People with allergies should be looking to purchase vacuums with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, says Jennifer E. Fergeson, DO, Florida-based allergist and immunologist. HEPA filters can pick up the smallest dust and dander particles, so vacuums with this filter are the best for indoor allergy sufferers.

We researched and tested dozens of vacuums for allergies and evaluated them for cost, weight, use on various floor types, and suction power. Each of the vacuums chosen in this article was determined to be the best of these factors.

Here are the best vacuums for allergies on the market today.

Our tester liked that the vacuum came with multiple settings for hard floors and carpets. Across all attributes, the vacuum didn’t score below a 4.5 except for ease of setup, where it scored a 4. Overall, the NV151 is easy to maneuver and has powerful suction to keep allergens at bay.

Price at time of publication: $140

One caveat that our tester noted was that the vacuum had only two modes. Having only two modes made it difficult to vacuum over high-pile carpet. However, the dustbuster performed well over medium and low pile carpet, sucking up Cheerios and popcorn kernels with ease. Its powerful suction, additional features, and price point make this vacuum a worthy buy.

Price at time of publication: $150

It doesn’t stand up on its own, says our tester. Regardless, you can lean it against a wall when you’re moving furniture around. Hang it on the wall mount (included with the vacuum) when you’re done cleaning.

Price at time of publication: $366

A bonus? You can convert the vacuum into a handheld device to clean your car, furniture, or stairs. Use one of four additional cleaning tools: combination tool, crevice tool, motorized tool, or a mini soft dusting brush.

Price at time of publication: $850

Our tester noted that emptying the vacuum took three steps and was slightly difficult to reattach the canister, so figuring out this step requires a bit of patience. All in all, the Samsung Jet 70 Pet Cordless is a great buy if you have carpet in your home.

Price at time of publication: $399

Because the vacuum is top-heavy, the handheld vacuum may be too heavy to use with one hand, according to our tester. They recommend using two hands.

Price at time of publication: $500

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These vacuums for allergies are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great vacuums for allergies, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These vacuums for allergies are just average.

3.4 and below: We don’t recommend vacuums for allergies with this rating; you won’t find any on our list.

What to Look for in a Vacuum for Allergies

Filters

If the priority is to reduce allergens in your environment, experts recommend a vacuum with a HEPA filter. “These [HEPA filters] would at least filter some of the allergens that come out the exhaust of a vacuum cleaner,” says Kevin McGrath, MD, a spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) and allergist in Connecticut. 

HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. This means that HEPA filters can trap a large number of small particles that vacuums with other filters recirculate into the air instead of capturing. HEPA vacuums are capable of minimizing dust and other allergens from the environment with their filters. The devices can also “expel cleaner air,” says Melanie Carver, the chief mission officer of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

Suction

Another important consideration is high-powered suction. The more suction power the vacuum has, the more dirt, debris, and allergens the device is capable of removing. To prevent diminished efficiency of your vacuum’s suction, Dr. McGrath recommends cleaning out the vacuum between uses. “Filter bags in vacuums lose their efficiency and suction as they start to fill up,” he says.

Blowback

The purpose of vacuuming is completely defeated if allergens and other particles are released back into the environment while using the device. That is why it’s important that the vacuum’s canister is sealed and provides no leaks that would lead to particles getting expelled back into the environment.

You can also clean out the canister or bag while outdoors instead of indoors in case any particles are released, recommends Dr. McGrath. This will help prevent the allergens from impacting people with allergies or resettling into the area that was just vacuumed. “Other options would be to open up doors and windows and allow the room to air out to relieve some of the allergens in the air after vacuuming,” Dr. McGrath says. 

If you’re experiencing blowback, make sure to clean the machine by following the manufacturer’s manual, as well as cleaning out the filter in the device. This can help prevent blowback during future vacuuming sessions.

Smart Capabilities

Some vacuums on the market have smart capabilities, such as the ability to connect to your smartphone device and to move throughout the home on its own while removing dirt and debris. Others have 2-in-1 charging and self-charge when mounted to the wall or closet. Smart capabilities are not required but are just extras that could provide some ease to the user.

Why Trust Verywell Health

Receiving her master’s degree in public health in 2020, Kayla Hui is a seasoned public health practitioner and health journalist. She has interviewed dozens of experts, reviewed numerous research studies, and tested a plethora of products to deliver well-researched product reviews and roundups. Her goal is to help readers make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Additionally, “you can clean the inside of the vacuum canisters with a damp cloth, which can also help keep particles from floating into the air,” she says. Changing or cleaning filters is also key when owning a vacuum. “This is often the best thing you can do with a bagless vacuum as they can clog easily if not cleaned regularly and emptied regularly,” Dr. McGrath says.

Additional reporting to this story by Steven Rowe and Danielle Zoellner

As an experienced health writer, Steven Rowe knows how to truly evaluate a project and tell the difference between marketing claims and real facts so that you can find the best products that work and make your day better. He has experience covering health tech and researching the best treatment options and resources available for the people who need them.

As a seasoned health writer, Danielle Zoellner knows the importance of finding just the right product to fit your medical needs. Throughout her career, Danielle has interviewed a variety of experts in the medical and health fields while reviewing dozens of products. Her experience and knowledge in the field work together to help readers like you find the best products for your daily life.