust.

Longtime Shark fan and even longer-time allergy sufferer Naveen Singh became an instant Miele convert after testing the Triflex HX2. “I’ve always assumed Miele vacuums are all canister design, so it was cool to find out I could get the maneuverability of a cordless stick with the power of a Miele motor,” he says. Singh was impressed by the Triflex HX2’s ability to capture dust on both hardwood floors and rugs — something he doesn’t mess around with in order to keep sneezing and runny noses at bay. With its HEPA lifetime filter, this model claims 99.999 percent filtration, picking up dust, allergens, and viruses. “Plus it turns into a handheld, so I can use it in my car, too,” Singh says. “I’m the kind of guy who even keeps a mini trash can in my car, so this level of trustworthy cleanliness is major.”

Type: Cordless stick, bagless | Run time: 60 minutes | Weight: 6.8 lbs. | Attachments: Digital Motorbar cleaner head, Fluffy Optic cleaner head, crevice tool, hair screw (anti-tangle) tool, combination tool

Before the Gen5detect, there was the V15, which introduced laser illumination to the Dyson lineup and had some users happily comparing vacuuming to playing a video game. And while the Gen5 has a slightly more powerful motor (spinning at 135,000rpm compared to 125,000rpm) and a maximum run time that’s a touch longer (70 versus 60 minutes), the V15 is still a solid choice, especially for smaller homes where an hour’s worth of vacuuming is more than enough.

And that’s not to say the V15 is a consolation prize. It’s still beloved among our experts, including Ryan Easter, who appreciates solid suction as the “chief cleanologist” at New Jersey–based Spark Car Wash. “I think the best vacuum is the Dyson V15,” he says, noting that the Dyson V11 ($480) is a great substitute if you have a lower budget. For his car, Easter only relies on the high-powered central vacuums at work, but at home, he’s all about Dyson’s versatile stick options because they’re “lightweight, cordless, modular, small, and still do a great job.”

Strategist senior editor Winnie Yang also likes the V15 for its effective and efficient cleaning and compact design (and is a fan of Dyson stick vacs in general, having previously owned the V8 and V11). Dyson’s diminutive footprint in the home is also what appeals to Vivien Lee-Mayhue, a certified KonMari organizing consultant and the founder of Tidy Up Los Angeles. She owns the now-discontinued V6 and maintains that Dyson’s stick design is the best because the vacuum and its attachments can be easily stored in a wall docking station. “Vertical wall storage means not using precious floor space in a utility closet — a dream feature for professional organizers,” she says.

If you also need a mopping solution and can swing the additional cost, skip the Dyson V15 Detect and go for the Dyson V15s Detect Submarine instead. It’s basically the same thing, but with the addition of a wet roller attachment (Note: The wet roller isn’t compatible with other Dyson models). While the Submarine isn’t the most powerful wet/dry vacuum I tested, it can certainly handle daily messes, such as the spilled baby food and scrambled-egg bits I tested it on.

Type: Cordless stick, self-emptying, bagless body, bagged storage tower | Run time: 60 minutes | Weight: 5.95 lbs. | Attachments: Power Carpet/Universal nozzle, Power Mini nozzle, Power Mop nozzle (with two Power Mop microfiber pads), 2-in-1 combination tool, crevice tool

At first, the more than three-foot storage tower that’s included with the CordZero seems like overkill. Sure, other cordless sticks lean (and fall) awkwardly when not in use, but when mine arrived I wondered if it was really necessary to pair such an easy-breezy, lightweight machine with such a sizable station. However, once I vacuumed my entire apartment off one charge and docked this cordless stick, I realized the true beauty of the tower — once the CordZero returns to its stand, the dustbin empties automatically. Within the tower, the dust is funneled into a bag that you pop out and throw away when full (about once a month). No more hovering over a garbage can to dump dirt, only to accidentally spill dust back onto your clean floors. The CordZero’s hands-free auto-empty feature makes it especially great for allergy sufferers (no wonder it’s earned certification from the British Allergy Foundation). The tower also charges the vacuum and stores its attachments too.

When Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo tried another LG CordZero model (the A9 Kompressor Stick Vacuum with Power Mop) she was amazed by how much dust, dirt, and dog hair it picked up from her rug and how it outperformed her robo vac. “Please don’t judge me when I say this, but the dustbin on the LG filled up and needed to be emptied after just 20 minutes of vacuuming,” she says.

Type: Canister, bagged | Cord length: 18 feet | Weight: 14 lbs. | Attachments: Dusting brush, upholstery tool, crevice tool

Compared to the Miele Classic, the Compact (as the name suggests) has a smaller canister, but still delivers the same suction power — 1200 watts. Note, however, that the Compact does weigh two pounds more. It’s a favorite of Chrissy Fichtl, founder of the Brooklyn-based candle and fragrance brand Apotheke. “It’s small and compact to store, but most of all, it’s easy to move around from one level of your house to the next,” she says.

Type: Cordless upright, bagless | Run time: 35 minutes | Weight: 11.2 lbs. | Attachments: None

So many vacuums claim to be multifunctional, but as with most all-in-one products, few really perform well at everything they claim to do. The Dreame H14 is one of the exceptions.

I began testing this model with a layup for any wet/dry vac: a cereal spill with both solid pieces and milk. It was no problem for the Dreame H14, which not only sucks up such a mess easily but also filters solid waste from liquids in its used water tank. This makes disposal extra convenient because you can dump particles in the trash and liquids in the sink. Most other wet/dry vacuums leave you with a mixed bag of a mess that can risk clogging your sink or toilet. Then I moved on to tougher tests, including a week’s worth of dried coffee drops and stray beans on the floor below my coffee maker, as well as dried maple syrup. The Dreame H14 had no problem with either, though the syrup required a few passes. Compared to other wet/dry models I’ve tested, like the Tineco Floor ONE S5 and Ecowell Lulu Quick Clean P05, the Dreame H14 has superior suction. It’s also equipped with an intelligent sensor to automatically increase power for more serious stains, or gobble up light messes on lower suction for energy efficiency.

As anyone who has ever mopped knows, tackling your floors is only half the battle. You then have to clean your cleaning tools, a thankless task with grime-ridden mop heads and buckets. Here’s where the Dreame H14 really shines. Simply dock your machine and initiate self-cleaning mode, which blasts the rotating brush with hot water. Drying mode takes only five minutes, a major plus compared to competitors that whirl for a noisy 30 minutes — a nuisance if you store your vacuum within earshot like I do. Add to this the ability to lay flat to devour messes under chairs and couches, plus edge-to-edge cleaning to get flush with baseboards and cabinets, and the Dreame H14 is, well, a dream.

Type: Upright, bagless | Cord length: 25 feet | Weight: 12.5 lbs. | Attachments: None

I wanted to try a more moderately priced wet/dry vacuum, and fortunately, the aftermath of a family barbecue presented the ideal testing opportunity. There was a minefield of mustard-strewn tile, crushed Cheetos on an area rug, and the remnants of a puke-y mess in the entryway from a friend’s daughter who went too hard on the bounce house.

Setup is easy — the CrossWave HydroSteam comes with sterilizing formulas (for both hard floors and multi-surfaces), so you simply fill a tank with water and formula, then snap it into the back of the vacuum. You switch between modes (hard floor, steam wash, or area rug) on the handle, which sits at the end of a, dare I say, lovely copper stick. Within minutes, I tackled my multi-surface mess and was very happy with the ease of cleanup and end results.

Unlike the Dreame H14, this wet/dry triples as a steamer, utilizing hot vapor to break down extra-sticky messes — a nice bonus. However, the CrossWave HydroSteam’s self-cleaning cycle flushes the machine’s interior but doesn’t cleanse the roller brush. That part has to be done by hand, and the brush has to sit out for at least 24 hours for drying in order to prevent bacteria growth and odor. This model is also corded, doesn’t lie flat, and has a smaller dirty water tank than the Dreame H14, which means more frequent dumping. However, the CrossWave HydroSteam is still a powerful machine at half the price.

Type: Cordless handheld, bagless | Run time: 25 minutes | Weight: 2.2 lbs. | Attachments: Hair screw (anti-tangle) tool, combination tool, worktop tool

For a dedicated handheld (rather than a full-size model that converts), I prefer the Dyson Humdinger, which nabbed top honors in our roundup of best handheld vacuums. Without sacrificing suction power, the Humdinger is basically a standard Dyson shrunk down, which made it even easier to maneuver over seats, the center console, and floor mats in my car. Plus, while most handhelds come with basic brush and crevice attachments, the Humdinger also provides a mini-motorized brush bar that I used on my toddler’s exceptionally filthy car seat. This attachment would also be ideal for anyone who regularly carts around pets, as it has an anti-tangle design that’s made for picking up hair. To top all this off, the Humdinger keeps on humming for up to 25 minutes — longer than any other handheld I tested, and twice as long as similar vacuums of the same light weight.

Interior designer Kellie Sirna — founder of Studio 11 Design in Dallas — relies on her Dyson Humdinger to tackle messes in her projects, which include restaurants, hotels, spas, and even casinos. The feather-light machine comes with three attachments to make digging into console nooks and crannies, as well as cleaning car upholstery, a breeze. “It’s compact and easy to carry, making it perfect for keeping in my car … Plus, it’s relatively quiet, so I can use it at home or, if the need arises, on project sites without worrying about noise,” Sirna says. Even on days off, Sirna regularly reaches for her Humdinger. “As a mom of two, having a handheld vacuum is a necessity for quick cleanups,” she says.

Type: Handheld wet/dry, bag optional | Cord length: 15 feet | Weight: 9.8 lbs. | Attachments: Squeegee tool, crevice tool, carpet tool, extension wand

The Shark MessMaster is basically a scaled-down Shop-Vac for home use. I used it to tidy up around my toddler’s high chair after dinner, and was amazed to watch as whole raviolis, orange segments, and an entire dirty rag disappeared into the wet/dry wand within seconds. Realizing that I had basically brought a machete to trim a dandelion, I went in search of bigger messes. A repotting project gave me what I needed. The MessMaster went to work gobbling up large globs of dirt as well as excess sand and gravel. I then swapped in the squeegee attachment — conveniently stored on the machine itself — to scrape away any remaining residue.

The power of the MessMaster is unparalleled. Though I did find two minor downsides: The power cord doesn’t retract and you do have to carry the main unit (it doesn’t have wheels). But other advantages — like its built-in attachment storage and the fact that you can line the interior dust can with bags you already have at home — make this vacuum a solid tool for heavy-duty cleaning.

• Andrea Arden, founder of Andrea Arden Dog Training• Liz Burns, ceramicist• Liza Corsillo, Strategist senior writer• Ryan Easter, chief cleanologist at Spark Car Wash• Chrissy Fichtl, founder of Apotheke• Leah Guadagnoli, an artist and founder of Fancy Feast Supper Club• Shara Kay, certified professional organizer and founder of SK Organizing• Vivien Lee-Mayhue, professional organizer and founder of Tidy Up Los Angeles• Sarah McAllister, founder of Bleach, Pray, Love and creator of GoCleanCo• Twila McGee, CEO and founder Nola’s Finest Pets• Patrice Novkov, founder of Mulberry Nanny Agency• Emily Ranager, director of business operations at Shelfie• Toni Roberts, executive pastry chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago• Kellie Sirna, founder and principal of Studio 11 Design• Winnie Yang, Strategist senior editor

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