Does your carpet seem to hold onto dirt no matter how much you vacuum? You’re not alone! Choosing the perfect upright vacuum for your carpets can feel like a never-ending quest. So many brands, so many features, and all promising a cleaner home. It’s easy to get lost in the noise and end up with a vacuum that just doesn’t cut it.
But what if there was a way to cut through the confusion? What if you could find an upright vacuum that truly tackles those stubborn carpet fibers, leaving your floors looking and feeling fresh? In this post, we’re diving deep into what makes an upright vacuum a carpet champion. We’ll explore the key features that matter most, helping you understand what to look for so you can finally conquer that carpet dirt.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear picture of the best upright vacuums for your carpeted spaces and the confidence to make a smart purchase. Get ready to say goodbye to dusty carpets and hello to a cleaner, happier home!
Our Top 5 Upright Vacuum For Carpets Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Upright Vacuum For Carpets Detailed Reviews
1. Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum
Rating: 9.4/10
Tired of dirt and dust? Meet the Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum in a lovely Lavender shade. This vacuum makes cleaning your home a breeze. Its smart design helps you tackle messes on carpets, stairs, and hard floors. Plus, it’s great for homes with pets!
What We Like:
- The Lift-Away feature lets you detach the pod for cleaning stairs and furniture easily.
- Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology with a HEPA filter traps dust and allergens, keeping your air cleaner.
- It’s powerful yet lightweight, so it’s easy to carry and use anywhere.
- The brushroll shutoff lets you switch from carpets to bare floors smoothly.
- Swivel steering makes it simple to move around furniture and into tight spots.
- Pet owners will love the wide upholstery tool for picking up pet hair.
- The crevice tool helps you reach every nook and cranny.
- It comes with a 5-year limited warranty for peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- The cord length might be a limitation for very large rooms.
- While it includes upholstery and crevice tools, some users might wish for more specialized attachments.
This vacuum offers excellent cleaning power and user-friendly features. It’s a solid choice for keeping your home clean and healthy.
2. Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering
Rating: 9.5/10
Tired of pet hair clinging to every surface? The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum is here to help! This powerful vacuum is designed specifically for pet owners, tackling stubborn pet hair and messes with ease. Its innovative swivel steering makes cleaning around furniture a breeze, and the triple-action brush roll works hard to lift embedded fur. Plus, every purchase helps save homeless pets through the BISSELL Pet Foundation.
What We Like:
- Swivel steering makes it super easy to move around furniture and obstacles.
- The triple-action brush roll does a fantastic job of loosening and lifting pet hair.
- Scatter-free technology keeps dry pet messes from flying around on hard floors.
- Edge-to-edge cleaning means you can get into corners and along walls effectively.
- The large dirt tank means fewer trips to empty it.
- Easy empty feature makes cleanup quick and simple.
- BISSELL supports pet adoption, which is a great bonus!
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for pet hair, some users might wish for more specialized tools for different types of messes.
- The airflow indicator is helpful, but knowing when the filter needs cleaning could be more intuitive.
This vacuum is a strong contender for any pet owner’s cleaning arsenal. It makes dealing with pet hair much less of a chore.
3. Eureka Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor
Rating: 9.0/10
Tired of lugging around a heavy vacuum? The Eureka PowerSpeed, in its sleek blue and black design, is here to make your cleaning routine a breeze. This new model boasts an upgraded cyclone system that tackles everything from big messes to tiny dust particles, making it a champion for both carpets and hard floors. Its powerful suction grabs dirt deep within your carpets and is gentle on your hardwood, thanks to its smooth-running wheels and five different height settings. Plus, it’s surprisingly lightweight, so you can clean your whole house without feeling worn out. This vacuum really does the hard work for you!
What We Like:
- The upgraded cyclone system handles all sizes of debris, from large chunks to microscopic dust.
- It powerfully picks up embedded dirt and pet hair from deep within carpets.
- The vacuum is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver and carry.
- Five adjustable height settings ensure it works well on various floor types, including high-pile carpets and hardwood.
- It comes with helpful accessories like a crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool for cleaning above the floor and in tight spots.
- The onboard storage keeps all your tools handy.
- It traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens, contributing to cleaner air.
What Could Be Improved:
- The floor brush may get clogged with hair and dirt, requiring regular cleaning of the roller brush and belt (every two weeks is recommended).
- Neglecting to clean the roller and belt can lead to malfunctions, and in severe cases, smoke or belt breakage.
Overall, the Eureka PowerSpeed is a fantastic option for anyone seeking a powerful yet easy-to-handle vacuum cleaner for all their floor cleaning needs. Its impressive cleaning capabilities and user-friendly design make it a valuable addition to any home.
4. Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum
Rating: 9.5/10
Looking for a vacuum that’s perfect for small spaces like dorm rooms and apartments? The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, model 3508, is designed just for you. It’s super light, making it easy to move around. Plus, it has strong suction to pick up dirt and messes. This vacuum also has a special feature to stop messes from scattering on hard floors.
What We Like:
- EVERY PURCHASE SAVES PETS. BISSELL proudly supports BISSELL Pet Foundation and its mission to help save homeless pets.
- SCATTER-FREE TECHNOLOGY. Captures messes on hard floors with less scatter.
- POWERFUL SUCTION. Convenient, powerful cleaning in one machine.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND MANEUVERABLE. Weighs less than 8 pounds, so it’s easy to transport.
- EASY EMPTY DIRT CONTAINER. Dispose of debris with a push of a button.
What Could Be Improved:
- The dirt container is easy to empty, but it might need to be emptied more often in larger spaces or for bigger messes.
- While it’s great for small spaces, its compact size might mean it’s not ideal for cleaning very large homes or deep cleaning carpets.
This vacuum is a fantastic option for keeping your small living space clean. It’s a practical choice that also helps a good cause.
5. Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floors
Rating: 9.1/10
The Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is a great helper for keeping your home clean. It works well on both carpets and hard floors. This vacuum is designed to make cleaning easier.
What We Like:
- It’s super light, weighing only 8.4 pounds. This makes it easy to carry and push around your house.
- The long 25-foot cord means you can clean a large area without having to switch outlets often.
- It comes with special tools, like a crevice tool and an upholstery tool. These help you clean tricky spots and furniture.
- The handle can be taken off, which adds to its usefulness.
- The dust cup is big, holding 1.7 liters. You can clean for longer before needing to empty it.
- Emptying the dust cup is simple thanks to a quick-release button.
- The filter is washable. This saves you money and keeps the vacuum working well.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s good for light to medium cleaning, it might not be powerful enough for very deep carpet cleaning.
- The dust cup, though large, might fill up quickly in very messy areas.
This vacuum is a solid choice for everyday cleaning tasks. It offers good value and makes keeping your home tidy much simpler.
Choosing the Best Upright Vacuum for Your Carpets
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice
Carpets can get dirty quickly. Dust, dirt, and pet hair love to hide in carpet fibers. An upright vacuum cleaner is a powerful tool to keep your carpets looking and feeling fresh. This guide will help you pick the best one for your home.
1. Key Features to Look For
Powerful Suction
This is the most important feature. Strong suction pulls dirt deep out of carpet piles. Look for vacuums with good wattage or a high air wattage rating. This tells you how much power it has.
Brush Roll (Beater Bar)
A good brush roll agitates carpet fibers. This loosens embedded dirt and hair. Many upright vacuums have adjustable brush rolls. You can set them for different carpet heights. Some also have a brush roll shut-off. This is helpful for bare floors.
Filtration System
A good filter traps tiny particles like dust and allergens. HEPA filters are the gold standard. They capture 99.97% of particles. This is great for people with allergies or asthma.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagged vacuums collect dirt in a disposable bag. This is good for allergy sufferers because it seals dirt away. Bagless vacuums use a canister you empty. They are often more convenient and save money on bags.
Weight and Maneuverability
You’ll be pushing this vacuum around. A lighter vacuum is easier to move. Swivel steering makes it easier to go around furniture. Check the vacuum’s weight and how easily it turns.
Attachments and Accessories
Crevice tools, dusting brushes, and upholstery tools are useful. They help you clean stairs, furniture, and tight spots. Some vacuums come with onboard storage for these.
2. Important Materials
The materials used affect durability and performance. Look for sturdy plastic for the body. Metal parts in the brush roll and motor housing add strength. High-quality filters are made of dense, specialized materials to trap fine dust.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Improvements
- Stronger motors mean better suction.
- Durable construction means the vacuum lasts longer.
- Effective brush rolls clean carpets better.
- Advanced filtration systems improve air quality.
Quality Reductions
- Cheap plastic can break easily.
- Weak motors lead to poor cleaning.
- Ineffective filters let dust escape.
- Poorly designed brush rolls can damage carpets.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
A good upright vacuum makes cleaning easier. It should be simple to operate and maintain. Consider how you will use it most. If you have pets, look for features that handle pet hair well. If you have stairs, a lighter model or one with a detachable hose is better.
For homes with thick carpets, a vacuum with a powerful motor and a strong brush roll is essential. For homes with a mix of carpet and hard floors, a vacuum with adjustable height settings and a brush roll shut-off is ideal. People with allergies will benefit most from HEPA filtration and a bagged system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the main Key Features to look for in an upright vacuum for carpets?
A: The main key features are powerful suction, an effective brush roll, a good filtration system (like HEPA), and ease of maneuverability. Decide if you prefer bagged or bagless, and check for useful attachments.
Q: How important is the brush roll on an upright vacuum for carpets?
A: The brush roll is very important. It agitates carpet fibers to loosen dirt and hair, making it easier for the suction to pick them up. Adjustable brush rolls are best for different carpet types.
Q: Should I choose a bagged or bagless upright vacuum for my carpets?
A: It depends on your needs. Bagged vacuums are great for allergy sufferers as they seal dirt away. Bagless vacuums are more convenient and cost-effective in the long run, but require more frequent emptying.
Q: What does HEPA filtration mean for my carpets and home?
A: HEPA filtration means the vacuum captures tiny particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander. This improves your home’s air quality and is especially beneficial for people with allergies or asthma.
Q: How can I tell if an upright vacuum has powerful suction?
A: Look for vacuums with high wattage or a high air wattage rating. Reviews often mention suction power. You can also sometimes feel the suction by placing your hand near the nozzle when it’s turned on.
Q: Is the weight of an upright vacuum important for cleaning carpets?
A: Yes, the weight is important. A lighter vacuum is easier to push and maneuver, especially for larger areas or multiple floors. Swivel steering also helps with ease of use.
Q: What kind of materials should I look for in a good upright carpet vacuum?
A: Look for sturdy plastic for the main body and metal components in the brush roll and motor for durability. High-quality filters are also a key material to consider.
Q: How do attachments improve the quality and use of an upright vacuum?
A: Attachments like crevice tools and dusting brushes allow you to clean more than just your carpets. They help with stairs, furniture, and hard-to-reach areas, making the vacuum more versatile.
Q: What are some signs that an upright vacuum might be lower quality?
A: Lower quality vacuums might use cheap plastic that breaks easily, have weak motors leading to poor suction, or use filters that don’t trap fine dust effectively.
Q: What are some common use cases for upright vacuums on carpets?
A: Common use cases include everyday cleaning of high-traffic carpeted areas, deep cleaning to remove embedded dirt and pet hair, and maintaining a cleaner home environment, especially for those with allergies.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!





