The best vacuum for carpet is one that has enough power to pull dirt and hair from deep in the fibers, but is designed in such a way that you can still push it along your floor without it getting stuck. While hard floors can be cleared of dust fairly easily, carpets are more demanding, which means you might need to spend a bit more for a vacuum that's up to the task – and especially if you want it to be able to deal with pet hair.
We've tested a wide range of models for our best vacuum guide, and these are the ones that really shone when it came to cleaning carpet. Our top pick is the Dyson V11 (#1); an excellent all rounder that's nimble and well-designed, with a powerful motor and superb suction. However, as a rule, corded uprights will always have more power than even the best cordless vacuums, so if you really want to deep clean your carpets, you should consider the Shark Stratos Upright (#4).
Below you'll find options for a range of needs and budgets. Every model listed has proven itself in our suction tests, but for our reviews also consider factors such as battery life, maneuverability and special features such as automatic suction adjustment and floor type detection. Read on for our pick of the best vacuums for carpet right now.
The quick list
Best overall
The V11 is a great all-rounder. The carefully engineered design is powerful enough to pull up ingrained dirt, and it'll automatically amp up suction when it detects it's on carpet, too.
Best suction
This Halo model is one of the suckiest cordless vacuums we've tested, tackling large volumes of dirt and pet hair with ease. It's bagged, which might but some people off, but could have benefits for allergy-sufferers.
Best Shark
This newer Shark vacuum blends carpet-friendly suction and advanced automation features – including the ability to amp up suction when the vacuum approaches the edge of a room.
Best upright
Stick vacs might be convenient, but for outright suction you can't beat a corded upright. This one has a clever, flexible design that can be used in various configurations for different cleaning tasks.
Best premium
If you have a bigger budget, the V15 is worth the investment. It has a more powerful motor than the V11 (#1), with advanced automatic suction adjustment based on how much dirt is on the floor.
Best for small homes
The V8 is an older, more affordable Dyson vacuum that's perfect for small carpeted homes. The lightweight design is nimble, and the smaller dust cup and shorter battery won't be an issue in more compact homes.
Another top option
It a little heavy for a stick vacuum, but the Stratos Cordless is great at suction and hair removal, and its flexible wand can get anywhere. If you spot a deal, this older Shark can be great value for money.
The best vacuum for carpet 2025: picked by experts
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The best vacuum for carpet overall
The Dyson V11 is the best vacuum for carpet overall. The suction is superb, offering excellent pickup on carpet with its Motorbar floorhead. It's also relatively lightweight with a good-sized (and easy to empty) dust cup and great battery life, making it suitable for longer cleaning sessions. As with all the best Dyson vacuums, its very easy to maneuver, with a floorhead that will pivot any way you want it to, to get into all the nooks and crannies of your home.
There are three suction modes to choose from, but the one you'll probably end up using most is Auto. In this mode, the vacuum detects the type of floor it's on and adjusts suction to suit – so it knows to increase power when moving onto a carpeted area from a hard floor, without you having to do anything. There's also the low-powered Eco mode for light cleaning, and the ultra-powerful, battery-sapping Boost for ingrained dirt.
A useful LCD screen will spell out exactly how long you have left of cleaning, in your current suction mode. It'll also alerts you of any required maintenence tasks or blockages that need attention.
This isn't the most powerful Dyson cordless stick vacuum – both the V15 (#5) and Gen5detect have upgraded motor designs. However, it'll be plenty powerful enough for most people's carpet-cleaning needs, and comes in at a more affordable price than both of those models. If you like this brand and aren't sure whether it's worth upgrading, our Dyson V15 vs V11 article lays out the differences between these two models.
Read our full Dyson V11 cordless vacuum review
The best vacuum for suction on carpet
In terms of outright suction, the Halo Capsule X is one of the most powerful cordless vacuums we've tested, making it a great choice for homes with lots of carpet. Our reviewer found it excelled at picking up various debris types from both medium and deep-pile carpets, from fine flour to large cornflakes, as well as proving effective at collecting pet hair. Not only that, but the vacuum operates quietly and is lightweight and comfortable to use, with good manoeuvrability.
Unlike many modern vacuums, this Halo vac requires bags. The bag capacity is very generous, at 2 liters. There are benefits to bagged vacuums – for example, they can dealing with fine particles without damaging the motor, and particles are less likely to escape back into the air when emptying the vacuum, which is good news for allergy sufferers. However, it does represent and ongoing cost and minor hassle.
We found the battery and motor housing, while bulky-looking, don't interfere with arm movement during use. The Capsule X comes with two batteries, providing up to 50 minutes of runtime in medium power mode. The Pet Max bundle includes two motorized floor heads, a motorized pet brush, and additional tools for detailed cleaning.
This is one of the more basic vacuums in our roundup, focusing on cleaning power rather than fancy features. Most notably, there's no automatic suction adjustment based on floor type and dirt levels, as offered by the Dyson V11 (#1) and V15 (#5), and Shark PowerDetect (#4) and Stratos (#7) models.
Read our full Halo Capsule X Pet Max review
The best Shark vacuum for carpet
The PowerDetect Cordless is the best Shark vacuum for carpet. This model is designed to combines the superb suction of the Stratos cordless (#7) with the automatic adjustment features of the Shark Detect Pro cordless, and it really delivers. On test, it sailed through all our suction tasks (only corded uprights, like the Stratos Upright at #4, offer more power within this brand's lineup).
There's also an impressively wide range of automations. It'll speed up the rollers when it senses it's moving from hard floor onto carpet, and amp up suction based on how dirty the floor is (although its dirt-sensing isn't as precise or as advanced as the Dyson V15 at #5 offers). Our tester was especially impressed with the edge cleaning features – it's the only vacuum here that can amp up suction when it's near the edge of a room, where dust can collect. It's also designed to be able to collect larger debris when being pulled backwards, rather than causing it to pool up on the edge of the floorhead. Maneuverability is good, too – as with many Shark vacuums, there's a wand that can be released to bend forward, so you can get under furniture without having to crouch down.
The PowerDetect Cordless stands out as the only vacuum here to have the option of an auto-empty base. When the vacuum is docked, all the dust is sucked out, via a closed system, into a larger bin in the base. That means you won't need to empty it nearly as often. For allergy sufferers who'd rather not deal with bags, it could be a good alternative to the Halo at #2.
Read our full Shark PowerDetect cordless vacuum review
The best upright vacuum for carpet
Cordless stick vacuums are the norm these days, but if you're seeking maximum suction for deep cleaning carpets, you can't beat a corded upright. Our pick of the bunch is the Shark Stratos Upright. For our money, it's the best upright vacuum on the market.
While it's bulky and heavy compared to a stick vacuum, this vacuum has been designed with maneuverability in mind. Our reviewer particularly liked how you can detach the main unit from the floorhead and attach the wand, making it easier to clean under furniture. Another winning feature was its exceptional hair pickup capability, complemented by anti-hair wrap technology in the cleaner head that prevents hair from tangling around the dual brushrolls. This makes it particularly effective and low-maintenance for pet owners.
Then there's the innovative anti-odor cartridge system, which keeps both the machine and floors smelling fresh, a feature which worked well in practice in our testing. The Stratos Upright also boasts an anti-allergen complete seal, which captures and traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum.
Read our full Shark Stratos Upright review
Best premium vacuum for carpet
If you have cash to splash, the Dyson V15 Detect is worth the investment. It combines impeccable build quality with advanced features, and – of course – ultra-powerful suction for pulling dust and dirt from deep down in carpet fibers.
The USP here is that the main floorhead contains sensors that continuously monitor what's being sucked up, and report it back in real time on a little screen on the main unit. That means you can be doubly sure the patch of floor you're on is free from dust and dirt before moving on. There's also an Auto mode that'll raise or lower suction based on how much dirt is on the floor (it's a step up from Shark version of this tech). All that means a low-effort, effective clean that maximizes battery life.
Because it's a Dyson, you can expect a supremely usable design. A useful LCD screen gives you plenty of info, including how much time you have left on your battery, and if there's a blockage. It comes with various attachments, including an anti-tangle hair screw tool for pet hair. We're focusing on carpet here, but if you have a mixture of floor types in your home, you'll appreciate the dedicated Fluffy floorhead that's specialized for hard floors, and comes with a laser to illuminate hidden dirt.
The V15 is one down from the newest Dyson stick vacuum. You can read about the newest model in our Dyson Gen5detect review, or see how the two compare in our Dyson Gen5detect vs V15 Detect face-off.
Read our full Dyson V15 Detect review
The best vacuum for small homes with carpet
The V8 is the oldest Dyson stick vacuum in the current lineup, but it's still an excellent cleaner, and an especially good choice for people with small carpeted homes. It doesn't have the latest mechanics, but the suction is still great, and plenty strong enough to tackle carpet cleaning.
Along with the Halo (#2) this is the joint lightest stick vacuum in our list, with a nimble, easy to maneuver design that's perfect for guiding around compact spaces. Like most of the stick vacuum here, it can function as both a floor vacuum and a handheld unit, and it comes with various well-designed attachments for different cleaning tasks.
The vacuum provides up to 40 minutes of battery life on its standard setting, which isn't the longest here, but is still decent, and long enough to give a smaller home a thorough once-over. Given that it takes up to five hours to recharge, you certainly wouldn't want to have to pause to wait for it to juice up mid-clean.
Another reason that it's better suited to a smaller home is that the dust cup is smaller than average. It also lacks the advanced features found in newer Dyson models, such as an LCD screen and automatic suction adjustment.
If those are acceptable compromises, there's good news about the price. At list price the V8 is one of the most affordable options here, and an especially budget-friendly buy for a Dyson.
Read our full Dyson V8 review
Another excellent Shark vacuum for carpet
The Shark Stratos Cordless is a powerful cordless cleaner that's great on carpet. It's less advanced than the PowerDetect at #3 but comes with a similar list price, which means it's not worth considering unless you spot a deal. However, because it's an older model, it does attract hefty discounts fairly often, which is why we've included it here. With the right discount it can represent great value for money.
Our reviewer found the Stratos Cordless powerful, with strong suction capabilities and effective hair removal. Although it's one of the heaviest stick vacuums in this list, it goes some way to negating that by being fairly maneuverabile – the floorhead swivels well, and our tester was especially enamored with the popular flexible wand that bends in forwards at the click of a button, so you can clean under furniture without squatting or bending over.
Other great features include an odor-neutralizing puck and a floorhead design that effectively prevents hair wrap around the brushrolls. (We rate the Shark Stratos Cordless as the best vacuum for pet hair.) Battery life is impressive, too.
If you can find the right deal and don't mind the extra weight, this vacuum is a great cleaner. See exactly how it compares to our top-rated Shark in our Shark Stratos vs PowerDetect article.
Read our full Shark Stratos Cordless vacuum cleaner review
Best vacuum for carpet: specs compared
| Model | Type | Weight | Bin size | Max runtime |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyson V11 | Cordless stick | 6.6 lbs / 3 kg | 0.7 L | 60 mins |
| Halo Capsule X Pet Max | Cordless stick | 5.7 lbs / 2.6 kg | 2 L | 50 mins |
| Shark PowerDetect Cordless | Cordless stick | 8 lbs / 3.7 kg | 0.7L | 70 mins |
| Shark Stratos Upright | Corded upright | 14.8 lbs / 6.7 kg | 1.3 L | Unlimited |
| Dyson V15 Detect | Cordless stick | 6.8 lbs / 3 kg | 0.8 L | 60 mins |
| Dyson V8 | Cordless stick | 5.6 lbs / 2.6 kg | 0.5 L | 40 mins |
| Shark Stratos Cordless | Cordless stick | 8.9 lbs / 4.1 kg | 0.7 L | 60 mins |
Best vacuum for carpet FAQs
What type of vacuum is best for carpet?
When choosing a vacuum cleaner for carpets, there are several types and features to consider, and each has its own pros and cons. So it's a matter of weighing these up in terms of your own specific needs and home layout.
To start with, upright vacuums are known for their powerful suction and wide cleaning path. They often come with rotating brushes, aka beater bars, that are effective at deep cleaning carpets. However, they can be heavy, bulky and difficult to maneuver around furniture, making them best suited for large carpeted areas and homes with high-pile or plush carpets.
In contrast, cordless vacuums offer more versatility and are easier to maneuver around and under furniture and on stairs. They also usually come with a variety of attachments for specific tasks. They are generally not as powerful as upright vacuums for deep carpet cleaning, but are still a good choice for homes with a mix of carpeted floors, hard floors and area rugs.
Robot vacuums can also be a good choice for carpets, providing you use them regularly, as they typically don't provide the same deep cleaning as other vacuums. These devices generally perform better on low to medium-pile carpets, but high-pile or shag carpets may pose challenges.
How to choose the best vacuum for carpet
When selecting the ideal vacuum cleaner for your carpets, several key factors come into play. Perhaps most obviously, suction power is crucial for effectively removing dirt and debris from carpet fibers, so look for models with strong performance in this area. A motorized brush roll is also useful, as it agitates the carpet to loosen embedded dirt. Some vacuums offer adjustable brush rolls to accommodate different carpet heights.
You'll also need to decide between corded models, which offer consistent power, and cordless options that provide greater mobility. Consider the vacuum's weight and maneuverability, especially if you have stairs or multiple levels in your home. For more on this, read our article on the disadvantages of a cordless vacuum cleaner.
There's also a choice to be made between bagged and bagless models depends on whether you suffer from allergies. If you have pets, seek out vacuums with specialized pet hair removal features. And if noise is a concern, look for quieter models.
Attachments can greatly enhance a vacuum's versatility, so consider what tools are included. Also, some high-end models offer smart features like automatic suction adjustment or app connectivity. However, you'll need to balance all these things against price, because the most expensive vacuum won't represent overall value for money if you don't use all of the features.
