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Discover the highest-rated upright vacuum cleaners for deep carpet cleaning, pet hair removal, and large homes. Our lab-tested scores reveal top performers like the Shark Vertex Pro with 98% pet hair pickup and lightweight designs under 9 lbs. Compare models, pros/cons, and find the best value today.
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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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.
Our rigorous protocol mimics everyday messes:
Scores out of 100 reflect balanced performance. Now, see how they stack up.
| 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.
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.
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Ideal for multi-floor homes with pets. Grab the Shark Vertex Pro now—top value at under $400.
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.
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Perfect for apartments or quick daily cleans. Check price on Shark Vertex Ultralight.
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.
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Cons:
Supplement your upright with this. View Shark Wandvac Pet.
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.
The Shark Vertex Pro IZ682H leads with 98% pickup and no-wrap tech—perfect for shedding dogs/cats.
Yes, top models like Shark Vertex match corded suction (1000W equiv.) but watch battery (60-120 mins). Corded wins for marathon sessions.
Every 3-6 months; washable HEPA extends life. Check Shark Vertex Ultralight for easy access.
Absolutely—use brush-off mode. Leaders score 92%+ on edges.
Shark WS642RG at 74 dB—half the noise of old-school models.
Pair your new upright with these guides:
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