Model

Description

Best budget vacuum cleaner.
Eureka Boss SmartVac 4870GZ
Cost about $150

Reviews say the Eureka 4870 is the best value in a bagging upright vacuum cleaner, cleaning as well or better than more expensive models. The Eureka vacuum also ships with a sealed HEPA filter and does well in noise tests. Experts say this vacuum does a very good job of picking up pet hair on carpeting. This vacuum cleaner has on-board attachments and brushroll on/off control. At 20 pounds, the Eureka can be cumbersome to push, and hard to carry up and down stairs. You still have to change a bag, but for those who want a good all-around upright vacuum for a modest price, the Boss is the best vacuum cleaner.

Bagless upright vacuum.
Kenmore Progressive 36932
Cost about $300

Bagless vacuums collect dust in a removable bin. While that saves you from buying replacement dust bags, bagless vacuum cleaners do expose you to dust during emptying. In reviews, the Kenmore 36932 performs just as well or better than Dyson bagless vacuums on carpet, bare floors and on pet-hair-covered rugs. Although the Kenmore is not truly self-propelled, its rotating brushroll helps move the vacuum across the floor. Reviews also say the Kenmore works well with tools, a consideration if you plan to vacuum stairs, drapes and upholstery. The Kenmore weighs about 20 pounds.

Lightweight bagging vacuum.
Hoover Tempo Widepath U5140-900
Cost about $60

Although reviews say it's nothing fancy, we found excellent ratings for the 16-pound Tempo Widepath from experts and from satisfied owners who say you get a lot of vacuum for your $60. The lightweight Hoover Tempo is easier to push and pull than others, and it does a very good job on carpet and rugs. Because its brushroll doesn't turn off, however, it may not be the best on bare floors.

Luxury bagless vacuum.
Dyson D C17 Animal
Cost about $550

Dyson vacuums get the most attention in reviews, but in measured testing, Dyson doesn't significantly outperform others when it comes to cleaning carpet and bare floors. The newest Dyson vacuum is the DC17 Animal, and the latest coverage says this new model is an improvement over earlier Dyson vacuums, with better suction. Many remark that it's also a lot easier to push and pull, but at 20 pounds, it's still fairly heavy. This model comes with a powered hand tool for agitating pet hair out of upholstery. Dyson has now added a five-year warranty to new purchases -- a move probably meant to assuage some concerns in reviews about long-term durability. Though it is expensive, many happy owners say the Dyson DC17 is worth the premium.

Robotic vacuum cleaner.
iRobot Roomba Discovery 4210
Cost about $250

 

While most professional reviews say the Roomba robotic vacuum probably can't totally eliminate manual vacuuming, other reviews say this disc-shaped, battery-powered robotic vacuum cleaner does a good job. Because of its small size, it can get into small spaces like under furniture and near baseboards. Some wish its dust bin held more dirt. Still, owners say the Roomba is a fun gadget, and reviews say it's a good light-duty vacuum cleaner. More expensive versions of the Roomba vacuum include extras like a quick charger and a remote control.