Complete Vacuum Comparison

Compare specifications, filtration systems, and suction power across all vacuum models

Filter Vacuums

Model Type Suction (AW) Filtration Weight Cord/Runtime Capacity Best For Price Action
Dyson V15 Detect Cordless 230 AW HEPA Sealed 6.8 lbs 60 min 0.76 L All floors, pets $649 View
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright 180 AW HEPA 12.5 lbs 25 ft cord 2.2 L Carpet, hardwood $199 View
iRobot Roomba j7+ Robot 68 AW High-Efficiency 7.4 lbs 75 min 0.4 L All floors, pets $599 View
Miele Complete C3 Canister 210 AW HEPA AirClean 19.4 lbs 36 ft cord 4.5 L Carpets, allergies $899 View
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Upright 165 AW Multi-Stage 16.2 lbs 27 ft cord 1.5 L Pet hair, carpet $249 View
Tineco Pure One S12 Cordless 150 AW 4-Stage HEPA 6.6 lbs 50 min 0.6 L All floors $499 View
Hoover WindTunnel 3 Upright 150 AW Multi-Cyclonic 18.6 lbs 30 ft cord 1.42 L Carpet, debris $159 View
Eufy RoboVac 11S Robot 55 AW Triple-Filter 5.7 lbs 100 min 0.6 L Hard floors $229 View
Kenmore Elite Canister Canister 205 AW HEPA Sealed 21.3 lbs 28 ft cord 4.0 L All surfaces $699 View
Black+Decker Dustbuster Handheld 35 AW Cyclonic 2.6 lbs 15 min 0.7 L Quick cleanups $59 View
Roborock S7 Robot 72 AW E11 HEPA 10.5 lbs 180 min 0.47 L All floors, mopping $649 View
Dyson Ball Animal 2 Upright 245 AW HEPA Whole Machine 17.4 lbs 35 ft cord 1.8 L Pets, deep carpet $549 View
Samsung Jet 90 Cordless 200 AW 5-Layer HEPA 6.0 lbs 60 min 0.8 L All floors, versatile $599 View
Oreck Commercial XL Upright 120 AW Celoc Filter 9.0 lbs 40 ft cord N/A (Bag) Commercial cleaning $299 View
Shark ION Robot Robot 60 AW Multi-Stage 5.9 lbs 90 min 0.6 L Mixed floors $279 View

Understanding Specifications

Suction Power (Air Watts)

Air Watts (AW) is the most accurate measure of vacuum cleaning power, combining both airflow and suction. Here's what different ranges mean:

  • 30-70 AW: Handheld and robot vacuums - suitable for maintenance cleaning and hard floors
  • 120-180 AW: Entry to mid-range uprights - good for regular home cleaning
  • 180-230 AW: Premium cordless and uprights - excellent for deep cleaning and pet hair
  • 230+ AW: Professional-grade - best for deep carpet cleaning and heavy-duty use

Filtration Systems Compared

True HEPA: Certified to capture 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger. Best for allergies and asthma.

HEPA-Style: Similar design but not certified. May capture 85-95% of particles. More affordable option.

Cyclonic: Uses centrifugal force to separate dirt. Maintains suction longer but requires regular filter cleaning.

Multi-Stage: Combines multiple filter types for comprehensive filtration at different particle sizes.

Runtime vs Cord Length

Cordless: 15-60+ minute runtime. Perfect for quick cleanups and multi-floor homes. Higher-end models offer longer runtime and quick charging.

Corded: 25-40 foot cords provide unlimited runtime. Better for large homes or deep cleaning sessions. No battery degradation over time.