Kirby Upright Vacuum

It performs very well on carpets with strong suction power for deep cleaning. Most users report it removes dirt and debris effectively.

It weighs approximately 20 pounds. Most customers find this manageable for an upright vacuum, though some note it can be heavy to maneuver.

It has intuitive controls and a user-friendly design. The main limitation is its size, which can make it harder to maneuver in tight spaces.

For pet hair, look for strong suction (roughly 20,000 Pa or more on a robot vacuum, 150 AW or more on a cordless), a tangle-resistant brush roll, a dedicated pet tool, and HEPA filtration, which by definition captures 99.97% of particles at 0.3 microns. Dyson, Shark and Bissell all make well-reviewed pet models. Use the Pet Hair Specialist filter on our comparison table to see which ones are in stock and what they cost right now.

Most manufacturers suggest replacing filters every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you vacuum and whether you have pets. HEPA filters usually last 12 to 18 months if you clean them regularly. Washable foam filters on bagless models should be rinsed every 1 to 2 weeks and dried fully before going back in. Replacements typically run $15 to $50. A clogged filter chokes airflow, so suction drops noticeably well before the filter looks dirty.