A vacuum that can contain the spread of dust and particles can be invaluable if you suffer from allergies. Looking for a model with a HEPA filter is a good starting point, as it can help trap allergens as you clean. A dirtbag can also be a handy addition since it reduces the chances of dust escaping when emptying the appliance. The overall cleaning performance is crucial, especially when removing debris such as pet hair or dust. While those aren't the only criteria for this list, they are the most important in determining whether a vacuum will effectively reduce the spread of allergens.
We've tested more than 105 vacuum cleaners, and below are our recommendations for the best vacuums for allergies. These recommendations are based not only on their cleaning performance on different types of surfaces and the inclusion of a HEPA filter, but also on their design and price. For more buying recommendations, look at our lists of the best HEPA vacuums and the best cordless vacuums for pet hair, or for a more hands-off approach, consider our choices for the best robot vacuums for pet hair.
Alternatively, if you're looking for a way to keep your home free of allergens, you'll be happy to know that we also test air purifiers. Check our picks for the best air purifiers, the best air purifiers for allergies, and the best air purifiers for pets!
Quick Look
We've independently bought and tested over 105 vacuums with no cherry-picked manufacturer samples. We run each vacuum through a gauntlet of tests whose results are validated by multiple teams to ensure you get an accurate picture of how each model will perform and can easily compare them. We keep the products in our lab so we can periodically go back and see how they stack up to the newest competition.
Want to learn more about our testing and review pipeline? Check out our How We Test Vacuums article for insight into our lab and writing processes.
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Best Vacuum For Allergies
Bare Floor8.1Low-Pile Carpet7.7High-Pile Carpet7.4Pets7.9Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesBaglessNoBag Included1See all our test resultsVacuum TypeCanisterThe best vacuum for allergies that we've tested is the SEBO Airbelt D4 Premium. This high-end canister vacuum is mainly available from high-end vacuum retailers or from SEBO's website directly. It features a multi-stage S-Class filtration system that includes a HEPA-rated filter, making it a good option if you want to seal in allergens as you clean. It's very powerful, with a 1250-watt motor, and its powerhead provides plenty of agitation and suction, helping it suck up pet hair with no issues. The parquet floorhead also helps make it fantastic for clearing all kinds of debris from bare floors. This vacuum features a long power cord, which is particularly convenient for cleaning large rooms. Although it's expensive, it feels very sturdy and well-made.
It incurs some recurring costs, as you must replace its filters and dirtbag periodically, although overall maintenance is very easy. The ET-1 powerhead's bulky design can make it somewhat challenging to maneuver into corners and clean along walls. The Miele Complete C3 Marin is a good alternative if you want a more maneuverable machine. It features an allergen-sealed body, a HEPA-rated post-motor filter, and self-sealing dirtbags, making it a suitable option for allergy sufferers. However, it incurs higher recurring costs, as it uses smaller dirtbags and its filters need to be replaced more often.
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Best Upper Mid-Range Vacuum For Allergies
Bare Floor7.6Low-Pile Carpet6.6High-Pile Carpet6.0Pets6.8Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)NoBaglessNoBag Included1See all our test resultsVacuum TypeCanisterFor those wanting a powerful device but not interested in spending an arm and a leg, the Miele Classic C1 Cat&Dog PowerLine is a great choice. The bagged canister vacuum feels less sturdy than the SEBO Airbelt D4 Premium. Its filtration system does not have a HEPA filter, and its controls offer less control over the suction level. However, the Cat&Dog variant is significantly cheaper and still offers excellent overall filtration performance, thanks to a three-stage filtration system featuring a filter containing activated charcoal to help trap odors.
If you want a HEPA-rated post-motor filter, you can buy one separately or go for the C1 Home Care variant instead. The Home Care model also comes with Miele's SEB 217-3 powerbrush floorhead, which is ideal for tackling messes on carpets, as well as a straight-suction parquet tool for use on hard floors. Unfortunately, the C1 incurs somewhat high recurring costs due to its use of smaller dirtbags and somewhat short-lived filters. It also has a shorter operating range than the SEBO, so you might need to swap outlets to clean large or faraway areas.
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Best Mid-Range Vacuum For Allergies
Bare Floor7.3Low-Pile Carpet7.1High-Pile Carpet7.5Pets7.1Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesBaglessNoBag Included6See all our test resultsVacuum TypeUprightIf you don't mind giving up the compact size and maneuverability of a canister vacuum like the Miele Classic C1 in exchange for a lower purchase price, consider the Kenmore Intuition Bagged. It features an onboard HEPA filter and utilizes dirtbags composed of HEPA-rated media, thereby reducing the spread of fine particles during cleaning. Better yet, you can remove its dirtbag from its housing with the press of a single latch, so there's no need to get your hands dirty.
This vacuum does a fantastic job of cleaning pet hair and small and bulky debris on surfaces like hardwood or linoleum. There's even a brushroll on/off switch for its floorhead, so it won't send larger debris scattering everywhere when cleaning hard floors. It performs impressively well on low- and high-pile carpets. Unfortunately, there's no way to adjust its floorhead height, so you may have trouble climbing onto uneven surfaces, such as shag carpeting. While it's not as maneuverable as the canister options listed here, its 'Lift-Up' design lets you pick up and carry its canister body separately from its upright portion, making it easier to clean tight spots.
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Best Budget Vacuum For Allergies
Bare Floor7.3Low-Pile Carpet7.5High-Pile Carpet7.3Pets6.7Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)NoBaglessNoBag Included2See all our test resultsVacuum TypeCanisterThe best vacuum for pet hair and allergies at a budget-friendly price point that we've tested is the BISSELL Zing Bagged Canister. While it doesn't come bundled with a HEPA filter, you can purchase aftermarket HEPA-rated bags and a HEPA filter to enhance its air filtration performance and trap most airborne particles, such as pet dander or pollen. That said, it doesn't have an allergen-sealed body. This omission isn't surprising given the BISSELL's low price, though. Its small size makes it easy to store in most closets, and this vacuum weighs very little, making it easy to drag around from room to room.
Unique for a vacuum in this price bracket, its power cord can be rewound with a button, though be aware that the cord is short, so you'll probably need to swap outlets when cleaning larger rooms. With its floorhead bristles retracted, this vacuum does a good job of cleaning up solid debris on low- and high-pile carpeting. However, it struggles with bulkier debris compared to alternatives like the Kenmore Intuition Bagged, which can clog its suction inlet. Pet hair also gets stuck in its floorhead when the bristles extend. Consider the Eureka Mighty Mite if you want a more budget-conscious vacuum that delivers better performance. However, some newer Mighty Mite models lack the requisite mounting points for installing an aftermarket HEPA filter to improve filtration performance.
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Best Cordless Vacuum For Allergies
Bare Floor7.3Low-Pile Carpet7.8High-Pile Carpet7.6Pets7.7Anti-Allergy Filter (HEPA)YesBaglessNoBag Included3See all our test resultsVacuum TypeStick/HandheldThe best cordless vacuum for allergies we've tested is the Samsung Bespoke AI Jet Ultra. This vacuum's cordless design makes it easy to use for occasional cleaning sessions. This model comes with a Cleaning Station where you can have the debris transferred from the vacuum's dustbin into a dirtbag inside the storage rack without generating a plume of dust. The downside is that you must replace the dirtbag once filled, so the cost of ownership is quite high. The dock doubles as a charging station, a feature that you'll need to utilize frequently, as using this vacuum in its high-powered JET mode will drain the 3970 mAh battery in as little as two minutes.
The Samsung's filtration system is pretty effective in sealing fine allergens like pet dander, though not quite to the same degree as a high-end multi-stage bagged system like the one found in the SEBO Airbelt D4 Premium. It performs well when it comes to tackling smaller debris, though do note you'll need to lift its floorhead to clear away bulky debris, as it'll plow bigger material forward otherwise.
Notable Mentions
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Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction PowerLine:
The Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction PowerLine is the entry-level model in the C1 range and represents a good alternative to the Airsign HEPA Vacuum. However, no HEPA filter is included in the box, and unlike the higher-end Miele Classic C1 Cat&Dog variant, it doesn't have an electrosocket that would allow it to accept powered floorheads.
See our review - Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra: The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra/Complete is a bagless upright vacuum with a HEPA-rated five-stage filtration system that effectively seals in common allergens like pet dander. It's a good alternative to the Airsign HEPA Vacuum if you don't feel like buying a replacement dirtbag now and then. However, emptying its dustbin can still release a large plume of dust. See our review
- NaceCare HVR 200 Henry: The NaceCare HVR 200 Henry is a great alternative to the Airsign HEPA Vacuum, thanks to its longer range and use of much larger dirtbags. That said, you'll need to spend a fair bit more on a variant with a HEPA filter. See our review
- Hoover WindTunnel Tempo Bagged : The Hoover WindTunnel Tempo Bagged is a basic, budget-friendly upright vacuum that can use HEPA-rated dustbags. However, it's trickier to maneuver than the Kenmore Intuition Bagged. See our review
- Dyson V15 Detect: The Dyson V15 Detect is a high-end cordless stick vacuum that performs exceptionally well on various surfaces. It has a dirt sensor that counts and measures the size of debris the vacuum sucks in, which could be handy if you want to know about the fine allergens in your home. However, unlike the Samsung Bespoke Jet, Dyson doesn't offer a comparable self-emptying docking station. See our review
- Dyson Gen5detect: The Dyson Gen5detect/Gen5detect Absolute is a high-end cordless stick vacuum that effectively supplants the Dyson V15 Detect as the brand's flagship. It features a HEPA filtration system and delivers great overall performance. However, it's far more expensive than its predecessor, and unlike the Samsung Bespoke Jet, there's still no comparable self-emptying docking station. See our review
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SEBO FELIX:
The SEBO Felix is a bagged upright vacuum that purportedly uses a similar S-Class filtration system to the SEBO Airbelt D4. However, it's less effective in sealing in debris.
See our review
Recent Updates
Nov 17, 2025:
Removed the Airsign HEPA Vacuum from the article due to current pricing. Recategorized the Kenmore Intuition Bagged as the new 'Best Mid-Range Vacuum For Allergies' pick. Added the SEBO Felix to the Notable Mentions.
Apr 17, 2025:
Replaced the Miele Complete C3 Brilliant with the SEBO Airbelt D4 Premium as our top pick, as that variant of the C3 has been discontinued. Added the Miele Complete C3 Marin as an alternative with better maneuverability.
Jan 09, 2025:
We've verified our recommendations are available and represent the best choices. We also made small edits throughout for clarity.
Sep 27, 2024: Replaced the Samsung Jet 75 with the Samsung Bespoke Jet because the variant of the Jet 75 that comes with the docking station is no longer available.
May 28, 2024: Minor text edits for clarity. We haven't changed our recommendations, but we did add information on where you can purchase the Airsign HEPA Vacuum.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best vacuum cleaners for allergies for most people. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability.
If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here's the list of all our reviews of vacuums equipped with an allergen-trapping HEPA filter. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While there's no single best vacuum for dust or other fine allergens, some are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.