The 5 Best Bagged Vacuums of 2024

The best bagged vacuum we've tested is the Miele Complete C3, specifically the Brilliant variant, which sits at the top of the C3 lineup. It's loaded with variant-specific convenience features, including handle-mounted power adjustment controls, a separate 'Auto' power mode that automatically adjusts its suction to match the surface it's on, and additional sound insulation compared to other C3 models, which are already very quiet. The C3 Brilliant also comes with three separate floorheads: the SBD 365-3 floorhead for cleaning bare floors and low-pile carpets, a lightweight parquet tool, and the SEB 236 height-adjustable powerhead, ensuring strong performance on almost any surface. While all C3 models have an allergen-sealed body, this variant also comes with an additional HEPA-rated post-motor filter, making it a great choice for those with allergies. A quick FYI: if you can't find it in stock from online retailers, it's worth checking availability directly on Miele's website.

If you can do without the C3 Brilliant's automatic power adjustment system, SBD 365-3 universal floorhead, additional sound insulation, or handle-mounted controls, the Kona variant of the C3 will deliver similar performance for a much lower price. You could also consider the SEBO Airbelt D4 Premium if you want a similarly well-rounded alternative with a much longer operating range. The SEBO uses larger dirtbags and longer-lasting filters, lowering recurring costs. However, its bulkier body and stiff hose make it trickier to maneuver, especially in tight spaces.

The Kenmore Intuition Bagged is the best bagged upright model we've tested. Although it isn't nearly as well-built as a premium canister vacuum like the Miele Complete C3 or as easy to maneuver, it's a lot cheaper and still delivers decent overall performance. It uses a HEPA-rated exhaust filter and is compatible with HEPA-rated dirtbags, limiting the spread of allergens as you clean. You can drop its dirtbag out of its housing with the press of a latch, so you don't need to worry about dirtying your hands or kicking up a plume of dust when taking it out, either. Its 'Lift-Up' alternative configuration allows you to pick up and carry its canister body separately from its floorhead, so you can clean shelves or countertops a little more easily.

Unfortunately, while you can turn this vacuum's brushroll off to prevent it from scattering debris on bare floors or getting caught on rug tassels, there's no way of adjusting its height, so it can easily get stuck in thick carpets. If you're comfortable shopping for a used vacuum, the discontinued Miele Dynamic U1 PowerLine is a high-end option with superb build quality, a height-adjustable head, and strong performance. However, it has a very bulky design, so it isn't the best option for smaller homes or apartments.

Check out the Cat&Dog variant of the Miele Classic C1 if you're looking for something cheaper than the high-end Brilliant variant of the Miele Complete C3. Compared to its bigger brother, the C1 lacks an onboard tool storage compartment, doesn't feel quite as robust, and doesn't have handle-mounted controls. However, if you're only concerned about cleaning performance, there's very little difference between the two, as the C1 uses the same powerful 1200W suction motor as the C3.

The Cat&Dog variant sits near the top of the C1 lineup. It comes with a Miele SEB 228 powerbrush, which offers five levels of height adjustment, enabling you to adapt quickly to various carpet types. It also has a dedicated smooth floor tool for cleaning surfaces like hardwood or tile. It comes with Miele's Active AirClean post-motor filter, which features an additional layer of activated charcoal to trap unpleasant odors as you clean.

Unfortunately, its power cord is fairly short, so you'll probably need to swap power outlets when cleaning faraway areas. It uses the same 2.5L dirtbags as the C3, which are somewhat small, so ownership costs are a little on the higher end of the scale.

Our best mid-range pick is the entry-level Pure Suction variant of the Miele Classic C1. This model is a great option if you don't have any shag or high-pile rugs in your home, as the included SBD 365-3 floorhead features retractable bristles to clean surfaces like tile or hardwood as well as low- and medium-pile carpeting. It comes with the entry-level AirClean filter, which works well in trapping airborne particles, even though it isn't HEPA-rated. You can buy and swap in a Miele HEPA AirClean or Active AirClean filter if you suffer from serious allergies and require that additional level of filtration. The most notable difference compared to the Miele Classic C1 Cat&Dog is that the Pure Suction doesn't have a power socket at the base of its hose that would allow you to use powered floorheads, so it isn't suitable for cleaning plush carpeting.

If you want a similarly priced canister vacuum with lower ownership costs, the NaceCare HVR 200 Henry is a solid option. It uses higher-capacity dirtbags and has a remarkably sturdy-feeling body. However, its suction motor is less powerful than the C1's, so it lags slightly behind in debris pickup performance.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly bagged vacuum, check out the Eureka Mighty Mite. Compared to the Miele Classic C1, it feels very cheaply built and lacks many convenience features, like an allergen-sealed body, a telescopic wand, or a self-winding power cord. However, it's still a good option if you're looking for a vacuum that offers solid performance on a budget. It easily clears debris on bare floors, and while it only has a straight-suction floorhead, it's decent when dealing with debris on low- to medium-pile carpets, where you can retract the floorhead's bristles to improve surface contact. User maintenance is incredibly simple, thanks to the vacuum's basic design, and its lightweight construction lets you carry it from room to room with minimal effort. It also has a hard bristle brush for dislodging stuck-on dirt and debris and a combination crevice/upholstery nozzle.

Unfortunately, this vacuum's power cord is very short, so you'll probably need to swap outlets when vacuuming a larger area. There are also a few noticeable weak points in its construction, most notably its wand, which is made of two hollow plastic tubes that can fall apart if you don't wedge them together tightly.