Best Vacuums For Carpet

The 13 Best Vacuums For Carpet in 2020 (Comprehensive Guide)

If you find yourself in a situation where you keep on vacuuming your carpet but it just never seems to get as clean as you would like it to be, then it is time that you went shopping for the best vacuum for carpets. Not every vacuum is going to do a good job on the carpets so you need one that has features that make it suitable for vacuuming carpets.

There are a number of manufacturers out there who will claim to have the best but when you put them to the test, you realize they just do not cut it. This review will give you suggestions you can trust as they are the result of extensive research and testing to try and find which is really the best.

We have tried to include all the different categories, right from the common upright vacuum which seems best suited for any floor surface to robotic and handheld vacuums that have proved to be impressive.

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Comparison Of The 13 Best Vacuums For Carpet

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PRODUCT NAME

RATING

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Soniclean SCF-7000

Shark Navigator Deluxe NV42

​Dyson V6 Motor Head Cord-free Vacuum

Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum

ECOVACS DEEBOT N79 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

Eufy RoboVac 11+

Electrolux EL4335A

Bissell 9595A

​Hoover Linx BH50010 Cordless

​Dyson DC65 Animal Complete Upright

​Kenmore Elite 21814

​Oreck Graphite U4300H2BS

​Prolux 7000 LED

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PRODUCT DETAILS

​Soniclean SCF-7000

​Shark Navigator Deluxe NV42

​Dyson V6 Motor Head Cord-free Vacuum

​Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum

ECOVACS DEEBOT N79 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

Eufy RoboVac 11+

Electrolux EL4335A

Bissell 9595A

​Hoover Linx BH50010 Cordless

​Dyson DC65 Animal Complete Upright

​Kenmore Elite 21814

​Oreck Graphite U4300H2BS

​Prolux 7000 LED

The Best Vacuums For Carpet Reviews

Soniclean SCF-7000

I have had a lot of bad experiences with strong vacuums that are supposed to be for carpets but they end up ruining soft carpets. This Soniclean is the answer to that problem, it has soft nylon bristles which are gentle on plush carpets but it still produces vibrations that will loosen dirt and get it sucked up. I also like that the vent can be adjusted to suit the surface you are cleaning and just because it is said to be for soft carpets, it does not mean you can still use it on hard floors.

​This vacuum does a really impressive job and makes cleaning plush carpets a breeze.

What We Liked

  • ​It is gentle on soft carpets but still manages to suck up most of the dirt from the carpets
  • The vent can be adjusted to suit the surface that you are cleaning with the right amount of suction
  • It has large wheels which make it easy for it to glide over the carpet
  • It has patented sonic vibration which loosens dirt from deep in the carpet
  • It works on any type of floor
  • It has sealed HEPA filtration which can handle up to 0.3 microns
  • You can vacuum and freshen the room using the sonicfresh fragrance pods.
  • It can automatically shut down when an object is jamming the brush roll which increases its lifespan

What We Didn't Like

  • ​The filter bags are expensive to replace

Shark Navigator Deluxe NV42

If you have a dog or cat that leaves its hair all over the carpet, this is a vacuum you may want to try. I particularly like its constant suction which will suck up hairs from the carpet and dust with fewer back and forth movements. Speaking of back and forth, it is not much of a problem since this vacuum is reasonably light, weighing just 15 pounds.

​Dealing with pet hair in a carpet means you end up with enough hair to build another dog or cat, so it is a relief that the bin on this vacuum is large so there are fewer trips to empty it.

What We Liked

  • ​It has an extra large dirt cup which allows you to clean for long without having to empty it
  • It gives you constant suction which means fewer back and forth movements to get the dirt and hairs
  • There is a pet hair tool which is designed to get stubborn pet hair from carpets-    It uses HEPA filters and there is no bag which is convenient
  • The NV42 is reasonably priced in comparison to other carpet vacuums
  • The hose is 12 feet which gives you enough reach

What We Didn't Like

  • ​It does not swivel so it is hard to navigate it around furniture
  • It comes with a few tools but there is no storage for the tools

Dyson V6 Motor Head Cord-free Vacuum

When it comes to cordless vacuums for carpets, this is the one I would recommend without hesitation. It is quite light and easy to use to vacuum carpeted stairs, but that is not all when it comes to dealing with carpets. I like that the bristles dig deep into the carpet so that it pulls out stubborn dirt and hairs from the base of the carpet.

​Its suction remains constant right from the time the battery is fully charged to when it has just 1 minute of power left in it and it gives your 20 minutes of suction. If you have wall to wall carpeting, this vacuum can help you get to places where bigger vacuums cannot.

What We Liked

  • ​Its suction power is constant making it good for carpets
  • Its bristles dig deep to pull out dirt and hairs from deep inside the carpet
  • It is lightweight and suited for vacuuming stairs
  • It comes with a dock that also acts as a charging unit and makes it handy for quick vacuuming
  • It comes with accessories to use for other places including furniture, electronics, and cars
  • It can reach places other vacuums cannot reach

What We Didn't Like

  • ​20 minutes cleaning time means you cannot vacuum large areas in one go
  • The collection cup is not very big so you need to empty it often

​Miele Complete C3 Marin Canister Vacuum Cleaner - Corded

If you have carpets of different thickness, this is a vacuum that would come in handy. It is able to adjust between low to medium pile plush carpeting and it can also clean hardwood floors. It is also conveniently designed so that you can switch motor speeds using the foot control which I find helps to maintain the flow of work without having to bend to switch speed.

​When it comes to suction, it has really strong suction in comparison to most canister vacuums when vacuuming carpets and it automatically switches to lower suction when you get to hard floors. I find that it has a number of small convenient features like the self-rewind cord, headlights and motor speed control.

What We Liked

  • ​You can use it on different levels of carpet thickness as well as on different floor surface
  • There are 6 settings for the motor speed so you can adjust according to the need as well as reduce noise level
  • You can control the motor speed with your foot which saves time
  • The head can twist up to 180 degrees which makes it easier to get tight places
  • It has headlights so you can clean darks spaces like under chairs
  • Its suction is strong enough to get dirt from deep inside the carpet fibers

What We Didn't Like

  • ​Some people complain that it tends to clog often which delays you if you are in a hurry
  • It is one of the priciest vacuums for carpets

ECOVACS DEEBOT N79 Robotic Vacuum Cleaner

For the busy homeowner with low pile carpeting, this is a good choice. The N79 is designed to separate the fibers of the carpet so that it can give it a deep clean. Since it is a robot vacuum, you can simply program it to clean as you do other things. It is also able to perform spot cleaning so if all you want to do is get rid of a small mess on the carpet, you can just reach for the remote and give the command.

​It measures 7.8cm tall which makes it able to get to places under the furniture which are usually hard to reach with other vacuums. If you have allergies, you can rest assured that this vacuum will not let allergens into the air, its sponge filter system will suck them up and keep them inside.

What We Liked

  • ​It is able to separate carpet fibers which helps it clean deeper especially on low pile carpet
  • It is just 7.8cm tall which makes it great for cleaning under furniture and other hard to reach places
  • It comes at a reasonable price in comparison to other similar robot vacuums
  • It is not loud so you can even watch TV or talk on the phone as it does its work without interference
  • It uses HEPA style filtration which can trap dust and allergens making it good for people with allergy
  • The lithium battery can last 100 minutes with constant suction and the robot will return to recharge on its own
  • It uses smart cleaning technology which makes it adapt to the home environment

What We Didn't Like

  • ​In comparison to other robot vacuums, this one takes longer to finish the task
  • It is suited mainly for hard surface cleaning and low carpets

​Eufy RoboVac 11+

This robot vacuum is recommended for medium to low pile carpets and hardwood floors. It has pretty amazing suction which can suck out dirt from deep within the carpet.

Personally, if I had a pet, this would be my choice of robot vacuum, since it tends to suck up more pet hair and dirt than most robot vacuums. The Eufy has many sensors which makes it able to navigate much better even in crowded rooms without bumping into objects or getting caught under furniture that it may have trouble getting under.

​I also appreciate that it can determine on its own if more power is needed like when vacuuming medium pile carpets.

What We Liked

  • ​It has power boost technology which increases suction power when extra strength is needed making it good for carpets as well as stubborn dirt
  • The dirt box can contain 0.55 liters of dirt which makes it bigger than many other dirt boxes
  • It has a reasonably long runtime of 100 plus minutes before it will return to recharge
  • It goes for under 300 dollars which makes it budget friendly for a robot vacuum
  • It is equipped with bumpers which prevent damage and scratches when it bumps into or brushes against objects

What We Didn't Like

  • ​It is pretty basic with no outstanding technology and it does not even have an App to connect to your phone

Electrolux EL4335A

No matter what kind of carpet you have, this vacuum should be able to clean it. The EL4335A has adjustable height so that it can clean different surfaces including plush carpets. It also has self-cleaning brushes with tangle-free capability which I find convenient for carpets because it is usually when I am cleaning carpets that the brush tends to get entangled, but with this Electrolux, that is not a problem.

​It comes with a number of accessory tools which makes it very versatile especially if you want to own just 1 vacuum that can do the different vacuuming tasks around the home. The suction power can also be adjusted to clean delicate fabrics without ruining them.

What We Liked

  • ​The height can be adjusted to suit the kind of carpet you are vacuuming
  • You can also adjust the suction power so that you do not ruin delicate fabric
  • It has a low center of gravity so it can sit stably on the ground without tipping over
  • It is able to vacuum just about every surface in a home making it a good main vacuum
  • It has large wheels which makes it easy to move around

What We Didn't Like

  • ​The filter needs to be replaced often and they are expensive in the long run
  • Compared to other vacuums, it is loud when using full suction power

Bissell 9595A

If you are on a tight budget but you need to have a quality vacuum, this 9595A may suit you just fine. It is one of the least expensive vacuums but you may be impressed by its performance. I find it time-saving that you do not have to keep on going back and forth as you vacuum since it gets most of the dirt in the first drive over an area. It also has adjustable height so that you can handle carpets of different thickness.

​ It weighs just 15.1 pounds which makes it easy to move around.

What We Liked

  • ​You spend less time vacuuming since it gets just about everything in a single pass over an area
  • There is a long extension wand and hose which can help get into tight spaces
  • The vacuum is light (15 pounds) so any adult can use it easily
  • Emptying the unit is fast and easy
  • The filter can be washed and reused
  • It has a reasonably long power cord of 25 feet

What We Didn't Like

  • ​The brush does not stop rolling when you switch to hard floor so you need to always remember to adjust the height.

Hoover Linx BH50010 Cordless

The 2 things that impress me about this vacuum are the wind tunnel technology which can be used to lift embedded dirt from carpets and other floor surfaces and the fact that you can simply change batteries when one if finished so that you continue vacuuming without having to wait for the other battery to recharge.

​It also has a battery gauge which will show you the battery level so that you are not taken by surprise when the power if used up and needs to be recharged.

What We Liked

  • ​You do not have to stop vacuuming as the battery charges, you can simply replace the battery.
  • There is an indicator that lets you know how much power is left in the battery
  • The bin opens from the bottom at the touch of a button so you can empty it without getting your hands dirty
  • It has strong suction that gets pet hair out of carpets and off the floor
  • Switching from carpet to floor is fast and easy
  • It is able to clean edges since it has edge cleaning bristles

What We Didn't Like

  • ​It comes with only one battery so you need to buy the second one for interchangeable use

Dyson DC65 Animal Complete Upright

I am a bit confused if this is called animal because it is good with animal hair or because it is like an animal. Anyway, both apply. With the Dyson DC65, you can get rid of pet hair on your carpet and from deep down. The brush bar has added power which enables the bristles dig deep to get out dirt and pet hairs. It also comes with a soft brush which you can use for your more delicate carpets. It is able to clean both carpet and hard floor.

​The turbine tool is great for carpets and it has an anti-tangle mechanism to keep the brush rotating and working well.  It comes with a number of tools to help you clean just about anywhere, there is even a tool specially for cleaning mattresses.

What We Liked

  • ​The ball technology makes movement around the room fluid and easy
  • The vacuum has strong suction that can suck up dirt and hairs fast
  • It has a reconfigured power brush which is able to drive the bristles deep into the carpet and dig out stubborn hair
  • The turbine tool does not get entangled- Emptying the canister is easy
  • It has a long hose that can be used in areas where an upright vacuum cannot reach

What We Didn't Like

  • ​It is not very effective when it comes to dealing with long pet hair or long human hair.
  • It is not cheap

Kenmore Elite 21814

This is a nice vacuum for carpets especially because it has a 2 motor system which increases its suction power. It also has an electronic performance indicator which will help detect the presence of dirt and let you know and see how well you have vacuumed, this indicator will also let you know when the bag is full and needs emptying.

This vacuum does not work only on carpets, it can cross over to hard floors as well and the transition is smooth. It is good for people with allergies since it has HEPA filters.

What We Liked

  • It provides strong suction which gets most of the dirt and hairs from the carpet
  • It has dirt detection so you can know how well the surface has been vacuumed
  • It is easy to navigate around the room even for people with joint problems like arthritis
  • It comes with LED lights that help you see dark places like under the chairs

What We Didn't Like

  • The filter and bag need to be changed frequently which can become a burden and expense

Oreck Graphite U4300H2BS

​This is a bagged vacuum which makes it good for people with allergy. It is able to suck up and keep even tiny particles inside. Also if you have a smelly carpet for example after the dog has been sleeping on it, this vacuum will suck up the odor leaving the room smelling fresher. I also like its low profile and the ability for the handle to bend backwards so that you can vacuum under the low furniture like the sofas.

​ The handle is also good for people with arthritis as you do not need a lot of twisting and turning to use it.

What We Liked

  • ​The collection bag is big and it traps allergens and odor in there living the room smelling fresh
  • It has strong suction which gets the dirt out of the carpet and the strength can be adjusted for delicate rugs
  • It is easy to use even for people with arthritis
  • Although it is big, it weighs just 9 pounds which is easy to carry even upstairs

What We Didn't Like

  • ​A few people have complained that it is louder than the ordinary vacuum

Prolux 7000 LED

This is a high-end carpet cleaner with the ability to adjust according to the thickness of the carpet. It always delivers a deep clean which ensure that just about all the dirt is sucked up. Some people say this is one of the best upright vacuums for people with allergies. I noticed how easily the head floats over carpets including the very plush ones. It comes with a number of tools to help you clean other surfaces including hard floors, sofas, boards, and stairs, among others.

​I would be comfortable with this vacuum because of its 7-year warranty, that is almost its entire life since after 7 years I would probably want one with newer technology.

What We Liked

  • ​It is able to clean just about any type of carpet as it adjusts to give a deep clean
  • It is quite durable with a 7-year warranty
  • It has a number of useful tools so that you can clean different areas and surfaces
  • The buttons are conveniently placed for easy access as you use the vacuum.
  • It has motor insulation which reduces the noise it makes
  • The HEPA filter can be washed and reused

What We Didn't Like

  • ​It c

How to Choose the Best Vacuum for Carpets

Here are a few pointers to help you make the best choice. They are part of the criteria we used to come up with this list.

Suction

It is very important that the vacuum has strong suction because carpets tend to hide dirt and hairs deep inside. The vacuum should be able to suck up just about everything hidden in the carpet fiber. I would recommend a motor power of 10amps and upwards depending on the type of carpet that you have.

Added features

Apart from the standard features, you may want to find out what other features it has which will make it better suited for cleaning carpets. For example, a vacuum with headlights will come in handy if you have to vacuum under chairs or other furniture where there is limited visibility. It could also have a feature like anti-clog or tangle free brush.

Bristles

The bristles of the vacuum brush are quite important. This may depend on the type of carpet you have, some carpets may need really stiff bristles while others may be delicate and will need softer bristles. Soft or hard though, the bristles need to be able to dig into the fiber of the carpet and then pull out the dirt hiding deep inside the carpet.

Versatility

In most cases, you will not only want the vacuum to use on carpets so it is important that the vacuum you choose can be used for more than just carpets. Find a vacuum that can also work on hard floors or one that has accessories so that you can also vacuum above ground parts like shelves, sofas and even beds. A versatile vacuum saves you the cost of buying a separate vacuum for carpets and another one for other surfaces.

Price

Price is always an important fact in any purchase. When choosing a vacuum for carpets, you will need to do a quick survey on the price. If for example, you have already decided to go with one, it is advisable to compare prices with different dealers so that you can get the best price for the vacuum. Do not, however, make price be a major determining factor. If you have the money to spend on a really good vacuum that may not come cheap, go ahead and spend it because you will benefit from that. Remember however that expensive does not guarantee quality.

Brands

You need to consider what brands are believed to be good and have a reputation for making some of the best vacuums for carpets. This may require that you read a lot of reviews like this one as well as ask friends which brands can be trusted. You, however, should not ignore new brands on the market. There are some new brands that still manage to impress and many of them have integrated new technology into their features.

Convenience

If you are going to use it, you will need to find out how convenient it is. You may consider something like its weight, how light is it and will you be able to push it around or carry it up the stairs. Convenience is really a personal thing so you would need to see if it meets your standards.  Noise could be something to consider as well when it comes to your convenience. Some people may not mind a loud vacuum as long as it gets the job done, but if it matters to you, it is best to find one that is reasonably quiet.

Discounts

When shopping for a vacuum for carpets and you find one that meets your expectations but you find it is more expensive than you had budgeted for, you can always keep on the lookout for discounts. There are always discounts on different things and if you are patient enough or lucky, you just may find a discount on the vacuum you are interested in.

Conclusion

​Without any doubt, the Soniclean SCF-7000 if the best vacuum for carpets. It is usually hard to find a vacuum that will clean plush carpets and not damage them in the process but this vacuum does exactly that.

Unlike most of the vacuums on this list, this vacuum was made with carpets as the main target so most of its features are best suited for cleaning carpets. Despite being designed for carpets, however, it is also able to clean hard floors so it will not perform only one function.

It is also the only vacuum that you can put air freshener on it and as you vacuum, you are giving the room a pleasant fragrance. Going by user reviews, this vacuum is easy to use but it does a good job all the same and it is priced within a reasonable range for a vacuum cleaner so my best recommendation would be the SCF 7000 although all the others on this list also come highly recommended in their own right.

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