Finding the right vacuum is often an exercise in frustration. While many vacuums seem to offer similar benefits (powerful suction, useful attachments, clean air exhaust) few deliver what they promise. However, at costs of $400 or more, making a vacuum purchase is becoming as much as a luxury as necessity. What's more, recent innovations like germicidal light and bagless technology require buyers to increasingly sort fact from fiction. Fortunately, our top picks in the upright vacuum category all have one thing in common: New technology or not, they are the workhorses of the vacuum industry. All have a price range of $130 to $500 and sport practical features that will stand the test of time.


Dyson Slim DC18

One of the current leaders in the bagless vacuum race, the Dyson Slim DC18 delivers a powerful performance while taking about one-third the storage space of a traditional model. Using Root Cyclone technology, the Dyson Slim DC18 uses constant suction to easily pick up pet hair, debris, loose carpet fibers and other grime from carpets and bare floors. It comes with a variety of useful attachments, including a telescopic wand recessed in the handle. The view-through collection canister is easy to empty, doesn't clog and incorporates a lifetime HEPA filter. With a clean-air exhaust, the Dyson Slim is even certified "asthma-friendly" by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Dyson Slim DC18

Halo UV-ST Ultraviolet Vacuum

One of the most exciting innovations to hit vacuum technology in recent times, the Halo UV-ST Ultraviolet Vacuum uses UV-C light to kill germs lurking in carpets. This upright vacuum is perfect for people who suffer from allergies, who have young children or pets, or those who simply want to know their carpets not only "look" clean, but also have been hit with germicidal light. The UV-C light kills bacteria, viruses, dust mites, flea eggs and more. Plus, the Halo's bag includes a HEPA filter and odor-trapping carbon filter to trap vacuumed pollutants. The Halo UV-ST Ultraviolet Vacuum has powerful suction, sturdy construction and can be used on carpets or bare floors.


Euro-Pro Infinity Pet Care System NV31

For about half the price one might expect to pay for a top-of-the-line bagless vacuum, Euro-Pro's Infinity Pet Care System offers a solid performance and more. Not only does it provide powerful suction, efficient edge bristles on the main head and a variety of useful attachments, but the Infinity also has a Pet Hair Power Brush to lift and remove even the most stubborn pet hair. A bare floor attachment makes cleaning hardwood or tile floors a breeze. The Infinity has a lifetime HEPA filter and scads of thoughtful details. With a gorgeous (can we say that about a vacuum?) design, the Infinity Pet Care System is well worth the price.


Eureka Limelight Green Capture 8803AVZ

The Eureka Limelight Green Capture is a feature-rich bagless vacuum at a budget price. The Capture uses bagless technology and has powerful suction that can pick up dirt and grime on carpets, upholstery and more. It has unique attachments, including a telescopic electrostatically charged dusting tool that is great for reaching ceiling fans and other surfaces that need cleaning. Pet owners will really appreciate the Power Paw feature, a cleaning brush specifically designed to vacuum stair steps, upholstery or pet hair that just won't let go of carpet fibers. If you'd like a great-performing bagless vacuum, but don't want to pay a luxury price, the Eureka Capture is worth a closer look.

Bissell Healthy Home Bagless Upright Vacuum 5770

Fighting allergies? Check out the Bissell Healthy Home Bagless Upright Vacuum. It has a HEPA filter with an antimicrobial coating to fight the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold and more. This Bissell model also comes with a dust mite-killing spray for upholstery, pillows and mattresses. The Bissell Healthy Home has powerful suction and useful attachments, including a TurboBrush that helps pick up pet hair. A bare floor setting allows one to use the Bissell Healthy Home on hardwood and tile floors, and we find this setting works well. The vacuum also can be adjusted for use on carpets of different heights. The Bissell may not be for everyone, but it is a solid addition to allergy-prone homes.