The Best Vacuum Cleaners for 2024, According to Our Editors
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Cleaning your house is one task that never quite feels complete. Just when you think everything is perfect, someone spills milk on the counter, or your dog chews up a new toy. All the pet hair removers or decluttering tips in the world can’t change that! But one thing you can arm yourself with to make the ongoing process easier is having the best vacuum cleaners on hand. A reliable vacuum cleaner is a necessary tool in any household, big or small, for faster, more efficient cleanup.
But even finding the right vacuum can be a chore. Do you need a handheld vacuum made for pets? Are the cordless options really worth it? Can you find an affordable vacuum that actually works? How do you know if it’s going to hold up over time? Here’s the good news: Our staff has those very same issues! So, we polled our DrewandJonathan.com editors to see which vacuum cleaners have earned a spot in our homes. Below you’ll find options that we use in our own homes to tackle a variety of problems, whether it’s pet dander or kids’ crumbs, or even our cars. We’ve found a handful we love, including cordless, handheld, upright options, and more in hopes that we can help get your cleaning routine just a little better. Plus, we’ve answered some common questions to make the whole process less confusing.
What Is the Best Vacuum Cleaner?
Like many things in the home, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer! The best vacuum will differ for everyone based on your needs, how many people live in your household, how big your space is, the flooring you have, how much carpeting is in your home, and more. However, the most popular brand picks among our staff were Shark and Bissell.
How Do You Choose the Best Vacuum for You?
First, assess your must-haves and your prefer-to-haves. Do you have a larger space or need the versatility of a cordless vacuum cleaner? Maybe you have pets or long hair, and need your vacuum to have a good anti-tangle brushroll to keep up? Or instead, do you want a lightweight vacuum that you can easily move around or carry up and down stairs? Make a checklist and note the vacuums that fit your needs best.
How Much Should You Spend on a Vacuum?
Your budget also plays a big role in deciding your best fit! Your personal answer is going to be dependent on how much you’re willing to spend, as well as what your expectations are. A vacuum can cost anywhere from $100 to upwards of $1,000, so consider factors like who’s using the vacuum, how often it will be used, and how long you expect it to last. Do you need something fast to send with your college-aged kid to school? A budget-friendly vacuum may be perfect. But if you’re constantly facing headaches with your vacuum and are ready to invest in something with a longer lifeline, a pricier option may be in the cards.
01
Best Vacuum for Pets
BISSELL Little Green Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
Amazon
$99.59
“I have seen this thing all over the internet and everyone claims it’s worth the hype, especially if you have pets. (I have two!) I’m here to report—it lives up to the chatter. You don’t even want to know what kind of dirt and grime I emptied out of it after using this for the first time on my sofa. It has several formula options (I chose the pet-specific one) and it does require some drying time, but my couch has never been cleaner. Here’s my full review, if you’re interested.” —Megan, Editorial Director
02
Best Cordless Vacuum
Shark IX141 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum
Amazon
$199.99
“This vacuum is absolutely a must living in an apartment with a furry dog! It’s quiet, lightweight, and easy to charge and dump. Plus, it doesn’t freak out my pup, Parker, when I use it. I also love that it has different settings and ends to reach all the nooks and crannies where dog hair and dust settle!” —Aly, Community Manager
03
Best Vacuum Mop
Tineco iFLOOR 3 Breeze Cordless Wet Dry Vacuum
Amazon
$189.00
“I tested out several vacuum mops, but the Tineco stole my heart (and cleaned my floors like a dream). It’s a little pricier than others on the market, but it really sucked up all the dirt and grime on my floors. Totally worth it.” —Bree, Digital Editor
04
Best Upright Vacuum
Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum
Amazon
$174.59
“I’ve been using the Shark Navigator vacuum cleaner for over ten years, and it is still as wonderful as the first day I got it! It’s so satisfying to empty the canister after vacuuming rugs, mattresses, and bare floors. It seems to pick up every bit of dust, dirt, and debris in my home. I’ve never had any issues with this vacuum and hope to use it for another ten years.” —Kelly, Digital Marketing Manager
05
Best Affordable Vacuum
Bissell Featherweight Stick Vacuum With Crevice Tool
Amazon
$33.00
“When it comes to affordability, a slim profile, and actually working pretty dang well, this vacuum can’t be beat. It can convert to a stick, hand, or stair vacuum and has a crevice tool for those little spaces that drive you nuts. I’ve been using it as my primary vacuum for about a month, and I’ve been seriously impressed with how it tackles all the dirt in my house. Plus, it’s under $40 and comes in a ton of cute colors. I mean…” —Megan
06
Best Overall
Dyson Ball Animal 2 Total Clean Upright Vacuum Cleaner
Amazon
$599.99
“I’ve had version 2 of the Dyson Ball Animal for years and it’s far and away the best vacuum I’ve ever owned. Its suction power is still strong (unlike others that seem to grow weaker over time), the unique ball design helps it maneuver around various household obstacles, and the hose attachment allows you to reach any tight (or high) spots. I haven’t yet tried version 3, but it’s definitely also worth a consideration as the newest model in the line.” —Barb, Director, Digital Strategy and Operations
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07
Best Handheld Vacuum
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Lithium Ion Cordless Hand Vacuum
Amazon
$72.09
“I am (admittedly) a clean freak, and while my adorable dog Nashie is the love of my life, she sheds…everywhere! It drives me nuts. Thankfully, this vacuum has been such a game-changer. I use it on a daily basis. From the sofa to the carpet, it quickly takes care of all the irritating hair. (Which also leaves more time for important doggy snuggles!) Plus it’s quiet, which means it’s Nashie-approved too. Do all dogs hate vacuums as much as mine?” —Erica, Social Media Senior Director
08
BEST BAGGED VACUUM CLEANER
Titan T9200 Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner
Amazon
$449.00
“Call me old-fashioned, but I am at the point in my life where no vacuum other than a canister-style vacuum will do. I finally gave up on Dyson and went back to this tried-and-true method of cleaning.” —Jimmy, Art Director
09
Best Robot Vacuum
iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum
Amazon
$524.01
“The Roomba is a classic for a reason. What’s better than taking the chore out of the actual chore? This is an easy way to maintain your floors in-between deep cleans, and bonus points that you can control it with your phone. I’ve had one and I’ve also purchased one as a gift.” —Megan
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