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We ’ve tested hundreds of vacuums — these eliminate 99.97 % of junk , pet dander , and certain bacterium and virus .
In This Article
Better Homes & Garden
If youstruggle with allergies or asthma , finding the right vacuum can be the difference of opinion between anallergen - loose homeand one that make you sneeze or snivel . Powerful suck or foresightful stamp battery life should n’t be the only thing to consider when shopping .
To take away even more pollutants , look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter . The best HEPA void are keen for any household , not only those with allergy sufferers . house with petsor kids can also benefit . HEPA filter remove 99.97 % of particles that are .3 microns in size — exactly the sizing of a lot of viruses and bacterium .
Credit:Better Homes & Garden
Becky Rapinchuk , founder of Clean Mama , says , “ [ A HEPA filter]traps dirt , debris , dustand filters the gentle wind that the vacancy cleansing agent uses . I ascertain that they kick up much less dust than a non - HEPA filtered vacuum cleaner . ”
What We Tested
We ’ve quiz hundreds of vacuum to come up the best HEPA models on the marketplace , assume into accounteffectiveness , maneuverability , ashcan capacity , andease of use . For more on how we tested vacuums , seeour examination processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Vacuum
This upright model works well on all surface and easily turns into a hand-held vacuity within second .
It ’s big weight and bigger size make it bulky to move up and down stair .
The Shark Navigator is anupright vacuumwith a variety of convenient features that surpass our prospect during testing . One of these is its raise - away function , which instantly turns it into a handheld . Simply lift the case shot and pull out the attached hose with a suction mind to toggle between cleaning floor and upholstery or step .
Credit: Amazon
Additionally , the Shark touts its “ Anti - Allergen Complete Seal , ” which claim to keep it substantially seal than other vacuums of its kind , with no risk that the bacterium or viruses it catch will escape through the trash can . Another plus is its 25 - pes great power cord and big .9 - quart dustbin .
We put the vacancy through a serial of tests on a variety of floor texture — grouted tile , carpeting , and hardwood — and itremoved hair and debrisin under a minute without any attachments . Even without the usance of the chap creature , it still get the edges of the rooms wholly sportsmanlike .
It earned gamey Mark for maneuverability , as it swimmingly transitioned from hardwood to carpeted floor . The powerful suction and effectualness on the upholstered chairman imprint us . The vacancy went underneath furniture with ease and did well in recession because of the swivel guidance , which makes it easier to navigate despite its large sizing .
The Shark NV360 turns into a handheld when you lift the canister off the base and pull out the hose.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
That larger size , however , made it slightly unmanageable to sail on steps — press just under 16 pounds , it was bulky and intemperate to move from one stair to the other . And some hairsbreadth did get stuck in the light touch roller , which took elbow lubricating oil to move out .
How it Performed After Six Months
At dwelling house , the Shark impressed us by cleaning carpet much better than our stick vacuum . clean the vacuum filteris as simple as rinsing with frigid water and let it dry . We still reached for our stick emptiness when make clean hard surfaces as it ’s a bit easier to manoeuver with more versatile attachments .
Product point : Vacuum Type : Upright |Weight:15.96 pounds|Battery lifetime : Not applicable|Accessories : Crevice peter , upholstery tool
Best Budget
Kenmore Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum
It ’s a canister vacuum that does n’t needfully require two hands to operate .
It was not easy to take hairsbreadth wrapped around the brush because the brush is not removable .
The Kenmore Compact Canister Vacuum is silklike compare to similar models . Better yet , it ’s cheap than our other top favorites — and just as effective . During testing , we were amazed by how well it performed on laborious surface , carpet floor , and upholstery , picking up junk as well on each ( spit out only a few larger grains ) .
manoeuvrability can be a challenge forcanister vacuumsas they consist of two pieces — the canister shot itself and the vacuum straits . Navigating the Kenmore around obstacles was easy , and the components such as the vacuum drumhead , the hose , and the cycle moved smoothly .
It ’s so lightweight and well-situated to drag that it does n’t expect two hands to operate , which is a huge addition . We did wish the power electric cord was a hair longer ( it ’s 16 feet ) , but it ’s corking that it retracts into the body of the canister rather than needing to be wrapped up when you ’re finished using it .
The biggest drawback we found with this theoretical account is that the brushroll is unmanageable to clean because you ca n’t move out it from the vacuum . Some hair was tangle around the brush during examination and we had trouble getting it out .
This quickly became our go - to vacuum at home . It cover everything we shed at it , and we ’ve noticed less pet hair and grime since we introduced it into ourregular cleanup routine . We also found it super various and well-off to use , which is especially telling considering that canister models are often clumsy .
Product Details : Vacuum Type : Canister |Weight:15 pounds |Battery living : Not applicable|Accessories : dot brush , scissure puppet , storey brush
Best Splurge
Dyson Gen5detect Cordless Vacuum
This Dyson is a tech - lover ’s aspiration that displays just how many micrometer of dust , rubble , and pollutants it ’s sucked up during a clean .
It ’s a very , very pricey vacuity .
The Gen5detect is vaunt asDyson ’s most powerful cordless vacuumwith a HEPA filter , which make it extra telling that it ’s so still model . With a level that browse from 75 - 82 decibels , it ’s potential to have a conversation or watch over TV when it ’s in use .
We recorded just over 51 minute of arc of uninterrupted barrage fire life on its lowest mise en scene ( there are three : eco , motorcar , and rise ) , although Dyson ’s website say it can last up to 70 minutes . Dyson is also known for its copiousness of adhesion , so those with multiple floor type will likely call for to swap the heads during cleaning .
For arduous floors , we used the fluffy white head , which removed most debris in one pass . It worked slightly faster on smoother hardwood over grouted tile . The emptiness removed fuzz and detritus in one pass on the high- and intermediate - pile carpet , working in about half the sentence ( and with few swipe ) than it did on hardwood and grouted roofing tile .
Cleaning magnanimous while of dust was easier on carpets , but clean hair’s-breadth off any surface was a breeze using the fuzz tool . The vacuity earned in high spirits mark for manoeuvrability : It turns 180 degree while keeping the handgrip still , making it great to navigate on stairs and around corners ( and for dark corner , there ’s an light-emitting diode light on the head ) .
As for the features and attachment that were most useful , we especially liked the aforesaid fluffy cleaner head and hair tool , the crevice prick ( a must - have on upholstery and shelves ) , and the power to turn it into a hand-held model with one click .
We also liked the LCD screen , which categorize and expose the particle sizes ( in micron ) of the grunge and dust captured during cleaning , and the accurate amount collected . That said , the LCD sieve bumps up the monetary value of an already expensive vacuum . But , for those really invested in the HEPA filter ’s capabilities , it might be their new preferred lineament .
How it Performed After Three Months
We used the vacancy once or twice a week and it continued to impress us with its various attachments and power to clean house . Our only real complaint ( aside from the monetary value ) is that the motor is sound and the style the vacancy is propagate create it a act effortful for a petite soul to move .
Product inside information : Vacuum Type : Cordless |Weight:7.6 dog pound |Battery Life:51 minutes|Accessories : Combination shaft , Digital motorbar cleaner head , fluffy visual cleaner head , hair screw tool , built - in dusting and crevice tool
Best Cordless Stick
Shark Wandvac Self-Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum
An unbelievably lightweight option that ’s slap-up for those who have hassle steer heavy vacancy .
There ’s a learning curve for picture out the emptiness .
The best feature film of this Shark Wandvac is its weight : at 2.1 pounds , it would be great for those who struggle with lift heavier aim . We also appreciated its slight bod and swivel principal , making it extremely light to get around furniture leg and other obstacles .
Another interesting feature is its junk cup — at .3 quarts , it ’s a pocket-sized dust loving cup that will have to be discharge several times during the cleaning process . However , there are two ways to empty it : the traditional agency in which the drug user pulls it out or empties it into the trash , and the self - emptying Qaeda .
With the second option , you simply put the vacuum back into the dock and it will automatically dispense the dust cup ’s table of contents into a HEPA - sealed bin that hold a month ’s worth of pollutants , maintain your home base and itsair well clear .
While that does take a bit longer than emptying it yourself , there ’s less hazard of dust cloud mess up your home base , and you wo n’t have to reach the dust more than once a calendar month . For those looking to keep their dwelling house as allergen - free as potential , it ’s a with child feature .
However , there ’s a memorize curve to understanding how to work the vacuum . This meant we had to perform a few tests over again , as the first go - around just did n’t work as it should have . In the first trial run , hair got stuck to the coppice axial motion and Zea mays everta kernels resisted being sucked in . However , once we visualize it out , it forthwith performed better .
We examine no diminished battery life or new issues since our first mental testing . We really appreciated the charge base , which allows the vacuum to be store outside a W.C. , and the dustbin self - emptying feature article only added a few seconds to our cleaning time in practice . While it might need a few enjoyment to understand how it run , it ’s a reliable vacuum .
mathematical product detail : Vacuum Type : Cordless stick |Weight:2.1 pound |Battery Life:15 minutes |Accessories : Duster cleft tool , favorite multi - tool
Best Handheld
Nicebay Handheld Vacuum
For those who want the simplicity of spot clean house with the power of a HEPA filter , this is your dependable option .
This wo n’t houseclean an entire house – it ’s best for the railcar , upholstery , or modest areas of the base .
While some models on this leaning can become handheld , it ’s less commodious to deplume out a big vacuum for spot cleans . Ahandheld vacuumcan be a great auxiliary vacuum to have around , as it will influence well on quick , unexpected lot , as well as forcleaning carsor upholstery .
This one by Nicebay realise in high spirits Gospel According to Mark during the tests . It suck up both hair and debris quickly , cleaning a gamey chair and an upholstered hot seat thoroughly in under four minutes , and work especially well on the crumbs . The void has a HEPA filter and a stainless steel filter .
Another nice feature is the clear LCD screen , which permit exploiter know when the dustbin is full , how much battery percentage is leave behind , and what manner the vacuum is on . It should last for up to 26 minutes of uninterrupted use without needing a recharge ; we used it for 8 bit and 68 % of the battery was left .
The wastebin posed some issues — the hair ended up getting twine up higher than the dustbin , causing us to have to pull the filter out to get it thoroughly clean . Still , it ’s a sleek framework that ’s at a fairish terms for a handheld vacuum with a HEPA filter .
The vacuum concord up very well , continuing to clean promptly and easily . We appreciated the Light Within , silken build and more modern pattern compared to other handhelds we ’ve used . While we still regain it a bit annoying to cleanse the wastebin , it ’s a venial vexation that would n’t prevent us from recommend the vacuum .
Product Details : Vacuum Type : Handheld |Weight:2.7 pounds|Battery Life:26 minutes|Accessories : Brush
The Bottom Line
TheShark NV360 Navigator Lift - Away Deluxe Upright Vacuumis our pick for the just HEPA vacuum , thanks to its reasonable price and its effective cleaning capableness on all type of flooring .
Better Homes & Gardens
Our Testing Process
There were three methodologies used when test the good HEPA vacuums on this list — one forcordless vacuums , one for handheld vacuums , and another for good vacancy .
Each process start with the same instructions : we timed how long it took to gather the vacuum cleaner from the box and count the to the full assembled void on a baggage scale . Then , we record the noise levels of both the high and low setting using a decibel reader .
For erect and cordless vacuity , we sprinkled breakfast cereal , popcorn kernel , and coffee grounds on grouted tile , hardwood base , stairs , and medium- and mellow - chain reactor carpets . We recorded how effectively the emptiness picked the rubble up in one minute .
Credit: Amazon
The hand-held vacuum tryout included spreading crushed up cracker and raisin on a rug , a mellow chair , an upholstered chair , and a car place .
For good and cordless vacuums we record the efficiency when it came to clean hair on grouted tile , hardwood floors , step , medium - mint carpet , and high - pile carpet . For the handheld vacuum , wecleaned hair off of a carpet .
to boot , we evaluated good vacancy for manoeuvrability by houseclean detritus along a path map out with cougar ’s tape recording . For effectiveness on upholstery , wecleaned an upholstered chairusing any relevant attachments . Cordless vacuum were also used to clean house cotton balls off of the top of a shelf .
The Kenmore Compact Bagless Canister Vacuum is sleek and portable compared to other options.Credit: Better Homes & Garden
in conclusion , for all three vacuum types , we recorded data point about the dustbin , including how well-heeled it was to polish off and empty it , as well as how many clock time during the test it fulfil up .
What to Know About HEPA Vacuums Before Shopping
Weight
Vacuums range widely in weighting , with cordless and handheld vacuums generally being on the light-headed side compared to cord options . Those who have trouble lifting anything over 10 pounds should turn over a handheld or stick choice if they require to go upstairs orvacuum curtainsor tall shelves .
Dustbin Capacity
Dustbin capacity can affect how convenient a vacuum will be to use for longer periods . Most trash bin have a capacity under 1 quart , but options that are .5 quarts or under will require to be empty far more often .
If you tend to spot unobjectionable often , this likely wo n’t be a trouble . However , if you vacuum-clean less often ( like a few clock time each month ) , it may be an inconvenience to have to empty the dustbin several times during one cleaning .
Accessories
Mostvacuums come with accessoriesthat are made to harness specific junk type or fabric . The most uncouth accessory is a crevice tool , which gets into hard - to - reach , narrow areas like under the range , betweencouch cushions , behind a bed frame , in corners , and inside a car .
Another popular accessary is an upholstery putz or a brush that helps with cleaning fabric such as curtain , couches , mattresses , and more . These upholstery creature can also be used to get rid ofembedded preferent hair , although some vacuity come up with peter specifically for hair or favourite hair .
Consider what surface besides the story you ’ll be cleaning with your new vacancy . If the relevant accessory is not include , some stain , like Dyson , offer additional accessories separately .
Power Source
All of the vacuums on this list are either cord electric and work when plug into a standard outlet or power by arechargeable battery . There are positive degree and negatives to both , so it ’s up to you to select which mold best for your household .
Cordless choice remove the worriment of having to plug and unplug the electric cord from outlet to outlet . However , they pose the jeopardy of running out of electric battery in the middle of cleaning . They often have to be stored in the docking station , which can mean they ’re difficult to fit in smaller press .
Corded options will have to be plugged into each room , but they never stop working , which is great for those who have larger spaces .
Other Products We Tested
Bespoke Jet™ AI vacuum with All-in-One Clean Station
Thissmart vacuumhas an outstanding battery runtime of up to 100 minute and employ AI engineering to smell out the type of floor it ’s being used on , adjust its suction to match . However , we expected better solution on the hardwood floor for the toll in 60 seconds , it only beak up about half of the junk .
Your Questions, Answered
What is a HEPA vacuum?
These are vacuum that contain HEPA filters , which are pleated mechanically skillful air filter . A HEPA filter is make from level and bundles of okay fibers such as polypropylene or fibreglass that basically trap the atom inside . The name stands for " in high spirits - Efficiency Particulate Air . ”
Theyremove more airborne particlesthan regular filters including dust , dirt , mold , pollen , smut , and bacteria . The criterion set by the US Department of Energy states that a HEPA filter must transfer a minimum of 99.97 % particles that are .3 microns in size . That can admit computer virus or bacterium found in dust .
To measure its efficiency , filters are dedicate a MERV valuation , which comes from the American Society of Heating , Refrigerating , and Air Conditioning Engineers . This stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Values , and it correlates the pct of particle removed from the air with a number .
For example , a 1 - 4 MERV rating think the filter can remove 20 % of all particle . A 16 have in mind a filter can remove more than 75 % of all speck . However , HEPA filters cannotremove gaseous state or odorsassociated with pets , cigarette or cookery . For that , you will need a carbon - activated filter .
Is a HEPA vacuum worth it?
“ I think every house needs one — they make a Brobdingnagian difference . It filter out the risky material rather of recirculating it in the tune [ or ] back on the carpet , ” Rapinchuk says .
A human hair strand isbetween 17 and 181 micronswhich most vacuum are capable of removing . Pet hackles , however , is much small at around6 microns . A filter has to take out more than 99.97 % of the best-loved dander from control surface to measure up as a true HEPA filter .
virus and bacteria can be as small as .005 microns . Mold is in the main under 10 microns(it can be larger ) , as is skunk from instinctive materials or tobacco . rubble and skin speck can be as little as .05 micron , although they can be much large .
While vacuums without HEPA filters can remove a lot of these particles , except bacteria and viruses , the regulation around HEPA filters will give you peace of mind that all these smaller particle will be withdraw more efficiently .
Of naturally , the practiced HEPA vacancy will only remove what ’s implant in your floors and upholstery . If you ’re looking to remove these micrometer from the air as well , you’ll need anair purifier .
Do HEPA filters remove pet dander?
Yes , as broken down above , much pet hackles is under 10 micron , so the good HEPA vacuums should remove 99.7 % of the mote lowly than that , and probably many of the larger molecules , too .
How often should you change a HEPA filter?
While it can vary by manufacturer , a HEPA filter should generally be convert every six month at a minimum . HEPA filters should n’t be washed as a form of maintenance — they ask to be supercede . If your filter is looking gray or stale , trade it now to ensure optimum results .
Who We Are
Alida Nugentis a writer with over seven years of experience working for such online publications as HGTV , Food web , extensive Open Country , Drew + Jonathan , Bustle , and Romper . She has written many article on emptiness and air purifier for BHG.com . For this article , she speak withBecky Rapinchuk , the father of Clean Mama .
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the product on this listing , you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval . Products that earn the seal have been put through tight testing to ensure they ’re worth a position in your home . We buy most of the product we try out ourselves , but occasionally we are provided sample by companies if purchasing is n’t an option . In these typeface , we use the same examination standard we apply to quiz the buy products .
Credit: Amazon
We were pleased with how well the Dyson Gen5detect cleaned various floor types like carpet and tile.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
A swivel head makes the Shark WS642AE Wandvac Cordless Stick Vacuum easy to maneuver around obstacles.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Amazon
A tester uses the Nicebay Handheld Cordless Vacuum to clean kibble off a hardwood floor. It’s reasonably priced for a sleek model with a HEPA filter.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We tested each vacuum on a variety of surfaces, including stairs, medium-pile carpet, and high-pile carpet.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
During testing, we evaluated any included upholstery attachments to see how well they performed.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
