8 Best Mid-Grade Upright Vacuums to Buy in 2025

The Eureka FlexReach isn’t just another upright—it’s a game-changer for homes that demand versatility and raw cleaning power. With 192AW of suction powered by a 960W motor, this vacuum obliterates embedded dirt and pet hair across carpets and hard floors without faltering. The real magic lies in its swivel steering and detachable lift-up pod, which transforms it from a floor cleaner into a precision tool for stairs, upholstery, and tight spaces under furniture—a solution for anyone tired of juggling multiple devices. If you’re battling dust bunnies in dark corners, the ten LED headlights illuminate every speck, turning guesswork into targeted cleaning.

In real-world testing, the FlexReach excels on medium-pile carpets and hardwood, maintaining consistent suction even on high-debris zones like entryways and pet areas. The anti-tangle brushroll lives up to its name, handling long human and pet hair without clogging—a rare win in mid-tier models. Its large dust cup reduces emptying frequency, ideal for whole-home cleans, while the one-step pod detachment makes above-floor cleaning seamless. However, it struggles slightly on ultra-thick rugs where motorized lift-away models like the Shark Stratos pull ahead, and the pod’s standalone runtime is limited when used cord-free.

Positioned between budget basics and premium powerhouses, the FlexReach outclasses the Eureka Airspeed in reach and suction while undercutting the Shark ZU102 in price with comparable multi-surface performance. It’s the ideal pick for pet owners and families who want one vacuum to handle floors, furniture, and hidden messes without sacrificing power. For those stepping up from entry-level models, this delivers near-high-end versatility with fewer compromises than expected at this tier.

The Eureka Airspeed is a breath of fresh air for small-space dwellers and quick-clean champions, packing surprising power into a featherlight 7.7-pound frame. Don’t let its size fool you—its 700W motor and 10.5” cleaning path deliver efficient pickup on both carpets and hard floors, making daily maintenance a one-pass affair. The quick-release handle instantly converts into an above-floor wand, letting you dust blinds or vacuum car seats without lugging around a full vacuum. For anyone who’s dreaded hauling a heavy machine up stairs, this is a liberating upgrade that turns cleaning from chore to routine.

During testing, the Airspeed proved perfect for apartments, dorms, and kitchens, where speed and storage matter most. It glides smoothly over tile and low-pile rugs, and the washable filter keeps maintenance costs near zero. The onboard crevice tool and dusting brush are always within reach, eliminating fumbling through drawers. However, the lack of height adjustment means it can’t optimize performance on plush carpets, and suction drops slightly on deeply embedded debris—no match for high-traffic zones or homes with shedding pets.

While it can’t rival the Shark ZU102 in pet hair pickup or the FlexReach in reach, the Airspeed dominates the budget segment with unmatched portability and simplicity. It’s the go-to for light-duty cleaning, ideal for singles, seniors, or anyone who values effortless storage and instant readiness. If your cleaning style is “fast and frequent,” this punches above its weight without asking for much in return.

For homes under siege by pet hair, the Shark ZU102 stands as a fortress of fur-fighting technology, combining PowerFins HairPro and self-cleaning brushroll to conquer even the most tangled messes. Its 3XL dust cup allows marathon cleaning sessions without constant emptying—a must for multi-pet households—while the extendable 12-foot hose turns stairs and furniture into easy targets. The odor neutralizer cartridge is a subtle but powerful touch, actively suppressing smells that linger in cheaper vacuums, making it a breathable win for allergy sufferers and odor-sensitive homes.

In practice, the ZU102 dominates on carpets saturated with pet hair, lifting embedded fur with each pass without a single strand wrapping the brushroll. Swivel steering makes it nimble around coffee tables and tight corners, and the anti-allergen complete seal with HEPA filtration traps 99.99% of dust and dander—verified in lab conditions. It transitions smoothly from thick rugs to hardwood, though the lack of motorized lift-away means above-floor cleaning relies on passive suction, which feels weaker compared to models like the Shark Stratos.

Compared to the Eureka FlexReach, the ZU102 offers superior pet-specific engineering and longer runtime per clean, but at a steeper cost and with less above-floor versatility. It’s tailor-made for pet owners who prioritize hair pickup and air quality over compactness. When stacked against other midgrade models, it delivers near-premium performance with fewer frills, making it the most complete pet-focused package in its class.

The Shark Stratos AZ3002 isn’t just powerful—it’s overkill in the best way possible, delivering the strongest suction and most advanced cleaning tech in any midgrade upright. With DuoClean PowerFins, it simultaneously deep-cleans carpets and scours hard floors in one pass, picking up both large debris and fine dust thanks to its dual brushroll system. The powered lift-away pod is a revelation—motorized for under-furniture cleaning or detachable for high-reach, above-floor vacuuming with full suction strength, a feature most competitors reserve for flagship models.

Real-world use confirms its supremacy: it excels in homes with mixed flooring and heavy pet traffic, maintaining peak performance across surfaces without adjustment. The LED headlights expose hidden pet hair under sofas, and the easy-empty dust cup ejects messes with a button—no hand contact. However, its heft and size make storage a challenge in small closets, and the premium price pushes it toward the edge of “midgrade” territory. Still, it handles everything from cereal spills to embedded fur without hesitation.

Against the ZU102, the Stratos adds motorized lift-away and DuoClean, justifying its higher cost for users who clean under and above floors daily. It’s overbuilt for light users but perfect for large homes with pets and kids. While pricier than the Eureka FlexReach, it offers deeper cleaning and smarter engineering, making it the top-tier choice for those who want flagship performance without the flagship price tag.

The Kenmore DU1275 is a silent assassin in the midgrade vacuum wars, blending lightweight agility with serious hair-handling tech. Weighing under 11 lbs, it’s easy to carry up stairs, yet packs a punch with four height settings that fine-tune cleaning from plush carpets to bare floors. The Hair Eliminator brushroll is its crown jewel—automatically shedding tangled hair so it never loses traction, a lifesaver for long-haired pet owners tired of scissors and maintenance. With a 7-foot extended reach via hose and tools, it tackles ceilings, vents, and car interiors without strain.

In testing, the DU1275 proved consistently effective across floor types, with swivel steering making furniture navigation smooth and edge-to-edge cleaning capturing baseboard dust. The extra-large dust cup reduces emptying frequency, a bonus for whole-home cleans. However, the lack of LED lights makes dark corners a guessing game, and the non-motorized hose limits suction on upholstery compared to powered models.

When compared to the Bissell CleanView, it offers better height control and hair management, though it lacks scatter-free tech for dry pet messes. It’s ideal for pet owners who want low maintenance and high reach without the bulk of premium vacuums. For those stepping up from basic models, it delivers smart engineering at a fair cost, offering better long-term value than simpler Eureka models.

The Hoover WindTunnel Cord Rewind Pro is a nostalgic nod to reliability with a modern twist, reviving the brand’s legacy with automatic cord rewind—a rare gem in uprights. One button retracts the 25-foot cord in seconds, eliminating the tedious wrap-and-tuck dance that plagues most vacuums. Its WindTunnel technology maintains strong suction across carpets and hard floors, lifting both surface dust and deep-down grime thanks to multi-cyclonic filtration. For users who hate cord management and want a no-nonsense clean, this is a refreshingly simple yet effective solution.

In real-world use, it performs solidly on low-to-medium pile carpets and tile, with five height settings allowing fine-tuned cleaning. The built-in 10-foot extension wand is a standout, letting you clean drapes or ceiling corners without extra tools. However, the brushroll lacks anti-tangle tech, meaning pet hair wraps easily—requiring frequent maintenance. It also lacks LED lights, making under-furniture cleaning a shadowy gamble.

Compared to the Eureka FlexReach, it trades versatility and anti-tangle features for simpler operation and cord convenience. It’s best for older adults or minimalists who value ease of storage and reliability over high-tech extras. While not as advanced as Shark models, it offers dependable performance with a standout convenience feature, making it one of the most user-friendly corded options in the mid-tier.

The Eureka PowerSpeed is a cyclone-powered dynamo, now upgraded with an enhanced cyclone system that separates large debris, fine dust, and allergens with impressive efficiency. Its multi-cyclonic design maintains suction over time, avoiding the rapid decline seen in cheaper bagless models. With five height settings, it adapts seamlessly from shag rugs to hardwood, and the included stretch hose and three tools make above-floor cleaning surprisingly capable for a budget model. For allergy sufferers, the 99.9% dust and dander capture adds peace of mind during every pass.

Testing shows strong performance on everyday messes—cereal, sand, and pet hair are swiftly collected, though it struggles with deeply embedded hair on high-pile carpets. The swivel steering is limited, making tight corners a chore, and the warning about roller clogs is valid—without biweekly cleaning, performance drops and risks damage. Still, for its price, it delivers better filtration and debris handling than most sub-$70 vacuums.

Against the Eureka Airspeed, it offers superior height adjustment and filtration, though it’s slightly heavier and less compact. It’s best for families needing a capable, no-frills workhorse that handles dual surfaces and allergens. While it lacks the LEDs and anti-tangle tech of pricier models, it maximizes value through smart suction engineering, making it the best cyclone-powered pick under $100.

The Bissell CleanView Swivel earns its name with buttery-smooth maneuverability, thanks to its 360-degree swivel head that pivots like a dancer around table legs and tight corners. Its triple-action brushroll aggressively loosens, lifts, and removes pet hair, while scatter-free technology keeps dry messes like kibble or litter from flying across the floor—a game-changer for pet owners. The large dirt tank and easy-empty feature reduce mess during disposal, and onboard tools mean you’re always ready for upholstery or stairs.

In practice, it shines in cluttered homes, gliding effortlessly under desks and around entertainment centers. The edge-to-edge cleaning captures dust along baseboards, and the airflow indicator alerts you to clogs before performance drops. However, it lacks height adjustment, so it can’t optimize for different carpet depths, and the filtration isn’t true HEPA, falling short for severe allergy sufferers.

Compared to the Kenmore DU1275, it offers better swivel and scatter control but less height customization and weaker hair removal automation. It’s perfect for pet owners in furnished homes who prioritize agility and edge cleaning. While not as advanced as Shark models, it delivers targeted pet performance with superior steering, making it the most agile pet-focused upright in the midgrade range.