7 Best Upright Vacuums for Carpet & Hardwood Floors 2025

This game-changing upright vacuum redefines what’s possible in multi-surface cleaning, blending DuoClean PowerFins technology with zero hair wrap engineering to dominate both plush carpets and glossy hardwoods. The dual brushrolls—one stiff PowerFin for deep agitation, the other a soft roller for delicate floors—deliver uninterrupted contact across transitions, eliminating the need to switch modes or flip settings. With LED headlights illuminating hidden pet hair under sofas, and a HEPA-sealed system trapping 99.9% of allergens, it’s a lifesaver for pet owners and allergy sufferers alike.

In real-world testing, the Shark LA502 excels at pet hair pickup, effortlessly lifting clumps from low-pile rugs and hardwood with its self-cleaning brushroll. The lift-away pod detaches with a single pedal press, transforming into a portable unit ideal for stairs and car interiors—no awkward hose tugging. At 13 lbs, it’s lighter than many competitors yet packs strong suction that doesn’t falter on high-pile carpets. However, the larger dust cup (1.1 quarts) fills quickly during whole-home cleans, requiring mid-session emptying—though the one-touch release makes disposal mess-free.

Compared to the Kenmore DU2015, the Shark LA502 offers superior edge cleaning and deeper carpet penetration, thanks to its advanced brushroll design and swivel steering. While both target pet owners, the Shark’s anti-allergen seal and lighting give it a clear advantage in homes demanding thoroughness. It’s perfect for families with pets and mixed flooring, striking a rare balance between power, versatility, and ease of use—outperforming mid-range models while justifying its premium positioning.

Don’t let the budget-friendly tag fool you—this ultra-lightweight powerhouse delivers surprisingly robust performance on both carpet and hard floors, making it a steal for small-space dwellers and renters. Weighing just 8.4 pounds, it floats from room to room with effortless glide, while the 25-foot cord grants unmatched reach without constant outlet hopping. The 1.7L dust cup is a standout, allowing extended cleaning sessions before needing a dump—rare in this price bracket.

During testing, the Amazon Basics vacuum handled everyday debris—crumbs, dust, cereal spills—on hardwood and low-pile rugs with consistent suction. The detachable handle doubles as a handheld unit, useful for quick couch cleanups or car detailing, though suction drops slightly when used without the main body. While it lacks brushroll shutoff, the plastic beater bar is gentle enough for most hard floors, but struggles with embedded pet hair in carpets. The washable foam filter holds up well, but requires frequent rinsing to maintain airflow.

Against the Eureka NEU10AE5, it trades a bit of ergonomic finesse for larger capacity, making it better suited for larger homes with mixed flooring. It won’t match Shark’s deep-cleaning prowess, but for spill response, light pet hair, and daily maintenance, it’s a no-frills workhorse. Ideal for first-time buyers and budget-conscious households, it proves you don’t need to spend big for reliable, no-hassle cleaning—offering more features than many pricier rivals.

This commercial-grade beast is built for relentless deep cleaning, with a high-speed brush roll spinning at 3,600 RPM to agitate and extract deeply embedded dirt from thick carpets—making it a top pick for high-traffic homes and rental properties. The automatic height adjustment seamlessly adapts to carpet pile, while side edge brushes grab debris along baseboards, eliminating the need for manual touch-ups. At only 9 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to push, even during extended sessions, thanks to its low-friction wheels and balanced weight distribution.

In real-world use, the Oreck XL shines on plush and commercial-grade carpets, where its aggressive agitation outperforms most bagless models. The bagged system maintains constant suction, with minimal loss over time, and the disposable bags reduce dust exposure during emptying—a plus for allergy sufferers. However, on hardwood floors, the spinning brush can scatter fine dust, and without a shutoff, you must lift the head to avoid scratching. The cord guard and wall bumpers are thoughtful touches, protecting furniture during tight turns.

Compared to the Hoover WindTunnel, the Oreck offers superior carpet agitation but lacks automatic cord rewind and multi-surface versatility. It’s not ideal for homes with mostly hard floors, but for carpet-heavy environments, it’s hard to beat. Best suited for deep-cleaning enthusiasts and landlords, it delivers pro-level performance with minimal maintenance—a long-term investment that outlasts budget vacuums while offering smoother operation than heavier models.

The Shark NV360 strikes a sweet spot between power and practicality, offering Lift-Away versatility and HEPA-grade filtration in a mid-priced package that feels anything but budget. Its brushroll shutoff is a game-changer, letting you switch instantly from carpet to hardwood without losing momentum—perfect for open-concept homes with mixed flooring transitions. The swivel steering glides around chair legs and tight corners with ballet-like precision, while the 0.9-quart dust cup reduces emptying frequency during full-home sessions.

In testing, the NV360 handled pet hair with confidence, especially when paired with the included upholstery tool for couches and stairs. The lift-away pod detaches smoothly, allowing above-floor cleaning without a separate handheld unit—a feature typically reserved for pricier models. Suction is strong but not class-leading, struggling slightly on high-pile rugs compared to the LA502. The filters are washable, but require 24-hour drying, which can be a bottleneck if you clean frequently.

When stacked against the Kenmore DU2015, the NV360 offers better maneuverability and easier emptying, though Kenmore’s dual-motor system provides slightly stronger airflow. It’s ideal for urban apartments and pet owners seeking a balance of performance and portability, delivering 90% of the Shark premium experience at half the cost—making it a smarter long-term value than entry-level options despite its modest feature set.

Meet the featherweight champion—this 7.7-pound dynamo redefines effortless cleaning, making it perfect for quick daily sweeps and upstairs bedrooms where heavier vacuums feel like a chore. The AirSpeed design maximizes airflow efficiency, delivering strong suction for its class across carpets and hardwood, while the 10.5-inch cleaning path covers more ground per pass—cutting cleaning time in half compared to narrow nozzles. With all tools stored onboard, including a dusting brush and crevice tool, it’s ready to go in seconds for spot cleans.

In real-world use, the Eureka NEU10AE5 excels at light debris and surface dust, handling cereal spills and tracked-in dirt with ease. The quick-release handle converts to a handheld unit, ideal for car seats or lampshades, though suction dips when used standalone. It struggles with matted pet hair, requiring multiple passes, and the small 0.6-quart dust cup needs emptying every few rooms. Still, the washable filter and eco-friendly design appeal to budget and sustainability-conscious users.

Compared to the Amazon Basics model, it’s slightly lighter with better tool integration, but offers smaller capacity and weaker deep-cleaning power. It’s best for seniors, students, or small homes where portability trumps raw power—delivering no-fuss performance for low-to-medium cleaning demands while being one of the easiest uprights to store and carry—a compact solution that doesn’t cut corners on core functionality.

This pet-focused powerhouse combines a dual-motor system with a 10-foot stretch hose to deliver targeted cleaning for pet owners battling hair on hardwood and stairs. The suction control dial lets you adjust power by surface, preserving airflow on delicate floors while ramping up for shag rugs—making it one of the most adaptable vacuums for mixed flooring. Its HEPA filter captures 99.7% of dust, and the swivel steering ensures smooth navigation around furniture legs and tight corners.

In testing, the Kenmore DU2015 dominated pet hair removal, especially with the Pet HandiMate tool, which clings to fur on upholstery like a magnet. The long hose reaches under beds and behind toilets without moving the main unit, and the four included tools snap securely onboard. At 14 lbs, it’s heavier than others in its class, and the dust cup (0.8 quarts) fills quickly during whole-home runs. The dual motors enhance performance, but also increase noise and energy use.

Against the Shark NV360, it edges ahead in pet hair tools and hose reach, though it lacks lift-away convenience. It’s tailor-made for homes with multiple pets and hardwood floors, where specialized cleaning is non-negotiable—offering more targeted accessories and stronger suction control than similarly priced models, making it a highly functional upgrade from basic uprights.

The Hoover WindTunnel Cord Rewind Pro wins on pure convenience, with a one-touch automatic cord rewind that eliminates the tedious wrap-and-tuck ritual—a small luxury that elevates the entire cleaning experience. Its WindTunnel technology directs airflow to prevent suction loss, maintaining strong pickup on both carpet and hard floors, while the 5-level height adjustment ensures optimal contact across surfaces. The built-in 10-foot extension wand stores neatly, transforming the vacuum into a dusting and ceiling cleaner in seconds.

In real-world testing, the Hoover handled everyday messes with confidence, lifting sand from grout lines and pet food from corners. The multi-cyclonic filtration keeps suction consistent, though the filter requires frequent cleaning to maintain peak performance. The nozzle is wide and effective, but less agile in tight spaces than Shark’s swivel models. On hardwood, it performs well with brushroll engaged, but lacks a shutoff—risking fine dust scatter.

Compared to the Oreck Commercial XL, it trades raw carpet power for smarter home integration, with better cord management and more tools. It’s ideal for busy households that value speed and simplicity, where post-cleanup efficiency matters as much as suction—delivering a polished, user-centric experience that balances performance, ease of use, and long-term reliability—a thoughtful upgrade from basic uprights without premium pricing.