The 6 Best Vacuum Cleaners - Spring 2023 Reviews

The best vacuum cleaner we've tested is the Dyson V15 Detect. This high-end stick vacuum is remarkably potent, delivering similar debris pickup performance to many corded models. However, it has the advantage of being remarkably easy to deploy and maneuver. It's capable of automatically modulating its suction power depending on the surface that it's on and features a dirt sensor to count and measure the size of particles being sucked into the vacuum. However, it feels somewhat fragile, which is disappointing for a vacuum at this price point, and it has a relatively basic floorhead with no height adjustment or brushroll off switch, meaning it can get stuck on thicker carpeting pretty often.

Consider the Samsung Bespoke Jet if you're looking for something sturdier. It has a uniquely-designed standup charging rack that doubles as a self-emptying base station for its dustbin, making it easier and more hygienic to dispose of debris. However, its bulkier floorhead makes maneuvering more hassle than the Dyson, and it can't adjust its suction power automatically.

The Samsung Jet 75+ is a great option if you want a mid-priced vacuum that can handle a variety of messes. Unlike the Dyson V15 Detect, it can't automatically adjust its own suction power setting and lacks an onboard dirt sensor. However, it offers similarly strong debris pickup performance on bare floors and carpeting at a considerably more affordable price. That parity in performance is largely down to its powerful 200AW suction motor, which is remarkably potent for a vacuum at this price point. Unlike the Dyson, this vacuum is also fully compatible with a self-emptying base station, which sucks debris from the vacuum's dustbin into a disposable dirtbag with a button. That said, this accessory is rather expensive, and buying it with the vacuum does push it into a higher price bracket.

The + variant of the Jet 75 also comes with two batteries, doubling its overall runtime and making it a great option for longer cleaning sessions if you keep both packs charged. If you're hung up on the Samsung vacuum's lack of an automatic power adjustment feature but aren't willing to spend that much more, the Shark Stratos Cordless is worth a look. That said, it's noticeably bulkier and heavier than the Samsung, and it isn't currently available with two included batteries.

If you want to save money on a vacuum cleaner, the JASHEN V16 is a good option. Build quality isn't especially robust compared to the pricier Samsung Jet 75, and while it has little trouble with pet hair or small debris, it struggles quite a bit with bulky debris, like whole pieces of cereal, which can clog the entry to its dustbin. However, it's remarkably well-equipped even when pitted against more expensive alternatives. It comes with a pair of interchangeable brushrolls intended for hard floors and carpet, a miniature turbo brush tool, and even a HEPA filter, so it's reasonably effective in trapping allergens like pet dander. While its max battery life of about 40 minutes isn't nearly as long as segment leaders in this respect, you can still swap in a new pack if the current unit's performance degrades.

However, you can't tweak its brushroll height or keep it from spinning, so it can get caught on thicker rugs. If its poor performance in clearing bulky debris is a serious problem, consider the Tineco PURE ONE X. However, similarly-priced variants of the Tineco don't come with nearly as many attachments.

If you aren't convinced by cordless vacuums and value all-out performance, it's hard to go wrong with the Miele Complete C3. This bagged canister vacuum is more challenging to deploy than a comparably-priced cordless model like the Dyson V15 Detect. However, it delivers even better performance across various surfaces and feels much better built. The Brilliant variant sits at the top of the C3 lineup and is loaded with convenience features. It features additional handle-mounted controls, so you won't have to bend over to adjust suction, and an extra 'Auto' setting that allows the vacuum to automatically modulate suction power depending on the surface that it's on.

There's additional sound insulation to further muffle its already quiet motor. This flagship variant also comes with a lightweight parquet floorhead, another straight-suction floorhead with retractable bristles for cleaning hard floors and low-pile carpet, and Miele's top-of-the-line SEB 236 powerhead with five levels of height adjustment and a headlight to illuminate dark corners. If you don't need as diverse an attachment set and can live without the handle-mounted controls, automatic power setting, and additional sound deadening, the C3 Kona variant delivers a very similar user experience at a lower price.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a different kind of canister vacuum, consider the SEBO Airbelt D4, which incurs lower ownership costs thanks to its use of bigger dirtbags and longer-lasting filters. It also has a longer operating range of nearly fifty feet, enabling you to easily clean far-away areas. However, its bulkier design makes it less maneuverable than the Miele.

Check out the Miele Classic C1 if you want a mid-range corded vacuum. The entry-level Pure Suction model is much cheaper than even entry-level variants of the Miele Complete C3 but still has the same 1200 W suction motor as all C3s. As such, it delivers similarly superb cleaning performance on bare floors. That said, this version of the C1 doesn't have an electrosocket that would allow you to mount a powered floorhead, so it's ill-suited for cleaning thick carpeting; consider a pricier C1 model like the C1 Cat & Dog if that's a concern.

This vacuum lacks an onboard tool storage compartment and doesn't feel as well-built as the C3, though the build quality is still good overall. User maintenance is also remarkably simple and hygienic, with easily-accessible filters and compatibility with self-sealing dirtbags. Its compact size and trio of caster-mounted wheels also make it very maneuverable. Still, if you prefer using a stick vacuum, the Shark Stratos UltraLight is another good corded option that takes up less room while not in use, though it's more demanding in terms of maintenance and doesn't feel nearly as sturdy.

The Eureka Mighty Mite is a fantastic choice for something corded and budget-friendly. Compared to a mid-range model like the Miele Classic C1, it doesn't feel as well-built and lacks convenience features like a self-winding power cable or a tool clip. However, it delivers superb performance on bare floors and sucks up an impressive amount of debris on carpets, even with a simple straight-suction floorhead, thanks partly to its potent 12-amp motor. Still, if you plan on cleaning a lot of dense carpeting on a budget, go for an upright with a height-adjustable powerhead for improved surface agitation, like the BISSELL PowerForce Helix. However, it's important to note that the BISSELL takes up more room, isn't as easy to maneuver, especially in cramped environments, and feels even less sturdy.

On the plus side, the Eureka is also very compact and easy to maintain. However, it has a short power cable, so you'll probably have to swap outlets when cleaning bigger areas.