How We Ranked the 3 Best Vacuums for Shag Carpet

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Evan Shephard Avatar

Reviewed By

Evan Shephard
Updated Jun 22, 2024 3:55 PM
best vacuum for shag carpet guide that shows the top best vacuum cleaner model

A whopping 75% of electronic and appliance reviews are untrustworthy. That’s why every reviewer gets a Trust Rating so our True Score System filters out the fake reviews. See how we do it.

When selecting a vacuum for shag carpets, you’ll want to prioritize models with powerful suction and height-adjustable brush rolls to navigate the dense fibers effectively. Our thorough analysis included over 30 vacuum cleaners, resulting in three top recommendations. Features like a motorized brush head are essential for agitating and lifting embedded dirt.

We evaluated 146,886 reviews. Using our AI-powered True Score method, we certified and verified products to filter out fake and low-quality reviews. This method ensures that only the best vacuum cleaners make it to our final list. The winning vacuums performed superbly in testing, providing excellent carpet performance and ease of use.

How Did We Rank the Best Vacuums for Shag Carpet?

Our comprehensive buying guide for the best vacuums for shag carpets is the result of analyzing over 200 sites, including detailed testing methods, customer reviews, and expert opinions. We identified the 1 essential test result, 1 additional beneficial feature, and 1 critical specification needed for peak performance on shag carpets. By understanding the key pain points and focusing on what matters most, we ensure our recommendations provide the best performance and value.

Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.

?️ Minimum Specifications

  • Must work on all floor types.

? Test Criteria

  • Carpet Performance: The vacuum sucks up 80% of debris when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.

? “Nice To Haves”

  • Pet Hair Performance: The vacuum sucks up 95% of pet hair from any surface.

Latest Updates

  • 06/22/2024: Republished the list to include the best vacuum cleaners for shag carpets based on our True Score system.

Top Vacuums for Shag Carpet For 2024

Prices accurate at the time of publishing

See how we test the testers

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Dyson V15 Detect

    • Best Apartment

    For quiet, lightweight cleaning on shag carpet, the Dyson V15 Detect shines with exceptional performance, though it comes at a higher price.

    Dyson V15 Detect Review →

    True Score

    91
    92
    19

    Experts

    93
    2k

    Customers

    SAVE $200
    $799.99
    $599.99
  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Shark Stratos Cordless

    • Best Cordless

    For shag carpets and bare floors, the Shark Stratos Cordless excels with outstanding performance and HEPA filtration, despite its higher noise level.

    Shark Stratos Cordless Review →

    True Score

    84
    86
    6

    Experts

    85
    772

    Customers

    SAVE $200
    $499.99
    $299.99

    Category Snapshot

    Vacuum Cleaners

    • Total Brands/Products Tested

      31 Brands, 99 Products

    • Top 2 Brands

      Dyson, Miele

    • Price Range (Budget-Premium)

      $50-$400+

    • Average True Score

      75.70

    • Important Test Criteria

      Bare Floor Performance (%)

      Carpet Performance (%)

    • Most Trusted Testers

      vacuum top trusted testers

    • Typical Warranty

      1 year

    • Covered by Insurance

      Yes – Amazon, Best Buy

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet

    For a budget-friendly option on shag carpets, the Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet offers ample bin capacity and a wide cleaning path, ideal for larger homes.

    Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet Review →

    True Score

    78
    78
    5

    Experts

    81
    157

    Customers

    SAVE $29
    $219.99
    $191.20

Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Vacuums for Shag Carpet?

By focusing on these criteria (1 required, 1 nice to have), anyone can quickly and easily compare these vacuum cleaners and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a vacuum cleaner that will meet your needs.

CRITERIARANGEREQUIREDDEFINITION
Carpet Performance> 75%YesHow much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.
Pet Hair Performance> 95%No (Nice to have)How much pet hair the vacuum sucks up from any surface.

Our Trusted Data Sources

We looked at 120+ vacuum cleaner reviewers and found that 27 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for vacuum cleaner.

  1. Dagobiet Morales Alfaro – RTings, LinkedIn
  2. Derek Hales – Modern Castle, LinkedIn
  3. Sabine Heinlein – Wirecutter, LinkedIn

Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every vacuum cleaner review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.

Vacuum Cleaner Test Data & Results

1. Carpet Performance Test Results

Carpet cleaning ability is another important part of how your vacuum performs. Whether you have low-pile, high-pile, or rugs, how effectively a vacuum cleans up the dirt and debris left behind on the carpet is enormously important to keeping your carpet comfortable.

Generally speaking, we recommend a carpet cleaning performance of at least 80%. You might notice this is much lower than bare floors, and that’s because carpet is harder to clean. Short of devoting the time to actually shampoo and dry out a carpet, thoroughly cleaning out a carpet is very difficult, and good vacuums will reach deep between fibers and pull out long-forgotten crumbs.

Carpet Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)

2. Pet Hair Performance Test Results

If you own pets, the ability of a vacuum to suck up pet hair, be it with attachments or the brush itself is extremely important. Pet hair can stick to furniture, dig itself into the carpet, and clump together under beds and in corners. If you have allergies and need to keep pet hair out of your home as best as you can, you’ll need a vacuum that gets rid of as much pet hair a possible when cleaning.

We recommend that a vacuum has a pet hair cleaning performance of at least 95%. Higher is always better, but if you can get rid of most of the pet hair, you’ll have an easier time breathing and less dander flying away and sticking to clothes and furniture. Poor pet hair cleaning performance can invite repeated vacuuming and more annoyance for anyone who suffers from allergies.

Pet Hair Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)

Best Vacuums for Shag Carpet: Mistakes To Avoid

  1. Ignoring Suction Power: Disregarding suction power can be a significant mistake. Some vacuums might compromise on suction to reduce noise, but this can result in poor cleaning performance on shag carpets. Make sure the model you select provides adequate suction to clean your carpet thoroughly. If you have pets, choosing a vacuum for pet hair with strong suction is crucial to ensure all fur and debris are effectively removed. For added convenience, a cordless vacuum for pet hair offers mobility and ease of use while maintaining powerful performance.

  2. Not Considering Adjustable Height Settings: Shag carpets have dense, high-pile fibers that can be difficult to clean with a standard vacuum. Avoid models without adjustable height settings, as they may struggle to navigate the thick carpet fibers effectively. Height-adjustable brush rolls are essential for optimal performance.

  3. Choosing the Wrong Vacuum Type: Not all vacuums are suitable for shag carpets. Consider the differences between canister vs upright vacuum models. Canister vacuums often provide better maneuverability and are easier to handle, while upright vacuums usually offer stronger suction. Choose based on your specific cleaning needs.

  4. Neglecting Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial to keep your vacuum performing well. Make sure to clean or replace filters, empty the dustbin, and check for blockages frequently. Proper maintenance ensures the vacuum’s longevity and effectiveness.

The Best Vacuums for Shag Carpet Tests Compared

Product
True Score
Bare Floor Performance
Carpet Performance
Pet Hair Performance
Noise Level

Dyson V15 Detect

  • Best for Apartment

91
  • 98.59%

  • 91.77%

  • 100%

  • 72.54 dB

$599.99
$800
$200

Shark Stratos Cordless

  • Best for Cordless

84
  • 98.83%

  • 89.28%

  • 100%

  • 76.65 dB

$299.99
$500
$200
78
  • 93.83%

  • 84.91%

  • 98.33%

  • 78.63 dB

$191.20
$220
$29

Vacuums for Shag Carpet Questions (FAQ)

What features should I look for in the best vacuum for shag carpet?

When choosing the best vacuum for shag carpet, look for features such as powerful suction, height-adjustable brush rolls, and a motorized brush head. These features help navigate the dense fibers of shag carpets effectively, ensuring thorough cleaning. Additionally, consider models with large wheels for easier maneuverability over thick carpets.

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