7 Best Upright Vacuums for Deep Cleaning Carpets 2026

When deep carpet cleaning means war against pet stains, odors, and years of embedded grime, the BISSELL ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus doesn’t just show up—it dominates. Armed with Dual DirtLifter Powerbrushes, this beast delivers double the scrubbing action of standard carpet cleaners, aggressively agitating carpet fibers to extract dirt others leave behind. The CleanShot Pretreater with OXY is a game-changer, blasting through stubborn pet stains and even neutralizing the most pungent odors—yes, including cat urine and skunk. For pet owners tired of surface-level cleaning, this machine offers true deep sanitization, transforming matted, soiled carpets into fresh, hygienic floor coverings.

In real-world testing, the ProHeat 2X shines brightest during full-room deep cleans. Its Turbostrength Motor Technology ensures powerful suction that pulls dirty water and debris into the tank efficiently, while the FreshStart Odor Protection system uses antimicrobial brush rolls to prevent bacterial growth and lingering smells. The Express Clean Mode is a revelation—delivering a 30-minute dry time, a huge win for homes needing fast turnaround. However, it’s not all flawless: the unit is bulky and heavy, making it awkward to haul up stairs or store in tight spaces. And while the 8-foot hose adds reach, the water tanks (clean and dirty) require frequent emptying on larger jobs.

Compared to dry vacuums like the Oreck Commercial XL, the ProHeat 2X isn’t meant for daily maintenance—it’s a deep intervention tool, like calling in a specialist rather than a generalist. It outperforms standard uprights in stain removal and sanitization but demands more time, space, and post-clean effort. Ideal for pet-heavy homes, rental property cleaners, or anyone battling chronic carpet contamination, this BISSELL model is the gold standard in wet-dry carpet restoration. While pricier than basic vacuums, its cleaning authority and odor-fighting intelligence justify the investment—especially when weighed against the recurring cost of professional carpet cleaning services.

If deep carpet agitation is your mission, the Oreck Commercial XL is a precision-engineered scalpel in a world of blunt tools. Its high-speed brush roll spins with relentless force, lifting deeply embedded dirt from carpet pile with a ferocity few uprights can match. At just 9 pounds, it defies expectations—light enough to carry up flights of stairs, yet powerful enough to clean like a commercial-grade workhorse. The automatic height adjustment intelligently adapts to carpet thickness, ensuring optimal contact without gouging or skipping, making it a dream for homes with mixed carpet types. For anyone frustrated by vacuums that just push debris around, this Oreck model rips dirt loose and swallows it whole.

In performance trials, the Oreck excels on medium to high-pile carpets, where its brush roll can dig in and agitate fibers to the base. The side edge brushes are a subtle but brilliant touch, capturing dust and debris along baseboards and corners that most vacuums miss. Suction remains strong throughout use thanks to its bagged system, which maintains consistent airflow as it fills—no gradual power loss like in many bagless models. However, it’s less effective on hard floors, where the aggressive brush roll can scatter fine particles. And while the lightweight build is a win, the shorter 25-foot cord means more outlet hopping in larger homes.

Stacked against the Shark NV356E, the Oreck trades versatility for raw carpet-cleaning focus. It lacks lift-away functionality and HEPA filtration, but out-agitates every competitor in the dataset when it comes to carpet pile penetration. It’s the ideal pick for carpet-dominant homes, landlords, or commercial spaces where deep agitation trumps multi-surface flexibility. While not the flashiest, its no-nonsense durability and cleaning authority make it a long-term performer—offering greater carpet disruption power than models twice its complexity.

For homes under constant siege by pet hair, the Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel isn’t just helpful—it’s a lifeline. Its Triple Action Brush Roll doesn’t just collect pet hair; it loosens, lifts, and extracts it from deep within carpet fibers, preventing the frustrating “redeposit” many vacuums suffer from. The swivel steering is buttery smooth, allowing the head to pivot on a dime—essential for navigating around coffee tables, chairs, and pet beds without constant repositioning. With a large-capacity dirt tank and edge-to-edge cleaning, it reduces the number of passes needed, making whole-home cleanups faster and more efficient. This vacuum solves the daily grind of pet ownership with relentless hair pickup and smart ergonomics.

In real use, the 2252 handles everything from thick dog undercoats to cat fur tumbleweeds on hardwood with impressive consistency. The MultiCyclonic system maintains suction better than basic bagless models, and the airflow indicator alerts you when it’s time to clean the filter—a small but crucial feature for long-term performance. Scatter-free technology helps on hard floors, though fine dust can still escape if you go too fast. The one letdown? The brush roll can tangle, especially with long human hair, requiring periodic maintenance to avoid clogs. Still, for pet owners, the specialized tools and powerful pickup outweigh this minor hassle.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Bissell offers superior hair handling and maneuverability, though at a higher price point. It doesn’t have a HEPA filter like the Shark NV356E, but it beats it in pet hair extraction on carpets. This is the go-to for multi-pet households where shedding is a daily battle. With its swivel agility and pet-focused design, it delivers more targeted performance than budget models while avoiding the bulk of deep-cleaning carpet shampooers.

The Eureka NEU612BL redefines maneuverability in upright vacuums, thanks to its built-in swivel steering that glides around furniture legs and tight corners like a pro. But it’s not just agile—it’s powerful, with a Dual-Motor System that drives both the floor brush and suction independently, ensuring no drop in performance even on thick carpets. The anti-tangle brush roll is a revelation for homes with long-haired pets or people, effortlessly slicing through hair without constant stops to cut it free. Combined with a 30-foot power cord and 8.2-foot hose, this vacuum covers massive areas without unplugging, making it ideal for open-concept homes or multi-room cleaning sessions.

In testing, the dual cyclone suction proved remarkably consistent, pulling fine dust and larger debris deep from carpets without clogging. The detachable handle and accessory set—including a pet turbo brush and crevice tool—transform it into a whole-house cleaner, capable of handling upholstery, stairs, and car interiors. On hard floors, it performs well, though the brush roll can’t be turned off, risking light scratching on delicate surfaces. The dust cup is large, but lacks a sealed system, meaning some allergens escape during emptying—not ideal for allergy sufferers.

Against the Bissell 2252, the Eureka offers better cord reach and anti-tangle performance, but falls short in edge cleaning and allergen containment. It’s the best choice for large homes needing reach and tangle-free operation, particularly where pet hair and long human hair are concerns. While not the quietest or most allergen-sealed option, its swivel agility and sustained suction give it a clear edge in usability over heavier, less flexible models.

The Hoover Rewind Pet stands out in a crowded field not with raw power, but with brilliant convenience: its automatic cord rewind is a small luxury that pays off every time. With a single button press, the 25-foot cord retracts neatly, eliminating the annoyance of manual winding and tangles—a game-changer for quick cleanups or shared storage spaces. Designed with pet owners in mind, it includes a Turbo Tool for pet hair, which powerfully lifts fur from upholstery, stairs, and car seats. The built-in extension wand makes above-floor cleaning effortless, and the above-floor hose stores on board, keeping everything organized. For those who value speed, simplicity, and smart storage, this Hoover delivers.

Performance-wise, it offers solid suction for daily maintenance, easily handling surface dirt and pet hair on carpets and hard floors. The multi-surface cleaning mode transitions smoothly, though the brush roll isn’t height-adjustable, limiting deep agitation on plush carpets. In real use, it cleans more in fewer passes than older Hoover models, thanks to improved airflow design. However, the dust cup is smaller than competitors, requiring more frequent emptying during larger jobs. And while the Turbo Tool is effective, it’s not motorized, relying on suction alone—so it’s less powerful than powered pet tools on thick fur.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Hoover Rewind trades raw power for superior cord management and ease of use. It’s not the best for deep carpet cleaning, but it excels in convenience and pet-focused accessories. Ideal for apartments, small homes, or pet owners who clean frequently, it offers a smarter, more organized cleaning experience—especially when contrasted with models that force you to wrestle with cords and cluttered storage.

When allergen trapping is non-negotiable, the Shark Navigator NV356E isn’t just effective—it’s essential. Its Anti-Allergen Complete Seal works in tandem with a true HEPA filter to capture 99.9% of dust, dander, and allergens as small as 0.3 microns, sealing them inside the vacuum and out of your breathing space. For allergy and asthma sufferers, this isn’t a feature—it’s a necessity. The lift-away pod transforms it from an upright into a portable canister, making it effortless to clean stairs, furniture, and ceilings without lugging the whole unit. Paired with swivel steering, it’s one of the most versatile and agile uprights available.

In real-world use, the brushroll shutoff is a standout—letting you switch instantly from deep carpet cleaning to gentle bare floor mode without changing tools. The 0.87L dust cup holds plenty, and emptying is quick with the one-touch release. It picks up pet hair well, though not quite as aggressively as the Bissell 2252. On thick carpets, it performs admirably, but the suction can struggle slightly with very fine, compacted dust compared to bagged models like the Oreck. Still, its all-surface adaptability and allergen control make it a top-tier daily cleaner.

Against the BISSELL ProHeat 2X, the Shark doesn’t deep-clean carpets with water, but it dominates in air quality and versatility. It’s the best choice for allergy-prone homes, multi-surface environments, or anyone needing above-floor flexibility. While not the cheapest, its combination of HEPA filtration, lift-away function, and swivel agility offers superior all-around performance compared to single-focus models.

The Eureka PowerSpeed is the budget-friendly powerhouse that punches far above its price tag. Despite costing less than half of premium models, it delivers impressive suction that penetrates deep into carpets, extracting dust, dander, and even microscopic particles with its upgraded cyclone system. At just 10 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, ideal for quick cleanups or users who struggle with heavier vacuums. The 5 height settings let you fine-tune for shag rugs, low-pile carpets, or bare floors, ensuring optimal cleaning without damaging surfaces. For those who want serious performance without the serious cost, this Eureka is a revelation.

In testing, it handled pet hair, cereal spills, and embedded dirt with surprising efficacy, though it required more passes than high-end models for stubborn messes. The on-board accessories—crevice tool, dusting brush, and upholstery tool—are convenient and well-placed, and the stretch hose adds reach for stairs and furniture. However, the lack of a sealed system means it doesn’t trap allergens as well as the Shark NV356E, and the roller brush can clog if not cleaned regularly—a warning Eureka explicitly includes. Still, for the price, it’s hard to beat for basic to moderate cleaning needs.

Compared to the Hoover Rewind, the PowerSpeed offers better suction and height adjustability, but lacks automatic cord rewind. It’s the go-to for renters, students, or small homes where budget constraints are real but cleaning performance can’t be compromised. While not built for decade-long use, its value proposition is unmatched—delivering core functionality at a fraction of the cost of premium models.