Bagged vacuum cleaners make maintenance easy. There’s no risk of a mess since you don’t have to empty a canister. When you’re looking for the best bagged vacuum, prioritize models with powerful suction and a sealed system to ensure dust and allergens stay contained. After evaluating 152,257 reviews, we analyzed over 99 vacuum cleaners, certifying three as tested winners.
Our unique approach uses our AI-powered True Score system to filter out fake and low-quality reviews, ensuring you get reliable recommendations. The certified products showcased outstanding capabilities in our rigorous verification process. For those seeking comprehensive solutions, consider the best vacuum cleaners across various categories, such as cordless models, multi-surface vacuums and options that are ideal for pet hair.
How Did We Rank the Best Bagged Vacuums?
To determine the best bagged vacuums, we delved into over 200 websites, evaluating their testing methods and analyzing customer and expert reviews. Our process identified the most important criteria, breaking them down into 2 required test results and 1 must-have specification. Our True Score system synthesizes this comprehensive data, offering a concise, authoritative guide that highlights top-performing vacuums based on rigorous analysis and real user experiences.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must use bags.
? Test Criteria
- Bare Floor Performance: The vacuum sucks up 95% of debris when cleaning bare surfaces such as tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors.
- Carpet Performance: The vacuum sucks up 65% of debris when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.
Latest Updates
- 06/20/2024: Republished the list to include the best bagged vacuums based on our True Score system.
Top Bagged Vacuums For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Powerline
Best Multi Surface
The Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Powerline is a versatile and cost-effective choice for exceptional cleaning performance on various surfaces.
True Score
87873Experts
896kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
$342.27Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Powerful suction force
- Great bare floor cleaning performance
- Good carpet cleaning performance
- Exceptional pet hair cleaning performance.
Reasons to Avoid
- Loud operation
- Limited range of attachments
- No HEPA filter
Specifications
Bagless No 
Bin Capacity 0.9 gal 
Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown 
Carpet Height Adjustments No 
Cleaning Path Width 13″ 
Compatible Floor Type All floors 
Cord Length 30 ft 
Corded/Cordless Corded 
Filter Type Other 
Hypoallergenic No 
Pet No 
Product Weight 14.8 lbs 
Vacuum Type Canister 
Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 85 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Noise Level (dB) 73 All Retailers
$342.27
Our Verdict
If you are in search of a versatile bagged vacuum cleaner that delivers exceptional performance on both bare floors and carpets, the Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Powerline is an outstanding choice. Its remarkable bare floor performance of 99.75% combined with the best-in-class carpet performance of 84.69% proves its versatility on various floor types, instilling confidence in its adaptability. It also excels in pet hair performance, cleaning up 98% of debris, a feature pet owners will appreciate.
The Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Powerline offers a generous cord length of 30 feet, ensuring extensive reach without the need for frequent outlet changes and providing a hassle-free cleaning experience. However, it does have a few drawbacks. You might find this model less maneuverable than other options on our list, with a weight of 14.8 pounds. Additionally, it lacks hypoallergenic features, which could be a downside if you’re an allergy sufferer. Despite these limitations, the vacuum cleaner’s bin capacity of 0.9 gallons is sufficient for standard cleaning jobs, reducing the need for constant emptying.
Compared to the Miele Complete C3, the Classic C1 offers a slightly lower noise level and a better price-to-performance ratio, considering its lower price and close performance metrics. Despite a few limitations, the Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Powerline is a fantastic choice for those seeking a high-performing, versatile, and cost-effective bagged vacuum cleaner.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Miele Complete C3 Brilliant Powerline
For a lightweight vacuum with top-notch bare floor and pet hair cleaning, consider the Miele Complete C3 Brilliant Powerline, despite its higher price.
True Score
83821Experts
852kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
$829.54Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Strong suction force
- Exceptional bare floor performance
- Outstanding pet hair cleaning performance
- Great carpet cleaning performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Limited array of attachments
Specifications
Bagless No Bin Capacity 0.18 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Unknown Cleaning Path Width Unknown Compatible Floor Type n/a Cord Length Unknown Corded/Cordless Corded Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet No Product Weight 10.3 lbs Vacuum Type Canister Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 75 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Noise Level (dB) 72 All Retailers
- $829.54
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a lightweight vacuum cleaner, the Miele Complete C3 Brilliant Powerline is an excellent choice thanks to its low weight of 10.3 pounds, the lightest on our list. This model stands out with a best-in-class bare floor cleaning efficiency of 100%. It’s also a bagged vacuum, which is perfect for those who prefer a simple and hygienic way to dispose of debris.
This model impressively removes pet hair, boasting a 99% efficiency, making it ideal for homes with pets. However, its carpet cleaning effectiveness isn’t the greatest, with 75.31%. If you need better carpet cleaning performance, the Shark Ion P50 has better efficiency at 83.79%. While you will give up a little in pet hair cleaning at 97.66%, this performance is negligible, considering the Shark Ion P50 is much cheaper, making it a better value if you have carpeted floors.
One standout feature of the Miele Complete C3 is its noise level of just 72.3 dB, which is comparable to the noise level of a standard washing machine during operation. This offers a quiet cleaning experience. However, its bin capacity of 0.18 gallons might require more frequent emptying, especially in larger homes or areas with high foot traffic. Including a HEPA filter is also noteworthy, making it an excellent choice if you suffer from allergies.
If you’re budget-conscious, you might find this high-end vacuum’s exceptional performance out of reach due to its higher price than others on our list. Despite this, if you’re seeking a vacuum cleaner that excels in bare floor cleaning and pet hair removal with quiet operation, the Miele Complete C3 Brilliant Powerline offers remarkable value.
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Category Snapshot
Vacuum Cleaners
- Total Brands/Products Tested
31 Brands, 99 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Dyson, Miele
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$50-$400+
- Average True Score
75.70
- Important Test Criteria
Bare Floor Performance (%)
Carpet Performance (%)
- Most Trusted Testers
- Typical Warranty
1 year
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – Amazon, Best Buy
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Ion P50 Upright
For a budget-friendly vacuum with quiet operation and strong performance, the Shark Ion P50 Upright offers excellent value and convenience.
True Score
77773Experts
793Customers
Mixed Reviews
Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent for hard floor and carpet cleaning
- Standard size dirt canister
- Anti-allergy HEPA filter
- Low noise output
- Two power modes
Reasons to Avoid
- High user maintenance
- Limited attachment tools
- Low suction force
Specifications
Bagless No Bin Capacity 0.54 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments Unknown Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type Carpet Cord Length Unknown Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA, Washable Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 12 lbs Vacuum Type Upright vacuums Wet And Dry Usage Unknown All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 97 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 84 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Noise Level (dB) 70 All Retailers
Our Verdict
If you need a quiet, budget-friendly vacuum, the Shark Ion P50 Upright is an excellent choice with its best-in-class noise level of 70.2 dB. This vacuum cleaner is a remarkable bagged model that offers excellent value for its price without compromising on key performance aspects. The Shark Ion P50 Upright also offers the convenience of cordless operation, freeing you from the hassle of dealing with power cords and outlets.
The Shark Ion P50 Upright performs well on bare floors and carpets, with performance rates of 97.273% and 83.787%, respectively. Additionally, its pet hair performance cleans up 97.66% of debris, ensuring your home stays free of pet hair messes and allergens, providing peace of mind for pet owners. While the Miele Complete C3 Brilliant Powerline offers exceptional cleaning on bare floors with a 100% debris removal rate, it falls short on carpets at 75.31% and has a higher price tag. Consequently, the Shark Ion P50 presents a better value, providing comparable performance at a more affordable price, making it an appealing option for those looking to balance cost with quality.
The Sharks’ bin capacity of 0.54 gallons means you won’t have to stop and empty the bin frequently during your cleaning sessions. Although it is a bit heavier at 12 pounds, it still offers excellent maneuverability. If you’re seeking a vacuum cleaner that delivers excellent performance, quiet operation, and great value, the Shark Ion P50 Upright is an excellent choice for your vacuuming needs.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Bagged Vacuums?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required), anyone can quickly and easily compare these vacuum cleaners and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a vacuum cleaner that will meet your needs.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Floor Performance | > 95% | Yes | How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning bare surfaces like tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors. |
| Carpet Performance | > 65% | Yes | How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 120+ vacuum cleaner reviewers and found that 27 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for vacuum cleaner.
- Dagobiet Morales Alfaro – RTings, LinkedIn
- Derek Hales – Modern Castle, LinkedIn
- Sabine Heinlein – Wirecutter, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every vacuum cleaner review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Vacuum Cleaner Test Data & Results
1. Bare Floor Performance Test Results
As the name suggests, bare floor performance references how well a vacuum does when it’s cleaning up tiles, vinyl planks, or hardwood flooring. Debris comes in a variety of sizes of course, and much of the testing revolves around picking up debris that ranges in size from cereal to bits of dirt to sand to a mix of everything above and more.
We recommend that a vacuum be able to pick up at least 95% of debris from a bare floor to ensure you end up with clean floors. Hitting a perfect score is obviously ideal, but the worse a vacuum performs here, the more work you need to do sweeping up or re-vacuuming. Missing debris is frustrating, and can invite pests if you miss bits of food, or annoyance if you step on something barefoot and hurt yourself.
Bare Floor Performance
> 95%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning bare surfaces like tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors.
Units of Measurement: % (percentage)
Tools to Measure: Scale
Why It’s Important:
A vacuum is supposed to clean, so if it can’t pick up most of the debris on a floor, it’s not doing its job.
Bare Floor Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)
2. Carpet Performance Test Results
Carpet Performance
> 65%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.
Units of Measurement: % (percentage)
Tools to Measure: Scale
Why It’s Important:
If you have carpet, how well a vacuum cleans directly impacts how your carpet feels to walk on, and prevents pests from moving in.
Carpet cleaning ability is another important part of how your vacuum performs. Whether you have low-pile, high-pile, or rugs, how effectively a vacuum cleans up the dirt and debris left behind on the carpet is enormously important to keeping your carpet comfortable.
Generally speaking, we recommend a carpet cleaning performance of at least 75%. You might notice this is much lower than bare floors, and that’s because carpet is harder to clean. Short of devoting the time to actually shampoo and dry out a carpet, thoroughly cleaning out a carpet is very difficult, and good vacuums will reach deep between fibers and pull out long-forgotten crumbs.
Carpet Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)
Best Bagged Vacuums: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Bag Type Compatibility: Bagged vacuums come with different bag types, such as paper or cloth. Ensure the vacuum you choose supports the type of bag you prefer and that replacement bags are readily available.
- Overlooking Bag Capacity: Consider the vacuum’s bag capacity in relation to your cleaning needs. Opting for a vacuum with a smaller bag capacity may result in frequent bag changes, while a larger capacity might be more suitable for larger homes or spaces. For those who prefer bagless options, canister vacuums can offer similar benefits with the added convenience of not needing replacement bags. It’s also important to know how to clean bagless vacuum models to maintain their efficiency and longevity. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and helps prevent clogs or loss of suction.
- Neglecting Filtration System: While the bag serves as the primary filtration system in bagged vacuums, it’s essential to consider additional filtration features. Look for vacuums with high-quality filters, such as HEPA filters, to trap smaller particles and allergens effectively.
- Forgetting Bag Replacement Costs: Factor in the ongoing cost of replacement bags when budgeting for your vacuum purchase. Some models may require specific or proprietary bags, which can be more expensive than standard options.
The Best Bagged Vacuums Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Bare Floor Performance
|
Carpet Performance
|
Pet Hair Performance
|
Noise Level
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Powerline
| 87 |
|
|
|
|  $342.27 |
Miele Complete C3 Brilliant Powerline
| 83 |
|
|
|
| $829.54 |
77 |
|
|
|
| |
