Choosing the Best Vacuum Cleaner

Pros: Uprights tend to cost less than canister vacuums and cut a wider cleaning swath. They’re generally better at deep-cleaning carpets—particularly the bagged models. Most are relatively easy to store because they stand up on their own.

Cons: Pushing and pulling a machine that might weigh upwards of 20 pounds. If that’s a concern, you can sort our ratings by lightweight models (select “More Filters,” then check “Lightweight”), though you’ll notice that the best performers tend to be heavier. Uprights also tend to be noisier than canisters.

Pros: Canister vacuums are better than upright models for cleaning bare floors, stairs, and under furniture, and the attachments are handy for cleaning drapes and upholstery. Some are as good as uprights at cleaning carpets. Most are quieter, and the separate power head makes them seem lighter as well.

Cons: Overall, these vacuums are bulkier than their upright brethren. The hose and wand configuration make a canister more difficult to squeeze into a closet.

Pros: With recent innovations, performance is improving and some get top marks on the key tests in CR’s vacuum lab—cleaning carpet and bare floors, and picking up pet hair. There’s no cord to trip over as you work, and they take up a lot less storage space than a conventional vacuum.

Cons: Cordless stick vacs can be pricey and the batteries problematic. Consumer Reports does not currently recommend any cordless stick vacuums because of the generally high incidence of problems reported by our members. The problems can include batteries that diminish in power over time or die completely. Such problems are particularly acute by the fifth year of ownership.

Pros: Like uprights, they have tall bodies and handles, and a powerhead. They’re lightweight and convenient when you need to quickly clean up a mess. They also eliminate the need to bend over to clean a dirty floor, unlike a handheld. And typically, they’re reasonably priced.

Cons: Most don’t perform as well on carpet as full-sized vacuums. They are mainly suited for picking up surface litter and aren’t intended as a replacement for a conventional vacuum. The capacity of their dirt bin is typically small. Most are fairly noisy, and having a cord may offset the convenience.

Pros: These miniature models come corded or cordless. They’re handy for light, quick surface cleaning on short-pile carpets and bare floors; some can handle pet hair on upholstery. They’re also useful for cleaning up your car’s interior.

Cons: They lack the power and capacity of full-sized upright or canister models.

Pros: Robotic vacuums do the grunge work while you relax. In uncluttered rooms, a robotic can touch up between regular manual vacuuming sessions. The better models can find their way out of tight spots and around extension cords. Many models can be controlled via a smartphone app.

Cons: No robotic vacuum can match the deep cleaning you’ll get from the best uprights and canisters. These vacuums are not the ideal choice if you have shag carpeting or area rugs. 

Pros: They’re easier to use than a canister. With no vacuum body to pull along, you carry only the hose and powerhead. Central vacuums tend to be relatively quiet, and their dirt chambers don’t need to be emptied very often.

Cons: Central vacuums are pricey and require professional installation. Their 30-foot hoses can be cumbersome to wield, and they hog storage space. And there’s no in-unit place to store cleaning tools while you work.

Note: CR does not currently test central vacuum cleaners.