Upright vacuums remain a popular choice for households that need efficient, no-fuss cleaning across carpets, rugs and hard floors. They combine strong brushroll action with straightforward storage and often include handy features like detachable canisters, long cords and targeted tools for stairs and upholstery. For many buyers, the critical tradeoffs are suction power, filtration, weight and the range of included accessories.
When shopping for an upright, key factors to evaluate include motor wattage and suction consistency, dust capacity and how hygienic the emptying process is, filtration performance for allergy control, brushroll features that prevent hair tangles, and practical details like cord length and included attachments. This guide reviews five upright models that cover common household needs, from allergy-sensitive homes to families with pets and large properties that need extended reach.
1. Shark Corded Upright Vacuum
Best Anti-Allergen Upright
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Type: Corded upright with Lift-Away portable mode • Motor Power: 750W • Dust Capacity: 1.1 L (bagless) • Filtration: Anti-Allergen Complete Seal capturing 99.9% of 0.3 to 10 micron particles • Floor Modes: Carpet and hard floor modes with adjustable suction See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS |  £157.77 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Highly effective sealed filtration for allergy control +Lift-away feature turns the unit into a portable cleaner for stairs and upholstery +Switchable carpet and hard floor modes with adjustable suction +LED headlights improve visibility in low-light areas +Long 8 m cord for extended reach without swapping sockets |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Small 1.1 L dust bin requires more frequent emptying in large homes -Corded design lacks cordless convenience -Slightly heavier than lightweight stick alternatives |
Review
The design focuses on containing allergens while still offering the practical versatility expected from an upright. The sealed filtration system is engineered to trap very small particles rather than releasing them back into the room, which makes the unit a sensible choice for households with allergy concerns. Carpet and hard floor modes let the motor and brushroll be tuned for each surface, preserving performance across different floor types.
Lift-away functionality converts the base into a portable unit for stairs, curtains and upholstery, adding genuine utility beyond standard upright cleaning. The LED front lights help locate hidden dust under furniture and in dim corners, which is useful during quick cleanups or when tackling pet hair in shadowed areas. Included hand tools cover common above-floor tasks so there is less need to buy extra accessories.
Build and ergonomics aim for everyday usability rather than premium finishes. The bin is compact, which keeps the overall footprint small but does mean more frequent emptying in larger households. The corded power delivery ensures consistent suction without runtime concerns, but families that prefer cordless freedom will need to weigh that tradeoff against the stronger sealed filtration and steady performance.
2. Vax Mach Air Upright
Best High-Capacity, No-Suction-Loss Upright
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Type: Corded multi-cyclonic upright • Motor Power: Approx. 820W • Dust Capacity: 1.5 L (bagless) • Filtration: Multi-cyclonic separation, removable washable filter • Weight: Under 5 kg See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £69.00 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Large 1.5 L bin reduces emptying frequency +Multi-cyclonic system designed to prevent loss of suction +Lightweight construction makes it easy to carry and maneuver +Strong suction performance on carpets and pet hair |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Limited set of tools compared with some rivals -No specific anti-allergen sealed system -May be louder than quieter, lower-power uprights |
Review
This upright prioritizes sustained suction and a roomy dust bin, which is important when cleaning larger areas or homes with pets. The multi-cyclonic separation keeps debris away from the filter, which helps preserve suction as the bin fills. The larger capacity means fewer interruptions for emptying during a full-house clean.
The unit is relatively light for an upright, which helps when carrying it up and down stairs or manoeuvring around furniture. Included accessories are basic but functional for spot tasks; households that need a broad attachment set for above-floor cleaning may want to add tools. Performance on deep carpet and pet hair is strong for the category, making it a solid value pick for regular maintenance.
Where this model differs from sealed-allergen designs is in filtration philosophy. The focus is suction retention rather than complete containment of microscopic allergens, so buyers with severe allergy requirements may prefer a sealed system. Overall it performs reliably for heavy everyday cleaning and holds up well as a workhorse for medium to large homes.
3. Hoover Breeze EVO Bagless
Best for Large Homes and Stairs
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Type: Corded bagless upright with stretch hose • Motor Power: Powerful suction (motor rating not specified) • Dust Capacity: 3.0 L • Reach: Stretch hose 4.5 m plus 7 m power cord • Filtration: Standard multi-stage filtration, washable filters likely included See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £89.00 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Very large 3 L dust capacity for extended cleaning sessions +Long stretch hose and 7 m cord enable cleaning stairs and rooms without lifting +Hygienic one-touch emptying reduces contact with dust +Adjustable brush bar improves performance on multiple floor types |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Large dust bin may increase overall weight during use -Only a one-year warranty provided as standard -Compact footprint still larger than minimalist stick options |
Review
This model is engineered for long cleaning runs where capacity and reach matter most. The oversized 3 L bin is a clear advantage for family homes or anyone who prefers to clean many rooms in a single session without frequent emptying. The stretch hose paired with a long cord enables cleaning of staircases and high areas without repeatedly carrying the main unit.
Practical touches like adjustable brush bar settings and the one-touch emptying mechanism make the daily experience straightforward. The adjustable brushbar improves pickup on both low-pile carpets and hard floors, while the long-reach hose handles curtains, upholstery and stair treads without fuss. Included tools cover common needs, although power users may still add specialist attachments.
The tradeoff for the larger bin and reach is a bit more bulk while in use. It remains a compact upright for storage but is heavier to manoeuvre than ultra-light alternatives. For households that prioritise capacity and extended reach, the combination of features makes this unit an effective, no-nonsense option.
4. Shark Corded Upright Vacuum
Best for Pet Owners
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Type: Corded upright with Lift-Away portable mode • Motor Power: 750W • Dust Capacity: 1.1 L (bagless) • Special Features: Anti Hair Wrap technology that removes hair from the brush-roll as you clean • Filtration: Anti-Allergen Complete Seal See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £152.05 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Anti Hair Wrap keeps the brush-roll free of tangled fur during cleaning +Pet tool and multi-surface attachments target pet hair on sofas and stairs +Lift-away mode makes above-floor cleaning much easier +Sealed filtration helps reduce allergen recirculation |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -1.1 L bin fills faster in multi-pet households -Corded design lacks cordless flexibility -Some may prefer a quieter or lighter stick vacuum for quick touch-ups |
Review
This configuration is tailored to homes that regularly tackle pet hair and dander. The hair-management system actively removes tangled fur from the brush-roll while cleaning, which reduces time spent manually cutting or pulling hair away after a session. The included pet tool is shaped for upholstery and stairs, making it easier to wrestle hair out of fabric surfaces.
Lift-away functionality expands the range of use beyond floor cleaning, allowing effective work on cars, curtains and upper shelving. The anti-allergen sealing complements the pet-focused features by containing fine particles rather than pushing them back into the room. LED headlights reveal hidden debris beneath furniture and along skirting boards, which is helpful when vacuuming in low light.
The unit balances performance with practical considerations but does require the bin to be emptied relatively often in busy pet homes. Corded operation provides steady suction without battery constraints, though users who prefer cordless convenience should weigh that against the benefits of the anti-hair and filtration systems.
5. Gtech AirRAM MK2 K9
Best Cordless for Quick Pet Cleanup
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Type: Cordless stick vacuum • Battery: 22V Li-ion, up to 40 minutes runtime • Dirt Collection: Bagless bin with ejector arm for hygienic emptying • Brush System: Rotating brush bar with AirLoc technology to lock on and pick up embedded dust • Construction: Reinforced aluminium chassis for durability See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £187.00 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Cordless convenience with up to 40 minutes runtime +AirLoc brush system excels at picking up large debris and embedded dirt +Lightweight, compact design simplifies handling and storage +Hygienic bin ejection and included spare filter make maintenance straightforward |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Battery runtime may not be sufficient for very large homes or extended deep cleans -Smaller dirt bin requires more frequent emptying compared to large uprights -Less powerful on very deep pile carpets than corded uprights |
Review
This cordless stick is designed for fast everyday cleaning and small pet-related messes where mobility matters more than marathon run times. The AirLoc system combines forward and backward motion to trap large debris and then pick up embedded dust on the return stroke, which makes it effective on food spills and tracked-in dirt as well as pet hair on low to medium pile carpets.
The lightweight, reinforced construction keeps handling easy and storage compact. Runtime of roughly 40 minutes on a single charge covers typical daily tasks and several rooms, though full-house deep cleans will require planning and possibly a secondary charge. The bagless bin ejector makes disposal tidy and the inclusion of a spare filter and scented cartridges is a thoughtful touch for users who appreciate low-maintenance freshness.
Power delivery is optimized for convenience rather than raw deep-cleaning torque. For homes with extensive deep pile carpets or heavy soiled areas, a corded upright will deliver stronger, consistent suction, but for quick turnarounds, stairs and spot cleaning around pet beds, this cordless option is highly convenient and user-friendly.
Summary
Choosing the right upright comes down to matching features to household needs. For allergy sufferers who prioritise filtration and sealed containment, the anti-allergen model rates highest because it reduces the chance of reintroducing fine particles into the room. Pet owners who want minimal brush-roll maintenance and a dedicated pet tool will get the best results from the anti-hair wrap configuration.
Homes that need long reach and a large bin for sustained cleaning sessions should consider the Hoover with its 3 L capacity and long stretch hose. Buyers who want a durable, no-nonsense workhorse with strong suction retention and a larger bin will find the Vax a sensible value pick. Finally, those who prefer cordless convenience for quick cleanups, stairs and car interiors will appreciate the Gtech stick for its maneuverability and decent runtime.
Assess priorities such as sealed filtration versus runtime, bin capacity versus portability, and attachment variety versus simplicity. That approach makes it straightforward to select an upright that balances cleaning power, maintenance and day-to-day usability for the household it will serve.
