9 Best Vacuum Cleaners to Buy in 2021

When buying a vacuum cleaner, there are two important questions you should ask: Are they easy to use and can they remove dirt and dust from every part of the house? The Good House Cleaning Lab will only recommend vacuums that have passed Lab tests with flying colors.

You need to consider more than that when choosing the vacuum cleaner that is best for you. Think about the surfaces you will be vacuuming, your home layout, and how much time it takes to clean up. Below are our top picks for vacuums that excel in certain categories. Scroll down to find out more about the things you should consider before buying a vacuum cleaner and how to select the right vacuum cleaner for your needs.

These are the best vacuum cleaners you can buy in 2021:

How do we test vacuum cleaners?

The Good House Cleaning Lab evaluates all types of vacuum cleaners including stick vacuums and robot vacuums as well as handheld vacuums. We evaluate how well they remove dirt from pile carpets and spread simulated pet hair evenly across carpet surfaces. We evaluate how they remove dirt and other debris from hard floorings such as tile, hardwood, and linoleum. Also, we look at how they clean around edges and how they use the suction to get rid of them.

Each vacuum model is tested the same way. Our tests are based upon the ASTM International standard testing methods used in the industry. The ease-of-use test includes testing maneuverability and battery life for cordless vacuum cleaners and controls. It also evaluates how easy it is to empty the dust cup and clean it. Weighing how heavy the vacuum is.

Consumer testers rate the vacuums’ maneuverability on bare floors and carpets, as well as around corners and under furniture. The ease with which the vacuum is used to remove the bag or dust cup, as well as the ease of using the controls. We test features such as a battery indicator, a brush roller control button, and other accessories. Continue reading to find out why these vacuums were chosen to be our 2021 best vacuums.

APEX Upright Vacuum cleaner

The Shark APEX is an excellent choice if you are looking for a bagless vacuum that still filters out small particles. It was quietest and showed excellent carpet and bare floor cleaning in our Cleaning Lab test.

It converts easily from an upright vacuum to a canister by pressing a button. This makes it easy to tackle stairs or catch dust bunnies hiding behind furniture. The vacuum’s entire body is sealed to ensure dust retention. We also like the fact that the HEPA filter can be washed, unlike other filters that require replacement. The brush roll is designed to reduce hair tangles and will be appreciated by pet owners.

It’s why we love it

1. Includes a washable HEPA filter

2. Converts from an upright into a canister

3. Brush roll reduces hair clogging

Soft Carpet Cleaning with a Complete C3 Vacuum

The Miele was awarded the Good House Seal because of its ability to clean all types of flooring. This Miele comes with a telescoping brush, dusting brush, and upholstery tool. It can tackle all types of flooring.

The power nozzle adjusts to five levels so that even difficult-to-clean carpets can be cleaned with ease. High filtration bags and HEPA AirClean filters prevent dust from getting back into the atmosphere.

It is why we love it

1. Solid construction

2. Excellent filtration

3. All carpet heights and densities are covered

Take Note

• Prices high

Pet Hair Eraser Turbo and Upright Vacuum Cleaner

The vacuum solves all pet-related problems and is fully loaded with features to capture every last bit of hair. The vacuum has a brush roll that is tangle-free to prevent pet hairs from getting stuck on the bristles. There’s also a hair spooling system in the canister which helps keep the mess contained so it is easy and clean.

The filter’s sealed allergen system traps small particles. Febreze technology is used to remove stale odors from pet hair.

It is why we love it

1. Pet hair mess can be eliminated with a brush roll and dust cup

2. Seal to trap allergens

3. High-quality

Cyclone Absolute Cordless Stick Vacuum – Lightweight, Cordless Cyclone V10

This 2-in-1 cordless machine is slim and can pull embedded dirt from carpets better than the upright vacuums. It is extremely easy to use and comes with two heads – one for carpets and the other for bare floors.

The lightweight of this model makes it easy to use as a handheld vacuum. It comes with three power modes, including a crevice tool, a combination dusting/upholstery brush, a soft brush, and a motorized tool that rotates to clean fabric and carpeted stairs.

It is why we love it

1. It works well on both carpets and bare flooring

2. Two brush heads included

3. It can be converted to a handheld vacuum

Take note

• Wand cannot be adjusted

Compact vacuum cleaner 20V cordless compact vacuum cleaner

The WORX model is not your average handheld vac. It has a compact, boxy design, removable battery, and can be used with other WORX tools. The crevice and brush tools can be stored right on the unit, while a flexible hose extends to four feet.

This model was a top performer in our cleaning tests. It picked up all the pet hair and debris we left behind, even when it wasn’t on the maximum power setting. It is easy to reach tight places thanks to the hose, which ran for 23 minutes on one charge at standard power. It’s heavier than most handheld vacuums but you don’t have to lift it to use it.

It is why we love it

1. HEPA filter that can be rinsed

2. Three-year warranty

3. Quiet

Take note

• In testing, some pet hair stuck to the attachment of the brush.

Robot vacuum Roomba s9+ Robot Vacuum

The Cleaning Lab tested the 9+ and found that it picked up 99% uncooked oatmeal, baking soda, sand, and small nuts and screws on hard floors. It can quickly spot clean small areas and efficiently map multiple rooms and floor plans, and it beats all other robot vacuums. It can detect carpet and automatically increase suction when necessary. The dual rubber roller brushes are not clogged with pet hair as bristles tend to.

After cleaning is done, the vacuum returns to its charging base. Dirt is automatically transferred to a large-capacity bag to dispose of it in a mess-free manner.

It is why we love it

1. Robot vacuum with all the features

2. The bin automatically empty dirt

3. Pet hair won’t clog

Take Note

• Prices high

V11 Outsize Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

The Dyson V11 outsize is remarkably similar to its V10 Absolute cousin, but it also has significant upgrades that are worth looking into if you have large homes with extensive floor areas to clean. Its extra-large dust bin and cleaning head are the most obvious features. You’ll be able to cover more ground with fewer passes, and the dust bin will need to be empty less frequently.

There are three power levels: eco, medium, auto, and boost. These allow you to adjust the suction to grab heavy dirt or protect fragile rugs. The vacuum detects whether the carpet is bare or carpet and adjusts its power and runtime accordingly. The suction was impressive, and the vacuum head could be maneuvered easily around furniture legs and tight spaces in our GH Cleaning Lab test. It’s cordless, and it has a backup battery pack that can last for up to 2 hours. The only reason you need to stop cleaning is when the job is finished!

It’s why we love it

1. Extra-large brush head and extra-large dust cup

2. Speed and suction automatically adjusts

Take Note

• Some users may find it too difficult to handle.

• To operate, the trigger must be pressed continuously

• Wand cannot be adjusted

AirRam Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

The GH Seal-holding cordless stick vacuum was quietest and ran for 37 minutes in lab tests. The handle is flat on the ground, which makes it easier for you to vacuum under the furniture or other hard-to-reach areas. We also like the well-placed dust cup that is easy to empty. It doesn’t have any attachments, so it can’t be used as a handheld vacuum. But it is a winner for its simplicity and performance.

It is why we love it

1. Design slim

2. It is easy to maneuver

3. Storage: Stand straight up

Take Note

• No attachments

• It doesn’t convert into a handheld vacuum

Magnesium Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Many people who visit our GH Cleaning Lab complain about how heavy upright vacuum cleaners are to push and pull. We recommend the Oreck Magnesium to them. This vacuum weighed in at less than 8 pounds and was the top-rated lightweight cleaner in our tests.

Its cleaning performance is not affected by its lack of heft. The carpet cleaner did an excellent job on both our test floors and carpets. Although the Oreck uses a self-sealing bag for allergen control, it doesn’t have any attachments. You can adjust the speed of the brush roll to suit carpets or bare floors by flipping the switch on the handle. Its low profile is a plus, and it can be laid flat so that you can clean underneath furniture and on the bed.

It is why we love it

1. Extremely light

2. Uses a bag to contain allergens

3. Two speeds available

Take Note

• Attachments are not allowed

How to find the right vacuum for you

• Opt for an upright vacuum cleaner If your home has mostly wall-to-wall carpeting, and it is all on one floor, an upright vacuum cleaner may be the best choice. According to Cleaning Lab tests, upright vacuum cleaners did the best job of removing embedded dirt and ground-in soil from carpeting. They are heavier than other types and the nozzle allows them to reach deeper into carpet piles for better cleaning. The weight of an upright vacuum cleaner can range from 10 to 20 pounds, which can make them heavy to lift and downstairs. Consider keeping an upright on every floor of your home if you have more than one level.

Many upright vacuums have onboard hoses, tools, and wands for cleaning crevices and upholstery. We recommend that you choose an upright vacuum with a height-adjustable nozzle. The rotating brush can also be used to avoid sprinkling debris on delicate surfaces.

• A canister vacuum cleaner is the best choice if your home has many stairs, bare floors, and few carpets, you may need to use this vacuum. A majority of full-size vacuums have a rotating brush that mimics an upright’s. If you have deep pile carpets, such as in the bedrooms, and prefer a canister vacuum, we recommend this attachment. You’ll also find a flat attachment or brush for use on flat and bare floors.

Although canisters are heavy, they are easy to lift and carry with just two hands. Each canister has hoses and attachments to dust, upholstery, and crevices. These vacuums can be used on stairs and tight spaces because the motor and canister are located behind you.

• You can choose between a pole or stick vacuum cleaner If you’re looking for a lightweight quick picker-upper to use on bare floors or low pile rugs, They are small enough to be stored in a corner of the kitchen or a closet next to the stove for quick after-dinner clean-up. You can choose from corded or uncorded options. However, in our Cleaning Lab tests, we found that rechargeable ones typically last anywhere from one to three hours. So you will need to make sure they are always plugged into an electrical outlet so they don’t go out of charge.

Many have rotating brushes that can be used for rug cleaning. Some also can convert to a handheld vacuum or convert to a hand vacuum so you have two vacuums in one. Many come with attachments such as crevice tools, dusting brushes, and charging stands.

• A robot vacuum cleaner is the best choice you need to do your cleaning while you are away from the house, or do something else, this is the best option. Robot vacuums map your rooms with lasers and cameras so that they don’t miss any spots.

Robots today are more advanced than ever. Many can be controlled using an app on your smartphone and some even have voice capabilities. They can recharge at home and then return to their original cleaning spot. Robot vacuums make great maintenance cleaners. You may not need to use your full-size vacuum again if you send them out enough. They can be used to clean under and behind furniture, as well as the places you might not notice.

• A handheld vacuum cleaner is the best choice you are looking for a small tool that can quickly clean up spillages on floors or surfaces or nab hair or other surface debris from fabrics or carpeting, this is the one. Many come with attachments and hoses. Others can also pick up wet spills. You can choose from corded or non-coded handheld vacuums and take them outside to clean your car.

Which is better, a bagged or a bagless vacuum cleaner?

Our Lab tests have shown that both cleaning products perform equally well when it comes to cleaning. It comes down to personal preference and which type you prefer.

• Bag-friendly vacuums Bags that are less full will require less emptying and cleaning. You only need to change the bag once it is 2/3 full. If it gets too full, it can cause suction problems. Keep bags handy. Bagged models are the best for allergy sufferers.
• Bagless vacuums You don’t need bags, just empty the dust cup after each use. It can be messy and requires frequent cleaning. Bagless is an option if you don’t like having to remember to purchase bags.

Do I need a HEPA filter?

HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter vacuums can trap microscopic particles like pollen and pet dander. They are essential if you have allergy sufferers.

HEPA filters alone are not sufficient. A vacuum must be sealed to ensure that allergens are not escaped from any cracks or crevices. To find out if your vacuum is sealed, check the box or manufacturer’s website. HEPA-type and HEPA-like filters won’t trap particles like true HEPA filters.