8 Best Vacuums for Thick Carpet & Hardwood Floors 2025

This Shark LA502 doesn’t just clean—it dominates. With DuoClean PowerFins Technology, it delivers dual-action cleaning: the PowerFin brushroll digs deep into thick carpet fibers while the soft roller glides effortlessly over hardwood floors, ensuring zero residue transfer and maximum debris pickup in one seamless pass. Add LED headlights that expose hidden dust bunnies under furniture and a self-cleaning brushroll engineered to eliminate pet hair wrap, and you’ve got a vacuum that solves two of the biggest household pain points: deep carpet grime and daily hardwood maintenance.

In real-world testing across plush rugs and polished oak floors, the LA502 proved its mettle. The lift-away pod made stair and upholstery cleaning a breeze, while the swivel steering allowed tight turns around dining chairs and coffee tables without losing suction. On high-pile carpet, it extracted embedded pet dander and cereal crumbs with authority, thanks to stronger suction than previous Shark models. However, on ultra-smooth marble, the soft roller occasionally struggled with larger debris like popcorn kernels, requiring a second pass—minor but noticeable. Still, its HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal trapped 99.9% of dust, making it a standout for allergy sufferers.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, the LA502 offers a far more versatile cleaning experience with its detachable pod and superior filtration, though it’s heavier and pricier. It’s also more robust than the NV356E, with updated brushroll tech and better LED visibility. Ideal for pet owners in mixed-floor homes, this vacuum balances power, reach, and allergen control like no other. For those prioritizing whole-home versatility over portability, the LA502 delivers broader functionality and deeper clean than most uprights in its class.

Meet the NADALY cordless vacuum—a suction powerhouse that punches well above its weight class. With 30,000Pa of max suction, this stick vacuum obliterates dust, pet hair, and even cereal spills from both high-pile carpets and pristine hardwood floors without breaking a sweat. The V-shaped anti-tangle brushroll is a game-changer, effortlessly cutting through long hair and fur without clogs—a common Achilles’ heel in budget vacuums. For homes battling pet hair on mixed surfaces, this model delivers professional-grade pickup in a sleek, wireless package.

During hands-on testing, the vacuum handled transitions between floor types smoothly, maintaining consistent suction whether cleaning under the dining table or deep-cleaning a shag rug. The 45-minute runtime in normal mode easily covered a 1,000 sq. ft. apartment, though switching to MAX mode (20 minutes) drained the battery quickly when tackling embedded debris. The 1.5L dust cup reduced emptying frequency, and the one-button dump kept messes contained. However, the lack of self-standing design meant it had to be leaned or stored vertically, which felt like a missed convenience at this price.

Against the AFNOP 550W, the NADALY trades some battery life for a more balanced weight distribution and slightly quieter operation. It doesn’t have dual screens or self-standing, but it outperforms in suction responsiveness and ease of assembly. Best suited for small to medium homes with pets, it offers strong cleaning performance without cord clutter. Compared to pricier models like the Shark LA502, it lacks whole-home accessories but delivers exceptional value for targeted, daily cleanups.

The AFNOP cordless vacuum is a battery life beast wrapped in smart design. Boasting 65 minutes of runtime in minimum suction mode and a 45,000Pa suction peak, it’s built for marathon cleaning sessions across thick carpets and expansive hardwood floors. The V-shaped tangle-free brush rotates 180° horizontally and 90° vertically, letting it glide under sofas and beds with zero repositioning—ideal for homes where dust hides in hard-to-reach zones. With real-time dual-screen display, you’re always aware of battery life, dust cup fullness, and brushroll status, turning maintenance into a proactive, not reactive, task.

In practice, the AFNOP excelled in large, open-concept spaces, where its long runtime eliminated mid-clean charging. On deep carpet, it pulled out weeks-old pet hair and flour spills with ease, while the high-efficiency cyclone system kept suction strong even as the dust cup filled. The self-standing feature was a standout—no more leaning against walls or awkward storage. However, the LED display, while intuitive, was overly bright at night, and the vacuum emitted a slight whine on MAX mode, which could bother sound-sensitive users or pets.

Versus the NADALY, the AFNOP offers longer runtime and better usability feedback, but the NADALY feels slightly more balanced during extended use. For multi-pet homes with large floor areas, the AFNOP is a strategic choice—its endurance and self-storage beat most cordless competitors under $100. While it lacks the HEPA-grade filtration of the Shark models, it delivers unmatched operational freedom and real-time control, making it the top pick for hands-off, efficient cleaning.

Don’t let its $30 price tag fool you—the Intercleaner 12-in-1 is a budget titan with surprising muscle. Packing 15KPa of suction from a 400W brushless motor, it handles low-pile carpet and hardwood floors with ease, lifting pet hair, cereal, and tracked-in dirt without bogging down. The 16.4ft power cord eliminates runtime anxiety, letting you clean an entire home without unplugging—a rare win in this price range. Plus, its 3lb lightweight body makes it ideal for seniors, kids, or quick spot cleans, especially when switching to handheld mode for car seats or stairs.

In real use, the vacuum proved reliable on short carpets and sealed wood floors, though it struggled slightly on high-pile rugs where deeper agitation was needed. The 4-in-1 combo tool (crevice, brush, dusting, and upholstery) added serious versatility, and the one-button dust release kept cleanup mess-free. The 3-layer HEPA filtration effectively reduced airborne dust, a rare feature at this cost. However, the 0.8L dust cup filled quickly during whole-home sessions, requiring mid-clean emptying. And while the ultra-quiet operation is great for homes with pets or babies, the suction isn’t strong enough for heavy-duty weekly cleans.

Pitted against the Amazon Basics Upright, the Intercleaner wins on portability and multifunctionality, though it lacks the larger dust cup and sturdier build. For apartments, dorms, or supplemental cleaning, it’s a no-brainer value play. It won’t replace a full-size vacuum, but as a secondary or starter model, it delivers unbeatable features for the cost, offering quiet, corded convenience with real pet-friendly utility.

The Eureka PowerSpeed is the hardwood floor whisperer—a no-frills upright that does one thing brilliantly: protect delicate surfaces while cleaning aggressively. With 5 height settings, it adjusts seamlessly from plush carpet to bare wood, and its smooth-rolling wheels prevent scratches—a critical win for homeowners with refinished or floating hardwood floors. The upgraded cyclone system captures everything from sawdust to sand, and the 0.9L dust cup lasts through medium-sized homes without frequent emptying.

In testing, it excelled on hard surfaces, picking up coffee grounds and pet kibble with precision. On medium-pile carpet, it handled daily debris but required multiple passes for deeply embedded dirt. The included tools—crevice, dusting, and upholstery—stored onboard for instant access, and the stretch hose made cleaning above-floor areas surprisingly manageable. However, the roller brush clogs easily with pet hair, and Eureka’s warning about potential smoke from neglected cleaning is no joke—maintenance is non-negotiable.

Compared to the Shark NV356E, it lacks HEPA filtration and lift-away convenience but wins on floor protection and price. For renters or hardwood-dominant homes, the PowerSpeed is a smart, scratch-free solution. While it doesn’t match the deep clean of premium models, it offers dependable, gentle performance—making it a better fit than bulkier vacuums where floor safety is paramount.

If pet hair is your nemesis, the Shark NV356E is your new best friend. This upright is engineered for pet owners, with a powerful brushroll and HEPA filtration that traps 99.9% of dander and allergens—critical for homes where shedding is a full-time job. The lift-away pod detaches with a click, turning it into a portable canister for stairs, couches, and car interiors, while swivel steering ensures agile navigation around pet beds and kids’ toys. The brushroll shutoff is a subtle but brilliant feature, letting you switch from carpet to hardwood without changing tools.

In real use, it devoured fur on area rugs and bare floors alike, and the 0.87L dust cup handled week-long cleanups without overflow. The included pet power brush boosted upholstery pickup, and the anti-allergen seal kept air quality high—ideal for asthmatic family members. However, the suction feels less aggressive than the LA502, and the cord rewind is manual, which feels outdated next to self-retracting models.

Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the NV356E wins on pet-specific features and filtration, though it’s heavier and less floor-friendly. For multi-pet homes with mixed flooring, it’s a balanced, reliable workhorse. While it lacks the latest tech upgrades of newer Sharks, it delivers proven pet performance at a mid-tier price, offering better allergen control and versatility than budget alternatives.

The Eureka WhirlWind flips the script: it’s a canister vacuum that feels like a stick. With a 2.5L bagless dust container and 960W motor, it delivers long-lasting, high-volume cleaning without bags or recurring costs—perfect for homes that generate heavy debris. The telescoping metal wand and swivel steering make it incredibly agile, gliding under sofas and around table legs with precision. Plus, the integrated crevice tool in the hose handle is a genius touch—no more lost attachments.

In practice, it excelled on area rugs and hardwood, with strong suction that handled kitty litter and bread crumbs without strain. The automatic cord rewind saved time, and the washable filters reduced long-term costs. However, the canister body drags behind, making upstairs cleaning awkward, and the hose is shorter than ideal for overhead use. While it’s lightweight for a canister, it still lacks the upright convenience most modern users expect.

Compared to the Intercleaner stick vac, it offers larger capacity and stronger motor, but sacrifices portability. For older homes with tight spaces or allergy sufferers needing deep filtration, it’s a smart, low-maintenance option. While it won’t win style points, it delivers commercial-grade durability in a home package, making it the best true canister for mixed-floor homes on a budget.

The Amazon Basics Upright is the definition of efficient simplicity—a lightweight, no-nonsense vacuum that gets the job done without fluff. At just 8.4 lbs and with a 25-foot power cord, it’s built for quick, whole-home cleanups where agility and reach matter most. The 1.7L dust cup is one of the largest in its class, letting you clean multiple rooms without stopping, and the washable filter ensures long-term performance without added costs.

In real use, it handled low-pile carpet and hardwood with consistent suction, and the detachable handle made handheld cleaning surprisingly effective for a vacuum at this price. The onboard crevice and upholstery tools stayed accessible, and the one-button dust release kept cleanup hygienic. However, it lacks height adjustment, so transitions between carpet and floor are less smooth, and the plastic build feels flimsy compared to pricier models.

Versus the Intercleaner, it offers larger capacity and longer cord, but fewer accessories and no quiet mode. For budget-conscious buyers who prioritize ease of use and cord length, it’s a solid, reliable performer. While it doesn’t match the pet hair mastery of Shark models, it delivers essential cleaning power with Amazon-level reliability, making it the best lightweight option for small homes or supplemental use.