1. Best All-Around Performing Upright
Dyson DC14
Rating: 
Estimate ($400)
The Dyson DC14 really earns its reputation as being Dyson’s best upright vacuum. Superseding the Dyson DC07, it is lighter, slimmer upright yet it never losses its power. It still comes with Dyson’s famous cyclonic technology for a bagless debris canister, and comes with an abundant list of features and cleaning tools. Performaning equally well on carpets, pet hair, and bare floors the Dyson DC14 gets glowing reviews from nine review sources; a sumation of critical reception from nearly a 1,000 user and expert reviews. Learn more with the Dyson DC14 Review.
2. Best Budget, Lightweight Upright for Carpets
Eureka 437AZ
Rating: 
Estimate ($75-80)
The Eureka 437AZ is a lightweight, upright vacuum cleaner with plenty of features. Well reviewed across the web, this upright comes with a bagless canister, a HEPA filter, and plenty of cleaning attachments. It excels on carpets and pet floors, yet doesn’t do well on bare floors. But exceeds expectations overall, especially in the price range.
3. Best Performance Broom, Mini-Upright Vacuum
Miele S163
Rating:
Estimate ($290)
This vacuum really deserves all the attention recently. Generally this should be considered as a stick vacuum, but its high price puts this well-performing vacuum out of many consumer’s budgets. Nevertheless, this vacuum has a lot going for it. Suction and performance on bare floors and carpet is what this vacuum excels at, according to user reviews. It slender, has a 26-foot cord, and has a three-part filtration system.
4. Best Performance Upright, Lightweight Bagged
Rating:
Estimate ($500-600)
The SEBO Felix is a pretty niffy vacuum, doubling as a lightweight canister, it provides likable features which some users many desire. It comes with a HEPA Filter (removing 99.99% of particles), it comes with cleaning attachments, telescopic handles, low profile cleaning. Overall, it is the best performing lightweight vacuum cleaner.
5. Best Light Commercial Vacuum
Carpet Pro CPU 2T Commercial Vacuum
Carpet Pro CPU 2T Commercial Vacuum
Estimate ($250)
Rating:
These sturdy and hard working machines have earned a lot of praise from their users. Easy to maintain and very dependable. no doubt some of the Best Upright Vacuums on the market from the makers of Riccar and Simplicity Vacuums. Read our full reviews for more details.
6. Dyson DC33
Dyson DC33 Vacuum
Estimate ($400)
Rating:
And excellent all around vacuum capable of handling just about any type job. Very easy to clean plastic container and a lifetime HEPA filter significantly cut down the ownership costs. It also comes with a 5 year manufacturer warranty, so its makes it well worth its pricetag.
Read our Dyson DC33 Review for additional feature descriptions.
7. LG LUV400T Upright Bagless Vacuum
LG LUV 400T Upright Bagless Vacuum
LG LUV 400T Upright Bagless Vacuum
Estimate ($450)
Rating:
This strong entrant from LG Electronics machine is a very lightweight and powerful vacuum cleaner. Easy to clean Dust Container features “Kompressor” technology that is a very nice feature, allowing for more cleaning time before the container needs to be emptied. Many other innovations and functions. Read our full LG LUV400T Review for details.
Are Upright Vacuum Best for Me?
Upright Vacuum Cleaners are best for people who have a lot of carpet area to clean. Uprights can double as a bare floor vacuum cleaner, which makes them by far the most popular choice. In order to find the best vacuum cleaner, isn’t a matter of the best vacuum rating, (though, it should be used to get a handful of potential choices) but whether it has the necessary features I need (What to Consider: Upright Vacuum Cleaners).
Canister Vacuum Cleaners are best for people who have multiple-story houses. People who plan on strapping the canister to their backs, to vacuum: drapes, stairs, upholstery, car interiors, carpet, bare floors, etc. And unlike upright vacuum cleaners, they are a lot more expensive (on average).
Bagged or Baggless Vacuum – Which is Best?
Bagged vacuums typically are best for people who are sensitive to dust and allergies. Proprietary filters and HEPA filters (high efficiency particulate air) can provide protection from 98 percent of dust particles. Yet, you must buy replacement vacuum bags, which increase transaction costs.
Baggless vacuums are best for people who want to leave minimal environmental impacts. They have cheaper operating costs, with no need to purchase replacement bags. But, you will be exposed to the removable dustbin – which should be taken into account.
What is the Buzz with Dyson Vacuums?
Dyson upright vacuums are by-far the best looking vacuums consumers can buy. But are they better than some of the other brands? Most Dyson Vacuums have a 5-year warranty, longer than most other brands on the market. But you can’t expect less when you are paying $400-600 per vacuum. After reviewing hundreds of user reviews and expert reviews from all dyson models, the consensus is that performance is above-average and most users say they got their money’s worth.
(Updated February, 2010)
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Two thumbs down on Dyson. 5 year warranty wasn’t up, but loss of suction wasn’t covered and *I* had to ship the vacuum. 3 years later I am shopping for another brand and the Dyson went to the curb! $$$ doesn’t mean better!
Having Swapped to a dyson many moons ago i am completely happy with the unit. we use it 5 days a week commercially cleaning houses ans after 3 years of hard use nothing has brocken and the suction is as good today as when we bought it. Highly recommend
Never losing suction is a bunch o’ malarchy, I’m afraid. Anyone with any knowledge of simple physics knows that there is no such thing as losing suction. Before you buy a Dyson, be prepared for their planned obsolescence. There is a reason that their LIMITED warranty is only good for 5 years. Their rubber gaskets deteriorate and “lifetime” filters clog, as well as other issues, causing moderate to total loss of suction within only 3 years. You’d be lucky to have one last 5 years. Ask any vacuum technician for verification, but I know because I’ve had 2 Dyson uprights. The first was a DC07 and the second was a DC14. I chose the more “base” models because, at the time, the only difference between these and the pricier models was attachments which I did not need. They are not designed to last and major problems started with both of mine after only 1 year. I should have learned my lesson with the first one. If you really must have one, then make sure you purchase a minimum of a 3-year replacement coverage plan to go with it!
Never losing suction is a bunch o’ malarchy, I’m afraid. Anyone with any knowledge of simple physics knows that there is NO such thing as NOT losing suction when pulling dirt and debris through small spaces and filters. Before you buy a Dyson, be prepared for their planned obsolescence. There is a reason that their LIMITED warranty is only good for 5 years. Their rubber gaskets deteriorate and “lifetime” filters clog, as well as other issues, causing moderate to total loss of suction within only 3 years. You’d be lucky to have one last 5 years. Ask any vacuum technician for verification, but I know because I’ve had 2 Dyson uprights. The first was a DC07 and the second was a DC14. I chose the more “base” models because, at the time, the only difference between these and the pricier models was attachments which I did not need. They are not designed to last and major problems started with both of mine after only 1 year. I should have learned my lesson with the first one. If you really must have one, then make sure you purchase a minimum of a 3-year replacement coverage plan to go with it!
Purchased a Dyson DC17 and had major problems with over heating and poor suction within the first year. Customer service not very knowledgeable or helpful. It was difficult to find a retailer/dealer within a reasonable distance from my house that would service a Dyson, but did eventually find one. Has been working pretty good ever since getting repaired but will still stop picking up and need to be shut off and cleaned out quite often. Must empty canister too often while vacuuming. Canister gets VERY dirty on the inside and out. You will want to empty into trash outside your home…very dirty and dusty process. It is also quite heavy and cumbersome, does not fit under most furniture.
Overall, I miss my good ol’ antiquated Hoover with a bag instead of a canister.
GOT MY SIMPLICITY UPRIGHT AT LEXINGTON VACUME I LOVE IT ON SHAG CARPET EASY TO PUSH CLEANS GREAT