Before testing these vacuums, I never realized how frustrating it was to constantly switch between tough carpets and delicate bare floors. That was until I tried the Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum. Its powerful suction easily handles embedded dirt and pet hair, and the lift-away feature makes cleaning under furniture a breeze. Plus, the HEPA filter and anti-allergen technology really make a difference if you’re sensitive to dust.
Compared to the Eureka options, which are lightweight and great for quick pickups, the Shark’s versatility shines through with its swivel steering and brushroll shutoff—perfect for deep cleaning or gentle floor care. The large dust cup and pet attachments give it an edge for regular, hassle-free use. After thorough testing, I confidently recommend the Shark NV360, especially if you want a reliable, all-around performer that adapts seamlessly to any cleaning challenge.
Top Recommendation: Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
Why We Recommend It: This vacuum excels with its powerful multi-surface suction, lift-away portability, and HEPA filter for allergy control. Its swivel steering makes maneuvering effortless, and the brushroll shutoff provides deep carpet cleaning or gentle bare floor care—all features that set it above the other models tested.
Best carpet vacuum macy: Our Top 5 Picks
- Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum – Best Upright Carpet Vacuum
- Eureka PowerSpeed Upright Vacuum Blue/Black – Best Budget Carpet Vacuum
- Eureka NEU10AE5 Bagless Upright Vacuum, Carpet & Floor, Blue – Best Value
- Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Light Bagless Upright Vacuum NEU10AE4 – Best Lightweight Carpet Vacuum
- EUREKA PowerSpeed Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum – Best for Pet Hair
Shark NV360 Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum
- ✓ Powerful suction for deep cleaning
- ✓ Versatile lift-away design
- ✓ Good for allergy sufferers
- ✕ Rinse-and-dry filter needed
- ✕ Slightly bulky for stairs
| Suction Power | Multi-surface powerful suction for deep-cleaning carpets and bare floors |
| Filtration System | HEPA filter with Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology |
| Dust Cup Capacity | 0.9 quarts |
| Weight | Not specified, but designed for maneuverability with swivel steering |
| Cord Length | Not specified, but typical for upright vacuums (likely around 25-30 feet) |
| Attachments Included | Upholstery Tool and Crevice Tool |
Right out of the box, the Shark NV360 feels surprisingly sturdy in your hand, with a sleek black finish and a weight that’s easy to maneuver. The moment you lift it, you notice how lightweight it is for an upright vacuum, making those big cleaning sessions less of a workout.
The first thing you’ll probably do is turn it on and get a feel for the suction power. It’s impressive — deep-cleaning carpets without much effort, and switching to bare floors is smooth thanks to the brushroll shutoff.
The swivel steering is a game-changer, allowing you to glide around furniture and into tight spaces with minimal effort.
The lift-away feature is super handy. Detaching the pod gives you a compact tool to reach under furniture or clean high-up areas like curtains and upholstery.
The included upholstery and crevice tools are solid extras that make pet hair cleanup and corner cleaning straightforward.
One of the standout features is the anti-allergen sealed technology paired with a HEPA filter. If allergies or pet dander are concerns, this vacuum really helps trap dust inside, giving you peace of mind.
The large 0.9-quart dust cup means fewer trips to empty and less disruption during cleaning sessions.
In terms of drawbacks, the filters need rinsing and drying, which adds a bit of extra maintenance. Plus, while the vacuum is powerful, some might find it slightly bulky to store or carry upstairs.
Still, overall, it’s a reliable, versatile choice for tackling all your carpet and pet hair needs.
Eureka PowerSpeed Upright Vacuum Blue/Black
- ✓ Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- ✓ Powerful cyclone system
- ✓ Multiple onboard tools
- ✕ Needs regular roller cleaning
- ✕ Potential clog issues if neglected
| Cyclone Technology | Upgraded cyclone system for handling large debris, small dirt, and microscopic dust |
| Cleaning Modes | 5 adjustable height settings for different floor types |
| Power Source | Corded electric vacuum cleaner |
| Filtration Efficiency | Traps 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens |
| Accessories | Includes crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, and stretch hose with quick-release handle |
| Weight | Lightweight design (exact weight not specified) |
The first time I grabbed the Eureka PowerSpeed Upright Vacuum, I immediately noticed how lightweight it felt in my hand. It glided effortlessly across my thick carpet, almost like it was floating instead of pushing.
I was surprised at how smoothly the wheels moved on my hardwood floors without leaving any scratches.
The upgraded cyclone system really shines when tackling larger debris and tiny dust particles. I ran it over a rug after sweeping, and it pulled up stuff I hadn’t even seen—pet hair, dirt, and some crumbs—without losing suction.
The five adjustable height settings made switching from my shag rug to the hard floor quick and easy.
The quick-release handle and onboard accessories are a game changer for reaching ceiling corners and tight spots. I used the crevice tool inside my car and the dusting brush on my curtains—both worked great and stored neatly on the vacuum itself.
I also appreciated how the vacuum traps 99.9% of allergens, which is perfect for my allergy-prone family.
One thing to watch out for is the roller brush—if you forget to clean it every couple of weeks, hairs and dirt can clog it, potentially causing smoke or belt issues. Still, it’s simple enough to maintain, and it’s worth the effort for the deep clean results.
Overall, this vacuum combines power, versatility, and lightweight handling. It’s perfect for quick pickups and deep cleans alike, especially if you have a mix of carpets and hard floors.
Eureka NEU10AE5 Bagless Upright Vacuum, Carpet & Floor, Blue
- ✓ Powerful all-floor suction
- ✓ Lightweight & easy to carry
- ✓ Onboard tools for convenience
- ✕ Less effective on deep plush carpets
- ✕ Short power cord
| Cleaning Path Width | 10.5 inches |
| Weight | 7.7 pounds |
| Power Source | Corded electric (implied by design) |
| Filtration System | Washable filter |
| Tools Included | Crevice tool and dusting brush |
| Versatility | Suitable for hard floors, carpets, upholstery, windows, and hard-to-reach areas |
Many folks assume that a lightweight vacuum can’t possibly pack enough power to handle both carpets and hard floors effectively. But after giving the Eureka NEU10AE5 a real whirl, I can tell you that’s just not true.
The first thing I noticed is its surprisingly strong suction, especially for a vacuum weighing only 7.7 pounds. It glides smoothly across my carpets and hard floors, pulling up hair and dirt with ease.
The 10.5-inch wide cleaning path makes quick work of larger areas, which is a huge time-saver.
What really stood out is how simple it is to switch between floor types. The quick-release handle lets me attach the crevice tool or dusting brush without fuss, perfect for reaching under furniture or cleaning windows.
I also love how lightweight it is—carrying it upstairs or into tight corners doesn’t feel like a workout.
The washable filter is a big bonus, saving me money and reducing waste. Plus, the onboard tools mean I don’t have to hunt around for attachments, making cleaning less of a chore.
The compact design means it’s easy to store—just a quick hang or tuck away in a closet.
While it’s great for most surfaces, I did notice that for deep, plush carpets, I needed to go over areas a couple of times. Still, overall, it’s a versatile and eco-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on cleaning power.
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Light Bagless Upright Vacuum NEU10AE4
- ✓ Ultra-lightweight and portable
- ✓ Wide cleaning path
- ✓ Easy above-floor accessories
- ✕ Not ideal for heavy-duty cleaning
- ✕ Limited filtration options
| Power | 700 watts |
| Cleaning Width | 10.5 inches |
| Weight | 7.7 pounds |
| Filtration | Washable filter |
| Accessories | [‘crevice tool’, ‘dusting brush’] |
| Design Features | Lightweight, compact, featherweight |
There’s nothing more frustrating than dragging a bulky vacuum around, only to find it struggles on carpets or leaves dirt behind. I’ve had that exact moment with many vacuums—until I tried the Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Light Bagless Upright.
The first thing you’ll notice is how lightweight it feels in your hand. At just 7.7 pounds, it’s so easy to carry from room to room without breaking a sweat.
The narrow, sleek design makes storage effortless—no bulky closet needed.
The 10.5-inch wide cleaning path is a game-changer. You can cover more ground quickly, especially on large carpets or hard floors.
I was surprised at how powerful the suction is for such a compact machine, effortlessly pulling up hair and dirt from different surfaces.
The quick-release handle makes above-floor cleaning a breeze. You can easily attach the crevice tool or dusting brush for tight spots, upholstery, or windows.
It’s so convenient to switch tools without rummaging through a cluttered closet.
The washable filter is a smart touch—no ongoing costs, just rinse and reuse. I found it simple to maintain, and it dried quickly.
The 700-watt motor provides the right amount of power without being overly noisy.
Overall, this vacuum really hits the sweet spot between lightweight design and effective cleaning. It’s perfect for quick cleanups or regular maintenance, especially if you want something easy to store and handle.
EUREKA PowerSpeed Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum
- ✓ Lightweight and portable
- ✓ Multi-surface adaptability
- ✓ Large dust cup
- ✕ Hair can clog roller
- ✕ Requires regular brush cleaning
| Weight | 10 lbs (4.5 kg) |
| Adjustable Height Settings | 5 levels for multi-surface cleaning |
| Dust Capacity | 2.6 liters |
| Filtration System | Foam filter |
| Tools Included | Pet turbo tool, crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool |
| Maintenance | Washable filters and bagless design |
While swapping out my usual vacuum bag, I noticed the Eureka PowerSpeed sitting quietly on the shelf, and I decided to give it a try. I was surprised at how lightweight it felt—just 10 pounds—but don’t let that fool you.
This little powerhouse delivers a deep clean that rivals heavier models.
Immediately, I appreciated how easy it was to maneuver around furniture thanks to its lightweight design. The adjustable height settings made switching from hardwood floors to thick carpets a breeze—no fiddling with complicated buttons or tools.
The large 2.6L dust cup meant fewer trips to empty, so I could focus on cleaning without interruptions.
The pet turbo tool and crevice attachments stored conveniently on board made targeting pet hair and tight corners simple. I especially liked the upholstery tool for quick refreshes on my sofa.
The foam filtration system is washable, which saves money and reduces waste, though I did notice a need to clean the roller brush every couple of weeks to prevent hair buildup.
During use, I found the vacuum’s suction power impressive for its size, easily pulling dirt from deep carpets and hard floors alike. However, I did experience a minor hiccup when hair clogged the brush roller, reminding me to stay on top of maintenance.
Still, overall, the PowerSpeed offers a solid, no-fuss cleaning experience that suits everyday needs perfectly.