These are the traditional powerhouses. They are best for large, carpeted homes because they usually have powerful brush rolls that dig dirt out of fibers. Check out: The Shark Stratos Upright Go to product viewer dialog for this item. for its excellent suction and "anti-hair wrap" tech.

Bagged vacuums are better for allergy sufferers because they trap dust more effectively during disposal. Bagless vacuums save you money on replacements but can be messy to empty.

Lightweight and usually cordless. These are perfect for quick daily pickups or smaller apartments with mostly hard floors and low-pile rugs. Check out: The Dyson V15 Detect Go to product viewer dialog for this item. which uses a laser to show microscopic dust on hard floors.

Very affordable and surprisingly effective on both carpet and hard floors. Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Go to product viewer dialog for this item.

Before you buy, check the . If you have hard floors, you want a vacuum that allows you to turn the brush roll off so it doesn't scatter debris or scratch the surface.