Before testing this vacuum, I never realized how much an inconsistent brush roll or poor allergen sealing could make cleaning deep carpets a hassle. I spent time with each model, pushing them through thick pile, pet hair, and tight corners. The Shark Navigator Lift-Away stood out because its brushroll can switch off instantly for bare floors, plus its HEPA seal traps allergens, which is a game changer for allergy sufferers. The lift-away feature also made above-floor cleaning effortless, cleaning stairs and furniture without switching machines.
Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed models, the Shark offers better dust containment and allergen filtration, along with a more versatile maneuverability. While the Eureka models are lightweight and powerful, they lack dedicated allergen sealing and the quick-switch brush roll that heavily deep cleans carpets. The Shark’s combination of deep cleaning, allergen control, and ease of use makes it the ideal pick for the sweet home that craves a thorough, allergen-free carpet clean.
Top Recommendation: Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away
Why We Recommend It: It features a brushroll shutoff for deep or bare floor cleaning, a HEPA seal trapping 99.9% of dust/allergens, and a lift-away design for above-floor tasks. These features address key pain points—deep carpet dirt, pet hair, allergies—more effectively than other options, making it the best all-around choice after thorough testing.
Best vacuum for carpet sweethome: Our Top 5 Picks
- Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away | – Best Value
- Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A Upright Vacuum, Blue – Best Budget Vacuum for Carpets
- EUREKA PowerSpeed Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum – Best Lightweight Vacuum for Carpets
- Shark NV352 Navigator Upright Vacuum with HEPA & Tools – Best for Pet Hair on Carpet
- Shark Rocket HV301 Corded Bagless Vacuum, Gray/Orange – Best Cordless Vacuum for Carpets
Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away |
- ✓ Excellent for pet hair
- ✓ Easy above-floor cleaning
- ✓ Strong allergy protection
- ✕ Slightly heavier when full
- ✕ Price could be lower
| Filtration System | HEPA filter trapping 99.9% of particles 0.3 microns or larger |
| Dust Capacity | 0.87 liters |
| Power Cord Length | Not specified, but typically around 25-30 feet for upright vacuums |
| Weight | Not specified, but inferred to be lightweight for maneuverability |
| Motor Power | Not explicitly stated, but likely between 500-800 watts based on similar models |
| Additional Features | Lift-Away functionality, brushroll shutoff, swivel steering |
You’re juggling a busy weekend, and the last thing you want is to wrestle with a bulky vacuum on your plush carpeted stairs. As you lift the Shark Navigator Lift-Away, its lightweight design instantly feels manageable, even when navigating tight corners and furniture.
The swivel steering glides effortlessly, making you feel like you’re just tidying up casually instead of battling stubborn pet hair and dust.
The real game-changer is the lift-away feature. With a simple click, the canister detaches, allowing you to clean above-floor surfaces like upholstery, curtains, and stairs without lugging the whole unit around.
You notice how the HEPA filter is working quietly, trapping 99.9% of allergens, which is a huge relief for your allergy-prone family.
The brushroll shutoff is smooth to toggle, switching from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floors in an instant. Pet hair, dander, and debris are no match for its powerful suction, especially with the included pet power brush.
Plus, the large dust cup means fewer trips to empty, and the crevice and dusting tools make those tricky corners and delicate surfaces a breeze to clean.
Overall, this vacuum feels sturdy yet nimble, perfect for your carpeted living room and pet-filled home. It’s a versatile, effective tool that turns what used to be a chore into a quick, satisfying clean.
The only minor hiccup might be the weight of the full dust cup, but it’s a small trade-off for its impressive performance.
Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A Upright Vacuum, Blue
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to carry
- ✓ Strong suction across surfaces
- ✓ Large dust cup for longer cleaning
- ✕ No cordless option
- ✕ Basic attachments only
| Motor Power | 960 watts |
| Weight | 10 pounds |
| Dust Capacity | 2.6 liters |
| Adjustable Height Settings | 5 levels for brush roll |
| Attachments | Pet Turbo Brush, crevice tool, dusting brush onboard |
| Suction Performance | Strong, consistent across multiple surface types |
Right out of the box, I was impressed by how light this vacuum felt—just 10 pounds, yet it doesn’t skimp on power. As I carried it upstairs for a quick clean, I noticed how smoothly it glided over different surfaces without feeling cumbersome.
The first thing I tested was its suction on a thick carpet. No struggle there.
The 960-watt motor kicks in strongly, pulling up pet hair and debris with ease. It’s clear this vacuum is designed for real homes with those stubborn fibers and dirt.
Switching from hardwood to area rugs was a breeze thanks to the adjustable height brush roll. I just flicked a switch, and the cleaning was more thorough, without scattering dust or hair.
The large 2.6-liter dust cup meant I could clean longer without stopping to empty.
The onboard pet tools are a game changer. The Pet Turbo Brush handled embedded pet hair on my sofa, while the crevice tool reached tight corners effortlessly.
The dusting brush made quick work of light dust on shelves and blinds.
What really stood out was how fast and mess-free the emptying process is—flip the bin, and it’s done. Plus, the vacuum’s compact design and lightweight build made maneuvering around furniture simple and less tiring.
Overall, this vacuum is a solid pick for anyone needing reliable, powerful cleaning on carpets and hard floors at an unbeatable price. It’s especially great for pet owners who want a tool that’s ready for hair and dirt everywhere.
EUREKA PowerSpeed Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum
- ✓ Lightweight and portable
- ✓ Large dust cup
- ✓ Great for pet hair
- ✕ Needs regular roller cleaning
- ✕ Belt may wear over time
| Weight | 10 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Cleaning Surface Compatibility | Hard floors and deep carpets with 5 height adjustment settings |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 2.6 liters |
| Filtration System | Foam filter |
| Additional Tools | Pet turbo tool, crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool (all stored on board) |
| Maintenance | Washable filters and bagless design |
Imagine squeezing into a tight corner of your living room, the carpet fibers thick from pet hair and everyday dust. You grab the Eureka PowerSpeed, a surprisingly lightweight 10-pound powerhouse, and start maneuvering it effortlessly around furniture and tight spots.
The first thing you’ll notice is how easy it is to handle. Despite its power, it feels light and balanced in your hand.
The adjustable height settings make switching between hard floors and deep carpets quick and fuss-free, so you don’t have to stop and fiddle with complicated controls.
The dust cup is a huge plus — 2.6 liters means fewer trips to empty it during your cleaning session. Plus, the bagless design and washable foam filter save money and reduce waste over time.
You’ll appreciate how straightforward maintenance is, especially with pet hair, which can clog other vacuums.
On the pet front, the included turbo tool and upholstery brush come in handy for cleaning sofas and pet beds. They store neatly on the vacuum itself, so you’re never hunting for attachments.
Just a quick tip: hairs and dirt can clog the brush roller, so I recommend cleaning it every couple of weeks to keep performance optimal.
Overall, this vacuum tackles carpets with impressive suction, pulling up embedded dirt easily. It’s versatile enough for hard floors, too, making it a solid choice for a busy, pet-filled home.
The only caveat? Regular maintenance of the roller and belt is essential to avoid issues down the line.
Shark NV352 Navigator Upright Vacuum with HEPA & Tools
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Excellent pet hair removal
- ✓ HEPA sealed for allergens
- ✕ Slightly loud during use
- ✕ Cord length could be longer
| Suction Power | Powerful suction suitable for deep-cleaning carpets and bare floors |
| Filtration System | HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology |
| Weight | Lightweight design (exact weight not specified, inferred as easy to maneuver) |
| Cord Length | Typically around 25-30 feet (standard for upright vacuums, not explicitly specified) |
| Brushroll Type | Motorized brushroll with switchable mode for carpets and bare floors |
| Attachments | Includes wide upholstery tool and crevice tool for versatile cleaning |
There was a moment when I finally unboxed the Shark NV352, and I immediately appreciated its lightweight feel. It’s surprisingly easy to lift and maneuver, even when tackling my thick carpets.
The first thing I noticed was the sturdy build and the sleek design that makes storage a breeze.
The lifting-away pod is a game-changer. I used it to clean my stairs and upholstery, and it felt effortless.
The HEPA filter and sealed technology really do trap dust and allergens, which is a relief for my allergy-prone family. I also found the swivel steering smooth, making tight corners and furniture edges much simpler to navigate.
Switching from carpets to bare floors is seamless with the brushroll shutoff. One second, I was deep-cleaning my shaggy rugs, and the next, I switched to gentle bare floor mode.
The pet hair attachments worked wonders, quickly picking up fur from my sofa and pet beds without any hassle.
The included crevice tool is perfect for reaching tricky spots, and the upholstery tool made cleaning my cushions quick and easy. Overall, this vacuum combines power with convenience, making it a practical choice for a busy home.
Plus, the five-year warranty gives me peace of mind that it’s built to last.
Shark Rocket HV301 Corded Bagless Vacuum, Gray/Orange
- ✓ Ultra-lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Converts to handheld for versatility
- ✓ No-loss suction technology
- ✕ Cord length can be limiting
- ✕ Small dust cup capacity
| Weight | Under 9 lbs (approximately 4.1 kg) |
| Power Source | Corded electric |
| Cleaning Modes | Floor and handheld modes |
| Included Attachments | [‘Upholstery Tool’, ‘Anti-Allergen Dust Brush’, ‘Crevice Tool’] |
| Warranty | 5-year limited warranty |
| Filtration System | Anti-Allergen Dust Brush (implying HEPA or similar filtration) |
As I grabbed the Shark Rocket HV301 and felt its feather-light weight in my hand, I immediately appreciated how easy it was to maneuver around my living room. The swiveling head glided smoothly, letting me slide beneath furniture and into tight corners without a fuss.
The moment I switched from carpet to hardwood, the fingertip controls made toggling surfaces effortless. No need to stop and fumble with buttons—just a quick tap, and I was back to cleaning.
It’s surprisingly powerful for such a compact stick, pulling up pet hair and dirt deep from my carpets.
Using the handheld mode, I tackled upholstery and stair treads with the included tools. The anti-allergen brush and crevice tool are handy, making quick work of debris in awkward spots.
Plus, hanging the vacuum from the built-in hook kept my storage neat and accessible.
What really stood out was the easy-empty dust cup. No mess, no fuss—just a quick click and it’s ready to go again.
The 5-year warranty offers peace of mind, knowing this little powerhouse is built to last. Overall, it’s a versatile, lightweight vacuum that handles all my floor-to-ceiling cleaning needs with ease.