How to choose

Our Ratings (available to subscribers) emphasize cleaning, a vacuum's primary task. Here's what else to consider at the store:

Pick a type

Uprights are still best overall on carpets, and canisters are easier to push, pull, and use on stairs.

Check the features

A brush on/off switch helps avoid scratches and scattered dirt on bare floors. Manual pile-height adjustment matches brush and carpet height better than automatic systems do.

Consider bagless with care

You'll probably prefer a bag if you have allergy concerns because emptying a bagless vac's bin is a frequent and dusty task.

Try before buying

Onboard tools and other features keep most vacs from scoring better than middling in our handling tests. But a few uprights weigh as little as 9 pounds. Try pushing, pulling, and lifting any vac before you buy it.