10 Best HEPA Vacuum Cleaners 2026 in the United States

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away NV356E is a strong choice for anyone looking for a HEPA vacuum cleaner, especially pet owners and people sensitive to allergens. Its HEPA filter, combined with an anti-allergen complete seal, captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, which helps keep your home air cleaner. Suction power is solid for tackling carpets and hard floors, and the brushroll shutoff lets you switch easily between floor types without hassle. The detachable Lift-Away pod is handy for cleaning stairs and upholstery, making the vacuum versatile.

With a dustbin capacity of 0.87 liters, it holds a decent amount of dirt, so you won’t need to empty it frequently during regular cleaning sessions. Weighing about 13.7 pounds, it’s on the heavier side but the swivel steering helps with maneuvering around furniture and tight spots. Noise level is moderate at around 80 decibels—not the quietest, but typical for upright vacuums.

This model is corded, so you get consistent power without worrying about battery life, though you do need an outlet nearby. Included attachments like the crevice tool and dusting brush add versatility for corners and delicate surfaces. While it lacks multiple power levels, its two-speed settings cover most cleaning needs. This vacuum fits well with allergy sufferers and pet owners looking for effective filtration and strong cleaning performance on various surfaces, with weight, corded design, and average noise level being the primary trade-offs.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe, is a strong contender in the HEPA vacuum cleaner category, particularly aimed at households with pets or those needing effective allergen control. One of its key strengths is the powerful suction that works well on both carpets and bare floors, making it versatile for different cleaning needs. The HEPA filter, combined with the Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, ensures that dust and allergens are trapped inside the vacuum, improving air quality—an essential feature for allergy sufferers.

Another highlight is its Lift-Away functionality, which allows you to detach the pod for more effective cleaning in hard-to-reach areas, like under furniture or on stairs. The large dust cup capacity of 0.9 quarts means fewer interruptions during cleaning sessions, which can be a significant advantage for larger homes.

Maneuverability is enhanced with swivel steering, enabling easy navigation around furniture and tight spaces. The inclusion of specialized tools like the upholstery tool and crevice tool makes it particularly effective at picking up pet hair, a common issue for pet owners. However, the vacuum weighs about 15.96 pounds, which might make it slightly cumbersome for some users, especially during extended cleaning sessions. The noise level is around 80 dB, which is on the louder side compared to some competitors, potentially creating a disturbance in quieter environments. It's also a corded vacuum, so you will need to manage the cord while cleaning, which could limit your range of movement compared to cordless models.

The Shark NV360 is ideal for pet owners and those seeking a reliable vacuum for allergy issues. However, if you prefer a lightweight or cordless option, or if noise is a significant concern, you might want to explore other models.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a strong contender in the HEPA vacuum cleaner category, particularly for those who need a versatile cleaning tool for both carpets and hard floors. One of its standout features is the lift-away functionality, which allows you to detach the vacuum pod for easy cleaning of stairs and elevated surfaces, making it highly convenient for homes with multi-level spaces. The vacuum also boasts anti-allergen technology paired with a HEPA filter, effectively trapping dust and allergens, which is excellent for allergy sufferers.

When it comes to performance, the suction power is impressive, allowing it to deep clean carpets and efficiently handle pet hair, thanks to specialized attachments like the wide upholstery tool. Its swivel steering design enhances maneuverability, which is a big plus for getting into tight spots and around furniture.

Weighing in at 12.5 pounds, some users may find it slightly cumbersome compared to lighter models, especially during extended cleaning sessions. The noise level of 80 dB is on the higher side, which might be bothersome in quieter environments. Additionally, as a corded vacuum, you'll need to stay close to an outlet, which can limit your movement compared to cordless options. The dustbin capacity of 1.1 quarts is adequate for most cleaning tasks, but it may require frequent emptying for larger homes or heavy usage. Furthermore, the vacuum's 5-year limited warranty provides peace of mind, though assembly is required upon purchase. The Shark NV352 is well-suited for households with pets and various flooring types, offering powerful performance and convenience features. Just be mindful of its weight and noise level if those are critical factors for you.