Right out of the box, its German-engineered design gave a sense of durability and precision, and that impression carried through to its cleaning capabilities. One of the most convenient features is the automatic suction adjustment, which detects floor type and alters power accordingly — no need to constantly toggle settings.
The five manual height adjustments provide flexibility for different carpet piles, although a fully automatic height adjustment would have been more convenient. However, once set properly, the vacuum performs impressively on both high-pile rugs and hardwood floors — though on bare surfaces, the power nozzle can scatter debris, so switching to the parquet head is recommended.
This vacuum truly shines in sand and fine debris pickup, easily handling challenging messes like coffee grounds. Its versatile onboard attachments — including a duster brush, crevice tool, and upholstery nozzle — are easy to access and swap out thanks to the quick-release wand.
The HEPA exhaust filter and GN-style bags make this a solid choice for allergy sufferers, offering excellent air filtration and minimal dust emissions. While the bags are more costly than traditional paper ones, they last longer and trap more dirt, adding value over time.
Weight might be a downside for some, as it’s heavier than other vacuums, but its maneuverability and smooth swivel design compensate for that. The pre-filter also adds a layer of motor protection, which gives peace of mind.
The Dyson V15 Detect is a premium cordless vacuum that lives up to its hype with a powerful mix of performance, smart features, and thoughtful design. At its core, the V15 offers Dyson’s most powerful suction to date, beating even the Outsize in unsealed tests. Yet, it maintains a compact size similar to the V11 Animal, making it easier to maneuver and store.
One of its standout features is the new laser-equipped fluffy head, which illuminates dust on hard floors—especially in dim areas like under furniture. Surprisingly, this laser isn’t just a gimmick; it reveals particles that LED lights can miss, making vacuuming more effective and oddly satisfying. The vacuum also includes the tried-and-true torque head, excellent for both carpets and hard floors without switching tools.
Dyson’s auto mode shines here. Using a dirt sensor, the V15 adjusts suction not only based on floor type but also how dirty the area is. This means better battery optimization and more efficient cleaning. The removable battery and real-time LCD screen, which displays battery life and performance data, add to the user-friendly experience.
Pet owners will love the upgraded handheld motorized tool with a corkscrew brush that resists hair wrap far better than previous models. However, handheld use for extended periods can still feel awkward due to the unit’s shape and weight.
That said, it’s not perfect. The price is steep, and the particle counter on the screen, while cool, isn’t especially useful. Also, the main head can be tough to push on hard floors at maximum power with the gates closed.
Still, for those wanting the best cordless vacuum available today, the V15 Detect delivers exceptional value, intelligent features, and unmatched cleaning power in a sleek, modern package.
The updated Dyson V11 cordless vacuum strikes an impressive balance between power, features, and value, making it a strong contender in 2024. With upgraded hardware and a more affordable price, it’s built to deliver premium Dyson performance without the top-tier price tag of models like the Gen5 or V15.
One of its standout features is suction power. In testing, the V11 ranked in the top 10 for airflow among 90+ cordless vacuums. Its sealed suction is especially good for handheld tasks like cleaning upholstery or stairs. The redesigned Motorbar floorhead includes Dyson’s anti-hair tangle technology, which actively removes hair from the brush bar—a must-have for pet owners.
Battery life is excellent. With a removable 3600 mAh battery, the V11 offers extended runtime across three power modes (Eco, Medium, and Max), and a real-time digital display shows how much time is left based on your settings. The filtration system is HEPA-grade and fully sealed, capturing allergens and fine dust particles effectively.
It includes several high-quality tools like the motorized screw tool (great for pet hair on furniture), crevice tool, and combo brush. The “Extra” version adds a flexible extension hose, up-top tool, and stubborn dirt brush—ideal for vehicles, shelves, and high surfaces.
However, it’s not without trade-offs. The V11 is slightly heavy in-hand, which may be noticeable in above-floor cleaning. It also lacks automatic suction adjustment—a feature found in older models—and you must detach the wand to empty the bin. Another limitation is its performance with large debris on hard floors due to fixed front gates.
Still, for buyers wanting Dyson power, excellent filtration, and versatile tools at a lower price point than flagship models, the V11 is a top-tier choice.
Even after more than a decade on the market, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV352 remains one of the best-value upright vacuums you can buy. It offers features typically found in vacuums two to three times its price—making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious households that don’t want to compromise on performance.
One of its standout features is the sealed HEPA filtration system, which traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. That’s extremely rare at this price point and makes it a great pick for allergy sufferers. At just 13 pounds, it’s also lighter than most upright vacuums, making it easy to carry upstairs or maneuver around furniture with its smooth swivel steering.
Its Lift-Away feature is a true game changer. With a press of a button, the vacuum converts into a portable canister, making stair and upholstery cleaning a breeze. The brush roll on/off switch lets you seamlessly transition between carpets and hard floors without scattering debris, and the included attachments (upholstery tool, crevice tools, and dusting brush) are genuinely useful—not just throw-ins.
Performance-wise, it shines. In tests, it achieved 100% pickup on deep carpet cleans and handled everything from fine dust to cereal-sized debris impressively well. It’s also easy to maintain, with an open canister design and accessible parts, and replacement parts are readily available.
That said, its plastic construction feels a bit dated, and it can bump into low furniture edges. But these are small trade-offs for a vacuum that’s powerful, versatile, and highly affordable.
If you want pro-level cleaning without the pro-level price tag, the NV352 is still one of the smartest buys you can make.
The Kenmore Featherlite Lift-Up is a budget upright vacuum that impresses with features and performance typically found in higher-end models. Weighing just 12 pounds, it’s among the lightest full-sized uprights available, making it incredibly easy to maneuver—perfect for multi-level homes or users who struggle with heavier models.
Its Lift-Up technology allows the canister to detach from the floor head, ideal for stairs and above-floor cleaning. The wand is easy to remove and reattach, allowing quick transitions between tasks. The vacuum includes a large upholstery tool and a 3-in-1 combo attachment, covering most household cleaning needs.
Where it truly stands out is in pickup performance. On both hard floors and carpets, it handles debris of all sizes better than competitors in the same price range. Thanks to wide debris gates and a fabric squeegee on the floor head, it maintains strong suction without snowplowing larger debris. It also includes a brush roll on/off switch and a suction adjustment slider for high-pile carpets—features that add cleaning versatility.
The sealed HEPA filtration system is a standout, effectively trapping allergens and dust—rare at this price point. The LED headlights on the floor head are a thoughtful touch for spotting hidden debris in low-light areas.
Drawbacks include a tendency to tangle with long hair, especially on the brush roll, and slightly below-average performance in tight crevice cleaning due to its open gate design. It’s also a bit louder, registering 84 decibels.
Despite these minor issues, the Kenmore Featherlite offers exceptional value. It’s a powerful, easy-to-use vacuum with premium features that outperform most in the budget category. If you’re looking for a reliable upright vacuum that won’t break the bank, this is a top contender.