Here’s an overview of the Best Bagless Vacuum that we’ll explore today:
Bagless upright vacuums remain a popular choice for households seeking strong suction, simple maintenance, and no ongoing bag costs. In this comparison, I evaluate five bagless uprights spanning a budget-to-premium range, focusing on real-world performance, ease of use, maintenance, and value. My testing methodology combines objective specs analysis (motor wattage, dust cup capacity, filtration) with practical scenarios: daily pickup on hard floors and low-pile carpet, pet hair challenges, above-floor cleaning, and maneuverability in tight spaces. I also consider durability, onboard tool accessibility, and customer feedback signals. The models covered include three marcas from Eureka, Shark, and Bissell, with price points from $62.99 up to $139.99.
1. Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet
- Brand: Eureka
- Manufacturer: Eureka
Overview: The PowerSpeed NEU181A is a lightweight 10-pound upright with a 960-watt motor and a 2.6-liter dust cup. It offers 5-height brush roll adjustment and onboard pet attachments (Pet Turbo Brush, crevice tool, dusting brush), aiming to balance daily versatility with strong multi-surface cleaning. With a 960W motor, it sits in the upper-mid tier of consumer bagless vacuums and emphasizes affordability without sacrificing core suction on both bare floors and carpets. Prospective buyers gain a no-frills workhorse for general homes, stairs, and pet-related messes, backed by a 2-year limited warranty.
Performance-wise, the 960W motor delivers steady suction across surfaces, and the large 2.6L dust cup reduces interruptions. The 5-height adjustment helps tailor cleaning to thick carpet versus hard floors. Onboard tools are conveniently stored, which improves uptime during cleaning sessions. However, the noise level (88 dB) is on the higher side, and the foam filter requires periodic maintenance. The absence of cordless operation means longer cord management, which can affect ease of reach in large rooms or multi-level homes.
Pros
- Strong suction across multiple surfaces using a 960W motor
- Large 2.6-liter dust cup reduces frequent emptying
- 5-height brush roll adjustment for precise cleaning
- Onboard pet tool kit for quick pet hair cleanup
- Affordably priced with 2-year warranty
Cons
- Relatively loud at 88 dB
- Foam filter may require periodic washing and maintenance
- Corded design limits mobility and reach
2. Shark | Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Navigator Lift-Away | Swivel Steering | HEPA Filter | Vacuum for Pet Hair | Crevice Tool
- Brand: Shark
- Manufacturer: Shark
Overview: The Shark NV356E Navigator Lift-Away offers Lift-Away portability, a 0.87L dust cup, 1200W motor, and a HEPA filtration system designed to trap 99.9% of dust and allergens. It features swivel steering for tight maneuverability and a brushroll shutoff for easy bare-floor cleaning. This model positions itself as a versatile solution for homes with pets and allergy considerations, combining above-floor cleaning capabilities with powerful deep-cleaning performance on carpets.
Performance and usability notes show strong pet-hair handling, aided by the HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal. The lift-away pod makes stairs, sofas, and high surfaces more accessible, while the 9.5-inch cleaning path and 5-foot hose length provide reach for above-floor tasks. However, the canister capacity is smaller (0.87L) compared with some rivals, and while the 1200W motor provides strong suction, the overall weight is 13.7 pounds in full upright configuration, which may be less nimble for some users. Maintenance includes washable HEPA and foam filters.
Pros
- Lift-Away modular design for above-floor cleaning
- HEPA filtration with anti-allergen seal
- Brushroll shutoff enhances bare-floor performance
- Strong pet-hair performance with included tools
- Tight swivel steering for maneuverability
Cons
- Small dust cup capacity (0.87L)
- Relatively heavier when in upright mode
- Wand and pod transition can add steps to cleanup
3. Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright Bagless Vacuum with Swivel Steering
- Brand: Bissell
- Manufacturer: Bissell
Overview: The Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Upright emphasizes maneuverability through a swivel head, a multi-cyclonic cleaning system, and edge-to-edge cleaning to tackle pet hair and debris along edges. It’s designed for pet owners with a focus on easy emptying, a 1-liter dust cup, and a 800W motor. The model’s marketing highlights the partnership with BISSELL Pet Foundation, which adds a charitable angle to purchase decisions.
Performance-wise, the 2252’s triple-action brush roll targets hair and dirt, while the Scatter-Free tech helps reduce mess on hard surfaces. Edge-to-edge cleaning and swivel steering make it notably agile around furniture. The 1-liter tank is moderate; frequent emptying can be expected on larger cleaning sessions. It’s a good all-around option for households seeking strong pet-hair removal with straightforward maintenance, though the lower wattage relative to some competitors means it may struggle with deeply embedded dirt on very thick carpets.
Pros
- Swivel steering for tight maneuverability
- Triple-action brush roll targets pet hair
- Edge-to-edge cleaning for corners and edges
- Scatter-Free technology improves hard-surface cleaning
- Charitable component via BISSELL Pet Foundation
Cons
- Moderate 1L dust cup requiring more frequent empties
- 800W motor may be less powerful on heavy soils
- No cordless option
4. Eureka NEU10AE5 Powerful Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner Carpet
- Brand: Eureka
- Manufacturer: Eureka
Overview: The Eureka NEU10AE5 is marketed as a compact, ultra-lightweight option at 7.7 pounds with a 1.7-liter capacity and a 720W motor. It emphasizes easy above-floor cleaning via a quick-release handle and onboard crevice tool and dusting brush. The design focuses on ease of storage, environmental considerations with washable filters, and a relatively broad cleaning path for quick coverage on hard floors and low-pile carpets.
Performance-wise, the 720W motor is adequate for everyday upkeep but may lag behind more powerful vacuums on deep-clean tasks or dense carpet. The 1.5-foot hose length is shorter than some competitors, which can limit above-floor reach. The unit’s light weight and onboard tools make it convenient for apartments and smaller homes, but users with heavy pet hair or large square footage might find the suction-creep less impressive over time. Maintenance is straightforward due to washable filters and a bagless design.
Pros
- Very light at 7.7 pounds for easy portability
- Large 1.7-liter dust cup reduces frequent emptying
- Quick-release handle for above-floor cleaning
- Washable filter reduces ongoing costs
- Compact storage footprint
Cons
- 720W motor may underperform on deep cleaning
- Short hose length (1.5 feet) limits above-floor reach
- Noise level relatively high at 82 dB
5. EUREKA PowerSpeed Lightweight Powerful Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Carpet
- Brand: Eureka
- Manufacturer: Eureka
Overview: The PowerSpeed family line-up continues with the 4th model featuring a 2.6L dust cup, 960W motor, and a 5-height adjustment setting, plus a inclusive pet toolkit. The colorway and naming suggest a variant designed to emphasize pet-related cleaning tasks and strong multi-surface cleaning at an affordable price point, with a stated 10-pound weight and onboard tools.
Performance-wise, the 5-height adjustment helps tailor everyday cleaning across hard floors and carpets, and the 2.6L dust cup reduces constant emptying. The model inherits the familiar onboard pet tools, making it a practical option for households with animals. However, some caveats include the potential for belt and roller maintenance given hair buildup, and the corded design may limit flexibility in larger spaces. The price point near the budget end adds value for budget-conscious buyers.
Pros
- Strong all-floor suction with 960W motor
- 2.6L dust cup reduces interruptions
- 5 height settings for surfaces
- Onboard pet attachments for quick cleanup
- Affordable within the PowerSpeed lineup
Cons
- Corded operation limits reach
- Potential maintenance for hair buildup on roller
- Noise level around 88 dB
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about bagless vacuums to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Overall, the five bagless uprights offer a broad set of trade-offs.
If you prioritize budget value with strong multi-surface performance, the Eureka NEU10AE5 is hard to beat. For pet owners who need above-floor cleaning and filtration, the Shark NV356E delivers strong capability, while the Bissell 2252 excels in maneuverability and edge cleaning in tight spaces.
For users who want a larger dust capacity and a versatile, all-around performer in a mid-range price, the Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A is compelling. Consider your space layout, pet considerations, and tolerance for cord management when selecting the best fit..