8 Best Vacuums for Long Pile Carpet (2025 Guide)

Effortless power meets featherlight design in the Oreck Commercial XL—this upright is a game-changer for thick carpets where most lightweight vacuums falter. With a high-speed brush roll spinning at 4,000 RPM and automatic height adjustment, it dives deep into long pile without snagging or bogging down. The 9-pound build makes it one of the lightest commercial-grade machines on the market, yet it delivers 1200 watts of suction that rivals heavier models—perfect for homes with sprawling carpeted areas or multi-level layouts. If you’re tired of wrestling with bulky vacuums that leave behind embedded dirt, this model solves both strength and strain in one sleek package.

In real-world testing across plush berber and shag rugs, the Oreck consistently lifted pet hair, tracked-in soil, and fine dust from deep within carpet fibers, thanks to its powerful agitation and sealed HEPA filtration path. The side edge brush proved invaluable for baseboards and corners, while the ergonomic helping hand handle made stairs feel manageable rather than a chore. Though it uses a bagged system (requiring ongoing replacements), the low maintenance design with cord guard and wall bumpers keeps wear and tear minimal. However, on ultra-dense high-pile rugs, it occasionally needed a second pass to fully extract deeply compacted debris.

Positioned between budget uprights and premium deep cleaners, the Oreck Commercial XL outperforms most sub-$150 vacuums in carpet agitating power while remaining lighter than nearly all competitors. Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, it offers superior deep-cleaning performance and durability, though with less onboard tool storage. It’s ideal for homeowners who prioritize consistent, low-effort cleaning across large carpeted spaces—especially those with stairs or frequent commercial-level use. For its blend of lightweight agility and serious carpet muscle, it stands as the best overall pick for long pile—beating heavier models in usability without sacrificing strength.

The Eureka PowerSpeed punches far above its price tag, delivering serious carpet penetration in a no-frills, budget-friendly package. Its upgraded cyclone system generates impressive airflow that separates large debris from fine dust, maintaining suction even as the bin fills—a rare feat at this price point. With five height settings, it adapts precisely to long pile carpets, ensuring the brush roll engages deeply without dragging, while the 99.9% dust-trapping filtration makes it a solid choice for allergy sufferers on a tight budget. If you’re tired of vacuums that barely scratch the surface of plush rugs, this model excels at lifting embedded dirt without breaking the bank.

During testing on 1-inch thick carpet, the PowerSpeed pulled out weeks-old pet hair, tracked-in silt, and dust mites with noticeable efficiency, especially in medium to high pile settings. The smooth-rolling wheels glide over hardwood without scratching, and the 7-foot stretch hose with onboard tools makes above-floor cleaning surprisingly capable. However, the brush roll can clog with long hair if not cleaned every few weeks, which may lead to reduced performance or belt strain—something Eureka explicitly warns about. While not built for commercial use, it handles daily residential cleaning with commendable stamina.

When stacked against the Amazon Basics Upright, the Eureka offers better height control, stronger agitation, and superior filtration, making it the clear upgrade for carpeted homes. It’s not as refined as the Oreck or Shark, but for renters or secondary homes where value and function matter most, it’s a standout. The PowerSpeed is best suited for small to medium households with mixed flooring and moderate carpet depth, offering deep clean capability at a fraction of premium prices—making it the best budget-friendly option for long pile that doesn’t feel cheap.

For pet owners battling hair-choked carpets, the Kenmore DU1275 is a revelation—its Hair Eliminator brush roll automatically ejects tangled fur and strings, eliminating the dreaded scissors-and-yanking routine. This feature alone makes it a top-tier performer on long pile, where pet hair accumulates fastest and clogs most vacuums. Paired with 4 height adjustments and a 7-foot extended reach, it dives deep into shag rugs while still accessing under furniture and high corners with ease. The extra-large 1.5L dust cup means fewer interruptions during whole-home cleaning, and the under-11-pound weight keeps it nimble despite full-sized power.

In practical use, the DU1275 handled dense dog hair on 3/4-inch carpet with minimal clogging, thanks to its self-cleaning roller. The swivel steering allowed smooth navigation around furniture legs, and the onboard Pet HandiMate tool made quick work of couches and car seats. However, while suction is strong, it doesn’t match the raw power of the Oreck or Shark models—requiring slower passes on heavily soiled areas. The HEPA-grade filtration captures allergens effectively, though not as thoroughly as the Shark’s complete-seal system.

Compared to the Shark NV356E, the Kenmore trades some deep-cleaning intensity and allergen sealing for superior hair management and ease of maintenance. It’s not the most powerful, but for homes with multiple pets and long-pile flooring, it offers the smartest balance of convenience and performance. With versatile tools and tangle-free operation, it’s built for daily pet messes and long-term durability—making it the best choice specifically for pet hair on carpets, where usability trumps brute force.

When deep carpet cleaning meets allergen control, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E rises to the top with its HEPA-sealed system and lift-away pod—a combo that’s unmatched for health-conscious homes. Its anti-allergen complete seal traps 99.9% of dust and dander, making it a powerhouse for asthma and allergy sufferers, while the detachable canister transforms it into a portable spot cleaner for stairs, mattresses, and upholstery. The brushroll shutoff lets you switch instantly from aggressive carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor mode, and the 0.87L dust cup holds enough for extended sessions without constant emptying.

Real-world testing on 1-inch plush carpet showed remarkable dander removal, especially when paired with the included Pet Power Brush—which lifted deeply embedded pet hair and odors. The swivel steering made tight corners effortless, and the crevice tool with LED lighting (on some models) enhanced visibility in dark spaces. However, the lift-away pod, while convenient, adds bulk when used upright, and the cord rewind is manual, which feels outdated at this price. On ultra-thick rugs, it sometimes needed multiple passes to fully extract compacted dirt.

Against the Kenmore DU1275, the Shark delivers superior allergen containment and deep-cleaning versatility, but lacks automatic hair removal—meaning more maintenance for pet owners. It’s best for families with allergies, kids, or pets who need hospital-grade filtration and flexible cleaning modes. While heavier than the Oreck, its combination of HEPA sealing, lift-away mobility, and pet-specific tools makes it the best for allergens and deep cleaning—offering greater health protection and adaptability than any other upright in its class.

The KARDV cordless vacuum redefines freedom on thick carpets, delivering 40KPa of max suction and 60 minutes of runtime—a rare combo in the cordless space. Its 500W motor and V-shaped anti-tangle roller slice through long pile with ease, lifting pet hair, crumbs, and dust without clogging, even after prolonged use. The LED display shows real-time battery, mode, and brush alerts, making it one of the smartest cordless vacuums in its price range. For homes tired of tripping over cords or lugging heavy uprights, this 8-in-1 stick vacuum offers true whole-home flexibility—from deep carpet cleaning to ceiling cobwebs.

In testing, the KARDV handled 1.5-inch shag rugs with impressive consistency, maintaining suction across multiple rooms on low mode. The green LED on the head illuminates hidden dust under furniture, and the wall-mounted charging station ensures it’s always ready. The 1.5L dust cup reduces emptying frequency, and the multi-layer filtration captures ultrafine particles, benefiting allergy-prone homes. However, in MAX mode, runtime drops to under 25 minutes, which may not suffice for large homes in one go.

Compared to the Lefant robot, the KARDV offers far greater power and control, while beating the Eureka PowerSpeed in suction and versatility—despite being cordless. It’s ideal for tech-savvy users who want powerful, tangle-free cleaning without cords, especially in homes with pets and mixed flooring. With best-in-class runtime, suction, and anti-tangle tech, it’s the best cordless option for long pile—delivering performance that rivals corded models in a sleek, modern package.

The Lefant M210P redefines smart cleaning for medium-pile carpets, offering 2200Pa suction, tangle-free brushes, and whisper-quiet operation in a super-slim 3-inch profile. It’s engineered for hands-off maintenance, automatically boosting power on carpets and retreating to its dock when low on juice—delivering 120 minutes of uninterrupted cleaning. With six cleaning modes and full app/Alexa control, it adapts to your schedule, making it perfect for daily upkeep between deep cleans. For pet owners seeking a low-maintenance carpet ally, this robot excels at surface-level hair and debris removal without constant oversight.

In real use, the M210P glided under sofas and beds, using its edge-sweeping brushes to pull dirt from corners. The rubberized tangle-free roller handled cat and dog hair without jams, and the ≤55dB noise level meant it could run during naps or work calls. However, while great on medium-pile, it struggled on thicker, high-resistance shag rugs, where suction diminished due to height clearance. It also can’t deep-clean embedded dirt like uprights—best used as a supplement, not a replacement.

Versus the KARDV cordless, the Lefant trades raw power for automation and quiet operation. It’s not for deep weekly cleans, but for keeping carpets consistently tidy with zero effort. Ideal for small to medium homes with pets and medium-pile carpet, it’s the best robot vacuum for medium pile—offering smart scheduling, strong pet hair pickup, and reliable self-charging at a price that doesn’t demand a smart home ecosystem.

Don’t underestimate the Amazon Basics Upright—this 8.4-pound powerhouse packs 720W suction and a massive 1.7L dust cup into a sub-$60 package, making it the best value under $60 for carpet owners on a budget. Its lightweight build and 25-foot cord allow for effortless room-to-room cleaning, while the detachable handle and included tools extend reach for stairs and upholstery. The washable filter cuts long-term costs, and the one-touch dust cup release makes emptying quick and mess-free—key for high-traffic homes.

In testing, it handled low to medium-pile carpets well, picking up surface dust and light debris with ease. The crevice and upholstery tools proved surprisingly effective for quick cleanups, and the smooth-rolling wheels protected hardwood. However, on thick, high-pile rugs, suction faltered, requiring multiple passes to extract embedded dirt. The lack of height adjustment limits its adaptability, forcing a one-size-fits-all approach that works best on uniform flooring.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, it offers similar weight and price but fewer features and less deep-cleaning power. It’s not built for pet hair or plush carpets, but for apartments, dorms, or secondary homes with light carpeting, it delivers reliable, no-frills performance. If you need a simple, affordable vacuum for basic carpet maintenance, this model outperforms expectations at its price—making it the best entry-level bet for budget-conscious buyers.

The Eureka Whirlwind NEN110D flips the script on canister vacuums, proving that lightweight design and powerful airflow can coexist. Weighing just 8.2 pounds with a telescoping metal wand and swivel steering, it glides under furniture and up stairs with buttery smooth control—a dream for homes with long-pile carpets and tight spaces. The 3-surface airflow control on the handle lets you switch between carpet, hard floor, and upholstery instantly, while the 2.5L dust container holds more than most uprights—meaning fewer stops to empty. For those who hate dragging heavy machines, this canister is a revelation in agility and reach.

In real-world use, it pulled dust and pet hair from 1-inch carpet with strong, consistent suction, thanks to its 960W motor and sealed airflow path. The integrated 2-in-1 crevice tool is always within reach, and the automatic cord rewind saves time and frustration. However, the hose is shorter than ideal, limiting mobility in large rooms, and the lack of a powered brush roll means it relies on suction alone—less effective on deeply embedded dirt in thick rugs.

When compared to the Kenmore DU1275, the Eureka trades powered agitation and pet-specific tools for greater portability and easier storage. It’s not the strongest deep cleaner, but for homes with mixed flooring and long-pile areas needing frequent touch-ups, it offers unmatched maneuverability and low maintenance. With bagless design, washable filters, and smart tool integration, it’s the best canister vacuum for carpets—delivering precision cleaning where uprights can’t reach.