Best Upright Vacuums Uk: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Navigating the world of upright vacuums can be a daunting task. As home cleaning experts, we’ve spent countless hours testing, pushing, and emptying the top models on the UK market to find the ones that truly deliver on their promises. We looked for powerful suction, user-friendly design, versatility across different floor types, and the ability to tackle the toughest messes—especially pet hair. After rigorous evaluation, we’ve crowned the Shark NV602UKT Corded Upright Vacuum Lift-Away Pet our top pick. It strikes the perfect balance of raw power, innovative features like the indispensable Lift-Away technology for stairs and upholstery, and exceptional value for money, making it the ideal choice for the vast majority of UK homes.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Upright Vacuums Uk

#1 Shark NV602UKT Corded Upright Vacuum Lift-Away Pet – Best for: All-Round Pet Hair Removal

After extensive testing, we can confidently say the Shark NV602UKT Corded Upright Vacuum Lift-Away Pet is the best all-rounder on the market. From the moment we unboxed it, the assembly was refreshingly simple and took mere minutes. What truly sets this model apart is its sheer suction power. We vacuumed a carpet that had been cleaned just the day before with a different model, and we were both impressed and slightly horrified by the amount of dust and pet hair it pulled from the pile. This experience was echoed by countless users who reported being “shocked and disgusted” with what their old vacuums were leaving behind. The dual-mode floorhead transitions effortlessly between carpets and hard floors with a simple switch on the handle. The real game-changer, however, is the Lift-Away technology. With the press of a button, the main canister detaches, transforming the unit into a lightweight, portable vacuum that makes cleaning stairs, sofas, and car interiors a breeze. The dedicated Pet Tool attachment is particularly effective on upholstery. While the Anti Hair Wrap feature is a great addition, we did find that longer hair can occasionally still get tangled, a minor quibble that some users also noted. At 7kg, it’s not the lightest, but its performance more than justifies the weight.

#2 Shark NZ801UKT Corded Upright Vacuum Anti Hair Wrap – Best for: Homes with Long Hair

For households plagued by long human or pet hair, the Shark NZ801UKT Corded Upright Vacuum Anti Hair Wrap is a true problem-solver. This model builds on the success of other Shark uprights with two key upgrades: DuoClean and a more robust Anti Hair Wrap system. The DuoClean floorhead features two brush rolls working in tandem—a soft front roller for pulling in debris on hard floors and a traditional bristle brush for carpets. In our tests, this combination was exceptionally effective, gliding from our laminate kitchen floor to a deep-pile living room rug without missing a beat. The Anti Hair Wrap technology was genuinely impressive; we tested it with long hair strands and found the brush roll remained remarkably clear. This is a sentiment shared by many users who were tired of constantly cutting hair from their old vacuums. The Powered Lift-Away is another standout feature, keeping the main brush head powered even in portable mode, which is fantastic for getting under sofas and beds. We found the 0.83-litre dust cup a bit on the small side for a full house clean, but emptying it is straightforward. It feels solid and well-built, though slightly heavier than its NV602UKT cousin.

#3 Gtech AirRAM MK2 K9 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner – Best for: Cordless Convenience

If you value speed and convenience above all else, the Gtech AirRAM MK2 K9 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner is an outstanding choice. The freedom of a cordless design cannot be overstated; we loved being able to grab it for a quick clean without fussing with plugs and cables. At just 3.2kg, it is incredibly lightweight and nimble, gliding effortlessly around furniture and into tight spaces. The low-profile head and bright LED lights make it brilliant for cleaning under sofas and beds. For a cordless model, the suction power is surprisingly strong, especially on carpets where its rotating brush bar did a fantastic job of lifting pet hair and embedded dirt. Our experience was confirmed by several users who were amazed at how much it picked up compared to their older, heavier corded machines. The unique emptying system, which compresses dirt into a ‘bale’ that you slide out, is hygienic and simple. The inclusion of scented cartridges to combat pet odours is a thoughtful touch. The main limitation, inherent to its design, is the lack of attachments for stairs or upholstery. This is a floor specialist, and for that purpose, it excels. With a 40-minute runtime, we found it sufficient for cleaning a medium-sized home on a single charge.

#4 Shark NV601UK Lift-Away Upright Vacuum – Best for: Budget-Friendly Deep Cleaning

The Shark NV601UK Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is a classic for a reason. It delivers the core features that made the brand a household name at an incredibly competitive price point. In our hands-on testing, its performance was stellar. The suction is immense, and it revitalises carpets by pulling up an astonishing amount of deep-seated dust and grime. We found ourselves agreeing with one user who said they were “shook” by how much dirt it collected from a floor they thought was already clean. The swivel steering is smooth, making it easy to navigate around obstacles. Like our top pick, it features the brilliant Lift-Away technology, which makes it one of the most versatile vacuums in its price bracket. Detaching the canister to clean stairs or the car is effortless and far more convenient than balancing a heavy upright. The generous 1.65-litre capacity means fewer trips to the bin. It does lack some of the newer features like DuoClean or Anti Hair Wrap, so you may need to manually clear the brush roll from time to time, but for pure, unadulterated cleaning power, it’s hard to beat for the price. It’s a fantastic, no-nonsense workhorse.

#5 Shark Freestyle Max Cordless Upright Vacuum SV2002 – Best for: Quick, Lightweight Clean-ups

The Shark Freestyle Max Cordless Upright Vacuum SV2002 is built for the “quick whip around” before guests arrive or the daily tidy-up in a busy home. Weighing in at just over 3kg, it’s incredibly light and portable. During our tests, we appreciated how easily we could carry it up and down stairs and manoeuvre it into tight spots. The cordless design is freeing, allowing you to move from room to room without being tethered to a socket. It features a two-speed brush roll, which we found effective for transitioning from our hard kitchen floor to the carpeted hallway. For its size and weight, the suction is respectable, picking up surface debris, dust, and pet hair with ease. Many users confirm it’s a game-changer for daily maintenance, especially in homes with pets and kids. The LED headlights are a great feature, illuminating dust under furniture that you might otherwise miss. However, the 20-minute runtime is a significant limitation; we found it best suited for smaller homes, flats, or as a secondary vacuum for quick jobs rather than a deep clean of a large house. The dust cup is also on the smaller side, but simple to empty. It’s a trade-off of power and longevity for ultimate convenience and portability.

#6 Shark NZ801UK Corded Upright Vacuum Anti Hair Wrap DuoClean – Best for: Multi-Surface Homes

The Shark NZ801UK Corded Upright Vacuum Anti Hair Wrap DuoClean is virtually identical to its navy/orange sibling (the NZ801UKT), offering the same exceptional performance for homes with a mix of flooring. The DuoClean head is the star of the show. We tested it extensively, moving from deep pile rugs to vinyl and hardwood, and the transition was seamless. It pulls in everything from fine dust to larger crumbs without the “snowplough” effect some vacuums suffer from on hard floors. The suction is relentlessly powerful, and we found it visibly lifted the pile on our test carpets, making them look refreshed and new. This is a sentiment shared by many owners who said their carpets looked brand new after the first use. The Anti Hair Wrap technology performs brilliantly, keeping the brush rolls free from tangles, a massive time-saver. The Powered Lift-Away mode makes the unit surprisingly versatile, allowing us to easily clean under coffee tables and sofas while the main brush continues to spin. Our main critique, which some users also mentioned, is its weight. At 6.5kg, it can feel a bit cumbersome, especially for older users, but the cleaning results are undeniable. It’s a premium machine that delivers a premium clean.

#7 Kenmore BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum Pet Friendly – Best for: Allergy Sufferers

For those who prioritise air quality and hate the mess of bagless vacuums, the Kenmore BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum Pet Friendly is a breath of fresh air. The main advantage we found during testing is its HEPA filtration system combined with self-sealing bags. This setup is fantastic for trapping dust, pollen, and pet dander, ensuring they aren’t released back into the room when you empty the vacuum. The “No Touch Bag Technology” works as advertised, making disposal a clean, hassle-free process. The suction is consistently strong, and the power flow chamber design does a good job of maintaining performance even as the bag fills. We also liked the Lift-Up feature, which is Kenmore’s take on a detachable canister, making it easier to tackle stairs and upholstery. The swivel steering is decent, although not as fluid as some rivals. A significant design flaw we encountered, and one highlighted by numerous users, is the durability of the lower hose, which can be prone to tearing over time. It’s also worth noting this is a US-designed model, so ensure you receive a UK-compatible version. For those who want the clean, sealed convenience of a bagged system, it’s a very capable machine.

#8 Vax Air Lift 2 Pet Plus Upright Vacuum Cleaner – Best for: Extended Reach

The Vax Air Lift 2 Pet Plus Upright Vacuum Cleaner impresses with its powerful performance and lift-out design, making it a strong contender in the mid-range market. The first thing we noticed was its suction; it’s genuinely powerful and competes with models that are significantly more expensive. The VersaClean Technology with its two brushbars did a solid job on both our carpet and hard floor test areas. The standout feature is the lift-out cylinder. It’s lightweight and, combined with the extra-long 9-metre cord and 1.65-metre hose, gives you an incredible cleaning radius. We could easily clean the entire staircase and landing without having to switch plug sockets. The included Turbo Tool was effective for removing stubborn pet hair from furniture. However, we did find the overall build quality to feel less premium than its Shark rivals, a point noted by a few users who mentioned it felt a bit plasticky. We also experienced the roller brush getting clogged with hair quite easily, requiring frequent cleaning, which undermines its “Pet Plus” branding somewhat. Despite these points, its raw power and the convenience of the lift-out design make it a great value proposition for larger homes.

#9 Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner – Best for: Raw Suction Power

When it comes to pure, unadulterated suction, the Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright Vacuum Cleaner is in a league of its own. In our tests, the power was almost overwhelming; it latches onto carpets with such force that it can be a real workout to push, a fact many users have commented on. But the results are undeniable. It pulls an incredible amount of dirt from deep within the carpet pile, leaving floors feeling exceptionally clean. The self-adjusting cleaner head works well, maintaining a tight seal as you move from carpet to hard floors. The Ball technology makes it surprisingly manoeuvrable for its size, allowing you to steer around furniture with a simple twist of the wrist. The wand and hose release in a single, smooth action, which is convenient for reaching high corners. The hygienic bin-emptying system is also a classic Dyson strength. However, its aggressive power can be a drawback on some rugs, and its weight (nearly 8kg) makes it a heavy machine to carry upstairs. It’s a powerhouse cleaner built for tough jobs in robust homes, but it might be overkill for those with delicate rugs or limited physical strength.

#10 Dyson Ball Animal 3 Vacuum Cleaner – Best for: Large Homes with Pets

The Dyson Ball Animal 3 Vacuum Cleaner takes the formidable power of its predecessor and adds some welcome refinements, making it an excellent choice for large, pet-filled homes. The standout upgrade is the new Motorbar cleaner head, which is designed to automatically de-tangle hair as you clean. In our testing, this feature worked very well, keeping the brush bar clear and maintaining optimal performance without manual intervention—a huge plus for pet owners. The suction remains incredibly strong, pulling up fine dust and embedded fur with ease. We particularly appreciated the three cleaning modes, which allow you to adjust the suction level, making it more versatile and manageable than the Animal 2, especially on thicker carpets. The bin is significantly larger, meaning we could clean the entire house without stopping to empty it. It retains the signature Ball technology for easy steering and a long 50-foot total reach. Our main reservation is the weight; at over 9.5kg, this is a very heavy vacuum, and carrying it upstairs is a significant effort. A few users also noted that the connection point for the head can feel a bit flimsy. If you have a large home and need maximum power and capacity, this machine is a beast.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

• Corded vs. Cordless: Corded models like the Shark and Dyson uprights offer consistent, powerful suction and unlimited runtime, making them ideal for deep cleaning large homes. Cordless models like the Gtech AirRAM offer unparalleled convenience for quick clean-ups and smaller homes but come with limitations on runtime and overall power.
• Suction Power: This is crucial, especially for homes with carpets and pets. Brands like Dyson are renowned for raw power, while Shark offers a fantastic balance of strong suction and usability. Look for models that can lift embedded dirt, not just surface debris.
• Filtration: If you have allergies or pets, a vacuum with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter is essential. Models like the Kenmore BU4022 and many Shark vacuums feature sealed systems that trap dust and allergens, preventing them from being exhausted back into your home’s air.
• Weight and Manoeuvrability: An upright vacuum can be heavy. Consider how often you’ll be carrying it upstairs. Lighter models are easier to handle, but may not be as powerful. Features like swivel steering or Dyson’s Ball technology can make a huge difference in how easy the vacuum is to navigate around furniture.
• Attachments & Versatility: Look for vacuums that come with useful tools like a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and especially a pet tool if you have furry friends. Features like Shark’s Lift-Away technology transform an upright into a portable cleaner, adding immense value and making it easier to clean stairs, cars, and furniture.

Understanding Lift-Away vs. Powered Lift-Away

Many Shark models feature ‘Lift-Away’ technology, but there’s a key distinction. Standard Lift-Away (found on the NV602UKT) allows you to detach the main canister and carry it around, using the hose and attachments for portable cleaning. This is perfect for stairs and high places. Powered Lift-Away (found on the NZ801UKT) takes this a step further. When you detach the canister, it continues to deliver power to the main motorised floorhead. This means you can use the wand to push the spinning brush roll under low-profile furniture like sofas and beds, achieving a deep clean where a standard upright can’t reach.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Your Floor Types: Buying a vacuum with aggressive suction designed for deep-pile carpets might be a mistake if you have mostly hard floors and delicate rugs. Look for models with adjustable suction or specialised floorheads like Shark’s DuoClean.
• Forgetting About Maintenance: Bagless vacuums require you to wash their filters regularly to maintain suction. Forgetting this is the most common cause of poor performance. If you prefer less hands-on maintenance, a bagged model might be a better choice.
• Underestimating Weight: It’s easy to be impressed by features and power in a store or online, but if a vacuum is too heavy for you to comfortably carry up and down your stairs, you’ll end up dreading using it. Always check the weight specification.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most reliable brand of upright vacuum cleaner in the UK?

While reliability can be subjective, brands like Shark and Dyson consistently receive high marks for performance and durability. Shark, in particular, has built a strong reputation for powerful, feature-rich vacuums that are built to last, often backed by a 5-year guarantee upon registration. Dyson is also known for its robust engineering and long lifespan.

Are upright vacuums better than cylinder vacuums for UK homes?

It depends on your home and preferences. Upright vacuums are generally better for deep cleaning large carpeted areas quickly due to their motorised brush bars and wider cleaning paths. They are often a single, easy-to-store unit. Cylinder vacuums are typically lighter and more nimble, with the main body trailing behind you, making them excellent for stairs, hard-to-reach areas, and homes with lots of furniture to navigate around.

How much should I spend on a good upright vacuum?

You can find a very capable and powerful upright vacuum for between £150 and £250. Models in this range, like our top pick, the Shark NV602UKT, offer an excellent balance of power, features, and durability. Spending more (upwards of £300) can get you premium features like advanced anti-hair-wrap technology and more powerful motors, but the law of diminishing returns applies.

What features should I look for in an upright vacuum in 2024?

Key features to look for include a sealed HEPA filtration system for air quality, LED headlights to illuminate dust, and versatile attachments. For pet owners, anti-hair-wrap technology is a game-changer. Also, consider models with a “lift-off” or detachable canister feature (like Shark’s Lift-Away) as this dramatically improves versatility for cleaning stairs and upholstery.

Are cordless upright vacuums as powerful as corded ones?

Generally, no. While high-end cordless technology has improved dramatically, corded upright vacuums still deliver more consistent and powerful suction for deep cleaning. Cordless models trade some of that raw power for incredible convenience and are best suited for smaller homes, quick clean-ups, or homes with mostly hard flooring.

What is the average lifespan of an upright vacuum cleaner?

With proper maintenance, such as regularly cleaning filters and clearing blockages, a good quality upright vacuum cleaner should last between 5 and 8 years. Many top brands offer 5-year warranties, which is a good indicator of the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s longevity.

Bagged vs bagless upright vacuums: which is better for allergies?

Bagged upright vacuums are typically better for allergy sufferers. The bags themselves act as an extra layer of filtration, and models with self-sealing bags (like the Kenmore BU4022) ensure that no dust or allergens escape back into the air during disposal. Bagless models with HEPA filters and sealed systems are also very good, but there is always a higher risk of dust exposure when emptying the canister.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After a thorough review of the top contenders, we stand firmly by our initial verdict. The Shark NV602UKT Corded Upright Vacuum Lift-Away Pet is the clear winner and the best upright vacuum for most UK households. It delivers exceptional suction that truly deep cleans carpets and is equally adept on hard floors. What solidifies its top spot is the brilliant Lift-Away technology, which transforms it from a powerful upright into a convenient portable cleaner at the touch of a button. This versatility, combined with its effective pet tool and anti-allergen seal, provides a comprehensive cleaning solution that offers incredible performance and value. It’s a workhorse that consistently punches above its weight, making it our definitive recommendation.

Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API