10 Best Vacuums For Carpets 2026 in the United States

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a solid choice if you're looking for a vacuum mainly for carpets and pet hair. Its suction is strong enough to handle deep carpet cleaning and pick up pet dander and hair effectively. The brush roll can be turned off, which is handy when you switch from carpets to hard floors, helping prevent scratching and making it more versatile. It has a HEPA filtration system that traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is great if allergies are a concern.

Weighing about 13.7 pounds, it’s relatively easy to maneuver around furniture thanks to its swivel steering, and you can detach the vacuum pod to clean stairs or upholstery more comfortably. The vacuum is bagless with a large dust cup (0.87 liters), so you can clean longer before emptying, though emptying a dust cup can sometimes be messier compared to bagged models. Noise level sits around 80 decibels, which is average—noticeable but not overly loud. It includes useful attachments like a crevice tool and dusting brush for detailed cleaning.

It is corded, so managing the cord length during use is necessary. It offers two power speeds but doesn't have multiple specialized settings beyond that. It’s designed with pet owners in mind and performs well on carpeted floors but also can handle bare floors without hassle. This vacuum combines powerful cleaning with allergy protection and user-friendly features, making it a reliable option for homes with carpets and pets, provided you are comfortable with a corded device and a bagless system.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a solid choice for carpet cleaning, especially for those who want a vacuum that's versatile and easy to handle. It offers strong suction power with a 1.61 horsepower motor, which helps deep-clean carpets effectively. The brush roll can be turned off, making it safe to use on bare floors without scratching, so it adapts well if you have mixed flooring. Its Lift-Away feature lets you detach the main pod to clean stairs, furniture, or tight spots, adding convenience. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability, making it easier to navigate around furniture and corners.

The vacuum uses a washable HEPA filter combined with anti-allergen technology, capturing dust and allergens well—great if you have allergies or pets. Speaking of pets, it comes with a wide upholstery tool designed for pet hair pickup. Weighing 12.5 pounds, it's reasonably lightweight for an upright, which helps when carrying it up stairs or moving it around. This model is bagless, so you don’t have to buy bags, but you will need to empty the 1.1-quart dust cup regularly. The noise level is around 80 decibels, which is moderately loud but typical for upright vacuums.

Attachments include a crevice tool and upholstery tool, covering most cleaning needs but might feel limited if you want more specialized accessories. This vacuum is well suited for carpet owners looking for strong cleaning power, allergen control, and easy handling; however, if you prefer a quieter machine or additional attachments, those factors should be considered.

The Dyson Ball Animal Total Clean is a strong choice for carpet cleaning, particularly in homes with pets. It features powerful suction at 290 AW, which helps pull dirt deeply from carpets. The motorized brush roll combined with a self-adjusting cleaner head automatically adapts to different floor types, sealing in suction whether you’re on thick carpet or hard floors. This makes it versatile for mixed surfaces. Its ball technology allows for easier turning and maneuvering around furniture, which is helpful given the vacuum’s weight of about 17.4 pounds—a bit on the heavier side but manageable.

Filtration is a standout feature here, using advanced HEPA filters to trap allergens and prevent dust from escaping back into the air, which is great for allergy sufferers. Being bagless means you avoid ongoing costs for replacement bags, and emptying the 0.45-gallon bin is straightforward. The vacuum comes with a comprehensive set of eight accessories like a tangle-free turbine tool and dusting brushes, designed especially for pet hair and hard-to-reach places, adding great value.

There are some drawbacks to consider, such as the corded design which can limit mobility compared to cordless options. While it’s designed to reduce noise, some users may still find it louder than expected during use. Its weight might be a challenge for some users to carry up stairs or during longer cleaning sessions. The 5-year warranty and Dyson's customer support provide reassurance. This vacuum suits pet owners with carpeted homes who want powerful cleaning and good filtration, though those looking for ultra-light or cordless models might want to explore other options.