--- title: "Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners UK 2026" description: "Ten corded upright vacuum cleaners ranked for UK homes, from strong carpet cleaners to light, pet-friendly models. See how they compare and pick yours." canonical: https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/ updated: 2026-10-25 category: "Household" language: "en-GB" --- # The 10 Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners of 2026, Ranked > **Our verdict:** The best upright vacuum cleaner in 2026 is the Shark Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum NZ690UKT. It tops our ranking with 9.2 out of 10. Updated October 2026 · 18 models compared · [How we rank](https://vettedten.com/how-we-rank/) ## Our picks - **Best Choice:** [Shark Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum NZ690UKT](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/#shark-anti-hair-wrap-upright-pet-nz690ukt), 9.2 out of 10. A lift-away upright built around a brush roll that strips hair as it cleans. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B3S1X95J) - **Best Premium:** [Hoover HL5 Push&Lift Anti-Twist Pets HL500PT](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/#hoover-hl5-push-lift-pets-hl500pt), 8.1 out of 10. The bigger Push&Lift Hoover with a 2.5L bin, anti-twist brush bar and a turbo pet tool. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B9CFWKB7) - **Value for Money:** [Ewbank Motion Pet EW3001](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/#ewbank-motion-pet-ew3001), 8.0 out of 10. A cheap, light bagless upright with a washable HEPA filter and a turbo pet brush. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08JH5WV5J) - **Best Budget:** [Hoover Breeze Pet TH31 BO02](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/#hoover-breeze-pet-th31-bo02), 8.9 out of 10. A long-running, light bagless upright with an 850W motor and pet tools. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074J4TLNP) ## All 10, compared Ranked by our score out of 10. Every product links to its full review below. | No. | Product | Score | Badge | | ---: | --- | ---: | --- | | 1 | [Shark Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum NZ690UKT](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/#shark-anti-hair-wrap-upright-pet-nz690ukt) | 9.2 | Best Choice | | 2 | [Hoover Breeze Pet TH31 BO02](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/#hoover-breeze-pet-th31-bo02) | 8.9 | Best Budget | | 3 | [Vax Air Stretch Pet Max U85-AS-Pme](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/#vax-air-stretch-pet-max-u85-as-pme) | 8.8 | | | 4 | [Vax Air Lift 2 Pet](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/#vax-air-lift-2-pet) | 8.6 | | | 5 | [Shark Detect Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner LA450UKT](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/#shark-detect-upright-la450ukt) | 8.3 | | | 6 | [Vax LiftOut Pet CDUP-LOXP](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/#vax-liftout-pet-cdup-loxp) | 8.2 | | | 7 | [Hoover HL5 Push&Lift Anti-Twist Pets HL500PT](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/#hoover-hl5-push-lift-pets-hl500pt) | 8.1 | Best Premium | | 8 | [Ewbank Motion Pet EW3001](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/#ewbank-motion-pet-ew3001) | 8.0 | Value for Money | | 9 | [Shark PowerDetect Corded Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner AZ3900UKT](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/#shark-powerdetect-upright-az3900ukt) | 7.9 | | | 10 | [Dyson Ball Animal Origin](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/#dyson-ball-animal-origin) | 7.3 | | ## The full reviews ### 1. Shark Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum NZ690UKT 9.2 out of 10 · Best Choice A lift-away upright built around a brush roll that strips hair as it cleans. It suits a home with long-haired people or pets on mixed flooring. Why it's here: - Anti Hair Wrap brush roll leaves little to cut off the roller - Lift-Away pod detaches for stairs, upholstery and above-floor jobs - Comes with a turbo pet brush, crevice tool and multi-surface tool - HEPA filtration with a sealed system, and a five-year guarantee on registration Keep in mind: - Heavy for an upright at around 6kg, and more with the pod lifted away - Dust cup is small at 1.1L, so bigger homes empty it often - 8m cord means moving plugs in large rooms [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B3S1X95J) ### 2. Hoover Breeze Pet TH31 BO02 8.9 out of 10 · Best Budget A long-running, light bagless upright with an 850W motor and pet tools. A sensible pick for a home with pets and mixed floors that wants a familiar brand. Why it's here: - Light to push and carry up a flight of stairs - 850W motor with a bagless bin that empties without bags to buy - Pet tool included for stairs and upholstery - Hoover spares and support are easy to find in the UK Keep in mind: - An older design with fewer features than newer lift-away uprights - Plain tool kit and no powered pet head - Bagless bin is small, so pet homes empty it often [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B074J4TLNP) ### 3. Vax Air Stretch Pet Max U85-AS-Pme 8.8 out of 10 A budget pet upright with a long cord and a stretch hose for stairs. A popular choice for carpets and pet hair at a low price. Why it's here: - 13m cord and a stretch hose give up to 17m of reach - Around 5kg, light for an upright - Turbo Tool for pet hair on stairs and upholstery - Washable filters and a 1.5L bin Keep in mind: - Only a one-year guarantee - Small 1.5L bin fills quickly in a pet household - Hair can still wrap round the brush bar [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09V39K8FS) ### 4. Vax Air Lift 2 Pet 8.6 out of 10 A lift-out upright that turns into a portable cleaner for stairs and the car. It suits a pet household that wants one machine for floors and above-floor jobs. Why it's here: - Lift-out canister for stairs and upholstery - Turbo Tool, 2-in-1 tool and textile tool included - Rinseable filters - Two-year guarantee Keep in mind: - Around 6.2kg, heavier than the stretch models - 1.5L bin is small - The lift-out canister is awkward to carry with the hose attached [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B078LTPDMZ) ### 5. Shark Detect Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner LA450UKT 8.3 out of 10 A newer Shark Detect upright with a 1.2L bagless bin and an 8m cord. Owners rate it well. Why it's here: - Detect sensing adjusts to the floor - Five-year parts and labour guarantee - 1.2L bin - Compact 26cm wide head Keep in mind: - The 1.2L bin is small for a bigger home, so expect to empty it often - 8m cord is short - Priced above most uprights here [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F24XN7R5) ### 6. Vax LiftOut Pet CDUP-LOXP 8.2 out of 10 A newer lift-out pet upright with the longest guarantee of the Vax range. A 2L bin and a charcoal filter suit pet homes that want less odour. Why it's here: - Five-year guarantee when registered - 2L bin and a 9m cord - Charcoal filter for pet odours - Stair tool and pet hair remover tool included Keep in mind: - Around 6.1kg to push - The 2L bin is modest for a multi-pet home - Noise level is not listed [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FQCB7YS9) ### 7. Hoover HL5 Push&Lift Anti-Twist Pets HL500PT 8.1 out of 10 · Best Premium The bigger Push&Lift Hoover with a 2.5L bin, anti-twist brush bar and a turbo pet tool. Why it's here: - Anti-twist brush bar stops hair wrapping - 2.5L bagless bin and a HEPA 13 filter - Mini turbo brush included for pet hair - 2m extendable hose Keep in mind: - Heavy at around 6.4kg - Noisy in use - 8m cord could be longer [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B9CFWKB7) ### 8. Ewbank Motion Pet EW3001 8.0 out of 10 · Value for Money A cheap, light bagless upright with a washable HEPA filter and a turbo pet brush. It suits flats and smaller carpeted homes. Why it's here: - Under 5kg, easy on stairs - 3L dust container - Washable HEPA filter - Turbo pet brush and 3-in-1 tool included Keep in mind: - Modest suction on thick carpet - One-year guarantee, with a second on registration - Short reach, and the hose is basic [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08JH5WV5J) ### 9. Shark PowerDetect Corded Upright Pet Vacuum Cleaner AZ3900UKT 7.9 out of 10 Shark's sensor-led upright with two brush rolls and a powered lift-away pod. Owners rate its pet hair pickup on carpet, and it is the heaviest machine here. Why it's here: - Two brush rolls with sensors adjust to carpet and hard floor - Powered Lift-Away head cleans stairs and under furniture - Anti Hair Wrap Plus keeps long hair off the rollers - Five-year guarantee when registered with Shark Keep in mind: - Around 7.6kg, the heaviest upright in this guide - Some owners report the stiff mains cable cracking over time - Dust cup is 1.3L and the machine is loud at around 80dB [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DS2GQTLF) ### 10. Dyson Ball Animal Origin 7.3 out of 10 A bagless upright that steers on a ball and cleans carpet hard. It suits pet owners who want strong suction and a washable filter. Why it's here: - Ball steering turns round furniture with a flick of the wrist - Motorbar head clears wrapped hair as it cleans - Washable filter, and a bin that empties in one press - 10m cord and a stair tool in the box Keep in mind: - Around 7.4kg, and awkward to carry upstairs - Hose is a plastic part that owners report cracking over time - Tool kit is basic and has no motorised pet head [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CHFJW9MM) ## Before you buy ### Is an upright vacuum cleaner better than a cylinder for carpet? For large areas of carpet, usually yes. An upright has a wide, motorised brush bar directly under the motor, so it covers more floor per pass and keeps its suction. A cylinder is lighter to carry and has the edge on stairs, bare floors and under furniture. Cordless sticks are easier still, but they run down, and cordless uprights are in the cordless guide. ### Should I buy a bagless or a bagged upright vacuum cleaner? All ten here are bagless, so there are no bags to buy, but emptying the bin can throw up dust. Bagged uprights seal dust in until you bin the bag, which suits allergy sufferers, but bags are a running cost. ### What is the best lightweight upright vacuum cleaner for stairs and older users? Look for around 5kg or less. The Vax Air Stretch Pet Max is around 5kg, and the Hoover Breeze Pet and Ewbank are light too. Lift-away models such as the Shark and Vax Air Lift 2 Pet let you carry only the pod up the stairs. The Dyson, Hoover HL5 and Shark PowerDetect are heavier, so they suit flat floors. ### Which upright vacuum cleaner is best for pet hair? Pick one with an anti-tangle or self-clearing brush bar and a turbo pet tool. The Shark NZ690UKT and PowerDetect and the Dyson Ball Animal Origin are built for this. Budget options such as the Hoover Breeze Pet, Vax Air Stretch Pet Max and the Ewbank Motion Pet add a pet tool for stairs and upholstery. A bigger bin saves emptying in a multi-pet home. ### Do upright vacuum cleaners work well on hard floors? Mostly. Most uprights here clean hard floors well when the brush bar is switched off or the head adjusts. Without that, a spinning bar can scatter debris. For a home that is mostly hard floor, a cylinder or a cordless stick is often easier. ### What suction power and filtration do I need in an upright? Do not judge by wattage, because makers measure it as input power rather than suction. Compare the brush bar design, the sealed system and the filter instead. For allergies, look for HEPA or EPA filtration and a sealed body, which most models here have. Washable filters should be rinsed and fully dried about every few months, and replaced on the brand's schedule. ## How we ranked these ten Every score here comes from our ranking model, not from anyone's opinion. It weighs owner ratings by how many there are, how recent they are and how reliable they look, then factors in value. We compared 18 models for this guide before settling on these ten. Brands can't pay to be included or to move up. We last checked these picks in October 2026. [How we rank, in full](https://vettedten.com/how-we-rank/) ## Our No. 1 **Shark Anti Hair Wrap Upright Pet Vacuum NZ690UKT**: A lift-away upright built around a brush roll that strips hair as it cleans. 9.2 out of 10. [Check price on Amazon](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B3S1X95J) ## Other types of vacuum cleaner Each type is ranked against its own kind. [Which type suits you?](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/) - [Cordless Vacuum Cleaners](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/cordless/): No. 1 Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner - [Robot Vacuum Cleaners](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/robot/): No. 1 eufy Omni C20 T2280 - [Cylinder Vacuum Cleaners](https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/cylinder/): No. 1 Russell Hobbs Compact XS RHCV1611 ## More household rankings - [Convector Heaters](https://vettedten.com/household/electric-heaters/convector-heaters/): No. 1 Daewoo 2kW Convector Heater with Thermostat HEA1146GE - [Dehumidifiers](https://vettedten.com/household/dehumidifiers/): No. 1 Pro Breeze OmniDry 12L Quiet Low Energy Dehumidifier - [Fan Heaters](https://vettedten.com/household/electric-heaters/fan-heaters/): No. 1 Dreo Solaris Slim H3 DR-HSH003 - [Heated Clothes Airers](https://vettedten.com/household/heated-clothes-airers/): No. 1 Dry:Soon Heated Drying Pod --- Canonical page: https://vettedten.com/household/vacuum-cleaners/upright/ · Every guide: https://vettedten.com/llms.txt · For AI agents: https://vettedten.com/agents.md