How We Ranked the 3 Best Vacuums for High Pile Carpet

Lawrence Bonk Avatar

By

Evan Shephard Avatar

Reviewed By

Evan Shephard
Updated Jun 23, 2024 4:54 PM
best vacuum for high pile carpet guide that shows the top best vacuum cleaner model

A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

It can be challenging to clean a high-pile carpet. You need powerful suction power and an effective motorized brush roll to remove very fine debris. Height adjustment settings are crucial to navigate the thick pile without damaging the fibers, and large wheels enhance maneuverability. In our extensive review, three vacuum cleaners stood out from the 99 models evaluated.

We analyzed 152,123 reviews. Our unique approach certifies products as tested, utilizing our scientific True Score system to filter fake and low-quality reviews. The winning vacuums excelled, providing exceptional performance on high-pile carpets, making them excellent vacuums for this demanding cleaning task.

How Did We Rank the Best Vacuums for High Pile Carpet?

To curate the best vacuums for high-pile carpets, we dove deep into over 200 sources, dissecting testing methodologies and customer feedback. By evaluating expert reviews and understanding the critical aspects that matter most, we identified 1 necessary test result and 1 essential specification. This rigorous analysis allows us to present you with a comprehensive buying guide that highlights the top choices tailored to your needs.

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

? Test Criteria

  • Carpet Performance: The vacuum sucks up 80% of debris when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.

Latest Updates

  • 06/23/2024: Republished the list to include the best vacuum cleaners for high-pile carpets based on our True Score system.

Top Vacuums for High Pile Carpet For 2024

Prices accurate at the time of publishing

See how we test the testers

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Dyson V15 Detect

    • Best Apartment

    The Dyson V15 Detect excels on high-pile carpets, bare floors, and pet hair with formidable suction. Lightweight and cordless, it’s ideal for versatile cleaning.

    Dyson V15 Detect Review →

    True Score

    91
    91
    19

    Experts

    93
    2k

    Customers

    SAVE $200
    $799.99
    $599.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Shark Stratos Cordless

    • Best Cordless

    The lightweight Shark Stratos Cordless is ideal for small homes with pets since it removes all pet hair and most carpet debris with a limited bin capacity.

    Shark Stratos Cordless Review →

    True Score

    85
    86
    6

    Experts

    85
    783

    Customers

    SAVE $175
    $499.99
    $325.00

    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

      vacuum top trusted testers

    • Typical Warranty

      1 year

    • Covered by Insurance

      Yes – Amazon, Best Buy

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet

    The Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet excels with a large bin capacity and strong performance on carpets and pet hair, ideal for large homes with high-pile carpets.

    Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet Review →

    True Score

    79
    78
    5

    Experts

    81
    160

    Customers

    $229.99

Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Vacuums for High Pile Carpet?

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.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
Carpet Performance> 80%YesHow 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.

  1. Dagobiet Morales Alfaro – RTings, LinkedIn
  2. Derek Hales – Modern Castle, LinkedIn
  3. 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. Carpet Performance Test Results

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 80%. 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 Vacuums for High Pile Carpet: Mistakes To Avoid

  1. Ignoring Adjustable Height Settings: Choosing a vacuum without adjustable height settings can make it difficult to clean high-pile carpets effectively. Look for a model that allows you to adjust the height to accommodate different carpet depths.

  2. Overlooking Strong Suction Power: Underestimating the importance of strong suction power can result in ineffective cleaning. High-pile carpets require vacuums with powerful suction to remove embedded dirt and debris. In addition to a powerful vacuum, the best portable carpet cleaner can be an excellent tool for spot cleaning and tackling tough stains on high-pile carpets. These portable cleaners provide targeted cleaning power, making them a perfect complement to your regular vacuum.

  3. Neglecting Brush Roll Type: Using a vacuum with the wrong type of brush roll can damage high pile carpets. Opt for a vacuum with a brush roll designed for high pile carpets, preferably one with soft bristles or adjustable speeds to prevent damage. For added convenience, consider a cordless vacuum that offers powerful suction and maneuverability, making it easier to clean various areas of your home. Additionally, using a carpet cleaner solution specifically designed for high-pile carpets can enhance the cleaning process, effectively removing stains and maintaining the carpet’s appearance.

  4. Not Considering Filtration Quality: Neglecting the quality of the filtration system can lead to poor air quality and re-circulation of allergens. Choose a vacuum with a high-efficiency filtration system, such as a HEPA filter, to ensure clean air in your home.

The Best Vacuums for High Pile Carpet Tests Compared

Product
True Score
Bare Floor Performance
Carpet Performance
Pet Hair Performance
Noise Level

Dyson V15 Detect

  • Best for Apartment

91
  • 98.59%

  • 91.77%

  • 100%

  • 72.54 dB

$599.99
$800
$200

Shark Stratos Cordless

  • Best for Cordless

85
  • 98.83%

  • 89.28%

  • 100%

  • 76.65 dB

$325.00
$500
$175
79
  • 93.83%

  • 84.91%

  • 98.33%

  • 78.63 dB

$229.99

Vacuum for High-Pile Carpet Questions (FAQ)

What features should I look for in the best vacuum for high-pile carpet?

When choosing the best vacuum for high-pile carpet, look for features such as strong suction power, height-adjustable brush rolls, and large wheels to navigate the thick carpet fibers. A motorized brush head with soft bristles or adjustable speeds can also help to lift and remove embedded dirt without damaging the carpet.

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