11 Best Upright Vacuums with Large Capacity Bags

Classic, powerful design handles whole-house cleaning tasks. But does that mean an upright vacuum is the right choice for your home? You might be surprised how versatile they’ve become. Modern models are lighter and more agile, tackling everything from deep-pile carpets to those hard-to-reach corners under furniture with ease.

We put a top-rated model through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype. Get ready to find out if this classic cleaner can really keep up with your busy life and make your weekly chores a bit simpler. The results might just change your mind about this trusty workhorse.

Product Comparison Table: 11 Best Upright Vacuum

Image	Why We Like This Product	Editor’s Rating
	Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe with Large Dust… Lift-Away pod cleans everywhere, from stairs to under furniture Sealed HEPA filter traps 99.9% of dust and allergens	9.7	Read Review
	Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter,… Lift away pod for easy cleaning of stairs and furniture Sealed HEPA filter traps 99.9% of dust and allergens	9.5	Read Review
	Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum with Quick Release… Powerful suction in a lightweight, 10-pound design Captures hard floor messes with less scatter	9.3	Read Review
	Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits in Dorm Rooms… Powerful suction in a lightweight, under-8-pound design Captures hard floor messes with less scatter	9.1	Read Review
	Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and… Lightweight and easy to maneuver around furniture Large capacity means less stopping to empty	8.9	Read Review
	Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Carpet and… Powerful suction for all floors and effortless pet hair removal Lightweight at 7.7 lbs with onboard tools for easy cleaning	8.6	Read Review
	Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, NEU10AE4,… Ultra-lightweight at 7.7 lbs for easy carrying and storage Powerful suction for all floors with a wide cleaning path	8.4	Read Review
	Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel… Swivel steering for easy cleaning around furniture Triple-action brush roll removes embedded pet hair	8.2	Read Review
	Shark Upright Vacuum, Stratos with DuoClean PowerFins, HairPro, Powered… Unbeatable suction with zero hair wrap on brushrolls Lift-Away pod for motorized cleaning under furniture	8.0	Read Review
	Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off with Powerful Suction,… Powerful suction lifts away stubborn pet hair and allergens HEPA sealed system traps allergens, doesn’t release them back	7.8	Read Review
	Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with HEPA… Detach the pod to clean anywhere, from stairs to ceilings Sealed HEPA system traps 99.9% of dust and allergens	7.6	Read Review

Quick Review For Top 11 Upright Vacuum

Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe with Large Dust Cup Capacity, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, Upholstery Tool & Crevice Tool, Blue, NV360

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360 is an upright vacuum designed to handle the varied messes of a busy home. Its core strength is powerful suction that effectively deep-cleans carpets and transitions seamlessly to bare floors. You’ll find it’s a versatile tool, not just a floor cleaner. A key feature is the Lift-Away functionality. The main pod detaches from the vacuum’s body with a simple click. This lets you easily clean under low furniture like beds or sofas.

Or, you can detach the entire nozzle to carry a lightweight, portable unit for cleaning stairs, upholstery, curtains, and even your car interior. It makes those above-floor tasks much simpler. For households with pets or allergy concerns, this model has specific benefits. It includes a specialized upholstery tool that’s great for lifting embedded pet hair from couches and pet beds.

The Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology works with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from escaping back into the air you breath. This is a important feature for maintaining better indoor air quality after vacuuming. Maneuverability is a strong point. The swivel steering allows the vacuum to pivot smoothly around chair legs, through tight corners, and around clutter. You don’t have to constantly lift and reposition it.

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Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter, Anti-Allergen Technology, Swivel Steering, Ideal for Carpet, Stairs, & Bare Floors, with Wide Upholstery & Crevice Tools, Lavender

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is designed to handle the varied cleaning challenges in a modern home. Its core innovation is the Lift-Away functionality. With a simple release, you can detach the pod from the upright base.

This lets you easily carry a powerful, self-contained vacuum unit to clean stairs, upholstery, or even your car interiors without dragging the whole machine.

For households concerned about air quality, this model features Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology combined with a HEPA filter. This system is engineered to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from escaping back into the air you breathe.

It’s a signifigant benefit for those with allergies or pets.

Maneuverability is a strong point thanks to the Swivel Steering. The vacuum head pivots smoothly, making it easy to navigate around chair legs, into corners, and under furniture. When you encounter a mix of floor types, the Brushroll Shutoff feature is essential.

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Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum with Quick Release Wand, Full Size Power, Compact Size for Apartments & Dorms, 3437F

The Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum with Quick Release Wand, 3437F, is designed for smaller living spaces that still demand a serious clean. If you’re in an apartment, dorm, or just have limited storage, this model tackles the core challenge: getting full-size cleaning performance without the full-size bulk. It packs the suction power of a much larger vacuum into a unit that’s easy to maneuver and store away.

Weighing only about 10 pounds, it’s notably lightweight.

This makes it simple to carry up stairs or pull out for quick, daily cleanups without it feeling like a chore. The compact design doesn’t mean you’re sacrificing reach or functionality, though. It includes a Quick Release Extension Wand that detaches instantly. This lets you to easily clean ceiling corners, window sills, upholstery, or under furniture without needing a separate tool setup.

It’s all right there, integrated into the main body of the vacuum.

One of the standout features for anyone with mixed flooring is the Scatter-Free Technology. When you switch to cleaning hard surfaces like wood, laminate, or tile, this feature helps contain debris instead of blowing it around. It aims to capture the mess on the first pass, which means less work for you and a more efficient cleaning session.

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Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, Fits in Dorm Rooms & Apartments, Lightweight with Powerful Suction and Removable Extension Wand, 3508

The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum, 3508 is designed for life in smaller spaces. If you live in a dorm room, apartment, or just have limited storage, this vacuum’s compact size is a major advantage. It fits easily into closets or corners without taking up much room. But don’t let it’s small footprint fool you. It packs a serious punch when it comes to cleaning power. One of it’s standout features is the powerful suction.

This machine is built to pull dirt, crumbs, and debris from both carpets and hard floors effectively. It’s a convenient all-in-one cleaner, so you don’t need separate tools for different surfaces. The specially designed Scatter-Free Technology helps contain messes on hard floors. Instead of blowing dust and crumbs around, the vacuum captures them directly, making cleanup quicker and less frustrating. Maneuverability is another key point.

Weighing less than eight pounds, the CleanView Compact is exceptionally lightweight. You can easily carry it up stairs, from room to room, or even use it for quick car cleanouts without strain. It glides smoothly around furniture legs and under low-clearance spaces like beds or sofas. The handle is comfortable to hold, making the whole process less of a chore. For above-floor cleaning, the vacuum includes a removable extension wand.

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Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet and Hard Floors, With Crevice and Upholstery Tools, Detachable Handle, Lightweight (8.4 lbs), 1.7L Dust Cup, 720W, 25ft Cord, Black/White

The Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is designed to be a straightforward, effective solution for keeping your carpets and hard floors clean without complicating the process. Weighing just 8.4 pounds, this vacuum is notably lightweight. That means you can easily carry it up stairs or move it from room to room without feeling like your arm is getting a workout.

The 25-foot power cord gives you a generous reach, so you can cover a large area without constantly searching for a new outlet to plug into. Maneuverability is a key strength here, making quick clean-ups less of a chore. For versatility, it comes with two handy attachments: a crevice tool and an upholstery tool. The crevice tool is perfect for getting into those tight spots along baseboards, in car seats, or between couch cushions.

The upholstery tool lets you refresh sofas, chairs, and curtains without needing a separate machine. The handle itself is detachable, which turns the main unit into a portable hand vac for above-floor tasks, adding to its flexibility around your home. A large 1.7-liter dust cup means you can clean for longer periods before you need to stop and empty it. This is especially useful when tackling bigger jobs like a whole living area or after a minor spill.

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Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Carpet and Floor, AirSpeed Ultra-Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner, w/ Replacement Filter, Blue

The Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner is designed to be a straightforward, effective cleaning partner for your home. It focuses on core functionality, making the chore of vacuuming less of a burden with its thoughtful design and practical features. A central benefit of this vacuum is its powerful all-floor suction. It transitions smoothly from hard surfaces like wood or tile to carpets, pulling up dirt, dust, and embedded hair with consistent power.

The 10.5-inch wide cleaning path is a real time-saver, allowing you to cover more ground with each pass. You won’t need to go over the same area repeatedly, which speeds up your entire cleaning session. Its also built to be incredibly lightweight, at just 7.7 pounds. This makes carrying it up stairs or maneuvering it around furniture remarkably easy, reducing arm fatigue.

When you’re done, its compact shape tucks away neatly into a closet corner or a small storage space without taking up much room. For maintenance, this model keeps things simple and economical. It uses a washable, reusable filter. You can rinse it out with water, let it dry completely, and pop it back in—no need to constantly buy replacement filters. This not only saves you money over time but also cuts down on waste, supporting a more eco-friendly cleaning routine.

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Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, NEU10AE4, Green

The Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner, NEU10AE4, is designed to make cleaning less of a chore. Its standout feature is how incredibly light it is, weighing just 7.7 pounds. This means you can easily carry it up and down stairs, move it from room to room, and store it in tight closets or corners without any struggle. The compact design is a real space-saver. This vacuum doesn’t sacrifice power for its light weight.

With 700 watts of suction, it effectively pulls up dirt, dust, and hair from both hard floors and carpets. The 10.5-inch wide cleaning path helps you cover more area with each pass, making your cleaning sessions quicker and more efficient. It’s a true all-floor vacuum, so you won’t need to switch machines when going from your kitchen to your living room rug. One of the most convenient aspects is the quick-release handle.

Simply detach it from the main body, and you have a portable, powerful hand vac for above-floor tasks. The included crevice tool and dusting brush snap right onto the end of the handle, so they’re always ready when you need them. This makes cleaning upholstery, window sills, ceiling corners, and other tricky spots remarkably easy. The tools even store right on the vacuum itself, so you won’t lose them. Maintenance is straightforward and cost-effective.

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Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering, Powerful Pet Hair Pick Up, Specialized Pet Tools, Large Capacity Dirt Tank, Easy Empty

The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Vacuum is designed for homes with pets, focusing on tackling the specific messes they leave behind. Its core feature is the swivel steering, which gives you maximum maneuverability to easily navigate around chair legs, under tables, and through tight spaces without constantly lifting and repositioning the whole machine. This makes a routine clean-up feel less like a chore. A major highlight is its powerful pet hair pick up.

The Triple Action Brush Roll works in three steps: it first loosens embedded hair and dirt from your carpets, then lifts it, and finally removes it all in one pass. This is especially useful on carpets where pet hair seems to weave itself into the fibers. For hard surfaces, the Multi-Surface Cleaning mode includes Scatter-Free Technology. This helps stop dry messes like kibble or litter from being blown around, so you actually capture the debri instead of just chasing it across the floor.

The specialized pet tools that come with it are key for above-the-floor cleaning. You’ll find attachments perfect for upholstery, stairs, and crevices, so you can remove hair from your couch, car seats, or those corners where dust bunnies hide. The Edge-to-Edge cleaning capability of the main vacuum head means the brush extends to the sides, allowing you to get closer to baseboards and in room corners where dirt and hair often accumulate. Maintenance is straightforward.

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Shark Upright Vacuum, Stratos with DuoClean PowerFins, HairPro, Powered Lift-Away, Self-Cleaning Brushroll, & Odor Neutralizer Technology, Navy, AZ3002

The Shark Stratos Upright Vacuum, model AZ3002 in Navy, is designed to tackle the most common and frustrating cleaning challenges in a modern home. Its core promise is a combination of raw power and smart engineering aimed at making cleaning more thorough and less of a chore. At its heart is ultra-powerful suction, which Shark states is their best for hair pickup of any vacuum they make. This power is channeled through the DuoClean PowerFins HairPro system.

Instead of a single brushroll, this has two. One brushroll digs deep into carpet fibers to pull out embedded dirt, while the other directly engages hard floors to suction up debris without scattering it. The “HairPro” focus means its built to handle pet hair and human hair without the typical hassle. The self-cleaning brushroll is engineered to resist hair wrap, actively preventing strands from tangling and binding the mechanism, which is a common headache for many vacuums.

When you need to clean under low furniture like beds or sofas, the Powered Lift-Away feature is key. You can lift the entire motor pod away from the floor nozzle, but unlike simpler detachable modes, the brushroll remains powered for effective cleaning even in those tight spaces. You can also detach the nozzle entirely for cleaning above the floor on stairs or upholstery. To help you see what your vacuum is picking up, LED headlights on the nozzle illuminate hidden dust and hair in dim corners.

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Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off with Powerful Suction, HEPA, Tangle-Free Brush Roll, 39883

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Allergen Lift-Off, model 39883, is designed for homes with pets that need a thorough, practical clean. It tackles the specific challenges pet owners face, from stubborn hair to airborne allergens, with a suite of thoughtful features. At its core, this vacuum boasts powerful suction. This means dirt, ground-in fur, and dust don’t stand a chance on both carpets and hard floors. It’s built to pull debris in effectivly on the first pass.

A key feature is the unique Lift-Off detachable pod. The main canister seperates from the floor nozzle with a quick release, becoming a lightweight, handheld unit you can carry upstairs or use for furniture and car interiors. This makes cleaning hard-to-reach areas like under beds or on stairs much less of a chore. For health-conscious households, the HEPA sealed allergen system is crucial.

It captures 99.97% of dust and allergens, trapping them inside the vacuum so they don’t escape back into the air you breathe. This is a major benefit for anyone with allergies or asthma. The tangle-free brush roll directly addresses a common frustration. It’s engineered to resist hair wrap, cutting down on maintenance and the need to constantly cut hair from the roller. You’ll spend more time cleaning and less time maintaining the cleaner itself.

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Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum with HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering, LED Headlights, Wide Upholstery Tool, Dusting Brush & Crevice Tool, White/Red

The Shark NV501 Rotator Professional Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is designed to tackle a variety of cleaning challenges in your home. Its core feature is the innovative Lift-Away functionality. With the simple press of a button, the pod detaches from the main body. This lets you easily clean under low furniture like beds and sofas without dragging the whole machine.

You can also detach just the nozzle to carry a lightweight unit upstairs or use it for cleaning furniture and drapes, making it incredibly versatile for whole-house cleaning. Maneuverability is a key strength of this model. The Advanced Swivel Steering allows the vacuum head to pivot sharply, helping you navigate around chair legs, through crowded rooms, and into corners with minimal effort. To ensure you don’t miss anything, powerful LED Headlights are built right into the nozzle.

They illuminate dark areas under furniture and along baseboards, revealing hidden dust, crumbs, and pet hair that you might otherwise overlook. For households concerned with air quality, the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology is a significant benefit. This system, combined with the HEPA filter, is designed to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.

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Upright Vacuum Buying Guide

An upright vacuum should offer deep-cleaning power with easy maneuverability. But with so many models on teh market, how do you pick the right one? This guide will help you focus on the key factors that make a real difference in your daily cleaning routine.

Floor Type & Brush Roll

Do you have mostly carpet, hard floors, or a mix? This is your starting point. For carpets, look for a model with a motorized brush roll that agitates fibers to pull out embedded dirt. For hard floors, you’ll want a setting that deactivates that brush roll to prevent scattering debris. Many modern uprights offer an automatic switch, which is a huge time-saver when moving from your living room rug to the kitchen tile.

Weight & Maneuverability

You’ll be pushing and pulling this machine around furniture and into corners. A lighter model is easier on your arms and back, especially if you have stairs. Check for swivel steering—it makes navigating around chair legs a breeze compared to a rigid, bulky design. If it feels cumbersome in the store, imagine using it every week.

Filtration System

For households with allergies, this is critical. A sealed HEPA filtration system traps the finest dust particles and allergens inside the vacuum, preventing them from blowing back into your home’s air. Without it, you might just be redistributing the dust. Remember to check how often filters need replacing and their cost.

Corded vs. Cordless

Corded uprights provide consistent, powerful suction for as long as you need, ideal for large homes. But you’re tethered to an outlet. Cordless models offer fantastic freedom and quick clean-ups, but battery life can be a limitation. Consider your home’s size: can you finish the job on a single charge, or will you be left waiting for a recharge mid-clean?

Dust Capacity & Emptying

Nobody likes a messy chore. Bagless models let you see when thay’re full and save you from buying replacements, but emptying the canister can send a cloud of dust into the air. Bagged models tend to contain dust better and are often more hygenic, but require ongoing purchases. Think about which trade-off suits your lifestyle better.

Frequently Asked Questions About Upright Vacuums

What is an upright vacuum?

It’s the classic vacuum design with a long handle and cleaning head attached. You push it back and forth across your floors. They’re great for large carpeted areas and are generally easy to store.

Are upright vacuums good for carpets?

Yes, thay often are. Many uprights have a motorized brush roll that digs into carpet fibers to pull out dirt. This makes them a top choice if you have lots of carpet in your home.

Can I use an upright on hard floors?

You can, but check the features. Some models let you turn off the brush roll to avoid scattering debris. Others come with special hard floor settings to gentle clean without scratching.

How do they compare to stick vacuums?

Uprights usually have more powerful suction and a larger dirt bin. They’re better for deep, whole-house cleaning. Stick vacuums are lighter and quicker for daily pick-ups.

Are they heavy and hard to maneuver?

Some can be, but many newer models are quite lightweight. Look for features like swivel steering. This helps you move around furniture legs and into tight corners much easier.

What about stairs and above-floor cleaning?

This is a common challenge. Most uprights come with hose and tool attachments for furniture and stairs. You’ll have to carry the whole vacuum or detach the hose, which can be a bit awkward sometimes.

How important is the filter?

Very important, especially if you have allergies. A good HEPA filter traps tiny particles like dust and pollen inside the vacuum. This stops them from blowing back out into your room’s air.

What should I look for in a new model?

Think about your main floor types, if you have pets, and storage space. Key features include adjustable height settings, a long power cord, easy-empty bins, and of course, strong suction for your needs.

How often do I need to empty it?

Try to empty the dust cup after each use, or once it’s half-full. A full bin reduces suction power and makes the vacuum work harder. It’s a simple habit that keeps your machine running well.

Final Thoughts

Command deep-cleaning power with this classic, reliable design. It gets the job done without any fuss. You won’t find complicated gadgets or confusing settings here. Just a straightforward machine that pulls dirt from your carpets and leaves your floors looking fresh. It’s the kind of tool you can rely on for years, making weekly chores a bit simpler and a lot more effective. For general home maintenance, it’s a fantastic choice that covers all the basics incredibly well.

When you need a trustworthy appliance for your regular cleaning routine, this upright vacuum stands out. It offers great value and consistent performance. You’ll appreciate its simple operation and the solid results it provides every time. It proves that you don’t always need the fanciest features for a clean home. Sometimes, the best tool is the one that works reliably, time after time, without letting you down.