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Best Bagless Upright Vacuums in 2023

The vacuum cleaner is a housekeeping staple. Without one, it only takes a week or sooner for dirt, hair and debris to make your floors look dingy and unkempt. In fact, The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends vacuuming high-traffic areas once every day.

Therefore, you need a vacuum that is easy to use and can deliver the performance needed for heavy-duty jobs, and the type of vacuum that can meet those demands is an upright.

Best Bagless Upright Vacuums


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Our Recommended Bagless Upright Vacuums in 2023

6. Dyson Ball Animal 2

When you’re an allergy sufferer, you have to pick your vacuum cleaner with care. The Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum can help keep allergy symptoms at bay.

Certified as Asthma and Allergy Friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, this upright boasts an excellent HEPA filtration system and a clean-emptying 0.55-gallon dust bin that you can dump with a single button press.

To help you maneuver all 17.4 pounds of this vacuum, there is a comfort-grip D-shaped handle and a swiveling ball joint at the base of the upright. Its self-adjusting floor nozzle contains a moving base plate that is well-adept at preventing suction leaks around the floor.

With its 35-foot power cord, you get a cleaning radius of almost 50 feet, so you won’t need to switch electrical outlets while you vacuum with the Dyson Ball Animal 2.

Inside of the Dyson upright vacuum cleaner, there is an 11.67-amp motor, which controls the suction-maximizing radial root cyclones and the dirt-loosening brushroll. When you need to clean areas other than your floor, the Ball Animal 2 has you covered.

You can swiftly release the wand and hose by pushing a button on the handle, so you can attach the stair tool, combo tool or turbine tool with counter-rotating brushes.

Dyson Upright Vacuum Cleaner, Ball Animal 2,...
  • Strongest suction of any vacuum; Even more power for tough tasks
  • Self adjusting cleaner head seals in suction across carpet, wood, vinyl, and tile floors

5. Bissell 1330 CleanView

If you’re short on time, the Bissell 1330 CleanView Upright Vacuum can get the job done fast. It’s equipped with Bissell’s exclusive OnePass technology that offers unwavering suction and a highly efficient brushroll, so it only takes one pass to remove all dirt and debris.

The floor head cleans in an extra-wide 13.5-inch path, and it’s also affixed with side brushes and suction to let you clean your baseboards while you vacuum the floor.

With its cyclonic suction system and washable foam filter, fine dust never reaches the 10-amp motor. To make sure the upright’s floor head height is suitable for the type of floor you’re vacuuming, there is a turn dial on the head that lets you choose from among five heights that range from a bare floor setting to plush carpet setting.

When you need to dump the contents of the 2-liter dust cup, the bottom-lid release button makes the task easy.

Getting the Bissell 1330 where you need it to go is a breeze thanks to its light weight of only 15.5 pounds and 25.5-foot power cord. There is also a stretchable 6-foot hose that gives you above-floor reach.

With on-board storage available for the dust brush, extendable crevice tool and turbo brush, you never have to worry about losing any attachments.

Bissell CleanView Bagless Upright Vacuum with...
  • Dirt cup capacity - 2 liters. Easy Empty dirt tank and washable foam tank filter
  • Multi-Level Filtration helps reduce household allergens

4. Shark Navigator NV356E

The Shark Navigator NV356E is far more versatile than most upright vacuums. It weighs just 13.7-pounds and has a sleek and clean design.

While using the vacuum, you are able to swivel the body of the vacuum into difficult-to-reach spaces and areas. By using this swivel steering feature, the entire vacuuming process is very convenient, especially if you live in a smaller home.

To aid in creating a mobile vacuuming experience, the Shark Navigator NV356E is also a Lift-Away vacuum. All you need to do is lift the top portion out of the vacuum, and then you can use the attached hose to clean any surface or space.

Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away Professional...
  • LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: lift away the detachable pod and easily clean above-floor areas...
  • ANTI-ALLERGEN COMPLETE SEAL: Works with a HEPA filter to trap 99.9%* of dust and allergens...

3. Eureka NEU100 Airspeed

From Eureka, we have the Eureka NEU100 Airspeed. With a weight of only 7.7-pounds, this is easily one of the lightest upright vacuums that you can buy.

Moving the Eureka NEU100 Airspeed across your floors is extremely easy, due to the vacuums lack of heft. As it moves across the floors in your home, the brush will sweep up and loosen the dirt, dust, and debris that’s in the vacuum’s path.

For vacuuming in hard-to-reach spaces, Eureka has included a crevice tool, dusting, brush, and a detachable handle. By using any one of those tools, you can easily reach spaces that the main vacuum cleaner is unable to reach.

AirSpeed Compact Bagless Upright NEU100 |...
  • Quick release handle for effortless above floor cleaning. Attach the crevice tool or...
  • Powerful all floor suction extracts dirt and hair from hard floors and carpets ease; It is...

2. Shark Navigator NV360

The Shark Navigator NV360 consists of a floor head and a canister. By pressing a button, you can lift-away the canister, and use the hose attached to this canister to vacuum walls, tables, couches, ceilings – and just about any other surface.

By having this lift-away functionality, as well as access to a long vacuuming hose, you can vacuum just about anything. Plus, Shark has included a crevice tool and a dusting brush, both of which allow you to remove dust and dirt from spaces the main vacuum can’t access.

If you don’t want to use the lift-away function, you can use the Shark Navigator NV360 as you would a regular upright vacuum. It allows for an easy vacuuming process, due to features such as swivel steering.

Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe...
  • POWERFUL SUCTION: Deep-clean carpets and tackle bare floors with multi-surface powerful...
  • LIFT-AWAY FUNCTIONALITY: Detachable pod for cleaning under furniture or detach the nozzle...

1. Bissell Cleanview 2486

In the box that the Bissell Cleanview 2486 comes in, you’ll find the vacuum cleaner and a plethora of excellent tools. It is these tools, and the functions that they allow for, that allow this vacuum cleaner to be so effective.

The tools that Bissell includes are as follows; the TurboBrush Tool, Dusting Brush, Extension Wand, and Crevice Tool. Each tool allows for thorough and effective vacuuming on nearly any surface/in any space.

To aid in creating an effective vacuuming experience, the Bissell Cleanview 2486 upright vacuum uses a multi-cyclonic suction system. Because of this suction system, you are able to vacuum on hard and soft surfaces with ease, removing the dirt, dust, and debris that is on them.

BISSELL 2486 CleanView Bagless Vacuum,...
  • OnePass technology with powerful suction and innovative brush design to clean on the first...
  • Scatter free technology reduces scatter on hard floors

Buying Guide

Shopping for an upright bagless vacuum doesn’t have to be hard even though their features vary widely from model to model. Most importantly, you need to examine the suction strength of every vacuum on your list; this includes facets like the motor and filters.

The size, maneuverability and reach should also be high on your checklist. From there, you can look narrow down your choices by looking at convenience features such as attachments and dust cup capacity.

Best Upright Bagless Vacuum

Suction

We previously mentioned the basic components that contribute to an upright vacuum’s suction strength, like the amps and suction type. However, manufacturers have added more technology to refine and optimize their upright vacuums’ suction capability.

One helpful piece of technology is called a variable suction motor. By pressing a switch or a button, you can adjust the power of the suction, which comes in handy for chores like dusting draperies and cleaning area rugs.

Brushroll

Although the ability to turn the brush roll off and on allows you to use the vacuum on your carpets and hard floors, there are two other methods manufacturers use to give you cleaning flexibility.

Some bagless uprights let you raise and lower the height of the brushroll. A few models even have sensors that adjust the brushroll speed for you.

Floor Head

The size of the floor head is more important than you may think. The wider it is, the more floor you can cover in one pass. The shorter it is, the better you can vacuum under your furniture.

Some upright vacuums are equipped with sealing plates that maintain suction as you transition from one floor to the next. A lot of models also have LED lights to help you see in dark spaces.

Filtration

A HEPA filter is the best type of filter for allergen containment. When it’s put with a pre-filter and post-motor filter, not much dust can get through to the exhaust. However, some bagless upright vacs have a sealed filtration system, which is airtight to prevent dust from escaping through minute leaks.

Size

Upright vacuums come in all sizes with weights that vary from about 8 pounds to almost 20 pounds. Obviously, the weight determines how easy or difficult it is to push the vacuum. However, what is a comfortable weight for one person may be too heavy for someone else.

The same line of thinking applies to the vacuum’s height. If you want to customize the height, look for a bagless upright with an adjustable pole.

The 10 Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Maneuverability

Traditionally, the floor heads on upright vacuum cleaners were fixed. This means they don’t swivel, which makes vacuuming around furniture quite the difficult and inefficient task. A slowly growing trend among uprights is a swiveling floor head, which was a feature that was once reserved for stick vacuums.

With a swivel head, you can vacuum around chair legs and tables with ease. The handle you use to steer the vacuum with also matters. Textured and loop handles offer a better grip than straight ones.

Collection

Each dust cup has a different capacity. However, they all hold a lot of dirt and debris with some containing 0.5 gallons or more. Almost every dust cup is see-through, which is convenient for determining the amount of debris in the cup. These cups either open from the top or the bottom. To minimize the release of dust, choose an upright with a bottom-release cup.

Reach

Whole-house vacuuming requires having a long reach. A power cord that is long enough to let you use one electrical outlet per room will range from 20 to 40 feet according to the room’s square feet, and the hose can reach up to 10 feet to help you vacuum awkward spaces. If there is an extension wand, it usually provides an extra foot of above-floor cleaning reach.

Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners without Bag

Attachments

The number of attachments that come with any given bagless upright vacuum varies. Some uprights only have one or two tools, which are always a crevice tool or dust brush. Other upright vacuums may have as many as seven.

Some manufacturers even combine the dust brush and crevice tool into one attachment for the sake of the user’s convenience.

Connectivity

If you are technology savvy, you’ll be happy to know that bagless upright vacuum manufacturers are upping their game by adding Wi-Fi connectivity to their list of features. A few models help you monitor the vacuum cleaner’s maintenance needs by sending alerts through a smartphone app. You can also use the app to change the floor settings and receive usage tips.

FAQs

Why Buy an Upright Vacuum?

Upright vacuums are well-liked among consumers for their large motors and strong suction power. If you have medium-pile or plush carpet, an upright is a must.

Even carpets that look clean may be harboring as much as 1 pound of dirt per square foot. Virtually every upright on the market has a brushroll integrated into its design.

This brushroll’s job is to agitate the dirt, dust and debris buried deep within carpet fibers, pulling these particles to the surface. While the brushroll loosens allergens and debris, the vacuum’s suction system lifts them away from the carpet and into the vacuum cleaner.

Many models even allow you to raise and lower the height of the floor head to match the pile height of the carpet.

What Benefits Do Bagless Upright Vacuums Offer Over Bagged Models?

If you’ve never owned a bagless vacuum cleaner, you’re in for a real treat. The regular expense of buying new dust bags quickly adds up. With a bagless upright, you won’t have a bag to replace every other week, which keeps more money in your pocket. Instead, you’ll simply push a button to open the bagless upright vacuum’s dust cup.

Emptying a dust cup is much faster as opposed to changing a bag. There is no guessing as to how full the cup is because most are translucent or transparent. You also don’t have to worry about suction loss like you do when a bagged upright is full.

Best bagless upright vacuum cleaners

Are Uprights Still a Good Choice for Homes Without Carpet?

Absolutely! There are quite a few upright vacuums that are made to handle the specific cleaning needs of hard floors like wood, tile and vinyl. Whether or not a particular upright is suitable for vacuuming hard surfaces depends on its brushroll.

The tough bristles that work well for removing dirt from carpets will scratch non-carpeted surfaces.

Since brushrolls are a prevalent feature on upright vacuums, you have two options for vacuuming hard floors. One option is a brushroll covered in a soft material instead of harsh bristles, which is ideal if your house is carpet-free.

However, if you have a combination of carpeted and hard floors, this type of brush won’t give you the pickup power you need for your carpets. Instead, you should look for an upright that lets you turn the brushroll on and off whenever you want.

Best Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

What About Homes With Stairs?

A staircase doesn’t prohibit you from using an upright vacuum cleaner. In fact, many uprights come with equipment that extends your reach and vacuuming ability. If you have a staircase in your house, you need an upright with an extendable, flexible hose that lets you move without having to balance the vacuum on the stair below you.

However, you want to further your reach as much as possible; therefore, the vacuum should also have a rigid extension wand. Accessories like crevice tools and a wide brush will help you clean your staircase too. Don’t forget about the power cord – length matters. A long power cord means you don’t have to switch outlets in the middle of vacuuming the stairs.

What Are the Indicators of a High-Performance Upright?

When you’re checking out an upright vacuum cleaner’s specs, there are two main pieces of information to consider. First, there is the amperage, which is how the flow of current that passes from the electrical outlet to the motor is measured.

The more amps, the stronger the motor. Upright vacuums that perform reliably will be rated with at least 8 amps.

You should also look at the vacuum’s suction system. An excellent choice is an upright vacuum with cyclonic suction, which keeps dirt and dust away from the motor to maintain suction strength.

Bagless Upright Vacuums

How Do Upright Vacuums Compare to Stick and Canister Vacs?

Like uprights, canister vacuums are also excellent for heavy-duty vacuuming chores. Both types of vacuum cleaners boast large dirt collection capacities and high-powered motors. However, canister vacs require you to pull the vacuum as you hold onto the hose and handle instead of pushing it in front of you.

This means you’re more likely to bump into furniture and corners as you vacuum.

Plus, you will spend a lot of time attaching and detaching the floor wand and accessories if you plan to clean your entire house with the vacuum. Often, you will also have to lift and tote the canister, which is a cumbersome task.

Bagless Upright Vacuum

In terms of weight and size, stick vacuums are generally lighter and slimmer than uprights. Therefore, sticks are well-adept at vacuuming under furniture. Many models have pivoting heads, which makes it easy to turn corners and navigate obstacles. Where stick vacuums fall short in comparison to upright vacuum cleaners is suction strength.

Stick vacuums are meant to handle mid-week touch-ups and other light-duty vacuuming chores. This means their motors are not as powerful. In addition, a lot of stick vacs are suction-only, so there is no brushroll to help lift difficult messes from carpet fibers. While their smaller size usually makes them easier to store, they don’t have as wide of a cleaning path as uprights do.

Are Upright Vacuums Easy to Use for People Who Have Mobility Issues?

You don’t have to struggle to use an upright vacuum if you have arthritis, chronic pain or other health problems that impact your mobility. Look for an upright vacuum that weighs 10 pounds or less, so you can easily push the vacuum.

Also, pay close attention to where all the controls are located.

If bending over hurts, an upright with controls on the handle or a foot pedal will help. If you have arthritis in your hands, make sure the vacuum cleaner has an ergonomic handle.

The Best Vacuum Cleaners Without Bag

Can Upright Vacuums Handle Pet Messes?

From cat litter and food debris to hair and dander, animals are notorious for leaving mini-disasters in their wake. While upright vacuum cleaners have the suction strength and brushroll power to remove most of these messes, you can’t rely on suction alone to clean them, particularly when it comes to fur.

If you’re a pet owner, you need an upright vacuum with tools that address the issue of clingy hair on your furniture.

A motorized upholstery brush has a tiny brushroll that breaks the attraction between the fabric and the hair. Another tool is a brush with rubber grips that grab the hair without destroying delicate material. In addition, a crevice tool can help you quickly suck up litter and kibbles on hard surfaces.

Do Uprights Aggravate Allergy Symptoms?

Brushrolls not only lift large particles like debris and hair but also small particles like dust and fine dirt. Without the right filtration system in place, allergy sufferers may experience an increase in their symptoms.

To prevent the adverse health effects that come from allergen exposure, you need an upright vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, which traps 99.97 percent of allergens. Standard filters and HEPA-type filters are not able to catch as many small particles as HEPA filters can.

Often, the vacuum will have a pre-filter that sits in front of the HEPA. A pre-filter catches large particles before they reach the HEPA in order to maintain the HEPA filter’s level of efficiency. The vacuum may also have a post-motor filter or exhaust filter to catch any particles that manage to get past the other filters. The ideal upright vacuum for allergy sufferers will contain all three filters.

Want to learn more? Check out our Does my Vacuum Need a HEPA filter? article.

Bagless Upright


Our Recommended Upright Vacuums

Our Pick The Bissell 2252 CleanView gives you the outstanding performance you’d expect from an expert floor care company at a great price. It has specialized pet tools and features, so you know it’s designed for homes with pets.

Budget Pick The Eureka Airspeed NEU100 is an affordable, lightweight, and good upright vacuum for cleaning small apartments. With a 10.5-inch wide cleaning path, it gets the job done quickly.

Best of the Best The Bissell 2998 is a well-balanced, convertible, bagless upright vacuum intended as a cleaning solution for larger homes and apartments.

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Last Update: 2024-03-27 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About the author

Hi I’m Alex, founder of HouseholdMe.com and I’d like to say thank you for dropping by. Like most of you, the first thing I look at before buying something online is reviews or buying guides. By reading what other people say will help me gauge whether or not a product is good or not.  I am trying to help people find answers, solve problems, and get inspired.

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