An all purpose vacuum cleaner earns its name on mixed floors. It must pull embedded dirt from carpet, sweep hard floors without scattering debris, and reach stairs and upholstery with the tools in the box. This guide ranks ten machines that genuinely cross those lines, so you can buy one vacuum instead of three.
We filtered for multi-surface cleaning, honest filtration specs, and real owner feedback, and no placement here is paid. Every pick below cleans both carpet and hard floors, and the comparison table flags the trade-offs at a glance. If you want a narrower single-surface specialist, our best all surface vacuum cleaner roundup covers that lane.
Short on time? The quick verdict names the overall winner, the budget pick, and the premium choice. Then each full review breaks down the specs, the real strengths, and the honest downsides before you buy.
Quick Verdict
- Best Overall: Eureka NEU10AE4 AirSpeed Ultra-Lightweight — dual-action multi-surface cleaning in a genuinely light 7.7-pound body.
- Best Budget: BISSELL CleanView Compact 3508 — scatter-free hard-floor pickup and an extension wand at a budget-friendly price.
- Best Premium: BISSELL CleanView Rewind Pet — automatic cord rewind, ONEPASS brush design, and a TurboBrush kit in the most complete package here.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Key Specs | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Eureka NEU10AE4 AirSpeed Ultra-Lightweight | 7.7 lbs, dual-action multi-surface, washable filter | Check Price on Amazon |
| BISSELL CleanView Compact 3508 | Under 8 lbs, scatter-free hard floors, extension wand | Check Price on Amazon |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away (Blue) | Lift-away pod, HEPA, swivel steering | Check Price on Amazon |
| Amazon Basics Upright Bagless | 8.4 lbs, 25-ft cord, 1.7L dust cup | Check Price on Amazon |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away (Lavender) | Lift-away pod, HEPA, wide pet upholstery tool | Check Price on Amazon |
| Eureka PowerSpeed NEU280 | Upgraded cyclone, deep-carpet brush, stretch hose | Check Price on Amazon |
| BISSELL CleanView Rewind Pet | Auto cord rewind, TurboBrush, 10-ft reach | Check Price on Amazon |
| Eureka Blaze NES215A 3-in-1 Stick | Stick + handheld, swivel steering, washable filter | Check Price on Amazon |
| KARDV Cordless 500W/40Kpa | 500W motor, 40Kpa suction, 20–25 min runtime | Check Price on Amazon |
| Eureka 3670M Canister | 12-amp motor, bagged, 8.6 lbs | Check Price on Amazon |
The Picks
1. Eureka NEU10AE4 AirSpeed Ultra-Lightweight — Best Overall
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| Brand | Eureka |
|---|---|
| Model | NEU10AE4 AirSpeed Ultra-Lightweight |
| Weight | 7.7 lbs |
| Surfaces | Hard floors + carpet, dual action |
| Filtration | Washable, reusable filter |
| In the box | Crevice tool + dusting brush |
The Eureka NEU10AE4 AirSpeed earns Best Overall by doing the core job on every surface. Its dual-action cleaning head pulls dirt and hair from hard floors and carpet in the same pass, and the 10.5-inch path covers ground fast. At 7.7 pounds it is genuinely easy to carry, and the compact body tucks into small closets.
The washable filter rinses clean, so running costs stay near zero over the years. Onboard crevice and dusting tools snap onto the body, which means detail work never waits for a tool hunt.
✅ Reasons to buy
- Dual-action head cleans hard floors and carpet without a settings change.
- Featherweight 7.7-lb body with a wide 10.5-inch cleaning path.
- Washable filter rinses clean with no replacement cost.
- Crevice tool and dusting brush ride onboard, always within reach.
❌ Reasons to avoid
- No published HEPA or sealed-system rating for allergy sufferers.
- Straightforward corded design with no brush-roll shutoff listed.
- Compact dust cup suits small to mid-size homes best.
2. BISSELL CleanView Compact 3508 — Best Budget
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| Brand | BISSELL |
|---|---|
| Model | CleanView Compact 3508 |
| Weight | Under 8 lbs |
| Hard-floor tech | Scatter-free suction |
| Reach | Quick-release extension wand |
| Dirt cup | Bagless, easy-empty |
The BISSELL CleanView Compact 3508 is the budget pick that skips the usual cheap-vacuum frustrations. Scatter-free suction captures hard-floor messes instead of flinging crumbs across the kitchen. Under 8 pounds, it carries easily between rooms and stores in tight spaces.
The quick-release extension wand stretches cleaning to curtains, upholstery, and stair treads. The bagless dirt cup empties with a push button, so you never touch the collected dust.
✅ Reasons to buy
- Scatter-free technology cuts hard-floor scatter instead of spreading it.
- Under 8 pounds, easy to carry upstairs and store in small spaces.
- Removable wand reaches curtains, upholstery, and stair treads.
- Push-button emptying keeps your hands off the dust.
❌ Reasons to avoid
- Compact dirt cup needs frequent emptying in larger homes.
- No HEPA rating listed for allergy-sensitive households.
- Best as a quick-clean machine rather than a whole-house deep cleaner.
3. Shark Navigator Lift-Away (Blue) — Best Value
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| Brand | Shark |
|---|---|
| Model | Navigator Lift-Away (Blue) |
| Filtration | HEPA |
| Design | Lift-away pod for stairs + furniture |
| Steering | Swivel |
| Pet tool | Dedicated upholstery tool |
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away is the value benchmark for pet-friendly homes. Strong multi-surface suction cleans carpets and hardwood floors, while the detachable pod converts it into a portable canister for stairs and furniture. Sealed HEPA filtration traps dust and allergens inside the machine.
Swivel steering threads the head around chair legs and tight corners without wrestling. The dedicated upholstery tool strips pet hair from cushions and stair carpet, which is where cheaper vacuums usually give up.
✅ Reasons to buy
- Lift-away pod detaches for stairs, furniture, and car interiors.
- Sealed HEPA system locks dust and allergens inside.
- Swivel steering glides around furniture legs and corners.
- Specialized upholstery tool pulls pet hair off fabric.
❌ Reasons to avoid
- Full-size upright is heavier to lift than a stick vacuum.
- Bagless bin needs regular rinsing to keep suction strong.
- No headlight or dirt-sensor extras found on newer models.
4. Amazon Basics Upright Bagless — Best Upgrade
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| Brand | Amazon Basics |
|---|---|
| Type | Upright, bagless |
| Weight | 8.4 lbs |
| Cord | 25 ft |
| Dust cup | 1.7 L |
| Filtration | Washable filter |
| In the box | Upholstery + crevice tools |
The Amazon Basics Upright Bagless is the upgrade pick for big rooms and long cleaning sessions. A 25-foot cord lets you cover large areas without hunting for the next outlet. The 1.7-liter dust cup stretches the time between empties, and the washable filter keeps upkeep cheap.
At 8.4 pounds it stays light for a full-size upright, and the included upholstery and crevice tools handle furniture and edges. Nothing about it is fussy, which is exactly what an everyday workhorse should be.
✅ Reasons to buy
- 25-foot cord covers big rooms without replugging.
- 1.7-liter dust cup means fewer trips to the trash.
- Washable filter keeps long-term maintenance cheap.
- Light 8.4-lb build for a full-size upright.
❌ Reasons to avoid
- No HEPA spec published for allergy sufferers.
- Basic feature set with no lift-away or swivel extras.
- Newer vacuum brand next to legacy makers with longer track records.
5. Shark Navigator Lift-Away (Lavender) — Best for Small Spaces
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| Brand | Shark |
|---|---|
| Model | Navigator Lift-Away (Lavender) |
| Filtration | HEPA |
| Design | Lift-away pod for stairs + furniture |
| Steering | Swivel |
| Pet tool | Wide upholstery tool |
This lavender Navigator runs the same proven Lift-Away platform as our Best Value pick, tuned here for apartment life. The detachable pod shrinks the machine for stairs and car interiors, then clicks back for full upright duty. Multi-surface suction moves between carpet and hard floors without a settings dance.
The wide upholstery tool makes quick work of pet hair on sofas and bedding. HEPA-sealed filtration keeps the exhaust clean, which matters most in smaller rooms where air recirculates fast.
✅ Reasons to buy
- Proven Navigator formula with strong owner reviews behind it.
- Detachable pod plus wide upholstery tool for pet-heavy apartments.
- HEPA-sealed system keeps exhaust air clean in small rooms.
- Swivel steering navigates tight apartment layouts easily.
❌ Reasons to avoid
- Upright weight still adds up when carrying the whole unit upstairs.
- Bagless bin cleaning is part of the regular routine.
- Older platform with no modern sensors or headlights.
6. Eureka PowerSpeed NEU280 — Best for Large Spaces
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| Brand | Eureka |
|---|---|
| Model | PowerSpeed NEU280 |
| Cleaning tech | Upgraded cyclone technology |
| Surfaces | Carpet, shag rugs, hard floors |
| Above-floor | Quick-release handle + stretch hose |
| Tool | 7-inch crevice tool |
The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU280 is built for homes with real square footage and real carpet. Upgraded cyclone technology keeps suction steady as it handles large debris and fine dirt alike. The brush digs into carpet and shag rugs to extract embedded grit that lightweight machines leave behind.
Smooth-rolling wheels protect hardwood floors as you cross from room to room. The quick-release handle connects to a stretch hose for above-floor cleaning, and the 7-inch crevice tool reaches baseboards and furniture gaps.
✅ Reasons to buy
- Upgraded cyclone sustains suction on large debris and fine dirt.
- Deep-cleaning brush extracts embedded dirt from carpet and shag.
- Hard-floor-safe wheels protect wood floors between rooms.
- Stretch hose and 7-inch crevice tool cover above-floor work.
❌ Reasons to avoid
- Bigger upright footprint than the ultra-light picks here.
- No HEPA rating in the published spec list.
- Bagless bin cleaning is part of the ownership routine.
7. BISSELL CleanView Rewind Pet — Best Premium Pick
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| Brand | BISSELL |
|---|---|
| Model | CleanView Rewind Pet |
| Cord | Automatic rewind |
| Brush | ONEPASS cleaning design |
| Reach | Active extension wand + TurboBrush, 10 ft |
| Hard floors | Scatter-free multi-surface cleaning |
The BISSELL CleanView Rewind Pet is the most complete package in this roundup. Automatic cord rewind coils the cord with one touch, ending the wrap-and-untangle ritual for good. ONEPASS brush design pairs a unique brush roll with strong suction to clean carpets in fewer passes.
The active extension wand and TurboBrush reach 10 feet up for drapes, shelves, and stair rails. Scatter-free multi-surface cleaning handles hard floors confidently, making this the true one-machine solution for pet homes.
✅ Reasons to buy
- Automatic cord rewind ends cord-wrapping chores with one touch.
- ONEPASS brush design cleans carpets in fewer passes.
- Wand and TurboBrush reach 10 feet for drapes and stair rails.
- Scatter-free pickup keeps hard floors crumb-free.
❌ Reasons to avoid
- Corded design trades the grab-and-go freedom of cordless.
- No published HEPA rating for allergy-sensitive buyers.
- Full-size body needs real closet space to store.
8. Eureka Blaze NES215A 3-in-1 Stick — Best Lightweight
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| Brand | Eureka |
|---|---|
| Model | Blaze NES215A 3-in-1 |
| Modes | Stick + handheld |
| Motor | 2 amp |
| Steering | Swivel |
| Filtration | Washable |
| Nozzle | Capture nozzle for large debris |
The Eureka Blaze NES215A is a 3-in-1 stick that converts to a handheld in seconds. Signature swivel steering pivots around furniture legs, while the capture nozzle grabs large debris instead of shoving it forward like many sticks do. The 2-amp motor pulls dust and pollen through washable filtration.
It is the grab-and-go machine for daily touch-ups between deep cleans. Hard floors and low-pile carpet both fall inside its comfort zone, and the slim profile stores anywhere.
✅ Reasons to buy
- Converts from stick to handheld for cars and stairs.
- Swivel steering pivots around furniture with little effort.
- Capture nozzle grabs large debris instead of pushing it around.
- Washable filter keeps running costs down.
❌ Reasons to avoid
- Corded stick format limits range compared with cordless.
- 2-amp motor is modest next to full-size uprights.
- Small dust cup fills fast in bigger homes.
9. KARDV Cordless 500W/40Kpa — Best for Everyday Use
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| Brand | KARDV |
|---|---|
| Type | Cordless stick |
| Motor | 500W, 40Kpa suction |
| Runtime | 20–25 minutes |
| Brush | V-shape anti-tangle floor brush |
| Display | Smart LED |
| Kit | 8-in-1 handheld conversion |
The KARDV cordless is the pick for people who vacuum in short daily bursts. A 500W motor delivering 40Kpa of suction handles everyday messes with cordless freedom, and the V-shape anti-tangle brush keeps hair from wrapping the roller. The smart LED display shows mode and battery status at a glance.
The 8-in-1 kit converts it into a handheld for cars, cushions, and tight corners. Twenty to twenty-five minutes of runtime covers a floor or two per charge, which matches how most people actually use a cordless.
✅ Reasons to buy
- 500W motor with 40Kpa suction rivals corded on daily messes.
- V-shape brush resists hair tangles around the roller.
- LED display shows mode and battery level at a glance.
- 8-in-1 kit converts to a handheld for cars and corners.
❌ Reasons to avoid
- 20–25 minute runtime covers quick cleans, not whole-house marathons.
- Lesser-known brand with a thinner support history.
- Battery replacement adds cost over the long term.
10. Eureka 3670M Canister — Best for Heavy-Duty Use
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| Brand | Eureka |
|---|---|
| Model | 3670M Canister |
| Motor | 12-amp, 1200W |
| Weight | 8.6 lbs |
| Dust | Bagged, replaceable |
| Reach | 2 extension wands + 2 attachments |
The Eureka 3670M canister is the heavy-duty pick for stairs, upholstery, and whole-house deep cleans. The 12-amp motor delivers continuous, powerful suction that never fades mid-session. A replaceable dust bag traps dirt and pet hair for cleaner, dust-free emptying.
Two extension wands and two specialty attachments reach high shelves, drapes, and furniture crevices. At 8.6 pounds the canister body follows you easily from room to room, gliding around obstacles that trip up uprights.
✅ Reasons to buy
- 12-amp motor gives continuous deep-clean suction with no fade.
- Bagged design traps dust for cleaner, low-dust emptying.
- Wands and attachments reach high shelves, drapes, and crevices.
- 8.6-lb canister body glides around furniture and up stairs.
❌ Reasons to avoid
- Dragging a canister takes getting used to after uprights.
- Replacement bags are an ongoing cost.
- Bulkier to store than a slim stick vacuum.
What Actually Makes a Vacuum “All Purpose”?
A true all purpose vacuum handles carpet, hard floors, and the awkward in-between jobs without a tool change every five minutes. That means a brush system that cleans carpet but will not scatter debris on wood, plus suction control or height adjustment for the transition. The label on the box is marketing; the floor-type behavior is the real test.
Our bar was simple: every pick here cleans both carpet and hard floors, ships with edge and upholstery tools, and states its filtration honestly. A one-surface specialist belongs in a different roundup — see our guide to multi-purpose vacuums for the home for the closest sibling category. Weight and emptying style round out the test, because the best vacuum is the one you actually use.
Corded Power vs Cordless Freedom
Corded vacuums win on sustained suction and unlimited runtime, which is why every heavy-duty and deep-carpet pick here plugs into the wall. Cordless models trade some raw power for grab-and-go speed, and a 20-minute runtime covers daily touch-ups rather than whole-house marathons. Many households end up with both: a corded main machine and a cordless for the in-between days.
If you are leaning cordless-first, weigh runtime against your floor plan honestly. Our best cordless vacuum cleaner guide compares the top cord-free options side by side.
The Three Specs That Decide Daily Satisfaction
First, weight: a vacuum you dread carrying stays in the closet, so check the listed pounds against your stairs. Second, filtration: sealed HEPA matters for allergies and pet dander, while a washable filter keeps long-term costs down.
Third, the tool kit: crevice tools, upholstery brushes, and extension reach decide how finished a room feels. A machine with great suction but no edge tools leaves every room half done.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an all purpose vacuum cleaner?
An all purpose vacuum cleaner is a single machine designed to clean carpet, hard floors, and usually stairs and upholstery. It bridges the gap between specialist machines, using adjustable suction or a versatile brush head to handle mixed flooring. If your home has more than one floor type, this category is the right starting point.
Can one vacuum really handle both carpet and hardwood floors?
Yes, provided the brush system is designed for the transition. Look for adjustable suction, a brush-roll shutoff, or a head that cleans carpet without scattering debris on wood. Every pick in this guide was chosen specifically for that dual-surface competence.
Is a cordless vacuum enough as my only vacuum?
It can be in an apartment or a small home with mostly hard floors. Larger carpeted homes still benefit from a corded upright or canister for deep, sustained cleaning. Many owners pair a cordless for daily touch-ups with a corded machine for the weekly deep clean.
Do I need HEPA filtration?
Yes if anyone in the home has allergies or asthma, or you live with shedding pets. A sealed HEPA system traps fine dust and dander inside the machine instead of blowing it back into the room. Without allergy concerns, a good washable filter still keeps suction strong and running costs low.
Upright, canister, or stick — which type is the most versatile?
The upright is the best all-rounder for most homes, balancing carpet power with hard-floor ability. Canisters win on stairs, upholstery, and under-furniture reach, while sticks excel at quick daily passes. Match the format to your most frequent cleaning task, not the most impressive spec number.
🔍 Free Tool: Vacuum Finder Quiz
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Conclusion
The Eureka NEU10AE4 AirSpeed takes Best Overall because it nails the all purpose brief: strong dual-surface cleaning in a genuinely light 7.7-pound body. Budget shoppers should grab the BISSELL CleanView Compact, and pet homes get the most complete package from the CleanView Rewind Pet.
Whatever you choose, match the machine to your floor mix first and your stairs second — that pairing decides satisfaction more than any spec number. For the broader landscape of top machines across every category, our best vacuum cleaner of all time ranking is the next stop.
