Easy to store and provide powerful cleaning features, many on-board accessories, upright vacuum cleaners have many advantages over cordless and canister models. As our vacuum experts, we ourselves are responsible for finding and testing the best vertical vacuum cleaners on the market. We have looked for models in every price range, from vacuum cleaners that cost a week’s salary to bargainers’ dreams.

Sebo X7 Automatic (available at Sebo) topped the list. Not only is it an excellent column, but it is also perfect for anyone with allergies or pet dander.

These are the best upright vacuum cleaners we have tested, in order:

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Sebo X7 has the best filtering function on the market.

In the vacuum field, Sebo is known for filtration. Their X7 model has three layers: the first layer is the S-class filter before the motor, its rating is equivalent to HEPA, but you can also buy a HEPA filter for the X7. The air passes through the motor and enters the three-layer bag to capture particulates. Finally, there is an electrostatic filter in the exhaust, similar to the filters you find in many air purifiers. This helps eliminate odors. The entire package is a filtration system, similar to the filtration system you find in a hospital.

Sebo X7 can help you fight pet dandruff, hair or odors that accumulate in your home.

In terms of performance, X7 is a tank. It has no rotating joint at the end to prevent it from turning a corner. However, it is very powerful. During the carpet test, it picked up 39% of the test dirt each time it passed the test. Any value higher than 33% is a victory for us, because the usual practice is to pass through a carpet area at least 3 times before entering the next patch.

Read our full review of Sebo Automatic X7

I’m Jon Chan, Senior Laboratory Technician at Reviewed. My job is to test and write various products from coolers to washing powders. We tested all the vacuum cleaners in this guide with my colleague Kyle Hamilton.

Our test dirt mixture contains particles of various sizes.

We test upright vacuum cleaners in the laboratory so that we can obtain repeatable performance data and useful information for readers. We evaluate vacuum cleaners based on the performance, function and usability of each vacuum cleaner.

In terms of performance, a good vacuum cleaner should be able to remove fine dirt/dust and larger debris from the floor surface. We push each vacuum cleaner to its limit by letting each vacuum cleaner clean up four types of garbage: our homemade "dirt" is made of sifted sand and baby powder; piles of pet hair; rice grains; and Raw macaroni.

In order to understand how each vacuum cleaner performs on different floor surfaces, we tested these vacuum cleaners on two carpets (high-pile carpet and low-pile carpet) and linoleum floor surfaces. In addition, we tested how easy it is for a vacuum cleaner to clean dirt or dust collected under furniture.

If you have ever used a vacuum cleaner, you will know that the overall experience of vacuuming is more than just how much dirt it removes. When we rate vacuum cleaners, we consider the noise level of the vacuum cleaner, accessories, cord length, weight, dust capacity, warranty, mobility, battery life (if it is a wireless model), and overall user experience. If a vacuum cleaner can both remove a lot of dirt/debris and make the cleaning process hassle-free, then it will be among the best in our ranking system.

Bag vacuum cleaners generally provide better filtration and dust management. When you empty the dirt cup from the bagless vacuum cleaner, a certain percentage of the dirt will return to the air. However, bagged vacuum cleaners are emptied less frequently and produce an unpleasant smell.

Carpets are divided into low pile, high pile and super long pile categories. Most vacuum cleaners can handle high-pile and low-pile carpets, but only a few are designed to handle extra-long (coarse) carpets. This particular type of carpet feels very soft because it is very dense and can cause some vacuum cleaners to get stuck on it.

For bare floors, a cordless vacuum cleaner with soft rollers is your best choice. Pine and other softwoods may be scratched and stained due to heavy use of vacuum. If in doubt, use a broom and dustpan.

Given our many years of experience in vacuum testing, we understand what you can get with your money.

In the sub-$100 category, every dollar you spend is usually used to increase power. Of the models we tested in this price range, all models have the same minimum accessory array. As you spend more money, about $100 to $300, you start to see the layering of usability and functionality. We are talking about more accessories, better fittings to allow the vacuum to move with you, and better warranties.

Any range above $300 is shown as a high-end market. When we tested these vacuum cleaners, we were looking for a brush head that would not scratch delicate floors, a design that would not tip over, and a motor with enough power to handle the thickest carpets.

Your cleaning method should also match your lifestyle. For example, if you live in a small apartment and spend a lot of time in the car, you should shift your budget to a cordless vacuum cleaner. Do you have a multi-storey house with mostly hardwood floors? The canister vacuum cleaner will provide you with the best service.

Of all the vacuum cleaners on this list, Dyson Animal 2 is the most powerful. During the carpet test, it removed an average of 76.3% of the debris we laid on it in one pass. Animal 2 is also our highest rated bagless device. It also has a washable filter, which adds to its low-maintenance style.

We tested the Total Package version of Animal 2, which comes with five accessories and a tote bag, so you can put them all in. After playing on Dyson Animal 2 for a week, we think it has many functions, but it is cumbersome to use. The device itself weighs 17.6 pounds, and there is no firm handle on the back, making it difficult to pull up the stairs. In addition, the huge ball joint on Animal 2 makes it difficult to clean under furniture.

Read our full review of Dyson Animal 2

Shark Apex AZ1002 represents the top product provided by the company. It has a unique DuoClean function that can easily clean hardwoods and carpets. In our test, Apex scored almost flawlessly in our shard test. Whether it's on linoleum, ordinary carpet or shag carpet, this vacuum cleaner can absorb raw rice, macaroni and pet hair better than a vacuum cleaner that costs hundreds of dollars.

For accessories, Apex comes with crevice tools, decoration tools and electric brush heads. Generally, we would think that the spread of Shark vacuum cleaners is insignificant. However, the versatility of its electric brushes left a deep impression on us. It is thin enough to slide between cushions, but strong enough to get the job done.

In the end, Apex scored high enough in our carpet cleaning test, ranking in the top third of all vacuum cleaners we tested. On average, Apex picked up 54% of the dirt we laid out for it, which is the highest score of any Shark column on the market.

LED light on the brush head

Oreck XL2100RHS is a basic but strong floor cleaner. Its highly concentrated design does not include accessories or hoses for cleaning countertops or curtains. Weighing just over 10 pounds, we found it easy to lift this vacuum cleaner up the stairs. Its five-inch profile is low enough to fit under most beds and some sofas.

During the cleaning test, Oreck picked up 30.25% of the test dirt each time it passed. Normally, this will be lower than we would like to see, but the XL2100RHS is very light and we think its size is very powerful.

Shark vacuum cleaners often get positive reviews on the Internet. Shark Navigator NV352 has some of the highest reviews on Amazon-over 3,400 five-star reviews. The Navigator weighs approximately 13 pounds, which is 25% lighter than other Shark models such as Apex. This makes it easier to move upstairs and move around furniture.

During the test, the Navigator picked up about 38% of the dirt we arranged for it, so be prepared to pass through an area at least 3 times before cleaning. These results are rather weak compared to other vacuum cleaners in this price range. However, the navigator makes up for this in terms of its functionality and warranty.

The Navigator comes with four cleaning accessories, including a two-foot crevice tool for hard-to-reach places. It also has a five-year warranty, which is one of the best in the industry.

Can be turned into a pseudo pot

The Dyson Ball Multifloor 2 upright vacuum cleaner marks the intersection between the company's wireless and full-size products. Its weight is about 10% lighter than the Dyson Ball Animal 2 upright, and the subsequent power is also reduced by about 10%.

Multifloor 2 absorbs about 64% of the test dirt we arranged for it, which is much higher than average, but it lags behind more powerful Dyson models, such as Dyson Animal 2.

Having said that, Multifloor 2 offers great value: Dyson engineering and attention to detail at a relatively affordable price.

Dyson has weak suction

Hoover is synonymous with vacuuming. Hoover WindTunnel 2 Whole House Rewind is a typical example. It weighs up to 18 pounds-this is one of the heaviest vacuum cleaners we have tested. In exchange for all the weight, you will get a competent vacuum cleaner. Our test results show that Rewind is powerful and can remove 50% of the dust mixture at a time.

We found its eponymous rewind function very useful. Tap the foot lever and the 25-foot-long rope will automatically be sucked back into the device, making storage a breeze.

Among all the vacuum cleaners we have tested, Shark NV752 TruePet is the most suitable for pet parents.

During the test, we found that about 52% of the dirt we arranged for the NV752 each time it passed. Results like this place this Shark in the top third of all vacuum cleaners we have tested, and the top pass is about 70% each time.

When specifically testing pet hair, NV752 passed the test with excellent results. Its main brush head and electric attachment are good at picking up cat and dog hair. The hose uses a latching system with a satisfactory clicking sound, so you can easily switch between cleaning floors and furniture.

Finally, NV752 is the only vacuum cleaner on our list with Lift-Away function, which can turn the column into a canister without wheels. This option allows you to more easily clean the stairs and under the furniture.

In other words, it weighs about 17 pounds, so it is heavier. Regardless of this complaint, NV752 is indeed an excellent vacuum for handling pet hair.

Remove 52% of dirt in a single pass

Good at picking up cat and dog hair

Easy to clean stairs and under furniture

We can't find

Bissell 22543 CleanView Swivel Rewind Pet is suitable for animal lovers. Every time this unit is purchased, Bissell will donate part of the proceeds to the animal shelter. As a vacuum cleaner, it is a pretty good entry-level upright vacuum cleaner that can be used for a long time. It has a 27-foot-long rope that can automatically rewind, so it can handle almost any room.

When we tested its cleaning ability, Rewind Pet swept 41.25% of the dirt each time. Its edge-to-edge cleaning also left a deep impression on us, and the entire brush head provides suction.

Easy to move around furniture

Senior Manager of Laboratory Operations

Jonathan Chan is currently the Lab Manager of Reviewed. If you use it for cleanup, Jon will most likely supervise its testing. Since joining Reviewed in 2012, Jon has helped the company start the review of laptops, vacuum cleaners and outdoor equipment. He thought he was a big deal. In the process of pursuing data, he dipped his hands in the cold water, agreed to drag literally through the mud, and watched the paint dry. Jon asks you to have a good day.

Our team has only one purpose: to help you buy the best things and love what you have. Our writers, editors and laboratory technicians are very fascinated by the products we cover to make sure you have confidence and satisfaction. Have different opinions on what we recommend? Email us and we will compare notes.

We will help you find the best things and fall in love with what you have.

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