Vacuums
Vacuums are the workhorse of any cleaning routine. This hub covers upright, canister, cordless stick, robotic, handheld and wet/dry vacuum types, with research-based reviews of the most popular models on the market. Whether you need a vacuum for pet hair, hardwood floors, stairs or a whole home, start here and narrow the field with our best-of lists and buying guides.
In this section
Robot Vacuums
Autonomous mains-plus-mop bots that keep floors clean on a schedule.
Cordless Stick Vacuums
Battery-powered sticks that vacuum hard floors, carpet and stairs on one charge.
Canister Vacuums
Sealed, powerful machines that glide on hard floors and reach under furniture.
Upright Vacuums
The wall-to-wall carpet workhorse — big bins, strong suction, pet-hair depth.
Wet/Dry Vacuums (Shop Vacs)
Tough garage and job-site vacuums that switch from dust to liquid and back.
Best of the category
Best Robot Vacuums (2026)
Find the best robot vacuum — self-emptying, mapping, vacuum-mop combos compared honestly by features, navigation and pet-friendliness.
Best Cordless Stick Vacuums (2026)
Research-based comparison of the best cordless stick vacuums for hard floors, carpet and pet hair. Battery, suction, filtration and floor range compared honestly.
Best Vacuum for Pet Hair (2026)
The best vacuums for pet hair and dander — cordless, robot, upright and stick compared on tangle-proof brushrolls, suction and maintenance.
Best Canister Vacuums (2026)
The best canister vacuums for hardwood, tile, under-furniture reach and allergy households. Compared honestly on power, filtration and ergonomics.
Best Upright Vacuums (2026)
Compare the best upright vacuums for carpet, pet hair and whole-home cleaning — suction, filtration and value judged honestly from research.
Best Handheld Vacuums (2026)
The best handheld vacuums for cars, stairs, crumbs and pet messes — compared on suction, battery and value from research.
Featured reviews
Dyson
Dyson V15 Detect
Flagship cordless with laser dust detection, particle counting and HEPA filtration.
Dyson
Dyson Ball Multi Floor 2
Compact ball upright with self-righting design and whole-machine HEPA filtration.
Shark
Shark Stratos Cordless
Self-cleaning brushroll with pet-hair and deep-cleaning focus.
Eureka
Eureka WhirlWind Bagless Canister
Bagless canister vacuum with telescopic steel wand and sealed power for hard floors.
Ridgid
Ridgid 5-Gal Pro Wet/Dry Vac
Home Depot''s pro-grade 5-gallon tank that swallows wet and dry debris alike.
iRobot
iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum
Self-emptying robot vacuum with mapping convenience for hands-free cleaning.
Head-to-head comparisons
Buying guides
How to Choose a Vacuum: The Honest Guide
How to choose a vacuum without specs overwhelm — decide by floor type, allergies, pets and budget first. Research-based guide.
How to Maintain a Robot Vacuum
How to maintain a robot vacuum — brush replacement, filter washes, sensor cleaning and dock care that keep it dependable.
How to Clean Vacuum Filters (Every Type)
How to clean vacuum filters properly — HEPA, foam and exhaust filters, by type, without damaging airflow.
How to Vacuum Pet Hair (Without the Clog)
How to vacuum pet hair well — anti-tangle brushrolls, technique, and bin-interval tips that stop matting and clogs.
Why this cluster exists
- Vacuum technology splits into battery-powered convenience and corded reliability.
- We judge vacuums on suction, filtration, floor range and ease of maintenance — not marketing claims.
- Canisters remain best for hard floors; cordless sticks suit quick multi-surface cleans.