Vacuum Type
Surface Type
Pros
Cons
Canister vacuum

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
Deep cleaner

Carpeted surfaces
- Warm water provides more than a surface cleaning
- Some feature microbial treatments to prevent against bacterial growth
- Heavy and bulky
Upright vacuum

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
Handheld vacuum

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
Sweeper or stick vacuum

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
Pet vacuum

Carpeted areas
Hard surfaces
- Powerful
- Collect pet hair and dander
- Minimize pet odors
- Can be heavy and difficult to maneuver
Robot vacuum

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