AIRTHEREAL T1 Plus Touchless Vacuum

Users find it straightforward to operate. The touchless sensor and simple controls make it easy to maneuver, and two-thirds of owners report it's simple to handle.

It works on hardwood, tile, and low-pile carpets. Deep-pile carpeting may be more difficult for it to handle.

The 20 kPa suction is adequate for typical household cleaning. Most users find it sufficient for picking up debris, dust, and pet hair.

For pet hair, look for strong suction (roughly 20,000 Pa or more on a robot vacuum, 150 AW or more on a cordless), a tangle-resistant brush roll, a dedicated pet tool, and HEPA filtration, which by definition captures 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns. Dyson, Shark and Bissell all make well-reviewed pet models. Use the Pet Hair Specialist filter on our comparison table to see which ones are in stock and what they cost right now.

Most manufacturers suggest replacing filters every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you vacuum and whether you have pets. HEPA filters usually last 12 to 18 months if you clean them regularly. Washable foam filters on bagless models should be rinsed every 1 to 2 weeks and dried fully before going back in. Replacements typically run $15 to $50. A clogged filter chokes airflow, so suction drops noticeably well before the filter looks dirty.