We researched and tested the most popular vacuums available, evaluating each pick’s ease of use, effectiveness, adherence to HEPA standards, and overall value. Our top pick, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away ADV Upright, has a filter that successfully traps 99.99 percent of dust and allergens and an anti-allergy seal, and is surprisingly affordable. Our top pick is the Shark Navigator Upright Vacuum, which is one of the best vacuums for allergies and a surprisingly affordable option. It boasts a number of features that will help remove allergens from your home, including a HEPA filter and anti-allergy seal. The filter successfully traps 99.99 percent of dust and allergens, and the anti-allergen seal ensures the sucked-up particles don’t escape the hoses or dirt canister. This bagless, upright vacuum also has swivel steering for better control, and it comes with an upholstery tool and pet brush to help you get hair and dirt off your furniture, making it a great option for allergy sufferers who share a home with the family dog or cat. Although this vacuum does have a lift-away option, it’s still not the most effective option for cleaning under narrow spaces, but luckily its attachments can help you reach under furniture. A multi-surface workhorse, you can use the Shark Navigator upright vacuum on carpets, rugs, and hard floors throughout your home. It even has a button that allows you to lift off the canister for increased portability and easy cleaning of hard-to-reach places. LED lights allow you to easily see the vacuum’s cleaning path, so you don’t miss any dust bunnies or stray pet hair. All in all, this vacuum is a great option for anyone who suffers from allergies, has pets, or just wants to ensure their space is as free from particulates as possible. Price at time of publish: $240 This small vacuum has an 18-foot power cord, and it comes with a wide-mouth tool, crevice tool, hose, and hose adapter. Its multi-level filtration system reduces household allergens, and its small size makes it ideal for quick clean-ups and minor spills, plus it makes cleaning upholstery, stairs, and other hard-to-reach areas a breeze. Price at time of publish: $50 This upright vacuum’s 3D Inducer motor system has more power than the average upright, and the vacuum has five height adjustments so you can efficiently clean both hard floors and thick carpets. It features a HEPA filter to capture all those microscopic particles, as well as an infrared dirt sensor that detects dust and dirt you might not be able to see. The Kenmore Elite comes with three attachments and a telescoping wand. However, this model is on the heavier side, weighing in at 20 pounds. Price at time of publish: $320 This cordless vacuum delivers up to 40 minutes of run time with a regular attachment and 25 minutes with the motorized floor tool. There’s even a max mode for when you need more suction. This lightweight stick vacuum comes with a variety of attachments, including a soft roller cleaner for hard floors, and it easily converts into a more compact handheld model. Price at time of publish: $500
Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagless vacuums are generally the less expensive option over time, because they don’t require new replacement bags on a regular basis. Though they come with this additional expense, bagged vacuums may offer a level of security for allergy sufferers that bagless models cannot. “Bagged vacuums are extremely hygienic and securely trap dirt and debris,” Melissa Witulski, brand standards manager at Merry Maids, explains. All that dust and dander stays safely sealed away, even when the time comes to throw away and replace the bag. If you’re concerned about cleaning out your new vacuum and potentially re-releasing allergens into your home, a bagged vacuum will give you some much-needed peace of mind.
Surface
Dirt and dust tend to get embedded into furniture fibers and carpets, to the point that you need a powerful vacuum with the right attachments and features to extract them properly. If your home is carpeted or you have area rugs in many rooms, look for a vacuum with adjustable height settings to accommodate varying piles. Witulski adds that you should use a vacuum without a beater bar when cleaning carpeting made of natural or looped fibers. Carpet owners should also look for a model that comes with an upholstery brush. If your home primarily has hard or bare floors, look instead for a vacuum with a gentle cleaning head that will prevent debris scatter.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Sara Coughlin, a freelance writer and The Spruce’s small appliances expert. From canister models to dustbusters, she’s researched what it takes for a vacuum to stand out in a vast and broad market—and what to look for in up-and-coming models. Additional reporting was done by Ashley Abramson, a writer who has worked as editor for local print and online publications. Her work has also appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Allure, InStyle, MyDomaine, and more.
