We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaners 2026 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away | Swivel Steering | HEPA Filter | Vacuum for Pet Hair | Crevice Tool & Dusting Brush Included | For Carpets & Hard Floors | White/Silver | NV356E

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,463
Suction Power
Filtration System
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
41230 reviews

Suction Power
Suction on this vacuum is amazing, especially compared to my older Bissell.
Filtration System
The dual latch offers a better seal, keeping the dust flowing down and preventing leakage.
Weight and Maneuverability
The Shark NV360 does better on tighter turns than the Bissell, making it easier to maneuver.
Noise Level
It's quieter than the previous vacuums I’ve owned, a plus for apartment living.

The Shark Upright Vacuum Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a versatile and powerful vacuum cleaner. It provides strong suction power, making it effective for both carpet and hard floors. The lift-away functionality is particularly useful for cleaning stairs and furniture. Its HEPA filtration system combined with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.

The extra-large dust cup (0.87 liters) allows for longer cleaning sessions without frequent emptying, though some may find it slightly smaller compared to other models on the market. Weighing 13.7 pounds, it’s relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially with the swivel steering feature that helps navigate around furniture and tight spaces comfortably. The included attachments – Pet Power Brush, Dusting Brush, and Crevice Tool – enhance its versatility, especially for pet owners who need to tackle pet hair and dander on various surfaces.

However, the vacuum can be somewhat noisy at 80 dB, and its 9.5-inch cleaning path might feel narrow for those accustomed to broader heads. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Shark NV356E is a reliable and efficient option for anyone seeking a bagless upright vacuum, particularly those with pets or allergies.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,463
Suction Power
Filtration System
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
41230 reviews

Suction Power
Suction on this vacuum is amazing, especially compared to my older Bissell.
Filtration System
The dual latch offers a better seal, keeping the dust flowing down and preventing leakage.
Weight and Maneuverability
The Shark NV360 does better on tighter turns than the Bissell, making it easier to maneuver.
Noise Level
It's quieter than the previous vacuums I’ve owned, a plus for apartment living.
#2

Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floor, Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Home Pets, NEU181A, Blue

Rating
8.5
Suction Power

Most important from
36403 reviews

Suction Power
Super strong and picks up all the dust, great purchase.

The Eureka PowerSpeed Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is a solid choice for those seeking an efficient and user-friendly vacuum cleaner. Weighing just 10 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver around the house. The vacuum boasts a powerful multi-surface cleaning capability with 5 height adjustment settings, making it suitable for both hard floors and deep carpets. The extra-large 2.6L dustbin is a convenient feature, reducing the frequency of emptying and allowing for more uninterrupted cleaning sessions.

Pet owners will find the included pet turbo tool quite beneficial for managing pet hair, along with other handy attachments like the crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool which are stored onboard for easy access. The washable filters and bagless design contribute to zero maintenance cost, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The noise level is relatively high at 88 dB, which might be disruptive for some users. Additionally, the lack of multiple power levels may limit its versatility in handling different cleaning intensities. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Eureka PowerSpeed offers a commendable balance of performance, convenience, and affordability, making it a great fit for families and pet owners looking for a reliable upright vacuum cleaner.

Rating
8.5
Suction Power

Most important from
36403 reviews

Suction Power
Super strong and picks up all the dust, great purchase.
#3

Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away with Self-Cleaning Brushroll, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Pet Crevice Tool, Perfect for Pets & Multi-Surface, Teal, ZU503AMZ

Rating
8.2
Suction Power
Dustbin Capacity
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
44110 reviews

Suction Power
This vacuum handles heavy pet hair and dander effortlessly, picking up more than expected even when carpets look clean.
Dustbin Capacity
The dual canister design makes emptying dirt and hair hassle-free, allowing access from both ends without mess.
Weight and Maneuverability
Maneuverability is smooth without being too lightweight, striking a good balance for comfortable use.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum breaks down easily for cleaning and attachment changes, enhancing convenience during use.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away ZU503AMZ is a solid choice if you’re looking for a bagless upright vacuum that handles pet hair and various floor types well. Its standout feature is the self-cleaning brushroll, which helps pick up pet hair without getting tangled—a big plus for pet owners. The vacuum offers strong suction powered by a 1200-watt motor, which should be effective on carpets and hard floors alike. It uses a HEPA filter combined with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, so it traps dust and allergens inside, making it a good pick for allergy sufferers.

With a dustbin capacity of 5.3 liters, it holds a decent amount of dirt before needing to be emptied, which means fewer interruptions during cleaning. Weighing about 15 pounds, it’s not the lightest vacuum but includes swivel steering, making it easier to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces. The Lift-Away feature adds versatility by allowing you to detach the pod for cleaning stairs, upholstery, or hard-to-reach spots.

Included attachments like the upholstery tool and pet crevice tool are designed to tackle pet hair on furniture, curtains, and tricky corners, adding convenience. Noise-wise, it runs at around 80 dB, which is fairly typical—noticeable but not overly loud. It’s corded, so you’ll need to manage the cord while cleaning, and it’s not the lightest option if you need something ultra-portable. While the self-cleaning brushroll helps reduce hair wrapping, very thick or long hair might still require occasional manual cleaning. This vacuum suits pet owners and anyone needing a versatile, allergen-conscious upright vacuum with good suction and helpful accessories, balancing power, filtration, and ease of use without being overly heavy or complicated.

Rating
8.2
Suction Power
Dustbin Capacity
Weight and Maneuverability

Most important from
44110 reviews

Suction Power
This vacuum handles heavy pet hair and dander effortlessly, picking up more than expected even when carpets look clean.
Dustbin Capacity
The dual canister design makes emptying dirt and hair hassle-free, allowing access from both ends without mess.
Weight and Maneuverability
Maneuverability is smooth without being too lightweight, striking a good balance for comfortable use.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum breaks down easily for cleaning and attachment changes, enhancing convenience during use.

Buying Guide for the Best Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Choosing the right bagless upright vacuum cleaner can make a significant difference in maintaining a clean and healthy home. Bagless models are convenient because they eliminate the need for replacement bags, making them more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. When selecting a vacuum cleaner, it's important to consider various specifications to ensure it meets your cleaning needs and preferences. Here are some key specs to consider and how to navigate them.
Suction PowerSuction power is a measure of how effectively a vacuum cleaner can pick up dirt and debris. This is important because higher suction power means better cleaning performance, especially on carpets and rugs. Suction power is often measured in watts or air watts. For light cleaning tasks or hard floors, a lower suction power (around 100-200 air watts) may suffice. For homes with pets, children, or high-traffic areas, a higher suction power (200+ air watts) is recommended. Consider your cleaning needs and the types of surfaces in your home when choosing the right suction power.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system in a vacuum cleaner determines how well it can trap dust, allergens, and other particles. This is crucial for maintaining indoor air quality, especially for allergy sufferers. HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are the gold standard, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. If you have allergies or asthma, look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter. For general use, a standard multi-layer filtration system may be adequate. Consider your health needs and the presence of pets when evaluating filtration systems.
Dustbin CapacityDustbin capacity refers to the amount of dirt and debris the vacuum can hold before needing to be emptied. This is important for convenience and efficiency, as a larger capacity means fewer trips to the trash can. Dustbin capacities typically range from 0.5 to 2 liters. For smaller homes or apartments, a smaller capacity (0.5-1 liter) may be sufficient. For larger homes or those with pets, a larger capacity (1.5-2 liters) is more practical. Consider the size of your living space and how often you want to empty the dustbin when choosing the right capacity.
Weight and ManeuverabilityThe weight and maneuverability of a vacuum cleaner affect how easy it is to use, especially if you have multiple floors or need to carry it up and down stairs. Lighter models (under 10 pounds) are easier to handle and maneuver, making them ideal for smaller spaces or those with limited strength. Heavier models (over 15 pounds) may offer more power and features but can be cumbersome to move around. Consider your physical capabilities and the layout of your home when selecting a vacuum cleaner with the right weight and maneuverability.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories enhance the versatility of a vacuum cleaner, allowing you to clean various surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. Common attachments include crevice tools, dusting brushes, and upholstery tools. These are important for detailed cleaning tasks, such as cleaning furniture, baseboards, and tight corners. If you have pets, look for models with pet-specific tools like motorized brushes. Consider the types of surfaces and areas you need to clean when evaluating the attachments and accessories that come with the vacuum cleaner.
Noise LevelThe noise level of a vacuum cleaner can impact your comfort and convenience, especially if you have young children, pets, or sensitive ears. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), with lower numbers indicating quieter operation. Vacuums typically range from 60 to 80 dB. For a quieter experience, look for models with noise levels under 70 dB. If noise is not a major concern, standard models with higher noise levels may be acceptable. Consider your household's sensitivity to noise when choosing a vacuum cleaner with an appropriate noise level.

FAQ