How We Ranked the 3 Best Vacuums for Shag Carpet

Ryan Hansen Avatar

By

Evan Shephard Avatar

Reviewed By

Evan Shephard
Updated Jun 22, 2024 3:55 PM

TL;DR

Our top pick, the Dyson V15 Detect, delivers powerful suction and lightweight, quiet performance, ideal for deep cleaning shag carpets without disturbing noise-sensitive spaces.

When choosing a vacuum for shag carpet, prioritize features like powerful suction and adjustable brush rolls to tackle thick fibers effectively. Our analysis of over 99 models, backed by insights from 152,328 verified reviews, filtered out unreliable sources using our True Score method. From this, we identified three top vacuums, including the Dyson V15 Detect, each excelling in carpet performance, ease of use, and reliability.

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 Shag Carpet

    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

    92
    91
    19

    Experts

    93
    2k

    Customers

    SAVE $118
    $749.99
    $631.95

    Snapshot

    Reasons to Buy

    • Laser illumination technology
    • Incredible performance on both carpets and hard floors
    • Lightweight design
    • Decent battery life
    • Anti-allergenic HEPA filter

    Reasons to Avoid

    • Complicated maneuvrability on deep carpets
    • Relatively low-capacity 0.45L dust cup
    • Plastic construction

    Specifications

    BaglessBaglessYes
    Bin CapacityBin Capacity0.2 gal
    Brush Roll Shut-OffBrush Roll Shut-OffNo
    Carpet Height AdjustmentsCarpet Height AdjustmentsYes
    Cleaning Path WidthCleaning Path Width10″
    Compatible Floor TypeCompatible Floor TypeAll floors
    Cord LengthCord LengthCordless
    Corded/CordlessCorded/CordlessCordless
    Filter TypeFilter TypeOther
    HypoallergenicHypoallergenicYes
    PetPetYes
    Product WeightProduct Weight6.7 lbs
    Vacuum TypeVacuum TypeHandheld vacuums
    Wet And Dry UsageWet And Dry UsageNo

    All Specs

    Test Results

    Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned)99
    Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned)92
    Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned)100
    Noise Level (dB)73

    All Retailers

    • $631.95
      $750
      Save $118

      Availability

      In Stock

      Free Shipping

      Yes

    Our Verdict

    If you need a vacuum cleaner for shag carpet that combines lightweight design with quiet cleaning performance, the Dyson V15 Detect is a fantastic choice. This model, the priciest on our list, boasts a noise level of 72.54 dB, ensuring a quieter cleaning environment. This could be a significant factor for households with children or noise-sensitive occupants.

    The Dyson V15 Detect excels in bare floor performance, cleaning up to 98.59% of debris while having the best-in-class carpet cleaning performance of 91.77%. This high efficiency makes it a great choice for homes with a mix of shag carpets and hard flooring. As a cordless and handheld vacuum, the vacuum provides the freedom of unrestricted movement and excellent spot cleaning. However, this might pose a challenge when dealing with larger areas.

    Additionally, it’s hypoallergenic, a vital feature for allergy sufferers, and is bagless, which adds convenience but requires regular maintenance for optimal performance. Weighing in at just 6.7 lbs, it’s one of the lightest vacuum cleaners, making it easy to maneuver on shag carpets. However, its bin capacity of 0.2 gallons might necessitate frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions, which could be a minor inconvenience. If you don’t mind losing cleaning efficiency, you can save some and get the more budget-friendly Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet with a larger 0.3-gallon bin capacity.

    Wrapping up, the Dyson V15 Detect, while being expensive, offers excellent value with its bare floor cleaning efficiency, low noise level, and the convenience of being cordless and lightweight. Its hypoallergenic feature and superior performance on shag carpets make it a fantastic choice if you prioritize quality and convenience in their vacuum cleaner.

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Shark Stratos Cordless

    • Best Allergies

    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

    86
    87
    6

    Experts

    86
    785

    Customers

    SAVE $253
    $499.99
    $247.30

    Did you know that 78% of vacuum cleaner reviewers are untrustworthy?

    Our research found only 27 of 125 vacuum cleaner reviewers as of December 2024 can be trusted. This is why Gadget Review is committed to calculating the most accurate product scores on the web.

    To do this, we give every vacuum cleaner review site a Trust Rating, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Rating with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.

    152,328

    Vacuum Cleaner Reviews Analyzed

    99

    Total Products Analyzed

  • Runner Up

    Best Value

    Best Budget

    gr recommended award

    Best Mid-Range

    Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet

    • Best High Pile Carpet

    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

    80
    79
    5

    Experts

    82
    160

    Customers

    $279.00

    DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

    For those needing to clean up after a fireplace, an ash vacuum is essential for safely removing fine ash particles. If you have multiple cleaning tasks, a top shop vac offers powerful suction and versatility. For delicate cleaning jobs, a great handheld steamer for cleaning can effectively sanitize surfaces without harsh chemicals.

    When selecting the best vacuum for vinyl plank floors, look for models with soft brush rollers to avoid scratching. A vacuum for long hair is crucial for households with pets or people with long hair to prevent tangles and clogs. Additionally, top steam cleaners are excellent for deep cleaning and sanitizing. Knowing how to vacuum stairs efficiently can save you time and effort, ensuring all areas of your home are spotless.

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 Shag Carpet

92
  • 98.59%

  • 91.77%

  • 100%

  • 72.54 dB

$599.99
$800
$200

Shark Stratos Cordless

  • Best for Allergies

86
  • 98.83%

  • 89.28%

  • 100%

  • 76.65 dB

$247.30
$500
$253

Hoover Onepwr Evolve Pet

  • Best for High Pile Carpet

80
  • 93.83%

  • 84.91%

  • 98.33%

  • 78.63 dB

$229.99

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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