Carpets can be notoriously difficult to care for, especially if you have young kids or pets. Carpets remember every muddy footstep and also seem to be magnets for animal hair, dust and much more.
If you want to keep your carpet in great condition and looking like new, you need a vacuum cleaner that is up to the task – and if that’s what you’re looking for, here are our top picks for best vacuum for carpet on the market.
The Best Vacuum for Carpet On the Market of 2022
1. Best Overall: Bissell 3624 Professional Carpet Cleaner
image: Bissell
This spot cleaner from Bissell is designed to remove tough spots of dirt and other stains from carpets as well as rugs, upholstery, and stairs. It is also ideal for cleaning the interior of cars.
It works by focusing the cleaning formula on the stain and then sucking everything up, leaving your carpet or other surface perfectly clean. With traditional foam or liquid products, you just spread the stain around – but this vacuum leaves nothing behind.
The best thing about this machine is that it exceeds expectations and really does the job. You will be surprised by how effective it is at removing stubborn stains like wine, coffee, dog pee, mud, footsteps and more.
It also includes a 22ft power cord and a 5ft hose, allowing you to reach spots and stains in places that would be difficult to reach with less mobile machines.
We like the fact that it incorporates a large ¾ gallon tank for the cleaning product, meaning you won’t have to keep topping it up. It also comes with an 8oz bottle of professional-grade cleaning liquid to help you get started.
There’s one major downside, however. The hose is not very rugged, and the way it’s stored puts pressure on it, meaning it can crack easily. However, if you are careful with it, it should last, and you can help by protecting it with tape – although this might be too DIY for some.
Another more minor issue is that it leaves surfaces damp after use, and you may need to leave them to dry for several hours.
Overall, an impressive machine that is highly effective at removing stubborn marks and stains from carpet and other materials. It sells at a very reasonable price point, and if you need something to keep carpets clean and stain-free, this is one of the best options available on the market.
What We Like
- Works on many surfaces – carpets, rugs, upholstery, stairs, and car interiors
- Effective at removing all kinds of stains – including wine, coffee, mud and more
- Large tank – holds ¾ gallon of cleaning liquid
- 5ft hose – allows you to clean in even harder to reach places
- Includes 8oz professional cleaning product – helps remove stains more effectively
What We Don’t Like
- An issue with hose – pressure where it meets head may cause it to crack
- Leaves carpet or upholstery damp – may take a while to dry
2. Best Budget: Hoover FH50700 Carpet Vacuum Cleaner
image: Hoover
If you are looking for an effective solution for cleaning and vacuuming your carpet at the lower end of the price range, this model from Hoover could be just the thing. It is designed for use in homes with pets and is especially good at cleaning up mess created by your furry friends.
For such a small machine, it packs a lot of power – the manufacturer claims it offers twice the suction power of many competitors’ vacuums. It is also lightweight and easy to use – and with a 20ft cord, it can easily reach just about anywhere in your home.
The big innovation here is the PowerSpin pet brush roll that provides powerful cleaning capability with a brush that spins deep into your carpet. At the same time, it offers antimicrobial protection, ideal for cleaning up unhygienic accidents from your pets.
Another feature we appreciate is the HeatForce dryer that leaves your carpet less damp than some other vacuums, meaning you have less time to wait for it to dry.
This vacuum is simple to set up out of the box, and the 0.5gal dual tank is easy to fill and empty, making for hassle-free use.
Having said that, the dirty water tank is a little difficult to clean, and you may find that some debris such as cat litter may become trapped inside.
Another negative we want to mention is the noise this vacuum makes. It is among the louder options available, so if quiet operation is important to you, you might choose to look elsewhere.
However, in general terms, this is a vacuum that performs well and, at this price point, represents excellent value for money. A recommended budget-friendly option on the market.
What We Like
- Strong suction power – up to 2x more than competitors’ models
- PowerSpin pet brush roll – cleans up pet mess with antimicrobial protection
- HeatForce cleaning – carpets dry out much faster after cleaning
- 0.5gal dual tank – easy to fill and empty
- Lightweight and easy to use – also very easy to set up out of the box
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly loud option – noisier than some other vacs on the market
- Dirty water tank hard to clean – sometimes debris can become stuck inside
3. Best Upgrade: Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner
image: Soniclean
This upright vacuum cleaner has been specially developed for cleaning and caring for soft carpets and includes several innovations that make it perfectly suited for this purpose. For this kind of carpet, it is easier to use and will also cause less damage as you use it.
It incorporates oversized front wheels that are designed to allow the vacuum to glide over thicker carpets. It also boasts an adjustable vent system, another feature that makes it easier to maneuver on soft carpets.
One particularly innovative addition is the patented sonic cleaning technology that delivers 200 sonic vibrations per second as you use it, helping to dislodge even the most encrusted dirt and dust. This ensures your carpet gets a deep and thorough clean every time.
The soft nylon brush roll is another useful inclusion and is intended to be gentler on this type of carpet. It picks up any dirt and debris without damaging the carpet itself.
Other positive features include the high-quality HEPA filters that help remove almost all allergens from your carpet, the large vacuum bag and the 35ft cord for extra mobility.
The main downside is the noise this machine makes sense it is quite loud. If you are sensitive to noise – or you don’t want to bother your neighbors – you might prefer to look elsewhere.
Other than that, the only other issue is the price – although for a high-quality machine, you have to be ready to pay more, and we still feel this vacuum represents excellent value for money.
All in all, if you have a thick carpet and you want to take care of it properly while also reducing the amount of effort it takes to push around a vacuum cleaner, this model is a must-have. If you are willing to spend the money, this could be the ideal option on the market.
If you are interested in Upright Vacuum, you can read our post: Best Upright Vacuum On The Market
What We Like
- Large front wheels – help the vacuum glide over thicker carpet styles
- Sonic vibrations for deeper cleaning – dislodges stubborn dirt and dust
- Soft nylon brush roll – gentler on delicate carpets while maintaining effectiveness
- Multi-speed motor – includes Deep Cleaning mode
- Adjustable vent system – adapts to your carpet for ease of maneuverability
What We Don’t Like
- Noisy machine – not great if you want something that runs quietly
- An expensive option – but you expect to pay more for quality
4. Best Suction Power: Dyson DC65 Animal Upright Vacuum Cleaner
image: Dyson
Dyson is a company that is known for including plenty of innovative technologies in its products to create devices that give superior performance levels – and this vacuum cleaner is no different.
It features a redesigned brush bar, allowing it to use shorter and stiffer bristles that penetrate deeper into your carpet, giving a more thorough clean. The self-adjusting cleaner head also seals suction in, giving it more power to pick up stubborn dirt and dust.
Dyson’s unique ball technology makes it easier to maneuver than almost any other vacuum, making it an ideal option when you need to navigate furniture and access hard-to-reach corners.
On the downside, if you live in a home with pets that shed lots of hair, you might find the Dyson struggles a little – you may have to manually pull hair out manually more than once per session.
Also, since Dyson is such a well-known premium brand, you have to pay for the name just as much as you pay for the technology – and some people might find this vacuum overpriced for what it is.
However, despite the high price tag, this is undeniably a solid and reliable piece of equipment. Dyson fans will doubtlessly love it – and even if you are not a fan, if you want a high-end, powerful carpet vacuum from the market, it’s well worth considering.
If you are interested in Dyson vacuum, you can read our post: Best Dyson Vacuum On The Market
What We Like
- Great maneuverability – Dyson’s ball tech makes it easy to push around
- Self-adjusting cleaner head – seals in suction for increased power
- Easy to assemble – ready to go out of the box in a very short time
- Bristles penetrate deeper into carpet – help with a more thorough clean
- 5-year warranty – for extra peace of mind
What We Don’t Like
- Struggles with excessive hair – need to remove manually
- Slightly overpriced – you pay for the Dyson name as well as the tech
5. Best Deep Clean: BISSELL 1622 Carpet Vacuum
image: Bissell
This is another carpet cleaner from Bissell, this time an upright model. It is designed not just to vacuum your carpets but to give them a deep clean, shampooing them and removing even the most stubborn stains and encrusted dirt and grime.
It features a four-row dual rotating dirt lifter that is designed to brush and scrub your carpet using the special cleaning formula. This dislodges dirt and removes stains – and then the vacuum sucks everything up, leaving only a perfectly clean carpet behind.
Features we appreciate include the 2-in-1 tank that keeps the dirty water separate from the clean water, ensuring your carpet is left as clean as possible. Also, the wide 11” cleaning path means you don’t have to make as many passes to cover your floor.
It is a portable and lightweight unit, meaning you can push it around with a minimum of effort. It is also practical and convenient to store away when not in use.
There are few negatives with this vacuum – especially for something at this price point on the market– but we might complain that the water tank is on the small side. However, this helps to keep the weight down, so it’s an acceptable compromise.
Also, the suction is slightly underpowered – not hugely so, but you might find you need to go over stubborn spots a couple of times to pick up all the dirt.
To summarize, this is a very reasonably priced carpet cleaner on the market, that is extremely effective at removing dirt and stains. If that sounds like the kind of thing you’re looking for, this model should be high on your list of possibilities.
What We Like
- Provides a deep clean – removes stubborn embedded dirt and grime
- 2-in-1 tank – keeps clean and dirty water separate
- 4-row dual rotating brush – scrubs your carpet clean
- Portable and lightweight – easy to use and maneuver
- Effective at removing stains – can deal with wine, coffee and much more
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly small tank – will need to be refilled often if you have a larger home
- Underpowered suction – may have to go over problem areas more than once
6. Best Canister: Miele Compact C2 Carpet Vacuum Cleaner
image: Miele
If you are looking for other top-end options, this vacuum from Miele is another strong contender. It is ideal for use on carpets but is also an excellent choice for a range of other surfaces.
It features powerful brushes that give your carpets an intensive deep clean – but it has other settings that allow it to be much gentler on more delicate hard surfaces.
Its six-stage variable motor also gives you the possibility to adapt it to the surface you need to clean – and also allows for relatively quiet operation when you don’t need too much power.
Another positive feature is the built-in HEPA filter that traps microscopic particles and removes allergens from the atmosphere.
With such a high-end vacuum cleaner, there are few major issues besides the price – however, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and with this machine, you know you are buying quality.
One other minor point worth mentioning is that the instructions could be clearer. This is hardly a deal-breaker, though, since they are easy enough to work out.
All in all, an expensive but high-quality vacuum cleaner that works well on carpets as well as most other surfaces. If you can meet the price tag, this is another worthy option on the market.
If you are interested in Hepa vacuum, you can read our post: Best Hepa Vacuum On The Market
What We Like
- Good option for multiple floor surfaces – not just carpet
- Intensive deep cleaning for carpets – but gentle on delicate hard floors
- Very powerful suction – will suck up any dirt and debris in its way
- Six-stage variable speed motor – highly adaptable vacuum
- HEPA filter – traps allergens inside
What We Don’t Like
- Price – this is one of the more expensive options available
- Instructions could be better – setting it up can be a little confusing
7. Best Robot: Eufy 30C Robotic Vacuum Cleaner
image: Eufy
For a completely different solution for taking care of your carpet – and other surfaces – the eufy robot vacuum is an intriguing possibility on the market.
Rather than do the vacuuming yourself, you can set a schedule, and this robot will take care of the chore for you. It leaves its dock, vacuums the floor and then returns to the dock when its battery gets low.
It has a low profile, allowing it to pass easily underneath furniture like beds or couches, and it features BoostIQ tech that increases the power automatically when required.
It can run for up to 100 minutes – although less on carpet – and is also extremely quiet. Another thing we like about this robot is that it can be controlled from a smartphone or even using Amazon’s Alexa via voice command.
Something we like less is that it uses magnetic strips to block off zones – some people might find them ugly to set up in their home. Also, it follows a random pattern rather than using smart mapping – but you need to pay considerably more if you want mapping capability.
We like this machine because it is simple, effective and takes all the hassle out of vacuuming. If you don’t want to do the housework yourself, a robot like this is a great way to have at least part it done for you.
What We Like
- Low profile – fits under most types of furniture
- BoostIQ tech – automatically boosts power when required
- Quiet operation – will vacuum for you with very little noise
- Respectable battery life – can run for up to 100 minutes before recharging
- Smartphone-compatible – also works with Amazon’s Alexa
What We Don’t Like
- Uses magnetic strips to set boundaries – some people might find this ugly
- Random cleaning pattern – doesn’t use smart mapping
Buyer’s Guide
If you are looking for a vacuum cleaner that is suited to taking care of your carpet, you are probably wondering what you should think about when choosing the right one for you. Let’s consider this now.
Power
Among the most important considerations when looking at carpet vacuums is power. Since dust and dirt can become encrusted into carpets, you want one that is powerful enough to suck it all up.
Some more advanced models have different power settings that allow you to adapt the machine to the job at hand.
Pet hair
While all vacuums technically can suck up animal hair, some are better at it than others – machines that are not well adapted to this use may quickly become blocked by tangles of fur.
For this reason, if you have animals in your home, you are better off choosing a machine that has been specifically designed to deal with pet hair.
Stain removal
Some models made for cleaning carpets are not just vacuums but can also wash your carpets, rugs, upholstery and more, helping to remove difficult stains like wine, coffee, animal mess and so on.
These machines usually work by scrubbing the carpet with a special product before sucking up the waste, removing the stain and leaving only a clean carpet behind.
If you think this could be useful, you might think about buying one of these models instead of just a traditional vacuum. However, these machines are not suitable for use on other surfaces like wood.
Other surfaces
Some vacuums are designed specifically for carpets while others can be used to clean other surfaces such as wood, tile and so on.
When choosing a vacuum on the market, think about what you will need it for. If you only have carpets, you can choose one that is specifically designed for that. However, if you have different surfaces in your home, you will need to choose a vacuum that is more versatile.
Reach
The length of the cord is important for a couple of reasons.
First, with a longer cord, you won’t need to unplug the vacuum and plug it into another outlet quite so often.
Second, if you have a large home, have few outlets or otherwise just need more reach, choosing a vacuum with a longer cord could be a vital consideration.
Similarly, the length of the hose can also help you reach spots that are not easily accessible. If you need to vacuum in awkward corners, choosing a model with a long and flexible hose could be a good solution.
Maneuverability
Mobility is another factor you might want to take into account. How much does the vacuum weigh? Is it easy to push around? Will you be able to use it for long periods or will it be too much hard work? These are all questions you may wish to consider before making a purchase.
Robot vacuums
Another possibility is to buy a robot vacuum on the market. This way, you won’t need to do the vacuuming yourself. You just set up the robot with a pre-programmed schedule and it will take care of the job for you.
These machines are no longer the gimmicks that perhaps they once were, and you might find the concept interesting. If you choose to try a robot vacuum, many of the same considerations apply as when choosing a traditional manual vac.
Different options for different situations
As you can see, there are many different options available for a variety of different situations and at a range of different prices.
Choosing the best vacuum for carpet care can be difficult, and if you’re still having trouble deciding which one to go for, any of our top picks would be a great place to start looking.
