The Best
Vacuum
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Professional NV356E
About $199
Best for: Households with mixed flooring types who want professional cleaning performance without the premium price tagWhy This One
The Shark Navigator NV356E consistently ranks as the top pick across Consumer Reports, Wirecutter, and Vacuum Wars for its exceptional cleaning performance on both carpets and hard floors. It offers professional-grade suction power and versatility at a mid-range price point, making it the best value for most households.
Pros
- +Excellent carpet and hard floor cleaning performance
- +Lightweight lift-away design for stairs and furniture
- +HEPA filtration traps 99.9% of allergens
Cons
- −Can be somewhat loud during operation
- −Plastic construction throughout
Key Specs
- Upright vacuum with lift-away canister
- HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology
- 1,200-watt motor
- Extra-large 2.2-quart dust cup
- 30-foot power cord
Why Not These Popular Alternatives?
- Dyson V15 Detect — Much higher price ($750+) for similar cleaning performance
- Bissell CrossWave Pet Pro — Limited to wet/dry cleaning, not as effective on carpets
- Tineco Pure ONE S12 — Cordless design has limited battery life for whole-house cleaning
Sources Referenced
Our recommendation is based on expert reviews and testing from:
Vacuum WarsModern CastleConsumer ReportsWirecutter
Last verified: January 2026