10 Best Upright Vacuums 2026 in the United States

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away (model NV356E), is a versatile and powerful vacuum designed to meet various cleaning needs, particularly for pet owners. Its lift-away functionality allows you to detach the pod for easy cleaning of above-floor areas like stairs and furniture. The vacuum features a robust HEPA filtration system combined with an anti-allergen complete seal, trapping 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is excellent for allergy sufferers.

The vacuum is slightly on the heavier side at 13.7 pounds, but it compensates with swivel steering for easy maneuverability around furniture and tight spaces. The brushroll shutoff feature allows you to switch between deep carpet cleaning and gentle bare floor cleaning effortlessly. The extra-large dust cup (0.87 liters) means fewer trips to the trash can during extended cleaning sessions. It also comes with useful attachments like a pet power brush, dusting brush, and an 8-inch crevice tool, making it highly versatile.

However, it is not cordless, which could limit mobility, and its noise level at 80 dB may be considered loud by some users. Despite these drawbacks, its powerful suction, excellent filtration, and multiple attachments make it a top choice for households with pets and varied flooring types.

The Shark NV752 Rotator Powered Lift-Away TruePet Upright Vacuum is a versatile and powerful cleaning tool, particularly well-suited for pet owners. Its 2-in-1 Lift-Away technology allows you to detach the pod for cleaning hard-to-reach areas without sacrificing the brushroll's power. The vacuum boasts strong suction power and a large dust cup capacity of 0.88 quarts, making it efficient for longer cleaning sessions without frequent emptying. The HEPA filter combined with the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal ensures that 99.9% of dust and allergens are trapped inside, which is great for allergy sufferers.

The vacuum is equipped with LED headlights that help reveal hidden debris and pet hair, enhancing its cleaning efficiency. The included attachments, such as the Pet Power Brush and Crevice Tool, make it a versatile option for various surfaces and detailed cleaning needs. The fingertip controls allow easy switching between hard floor and carpet modes. Weighing 15.4 pounds, it might be slightly heavy for some users, but the advanced swivel steering helps maneuver it easily around furniture and tight spaces. As a bagless model, it eliminates the need for purchasing replacement bags, though you will need to maintain and occasionally wash the filters.

The noise level is at 80 dB, which is relatively standard for upright vacuums but may be a bit loud for some users. The vacuum also comes with a 5-year limited warranty, offering peace of mind regarding its durability. It is a popular and reliable choice for those seeking a robust and efficient upright vacuum, especially in homes with pets.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360, offers a solid combination of features and performance, making it a great choice for households dealing with pet hair and allergens. One of its standout strengths is its powerful suction, which effectively cleans both carpets and hard floors. The detachable pod enhances usability by allowing users to clean under furniture and reach high-up areas with ease.

Its anti-allergen complete seal technology, paired with a HEPA filter, significantly reduces allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers. Additionally, the large dust cup capacity means less frequent emptying, which is a plus for longer cleaning sessions. The included upholstery tool and crevice tool are handy attachments for tackling pet hair, while the swivel steering makes maneuverability around furniture effortless.

There are some drawbacks to consider. Weighing nearly 16 pounds, it might feel a bit heavy for some users, especially during extended cleaning. The noise level at 80 dB is reasonably loud, which could be a concern for those who prefer quieter appliances. Also, being corded, it limits mobility compared to cordless models, although the cord length is sufficient for most rooms.