Compare Vacuum Cleaners Side by Side

Choosing between two vacuums usually comes down to a handful of differences: type, the floors you clean, how long it runs or how big the bin is, and what upkeep it needs. This page is the starting point to compare vacuum cleaners head to head, using specifications taken from manufacturer and retailer listings. We have 3 comparisons across a catalog of 12 models, and each one links to the full model pages.

What a vacuum cleaner comparison here shows

Each comparison puts two models next to each other in a table of specs, then points out where they differ. Because the figures come from manufacturer and retailer specifications, they tell you what a vacuum is built to do on paper: weight, power source, capacity, included tools and similar details. It does not tell you how a vacuum performs in a real living room. We do not run hands-on tests, so treat a comparison as a way to narrow a shortlist, not as a performance ranking.

If you want a ranked shortlist rather than a head-to-head, the top rated vacuum cleaner picks are a better starting point, and you can return here once you have two candidates.

How to compare vacuum cleaners that fit your home

Work through these questions in order. Early ones rule out more models than later ones.

1. Which type suits your space? Uprights, canisters, stick or cordless models, robot vacuums, handhelds and wet/dry shop vacuums solve different problems. A garage cleanup and a daily hardwood sweep rarely call for the same machine.
2. What floors do you have most? Carpet, rugs, hardwood and tile each favor different features. If carpet is your main surface, an upright model is a common place to start, while cordless sticks are often chosen for quick cleanups and stairs.
3. Cord or battery? A cordless vacuum trades outlet-hopping for a limited run time and a battery that eventually needs replacing. Check the stated run time and whether the battery is removable.
4. How much do you need to empty and maintain? Look at bin capacity or bag type, filter details, and whether parts such as brush rolls can be cleaned or replaced.
5. What will it weigh in your hands? Weight is listed on most spec sheets and matters most for stairs, ceilings and overhead reaching.
6. What does it cost to own? Compare the purchase price with replacement bags, filters or batteries where the listing names them.

If you also want to deal with carpet stains, remember that a vacuum and a carpet washer are different tools, so they are not compared against each other.

Comparing across types versus within a type

The most useful vacuum vs vacuum comparisons are usually between two models of the same type, because their specs measure the same things. A stick vacuum's run time, for instance, has no equivalent on a corded canister, and a robot vacuum's mapping features have no equivalent on a handheld.

Cross-type comparisons still make sense when you are undecided about the type itself. In that case, read the differences as trade-offs in convenience, reach and upkeep rather than as one model being "better." Brand-specific shoppers can also narrow things by line, for example the cordless Dyson range, before comparing individual models.

Reading a comparison table without being misled

A few cautions apply to any vacuum cleaner comparison table, including ours:

• Manufacturer figures are not like-for-like. Companies may measure run time, suction or noise under different conditions, so small gaps between two numbers often mean little.
• Missing is not the same as absent. If a spec is blank, the source did not list it; it does not mean the feature is missing.
• Specs ignore ergonomics and durability. Balance, handle feel, build quality and long-term reliability do not show up in a table. Read owner reviews and warranty terms on the retailer or manufacturer page before you buy.
• Some records come from non-US sources. Where a model's data was gathered abroad, confirm details such as plug type, voltage and included accessories on the US listing.

For a specialty use such as the car, a dedicated roundup such as our best car vacuum guide will help more than a general side-by-side.

Browse the comparisons

Use the comparison list on this page to open a head-to-head, then follow the links to each model's full page for the complete spec sheet and current offers. Start with the pair you are already deciding between; if you only have a type in mind, pick a category first and compare the two models that match your floors and budget most closely.