8 Best Upright Vacuums Under $1000 for 2025

The Shark Stratos AZ3002 doesn’t just clean—it dominates. With DuoClean PowerFins and a self-cleaning brushroll, this upright obliterates pet hair, ground-in debris, and fine dust across carpets and hard floors in a single pass. Its ultra-powerful suction is backed by real engineering muscle, making it a top-tier performer for homes plagued by shedding pets and allergens. If you’re tired of vacuums that clog, stink, or struggle on transitions, this model rewrites the rules with confidence and flair.

In real-world testing, the Stratos shines brightest on mixed flooring—effortlessly switching from plush rugs to tile thanks to fingertip mode controls. The powered lift-away pod is a game-changer, letting you motorize clean under sofas or up stairs without losing suction power. At 1200 watts, it delivers consistent performance, though its weight (16.5 lbs) makes it less ideal for frequent overhead use. The LED headlights expose hidden pet hair like a forensic lamp, but the dust cup, while easy to empty, fills faster on high-pile carpets. It’s not flawless, but its weaknesses are minor compared to its sweeping strengths.

Against the Shark NV752 TruePet, the Stratos offers superior brushroll tech and odor control, making it better for homes where smells linger. While both have lift-away pods and HEPA filtration, the Stratos’ PowerFins and HairPro system elevate its deep-cleaning capability. It’s the best choice for pet owners who want a high-performance, all-surface powerhouse without stepping into luxury vacuum territory. For the price, it delivers near-premium performance with pro-level convenience.

Meet the Shark NV752 TruePet, a pet hair annihilator built for homes where shedding isn’t a problem—it’s a lifestyle. Its self-cleaning Pet Power Brush and powered lift-away pod combine to tackle fur on carpets, stairs, and upholstery with relentless efficiency. With a 0.88-quart dust cup and advanced swivel steering, it’s engineered for long cleaning sessions in cluttered, pet-filled environments. If your vacuum usually gets stuck on furniture legs or clogged with hair, this model eliminates those frustrations with surgical precision.

During hands-on use, the NV752 proved exceptional at deep-cleaning pet beds and low-traffic corners thanks to its rotating nozzle and LED headlights. The HEPA filter and complete seal trap 99.9% of allergens, making it a strong ally for allergy sufferers. It transitions smoothly between surfaces, though carpet pile height adjustments are manual, requiring a dial twist. While it lacks the PowerFins of the Stratos, its dedicated pet tools—especially the upholstery and crevice tools—make it more specialized for fur-focused cleaning. It stumbles slightly on hard floors, where bristle stiffening can scatter fine dust.

Compared to the Kenmore DU1275, the NV752 offers stronger suction and better filtration, but at nearly triple the cost. Against the Stratos AZ3002, it trades some deep-cleaning finesse for better tool versatility and a larger bin. It’s ideal for pet owners who prioritize hair removal and accessory utility over cutting-edge floor engagement. For homes with multiple pets, it delivers best-in-class reliability with no-nonsense performance.

The Shark Navigator ZU503AMZ is a budget-savvy powerhouse that punches far above its weight class. With a self-cleaning brushroll and lift-away pod, it tackles pet hair and allergens with surprising effectiveness for its price point. Its 1200-watt motor delivers consistent suction across low-pile carpets and hardwood, while swivel steering makes it agile in tight spaces. If you need a no-fuss, reliable upright that doesn’t skimp on core Shark tech, this model is a quiet champion in a sea of underperformers.

In practice, the Navigator handles daily debris and moderate pet hair with ease, though it’s not as aggressive on high-traffic zones as the Stratos. The detachable pod is perfect for cleaning car interiors or under beds, but lacks powered suction—meaning you lose brushroll spin when lifted. The HEPA filtration is a standout, trapping allergens effectively, but the dust cup is smaller (0.7-quart), requiring more frequent emptying. It’s lightweight and easy to store, but the cord rewind is manual, a small annoyance in an otherwise smooth experience.

Against the Eureka FlexReach, the Navigator offers better allergen control and a trusted brand name, but less suction power (1200W vs 960W). Compared to the budget Eureka NEU10AE5, it’s heavier but delivers superior deep-cleaning performance and durability. It’s ideal for pet owners seeking a mid-range vacuum with essential premium features without overspending. For the value, it strikes a near-perfect balance of performance, filtration, and versatility.

The Eureka FlexReach NEU651PL is a sleek, tech-forward upright that redefines cleaning reach and tangle resistance. With 192AW of suction powered by a 960W motor, it devours debris on carpets and hard floors without losing momentum. Its anti-tangle brushroll and 10 LED headlights make it a standout for homes with long hair or pets, exposing and capturing messes others miss. If you’re tired of stopping to cut hair off brushrolls, this model solves that pain point with elegance.

Real-world testing confirms its brilliance on stairs and under furniture—thanks to the one-step lift-up pod that detaches cleanly and retains motorized cleaning. The large dust cup minimizes interruptions, and the swivel base enhances maneuverability around legs and corners. However, it lacks HEPA filtration, a notable gap for allergy sufferers. While suction is strong, it can’t match the deep-cleaning force of higher-wattage Shark models on plush carpets. Still, for precision cleaning and above-floor versatility, it’s hard to beat.

Versus the Kenmore DU4080, the FlexReach offers stronger suction and better tangle protection, but falls short on allergen sealing. Compared to the Shark Stratos, it’s more affordable but lacks odor control and DuoClean tech. It’s best suited for younger households or renters who value flexibility, modern features, and tangle-free operation. For the price, it delivers innovative design with pro-level convenience minus the premium tag.

The Kenmore DU1275 is a tangle-terrorizing lightweight that makes pet hair cleanup feel effortless. Its Hair Eliminator brushroll automatically ejects hair and strings—no scissors needed—making it a dream for long-haired pet owners. At under 11 pounds, it’s one of the most portable full-sized uprights, yet it packs a 4-height adjustment system for precise cleaning on any surface. If your vacuum usually gets bogged down by fur, this model fights back with smart engineering and real convenience.

In daily use, the DU1275 excels at quick cleanups and reaching high shelves with its 7-foot extended hose. The extra-large dust cup holds more than most in its class, reducing emptying frequency. Swivel steering helps it glide around furniture, but suction (700W) is moderate—fine for light to medium messes, but struggles with deep carpet grime. The Pet HandiMate tool is a clever addition for spot cleaning, though onboard storage is limited. It’s not the most powerful, but it’s reliable, lightweight, and hair-proof.

Against the Eureka NEU10AE5, the DU1275 offers better tools and tangle resistance, despite a higher price. Compared to the Shark Navigator, it’s lighter and has a bigger bin, but lacks HEPA filtration and powered lift-away. It’s ideal for pet owners who prioritize weight, tangle-free operation, and extended reach over raw power. For the investment, it delivers smart features and solid build with exceptional usability.

The Eureka NEU10AE5 is a featherlight cleaning rocket that proves cheap doesn’t mean weak. Weighing just 7.7 pounds, it’s one of the easiest uprights to carry up stairs or store in tight spaces. Its 10.5-inch cleaning path and bagless design make it ideal for quick daily sweeps, while the washable filter slashes maintenance costs. If you need a no-frills, eco-conscious vacuum for small spaces, this model is a steal at under $60.

Testing shows it handles light debris and pet hair on hard floors and low-pile rugs well, but struggles on thick carpets where suction (700W) falters. The quick-release handle lets you clean curtains or car seats, though the tools are basic. The onboard storage keeps the crevice tool and dusting brush handy, and the compact design fits in closets effortlessly. It’s not built for deep cleans, but for apartments, dorms, or secondary vacuums, it’s impressively capable.

Versus the Amazon Basics model, it’s lighter and includes a replacement filter, offering better long-term value. Against the Kenmore DU1275, it lacks height adjustment and tangle protection but wins on portability and price. It’s perfect for renters, singles, or anyone needing a simple, reliable cleaner. For the cost, it delivers maximum convenience with minimal compromise.

The Amazon Basics B0BN5F6MJY is the value king under $60, delivering surprising performance for its price. At 8.4 pounds with a 25-foot cord, it’s easy to maneuver and reach distant rooms without outlet-hopping. The 1.7L dust cup is massive for this class, allowing longer cleaning runs, and the washable filter ensures low upkeep. If you’re after a no-nonsense, durable upright for light to moderate use, this model overdelivers with quiet confidence.

In real use, it handles everyday crumbs and pet hair well on hard floors and thin rugs. The detachable handle works with included tools for above-floor cleaning, though suction (720W) isn’t strong enough for embedded dirt. Swivel steering is absent, making tight corners a chore. The build feels budget-friendly—functional but not premium. It’s best for small homes or as a backup vacuum, not for whole-house deep cleans.

Compared to the Eureka NEU10AE5, it has a larger dust cup and longer cord, but is slightly heavier and less agile. Against the Kenmore DU1275, it lacks height adjustment and tangle protection but wins on simplicity and cost. It’s ideal for budget-first buyers who want reliability without bells and whistles. For the price, it offers unbeatable capacity and ease of use in a bare-bones package.

The Kenmore DU4080 is a two-motor marvel built for allergy sufferers and deep-clean enthusiasts. Its HEPA filtration system traps 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, making it one of the cleanest-running vacuums under $150. With 850W of dual-motor power, it drives strong suction across both carpets and hard floors, while the lift-up pod enables motorized cleaning on stairs and furniture. If air quality is your priority, this model delivers hospital-grade filtration in a consumer-friendly design.

Testing reveals excellent allergen containment and consistent performance on low to medium-pile carpets. The 9-foot hose reach is exceptional, letting you clean ceiling corners and high shelves with ease. Swivel steering and LED headlights enhance navigation, though the 1.5L dust cup fills faster than expected. It’s not the lightest (12 lbs), but still manageable. The 3-in-1 tool adds versatility, though brushroll tangle resistance is only moderate.

Against the Shark NV752, it offers better filtration and longer hose reach, but fewer pet-specific tools. Compared to the Eureka FlexReach, it’s weaker on tangle prevention but superior in air cleaning. It’s perfect for allergy-prone homes needing HEPA-grade performance with solid suction. For the investment, it delivers cleaner air and reliable power in a well-rounded package.