6 Best Rainbow Vacuum Cleaners of 2025

This powerhouse of purification redefines what a home vacuum can do—delivering 80 CFM of raw suction paired with a dual-action water and HEPA filtration system that traps 99.97% of allergens down to 0.3 microns. The 2-speed electric power nozzle isn’t just a gimmick—it’s a game-changer, letting you shift from aggressive carpet agitation to gentle hard-floor sweeping or even air-purifying mode. If you’re battling pet dander, dust mites, or stubborn embedded debris, this machine doesn’t just clean surfaces—it transforms indoor air quality.

In real-world testing across plush carpets, tile grout lines, and upholstery, the E2 Blue handled transitions with ease, thanks to its wide-path power nozzle and 6-piece tool kit that includes edge brushes and crevice tools for tight spaces. The wet pickup hose proved invaluable during spill tests, extracting liquid messes without clogging, while the optional Prolux shampoo system (sold separately) deep-cleans carpets like a mini steam cleaner. However, its 30-pound heft and canister design make it less ideal for quick upstairs cleanups—this is a vacuum built for thorough, whole-home sessions, not speed runs.

Compared to the SE models, the E2 Blue delivers superior airflow (80 CFM vs 72 CFM) and adds HEPA-grade secondary filtration, making it the clear upgrade for allergy sufferers and pet owners who demand clinical-level cleanliness. While it shares the iconic water filtration system and 5-year warranty, its added filtration layer and dual-speed control justify its position as the best overall Rainbow vacuum. It’s heavier and pricier than the SE variants, but if air purity and deep-cleaning power are non-negotiable, the E2 Blue outperforms its siblings with authority.

Don’t let its renewed status fool you—the Rainbow SE packs 72 CFM of deep-cleaning muscle into a reconditioned, USA-built frame that feels anything but secondhand. With the same water filtration magic that defines the Rainbow experience, it captures allergens and neutralizes odors without bags or filters that need constant replacing. For budget-conscious buyers who still want whole-home purification and pet hair taming, this model delivers premium performance at a leaner cost.

During testing, the SE wide-path electric power nozzle glided smoothly over medium-pile carpet, lifting embedded pet hair and fine dust with minimal passes. The 6-piece tool kit handled baseboards, stairs, and car interiors with precision, while the wet pickup hose made short work of accidental spills—no secondary mop needed. On hard floors, the power nozzle’s on/off switch prevented debris scatter, though the lack of a dedicated hard-floor setting meant occasional hair wrap on the brush roll. Its 72 CFM airflow is strong, but slightly less aggressive than the E2 Blue on high-pile rugs.

When stacked against the E2 Gold, the SE trades dual-speed control and HEPA backup for affordability—yet still outperforms most mainstream canisters in allergen capture and longevity. It’s the best budget-friendly entry into the Rainbow ecosystem, ideal for smaller homes or users who prioritize clean air and wet/dry versatility over granular suction tuning. While it doesn’t offer air-purifying mode or HEPA redundancy, its core filtration and 5-year warranty ensure it punches well above its price class.

Meet the pet hair annihilator—the Rainbow SE PN2 leverages 72 CFM of unrelenting suction and a PN2 wide-path electric nozzle engineered to dig deep into pet-heavy carpets. Its water filtration system doesn’t just trap dander—it dissolves odors, making it a standout for homes where shedding pets rule the roost. The on/off handle switch lets you toggle between carpet and hard floors mid-clean, avoiding the hassle of nozzle swaps, while the reconditioned tool kit ensures every crevice gets attention.

Real-world use revealed impressive fur-lifting power, especially on dark-colored upholstery where pet hair is most visible. The wet pickup function doubled as a quick-response tool for muddy paw prints and spilled water bowls, extracting moisture efficiently without residue. However, the lack of HEPA backup means airborne allergens aren’t filtered as thoroughly as with E2 models—fine for general use, but not clinical-grade. The canister’s weight distribution also made upstairs cleaning a two-hand job, though storage was streamlined with onboard hose and wand docks.

Against the E2 Blue, the PN2 trades air purification mode and HEPA for a more focused, pet-centric design—making it the best for pet hair without overspending. It doesn’t offer 2-speed suction, but the PN2 nozzle’s aggressive bristles compensate with mechanical power. For pet owners who need maximum fur removal and odor control in a renewed package, this model hits the sweet spot between performance and value.

The E2 Gold is a masterclass in controlled cleaning, offering dual-speed suction that lets you dial in precision—from gentle air purification to full-throttle deep carpet revival. Though renewed, it retains the core engineering of the E2 line, including water filtration and bagless convenience, making it a top pick for users who want customizable performance without the premium blue finish. The HEPA-grade exhaust filter ensures even the tiniest allergens are captured, a must for asthma-prone households.

In practice, the 2-speed nozzle shines during multi-surface cleaning—low speed for hardwoods prevents dust scattering, while high speed agitates deep into carpet fibers. The included crevice tool and nozzle handled most tasks, though the tool kit is sparser than other models, lacking edge brushes or upholstery tools. Wet pickup worked reliably, but the absence of a dedicated shampoo system means deep carpet refresh requires a separate purchase. At 30+ pounds, it’s not light, but the smooth-rolling canister minimizes drag on tile and wood.

Compared to the SE models, the E2 Gold offers superior filtration and speed control, positioning it as the best 2-speed model in the Rainbow lineup. It lacks the LED-lit basin of the Type 12 Black but delivers the same dual-mode cleaning intelligence. For users who value suction customization and allergen control over flashy extras, this renewed gem provides near-top-tier performance with fewer frills.

This allergy warrior is built for one mission: erasing airborne irritants from sensitive environments. The E2 Type 12 Black features an LED-lit water basin and power nozzle with rotating edge brushes, ensuring no dust bunnies hide along baseboards or under furniture. With full water filtration and motor protection, it doesn’t just clean floors—it purifies the air you breathe, making it the best Rainbow vacuum for allergy sufferers. The used but restored condition means it’s been tuned to near-new performance, often with bonus accessories included.

Testing confirmed its edge-to-edge cleaning precision, thanks to the rotating side brushes that grabbed debris from corners where most vacuums fail. The LED illumination in the basin and nozzle helped monitor dirt levels and cleaning progress—especially useful in dim basements or under furniture. While it matches the 80 CFM suction of the E2 Blue, it lacks HEPA exhaust, relying solely on water filtration. For wet pickup and carpet shampooing, it performs on par with other E2s, but the used status means battery or hose wear could vary by unit.

Next to the E2 Blue, this model trades brand-new assurance and HEPA backup for a lower entry cost and enhanced edge cleaning. It’s not renewed by Rainbow directly, so long-term durability depends on restoration quality, but for allergy-focused buyers who want maximum surface and air cleaning, it’s a compelling alternative. If you prioritize edge reach and air quality over factory-fresh guarantees, this used E2 delivers where it counts.