Best Upright Vacuum

The Bissell CleanView Swivel Pet 2252 is an affordable upright that does better than expected on both carpet and hard floor tests, particularly with pet hair. TechGearLab praised its suction indicator and powered pet tool, and Vacuum Wars called it strong value for budget-conscious buyers. Reviewers flagged filtration problems, a brush that is hard to clean, and no suction control. It suits anyone who wants an economical vacuum that still delivers solid performance; allergy sufferers may want to consider alternatives.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 has been a Wirecutter pick for years, on the strength of strong suction, durability, and lift-away operation that reaches high spots. TechGearLab's review confirms its solid carpet performance and HEPA filtration while noting it falls short on hardwood floors and tangles with pet hair. It is not the best vacuum available, but it holds up as a reliable budget option under $200 with a five-year motor warranty. The warranty's limited scope and the small dustbin are the noted drawbacks.

The Shark S3500 Lift-Away Deluxe is solid value, with the Lift-Away feature, washable filters, and decent performance across floor types. Reviewers noted it is well-built for its price range and picks up debris effectively, though it does not turn sharply and the power cord is short. Some users found the brushroll tangles with pet hair, and the vacuum's balance makes it somewhat unstable when upright. Buyers who want an affordable, multi-floor vacuum with good filtration are the fit; anyone who needs superior edge cleaning or sharp maneuverability is not.