Constantly running out of and having to buy new bags for your vacuum can be frustrating. Bagless models eliminate the worry of wondering how many bags you have left and how many times you can vacuum before you run out. They are a convenient option for users who do not want to use bags or who want to reduce the waste that comes with using a bagged vacuum.
Bagless models of vacuum use dirt cups to collect debris and store it until you’re ready to empty it in the trash. Many dirt cups are rinsable to make vacuuming more hygienic. While dirt cups tend to be smaller than traditional vacuum bags, they are easier to empty and do not have to be replaced.
Not all bagless models are created equal, though. Read on to learn more about key features, benefits, and reviews of our top picks.
Our Top Picks:
Best Overall: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360
Best Budget: Eureka NES210 Blaze 3-in-1
Best Cordless: Dyson V8 Absolute
Best Bagless Canister Vacuum: Bissell Zing Bagless Canister Vacuum
Best for Pet Hair: BISSELL Cleanview Swivel Rewind Pet
The Best Bagless Vacuums: Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe NV360
Large capacity dust cup and HEPA filter with complete seal technology.
Why we Picked It
The Shark Navigator ticks all the boxes for a bagless vacuum. It features an easy to use lift-away design that allows for cleaning hard to reach areas. The included crevice tool works well for getting into corners, cracks, and narrow spaces. With the included upholstery tool, the vacuum can clean stairs and furniture.
At only 12.5 pounds, the Shark is easy to maneuver around tight corners and obstacles. Swivel steering allows for more control when moving around obstacles. Strong suction helps the vacuum glide over carpeting while picking dirt up from within.
The 25-foot cord means you won’t have to switch outlets as often and can get the vacuuming done faster. A 12-quart dust cup also helps reduces the number of times you have to stop vacuuming.
Keep in Mind
The strong suction and high power may make this model slightly louder than other bagless options.
In a Nutshell
- 12.5 pounds
- 7.5 pound lift-away canister
- Large capacity dirt cup
Best Budget
Eureka NES210 Blaze 3-in-1
Slim, lightweight design 3-in1 vacuum.
Why we Picked It
The Eureka features three vacuuming options in one for half the price of a traditional vacuum. Its slim stick design means it’s easy to store anywhere and it can easily convert from a stick to a lift-away to a handheld. At just four pounds, anyone can use it. It works in places like RVs, where weight really matters. A 2-amp motor helps reduce noise while vacuuming.
An 18-foot power cord and XL dust cup mean fewer stops and more vacuuming. It boasts swivel steering that helps it move over carpets and hard floors easily. The unique capture nozzle picks large debris up instead of scattering it around hard floors.
With rubber wheels, it’s gentle on hardwood floors. The Eureka features an onboard crevice tool that can be used with the vacuum in each position.
Keep in Mind
With a small motor and less powerful suction, this budget vacuum may not be able to handle big messes or whole-home cleaning.
In a Nutshell
- 4 pounds
- Convertible design
- Quiet design
Best Cordless
Dyson V8 Absolute
A separate roller head for bare floors makes this vacuum easy to use anywhere.Check Price
Why we Picked It
Cord-free and lightweight design means this vacuum is easy to use anywhere, and you won’t be tethered with a cord. The Dyson V8 is also versatile, with a separate roller head that’s made specifically for bare floors.
The direct-drive cleaner head works to get deep into carpets and provides eight minutes of fade-free cleaning on its most powerful setting. Despite Dyson’s powerful V8 design, it provides a relatively quiet vacuuming experience.
The battery lasts longer than many cordless models thanks to the instant release trigger that only runs the battery when the vacuum is cleaning. A HEPA filter does more than just remove particles from the surface you’re vacuuming. It sucks up air, cleans it and releases clean air back into the environment. A one-click hygienic dirt ejector means hands-free clean up.
Keep in Mind
While the premium features that come with the vacuum are worth it, the price may be cost prohibitive to some.
In a Nutshell
- 5.75 pounds
- Up to 40 minutes of fade-free power
- Separate roller head for bare floors
Best Bagless Canister Vacuum
Bissell Zing Bagless Canister Vacuum
The convenience of a canister vacuum without the hassle of bags.
Why we Picked It
Bissell’s unique bagless canister vacuum offers powerful suction and a convenient pull-along design. An extra large dirt cup means more vacuuming and never having to purchase bags. The dirt cup filter and the motor filter each help trap fine dust and particles. Both filters are washable and reusable so you won’t have to purchase replacements with proper care.
The 15-foot retractable cord means the vacuum can go all around the house and easily retract when the job’s done. A conveniently located switch makes flipping between carpets and hard floors a breeze.
At less than eight pounds, the Bissell is one of the lightest weight canister vacuums. The integrated carrying handle and reinforced hose make it possible to pull or carry the vacuum anywhere there’s power.
Keep in Mind
The lightweight size may make the Zing more prone to tipping, especially on uneven surfaces.
In a Nutshell
- 7.5 pounds
- Easy empty dirt cup
- Crevice and hard floor attachments
Best for Pet Hair
Bissell Cleanview Swivel Rewind Pet
Edge to edge cleaning and specialized pet tools help get rid of all pet hair.
Why we Picked It
A triple action brush roll digs deep into carpets to get pet hair and dander out, while the scatter-free technology makes cleaning pet food off of hard floors hassle-free. The Bissell Cleanview has settings optimized for low pile carpets, area rugs, bare floors, and upholstery.
Attachments like the motorized pet tool allow for easier cleaning on pet beds and upholstery. The included crevice tool can get down deep into cracks and pull pet hair out easily. Edge to edge cleaning can pick up pet hair, dust, and dander.
With an automatic rewind 27-foot cord, the vacuum can go all over the house with fewer stops for finding new outlets. It’s 8-foot hose makes cleaning stairs, curtains, and in hard to reach areas easier.
Keep in Mind
At almost 20 pounds, the high power useful in handling pet hair comes with a heavy weight.
In a Nutshell
- Ejectable hygienic dirt cup
- 19.35 pounds
- Triple action brush roll
How We Chose the Best Bagless Vacuums
Several factors stood out when choosing the best bagless vacuums. We looked for vacuums made to perform on different floors and with options that make vacuuming easier.
Versatility
The best bagless vacuums can work on carpets, hard floors, and other surfaces. We also examined included the attachments and how they perform. A vacuum’s versatility is determined based on how well it works in different situations and whether it can vacuum more than one surface.
Maneuverability
When we look at the maneuverability of a vacuum, we determine how well the vacuum can move around a house and whether it has any issues navigating obstacles. This is based not only on weight but also tire size and material, suction power, and ergonomic design.
We also look at how well it can glide over carpet and hard floor transitions. Swivel heads help with maneuverability, but not all swivel heads are created equal; some vacuums are actually harder to maneuver with a swivel head.
Weight
A vacuum’s weight may seem insignificant, but it can quickly become a burden if it is too heavy to comfortably move around. When we look at a vacuum’s weight, we determine if it is harder to use on stairs or if it is hard to move it around. A vacuum that is very heavy may be more prone to tipping on stairs.
Another important thing we consider is if the vacuum is too light. Vacuums that are too light or are not weighted in certain areas may be harder to move around, may not get as deep in carpet, and could also be more likely to tip.
Cleaning Power
When we look at the cleaning power, we make sure the vacuum has enough power to be a whole-house vacuum, or at least perform a specific task exceptionally well. Bagless models can be a go-to vacuum if they have enough cleaning power. We look at things like how much suction the vacuum has and whether it is fade-free. The type of suction and the power behind the vacuum are also factors that can enhance the cleaning power.
Ease of Emptying
A major advantage of bagless is being able to easily empty the vacuum instead of having to remove and reinsert a bag. A vacuum should not spill when the dirt cup is taken out, but it should also have an easy way to empty the dirt cup over a trash bin. We also look at vacuums to determine if dirt cup emptying can be done one-handed.
Noise Level
Most vacuums require a lot of power to successfully suction dirt that’s stuck deep in carpets, but this power can sometimes make the vacuum louder. The empty space in the dirt cup can actually amplify this sound. Vacuuming should not feel like a jet engine is following you around the house.
What to Look for in a Bagless Vacuum
If you’re making the switch from a bagged model to a bagless vacuum, it can be difficult to know what to look for. Note these things when you’re looking for a bagless vacuum.
Price
The price of a vacuum is about more than just what you pay for it upfront. You must also consider maintenance costs and having to replace the vacuum in the future. While you may pay more for a better vacuum upfront, you’ll likely spend less money fixing the vacuum or replacing it. Cheap vacuums are often louder and less powerful. Consider how long you want the vacuum to last, how often you’ll use it, and how/where you’ll use it.
Weight
A heavier vacuum is not necessarily always a bad thing. If you’re mainly on one floor or if you don’t mind extra weight, heavier vacuums can mean more power. Heavier vacuums may be less likely to tip when using hose attachments and may also perform better on carpets.
Light vacuums are great if you have trouble pushing or maneuvering around your house. If you want your vacuum to be more portable, look for a lighter vacuum.
Unique Features
Note any unique features you might want in a vacuum. Upholstery attachments are great for pet owners, bare floor heads are great for those who have hard floors in their homes, and extra long hoses are great for reaching curtains. When you consider any needs you have, you’ll be able to look for a vacuum that meets your specific requirements.
Power Cord Length
The length of the power cord usually comes down to personal preference. While a longer cord can mean not having to switch outlets as often, it can get tangled in furniture or even under the vacuum. If you have back problems or just can’t stand bending over, look for a model with a retractable cord.
When looking at cordless models, you will not have to consider the length of the cord. You will have to consider the design of the charging dock, the battery life, and the amount of time required to bring the vacuum to a full charge.
Who Should Choose a Bagless Vacuum?
Even though they come with so many benefits, bagless vacuums aren’t for everyone. There are a few situations where bagless vacuums work and others where they’re not ideal. Many manufacturers offer bagless models that have filtration comparable to that found in bagged models, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they will perform the same.
In These Situations, Go Bagless
A bagless vacuum is great for situations where you want convenience and a modern approach to vacuuming. Bagless vacuums are a great choice:
- If you want to easily empty your vacuum.
- For when you want to be able to wash the dirt-capturing part of the vacuum.
- If you’re tired of purchasing bags.
- When you want an eco-friendly choice.
- If you don’t mind having to empty more often than a bag.
Don’t Choose a Bagless for These Reasons
While there are so many benefits to a bagless vacuum, there are some situations that might be better suited to a bagged vacuum. Consider avoiding bagless vacuums:
- If you have severe allergic reactions to dust or dander.
- When you want to trap all the particles inside of a sealed bag.
- If you are uncomfortable seeing or possibly touching the dirt your vacuum picks up.
Since many bagless models come with HEPA filters that can remove particles from your floors and even filter the air, choosing a bagless model may just come down to personal preference.
Related Resources
Still want to weigh your options when it comes to a bagless vacuum? Make sure you go over these helpful resources to decide on the best vacuum for your home!
