Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners 2024: Top Ratings & Reviews

Quick Pick
Shark Vertex Pro Cordless Vacuum Cleaner with HEPA Filter ([/p/shark-vertex-pro-cordless-vacuum-cleaner-with-hepa-filter-lightweight-portable-removable-handheld-self-cleaning-duoclean-powerfins-120-min-runtime-iq-display-blacksilver-iz682h-vertex-flexpro-w-powerdisplay120-min])
Best overall upright-style performer: 88/100 score, self-cleaning brushes grab 100% pet hair without tangles, HEPA filtration traps 99.97% allergens, and 120-minute runtime covers big homes. Lightweight at 8.9 lbs for easy maneuvering.
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Why Choose an Upright Vacuum Cleaner in 2024?

Upright vacuum cleaners remain a staple for homeowners tackling thick carpets, sprawling living rooms, and pet-filled households. Unlike stick or canister models, uprights pack robust motors (often 1000+ watts) and wide cleaning paths (12-15 inches) for efficient deep cleans. They shine on low- and high-pile rugs, removing up to 98% of embedded sand in our tests, while brush roll shutoff options protect hardwood floors.

At Review Atlas, we prioritize real-world performance: How well do they handle pet hair (key for 65% of U.S. households with pets)? What's the noise level during family movie night? Our 2024 ratings draw from over 50 hours of lab testing across 200+ sq ft of simulated home floors, weighing factors like suction power, maneuverability, and long-term reliability. Whether you're battling allergens or daily dirt, these picks deliver value without fluff.

Pro Tip: For allergy sufferers, prioritize HEPA-rated models that seal in 99.9% of fine dust particles.

How Review Atlas Tests Upright Vacuums

Our rigorous protocol mimics everyday messes:

• Carpet Cleaning (40% weight): Sand and debris pickup on 1/2-inch low-pile (95% avg. top scorers) and 1-inch high-pile rugs (92% avg.).
• Bare Floors (20%): Edge cleaning and fine particle sweep (90%+ for elites).
• Pet Hair (15%): Long/short hair removal from carpets (98% no-tangle leaders).
• Emissions & Filtration (10%): Dust escape during/after use (<1% leakage ideal).
• Noise & Usability (10%): Decibels at ear level (under 80 dB preferred), weight (<15 lbs), cord length (25+ ft), and bin emptying ease.
• Build & Owner Scores (5%): Durability from drop tests and 1-year simulated use.

Scores out of 100 reflect balanced performance. Now, see how they stack up.

Upright Vacuum Comparison Table

Model	Overall Score	Carpet Deep Clean	Bare Floors	Pet Hair Pickup	Weight (lbs)	Noise (dB)	Cord/Battery	Price Range
Shark Vertex Pro IZ682H	88	95%	92%	98%	8.9	78	120 min cordless	$$
Shark Vertex Ultralight HZ2002	86	93%	90%	95%	7.5	76	30 ft corded	$
Shark WS642RG Wandvac Pet	84	90%	94%	97%	4.5	74	20 min cordless	$
Kenmore Elite Pet Friendly 31150	85	94%	88%	96%	18	82	30 ft corded	$$$
Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2254	80	89%	87%	92%	15	80	27 ft corded	$$
Hoover WindTunnel 3 Pet CH54301	78	88%	86%	91%	17	81	30 ft corded	$$

Price Range: $ (<$150), $$ ($150-300), $$$ (>$300). Scores from Review Atlas labs.

See the Shark Vertex Pro on our product page for latest deals.

Top Upright Vacuum Recommendations

1. Shark Vertex Pro Cordless Vacuum (Best Overall)

This lightweight powerhouse redefines upright cleaning with cordless freedom. DuoClean PowerFins scrub deep into carpets, achieving 95% sand removal on high-pile in 2 passes—better than 90% of competitors. The IQ display shows battery life, floor type, and maintenance alerts.

Pros:

• Exceptional pet hair performance: 98% pickup, zero hair wrap thanks to self-cleaning tech.
• HEPA filter captures 99.97% of 0.3-micron particles; removable handheld for stairs/upholstery.
• 120-min runtime on eco mode covers 2,500 sq ft; folds flat for storage.

Cons:

• Turbo mode drains battery in 15 mins for max suction.
• No onboard storage for all tools (3 included: crevice, pet multi-tool).

Ideal for multi-floor homes with pets. Grab the Shark Vertex Pro now—top value at under $400.

2. Shark Vertex Ultralight Corded Stick Vacuum (Best Budget Upright)

A corded champ for unlimited runtime, the HZ2002 delivers pro-level suction (1100W peak) at featherweight 7.5 lbs. It cleared 93% of debris from low-pile carpets and excelled on hard floors with swivel steering.

Pros:

• Powerful for carpets/hard floors: No-hair-wrap brushroll handles long pet fur.
• 30-ft cord reaches big rooms; LED headlights spot hidden dirt.
• Easy one-touch empty; includes 3 attachments for versatility.

Cons:

• Smaller 0.5-qt bin fills fast in heavy-use homes.
• Less agile on thick shag rugs vs. bulkier uprights.

Perfect for apartments or quick daily cleans. Check price on Shark Vertex Ultralight.

3. Shark WS642RG Wandvac System Pet (Best for Pet Owners)

Ultra-light (4.5 lbs) 3-in-1 combo shifts from stick to handheld seamlessly. Pet Multi-Tool nabbed 97% hair from upholstery/carpets in tests.

Pros:

• Rose gold design with duster/crevice tools; powerful for its size.
• Quick-charge dock; great for cars/stairs.

Cons:

• Short 20-min runtime limits full-house use.
• No HEPA (add-on available).

Supplement your upright with this. View Shark Wandvac Pet.

Honorable Mentions

• Kenmore Elite 31150: Heavy-duty pet model (94% carpet score) but 18 lbs.
• Bissell CleanView 2254: Swivel head shines (89% carpets), rewind cord convenience.

Buying Guide: Choose the Right Upright Vacuum

• Flooring: Plush carpets? Prioritize PowerFins/motorized brushes (95%+ scores).
• Pets/Allergies: HEPA + anti-tangle (like Shark Vertex Pro).
• Home Size: Cordless for 2+ floors; corded for unlimited power.
• Budget: Under $200 for basics; $300+ for premium features.
• Maintenance: Bagless with washable filters save $50/year.

Measure your space: 25-ft cord for 1,200 sq ft rooms. Test weights—under 12 lbs prevents back strain.

Our Top Pick Reiterated: Shark Vertex Pro balances it all.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the best upright vacuum for pet hair?

The Shark Vertex Pro IZ682H leads with 98% pickup and no-wrap tech—perfect for shedding dogs/cats.

Are cordless uprights as powerful as corded?

Yes, top models like Shark Vertex match corded suction (1000W equiv.) but watch battery (60-120 mins). Corded wins for marathon sessions.

How often should I replace upright vacuum filters?

Every 3-6 months; washable HEPA extends life. Check Shark Vertex Ultralight for easy access.

Can uprights clean hardwood floors?

Absolutely—use brush-off mode. Leaders score 92%+ on edges.

What's the quietest upright vacuum?

Shark WS642RG at 74 dB—half the noise of old-school models.

Complete Your Cleaning Setup

Pair your new upright with these guides:

• Best Upholstery Cleaner for Furniture of 2026 – Tackle sofas post-vacuum.
• Best Home & Kitchen Deals: Save Up to 40% – Bundle vacuums and tools.
• Best Alternatives to Blink Outdoor 4 in 2026 – Secure your clean home.

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