5 Best Vacuums for Allergies — Fill Your Home with Freshness!

Selection of the best vacuums for allergies with options for pet owners, those who need big dust bin capacity and even compact robot models
By
Daniel
Daniel
Writer
Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: August 25, 2023
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Have you been vacuuming daily and getting rid of all the dust in the house yet you still have runny nose and teary eyes? You would be surprised, but your vacuum cleaner might be the problem. Recent study showed that most vacuum models throw around 30% of the dirt back in the air. Lucky for you we’ve got allergy suffering testing team to find the right device to get rid of the problem!

We’ve checked performance of over 20 products to pick 5 best vacuums for allergies with the top performing Shark Navigator NV352. All of the models feature modern filtering systems that trap almost 100% of the allergens. If you need vacuum cleaners that can work through big house, we have canister options with spacious dust bin. For daily cleaning cycle we also chose compact robot models that also operate well on carpeted floors. Read on to see more!

Quick Summary

  • Editor's Choice: Shark Navigator NV352
    "A powerful upright model with a large dust cap capacity and anti-allergen complete seal technology to keep all the dust securely sealed"
  • "This canister model doesn’t need to be emptied after each and every use thanks to its 4.5-liter capacity"
  • Best HEPA Vacuum for Allergies: Shark Rocket HV302
    "Another Shark vacuum that can be transformed into a convenient hand-held unit to clean wherever you wish"
  • Best Robot Vacuum for Allergies: PureClean PUCRC96B
    "A perfect pick for those who want to maintain cleanliness without a fuss: this robotic option will keep your house dust-free and your whole family healthy "
  • "An option that doesn’t break the bank still being a decent option with many extras included: a TurboBrush tool, a dusting brush, a crevice tool, and an extension wand"

Top 5 Vacuums for Allergies Review 2024

?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5804 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.6
9.8
1
Editor's Choice

Shark Navigator NV352

Features
  • Type: upright
  • Wattage: 1200W
  • Cord length: 25 feet
  • Dust cup capacity: 2 dry quarts
  • Weight: 12.5 lbs.
  • Warranty: 5-year limited

More features: anti-allergen complete seal technology + a HEPA filter; comes with a dusting brush, two crevice tools, and a wide pet upholstery tool

The manufacturer states this product traps 99.9% of dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This is why it’s one of the best vacuums for asthma and allergies, in our opinion. Many users claimed it to be a strong, versatile, light, and said it was working well after years of service, which is great for a vacuum under $200. The vacuum is said to leave a delightful, clean smelling scent, after usage, stated by verified customers on Amazon.

Cons include the power cord not being in a very comfortable place, and the canister detachment being a little too stiff. However, with the many things it has to offer, the few design-related shortcomings are easy to ignore.

The vacuum can be detached at the bottom of the tank, and be carried around to get to the hard-to-reach spots. It’s got an average dust cup capacity when compared to the other vacuums on our list.

For the price and durability, along with its effective technology, this is definitely the best vacuum for allergies on the list. Pet users also praise it for being able to effectively clean up hair and messes left by their little friends. With it also being easy to take apart, and put back together, the product ranks first on our list!

    Why are we impressed?
  • Keeps allergens securely sealed
  • Effective HEPA filter
  • Sturdy construction
  • Light
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Inconvenient cord design
  • Stiff canister detachment
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7685 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.7
Features
  • Type: canister
  • Wattage: 1200W
  • Cord length: 17 feet
  • Dust cup capacity: 4.5L
  • Weight: 13 lbs.
  • Warranty: 7-year limited on parts and labor; 1-year limited on motor and casing

More features: Miele AirClean filter system, consisting of a genuine Miele dustbag, motor protection filter and AirClean exhaust filter

This vacuum comes with two different floor attachments as well as two smaller nozzle types. However, although this vacuum claims a HEPA filter, it will have to be purchased separately, which isn’t what you’d like to hear if you spent around $300 on this unit.

German-made Miele vacuums have a reputation for being one of the best on the market. It’s reported to work quietly, and smoothly on hardwood floors, and low-pile rugs. This isn’t the vacuum you want to buy if you have a medium-high carpet though; in this case, you will need to purchase separate attachments. This unit will do an excellent job, however, protecting your hardwood floor from the scratches a “roller” type vacuum would cause. The vacuum comes with a very generous warranty of seven years, with many customers claiming to have been satisfied, for over a decade by this exact vacuum.

We give it a solid ranking because it’s tough to find any significant shortcomings regarding this unit. However, if a HEPA filter was included, this model would easily beat our best overall vacuum for cat allergies, pet dander, pollen, and more. Nevertheless, the included motor protection filter and AirClean exhaust filter are coping with their job greatly. The suction is powerful, the performance is high, and the vacuum itself reported to leaving a clean atmosphere after use. Overall, this is a top choice for people who want to keep their houses clean and allergen-free.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Multiple filters for clean air
  • Large capacity
  • Quiet operation
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Cost
  • No HEPA filter
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4773 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.7
9.2
3
Best HEPA Vacuum for Allergies

Shark Rocket HV302

Features
  • Type: stick
  • Wattage: 500W
  • Cord length: 30 feet
  • Dust cup capacity: 0.472L
  • Weight: 7.6 lbs.
  • Warranty: 5-year limited

More features: converts into a hand vacuum; wall mount; comes with a floor brush, a dusting brush, a pet upholstery tool, and a crevice tool

Rocket HV302 is the second Shark vacuum on our list, due to its fantastic performance, and unique abilities. This is a hand vacuum, and it’s the lightest on our list. Keep in mind though, that most of the weight is in the handle, so for elderly users, it may be a bit of a work out. It’s extremely mobile, due to its swivel head being able to reach tough spots. The warranty is decent, five years, as it is with most Shark vacuums. It also had the longest cord, of the all the corded vacuums on our list. If you have a larger home, and a lot of furniture, this is an excellent choice for you.

We pay close attention to trusted reviews from pet owners, and surprisingly, even though this unit operates with lower power than some of the others, it is praised for collecting more dirt than expected and taking care of pet hair with ease. It comes with separate attachments, which help with some tasks including a Dust-Away hard floor attachment, and a Home and Car Detail Kit. The major negative of this vacuum is its very small capacity, being under half of a liter. This will result in frequent emptying, which is also reported to be a bit stiff, when the unit is new. Overall, it is a very reliable machine, which holds up decently at the tasks it is put up against.

    What do we love it for?
  • Long cord
  • Lightweight
  • Hand-held option
  • Multiple brushes and tools for different allergens removal
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Small capacity
  • Not as powerful as others
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 7819 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.7
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.0
4
Best Robot Vacuum for Allergies

PureClean PUCRC96B

Features
  • Type: robot
  • Power: 1000 Pa
  • Cord length: no cord
  • Dust cup capacity: 0.3L
  • Weight: 9 lbs.
  • Warranty: 1-year warranty

More features: runs up to 90 minutes on one charge; remote control included

Our next choice is a robot vacuum, made by PureClean. Although it has the smallest capacity, the only thing you will have to do with the vacuum, is turn it on using the remote control and empty it after each several uses. It includes a HEPA filter, scheduled activation, and an automatic recharge dock. The unit travels to the charging dock once it finishes its work, or when it is low on battery. Built-in rechargeable batteries allow the vacuum to work for up to 90 minutes. It’s a quiet and low-power unit which can quickly clean up after your pets, whilst being quiet enough not to frighten them.

However, the negative side of being a lower-powered unit is that it won’t be able to completely replace a regular vacuum. For more “heavy duty”-sized situations, you will still need to rely on a more powerful vacuum, whilst this is an excellent choice for maintaining cleanliness and preventing allergies.

The PureClean is also a very furniture-friendly vacuum that won’t be leaving marks around the house. It typically bumps into the objects gently and goes around them. Furthermore, it has an anti-fall cliff sensor to make sure it doesn’t fall down the stairs or ledges. This is a great choice for busy pet owners, or people with small homes, or only those who suffer from allergies and don’t want to vacuum themselves.

The downside of this unit is the short, one-year warranty, that shows that the product may not be so durable. However, this is still an excellent, affordable option, for a vacuum that almost does everything for you!

    What are our favorite features?
  • Hands-Free
  • HEPA Filter
  • Ideal for maintaining cleanliness and allergen-free environment
    What could be better?
  • Small capacity
  • Lower power
  • Short warranty
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2085 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.4
8.7
Features
  • Type: upright
  • Wattage: not specified
  • Cord length: 25 feet
  • Dust cup capacity: 2L
  • Weight: 15.4 lbs.
  • Warranty: 2-year limited

More features: includes a TurboBrush tool, a dusting brush, a crevice tool, an extension wand

This is an excellent unit for people who are on a budget and need something reliable and effective. The vacuum does a great job for how much it costs, and leaves its users satisfied. One thing to beware: some users reported the brush melting, and the vacuum failing to work. Bissell customer service does their best to replace faulty machines, but this is a risk you may have to take, since the warranty covers two years. This is also the heaviest unit on our list, but not by too much.

It’s said to be very easy to open and empty, with the push of a single button. The vacuum is very popular amongst pet owners, who say that they are easily able to keep their carpets clean, even with a dog around. Its brush head design also makes it a good vacuum for long hair. You don’t quite get the extended warranty, silence, and dust cup capacity as you would get out of the more expensive models, but this is still an excellent alternative who aren’t comfortable investing a lot of money into a vacuum cleaner.

This unit is our Budget Pick, for being able to compete with more expensive vacuums due to its quality performance.

    Why are we impressed?
  • Good price
  • Effective for pet hair removal
  • Many extra accessories included
    What negatives must you be aware of?
  • Not the most durable
  • Shorter warranty
Also Product Ranking:

Things to Consider

In this section, we’ve collected all the essential information you need to know when going shopping for your best vacuum cleaner for allergies.

How can a vacuum ease your allergy symptoms?

A vacuum can change your life by reducing, and even wholly removing your allergy symptoms. Your allergies may be occurring due to built-up pollen, or triggered by dust when emptying your bagless vacuum. Vacuums that use the HEPA filter are by far the best at filtering out all of the allergens, as they claim to capture particles as small as 0.3 microns. Allergy sufferers claim to notice a difference in the air and being able to breathe much easier, when regularly using vacuum cleaners.

Vacuum for Allergies

Features to consider while choosing a vacuum for allergies

Something you will need to think about when choosing a vacuum for your allergies, is the type, filtration system, power features, cord length, and its mobility. In this section, you’ll know everything you need about each and every feature of a perfect vacuum for allergies.

Type

The type of a vacuum is essential, but it’s not everything. We recommend you be very careful when evaluating the type, and to be open to different variables, because while the Shark Navigator NV352 and the Bissell Cleanview 1831 Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner are both “upright” vacuums, the Shark Navigator can be detached from the vacuum head, to turn into a very comfortable hand-held unit. They look very similar, but offer very different functions.

Often, canister and upright vacuums offer the most power and capacity.

If you are suffering from allergies, you need to be open to the possibility that you may need to pick up a larger vacuum, for the added benefits it may bring, as opposed to a smaller, lower powered model.

Power features

When choosing a vacuum for your allergies, you’re going to want to look for power, because a lot of dust isn’t visible to the human eye, you need a product that you can trust, and feel results from. A balance between the right amount of power and a good filtration system is a must-have if you’re looking to alleviate your allergy symptoms. Good examples of this are the Shark Navigator, and Miele Classic C1.

Power cord length

Many people have varying opinions on cord length. For some, the Shark Navigator’s 25 feet is not satisfying, for some, the Miele C1‘s 17 feet is more than enough. Then, some complain about the Shark Rocket’s 30 feet being too much.

Ultimately, the best judge of the right cord length is you, and you should reference your home, and possibly do some measurements, and check your old vacuums cord length before coming to a decision, as this could potentially affect your experience every time you vacuum.

Dust cup capacity

Dust cup capacity

The dust cup capacity shouldn’t be a big factor as long as it’s not too small, the largest capacity vacuums on the list are the Shark Navigator NV352, and the Miele Classic C1 Canister Vacuum Cleaner. Make sure to pay attention to this detail before coming to a concise decision.

Weight

All of the products listed are reported to be light, and easy-to-use. The lightest model on the list is the Shark Rocket. However, you should consider that when being in a hand-held mode, this vacuum may not be the easiest to maintain: not everyone is able to hold up seven pounds and move around with the vacuum in one hand for minutes at a time. Keep this in mind in case you were considering the convenient, hand-held vacuum.

Warranty

Warranty is a critical factor, especially if you are responsible with your electronics. If you want to play it safe and get a quality product, getting something with a more extended warranty is definitely suggested in case something goes wrong, to be able to get a replacement unit.

Extra features

Dust cup capacity

Some of the products we listed above include bonus attachments, which serve multiple different purposes. Both of the Shark vacuums, and the Miele one, include various attachments. It’s important to review which accessories are best for you and consider their quality. There’s no use in buying a vacuum if it comes with things you won’t be using!

FAQ

How often should I vacuum my house to reduce the risk of allergies?

Regular vacuuming is a must if you want to reduce the risk of allergies. Once or twice a week is enough for preventing any allergic reactions. However, if you or somebody in your family already suffers from an allergy, you should be vacuuming every other day in order not to worsen the condition.

I have two dogs and a cat. How to get rid of the pet hair all over the house?

Getting rid of pet hair is the combination of finding the correct power, and filter in a vacuum. Consider a unit that has a special pet tool. Making sure the vacuum is easily cleaned of animal hair is an added bonus.

Which is healthier for allergy sufferers – mopping or vacuuming?

It’s recommended to combine these two methods of cleaning since both have their advantages. The mop does not get rid of everything, it may just spread it around. The vacuum, however, sucks everything in and doesn’t let it get out. However, mopping is an added precaution since it prevents the allergens from spreading through the air you breathe in.

Our verdict

All in all, we loved the Shark Navigator for its versatility, low price, and allergy-user friendliness. It’s everything you could ever hope for, to alleviate your allergy congestion!

The Miele C1 is a very close contender, featuring a combination of filters to keep your house allergen-free. It also boasts a 4.5-liter capacity so you won’t need to empty it too often risking to let the dust back into the air.

The Shark Rocket is also an excellent tool for those with allergies. It’s probably the most maneuverable unit, being able to convert into a hand-held vacuum allowing you to quickly clean not only floors but also the upholstery and curtains for even more outstanding results.

9,8
Total Score
Shark Navigator NV352 - Editor's Choice
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