The 8 Best Vacuum Cleaners That Are Powerful And Easy To Maneuver (2025)

Dyson V15 Detect

Style: Cordless stick |Weight: 6.8 pounds |Run time: Up to 60 minutes |Bin volume: 0.2 gallons |Accessories: Anti-tangle laser brush heads, hair screw tool, crevice tool, charging dock |HEPA filter: Yes

What you’ll love:

• Cord-free and lightweight for easy maneuvering
• Laser highlights dust you wouldn’t normally see
• Suction adjusts automatically based on mess level

Keep in mind:

• Battery lasts closer to 30 minutes in real-world use
• Takes a few hours to fully recharge

We’ve tested dozens of vacuums over the years, and the Dyson V15 Detect still stands out as the best all-around option. It’s lightweight, powerful and built to handle everyday messes and deeper cleans. This Dyson vacuum comes with two cleaning heads—one for carpets and one for hardwood—along with attachments for pet hair, fine dust and tight spaces.

“For hardwood floors, the laser light is a game-changer,” says Brinda Ayer, editorial director of Forbes Vetted, who uses the V15 Detect weekly. “It shines a green laser light in the vacuum’s path that illuminates the floor—and all of the gnarly debris that is hard to see with the naked eye—so you really make sure you are getting a good clean.” The real-time dirt tracking makes the whole process oddly satisfying, because you can actually see how much dust and debris is being picked up on the digital display.

Beyond that, it’s incredibly easy to maneuver and adapts automatically as you clean. The vacuum boosts suction power when it detects a bigger mess, the HEPA filter traps fine particles and the hair-screw tool handles pet hair without tangles. In addition, its cord-free design and compact size make it easy to clean more challenging areas like bookshelves, baseboards and upholstery, without getting tangled in wires.

The only noticeable drawback of the V15 is battery life. While Dyson advertises up to 60 minutes, Ayer has found it’s closer to 30 minutes, especially when vacuuming high-traffic areas. “I live in a four-room apartment and can barely get through cleaning it all before having to recharge,” she says. That’s the tradeoff for its powerful suction, but for routine cleaning—like quick pickups or weekly maintenance—it’s more than enough.

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Vacuum

Style: Bagless upright |Weight: 15.9 pounds |Run time: N/A (corded) |Bin volume: 0.9 quarts |Accessories: Upholstery tool, crevice tool |HEPA filter: Yes

What you’ll love:

• Strong suction power for carpets and hard floors
• Lift-away canister makes stairs and upholstery easier to clean
• Lighter than many other vacuums in its class

Keep in mind:

• Hose could be longer
• Long pet hair may wrap around the brush roll

If you want a solid upright vacuum that doesn’t cost a fortune, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe is one of the best values out there. It has strong and consistent suction, while its swivel-steering makes it easier to move around obstacles. The real highlight, though, is the lift-away canister, which detaches from the base, so you can clean stairs, furniture and other hard-to-reach areas without wrestling the entire vacuum up a flight of steps.

“I’ve been impressed by the Shark Navigator’s suction, particularly its ability to pick up cat hair from rugs and upholstery,” says Margaret Badore, Forbes Vetted’s baby & kids gear editor. She also appreciates how easy it is to empty the dust canister without spilling or otherwise making a mess.

While this is one of Shark’s more affordable upright models, it still comes with a fully sealed HEPA filtration system, which makes it a good option for allergy sufferers. One minor drawback is that the hose for the handheld attachment isn’t as long as it could be, but Badore says it “still gets the job done.” And while longer pet hair may wrap around the brush roll over time, it’s easy to keep it running smoothly with regular maintenance.

Dyson Gen5detect

Style: Cordless stick |Weight: 7.7 pounds |Run time: Up to 70 minutes |Bin volume: 0.2 gallons |Accessories: Digital Motorbar head, Fluffy Optic head, Hair Screw tool, built-in crevice and dusting tool |HEPA filter: Yes

What you’ll love:

• More powerful than previous Dyson cordless models
• LCD screen tracks dirt levels and battery life in real time
• Hair Screw tool helps remove pet hair without tangles

Keep in mind:

• Slightly top-heavy, which can make longer cleaning sessions tiring
• Doesn’t stand upright on its own

If you want a cordless vacuum with more power and smarter features, the Dyson Gen5detect takes battery-powered vacuums to the next level. It has even stronger suction than previous Dyson models and up to 70 minutes of run time, which is a decent jump from the V15 Detect.

This Dyson also takes the guesswork out of cleaning. The Digital Motorbar head automatically adjusts to rugs, the Fluffy Optic head highlights hidden dust on hardwood and the LCD screen tracks the volume of dust being picked up in real time. “It easily tackled large and small debris in just one or two passes,” says Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editor Sholeen Damarwala. She also notes that the Hair Screw tool was especially helpful for cleaning upholstery and car seats, making it easier to pick up after pets and kids.

Like most Dyson stick vacuums, the Gen5detect is slightly top-heavy and doesn’t stand upright on its own, so it’s best stored on the wall-mounted charging dock. But if you’re willing to splurge for extra power and deep-cleaning technology in a cordless design, this is the one to get.

iRobot Roomba s9+

Style: Robot |Weight: 8.15 pounds |Run time: Up to 120 minutes |Bin volume: Self-emptying base holds up to 60 days of debris |Accessories: Self-emptying base, extra filter, corner brush |HEPA filter: Yes

What you’ll love:

• Strong suction adjusts automatically for deeper cleaning
• D-shape design reaches corners more effectively
• Self-emptying base holds up to two months of debris

Keep in mind:

• Doesn’t have the same obstacle detection as some other models
• Larger size might not fit under all furniture

Most robot vacuums are round, which helps them navigate around furniture but leaves them struggling with corners. The Roomba s9+ solves that problem with a D-shaped design that gets closer to baseboards and tight spaces, picking up more dust and debris along the way. With stronger suction than previous Roomba models and a brush roll that resists tangles, it cleans more thoroughly in fewer passes—especially on carpets.

It’s also designed to be as hands-off as possible. The self-emptying base holds up to 60 days’ worth of debris—a feature our tester called “life-changing”—so you don’t have to think about vacuuming for weeks at a time. Smart mapping technology remembers your home’s layout, which allows you to schedule cleanings in advance or even send it to specific rooms. Just keep in mind that it’s not quite as nimble as the Roomba j7+ when it comes to avoiding obstacles, so it’s best suited for homes where the floors stay relatively clutter-free.

Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra

Style: Corded upright | Weight: 17.3 pounds | Run time: N/A | Bin volume: 0.6 gallons | Accessories: Tangle-free turbine tool, pet groom tool, tool holder, stair tool, combination tool | HEPA filter: Yes

What you’ll love:

• Powerful suction lifts hair from carpets and hard floors
• Self-cleaning brush roll prevents tangles
• Pet groom tool lets you remove loose fur directly from your dog

Keep in mind:

• Heavier than most vacuums
• Best suited for larger homes

Most vacuums can handle pet hair, but few are actually built for it. The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra falls into the second category, picking up fur, dander and dust with industrial-strength suction. This vacuum for pet hair is especially effective on plush carpets and large areas that need a deep clean. And unlike most uprights that struggle with long hair, this one actively prevents tangles: Its brush roll clears itself as you vacuum, so you don’t have to stop and cut out knots of fur.

It’s not just for floors, either. The tangle-free turbine tool easily pulls pet hair from couches, car seats and other upholstery, while the pet groom tool actually lets you remove loose fur directly from your dog. (If your pup isn’t a fan of loud noises, this attachment might not be for you.) Dyson’s signature whole-machine HEPA filtration also helps trap pet dander and allergens, which keeps the air cleaner as you vacuum.

At 17 pounds, this isn’t the lightest vacuum we’ve ever used, and the ball-style steering can take some getting used to. But for pet owners dealing with relentless shedding, it’s one of the most effective tools for deep cleaning every area of your home.

Miele Complete C3 Calima

Style: Bagged canister |Weight: 16.1 pounds |Run time: N/A (corded) |Bin volume: Uses replaceable bags |Accessories: Turbo Brush floorhead, Parquet Twister floorhead, dusting brush, upholstery nozzle, crevice tool |HEPA filter: Yes

What you’ll love:

• Strong, adjustable suction for carpets and hard floors
• Sealed bagged system minimizes mess when emptying
• Extra-long 36-foot cord makes it easy to maneuver

Keep in mind:

• Uses bags, which need to be replaced
• Bulkier than a cordless or upright vacuum

Canister vacuums don’t always get the most attention, but they offer serious cleaning power—and the Miele Complete C3 Calima is proof. It’s built for both carpets and hard floors, with a Turbo Brush floorhead that lifts pet hair and debris from rugs and a Parquet Twister head that’s gentle on wood and tile. The suction is strong and adjustable, so you can dial it down for more delicate surfaces or crank it up for deep cleaning.

This model also demonstrates just how seriously Miele takes filtration. Its sealed system captures fine dust and allergens before they ever have a chance to escape, making it an especially good choice for allergy sufferers. The self-sealing bag system also means you’ll have less mess when emptying, since all the debris stays contained. And while canister vacuums can be bulkier than other types, the C3 Calima is surprisingly easy to maneuver. It features a 36-foot operating radius, smooth-rolling wheels and a flexible hose that lets you reach under furniture and around corners without too much effort.

Style: Handheld |Weight: 2.6 pounds |Run time: Up to 18 minutes |Bin volume: 2.7 cups |Accessories: Motorized beater bar, crevice tool, dust brush |HEPA filter: Yes

What you’ll love:

• Strong suction for pet hair and upholstery
• Motorized brush lifts debris from fabric and carpet
• Fast 45-minute recharge time

Keep in mind:

• Handle is larger than most handheld vacuums
• Battery is sold separately unless purchased in a kit

Most handheld vacuums are designed for quick cleanups, butthis one has the power to do more. The motorized beater bar works like a mini upright vacuum, pulling up stubborn dirt and pet hair from upholstery, stairs and car seats—something most handhelds struggle with. It also includes a crevice tool and dust brush for tackling corners and baseboards.

Battery life is another plus. It runs for up to18 minutes per charge, which is longer than many handheld models, andrecharges in just 45 minutes; that’s a fraction of the time it takes most competitors to power back up. Thewashable HEPA filter is another thoughtful touch, keeping fine dust and allergens from recirculating.

The design takes a little getting used to—the handle is bigger than most, and the battery placement shifts some weight toward the wrist. But if you want a handheld vacuum that goes beyond just picking up crumbs, this one gets the job done.

Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam

Style: Upright vacuum-mop combo | Weight: 12.5 pounds | Run time: N/A | Bin volume: 17 ounces (dirty tank), 28 ounces (clean tank) | Accessories: Tangle-free brush roll, multi-surface pet formula | HEPA filter: No

What you’ll love:

• Steam function helps loosen dried-on messes
• Vacuums and mops at the same time
• Separate tanks keep clean and dirty water from mixing

Keep in mind:

• Feels heavier when filled with water
• Corded design means you’ll need an outlet nearby

Most vacuum-mop combos can handle everyday spills, but the Bissell CrossWave HydroSteam is built for even tougher messes. It vacuums, mops and uses the added power of steam to break down sticky or dried-on debris, so you don’t have to scrub by hand. That makes it especially useful in kitchens, entryways and other high-traffic areas where spills and grime build up.

Because it’s designed for both hard floors and area rugs, this mop-vacuum combo can transition from tile or wood to carpeting without leaving behind excess moisture. The dual-tank system keeps clean and dirty water separate (so you’re never mopping with murky water), and the self-cleaning cycle helps prevent buildup inside the machine.

Pet owners in particular will appreciate the tangle-free brush roll, which helps prevent hair from wrapping around the roller, as well as the LED headlights, which make it easier to spot dust and debris. Just keep in mind that it’s on the heavier side, especially while using the mop feature, so it’s best suited for deeper cleans.

MORE FROMFORBES VETTED