Plug-in upright vacuums are powerful, versatile, reliable, and capable of cleaning every inch of your home—from thick rugs to hardwood floors. They suck up dust, debris, pet fur, and pollutants.
The best uprights have extra-strong suction and swappable brush heads (a motorized cleaner to agitate and lift dirt and debris from deep within carpets, and a soft parquet brush for delicate hardwood flooring). They feature useful hose attachment tools for cleaning stairs, sofas, bookshelves, and tight corners.
High-end upright vacuums have powerful filtration (HEPA or S-class) and seal debris in bags, so these cleaners are ideal for indoor allergy sufferers. Because they stand upright, they stow easily in a closet or corner. And with proper maintenance, they can last for a decade or longer. Read more about the best upright vacuums.
Consider an upright vacuum if:
- You want a classic vacuum that can deep-clean. Only powerful plug-in vacuums can truly clean even the thickest rugs. Their bags and filtration make them excellent for indoor allergy sufferers.
- You’re willing to spend on a vacuum that can last. The best uprights are pricey, but they have long warranties and replaceable and repairable parts, and they should last for a decade or more.
Skip an upright vacuum if:
- You have arm or wrist issues. Compared with a canister vacuum or lightweight cordless stick vacuum, an upright can feel heavy on your hands and wrists.
- You hate cords. Upright vacuums lack automatic cord rewinds, so you’ll have to unwrap and wrap the cord.
Top pick
This stylish, bagged upright vacuum has formidable cleaning power and is adjustable, versatile, and agile. It should last for a decade or two.
