7 Best Upright Carpet Cleaners of 2025

The Shark CarpetXpert HairPro EX251BRN is a game-changer for pet owners drowning in hair, odors, and stubborn stains. What sets it apart is its HairPro Technology, which actively prevents hair from tangling in the brushroll—a notorious pain point for long-haired pet households. Combined with PowerSpray high-pressure jets and a high-speed brushroll, it delivers deep cleaning that reaches deep into carpet fibers, lifting grime and allergens that vacuums leave behind. This isn’t just a shampooer—it’s a full-coverage cleaning system built for real-life messes.

In real-world testing, the HairPro consistently pulled 3x more pet hair into the dirty water tank than standard models, thanks to third-party-verified suction performance. The built-in spot and stain remover tool is a standout—ideal for targeting accidents before they set, and the dual-tank system ensures you’re always spraying fresh solution, not recirculating dirty water. It handles plush carpets, area rugs, and upholstery with ease, though its weight (just over 15 lbs) makes stair cleaning a bit of a stretch over long sessions. Dry times are impressively fast—under 2 hours on medium-pile carpet in dry-only mode.

Compared to the BISSELL Big Green, the HairPro trades raw tank size for smarter engineering and better hair management, making it more practical for daily use. While the BISSELL ProHeat 2X tackles stains aggressively, it lacks the HairPro’s specialized anti-tangle design. This machine is perfect for pet-heavy homes that need a reliable, all-in-one deep cleaner without the hassle of constant clogs. It delivers professional-grade results with consumer-friendly convenience, outperforming heavier, more complex models in targeted scenarios.

The BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution 35799 hits hard where it matters—deep stain removal and allergen extraction—making it the go-to for homes battling set-in pet accidents. Its TurboStrength Motor Technology delivers 40% more suction while running quieter than most competitors, a rare combo that turns chore time into a less disruptive experience. The Dual DirtLifter Powerbrushes with 12 rows of bristles aggressively agitate carpet fibers, breaking up years of embedded dirt that even regular deep cleans miss.

Field testing shows this model excels on medium to high-traffic areas, especially on low-pile and berber carpets where ground-in grime hides. The HeatWave Technology keeps cleaning solution hot from start to finish, boosting stain-lifting power across large rooms. In Express Clean mode, carpets dry in about 30–40 minutes, a huge win for households needing quick turnaround. However, its single-tank design means you’re reapplying slightly dirty water in later passes, slightly reducing cleaning efficiency. It also struggles with thick, shaggy rugs where the brushes can’t reach the base.

Against the Shark CarpetXpert HairPro, the ProHeat 2X wins on raw stain-fighting power and faster drying, but loses on hair handling and odor neutralization. It’s a workhorse built for maximum clean, not convenience or pet hair management. Compared to the budget-friendly TurboClean, it offers deeper performance and better heat retention, justifying its higher cost for serious stain fighters. This is the machine you choose when cleaning power trumps portability.

The BISSELL TurboClean 3952 proves you don’t need a heavyweight machine to tackle real messes—especially in small spaces. Packed with a 4-row DeepReach PowerBrush, it digs into high-traffic zones and pulls out dirt that vacuums miss, making it a surprisingly capable performer for its size. Its compact, lightweight build glides under furniture and fits in closets, a godsend for apartments, dorms, or homes with limited storage. And with Pro Max Clean & Protect formula included, it doesn’t just clean—it helps prevent future stains with StainProtect Technology.

In action, it handles spills, tracked-in dirt, and light pet accidents with confidence, though it’s not built for wall-to-wall cleaning in large homes. The tank capacity is modest, requiring more frequent refills on bigger jobs, and the suction strength can’t match premium models on thick carpets. Still, on low to medium pile, it delivers noticeably fresher results after one pass. It’s also one of the easiest to empty and clean post-use, thanks to its simple dual-tank layout and accessible components.

When stacked against the Hoover PowerScrub XL, the TurboClean loses on coverage and tank size but wins on ease of use and storage. It’s no match for the BISSELL Big Green in power, but that’s not the point. This is the ideal pick for renters, pet owners in small homes, or anyone needing a no-fuss spot cleaner. It delivers 90% of the performance at a fraction of the cost and footprint, making it the smart entry point into serious carpet care.

The BISSELL Revolution HydroSteam 4123 redefines deep cleaning with real steam power, delivering 45% better mess removal by combining hot water extraction with HydroSteam Technology. The built-in steam pretreater loosens gum, grease, and set-in spills before the brushes even touch the carpet—something no cold-water cleaner can match. With a 1-gallon clean tank, it covers large areas with fewer refills, and the 7-foot hose extends reach to stairs, pet beds, and car interiors without swapping machines.

Testing shows it excels on sticky, organic messes—like spilled juice or muddy paw prints—where steam breaks down residue that resists traditional cleaning. The XL DirtLifter PowerBrush digs deep, and the self-cleaning Tough Stain Tool minimizes gunk buildup during use. However, the steam function increases dry time slightly, and the machine is on the heavier side, making it tiring over long sessions. It also lacks automatic solution mixing, requiring manual prep.

Compared to the Shark HairPro, the HydroSteam wins on pretreatment power and tank size, but falls short on hair handling and dry speed. Against the Hoover PowerScrub XL, it offers superior steam performance but less scrubbing action. This is the best choice for homes that need steam-level sanitization without buying a separate steamer. It merges extraction and steam into one powerful system, offering unmatched cleaning depth for tough, sticky messes.

The Hoover PowerScrub XL FH68050 is built for large homes with pets, where coverage and durability matter most. Its five counter-rotating SpinScrub brushes deliver aggressive scrubbing action that lifts stains from deep within carpet fibers, while HeatForce technology speeds up drying—critical when cleaning multiple rooms. The TruMAX recovery tank maximizes dirty water capacity, reducing trips to the sink, and the Auto Mix feature ensures perfect solution dilution every time, eliminating guesswork.

In practice, it’s a workhorse on thick, soiled carpets, especially in entryways or living rooms where dirt accumulates. The 8-foot hose and included pet tool make it easy to clean car seats or furniture, and the upholstery tool adds versatility. However, the brushes can be too aggressive on delicate rugs, and the machine is loud—noticeably louder than Shark or BISSELL’s quieter models. It also lacks advanced odor removal tech, relying solely on solutions for smell control.

Next to the BISSELL Big Green, the PowerScrub XL offers similar coverage but less suction power, though it’s easier to handle. Compared to the Shark HairPro, it covers more ground but doesn’t manage hair as well. This is the ideal pick for large, active homes that need a durable, high-capacity cleaner. It trades finesse for raw coverage and scrubbing power, making it the best bet for those who clean entire houses in one go.

The BISSELL Big Green 9597 is the undisputed king of heavy-duty cleaning, designed for commercial-level messes and large-area restoration. With a 1.75-gallon tank and 12-amp motor, it delivers non-stop cleaning power that outlasts rental units, while rotating DirtLifter brushes scour deep into carpet pile to extract years of embedded filth. It cleans on both forward and backward passes—cutting cleaning time in half—and dries faster than most pro-grade machines, a rare advantage in this class.

Field tests confirm it’s unmatched for whole-home deep cleans, especially in homes with multiple pets or high soiling. The 6-inch Tough Stain Tool and 9-inch hose allow precise cleaning in corners and on stairs, and the included PRO MAX formula adds stain protection. However, it’s extremely heavy (over 30 lbs) and bulky—awkward for storage and tough on stairs. It also lacks modern features like dual tanks or digital controls, relying on brute force instead.

Against the Hoover PowerScrub XL, the Big Green wins on tank size and cleaning speed, but is far less user-friendly. Compared to the Shark HairPro, it’s overkill for routine cleaning but dominates in restoration scenarios. This is the machine for serious deep cleans, rentals, or pro use, not casual spot cleaning. It delivers unmatched power and capacity, making it the ultimate tool when cleaning intensity trumps convenience.