The 6 Best Vacuum Cleaners - Fall 2023 Reviews

The best vacuum cleaner we've tested is the Dyson V15 Detect, especially if you want something cordless. 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 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 doubling 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 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.

The Wyze Cordless Vacuum is a good option to save money on a vacuum cleaner. Despite its budget-friendly price point, it delivers pretty strong overall debris pickup performance, easily clearing away debris on both hard floors and carpet. It also does a good job of dealing with pet hair on different floor types, though the bundled upholstery tool isn't all that effective for dealing with hair on fabric furniture; you're better off purchasing the miniature turbo brush tool from Wyze's website if you have a pet that sheds heavily. Its on-board HEPA filter is pretty effective in sealing in allergens, too. Battery performance isn't bad for a cordless model in this price bracket. While its runtime is very limited in its high-power 'Turbo' mode, it can run for almost an hour in its most energy-efficient 'ECO' setting.

That said, compared to pricier models like the Samsung Jet 75, the Wyze's build quality is somewhat cheap and flimsy-feeling, with a body made mainly from thinner plastic. Its dirt compartment feels particularly fragile, and its floorhead scratches rather easily.

If you aren't convinced by cordless vacuums and value all-out performance over portability, it's hard to go wrong with the Miele Complete C3. This bagged canister vacuum will take a little more time to set up than a cordless model like the Dyson V15 Detect. However, it delivers even better performance across various surfaces. The Brilliant variant sits at the top of the C3 lineup and includes many convenience features. There are additional handle-mounted controls and an extra 'Auto' setting that allows the vacuum to automatically adjust suction power depending on the surface it's on. There's additional sound insulation for its already quiet motor. This flagship variant also comes with a lightweight parquet floorhead, another straight-suction floorhead with retractable bristles, and Miele's top-of-the-line SEB 236 powerhead with five levels of height adjustment.

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 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 50 feet, enabling you to clean far-away areas easily. 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 1200W 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 feels less well-built than 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. The compact size and trio of caster-mounted wheels also make it very maneuverable.

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. It 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, is more challenging 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.