10 Best Vacuums For Carpets 2025 in the United States

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a solid choice if you're looking for a vacuum mainly for carpets and pet hair. Its suction is strong enough to handle deep carpet cleaning and pick up pet dander and hair effectively. The brush roll can be turned off, which is handy when you switch from carpets to hard floors, helping prevent scratching and making it more versatile. It has a HEPA filtration system that traps 99.9% of dust and allergens, which is great if allergies are a concern.

Weighing about 13.7 pounds, it’s relatively easy to maneuver around furniture thanks to its swivel steering, and you can detach the vacuum pod to clean stairs or upholstery more comfortably. The vacuum is bagless with a large dust cup (0.87 liters), so you can clean longer before emptying, though emptying a dust cup can sometimes be messier compared to bagged models. Noise level sits around 80 decibels, which is average—noticeable but not overly loud. It includes useful attachments like a crevice tool and dusting brush for detailed cleaning.

It is corded, so managing the cord length during use is necessary. It offers two power speeds but doesn't have multiple specialized settings beyond that. It’s designed with pet owners in mind and performs well on carpeted floors but also can handle bare floors without hassle. This vacuum combines powerful cleaning with allergy protection and user-friendly features, making it a reliable option for homes with carpets and pets, provided you are comfortable with a corded device and a bagless system.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a solid choice for carpet cleaning, especially for those who want a vacuum that's versatile and easy to handle. It offers strong suction power with a 1.61 horsepower motor, which helps deep-clean carpets effectively. The brush roll can be turned off, making it safe to use on bare floors without scratching, so it adapts well if you have mixed flooring. Its Lift-Away feature lets you detach the main pod to clean stairs, furniture, or tight spots, adding convenience. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability, making it easier to navigate around furniture and corners.

The vacuum uses a washable HEPA filter combined with anti-allergen technology, capturing dust and allergens well—great if you have allergies or pets. Speaking of pets, it comes with a wide upholstery tool designed for pet hair pickup. Weighing 12.5 pounds, it's reasonably lightweight for an upright, which helps when carrying it up stairs or moving it around. This model is bagless, so you don’t have to buy bags, but you will need to empty the 1.1-quart dust cup regularly. The noise level is around 80 decibels, which is moderately loud but typical for upright vacuums.

Attachments include a crevice tool and upholstery tool, covering most cleaning needs but might feel limited if you want more specialized accessories. This vacuum is well suited for carpet owners looking for strong cleaning power, allergen control, and easy handling; however, if you prefer a quieter machine or additional attachments, those factors should be considered.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe, is a solid choice for households needing an effective carpet cleaner. One of its standout features is the powerful suction that effectively handles both carpets and bare floors, making it versatile for different cleaning needs. The lift-away functionality allows users to detach the pod, which is great for reaching under furniture or cleaning above-floor surfaces like upholstery and stairs. This flexibility is especially helpful in tight spaces or for those who have pets, as the included upholstery tool makes picking up pet hair simple and efficient.

Another notable aspect is the HEPA filtration system, paired with anti-allergen technology, which helps trap dust and allergens. This feature is advantageous for allergy sufferers, ensuring cleaner air quality during and after cleaning. Additionally, the 0.9-quart dust cup capacity means less frequent emptying, allowing for longer cleaning sessions without interruptions.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The vacuum is not cordless, which limits mobility and may be inconvenient in larger spaces. While it provides good suction, it does add some weight, which could make prolonged use tiring for some users. Noise level is also an aspect worth noting; while it's not excessively loud, it’s not the quietest vacuum on the market either. The swivel steering feature enhances maneuverability, but some users may find that the vacuum's bulk makes it harder to navigate in very tight spaces. Also, while the brush roll shutoff feature is useful for switching between carpet and bare floor cleaning, some may prefer a more intuitive transition without needing to adjust settings.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe proves to be a practical vacuum for carpet cleaning, particularly beneficial for pet owners or those with allergies, though its corded design and weight could pose challenges for certain users.