Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum

Users consistently praise the strong suction on both carpets and hard floors. Two-thirds also find the lift-away canister very convenient for cleaning hard-to-reach areas.

The swivel steering makes it easy to navigate around furniture and obstacles. Most customers find it straightforward to push and steer.

It has a HEPA filtration system that captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a solid choice for people with allergies or asthma.

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.