Vacuums come in a wide range of styles, from traditional upright and canister models to newer designs, such as zippy cordless stick vacuums and robot vacs that do the work for you. Each type of vacuum has its pros and cons, as well as uses it is well-suited for and uses it is not at all meant for. A handheld vacuum wouldn’t be the best choice for deep cleaning an 8x10-foot rug, for example, nor would it be a good idea to use a robot vacuum to clean out the car. 

Which type of vacuum is best? More importantly, which type of vacuum is best for you? Ahead, you’ll find a guide to the different types of vacuums, including the pros and cons of each model, as well as the cleaning jobs for which each is best suited.

Ally Brangham

1. Upright Vacuums

Upright vacuums are traditional vacuums that offer high-performance cleaning, making them especially effective on carpets and rugs. An upright vacuum generates additional pressure, allowing the beater brush to penetrate deeply into the carpet pile and pick up debris. Additionally, upright vacuums typically come with attachments, including crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and pet hair tools, that enhance the machine’s versatility. However, upright vacuums are heavier and bulkier than stick vacuums, which can cause storage and maneuverability issues. The extra weight can make it difficult for people with mobility challenges to use them. If you have limited storage space, you might find that a slim stick vacuum is better suited to your home.

The 5 Best Upright Vacuums, Tested by BHG

Ally Brangham

2. Canister Vacuums

Two-piece canister vacuums typically offer powerful suction, can adapt to different surfaces, and offer maneuverability and versatility. Despite their size, canister vacuums provide better weight distribution and are easier on your body because the weight is divided into two parts. However, their bulk takes up a lot of utility storage space and can make them difficult to use in tight or narrow spaces, such as stairs.

The 5 Best Canister Vacuums of 2026, Tested by BHG

Ally Brangham

3. Stick Vacuums

Slender, lightweight cordless stick vacuums are a convenient alternative to traditional upright or canister models. Although they have smaller dustbin canisters and may not have the power of corded vacuums, stick vacs can replace most vacuums in most home environments without compromising efficiency. Easy-to-maneuver stick vacuums are a good choice for individuals with mobility issues or those who simply want a vacuum that works for both quick jobs and deeper cleaning. They require limited storage space,

The 5 Best Stick Vacuums, According to BHG

Ally Brangham

4. Robot Vacuums

​​Robot vacuums navigate around your home, doing the cleaning for you. While they are convenient and very cool, robot vacuums aren’t ideal for every home. Robot vacs excel at daily maintenance and light cleaning, but they lack the versatility and deep cleaning power of traditional vacuums.

The 6 Best Robot Vacuums of 2026, Tested by BHG

Ally Brangham

5. Handheld Vacuums

Handheld vacuums are portable, powerful machines that are perfect for small jobs, such as picking up crumbs on car seats or removing pet hair from sofas. Many handheld vacuums come with attachments that make them even more versatile, allowing you to easily clean tight corners and small spaces, such as baseboards and the edges of appliances.

The 5 Best Handheld Vacuums of 2026, Tested by BHG

Ally Brangham

6. Backpack Vacuums

Backpack vacuums are worn on the back and offer a convenient and efficient way to clean commercial and residential spaces. They are ideal for quickly covering large spaces and for people with mobility issues, but because they don’t have a beater bar, they can’t clean as deeply as traditional vacuums.

Related

Breathe Easier and Clean Less: 8 Smart Ways to Prevent Dust

How to Get Rid of Dust and Dust Mites in Your House

7. HEPA Vacuums

A HEPA vacuum refers to a machine that contains a pleated mechanical HEPA filter. HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air.1 HEPA filters remove more airborne particles than regular filters and are recommended for individuals with asthma or allergies, as well as for households with pets to help keep dander at bay. However, HEPA filters don’t eliminate odors associated with cigarettes or cooking and offer only limited help with pet odors. 

The 5 Best HEPA Vacuums of 2026, Tested by BHG

Ally Brangham

8. Vacuum/Mop Combos

Machines that combine a vacuum and mop function are convenient—after all, why use two separate floor-cleaning tools when one can do the job? The convenience of these models often outweighs potential drawbacks (short battery life, burdensome maintenance). Of course, these machines cannot be used on carpet or rugs and won’t outright replace the need for a traditional vacuum in most homes. However, for people with a lot of hard flooring or households with children or pets, they offer convenience and cleaning power.

2026's Best Vacuum and Mop Combos: BHG's Tested and Trusted Selections

Ally Brangham

9. Extraction Vacuums

Extraction vacuums, including wet/dry vacs and carpet and upholstery cleaners, use suction to clean up wet spills and extract cleaning solutions from fabrics during deep cleaning. A wet/dry vac can vacuum liquids and solids, making it ideal for cleaning up large spills or standing water. They can be used for both indoor and outdoor cleaning jobs. While a wet/dry vacuum can be used to clean carpets, it isn’t as effective as a carpet and upholstery cleaning machine for shampooing and deep cleaning textiles.

The 7 Best Wet/Dry Vacs, Tested by BHG

Ally Brangham

10. Central Vacuums

A central vacuum system (CVS) is a built-in vacuum system of pipes that run through walls from a remote motor, with a hose that can be plugged into inlets installed in floors and walls throughout the home. Plugging the metal end of the hose into the inlet engages the vacuum’s motor, turning the machine on; when the hose is unplugged, the system shuts itself off. Central vacuums offer a lot of power, leading to better air quality in the home. However, these systems are expensive and require more maintenance than traditional vacuums.

Ally Brangham

11. Leaf Vacuums

A leaf vacuum is just what it sounds like. This vacuum is designed for picking up leaves. While niche, this outdoor vacuum offers relief from the tedious task of clearing leaves and debris from your lawn. Unlike a leaf blower, a leaf vacuum removes the leaves rather than simply moving them off your grass to another location.