The 6 best vacuum cleaners of 2020

Find the right vacuum for your needs to help take the hassle out of cleaning your home. We compared dozens of vacuum cleaners from brands like Shark, Miele, Bissell, Dyson, Black & Decker, Kenmore, Tineco and more to scope out the very best, based on hundreds of customer and expert reviews and first-person feedback.

Our favorite vacuum cleaners

• Best for small spaces:

  Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Upright

• Best for large areas:

  Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team Bagless

• Best budget-friendly:

  Bissell CleanView with OnePass technology

• Best for people with pets:

  Dyson V8 Animal Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner

Best vacuums for 2020

We did the research and rounded up the best vacuums you can get right now, complete with pricing and exactly where to buy. Note that the pricing may change based on deals and discounts from each retailer.


Best for small spaces
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Upright
We did the research and rounded up the best vacuums you can get right now, complete with pricing and exactly where to buy. Note that the pricing may change based on deals and discounts from each retailer.
Big, bulky vacuum cleaners don’t work well in small spaces. Plus, they tend to take up a lot of storage room. Instead, look for something lightweight and easy to maneuver into tight corners. The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Upright is capable of vacuuming your carpet and wood floors, and the swivel steering means you can easily reach those pesky corners.
Additional features include:
• Works on carpets and bare floors
• Only weighs seven pounds
• Converts to a hand vacuum
Where to buy:
• Amazon for $150
• Target for $150
Shop now

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Best vacuum cleaner for large areas
Miele Blizzard CX1 Turbo Team Bagless
The Miele Blizzard CX1 offers powerful cleaning with airflow of up to 62 mph for maximum suction. It also features a whopping 33-foot cord, so you don’t have to worry about switching outlets several times to clean a large area. And its bagless canister makes emptying it a breeze.
Additional features:
• Features “Dynamic Drive” to let you move around more easily
• HEPA AirClean filter separates solid debris and fine dust into separate containers
• TurboBrush easily removes pet hair and lint
Where to buy:
• Overstock for $600
• Amazon for $600
Shop now

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Best budget-friendly vacuum cleaner
Bissell CleanView with OnePass technology
Priced under $100, this lightweight machine has a lot going for it. Its bagless design and washable filter means you won’t have to spend even more money on replacements. And thanks to its OnePass technology, this vacuum lets you get more cleaning done in a single pass.
Additional features:
• Comes with 25-foot power cord and a six-foot detachable hose
• 13.5-inch cleaning path
• Easy Empty dirt canister
Where to buy:
• Target for $74.99
• Amazon for $74.99
Shop now

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Best vacuum for people with pets
Dyson V7 Animal Cord-free Vacuum
Pet hair is a common complaint among pet owners and can be tricky to clean. Heavy duty brush power is a must in these cases, especially if you have a particularly fluffy Fido. The Dyson V7 was designed for this exact purpose, offering 75% more brush power than the V6 model. This vacuum is lightweight, battery powered and suitable for all floor types.
Additional features:
• Washable lifetime filter
• Offers up to 30 minutes of fade-free battery power
• Lithium ion battery
• Best Buy for $74.99
• Amazon for $74.99
Shop now

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Best handheld vacuum
Black & Decker Lithium Dustbuster
Easily clean your car, furniture and other small spaces with this powerful yet affordable handheld vacuum. Its lithium battery holds a charge for up to 18 months, so it’s always ready when you need it. Plus, Smart Charge technology uses 50% less energy, yet it has powerful suction that’ll get the job done.
Additional features:
• Rotating slim nozzle
• 16 V battery offers powerful cleaning performance
• Bagless dirt canister
• Home Depot for $60
• Walmart for $60
Shop now

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Best quiet vacuum cleaner
Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away
Priced under $250, this Shark vacuum is a solid value. It’s bagless and lightweight, yet powerful enough to lift away pet hair and other dirt and debris from deep within carpeting. Customer reviews for this model rave of its cleaning ability and quietness, compared to similar options in the same price range.
Additional features:
• Anti-allergen complete seal technology
• Advanced swivel steering with LED lights
• 30-foot cord
• Amazon for $220
• Kohl's for $60
Shop now

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How to clean a vacuum cleaner

To keep your vacuum cleaner operating as it should, you’ll need to regularly clean it. Before performing any maintenance or cleaning on your vacuum, make sure it’s unplugged from the wall. To clean your vacuum, follow these basic steps:

1. Empty the bin or bag.
2. Clean the brush roll. Most models now feature a removable roller to allow for easier and more consistent cleaning.
3. Replace or clean the filters every few months. Some newer models feature washable filters to allow you to clean and reuse the filter.

Where to buy a vacuum cleaner

You can shop for vacuums in-store and online at these retailers:

Bottom line

Shopping around for the best vacuum for your cleaning needs and budget will help you get the most bang for your buck. Compare features like type, weight and price before making your decision.

How to choose a vacuum cleaner

• Vacuums are like electric toothbrushes — each comes with a whole heap of features, whether or not you need them. Before making a purchase, you’ll want to consider:
• Type of vacuum — such as upright, canister or stick
• Bagged or bagless
• Floor types it cleans
• Added features, like extra brush power for pet hair
• Weight
• Quietness
• Price — be on the lookout for sales

Frequently asked questions

• Do vacuum cleaners use much electricity?

  The amount of electricity used by a vacuum cleaner depends on its power wattage output. For example, an 800W vacuum cleaner would use less than half of the electricity as a 2000W vacuum cleaner would. Still, a 2400W vacuum wouldn’t cost much more than $30 per year to run.

• What's the best brand of vacuum cleaner?

  A few of the leading brands in vacuum cleaners include:

  • Dyson
  • Shark
  • Hoover
  • Bissell