Hard surfaces

Small carpeted areas

Stairs

• Shape creates a strong suction and cleaning power
• Bag and bagless options
• Flexible hoses reach stairs, upholstery and other difficult areas of the home

• Not ideal for large floor surfaces
• Two-piece design can be difficult to maneuver simultaneously

Carpeted surfaces

• Warm water provides more than a surface cleaning
• Some feature microbial treatments to prevent against bacterial growth

• Heavy and bulky

Large carpeted areas

Hard surfaces

Rugs

• Powerful with a wide cleaning path to clean large areas of your home quickly
• Bag and bagless options

• Difficult to clean under beds, furniture, etc.
• Usually bulkier and heavier than other vacuums

Small carpeted or hard-surfaced areas

• Lightweight and easy to maneuver
• Ideal for cleaning small messes or car interiors

• Not as powerful as full-sized models

Small floor surface areas

• Lightweight with long handles for comfortable use
• Some are battery-powered
• Excellent surface cleaners

• Not ideal for deep cleaning
• Do not perform as well on carpeted areas as other vacuums
• Small dirt bin capacities

Carpeted areas

Hard surfaces

• Powerful
• Collect pet hair and dander
• Minimize pet odors

• Can be heavy and difficult to maneuver

Medium-sized floor surfaces

• Hands-free vacuuming
• Cordless
• Programmable
• Navigates from room to room on its own
• Sensors detect dirt for efficient cleaning, even when you're not home
• Move around obstacles

• Not as powerful on carpeted surfaces as an upright or canister
• Must be charged prior to use
• Not ideal for shag carpeting or area rugs