2017 Best Rated Vacuum Cleaners: Top 5 Comparison Reviews

by

Do you have a large home with carpet, hardwood floors or both and need to find the best rated vacuum cleaner to get your house really clean? We’ve compiled this list of the Top 5 of 2017 just for you. With comparisons, reviews, specifications and all the information you need to know below, hopefully your search ends here.

These top five have performed well in household tests from users just like you and have been put through the paces including the challenge of picking up everything from tough or fine pet hair, long human hair, cat litter, regular dust and dirt and even breakfast cereal.

They’re all good values, and the one you decide to buy should really come down to the features, tools and attachments that work best for you as well as which one works best with the size of your budget.

Best Vacuum Cleaners of 2017

#1. Dyson Ball Allergy

The Dyson Ball Allergy is quite the innovation in upright vacuum cleaners, and according to user reviews, it is certainly the best all around machine. As an added bonus, it has HEPA filtration, meaning those small particles that can make you and your family sneeze and irritate allergies get swept away from the air and floors in your house.

One of our favorite features is its self adjusting cleaner head. What this means for you is you don’t need to mess with changing any settings when vacuuming between different floor types. It will hug hardwood as closely as deep pile carpet, and the bristles are soft enough to not leave any scratches.

Video Review

t

Quick Stats

  • HEPA Filter
  • Bagless
  • Self adjusting cleaner head
  • Retractable cord
t

Specs

  • Weight: 17.3 Pounds
  • Suction: 270 Air Watts
  • Dust Bin: 0.55 Gallons
  • Cord Length: 35 Feet
  • Maximum Reach: 51.7 Feet
  • Dimensions: 42.4” x 13.4” x 15.4”
  • Height Adjustments: Automatic
  • Filter: Washable
  • Volts: 110
  • Warranty: 5 Years
P

Included Attachments

  • Soft dusting brush
  • Mattress tool
  • Reach under tool
  • Combination tool
  • Instant release wand
P

Pros

  • Great attachments
  • Fantastic suction
  • Long reach
  • Easy to empty
  • Cleaner head adjusts automatically
  • Quiet compared to other uprights

Cons

The only thing users have had a problem with is locking this machine in the upright position, as it takes a little getting used to. You have to make sure it clicks twice so it’s fully locked in. If you don’t, it’s not locked and will probably fall down when you turn your back.

The second thing is that while it does have a lot of power, it tends to get bogged down if you’re trying to mow tall damp grass. This really is to be expected with any electric lawnmower, as even though they do a great job on maintenance, they’re really not cut out for tougher jobs.

Are the tools interchangeable with other Dyson models?
If you have an older Dyson upright, you can use the tools from that machine on this one as well. While it comes with five great tools to get just about any job done, you can expand your arsenal if you have attachments from an older model Dyson.
How well does it work on hardwood floors?

The Ball Allergy does have a button to push to turn the brush roll on and off, so you’ll want to have it off when cleaning any bare floor like hardwood, stone, vinyl or tile. This way, debris won’t get flung around by the powerful rotating brush head.

There are not settings to change when going from one floor type to another, as it’s all done automatically for you.

Is it good for dog and pet hair?

This model works fantastic for getting rid of pet hair. In fact in one review from a user who has an English bulldog, a German Shephard and a long haired cat says it’s just amazing. She says the suction doesn’t stop and she’s amazed at how much junk comes out of her carpet. 2 thumbs up!

Another user says she’s shocked at the amount of hair it picks up from 3 cats. Another review from a man with an Australian Shephard (long floaty hair) says the dog sheds so much and he can’t believe how much hair was on the furniture and in the carpet that the Ball Allergy pulled out and continues to find.

How do I clean the filter?

All you need to do to keep the filter clean is to rinse it out. You can also wash it by hand by rubbing it with a mild detergent. Let it dry, put it back in, and you’re back in business.

How often you clean the filter really depends on how often you use the vacuum and the amount of dirt, hair, etc. in your house. For most users, checking it once per month is a good idea.

How well does it pick up long hair?
In short, this Dyson will suck up anything, including long human hair. Like most vacuums, however, it may occasionally get tangled around the brush bar, and you may need to pull or cut it off. However, because of the powerful suction, the tangling doesn’t seem to happen as often as it does with other vacs.
How heavy is it?
Most upright vacuums weigh somewhere in the range of 18-25 pounds. This one is just slightly lighter at 17.3 pounds. While all uprights are on the heavy side due to their strong motors, the ball design on the Dysons tends to make them much easier to handle, maneuver and steer in spite of their weight.
Does it tip over?
Many uprights with extension hoses have one big downfall: They fall down. When you stretch out the hose, the machine tends to come with it. This one is much harder to tip over. In fact, it’s designed to leave at the bottom of the stairs and use the wand to go all the way to the top without it tipping over. This is one of the many reasons it’s our top choice, as when you compare it with others, little design flaws like that can be very frustrating.
Is it easy to push?
Overall, yes. While it is an upright (notoriously hard to push vacuums), the ball technology makes it pretty easy to maneuver and swivel around furniture even if you’re pushing it across deep pile thick carpeting.
How does it compare to the Dyson Animal Allergy?

There are a few different models in this line, and they are all the same basic machine. The only difference is in the attachments you get. We’re recommending this one as a best vacuum because it comes with a few attachments that will actually get used as opposed to higher priced models with a lot of extras that might end up collecting dust in the closet.

The Dyson Cinetic Animal plus Allergy is a great option as well if you have pets. In fact, we rated it very high as one of the best vacuums for pet hair.

Final Verdict

The Dyson Ball Allergy is a great vacuum cleaner. It has the most powerful suction and it’s easier to use than just about any other available on the market today. It comes with a variety of very useful attachments to clean anything along with an incredibly long extension hose that lets you reach everywhere you need to reach.

While it’s on the higher end of the price range, Dysons do hold their value and last a very long time. Not only that, but it also has a 5 year warranty. All of these features combined with the reliability make this one a very good investment.  If you’re ready to get one, Amazon has it on sale for a great discount right now. 

#2. Shark Rotator Powered Lift Away

There are a few special things to love about the Shark Rotator Powered Lift Away. First, it has LED headlights, a rare feature in any vacuum cleaner. While it may not seem like much, they really help illuminate corners and spaces under furniture so you know you’re getting them clean.

Second, it really is two vacuums in one due to the removable canister. You can use just the canister, or you can remove it to make the profile of the upright slimmer so it will slide easily under furniture like the bed or the couch.

Video Review

t

Quick Stats

  • LED Lights
  • Anti-Allergen Technology
  • Lift Away Canister
t

Specs

  • Weight: 13.3 Pounds
  • Suction: 800 Watts; 6.7 Amps
  • Dust Bin: 0.24 Gallons
  • Cord Length: 30 Feet
  • Dimensions: 46” x 12” x 12”
  • Filter: Washable
  • Height Adjustments: 3
  • Volts: 110
  • Warranty: 5 Years
P

Included Attachments

  • Crevice Tool
  • Dusting Brush
  • Pet Upholstery Tool
  • Hard Floor Attachment
  • Removable Canister
  • Micro Tools
P

Pros

  • Good power
  • Controls on the handle
  • Removable canister
  • Washable filters
  • Headlights
  • Allergy sealed

Cons

One drawback to this model is that it doesn’t have retractable cord. While this doesn’t affect its cleaning power, some people are really set on having this feature.

The other complaint is that if you extend the hose out all the way, the upright tends to tip over. This seems to be the case with most upright vacuums with rare exception. The only ways to get around this are to either use the canister with the attachments so you’re not stretching the hose from the main unit or make sure it’s braced well, like against a wall, before extending out the hose.

Will it pick up cat litter?
Since you can turn off the brush roll, this Shark does a good job of picking up cat litter from bare floors like laminate and hardwood without scattering it around.
Is it self-propelled?
Yes, this model is self powered, or self propelled, making it very easy to steer even on very thick pile carpet.
Will it pick up long hair?
The Rotator Powered Lift away does a great job at sucking up long human hair. However, just like other vacuums, you may need to occasionally untangle it from the brush roll.
How does the canister work?

You can lift off the canister and use it separately from the main unit. This option makes it much easier to vacuum stairs. You can also leave it on the main vacuum and use the attachments and extension hose that way, which might be good for cleaning things like mini blinds or window ledges.

If you want to clean under furniture, having the option to take off the canister is a great one because it’s rather bulky. When removed, the main vacuum will easily lie flat to fit under most furniture.

Will it suck up small rugs?
Most uprights are a real pain when it comes to cleaning small area rugs, as they tend to get sucked up into the cleaner head. In user reviews, people say this is one of the easiest vacuums to use on those small rugs. Overall it does a good job and you only have to watch that the edges of the rug don’t get caught in the cleaner head.
How does the hard floor attachment work?
The hard floor dust away attachment used a microfiber cloth to essentially dry mop your floors. However, it’s better than a mop because instead of pushing around the dust, it gets sucked up into the vacuum.
Will it work on shag rugs?
This Rotator works well on any high or low pile carpeting and rugs because it has three different height settings meant for different types of floors. The controls are easy to use and are located right at the top of the machine.
Is it powerful enough?
While this blue model has less wattage when you compare it with the red version, the manufacturer claims they still have the same suction as the motor in this one is so much more efficient. So in every way that really matters, the units are so similar it doesn’t really make a difference (except the price point of the red model seems to be quite a bit higher).
Powered Rotator vs Rocket?
While these are both great cleaners made by Shark, the Rocket series does better when you have mostly bare floors. If you have carpets and need and will use the removable canister and variety of tools included, this one is a better option. If you have a smaller space and don’t need all the versatility, the Rocket may be a good choice for you. As a matter of fact, we’ve rated it one of the best vacuums for hardwood floors.
Does it work on carpeted stairs?
Yes! It’s lightweight enough so you can use it as an upright for stairs, but it works even better if you use the canister with the powered brush.
How is it for pet hair?

Although the Powered Rotator isn’t designed to deal with pet hair, it still seems to do a good job. While it doesn’t have a HEPA filter, it does have a sealed allergy system that makes it better equipped to deal with dander.

One user who has three large dogs says this Rotator does a fantastic job of cleaning up after them. She says she’s amazed at how much hair lived deep down in her carpet fibers.

NV683 vs NV682 vs NV681?
Shark comes out with so many models that are similar, and it can be confusing. This model is the NV683, but the others are quite similar. In fact, they’re all the same vacuum cleaner. The difference is only in the attachments you get with the initial purchase. The NV681 is the basic vac without attachments. The NV682 comes with the pet tool, hard floor attachment and dusting brush. The NV683 comes with all of the above plus micro tools that are great for getting into small spaces and cleaning out things like computer equipment as well as audio/video accessories.

Final Verdict

While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the pricier Dysons on the market, the Shark Rotator Powered Lift Away is still one of the best vacuum cleaners of the year, and in reviews users love it. It’s very versatile and comes with enough tools to do everything you’ll need to do. In comparison with other models, it gets very high scores and will serve you well for years to come. (Amazon has this Rotator on sale right now, but prices can change daily.)

#3. Bissell 1650A Pet Hair Eraser

Bissell vacuums have been known for years as lower priced, heavier models that do a decent job of cleaning, but the Pet Hair Eraser is a step up. A mid-priced machine with a hearty build and built-in allergy system, this one is specifically made for pet owners. However, it works well as an all around vacuum even if you don’t have furry friends in the house.

Video Review

t

Quick Stats

  • Tangle free brush roll
  • Bagless
  • Allergen System
  • Edge Cleaning
t

Specs

  • Weight: 18 Pounds
  • Suction: 8.5 Amps
  • Dust Bin: 0.4 Gallons
  • Cord Length:  30 Feet
  • Dimensions: 46.8” x 13.5” x 12.4”
  • Filter: Washable
  • Height Adjustments: 5
  • Volts: 110
  • Warranty: 5 Years
P

Included Attachments

  • Crevice tool with LED light
  • Pet turbo tool
  • Pet brush
  • Quick release wand
P

Pros

  • Tangle free cleaner head
  • Strong suction on attachments

Cons

While the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is an overall good vacuum cleaner, it is heavy. It does have the swivel steering so it’s fairly easy to move, but it may be hard on you to lug it up and down stairs on a regular basis.

The second thing to note is that it doesn’t have much of a reach compared with other models. The hose is eight feet long, so it will go most places, but it’s not going to work for leaving the unit at the bottom of the stairs and using the wand to clean all the way up.

Does it have a retractable cord?
Unfortunately, it does not. You’ll need to wind the cord up manually.
Will it vacuum long pet hair?

This Bissell works fantastic on long hair of every type because it doesn’t get tangled around the brush roll. It also has a pet hair spooling system that makes it really easy to empty out the dust cup without having to dig it out. One review from a user with a Husky says it works fantastic on this type of long and floaty hair.

As for furniture, the pet hair tool is air powered and does a great job at getting hair from your upholstery.

Can I order more attachments?
While this Pet Hair Eraser comes with some really handy tools, you can order other ones after your initial purchase if you feel there are others you will use.
Does it work on hardwood?
You can turn off the brush roll on this upright, so it does work well on hardwood floors without scratching them. That said, it is mostly intended for use on carpet, so if you have mostly bare floors in your home, another lighter weight model may be easier for you to use.
What about the Febreze filter?

This one comes with a special Febreze filter to keep the air in your home smelling nice and fresh. The scent seem to last a good long time, but once it dissipates you may want to replace the filter with a new scented or unscented one.

If you don’t want a scented filter, it’s best to just use the regular filter that comes with the vacuum as it doesn’t have a scent.

Will it go under furniture?
This vac will go under most furniture if it’s a ways off the floor. However, it’s not low profile so probably won’t lie flat and low enough to go under the sofa. It may go under your bed depending on the height of your platform or box spring.
Where are the tools stored?
One thing about this cleaner that’s so convenient is that there is on board storage for all the tools so they won’t get lost and they’re always at hand when you need them.
Do the wheels scratch?
The wheels on the bottom are made from a plastic composite, but they have a bit of a softer feel. There doesn’t seem to cause any scratches on hardwoods.
Does it have a HEPA filter?
Technically, no. It does not have a HEPA filter. However, it does have a multilevel filtration system and according to the manufacturer, the Smart Seal Technology captures over 85% of allergen-producing particles. Also, it has a Febreze pet odor eliminator that helps take care of any pet smells.
Does it need batteries?
The vacuum itself has no need for batteries. However, it comes with a light up crevice tool that does require them.
What about the pet tools?
This comes with a light-up crevice tool and a spinning brush hose attachment. It also has a pet turbo tool that is designed to suck up dog and cat hair but not have it tangle around the brush.

Final Verdict

This is one sturdy vacuum at a reasonable price point. While it’s heavier than some others you can compare it to, it does have some nice features like edge to edge cleaning, a light up crevice tool and best of all, a brush bar that doesn’t get tangled with long hair.

It has the long standing reputation of Bissell, is solidly built and comes with a five year warranty. Though it doesn’t have some of the fancier features like swivel steering or an automatic retractable cord, its features are plenty diverse enough to provide basic cleaning of your home, especially if you have pets. After searching everywhere online, we discovered Amazon has the best deals on this Bissell. Click here to see today’s best sale price.

#4. Shark Navigator Lift Away Professional

With a slightly smaller profile and one less height adjustment, the Shark Navigator pro lift away is much like its Rotator counterpart. The price tag is slightly less and it comes with fewer attachments, but if you have a smaller space and don’t need so many tools, it may be a good choice for you.

Like the Rotator, this one also combines a canister vacuum into the design, making it very versatile for a variety of jobs. It’s also available with either a standard or gentle brush roll, making it work very well from everything from shag carpets to the finest hardwoods without scratching.

Video Review

t

Quick Stats

  • Swivel Steering
  • Bagless
  • HEPA Filter
t

Specs

  • Weight: 13.7 Pounds
  • Suction: 1200 Watts
  • Dust Bin: 0.29 Gallons
  • Cord Length:  30 Feet
  • Dimensions: 45.47” x 10” x 8”
  • Filter: Washable
  • Height Adjustments: 2
  • Volts: 110
  • Warranty: 5 Years
P

Included Attachments

  • Dust away hard floor cleaner
  • Pet power brush
  • Crevice tool
P

Pros

  • Good suction
  • Lift away canister
  • HEPA filter
  • Swivel cleaner head

Cons

One thing we don’t like about the Navigator is it only has two height settings: One for bare floors and one for carpet. While these settings will work great for most jobs, it’s nice to have more versatility if you have both low and high pile carpets in your home.

Standard vs Gentle Brush Roll?
This model is available with two different brush rolls – standard and gentle. If you have mostly bare floors, the gentle brush roll tends to work best, as the standard one might tend to kick dirt on your hardwoods. In short, the standard works best for carpeted areas, and the gentle is the top choice for any bare floors.
How well does it do on pet hair?

Overall, the Shark Navigator Lift Away Professional does a good job on both dog and cat hair. If you have pets that shed a lot, it will definitely help keep the hair and dander at bay. Many reviewers who are pet owners are very impressed with its abilities in this regard. In fact, one review from a woman with two dogs (one with very long hair) and two short-haired cats says she no longer has any pet hair on her carpets or furniture. She says it works that well.

On the other hand, reviews like those of Consumer Reports don’t rate this machine as high for pet hair removal, stating that other models work much better. If you have a lot of pet hair in your home and want to play it safe, you’d be better off going with one of the other top models above. However if you don’t have much, this Navigator will get the job done for you.

Does the brush roll turn off?
Yes, you can turn the brush roll off if you need to do so. This is a great option if you’re going from carpet to vinyl, stone or hardwood floors, as a spinning brush roll tends to fling dust and debris around instead of picking it up.
How about large crumbs?
Many vacuums with good suction are so good because the cleaner head sits very close to the floor. However, that also means they oftentimes tend to push large crumbs around instead of sucking them up. According to user reviews, the Shark Navigator does a good job at making them disappear. If you have a mess made by breakfast cereal or pet food on the floor, you’ll have no problem sucking up those larger particles.
Will it damage the carpet?
Some vacuum cleaners have such strong suction and hard bristles on the brush that they can actually tear the fibers in your carpet, giving it a fuzzy appearance. This doesn’t seem to be a problem with the Shark. One user who has six kids and vacuums nearly every day says she has no problems with the carpet looking worn from using it so often.
How is it for long hair?
This model does a great job sucking up long hair, be it human or animal. While it still might get tangled up in the brush roll, it won’t stop it from spinning.
Will it clog up?
Even with pet hair and long human hair, it doesn’t seem to have any problems with clogging. The best way to prevent this from happening is to make sure you empty the dirt container before it’s too full. The other thing that will really help the suction keep going is keeping the filters clean. They are washable, so that makes it a fairly easy task.
How good is it for hardwood floors?

This model comes with a special attachment made just for hardwood floors. It includes a microfiber pad that acts as a power mop, getting the dust up and sucking it into the vacuum instead of just pushing it around. The microfiber pads are washable, so when they’re dirty, you can just toss them in the washing machine.

You can also use it as a regular vacuum by turning off the brush roll so it stops spinning. It’s probably best to do this first to get up any larger crumbs or debris, and then go over the floor with the microfiber pads to collect any dust left behind.

How high is the profile?

If you lay the cleaner head as flat as it will go, it’s about three inches high. So, while it will go under furniture like the bed and most chairs, you may have trouble getting into some lower places depending on the clearance under your furniture.

It will go most places like up against the toe kicks under kitchen cabinets, and for those places it won’t go, you can always use the extension wand and tools or remove the canister and use it that way, where you can get it to fit under anything.

Is it good for serious allergy sufferers?

While it does have a HEPA filter and will help keep down allergens, if you have serious allergies and asthma, it might be better to get a different model that is specifically designed to handle those conditions.

All vacuums in the Dyson line are specifically designed for this purpose and while they tend to be more expensive, they’re worth it if the air in your home is making you sick. Dyson has an in-house microbiology lab where they analyze dust mites and allergens so they can engineer their vacuums to best deal with those irritants.

How do I clean it?

The filters are hand washable, so you can rinse them under running water with a mild detergent if needed. As for the other parts, the ones that are removable – like the attachments – you can wash by hand as well. The rest of the parts are best kept clean by wiping them with a damp cloth.

Some people like to keep the dust container really clean, which is not a bad idea. You can wash it manually under running water or spray it out with the garden hose if you want to keep it sparkling.

What else will it clean?
Besides floors, you can use the Navigator to clean mattresses, sofas, chairs, bedding, curtains, ceiling fans, vents and just about anything else that comes to mind. This is thanks to not only the removable canister but also the attachments that are included with it.

Final Verdict

For a mid-priced vacuum, this is a good one. Because of the canister and tools, it has good versatility and good suction. Users love the lower price, the suction and most of all – the removable canister vac. With it removed, you can easily maneuver this machine under all your furniture.

It has a nice long power cord, a large dust cup and is easy to assemble right out of the box. All of these features along with its impressive vacuum cleaner reviews make it a no brainer for our list of the top 5 best. We found a great price on this model at Amazon. Click here to get a great discount.

#5. Hoover Windtunnel 3 High Performance Pet

With a slightly larger profile and heavier weight then other vacs on our top 5 list, the Hoover WindTunnel 3 Pet also has the most height adjustments and the longest power cord, so it’s definitely a give and take. It comes with a decent amount of tools for most jobs, including getting pet hair off your furniture and while it’s intended more for use on carpet, it does a good job on hardwoods as well.

Video Review

t

Quick Stats

  • HEPA Filter
  • Long Power Cord
  • Headlights
  • Bagless
t

Specs

  • Weight: 18.5 Pounds
  • Suction: 12 Amps; 1440 Watts
  • Dust Bin: 0.38 Gallons
  • Cord Length:  40 Feet
  • Dimensions: 44” x 15.5” x 14”
  • Filter: Washable
  • Height Adjustments: 7
  • Volts: 110
  • Warranty: 5 Years
P

Included Attachments

  • Pivoting tool for dusting
  • Pet turbo tool
  • Crevice tool
  • Telescoping extension wand
P

Pros

  • Good suction
  • Long hose
  • LED light
  • Conveniently located controls

Cons

Some users in their reviews have commented on how warm this vac gets when you use it. While the suction is good and the motor doesn’t seem to overheat, the outside of the base does tend to get warm.

Does the cord auto rewind?

Unfortunately, you have to rewind the cord by hand on this model.

Can I turn the brush off?

The Hoover WindTunnel 3 has a foot pedal that turns the brush roll on and off so you can use it on a variety of different floor surfaces. While it doesn’t have a separate attachment specifically made for use on hardwood floors, turning off the brush roll will prevent it from scratching and kicking dirt around instead of sucking it up.

How does it do on long hair?

Like most uprights, long hair is an issue. It will occasionally tangle around the brush roll and need to be pulled or cut out to keep the brush spinning.

Does it work for cat litter?

With the brush roll in the off position, it seems to work well in picking up kitty litter from bare floors.

Is it self-propelled?

That’s one downfall in this unit – it’s not self propelled nor does it have swivel steering like the Sharks or a roller ball like the Dysons. However, users claim it’s still not too difficult to push around as it doesn’t weigh a whole lot.

Can I adjust the suction?

While it does have seven different settings for height and the brush roll on / off, you can’t adjust the suction on the Performance Pet. The suction works the same for the attachments as it does for the main cleaner head.

Are the tools on board?

Yes, there is on-board storage for all of the included tools.

Will it fit under the bed?

While it does have a higher profile so it may not fit under some furniture, the attachments work great for this purpose.

Will it clog with pet hair?

In user reviews, owners of the WindTunnel 3 say no, it doesn’t clog up with even tough or matted dog and cat hair. To make sure it never does, never overfill the dirt container and make sure to keep the filters wash to keep the suction at its max potential.

How do I use the tools?

On some vacuums, getting the attachments and tools on and off is a real pain. With this one, you’ll need to take a few steps. First, make sure it’s turned off. Then, tap the floor switch from floor to hose (red to green). Attach the hose and whichever tool you use, then switch the vacuum on. While it does take a few steps, it’s really a very easy and quick process once you’ve done it a few times.

Final Verdict

It takes just a little more work to operate the Hoover Windtunnel 3 Performance Pet than it does some of the others on our list, and it’s not quite as versatile or easy to steer. However, if price is a big concern for you and you’re willing to sacrifice a few bells and whistles, it’s still a good buy.

It has good suction, works very well on pet hair and is good for both bare floors and carpeting. Overall, users give it a high rating in review after review, and there are very few complaints.

It carries with it the reliability of the Hoover brand and does what it claims. If you have a lower budget and are looking for a good vacuum cleaner for the money, this one is a good choice. Amazon.com has these on sale right now at a big discount with free shipping.

Comments

comments