If you suffer from allergies, you need a vacuum that removes allergens while sucking up dirt and debris. The best vacuums for allergies combine powerful suction and efficient HEPA filtration systems. Our comprehensive analysis evaluated over 99 vacuum cleaners, and we found 4 outstanding models that excel in performance and allergy prevention.
We meticulously analyzed 152,257 reviews to ensure the reliability of our recommendations. Our unique approach combines verifying products as tested and using our data-driven True Score system to filter out fake and low-quality reviews. The winning vacuums demonstrated superior suction, effective allergen capture, and ease of use, making them ideal vacuums for those with allergies.
How Did We Rank the Best Vacuums for Allergies?
We are committed to providing you with the most accurate information. For our guide on the best vacuums for allergies, we reviewed over 200 websites, scrutinizing expert opinions and customer feedback. Through this, we identified 1 must-have specification and 1 essential test result. Our meticulous research into filtration systems and allergen containment allows us to recommend the best vacuums to improve your home’s air quality.
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 a HEPA filter.
? Test Criteria
- Pet Hair Performance: The vacuum sucks up 95% of pet hair from any surface.
Latest Updates
- 06/24/2024: Republished the list to include the best vacuum cleaners for allergies based on our True Score system.
Top Vacuums for Allergies For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Stratos Cordless
Best Cordless
Shark Stratos Cordless excels on mixed floors, and pet hair, equipped with a HEPA filter for allergen control. Keep in mind the small bin and moderate noise.
True Score
86876Experts
86664Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $71$399.99$329.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive suction power
- Great bare floor performance
- Great Carpet cleaning performance
- Excellent pet hair cleaning performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Attachments are very limited
Specifications
Bagless Yes 
Bin Capacity 0.18 gal 
Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown 
Carpet Height Adjustments Yes 
Cleaning Path Width 10″ 
Compatible Floor Type All floors 
Cord Length Cordless 
Corded/Cordless Cordless 
Filter Type HEPA 
Hypoallergenic Yes 
Pet Yes 
Product Weight 8.9 lbs 
Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums 
Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 89 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
$329.00$400Save $71
$332.50$500Save $167
Our Verdict
The Shark Stratos Cordless is an adept vacuum tailored for homes with mixed flooring, especially bare floors, thanks to its best-in-class 98.83% pick-up rate. It manages a great 89.28% pick-up rate for dirt and debris on carpets, which is ideal if your large home has plush carpets. It flawlessly picks up pet hair, with a perfect score of 100%, allowing you to effectively clean up after shedding pets. It’s equipped with a HEPA filter, ensuring it captures 99.97% of dust and allergens, making it an excellent choice if you have allergies and need better air quality in your home.
However, note that it has a small bin capacity of just 0.18 gallons, so to avoid frequent emptying, use this vacuum in smaller homes and apartments. Despite the bin size, the vacuum is lightweight at 8.9 lbs, significantly boosting its maneuverability and usability across different rooms in your home. At 76.7 dB, it’s moderately loud during use, so ensure you don’t have noise-sensitive children or pets.
Compared to the Shark Stratos Ultralight, the cordless version has superior carpet cleaning and cordless convenience. This allows you to navigate easily between rooms without the limitation of a cord, making it a convenient solution for carpeted living spaces. Being more budget-friendly and corded, the Ultralight is better if you’re on a budget and are okay with trading mobility for consistent power.
It excels in versatile cleaning and is particularly adept at removing pet hair, equipped with a HEPA filter for superior allergen control. Despite its smaller bin capacity and moderate noise level, its convenience and performance make it a fantastic vacuum if you prioritize ease and effectiveness in your cleaning routine.
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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 Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away
Best Cordless Stick
Ideal for allergy sufferers in large homes, the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro excels in mixed flooring, captures pet hair perfectly, and offers cordless freedom.
True Score
85842Experts
87340Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $80$399.99$319.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent performance on all floor types
- Good battery life
- Outstanding pet hair pick-up rate
- Low on-going costs
- LED headlights
Reasons to Avoid
- The brush roll is not removable
- Poor stain-removal performance
- Lacks a turbo brush
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.34 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type Carpet, Hardwoods Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 12.4 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 89 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
$319.99$400Save $80- $399.00$400Save $1
- $525.00$599Save $74
Our Verdict
If you suffer from allergies and live in a large home with mixed flooring, the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away stands out with its superior bin capacity of 0.34 gallons. It cleans 98.57% of debris on hard floors and a best-in-class 89.36% of dirt and debris from carpets. Additionally, its perfect score of 100% in pet hair pickup is ideal for homes with pets, helping maintain an allergen-free environment. Its cordless design provides the freedom to move seamlessly across different rooms without the limitation of a power cord, enhancing its utility and convenience.
Compared to the Shark Vertex Pro, both are equipped with HEPA filters, essential for trapping fine particles and significantly reducing allergens, especially if you or someone in your home has allergies. The Lift-Away is cheaper, has a larger bin capacity, and has better carpet cleaning than the Vertex Pro. It’s the better value that offers more extensive and effective carpet cleaning for large homes. However, at 12.4 lbs, the Lift-Away is heavier, which may make the Vertex Pro the better option if ease of maneuverability is your priority.
If you prioritize a vacuum that combines robust allergen control with the ability to clean large spaces efficiently, the Lift-Away is a reliable option. Despite its weight, its large bin capacity, price, and cordless feature provide significant advantages, making it a comprehensive cleaning solution in your home with mixed flooring.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Stratos Ultralight
Best Hardwood Floors
Ideal for homes with bare floors, the Shark Stratos Ultralight efficiently cleans and captures pet hair and includes a HEPA filter for reducing allergens.
True Score
83811Experts
861kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $100$299.99$199.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good bare floor cleaning performance
- Decent carpet cleaning performance
- Great pet hair performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Below average suction power rating
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.2 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 8.25″ Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length 30 ft Corded/Cordless Corded Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.6 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 82 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $199.99$300Save $100
- $219.00$400Save $181
- $299.99
Our Verdict
If you want an affordable vacuum and your home features mostly bare floors, the Shark Stratos Ultralight is an excellent solution that cleans 97.5% of debris. It also boasts a 99.3% pickup rate for pet hair, making it effective if you have pets and are concerned about maintaining a clean and allergen-free environment. Its performance on carpets is lower at 82.25%, which is still good, but it won’t provide the deepest initial cleaning. It’s equipped with a HEPA filter, designed to capture 99.97% of airborne particles, significantly reducing allergens in your home.
It features a 30-foot cord that provides extensive reach, making it suitable for larger rooms without frequently switching outlets. Its noise level is 76.8 dB, which is moderately loud during use but still manageable for most household environments. It also features a moderate bin capacity of 0.2 gallons, striking a good balance between size and practicality.
The Shark Stratos Cordless and the Ultralight share similar attributes, including compact bin capacities and noise levels. However, the Cordless version stands out with its better carpet cleaning efficiency and the convenience of a cordless design, so opt for the Cordless version if you prioritize convenience and your home has many carpeted areas. With its corded setup, the Ultralight offers consistent power and is more budget-friendly. This makes it ideal if you’re budget-conscious but still require a reliable vacuum and are willing to compromise on mobility.
If you need allergy relief from a budget-friendly vacuum, this vacuum offers significant cleaning power for bare floors and pet hair. Despite its corded design and carpet cleaning efficiency, its simplicity and effectiveness provide a strong balance of performance and value, making it suitable for your large home where managing allergens is crucial.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Vertex Pro
Best Cordless For Pet Hair
The Shark Vertex Pro is a lightweight, cordless vacuum that excels at cleaning bare floors and pet hair, equipped with a HEPA filter for enhanced air quality.
True Score
81813Experts
82355Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $80$479.99$399.91Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Has an anti-allergen HEPA filter
- Low noise output
- LED screen for status display
- Large dirt canister
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Reasons to Avoid
- High maintenance requirements
- Struggles with fine debris on low pile carpet
- Long charge time
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.25 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Unknown Cleaning Path Width 10″ Compatible Floor Type Carpet, Hardwoods Cord Length Unknown Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.82 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 83 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 82 All Retailers
- $399.91$480Save $80
- $434.99
- $449.99
Our Verdict
If you need a vacuum for your allergies and don’t mind loud noise, the Shark Vertex Pro is a lightweight solution that cleans bare floors well. It captures 98.5% of debris on bare floors and excels at collecting pet hair with a 99.66% pickup rate, making it effective for homes with several pets. Its carpet cleaning efficiency is 82.61%, which is still a decent rate, but it might not be the best fit if your home is mostly carpeted. It also includes a HEPA filter, trapping fine particles and significantly enhancing indoor air quality.
This model has a 0.25-gallon bin, which is adequate for small to medium-sized homes, and its cordless design boosts mobility for cleaning around large spaces or multiple floors. It operates at a loud noise level of 82.35 dB, so make sure you don’t have noise-sensitive neighbors, housemates, or pets.
Both the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away and the Lift-Away have HEPA filters, which are ideal for allergies. The Lift-Away has a larger bin capacity and a cheaper price, making it the better value if you’re on a budget. The Shark Vertex Pro is lighter in weight, reducing strain during use, which could be advantageous if you prefer a vacuum that’s easier to handle.
Despite its higher noise level, the Shark Vertex Pro remains an excellent choice for effectively managing allergens. Thanks to its reliable bare floor and pet hair cleaning capabilities coupled with its cordless convenience, it is an attractive option if you need cleaning efficiency and ease of use in your medium-sized home or apartment.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Vacuums for Allergies?
By focusing on these criteria (1 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Hair Performance | > 95% | Yes | How much pet hair the vacuum sucks up from any surface. |
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. Pet Hair Performance Test Results
If you own pets, the ability of a vacuum to suck up pet hair, be it with attachments or the brush itself is extremely important. Pet hair can stick to furniture, dig itself into the carpet, and clump together under beds and in corners. If you have allergies and need to keep pet hair out of your home as best as you can, you’ll need a vacuum that gets rid of as much pet hair a possible when cleaning.
We recommend that a vacuum has a pet hair cleaning performance of at least 95%. Higher is always better, but if you can get rid of most of the pet hair, you’ll have an easier time breathing and less dander flying away and sticking to clothes and furniture. Poor pet hair cleaning performance can invite repeated vacuuming and more annoyance for anyone who suffers from allergies.
Pet Hair Performance
> 95%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much pet hair the vacuum sucks up from any surface.
Units of Measurement: % (percentage)
Tools to Measure: Speed-checking software
Why It’s Important:
If you have pets and want to keep your home free of pet hair, you need good pet hair cleanup performance.
Pet Hair Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)
Best Vacuums for Allergies: Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring HEPA Filtration: Choosing a vacuum without a HEPA filter can leave allergens in the air, worsening allergy symptoms. Ensure your vacuum has a HEPA filter to trap fine particles and improve indoor air quality.
- Overlooking Sealed Systems: A vacuum without a sealed system can leak dust and allergens back into your home. Opt for a model with a fully sealed system to prevent this and ensure all particles are captured and contained. In addition to a high-quality vacuum, consider pairing it with one of the best mops to keep your floors spotless and free of allergens.
- Neglecting Regular Maintenance: Failing to maintain and replace filters regularly can reduce your vacuum’s effectiveness. Keep up with the maintenance schedule, including cleaning and replacing filters, to maintain optimal performance. Additionally, knowing how to remove hair from a vacuum roller is crucial to prevent clogs and maintain suction power.
- Underestimating Suction Power: A vacuum with insufficient suction power won’t effectively pick up allergens from carpets and floors. Choose a vacuum with strong suction to ensure thorough cleaning of all surfaces.
The Best Vacuums for Allergies Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Bare Floor Performance
|
Carpet Performance
|
Pet Hair Performance
|
Noise Level
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 86 |
|
|
|
|  $329.00 $400 $71 |
Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away
| 85 |
|
|
|
|  $319.99 $400 $80 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
|  $199.99 $300 $100 |
| 81 |
|
|
|
| $399.91 $480 $80 |
