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Below you’ll find options for a range of needs and budgets.
Read on for our pick of the best vacuums for carpet right now.
The quick list
Top pick
Best overall
The V11 is a great all-rounder.
It’s bagged, which might but some people off, but could have benefits for allergy-sufferers.
This one has a clever, flexible design that can be used in various configurations for different cleaning tasks.
Cutting-edge
Best premium
If you have a bigger budget, the V15 is worth the investment.
If you spot a deal, this older Shark can be great value for money.
The best vacuum for carpet overall
1.
Dyson V11
Our expert review:
The Dyson V11 is the best vacuum for carpet overall.
The suction is superb, offering excellent pickup on carpet with its Motorbar floorhead.
It’ll also alerts you of any required maintenence tasks or blockages that need attention.
Read our fullDyson V11 cordless vacuum review
The best vacuum for suction on carpet
2.
Unlike many modern vacuums, this Halo vac requires bags.
The bag capacity is very generous, at 2 liters.
However, it does represent and ongoing cost and minor hassle.
We found the battery and motor housing, while bulky-looking, don’t interfere witharmmovement during use.
The Capsule X comes with two batteries, providing up to 50 minutes of runtime in medium power mode.
Read our fullHalo Capsule X Pet Max review
The best Shark vacuum for carpet
3.
Shark PowerDetect Cordless
The PowerDetect Cordless is thebest Shark vacuumfor carpet.
There’s also an impressively wide range of automations.
The PowerDetect Cordless stands out as the only vacuum here to have the option of an auto-empty base.
That means you won’t need to empty it nearly as often.
Read our fullShark PowerDetect cordless vacuum review
The best upright vacuum for carpet
4.
Our pick of the bunch is the Shark Stratos Upright.
For our money, it’s thebest upright vacuumon the market.
This makes it particularly effective and low-maintenance for pet owners.
Read our fullShark Stratos Upright review
Best premium vacuum for carpet
5.
Dyson V15 Detect
If you have cash to splash, the Dyson V15 Detect is worth the investment.
All that means a low-effort, effective clean that maximizes battery life.
Because it’s a Dyson, it’s possible for you to expect a supremely usable design.
It comes with various attachments, including an anti-tangle hair screw tool for pet hair.
The V15 is one down from the newest Dyson stick vacuum.
If those are acceptable compromises, there’s good news about the price.
Read our fullDyson V8 review
Another excellent Shark vacuum for carpet
7.
Shark Stratos Cordless
The Shark Stratos Cordless is a powerful cordless cleaner that’s great on carpet.
With the right discount it can represent great value for money.
Our reviewer found the Stratos Cordless powerful, with strong suction capabilities and effective hair removal.
Other great features include an odor-neutralizing puck and a floorhead design that effectively prevents hair wrap around the brushrolls.
(We rate the Shark Stratos Cordless as thebest vacuum for pet hair.)
Battery life is impressive, too.
See exactly how it compares to our top-rated Shark in ourShark Stratos vs PowerDetectarticle.
So it’s a matter of weighing these up in terms of your own specific needs and home layout.
To start with,upright vacuumsare known for their powerful suction and wide cleaning path.
They often come with rotating brushes, aka beater bars, that are effective at deep cleaning carpets.
In contrast,cordless vacuumsoffer more versatility and are easier to maneuver around and under furniture and on stairs.
They also usually come with a variety of attachments for specific tasks.
These devices generally perform better on low to medium-pile carpets, but high-pile or shag carpets may pose challenges.
A motorized brush roll is also useful, as it agitates the carpet to loosen embedded dirt.
Some vacuums offer adjustable brush rolls to accommodate different carpet heights.
Consider the vacuum’s weight and maneuverability, especially if you have stairs or multiple levels in your home.
For more on this, read our article on thedisadvantages of a cordless vacuum cleaner.
If you have pets, seek out vacuums with specialized pet hair removal features.
And if noise is a concern, look for quieter models.
Attachments can greatly enhance a vacuum’s versatility, so consider what tools are included.
Also, some high-end models offer smart features like automatic suction adjustment or app connectivity.
