Should You Get a Bagged or Bagless Vacuum?

Allergy-friendliness: If you have asthma or allergies, a bagged vacuum with self-sealing capabilities might be preferable because it will reduce your exposure to allergens, says Melanie Carver, chief mission officer for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. But if you still prefer a bagless vacuum, try taking it outside when you empty its contents to reduce your exposure to airborne debris.

If you suffer from allergies, a vacuum with a HEPA filter can also be helpful because it captures particles in the air and reduces potential exposure to allergens and irritants, Carver says.

Cost: Bagless vacuums can save you money because you don’t have to buy replacement bags. Though there’s no shortage of inexpensive vacuum cleaner bags available online, prices vary by brand and can be several dollars or more per bag.

There’s also an environmental cost to bagged vacuums. Vacuum bags are usually not recyclable and end up in landfills, Kobrick says.

Below are some of the top bagged and bagless canister and upright vacuums from our tests. For more models and detailed test results, check out our full vacuum ratings. For more advice on finding the vacuum that best suits your needs, consult our vacuum cleaner buying guide.