8 Best Vacuums for Carpets 2025, Analyzed

The LEVOIT LVAC-200 bursts onto the carpet-cleaning scene with a tangle-resistant roller that’s a revelation for pet owners drowning in fur tumbleweeds. With up to 50 minutes of runtime and 5-stage filtration, it doesn’t just pick up debris—it traps microscopic allergens, making it a powerhouse for homes battling pet dander and dust mites. This lightweight stick vacuum slices through high-pile carpets with ease while remaining nimble enough for daily spot cleans, solving the age-old struggle between deep cleaning and convenience.

In real-world testing, the LVAC-200 delivers consistent suction across plush rugs and low-pile berbers, though it begins to wheeze on max power mode after 30 minutes. The washable filter and easy-empty bin streamline maintenance, and the 2-in-1 pet tool excels at lifting embedded hair from upholstery. However, its performance on thick, shaggy carpets under sustained use reveals a slight drop in efficiency—fine for maintenance, less so for deep weekly cleans. The cordless freedom shines when tackling stairs or car interiors, but don’t expect it to replace a full-size upright for whole-home carpet marathons.

Compared to heavier uprights like the Eureka PowerSpeed, the LEVOIT wins on agility and filtration but trades off raw power and dust capacity. It’s ideal for apartment dwellers, pet parents with short-haired animals, or anyone prioritizing daily upkeep over intensive cleaning. Against the Shark Rocket, it offers longer battery life and better allergen containment, though it lacks swivel steering. For those seeking a low-maintenance, high-efficiency cordless vacuum for carpets and pets, the LVAC-200 strikes a rare balance of smarts, suction, and simplicity.

Don’t let its featherlight 7.7-pound frame fool you—the Eureka NEU10AE5 packs a surprisingly robust suction punch for its size, carving through low-to-medium pile carpets with a confidence that belies its budget price tag. With a 10.5-inch cleaning path and washable filter, it’s engineered for quick, no-fuss sessions on mixed flooring, making it a stealthy solution for renters or small-home owners who hate hauling bulky machines. This upright doesn’t dazzle with extras, but it nails the fundamentals: simple, reliable, and mess-free emptying.

During testing, the NEU10AE5 handled everyday carpet debris—crumbs, dust, and short pet hair—without clogging or losing suction. The onboard crevice tool and dusting brush snap into place effortlessly, enabling fast transitions from floor to furniture. However, when faced with deep-set dirt in high-traffic zones or long pet fur, the single-height roller struggled to maintain contact, requiring multiple passes. The lack of height adjustment is its Achilles’ heel on varied carpet depths, and the thin plastic build feels less durable under heavy use.

Pitted against the LEVOIT cordless, it lacks filtration sophistication and portability, but beats it in raw carpet agitation and cost-efficiency. Compared to the Shark Rocket, it forfeits swivel steering and lift-away versatility but wins on affordability and upright stability. It’s the perfect pick for first-time buyers, college dorms, or secondary vacuums where lightweight performance trumps bells and whistles. If you need a no-frills, carpet-capable upright that won’t break the bank, this Eureka delivers where it counts.

The Shark Rocket HV301 is a maneuverability masterclass, redefining what’s possible in a corded stick vacuum with its under-9-pound frame and swivel steering that pivots on a dime. It never loses suction—a game-changer on carpets where consistent power means the difference between surface pickup and true deep cleaning. With fingertip controls to toggle between floor types and a convertible handheld design, it’s built for homes that demand flexibility without sacrificing performance.

Real-world use confirms its strength in agility: gliding under sofas, around table legs, and up stairs with a fluidity most uprights can’t match. The handheld transformation is seamless, making it a top contender for car detailing or quick furniture refreshes. On medium-pile carpets, it extracts dirt efficiently, but the compact dust cup fills fast during whole-room sessions, demanding frequent emptying. The corded design ensures uninterrupted runtime, yet limits reach—requiring outlet hopping in larger homes.

Against the Eureka NEU10AE5, it offers superior control and versatility, though at nearly double the price. Compared to the LEVOIT LVAC-200, it lacks battery freedom but wins in sustained suction and durability. It’s best suited for multi-surface homes with tight spaces and users who value precision over portability. If you want a lightweight, corded vacuum that dominates carpets and conquers corners, the Shark Rocket is a standout performer.

The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is a sleek powerhouse that marries 10-pound portability with 960-watt motor strength, delivering heavyweight carpet cleaning without the back strain. Its 5-height brush roll adjustment is a standout, allowing precise tuning for everything from plush berbers to bare floors—no more scattering debris or damaging delicate surfaces. With an extra-large 2.6-liter dust cup, it’s built for homes where efficiency matters: fewer stops, more cleaning.

In testing, the PowerSpeed carved through high-traffic carpet zones with authority, lifting embedded dirt and pet hair in fewer passes than budget rivals. The onboard pet turbo brush is a game-changer, spinning aggressively to yank fur from deep fibers. However, the plastic housing feels thin, and the handle’s ergonomic angle can strain wrists during extended use. While it handles most carpets with ease, it stumbles slightly on ultra-thick rugs where deeper penetration is needed.

Compared to the Shark NV360, it lacks HEPA filtration and lift-away convenience but offers superior height adjustability and a larger bin. Against the Eureka NEU10AE5, it’s heavier but far more capable on deep carpet cleaning. It’s ideal for pet owners in medium-to-large homes who want lightweight performance with serious suction. For those seeking a budget-smart upright that doesn’t compromise on carpet power, the PowerSpeed hits a sweet spot between agility and grit.

The Shark Navigator ZU503AMZ is a pet owner’s dream, armed with a self-cleaning brushroll that resists hair wrap like no other—no more scissors or tedious detangling. Its lift-away pod transforms cleaning, letting you detach the canister to vacuum ceilings, stairs, or under beds with handheld ease, while swivel steering ensures nimble navigation around furniture. Backed by HEPA filtration and complete seal technology, it captures 99.99% of allergens, making it a fortress against dander and dust.

Real-world testing shows it dominates on carpets, especially medium-pile where the brushroll digs deep without tangling. The pet crevice tool extracts fur from couch seams and baseboards with surgical precision, and the upholstery tool handles delicate fabrics without snags. However, the dust cup is smaller than competitors, requiring more frequent emptying during whole-home cleans. While powerful, it’s heavier than stick vacuums, making upstairs cleaning a two-hand job.

Stacked against the Eureka PowerSpeed, it offers superior filtration and versatility but at a higher price and weight. Compared to the Shark NV360, it shares core features but lacks the larger dust cup. It’s perfect for homes with multiple pets and allergy sufferers who need deep carpet cleaning and above-floor flexibility. If you want a pet-focused upright that combines power, hygiene, and lift-away convenience, the ZU503AMZ is unmatched.

The Bissell CleanView 2024 model charges into the carpet wars with a triple action brush roll that aggressively loosens, lifts, and removes deeply embedded dirt—a must for homes with kids and high-traffic zones. Its swivel steering is buttery smooth, allowing tight turns around furniture legs without jerking or tipping, while the active extension wand reaches under sofas and into corners with minimal effort. With scatter-free technology, it captures debris on hard floors without flinging particles—no more chasing rogue Cheerios.

In action, the CleanView excels on low-to-medium carpets, extracting ground-in dust and pet hair in a single pass. The multi-cyclonic system maintains suction over time, and the easy-empty dirt tank minimizes mess. However, on thick, shaggy rugs, the fixed-height nozzle struggles to maintain optimal contact, reducing cleaning efficiency. The lack of HEPA filtration is a missed opportunity for allergy sufferers, despite strong overall performance.

Compared to the Shark Rocket, it offers better floor transition tech but lacks handheld conversion. Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, it wins on maneuverability but loses on height adjustment. It’s ideal for families with mixed flooring and active lifestyles who prioritize agile, mess-free cleaning. If you want a swivel-savvy vacuum that handles carpets and hard floors with flair, the CleanView 2024 model delivers where it matters.

The Shark POWERDETECT AZ4002 is the undisputed king of smart cleaning, leveraging six Intelli-Sense sensors—including Dirt, Edge, Floor, and Direction Detect—to auto-adapt suction and brushroll speed in real time. Its DuoClean technology combines a bristle and soft roller to clean both deep in carpets and gently on hard floors, while the powered lift-away pod detaches with a button press for effortless above-floor cleaning. With HEPA filtration and odor neutralizer tech, it doesn’t just clean—it purifies.

In rigorous testing, it obliterated pet hair, fine dust, and crumbs across all surfaces, boosting power the moment it sensed hidden grime. The edge detect feature amplified suction near baseboards, eliminating the need for manual edge cleaning. However, its premium price and 30-pound weight make it overkill for small homes or those seeking simplicity. The tech is impressive, but some users may find the sensor feedback overwhelming.

Against the Shark ZU503AMZ, it offers smarter automation and better deep-clean performance but at nearly triple the cost. Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, it’s in a different league—more power, more features, more intelligence. It’s built for tech-savvy homeowners with pets, allergies, and large carpeted spaces who want the most advanced, autonomous cleaning experience. If you demand the best overall carpet vacuum with zero compromises, the POWERDETECT is worth every penny.

The Shark NV360 is the quiet achiever of carpet cleaning, delivering high-value performance with a 0.9-quart dust cup that reduces emptying frequency during marathon sessions. Its lift-away pod and swivel steering make it a versatile workhorse, gliding from carpets to stairs with ease, while the brushroll shutoff lets you instantly switch to bare floors without changing tools. With HEPA filtration and complete seal tech, it’s a shield against allergens—ideal for homes where air quality matters.

In practice, the NV360 handles medium-pile carpets with authority, lifting pet hair and dust without clogging. The onboard tools are handy, though basic, and the washable filters cut long-term costs. It stumbles slightly on ultra-thick rugs where deeper agitation is needed, and the plastic build doesn’t feel as premium as higher-end Sharks. Still, for the price, it offers exceptional feature density.

Compared to the Shark ZU503AMZ, it trades the self-cleaning brushroll for a larger dust cup—making it better for larger homes. Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, it wins on filtration and versatility but costs more. It’s perfect for budget-conscious buyers who want Shark reliability without overspending. If you need a well-rounded, carpet-optimized upright with lift-away smarts and HEPA purity, the NV360 is the best value on the market.