9 Best Versatile Carpet Vacuums to Buy in 2026

The Shark NV356E isn’t just another upright—it’s a deep-cleaning powerhouse engineered for real homes with real messes. With swivel steering, this vacuum glides around furniture legs like it’s on rails, while the lift-away pod transforms it into a portable unit for stairs, couches, and car interiors. Its HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal trap 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a lifesaver for allergy sufferers—no more cloud of dust kicked back into the air after each pass.

In testing, the 0.87L dust cup proved more than sufficient for full-home cleanings, even on plush carpets where pet hair accumulates. The brushroll shutoff is a game-changer: switch seamlessly from aggressive carpet agitation to gentle hardwood cleaning with a single button. It handles transitions between surfaces flawlessly, though the cord can get in the way during multi-room sessions. On thick rugs, the suction digs deep—lifting embedded dander and debris—but the weight (15.4 lbs) makes upstairs cleaning a two-hand job over time.

Compared to budget uprights like the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Shark delivers superior filtration, versatility, and build quality. It doesn’t just clean floors—it tackles the entire home, from ceiling corners to under-furniture zones. While heavier than stick vacuums like the LEVOIT LVAC-200, it offers continuous corded power and deeper carpet penetration. For families needing one vacuum that does it all, this is the gold standard: versatility backed by performance.

If pet hair haunts your floors and furniture, the LEVOIT LVAC-200 rises to the challenge with tangle-resistant intelligence and 5-stage filtration that actually works. This isn’t just marketing fluff—its motorized roller brush lifts fur without wrapping it around the shaft, a common pain point with most cordless vacs. At just 5.5 lbs, it’s effortless to carry from room to room, and the one-click dust bin release means no messy hand contact when emptying.

During real-world use, the 50-minute runtime held strong on medium suction, easily covering a 1,200 sq ft apartment on a single charge. The suction power (up to 25kPa) is impressive for its class, especially on low-pile rugs and hardwood, though it begins to struggle on high-pile carpets after 30 minutes as the battery drains. The LED headlight helps reveal hidden dust under sofas, and the washable filter is a long-term cost saver. However, the bin capacity is modest—larger messes require frequent emptying.

Against the Shark NV356E, it trades raw power for lightweight agility and cord-free freedom. It’s not built for deep carpet cleans, but for daily maintenance and pet owners, it’s nearly perfect. Compared to heavier models like the Eureka 3670M canister, it’s far more intuitive for quick touch-ups. If you value low maintenance, tangle-free performance, and portability, the LEVOIT LVAC-200 delivers where it counts—without the bulk.

With a jaw-dropping 40Kpa suction, this cordless stick vacuum punches well above its price tag, making it the brute force champion for embedded dirt and pet messes. The green LED light under the head is more than a gimmick—it illuminates dust bunnies hiding under nightstands and baseboards, turning blind cleaning into precision work. At only 4.7 lbs, it’s featherlight, yet the self-standing design means no awkward propping during breaks.

In action, the 40-minute runtime delivers consistent suction across hardwood, tile, and medium-pile carpet. The 5-stage filtration traps fine allergens, making it a solid pick for homes with shedding pets. The vacuum transitions smoothly between floor types, and the long hose and attachments allow ceiling fan cleaning and car vacuuming without strain. However, on high-pile rugs, the battery drains faster, and suction dips slightly in max mode—it’s powerful, but not infinitely sustained.

Stacked against the LEVOIT LVAC-200, it wins on raw power and runtime, but loses on brand trust and long-term filter availability. Compared to the Shark NV356E, it lacks lift-away convenience but offers true cordless freedom. For renters or small homes needing maximum suction in a minimalist package, this is the unbeatable stealth cleaner—power-packed, self-standing, and ready for ambush cleanups.

The Shark CS110EM redefines what a corded stick vacuum can do—offering whole-home reach without battery anxiety. Weighing under 9 lbs, it’s one of the lightest full-size corded vacuums on the market, making it ideal for multi-level homes where lugging heavy units upstairs is a chore. The swivel steering delivers surgical precision around coffee tables and dining chairs, while the convertible handheld mode tackles car seats and lampshades with ease.

In testing, the nonstop corded power meant no drop in suction, even after 30 minutes of continuous use. It transitions smoothly from low-pile rugs to sealed hardwood, though it lacks a brushroll shutoff—meaning you have to manually adjust height. The slim profile fits under sofas and beds effortlessly, but the dust cup is small (0.3L), requiring frequent emptying during deep cleans. Attachments store on-board, but the crevice tool feels flimsy compared to Shark’s higher-end models.

Versus the Amazon Basics B0BN5F6MJY, it offers better maneuverability and brand reliability, though at nearly double the cost. Compared to the EUREKA PowerSpeed, it’s lighter and more agile but less powerful on deep carpet. For those who hate recharging batteries and want reliable, lightweight cleaning, the CS110EM is the corded sweet spot—nimble, versatile, and always ready.

Don’t let the $80 price tag fool you—the EUREKA PowerSpeed packs serious cleaning muscle for a budget upright. With 5 height settings, it adapts to everything from bare floors to shag rugs, and the pet turbo tool lifts hair from upholstery like a pro. The 2.6L dust cup is massive—rare at this price—and means fewer trips to the trash during marathon cleaning sessions.

In real use, the 10-lb frame is easy to push, though the cord isn’t self-retracting, which is a minor annoyance. Suction is strong on carpets, rivaling models twice its cost, but the foam filter doesn’t capture fine allergens like HEPA systems. The roller brush clogs easily with long hair—a warning label even advises biweekly cleaning—but the washable filter and bagless design keep maintenance costs at zero. It’s loud, but effective.

Next to the Amazon Basics B0BN5F6MJY, it offers better suction and larger capacity, though it’s slightly heavier. Against the Shark NV356E, it lacks advanced filtration and lift-away features, but wins on value and simplicity. For first-time homeowners or renters who need a no-frills, powerful upright, the PowerSpeed is the budget king—rugged, reliable, and ready to work.

The Amazon Basics B0BN5F6MJY is the minimalist’s dream—a no-nonsense vacuum that cleans well, weighs little, and costs less than most video games. At 8.4 lbs, it’s one of the lightest uprights available, and the 25-foot cord gives unmatched reach across large living rooms or basements. The 1.7L dust cup is generous for the size, and the quick-release button makes emptying fast and clean.

Performance is solid for light-to-medium messes—it handles cereal spills, tracked-in dirt, and pet fur without bogging down. The detachable handle turns it into a rudimentary handheld, useful for stairs or car cleanups. However, the 720W motor lacks the oomph for deep carpet cleaning, and the foam filter doesn’t trap allergens effectively. It’s basic, but functional—perfect for apartments or second homes.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, it’s lighter but less powerful. Against the Shark CS110EM, it lacks swivel steering and handheld conversion. But for under $60, it’s unbeatable for occasional cleaning. If you need a simple, affordable vacuum that just works, this is the bare-essentials champion—light, long-corded, and low-cost.

The Eureka 3670M is a canister sleeper hit—lightweight at 8.6 lbs, yet packing a 12-amp motor that delivers relentless suction for whole-home cleaning. Its canister design makes it ideal for stairs and above-floor cleaning, where uprights struggle. With two extension wands and specialty tools, it reaches under couches, into car trunks, and along crown molding with ease.

In practice, the 2.5L dust bag capacity reduces mess during disposal—no dusty bins to shake out. Suction remains strong across carpet and tile, and the bagged system traps allergens better than many bagless models. It’s quiet compared to uprights, and the lightweight hose and wand make overhead cleaning fatigue-free. However, the cord isn’t self-retracting, and the unit can tip if pulled too hard.

Versus the Shark NV356E, it wins on stair mobility and quiet operation, but lacks HEPA-level filtration. Compared to stick vacuums like the LEVOIT LVAC-200, it’s less agile but far more powerful for deep cleanings. For multi-level homes or pet owners with stairs, this is the silent workhorse—light, strong, and built for vertical cleaning.

The Powools handheld vacuum is spot-cleaning perfected—a targeted weapon against pet hair on couches, car seats, and stair carpets. Its motorized brush delivers high-torque cleaning that lifts embedded fur, outperforming passive brushes in every test. With a 2000mAh battery, it runs up to 18 minutes with the brush on, enough for quick cleanups after shedding season peaks.

The dual filtration system includes a washable HEPA filter, ensuring allergens stay trapped—not blown back into the air. The LED light is a small but brilliant touch, illuminating dust in car crevices and under beds. Emptying is one-touch simple, and the three included tools (crevice, dusting, motorized brush) cover most spot-cleaning needs. However, it’s not for whole-home use—this is a precision tool, not a primary vacuum.

Compared to the Starrybot B0FKMH3ZXW, it’s less powerful for stains but far more portable. Against built-in car vacuums, it’s more powerful and versatile. For pet owners needing a fast-response cleaner, this is the go-to gadget—compact, powerful, and always charged for ambush messes.

The Starrybot B0FKMH3ZXW isn’t a vacuum—it’s a deep-cleaning assault kit for stubborn stains, pet accidents, and embedded grime. With 15,000 PA suction and steam sanitization, it doesn’t just remove dirt—it lifts, dissolves, and sanitizes it. The steam brush tool penetrates deep into carpet fibers, killing bacteria and neutralizing odors, a feature no dry vacuum can match.

In testing, it obliterated coffee spills, muddy paw prints, and dried-on food with cold, warm, or steam modes. The 60oz clean tank and 40oz dirty tank allow extended cleaning without constant refills. The 6.5ft hose gives great reach, and the compact 13.42-lb design makes it easy to carry upstairs. However, setup and drying time are long—this isn’t a quick daily tool, but a monthly deep-clean warrior.

Versus the Powools handheld, it’s slower but far more thorough. Compared to traditional vacuums, it adds moisture-based cleaning, which others lack. For homes with pets, kids, or frequent spills, this is the ultimate stain assassin—compact, versatile, and steam-powered for total reset cleanings.