8 Best Swivel Steering Vacuums to Buy in 2025

The Shark ZD201 redefines agility and deep-cleaning performance with its Advanced Swivel Steering, PowerFins technology, and no hair wrap guarantee—a trifecta that transforms vacuuming from chore to conquest. This isn’t just another upright; it’s a precision instrument engineered for homes battling pet hair, allergens, and cluttered layouts. The LED headlights cut through darkness under furniture, revealing debris most vacuums miss, while the self-cleaning brushroll actively prevents clogs—a godsend for long-haired pets. If you’ve ever wrestled with tangled bristles or struggled to pivot around dining chairs, this model answers those frustrations with surgical precision.

In real-world use, the ZD201 glides over high-pile carpets with the PowerFins digging deep, then transitions seamlessly to hardwood without scattering debris. The HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal trap 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, making it a top-tier choice for allergy sufferers. At 13.4 pounds, it’s not the lightest, but the lift-away pod balances weight distribution and enables effortless stair and upholstery cleaning. While the 0.6-quart dust cup requires frequent emptying in larger homes, the one-touch release minimizes mess. It falters slightly on ultra-thick rugs where suction dips momentarily, but overall performance remains elite across surfaces.

When stacked against the Shark NV360 and Bissell 2252, the ZD201 stands out with superior hair management and filtration, though it commands a premium. It’s ideal for pet owners and allergy-prone households who prioritize cleaning intelligence over budget savings. Compared to the NV360, it delivers more targeted power and better build quality, justifying its higher cost with fewer compromises.

The Shark NV360 strikes a masterful balance between power, versatility, and value, making it the go-to for households that want lift-away convenience without overspending. Its 0.9-quart dust cup is a standout—nearly 50% larger than many competitors—allowing longer cleaning sessions with fewer interruptions. The swivel steering delivers razor-sharp turns, effortlessly navigating tight corners and furniture legs, while the brushroll shutoff lets you switch from carpet to hardwood with a single button, eliminating the need to change modes manually.

During testing, the NV360 handled mixed flooring with confidence, maintaining strong suction on both plush rugs and tile. The HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal make it a solid pick for sensitive users, though it doesn’t match the ZD201’s 99.99% claim. The detachable pod transforms into a portable vacuum, ideal for car interiors or stairs, and the included crevice and upholstery tools are genuinely useful—not afterthoughts. However, the nozzle lacks LED lights, so dust hiding under sofas can go unnoticed. It’s also slightly noisier than newer models, a trade-off for its robust motor.

Pitted against the budget-friendly Bissell 2252 and the pricier ZD201, the NV360 carves a niche as the best all-around lift-away with no glaring weaknesses. It’s perfect for medium-to-large homes needing a reliable, do-it-all vacuum. While it doesn’t have the ZD201’s PowerFins or self-cleaning brushroll, it offers nearly the same functionality at a significantly lower cost, making it the smarter buy for value-focused families.

Don’t let its budget tag fool you—the Shark NV151 packs a punch with true swivel steering, a dedicated Pet Power Brush, and full HEPA filtration, making it a stealth powerhouse for pet owners on a tight budget. Weighing in at just under 12 pounds, it’s lightweight enough for daily use yet tough enough to extract embedded fur from area rugs. The 11-foot reach with extendable hose means you can clean ceiling fans, drapes, and car seats without breaking a sweat, while the anti-allergen seal keeps dander locked inside.

In action, the NV151 handles pet messes with surprising efficiency, especially when using the Pet Power Brush on couches and stairs. The suction is consistent across low-to-medium pile carpets and hard floors, though it struggles slightly on high-pile rugs where deeper agitation is needed. The 0.6-quart dust cup fills up quickly in fur-heavy homes, requiring mid-clean emptying. Still, the one-touch release and washable filters make maintenance painless. It lacks LED lights and a lift-away pod, so under-furniture cleaning isn’t as intuitive as with higher-end models.

Compared to the Eureka NES215A and Bissell 2252, the NV151 delivers more complete pet-focused performance, with better filtration and accessories. It’s the ideal pick for renters or small homes where affordability and pet hair removal are top priorities. While it doesn’t match the ZD201’s deep-clean prowess, it offers 90% of Shark’s core tech at half the price, making it the most intelligent budget swivel upright on the market.

The Shark CS110EM is a revelation for those who demand effortless mobility without sacrificing power, delivering a sub-9-pound frame, swivel steering, and corded reliability in one sleek package. This isn’t a flimsy stick vacuum—its continuous corded suction maintains full power from room to room, a major win over battery-limited models. The slim nozzle glides under sofas and beds with ease, while the swivel head pivots on a dime, making it a joy to clean around table legs and entertainment centers.

Real-world testing confirmed its strength on hard floors and low-pile rugs, where it picks up cereal, sand, and pet kibble without issue. The convertible design—snap off the handheld unit and go—makes it perfect for quick cleanups, car detailing, or dusting shelves. However, on thick carpets, the lack of a powered brushroll limits deep-cleaning ability. The filters are washable and easy to maintain, but the dust cup is modest at 0.3 quarts, demanding frequent emptying. Still, for apartments or homes where speed and portability rule, it’s unmatched.

When compared to the heavier Shark HV371 and the budget Eureka NES215A, the CS110EM wins on ergonomic design and build quality. It’s the top choice for older adults, city dwellers, or anyone who values lightweight cleaning with zero downtime. While the HV371 offers more accessories and stronger pet tools, the CS110EM delivers superior maneuverability and simplicity, making it the best lightweight option for fast, daily maintenance.

The Shark HV371 Rocket Pro DLX is a pet hair annihilator, engineered with specialized tools, LED headlights, and an XL dust cup to dominate fur-covered homes. Its Advanced Swivel Steering and low-profile nozzle let it slip under beds and chairs with ghost-like ease, while the removable handheld unit snaps off in seconds for spot cleaning. With 500 watts of suction, it doesn’t play around—deep-pile carpets yield pet hair and dust that cheaper models leave behind.

In practice, the Anti-Allergen Dust Brush and upholstery tool make furniture cleaning fast and thorough, and the 0.68-quart dust cup lasts longer than most stick vacuums. The LED lights on both nozzle and handheld expose hidden messes, a feature missing on many in this class. The easy-release foot pedal to detach the wand is a game-changer, reducing strain during use. However, the cord management is awkward, and the fuchsia color isn’t for everyone. It’s also heavier than the CS110EM, trading portability for power.

Stacked against the CS110EM and Hoover WindTunnel, the HV371 excels in pet-specific performance and tool versatility. It’s the best pick for multi-pet homes needing serious cleaning reach and fur-fighting tech. While the CS110EM is lighter, the HV371 offers more suction, better tools, and superior debris capacity, making it worth the extra heft for pet owners who refuse to compromise.

The Bissell 2252 punches above its weight with Triple Action Brush Roll, edge-to-edge cleaning, and a massive dirt tank, making it a standout for pet owners who want power on a budget. Its scatter-free technology is a quiet hero—when vacuuming kibble or litter on hardwood, it actually sucks instead of blasting debris across the room. The swivel head turns on a dime, navigating around coffee tables and plant stands with surprising grace for an upright. And with every purchase supporting pet rescue, it’s a feel-good buy that cleans well and gives back.

In testing, the 2252 handled dry pet messes with confidence, thanks to its wide cleaning path and strong suction. The large dirt tank minimizes emptying frequency, a big plus in homes with shedding dogs. However, the brushroll isn’t self-cleaning, so long hair still wraps around it—requiring manual removal. The lack of HEPA certification (though it has multi-cyclonic filtration) means allergens may escape back into the air, a drawback for asthmatics. It’s loud and clunky when transitioning between floors, but for pure mess pickup, it delivers.

Compared to the Shark NV151 and Eureka NES215A, the Bissell 2252 offers broader coverage and better tank capacity, though it lacks portability and filtration finesse. It’s best for single-level homes with lots of pets and big messes. While the Shark models offer smarter tech, the Bissell provides raw cleaning volume at a rock-bottom price, making it the best budget bet for pet-heavy households.

The Hoover WindTunnel Tangle Guard brings 100-year heritage and serious anti-tangle engineering to the battle against pet hair, pairing HEPA media filtration, swivel steering, and headlights into a clean, reliable package. Its direct suction system bypasses brushroll reliance, reducing clogs and boosting pickup on hard floors—where many vacuums fail. The Tangle Guard technology truly works: long hair and strings are diverted away from the brushroll, minimizing maintenance. And with LED headlights, you’ll finally see what’s been lurking under your bed for months.

In real use, the Hoover shines on tile and low-to-medium carpets, lifting fur and dust with consistent power. The built-in wand is a clever space-saver, letting you clean stairs and ceilings without extra attachments. The HEPA media filter captures allergens effectively, though not to the same lab-tested standard as Shark’s HEPA+. It’s lightweight at 12.5 pounds but feels less durable than Shark counterparts—plastics creak under stress. The dust cup is easy to empty, but the hose lacks stretch, limiting reach.

Pitted against the Shark ZD201 and Bissell 2252, the Hoover wins on hair protection and simplicity, though it lacks the ZD201’s deep-cleaning finesse. It’s ideal for pet owners tired of unclogging brushrolls and wanting a no-nonsense, low-maintenance machine. While the Shark offers more features, the Hoover delivers superior anti-hair wrap performance at a mid-range price, making it a trustworthy, hassle-free workhorse.

At just 4 pounds and $34, the Eureka NES215A Blaze is the ultimate no-frills, go-anywhere cleaner—a 3-in-1 swivel stick, handheld, and upright that defies expectations for its price. Its capture nozzle is a standout, actually picking up large debris like cereal or popcorn instead of pushing it around, a flaw that plagues many budget vacuums. The 2-amp motor isn’t powerful, but it’s sufficient for quick spills, car crumbs, or dusting shelves. And the swivel steering adds surprising agility for a model this cheap.

In daily use, it excels at spot cleaning—think under desks, in car seats, or between couch cushions. The onboard crevice tool is always within reach, and the washable filter keeps long-term costs low. But don’t expect deep carpet cleaning: it barely agitates thick rugs, and the 0.3-liter dust cup fills in seconds during whole-room use. Battery life is short if used cordlessly (via detachable handheld), and the plastic feels flimsy. Still, for renters, dorm rooms, or second-vacuum duty, it’s unbeatable.

Against the Shark CS110EM and Bissell 2252, the Eureka can’t compete on power or filtration—but it dominates on price and portability. It’s the best choice for college students, RV owners, or anyone needing a grab-and-go cleaner. While the CS110EM offers better build and suction, the Eureka delivers basic functionality at a fraction of the cost, proving that smart design can still win on a shoestring.