Clean floors the easy way with one of these powerful vacs
Vacuuming your floors regularly is essential for a healthy home, but finding the best vacuum for carpet can be a daunting task. You need a certain amount of suction power to get the dirt and dust out of carpets, which means that some machines that clean perfectly well on hard floors may not be up to the task. And while there are plenty of options out there, how do you find one that can help you clean thoroughly without breaking the bank?
In our carefully curated guide, our experts have done the legwork for you, by testing and reviewing vacuum cleaners of all shapes and sizes. We’ve got hands-on and in-depth with every model below, considering factors such as suction power, battery life, maneuverability and special features, to help you find the best vacuum cleaner for your needs. You might be tempted to narrow things down to the best cordless vacuums, but bear in mind that corded models tend to have more outright power, which is especially important when dealing with carpet – so it’s worth keeping them in the mix.
So whether you’re dealing with medium or deep pile carpets, we’ve got you covered. Our best vacuum for carpet selections range from budget-friendly vacs to premium models packed with cutting-edge tech.
Best vacuum for carpet overall
1. Dyson V8
The best vacuum for carpet overall
Specifications
Type: Cordless stick
Weight: 5.6lbs / 2.6kgBin size: 0.4qt / 0.54L
Max runtime: 40mins
Reasons to buy
+Converts to handheld
+More affordable than other Dysons
+Decent suction
Reasons to avoid
-Only 40 mins battery life
-Powered by trigger
Dyson is a huge name in vacuums, and one that generally commands a premium. But this 2016 cordless model has become increasingly affordable in recent years, making it the best vacuum for carpets, particulaly for anyone who wants to buy into this premium brand at a more affordable price.
Despite being eight years old, the Dyson V8 offers strong suction power, versatility, and good battery life. Its two-in-one design allows it to function as both a stick vacuum and a handheld unit, with various attachments for different cleaning tasks. It has a 0.54L dustbin capacity and as you’d expect, uses Dyson’s cyclone technology for efficient dirt separation.
In practice, our reviewer found the V8 lightweight and easy to maneuver, and while it lacks some of the advanced features found in newer Dyson models, such as an LCD screen or automatic suction adjustment, it still delivered impressive cleaning performance. It comes in various versions with different accessories, but all share the same core technology.
The vacuum provides up to 40 minutes of battery life on its standard setting, though this drops to about seven minutes on the maximum power mode. Given that it takes up to five hours to recharge, this means the V8 may not be the best option for large houses. Those with smaller homes to clean, though, will enjoy its cleaning prowess, versatility and excellent accessories.
>>>V8 Battery for Dyson V8 Vacuum Cleaner
Best for versatility
2. Shark Stratos Cordless
The most versatile vacuum for carpet
Specifications
Type: Cordless stick
Weight: 8.9lbs / 4.1kg
Bin size: 0.72qt / 0.7L
Max runtime: 60 mins
Charge time: 3 hours
Reasons to buy
+Loads of suction
+Flexible wand cleans anywhere
+Good battery life
Reasons to avoid
-Slightly bulky floor head
The Shark Stratos Cordless is a great choice if you need a really versatile vacuum for carpet. Our reviewer found it to be a powerful cleaning device, with strong suction capabilities and effective hair removal, plus the ability to spot dust and dirt with an infrared sensor and automatically adjust the suction power accordingly, which meant she never had to run over the same area more than twice.
Thanks to a flexible wand that bends in half at the click of a button, our tester found that it made for easy cleaning under furniture without squatting or bending over, which makes a real difference if you find vacuuming a strain on your back.
Other great features include a swiveling floor head with LED headlights, odor-neutralizing technology, and a design that prevents hair wrap around the brush rolls. Plus this stick vacuum can convert to a handheld unit for added versatility. Battery life is impressive, too, lasting up to 60 minutes in ECO mode, which is typically sufficient for cleaning a mid-to-large-sized home. And the battery recharges in just three hours, which is pretty quick for this type of device.
We rate the Shark Stratos Cordless as the best vacuum for pet hair, and it runs the Dyson V8 at #1 a very close second if you need the best vacuum for carpet. It’s certainly a strong choice for those seeking a versatile and powerful cordless cleaning solution for carpets.
Best vacuum for suction
3. Halo Capsule X Pet Max
The best vacuum for suction on carpet
Specifications
Type: Cordless stick
Weight: 5.7lbs / 2.6kg
Bin size: 2qt / 2L
Max runtime: 50 mins
Charge time: 2 hours
Reasons to buy
+Powerful suction
+Light to hold
+Large dustbag
Reasons to avoid
-Lacks some advanced features
Cordless vacuums are convenient, but they often lack suction compared with their corded counterparts. The Halo Capsule X, however, is a notable exception and really impressed us in our tests. Our reviewer found it excelled at picking up various debris types from both medium and deep-pile carpets, from fine flour to large cornflakes, as well as proving effective at collecting pet hair.
Not only that, but the vacuum operates quietly and is lightweight and comfortable to use, with good maneuverability. Unlike many modern vacuums, this device uses a bagged system with a large 2-liter capacity, which is made from compostable materials. This design allows for easy, dust-free emptying and the ability to vacuum fine particles without damaging the motor.
We found the battery and motor housing, while bulky-looking, don’t interfere with arm movement during use. The Capsule X comes with two batteries, providing up to 50 minutes of runtime in medium power mode. The Pet Max bundle includes two motorized floor heads, a motorized pet brush, and additional tools for detailed cleaning.
On the downside, while the vacuum performs excellently in stick mode, its bulky design makes it somewhat awkward to use in handheld mode, particularly for car cleaning. Overall, though, the Halo Capsule X stands out for its impressive performance, large dust capacity, and eco-friendly bagged system, although it does lack some of the high-tech features found in other vacuums.
Best upright vacuum for carpet
4. Shark Stratos Upright
The best upright vacuum for carpet
Specifications
Type: Upright
Weight: 16.7lbs / 7.6kg
Bin size: 1.49qt / 1.4L
Max runtime: N/A
Charge time: N/A
Reasons to buy
+Anti-odor feature
+Lots of suction
+Great for pet owners
Reasons to avoid
-Stretch hose a bit short
-Cord could be longer
Don’t want to wait around for batteries to recharge? If you’re looking for a corded model, this is the best upright vacuum we can recommend for carpet.
While it’s a little on the bulky and heavy side, this vacuum has been designed with maneuverability in mind. Our reviewer particularly liked how you can detach the main unit from the floorhead and attach the wand, making it easier to clean under furniture. Another favorite feature was its exceptional hair pickup capability, complemented by anti-hair wrap technology in the cleaner head that prevents hair from tangling around the dual brushrolls. This makes it particularly effective and low-maintenance for pet owners.
Then there’s the innovative anti-odor cartridge system, which keeps both the machine and floors smelling fresh, a feature which worked well in practice in our testing. The Stratos Upright also boasts an anti-allergen complete seal, which captures and traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
Note that unlike the Stratos Cordless at #1, this vacuum doesn’t include Shark’s Clean Sense IQ tech, which senses how much dirt is on a floor and adjusts the suction power accordingly. However, its impressive performance and useful features make it a strong contender for anyone who’s more interested in cleaning power than the lightweight maneuverability of cordless options.
Best vacuum for carpet FAQs
What type of vacuum is best for carpet?
When choosing a vacuum cleaner for carpets, there are several types and features to consider, and each has its own pros and cons. So it’s a matter of weighing these up in terms of your own specific needs and home layout.
To start with, upright vacuums are known for their powerful suction and wide cleaning path. They often come with rotating brushes, aka beater bars, that are effective at deep cleaning carpets. However, they can be heavy, bulky and difficult to maneuver around furniture, making them best suited for large carpeted areas and homes with high-pile or plush carpets.
In contrast, cordless vacuums offer more versatility and are easier to maneuver around and under furniture and on stairs. They also usually come with a variety of attachments for specific tasks. They are generally not as powerful as upright vacuums for deep carpet cleaning, but are still a good choice for homes with a mix of carpeted floors, hard floors and area rugs.
Robot vacuums can also be a good choice for carpets, providing you use them regularly, as they typically don’t provide the same deep cleaning as other vacuums. These devices generally perform better on low to medium-pile carpets, but high-pile or shag carpets may pose challenges.