The 4 Best Multi-Surface Vacuums - Fall 2022 Reviews

The best multi-surface vacuum we've tested is the SEBO Airbelt D4. This remarkably well-built canister vacuum delivers exceptional performance on bare floors and does a very good job dealing with debris on low and high-pile carpet, even with a basic straight-suction floorhead. If you plan on cleaning a lot of shag-pile carpeting, it's recommended that you spring for SEBO's ET-1 or wider ET-2 powerhead for an additional cost. The handle-mounted rocker switch gives you a precise level of control over the vacuum's suction output, enabling you to adapt to different surface types on-the-fly. Recurring costs are low, as it uses large-capacity dirtbags and filters that should last for years.

While its four caster-mounted wheels make it somewhat maneuverable for a vacuum of this weight and size, you still might want to consider the Miele Complete C3 Alize PowerLine if you need something a little easier to use in more cluttered environments. However, the Miele has a shorter range and incurs higher ownership costs due to its smaller dirtbags and less durable filters. Conversely, if you want to go completely cordless, the Dyson V15 Detect is one of the most powerful cordless vacuums we've tested and delivers a correspondingly strong cleaning performance. However, it's prone to get stuck on thicker rugs and carpets.

The best vacuum for hardwood and carpet we've tested in the upper mid-range price category is the Samsung Jet 90 Complete. This cordless stick vacuum comes bundled with two floorheads, one with a soft roller for improved debris pickup on hard surfaces and the other with bristles to tackle messes on carpets. Unlike most other cordless stick vacuums, it's also compatible with the manufacturer's unique Spinning Sweeper attachment, which uses a pair of rotating mop pads to clean dried-on stains. It performs superbly on bare floors and does a good job on carpets. However, its multi-surface floorhead has no brushroll on/off switch or height adjustment to prevent it from getting stuck on thick carpeting. Combined with its substantially less powerful suction motor, its deep-cleaning performance falls short of high-end corded models like the SEBO Airbelt D4.

Battery performance is strong for a cordless vacuum, as you can expect over an hour of runtime in its most energy-efficient mode. Still, if you aren't convinced by cordless vacuums and prioritize deep-cleaning performance, the Dyson Ball Animal 3 Extra is worth a look. This bagless upright is much heavier and more of a hassle to set up than the Samsung, but it delivers remarkable performance on bare floors as well as low and high-pile carpet.

The best vacuum for hardwood and carpet we've tested in the mid-range price bracket is the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away. This cordless upright features three levels of suction power and a dual-brushroll floorhead with two surface settings, one for bare floors and low-pile carpet and the other for high-pile carpet. However, unlike the SEBO Airbelt D4's ET-1 floorhead, these settings only adjust the brushroll's speed, not their height. You also can't stop their rotation, so you have to be careful when cleaning around loose obstructions like tasseled rugs, which can get tangled in the mechanism. Still, it delivers fantastic performance on bare floors and clears away an impressive amount of debris on low and high-pile carpeting.

It can run for about 30 to 40 minutes when used as an upright in its default power setting, which is alright for a cordless vacuum, but nothing particularly noteworthy. If you don't want to worry about running out of charge, the Miele Classic C1 PowerLine Pure Suction is a great choice. It bares little in common with the Shark, being a bagged canister vacuum, but it offers strong performance and feels better built. Still, if you want a C1 with a turbo brush or a powerhead, you'll have to pay a premium.

If you're looking to save some money on a multi-surface vacuum, you should consider the Wyze Cordless Vacuum. This stick vacuum is less sturdily built than most of the pricier models on this list and lacks any floorhead height adjustment settings, meaning it can get stuck on rug tassels and shag-pile carpeting, but it still manages to clear away an impressive amount of debris across a wide range of surface types. Its lightweight construction makes it easy to take out of a closet and maneuver in cluttered spaces. Its onboard HEPA filter is rare for a vacuum at this price point and also helps trap fine allergens. It can run for about an hour in its most energy-efficient mode, but that drops quickly when using more powerful settings.

If you want to spend even less on a versatile vacuum cleaner and don't mind going for a corded model, the Eureka Mighty Mite is a fantastic choice. It's a canister vacuum with a somewhat short range, so it isn't as easy to clean faraway spots, but it's better suited for longer cleaning sessions since you won't have to worry about running out of charge. While its pure suction floorhead doesn't have a brushroll to provide some level of surface agitation, it still delivers good overall performance on bare floors as well as low and high-pile carpets.