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The Best Vacuum Cleaners, According To Rigorous Testing
All vacuum cleaners can pick up dirt and dust, but the best vacuums go a step further with powerful suction that works on all types of flooring, allowing you to clean your home quickly and efficiently. I tested 21 popular models to find the best vacuums that deliver top-tier suction power, are easy to operate and maintain, and can tackle various areas around your home. After weeks of testing, the best overall pick is the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum, offering unbeatable suction, advanced features and impressive versatility. For those on a budget, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is also a great option if you don't mind a simpler design.
I tested 21 popular models to find the best vacuums that deliver top-tier suction power, are easy to ... [+] operate and maintain, and can tackle various areas around your home.
ILLUSTRATION: FORBES / PHOTO: RETAILERSThese two models weren't the only stellar vacuums I tested—here are all of the standout options I recommend:
I prioritized a few key features, regardless of vacuum type. "A good filtration system, a swivel head for maneuverability and floor-type-specific features—like soft rollers for hard floors or powerful agitation for carpets—are must-haves when choosing a vacuum," says Christopher White, CEO of Vacuum Wars. "These features ensure the vacuum is not only effective but also user-friendly and tailored to your home's specific needs."
During testing, I evaluated each vacuum's cleaning performance, ease of use, noise level, ease of emptying the bin and maintenance, as well as overall value. With all these factors in mind, here are the best vacuums you can buy today.
Amazon
Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum
Our score: 10Style: Bagless uprightWeight: 17.57 poundsCorded: YesDust bin capacity: 2.02 quartsHEPA filter: YesWarranty: 5 years
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The Shark PowerDetect is the brand's latest upright vacuum, and I was blown away by its cleaning performance and versatility—all at a reasonable price. This vacuum never needed more than two passes to pick up any type of debris and performed exceptionally on both carpeting and hard floors, thanks to Shark's signature dual-brush roll design. It easily sucked up large particles like uncooked rice and cat litter without scattering them across the floor. It also pulled up a surprising amount of dirt and dog hair from an area rug I had just vacuumed with another model. Despite collecting multiple canisters full of dog hair from my two golden retrievers, the brush roll never got tangled, and the dustbin was always easy to empty.
The PowerDetect offers four cleaning modes—hard floors, low-pile carpet, high-pile carpet and PowerDetect—which are conveniently located on the handle for easy operation. The PowerDetect setting automatically adjusts suction power based on the floor type and dirt levels, but I appreciated that you can manually select a mode if you prefer not to rely on the sensors. Another standout feature is the Powered Lift-Away mode, which allows you to detach the canister body from the wand while still using the floorhead. This made it simple to clean under low-profile furniture like my sofa—a task most full-size vacuums struggle with.
The PowerDetect also includes a crevice tool and multi-pet tool, ideal for cleaning stairs and furniture, both of which dock right onto the vacuum's body. Additionally, Shark offers several specialty attachments, making it a versatile option for cleaning your entire home.
Amazon
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Vacuum
Our score: 8Style: Bagless uprightWeight: 15.96 poundsCorded: YesDust bin capacity: 0.9 quartsHEPA filter: YesWarranty: 5 years
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The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is an excellent value for homes without pets. This model offers powerful suction, a versatile lift-away design, HEPA filtration and a 5-year warranty—all at less than half the price of many other upright vacuums. During testing, this budget-friendly vacuum excelled on carpets, picking up debris like coffee grounds and cereal in just three passes. It also performed well on hard floors, lifting baby powder and rice, but you need to turn off the brush roll to prevent larger pieces from being scattered.
This upright vacuum features convenient swivel steering, making it easy to maneuver around obstacles, and its canister lifts off the body to clean hard-to-reach areas like stairs. There's a docking slot for one of the two included attachments, and the whole vacuum is slightly more compact and lightweight than many other uprights I tested. However, the main drawback is its performance with pet hair—long strands tangle around the brush roll almost immediately, so pet owners should opt for a different model.
Amazon
Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum
Our score: 9Style: Cordless stickWeight: 7.72 poundsCorded: NoDust bin capacity: 0.2 gallonsHEPA filter: YesWarranty: 2 years
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If you're willing to invest in a high-end vacuum, the Dyson Gen5detect is the brand's latest cordless model, and it handled every task I tested with ease. Despite being cordless, this vacuum offers 70 minutes of runtime on its auto suction setting with the floorhead attached, and it features a countdown timer on its digital screen to show exactly how much cleaning time remains. The Gen5detect also comes with attachments that excel at cleaning a variety of surfaces, from thick rugs to furniture. One standout is the Hair Screw tool, which made quick work of dog hair on my sofa and car seats.
This vacuum includes separate floorheads for carpeting and hard floors, both of which delivered top-tier cleaning performance. The Digital Motorbar head is designed for rugs, featuring a height-adjustable design that creates a strong seal on carpets for deep cleaning. It easily picked up large and small debris in just one or two passes, and its de-tangling vanes prevented pet hair from wrapping around the brush roll. The Fluffy Optic cleaner head, ideal for hard floors, uses a green laser to illuminate crumbs, dirt and pet hair, making them more visible. Both attachments automatically adjust the vacuum's suction power based on the amount of dirt detected, handling debris of all sizes. The vacuum is also easy to empty with a lever on the back of the dustbin, and Dyson's wall-mounted charging dock makes storage convenient.
The main drawback of the Gen5detect is its high price point, but it's worth the investment if you're looking for a cordless vacuum with powerful, long-lasting suction. Keep in mind, however, that it's somewhat top-heavy, which can make it tiring to use for extended periods and prevents it from standing upright on its own.
Amazon
Miele Complete C3 Marin PowerLine Vacuum
Our score: 9Style: Bagged canisterWeight: 23 poundsCorded: YesDust bin capacity: 4.8 quartsHEPA filter: YesWarranty: 3 years
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The Miele Complete C3 Marin PowerLine may be a splurge, but it's worth the investment if you struggle with heavy upright vacuums. The Marin offers the most customizable settings of all the vacuums I tested, with seven suction levels and five brush roll heights, adjustable via foot controls to suit your specific cleaning needs. For example, the lower height was ideal for vacuuming up coffee grounds on carpeting, while the higher settings made it easy to pick up large cereal pieces without crushing them. I was particularly impressed by the Parquet Twister attachment, which is perfect for hard flooring. Its swiveling design allows it to lay flat, easily cleaning under low furniture and maneuvering around obstacles, though pet hair does tend to collect in its bristled edges.
One of this canister vacuum's standout features is its maneuverability. It glides effortlessly behind you as the hose connector swivels for easy handling. The Marin also comes with five attachments (three of which are stored neatly within the vacuum body), allowing you to clean virtually any surface in your home. Its 4.8-quart vacuum bags are two to three times larger than most upright dustbins, meaning fewer trips to empty them. Plus, maintenance is minimal—Miele recommends changing the filter after every four bag changes.
The only downside is that the canister design takes up more storage space compared to upright models. However, if you're willing to invest in this vacuum, its powerful cleaning capabilities will not disappoint.
Amazon
Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum
Our score: 8Style: Bagged uprightWeight: 14 poundsCorded: YesDust bin capacity: 3.1 litersHEPA filter: YesWarranty: 5 years
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For households with a lot of carpeting, the Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright provides a deep clean in less time, and its bagged dust collection system, along with a HEPA filter, ensures that allergens stay trapped inside instead of being expelled back into the air. During testing, I could feel the vacuum's strong suction forming a solid seal with the carpet, easily picking up debris of all sizes in a single pass—making it one of the top performers among all the vacuums I tested. However, it wasn't as effective on hard flooring, requiring several passes to collect materials like uncooked rice and cat litter.
One standout feature of this vacuum is its oversized upholstery brush, which is nearly 8 inches wide—twice the size of most other brushes I tested. This made it much faster to clean my sofa and other furniture. I also appreciated its lift-away design, which made above-floor cleaning easier. Keep in mind that there are multiple versions of this upright vacuum, with prices ranging from $160 to $200, differing in color, attachments, and floorheads. The model I tested, the purple BU4018, comes with a standard brush roll that can tangle with hair, so if you have pets, I recommend opting for the BU4050 model, which features a self-cleaning brush roll.
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Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro Vacuum
Our score: 10Style: Bagless uprightWeight: 16.71 poundsCorded: YesDust bin capacity: 1.48 quartsHEPA filter: YesWarranty: 5 years
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If you have pets, the Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro is an excellent choice for your home, thanks to its no-tangle brushroll, HEPA filter and powerful suction. This is the vacuum I own and have used as my primary cleaning tool for the past two years in a chaotic multi-pet household. With its dual brushrolls—one soft and fluffy, the other featuring stiff fins—the vacuum digs deep into carpets to pull up pet hair and other debris. It performs just as effectively on hard floors, effortlessly sucking up everything from baby powder to cat litter in just one or two passes. Although it is slightly heavier than some models, the Stratos excels in suction power.
This vacuum also shines in versatility; I regularly use mine to clean furniture, stairs, baseboards and pet beds. It features the brand's Powered Lift-Away technology, which makes it easy to clean under low-profile furniture. Additionally, it comes with an upholstery tool, a crevice tool and a motorized self-cleaning pet brush, making it ideal for tackling surfaces with lots of pet hair.
Amazon
LG CordZero All-In-One Vacuum
Our score: 9Style: Cordless stickWeight: 7.05 poundsCorded: NoDust bin capacity: 33.8 ouncesHEPA filter: NoWarranty: 1 year
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Cordless stick vacuums are often considered supplementary cleaning tools, but the LG CordZero All-In-One could serve as your primary vacuum if you have a smaller home. It has the strongest suction of any cordless vacuum I've ever tested, and its all-in-one docking station makes it low-maintenance and incredibly convenient to use. The freestanding dock features hidden compartments on each side for storing all the vacuum's attachments, and it self-empties into the base, eliminating the need for manual dustbin emptying.
In addition to its convenient design, this cordless stick vacuum delivers comparable suction power to a full-size model, efficiently picking up all types of debris in just one or two passes. It has a telescoping wand that adjusts to your height, and the onboard dust bin includes a compressor lever, allowing you to clean for longer before needing to empty it. The vacuum even comes with a powered mopping attachment featuring two rotating mop pads and a spray function for quick cleanups.
One word of warning, however: While the brand claims this vacuum can run for up to 200 minutes, that's on its lowest setting without the floorhead attached. In testing, I found that it lasts around 15 minutes on medium suction with the floorhead. The vacuum comes with two batteries, providing about 30 minutes of cleaning time in total, making it best suited for smaller homes.
Amazon
Tineco Floor ONE Stretch S6 Wet/Dry Vacuum
Our score: 9.5Style: Cordless wet-dryWeight: 9.9 poundsCorded: NoDust bin capacity: 0.72 litersHEPA filter: YesWarranty: 2 years
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Tineco is renowned for its wet-dry vacuums that can vacuum and mop simultaneously, and the Tineco Floor ONE Stretch S6 stood out for its impressive cleaning performance and ease of use. It features a suction-only setting that flawlessly picked up debris like uncooked rice and coffee grounds. In regular cleaning mode, it required just one slow pass to eliminate dried-on dirt and sticky chocolate syrup from linoleum flooring. The Stretch S6 is also more compact than most other wet-dry vacuums I've tested, and its unique lay-flat cleaning ability was particularly useful for reaching under my clawfoot bathtub, an area that hadn't been mopped in years.
Beyond its exceptional cleaning capabilities, the Tineco Floor ONE Stretch S6 boasts additional features that enhance its appeal. It separates wet and dry debris in its dirty water tank, so I didn't have to deal with wet clumps of dog hair. The base uses hot water and air to clean the brushroll after use, and after a five-minute self-cleaning cycle, it looked almost brand new and was nearly dry, helping to prevent odors over time. The only drawback I found was that the clean water tank can be a bit tricky to fill, but it's not a dealbreaker.
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Black+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster AdvancedClean+ Handheld Vacuum
Our score: 8Style: Cordless handheldWeight: 2.6 poundsCorded: NoDust bin capacity: 0.68 litersHEPA filter: NoWarranty: 2 years
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For small cleaning tasks around the house, the Black+Decker Dustbuster Furbuster AdvancedClean+ is a surprisingly capable handheld vacuum. In testing, it effectively picked up all types of debris, including large pieces of cereal, without clogging. Additionally, nothing fell out of the nozzle when the vacuum was held upside down—a common issue with many handheld models.
The Furbuster AdvancedClean+ features two suction settings, but the lower setting was more than sufficient for all the cleaning tasks I tested it on. I especially appreciated the vacuum's motorized pet brush, which excelled at picking up hair from furniture upholstery, carpeting and car seats without tangling. This vacuum ran for an impressive 28 minutes on its lower suction setting—much longer than other models—and its extra-large dust bin is easy to empty without needing to remove it from the vacuum. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. It lacks a dusting brush, and it can be quite noisy on the higher suction setting, measuring around 88 decibels.
Our score: 8.5Style: Self-emptying robotWeight: 15 poundsCorded: N/ADust bin capacity: 2.5 litersHEPA filter: YesWarranty: 1 year
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The Eufy X8 Pro is the latest robot vacuum from the brand, and it stands out as both the quietest and most effective automated cleaning tool I tested. Even on its "Turbo" suction setting, it registered just 58 decibels while cleaning, allowing me to comfortably watch TV or hold a conversation without interruption. The X8 Pro impressed me with its cleaning performance; after programming it to make two passes around my dining room, it effortlessly picked up all the uncooked rice, cereal, dog hair and baby powder I scattered on the floor. It did occasionally get slightly tripped up on a shoelace but was able to free itself without any assistance.
This robot vacuum comes with a self-emptying base, and I particularly appreciated its special cleaning cycle at the end of each run, which uses a metal comb to remove hair from the brush roll. While this feature was highly effective for cleaning up long dog hairs, I did need to manually remove a few strands wrapped around the side brush. The only area where the X8 Pro struggled was climbing over thresholds between rooms, but that was primarily due to the higher-than-average height of nearly an inch in my older home.
Our score: 10Style: Self-emptying robot vacuum and mopWeight: 36 poundsCorded: N/ADust bin capacity: 2.5 litersHEPA filter: YesWarranty: 1 year
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The Eufy S1 Pro is packed with the latest in robotic cleaning technology, earning it the title of the best robot vacuum and mop combo. While this robotic cleaner isn't cheap, it excels at maintaining hard floors with minimal human intervention. In testing, it was the only robotic mop that fully removed a sticky chocolate stain, and it had no trouble sucking up various debris and eliminating dirt marks from hardwood flooring. Plus, the unit uses clean water to rinse off its large brush roll as it operates, ensuring it doesn't just spread dirt around like other robotic cleaners.
This all-in-one robotic cleaner features an oversized base that takes up significant space but houses a clean water tank, a dirty water tank, a bottle of cleaning solution and a dustbin for debris. The robot is nearly fully self-sufficient, even drying its mopping pads after cleaning. The only maintenance required is topping off the water tank and cleaning solution about once a week, depending on your usage.
Other Vacuums I TestedI tested 10 other top-rated vacuums during this process, and while they didn't earn my top spots, many of them are still solid options for your home:
To identify the best vacuums on the market, I began by gathering a testing pool based on thorough market research and my own hands-on experience with today's bestselling models. My list included 20 vacuums, spanning several categories, from highly rated models to new releases from top brands like Shark, Dyson and Kenmore. I tested each vacuum in my 2,400-square-foot home, assessing their performance on three types of flooring and evaluating key factors such as cleaning performance, ease of use, noise level, debris disposal, storage, maintenance and overall value.
During testing, I designed standardized tasks to challenge each vacuum, using them to clean carpeting, hardwood floors, and linoleum. I tested their ability to pick up coffee grounds, uncooked rice, dog hair, and cereal on both carpets and hard floors. For hard floors, I added baby powder and cat litter into the mix. I tracked how many passes were needed to remove different debris types and noted if any vacuums scattered or crushed particles in the process. For wet-dry vacuums, I added stains with dirt and chocolate syrup to test their mopping capabilities.
Beyond standardized tests, I also used each vacuum for everyday cleaning around my home, trying out attachments on upholstery and stairs. I measured the noise level of each vacuum, and for cordless models, I recorded how long they lasted compared to the manufacturer's listed runtime. Additional factors I took into account included weight, balance, ease of emptying the dustbin and regular maintenance requirements.
What To Look For In The Best Vacuum Cleaners TypeThere are several styles of vacuum that are popular today, and the best option for your home will depend on your cleaning preferences.
Corded and cordless vacuums both have their benefits. "Corded vacuums typically have stronger suction power and, of course, have unlimited runtime," explains Julien Levesque, senior vice president of global product development at Shark. "They tend to be a great option for a thorough, deep clean and would be great for folks with larger spaces."
On the other hand, cordless vacuums like the LG CordZero All-In-One run on batteries, which means you don't have to plug them into an electrical outlet. "Cordless vacuums are often more convenient, lightweight and flexible," he says. "With advances in battery technology over the past several years, many cordless models rival corded vacuums when it comes to cleaning performance."
FiltrationVacuums with poor filtration systems often let dust and allergens escape back into your home, so when possible, look for a model with a HEPA filter. The EPA explains that these filters are able to trap 99.97% of dust, pollen and other airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns or larger, helping to improve indoor air quality.
White also recommends looking for a vacuum with a "sealed" filtration system: "The key is whether the vacuum has a sealed system," he says. "Without it, fine dust and allergens can easily leak out, defeating the purpose of vacuuming. If you've ever noticed a smell while vacuuming, it's a strong indication that your vacuum is leaking." Our top overall pick, the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum, has a sealed dustbin that helps keep fine particles trapped.
Debris CollectionAmong our top picks, there are both bagless vacuums, such as the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe, and bagged options like the Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright. Bagless vacuums are cheaper to maintain over time, as you don't have to purchase replacement vacuum bags, but they need to be emptied more frequently due to the smaller size of their dust bins.
On the flip side, vacuum bags can typically hold more debris, allowing you to vacuum several times before needing to insert a new bag. They also do a better job keeping fine particles contained, which can be beneficial for allergy sufferers.
BrushrollNot all vacuum brushrolls are the same—they commonly feature materials like soft fluffy fabric, stiff nylon bristles or rubber fins, all of which have their own benefits. "Soft roller vacuums are exceptional on hard floors—they not only dust but also pick up larger debris and pet hair more effectively than other vacuums," says White. In testing, we found that models with a soft brushroll, such as the Shark Stratos DuoClean PowerFins HairPro, were much more efficient at picking up dust and cleaning hard floors.
On the other hand, if you have a lot of carpeting in your home, stiff bristles deliver better agitation to loosen up dirt and hair. For pet owners, you'll also want to look for a brushroll that has a non-tangle design. These vacuums typically have an integrated comb that pulls hair off the brushroll to prevent it from getting wrapped up.
It's worth noting that some of the best vacuums, including models from Shark and LG, incorporate multiple brushrolls into their floorheads to reap the benefits of both styles. These vacuums are often the best for cleaning across multiple types of flooring.
My ExpertiseI've been a professional product tester for eight years, and cleaning products is one of my areas of expertise. Over the course of my career, I've tested dozens of vacuums in virtually every category—from corded uprights to robot vacuums—totalling well over 100 models from all the major brands.
The lifespan of a vacuum can vary quite significantly, ranging anywhere from two years for a low-end model to eight years or more for a well-made machine. Factors like construction, frequency of use and whether you stay on top of maintenance will all impact how long a vacuum lasts before it needs to be replaced.
Which Brand Of Vacuum Is The Best?In my testing, Shark vacuums were consistently some of the best in terms of overall performance, ease of use and features. Shark vacuums also tend to be reasonably priced—for instance, our top recommendation, the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum, retails for $399, and it offered some of the best cleaning performance of all the models we tested. Similarly, our top budget pick is the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe, which has features like a HEPA filter and lift-away design for just $160.
Which Vacuum Has The Strongest Suction?Of all the vacuums I tested, the Shark PowerDetect Upright Vacuum had the best suction power. This upright vacuum was able to pick up debris of all sizes in one pass, from fine particles of baby powder to large pieces of cereal, and its dual brushroll design performs equally well across both hard floors and carpets. This vacuum also picked up debris that many others left behind, cementing my belief that it's one of the strongest options out there today.
Is Shark Or Dyson Better?Shark and Dyson are two popular vacuum brands, but if you want the most bang for your buck, Shark is the way to go. In my experience, vacuums from the two brands often offer similar cleaning performance, but Shark vacuums tend to be more affordable. Dyson vacuums often have more high-tech features, such as their laser dirt detection and particle counters, but you're going to pay a lot more.
I've Tested Over 20 Robot Vacuums And These Are The Best For Every Budget In 2024
UPDATE: Oct. 23, 2024, 1:45 p.M. EDT iRobot and Shark each released a new flagship robot vacuum in recent months, both of which are contenders for making this list. I am currently testing both of them in my home now and will update this list of recommendations accordingly.
There's definitely something to be said for the crisp handheld control of a powerful cordless Dyson. But if you're not one to classify cleaning as cathartic, why not outsource that tedious task to one of the best robot vacuums?
Though Roombas are really good robot vacuums, they aren't the only good robot vacuums.
iRobot dominated the robot vacuum realm from the early 2000s up until a few years ago, so it's no surprise that much of the general public forgets that "Roomba" isn't simply a generic term for any robotic vacuum.
But Roombas officially aren't in a league of their own anymore: You can't even Google "Roomba" without a question involving Shark robot vacuums popping up, and other brands like Roborock and Eufy have entered the chat with a fury. And I'm here to put some respect on their names.
I'm regularly testing the top robot vacuums at multiple price points and comparing them to top performers from previous years, with all of my evaluations taking place in my own home on various rugs, tile, and hardwood floors. During the testing of each robot vacuum, I keep notes on how they stack up based on criteria like overall suction power and scrubbing efficiency (if that robot vacuum is one that also mops, which is seen more often than not nowadays), self-maintenance features like self-emptying or self-washing and -drying mopping pads, smart mapping to specific rooms and navigation around obstacles, and the overall experience of having that robot vacuum live in my home.
I've narrowed down your shopping list to five top options. Here are the best robot vacuums for every home and budget in 2024:
How we tested
I have been testing popular robot vacuums in the various apartments I've lived in since 2020. My hands-on analyses of robot vacuums have included everything from budget models under $200 that just cover just the basics to $1,800 premium models that mop, empty themselves, wash and dry their own mopping pads, and identify small, tricky obstacles that more basic models can't see.
In 2024 so far, botvacs I've had my hands on include the Roborock Qrevo Master, Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Eufy X10 Pro Omni, Shark Matrix RV2300, Shark Detect Pro, Roomba Combo j9+, Roomba Combo j5+, Narwal Freo X Ultra, and Yeedi M12 Pro+. I am also currently working with the Roomba Combo 10 Max Robot + AutoWash Dock and Shark PowerDetect 2-in-1 with NeverTouch Pro Base.
For now, I'm opting to leave the Yeedi M12 Pro+ off of our recommendation list. Which is a bummer because on paper, it sounds like a high-end self-cleaning station in a cheap vacuum's body. In particular, my jaw was on the floor after seeing self-washing and drying mopping pads and the 11,000 Pa of suction power (a number that beats even the 10,000 Pa of the $1,799.99 Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra) in a machine selling for less than $1,000 — or less than $700 on sale.
Unfortunately, the list of premium features hasn't really rendered a premium experience. While its vacuuming performance on dry debris like rice, kitty litter, and hair on multiple carpet piles, hardwood, and tile has been sufficient, I'm not necessarily getting "most powerful suction money can buy" vibes. The ultra-low price point also starts to make a little more sense when I have to rescue the bot from being stuck on a rug, just to notice how plastic-y the design feels. In terms of mopping (past a mopping pad completely falling off), the performance was fine, but nothing amazing. Between mediocrely satisfactory cleaning, overall flimsiness, and unreliable obstacle avoidance technology that kept running right over my phone charger, I'm sticking to recommending the $799.99 Eufy X10 Pro Omni as the best budget robot vacuum with a full-fledged self-cleaning station.
How I assess a robot vacuum's performanceMy testing grounds mostly include apartments (but occasionally my parents' large single-story home) with a combination of hardwood, tile, and laminate floors, plus several different rugs. As for the cleanliness status of the floors being tackled, the vacuums are sent over both fresh messes like purposefully spilled dry debris like food crumbs or rice, and to test the mopping skills of the hybrid vacuums, intentionally spilled ranch or almond milk. The efficiency of these robot vacuum cleaners is also put to the test against the more perpetual grime that naturally builds up in our homes over time, like matted-down cat hair from one short-haired and one long-haired cat, and shoe stains near the front door.
Besides technical cleaning performance, I'm looking for robot vacuums that offer a true hands-off cleaning experience. Success depends on how seamlessly each bot navigates around walls, furniture, and small obstacles, how accurately it maps the layout of the rooms, and how well it maintains itself through features like automatic emptying. For more advanced hybrid robot vacuums and mops, that also include automatic water tank filling and automatic washing and drying of mopping pads.
Finally, I can't not simply consider the overall bang for your buck for each robot vacuum. Are its features on paper and actual cleaning competence worth the price tag, and how practical is that cost for the average household?
The Best Vacuum Sales To Shop Right Now
15 items in this article 15 items on sale!
Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers
We've written about vacuum cleaners a lot. Take a peek at our archives and you'll find buying guides for just about every type of vacuum — from the general to the granular, like robot vacuums and vacuums for pet hair — where we've painstakingly spoken to cleaning experts, researched and tested dozens of models, and crowdsourced from our own team to figure out which ones are worth your coins. It's a household staple you kind of have to buy, but that doesn't mean you can't get a high-quality, Strategist-approved vacuum for less than retail price.
Vacuums are one of those products that go on sale all the time, and though the discount can vary greatly, you can usually find some good options for at least 20 percent off. The best time to buy a vacuum doesn't have to be during Amazon Prime Day or Black Friday sales (though that is when you'll get the most options). As the Strategist's deals editor, I spend hours combing the internet's sales bins and can tell you that I find great deals on vacuums all year round — and I've rounded up the best ones that are on sale right now below. This month, I found more handheld vacuums and mops on sale than usual, which makes sense given that summer is prime time for road-trip crumbs and swimsuit drips.
To do find these deals, I went through all of our best-in-class vacuum guides, as well as our home-organization and cleaning-specific posts from last year's Prime Day, so you can trust that everything here has been vetted by our team. To make it even easier to find what you want, I've also broken the deals out into categories: upright and stick vacuums, robot vacuums, handheld vacuums, and carpet cleaners and steam mops.
Weighing in at less than nine pounds, the bagless Shark Rocket easily converts into a hand vacuum complete with three different nozzles.
Now more than 20 percent off, this vacuum is a good choice if you have a pet that's a heavy shedder. It's cord free and also converts to a hand vacuum.
"If you're looking for a lightweight, versatile vacuum cleaner that can tackle both hardwood floors and carpet, the Lift-Away is for you," says our writer Dominique Pariso. It can detach into a handheld vacuum.
Our best less-expensive vacuum is even cheaper than usual. The stick bends at a right angle so you can slide the whole vacuum under all your furniture.
We named the Dyson Ball Animal 3 our favorite vacuum for pet hair, and the upgraded version is $100 off. It easily sucks up tufts of cat fur and "unearths layers of dust and crumbs that have been buried in my thick living room rug for months — if not longer," writes our former senior writer, Karen Iorio Adelson.
Strategist editors, vets, and vacuum pros say the Dyson 15 Detect is incredibly powerful, sucking up everything from pet hair to spilled mac and cheese.
The vacuum Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo uses to "maintain a sense of dust-free calm" in her home is $100 off with the on-site coupon.
This robot vacuum mops, too — from sticky stains to pet fur.
Tech writer Jordan McMahon says that iRobot's Combo j9+ strikes the best balance between vacuuming, mopping, smart navigation, and price. "I've been using one in my house for a few months, and I've been able to cut down on my monthly cleaning by about one or two mopping jobs per month," he writes.
If you don't mind that it isn't cordless, this Dirt Devil vacuum is very inexpensive.
Our pick for the best portable carpet cleaner, Bissell's Little Green comes recommended by cleaning experts, pet owners, and vintage-furniture flippers. "It pushes the water through the fabric and then sucks it back up again, taking all the particles the fabric might have absorbed, like cat hair balls," says Justin Renard, a marketing consultant and cat dad.
For really stubborn stains, this even-more-advanced version is also on sale.
For something heavy-duty, this Hoover uses 360-degree brushes to scrub away dried-on stains from carpets and upholstery.
If you have hardwood floors, your best bet is a vacuum that can tackle both wet and dry messes. This one from Tineco is $70 off and comes with two roller brushes and two bottles of cleaning solution.
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Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy NoticeThe Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
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