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The 10 Best HEPA Vacuums To Help With Allergies And Mold For 2023

Breathe easy, friends.

By Women's Health Editors
hepa vacuumpinterest icon
Christine Giordano

There is nothing fun about allergy season, especially if your itchy eyes, scratchy throat, and stuffy nose are already in full effect. Unfortunately, allergens like mold, dust, pet dander, and pollen can linger in your home, making your symptoms worse. To give your living space a thorough cleanse, you'll need to invest in a high-quality HEPA vacuum that targets these troublemakers.

“HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air, and it typically refers to a filter inside a machine,” explains Manisha Relan, MD, an allergist. “For home use, it can be found in air purifiers or vacuums, though a normal vacuum does not automatically have this extra filtration.” That’s why, if you suffer from allergies, you need to buy a HEPA vacuum specifically.

HEPA vacuums help reduce the amount of dust released back into the air, adds Lakiea Wright, MD, MPH, an allergist and associate physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “With a normal vacuum, the dust collected by the vacuum might be released back into the air, which defeats the purpose.” A HEPA filter will help prevent this from happening.

Even if you think you don’t have allergies, it’s worth investing in a HEPA vacuum. “Most people who have allergies don't even know it,” says Ankmalika Gupta, MD, an allergist and immunologist at MG Allergy and Training Center. “Dander and dust mite allergies are prevalent, and people that aren't allergic to these things could be allergic to particulate dust, so the HEPA is an added bonus." Most allergens addressed by HEPA are indoor, so allergy season doesn't really matter and you should be using a vacuum with a HEPA filter all year, she adds.

Our Top Picks

  • 1
    Dyson Ball Multi Floor Vacuum

    Best For All Surfaces

    Dyson Ball Multi Floor Vacuum

    $249 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Honiture Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

    Best Robot Vacuum

    Honiture Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

    Read more
  • 3
    Bissell 2999 MultiClean Vacuum With HEPA Seal System

    Best For People With Pets

    Bissell 2999 MultiClean Vacuum With HEPA Seal System

    Read more
  • 4
    Hoover WindTunnel 2 Upright Vacuum

    Best HEPA Vacuum With Attachments

    Hoover WindTunnel 2 Upright Vacuum

    Read more
  • 5
    Shark NV356E S2 Professional Upright Vacuum

    Best Removable Top HEPA Vacuum

    Shark NV356E S2 Professional Upright Vacuum

    Read more

If you’re wondering how to pick out a quality HEPA vacuum of your own, these are the characteristics you should be looking, according to expert allergists.

  • Look for HEPA vacuums that are labeled as asthma- or allergy-friendly, certified by the AAFA (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America).
  • Ensure your vacuum is bagless, or that the collection bag is of double or triple thickness.
  • Make sure whichever vacuum you choose can pick up items on a variety of surfaces such as hardwood, carpet, tile, and more.
  • Look for a MERV rating on products. MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, and the higher the rating, the more particles and the smaller particles a filter can catch.

Are you ready to get shopping? Read on for the 10 top-rated HEPA vacuums on Amazon (each has tons of testimonials to back them up!) to help with allergies and mold.

Meet the experts: Manisha Relan, MD, is an allergist with Certified Allergy & Asthma Consultants. Lakiea Wright, MD, MPH, is an allergist and associate physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Ankmalika Gupta, MD, is an allergist and immunologist at MG Allergy and Training Center.

1
Best For All Surfaces

Dyson Ball Multi Floor Vacuum

Dyson Ball Multi Floor Vacuum
1
Best For All Surfaces

Dyson Ball Multi Floor Vacuum

Now 38% Off
$249 at Amazon$300 at Dyson$190 at Walmart
Pros
  • Self-adjusting cleaner head
  • One-click bin emptying
  • Easy to maneuver
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Has a cord
  • Difficult to store

Dyson vacuums are known for being awesome (and pricey, tbh). This one is definitely a fan favorite, and it includes great features like a high-reach wand that can capture dust from out-of-sight surfaces, a washable-for-life HEPA filter, ball technology for simple steering, and more.

Rating: 4.5/5

Reviews: 4,223

Rave review: "The ball design makes it very easy to maneuver, and the HEPA filter is a good air quality protection (although many vacuums offer this filter these days, not all of them do).
I am very happy with this vacuum, and would definitely recommend it!"amazon.com

StyleUpright
Dust containerBagless dust bin
Weight 17.4 lbs
Cord length35 ft
AttachmentsStair tool, combination tool
2
Best Robot Vacuum

Honiture Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

Honiture Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum
2
Best Robot Vacuum

Honiture Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum

Pros
  • Hands-free cleaning
  • Comes with an auto-emptying base station
  • Can be scheduled to clean at specific times
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Can be loud when it empties the dust bin

One thing that'll definitely rev up your allergies? That moment when you actually have to empty your vacuum of all that dust you just cleaned. That's what makes this HEPA vacuum great: It literally cleans your home on its own and it self-empties, meaning less work for you and less irritation for your pesky allergies. A win-win!

Rating: 5/5

Reviews: 14

Rave review: "We have a second-floor house about 1500 sq ft with both wood and carpet floor. It will automatically stop mopping when it switches from one floor type to another. It first mapped the whole house. It is quite intelligent and avoids obstacles. We have tried other brands' mop devices, this is the best one we have. I am very happy with the purchase." amazon.com

StyleDisk
Dust containerDisposable bag
Weight6.2 lbs
Cord lengthCordless
AttachmentsNone
3
Best For People With Pets

Bissell 2999 MultiClean Vacuum With HEPA Seal System

Bissell 2999 MultiClean Vacuum With HEPA Seal System
3
Best For People With Pets

Bissell 2999 MultiClean Vacuum With HEPA Seal System

Pros
  • Easy to clean
  • Tangle-free brush
Cons
  • Loud
  • Has a cord

This vacuum has a HEPA sealed system that traps up to 99.7 percent of dust and other allergens. It's great for removing pet hair and other textured crumbs from just about any surface. Hair spools around the edges of the tank instead of getting caught in the filter, which means that it won't get in your face or on your hands when you're emptying.

Rating: 4.5/5

Reviews: 3,150

Rave review: "Good filtration system keeps odors and fine dust inside the canister. Attachment for upholstery works well and it is perfect for vacuuming pillows and mattresses. Vacuum has decent suction and yet you can vacuum floor mats without having them getting sucked into the rollers. The ability to swivel the unit helps get into awkward spaces. Works great on hardwood floors. I have a hairy dog and a shop monkey husband so I vacuum a lot! Contribution with purchase to animal welfare is a plus." —amazon.com

StyleUpright
Dust containerBagless dust bin
Weight15.7 lbs
Cord length30 ft
AttachmentsCombination Crevice Tool Dusting Brush, Pet TurboEraser Tool
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4
Best HEPA Vacuum With Attachments

Hoover WindTunnel 2 Upright Vacuum

Hoover WindTunnel 2 Upright Vacuum
4
Best HEPA Vacuum With Attachments

Hoover WindTunnel 2 Upright Vacuum

Pros
  • Powerful suction
  • Extended cleaning reach
Cons
  • Heavy
  • Must be manually emptied

This vacuum pulls out all the stops at an affordable price. The product is bagless, has a 25-foot extension cord, an extended floor-to-ceiling cleaning reach, and more. Plus, it comes with attachable cones to get at the innermost dusty corners and angles of your home, which is always a plus!

Rating: 4.2/5

Reviews: 7,348

Reviewer rave: "With four cats and two kids you can only expect so much from a vacuum. We vacuum almost daily and so far this has been a fantastic purchase. The suction has kept up with cat hair, litter, and everything else so far. There is sufficient power and it’s relatively quiet. It’s not too heavy (average to lightweight) and easy to maneuver/operate. I would place this at the top of a middle tier vacuum. It’s proven to be worth the price." amazon.com

StyleUpright
Dust containerBagless dust bin
Weight16.1 lbs
Cord length25 ft
AttachmentsCrevice tool, pet brush, dusting brush
5
Best Removable Top HEPA Vacuum

Shark NV356E S2 Professional Upright Vacuum

Shark NV356E S2 Professional Upright Vacuum
5
Best Removable Top HEPA Vacuum

Shark NV356E S2 Professional Upright Vacuum

Pros
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Extended cleaning reach
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Has a cord

With over 33,000 reviews on Amazon, this Shark vacuum with a HEPA filter should definitely be on your radar. It swivels so it's super easy to maneuver, and the top is removable with just one button. Why have that removal button, you ask? This way you can clean hard-to-reach surfaces and nook-like floor sections without lugging the entire machine around the house.

Rating: 4.5/5

Reviews: 33,012

Reviewer rave: "I absolutely love this vacuum. With 2 dogs, a cat, and a 6 month-old I needed a good vacuum for a good price and that is exactly what I got. Amazing suction, lots of accessories, and perfect for both carpet and hard floor. Picks up dog hair like you wouldn't believe." amazon.com

StyleUpright
Dust containerBagless dust bin
Weight13.7 lbs
Cord length30 ft
AttachmentsCrevice tool, pet brush, dusting brush
6
Best HEPA Vacuum With No-Touch Bag Technology

Kenmore Intuition BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum

Kenmore Intuition BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum
6
Best HEPA Vacuum With No-Touch Bag Technology

Kenmore Intuition BU4022 Bagged Upright Vacuum

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to maneuver
Cons
  • Has a cord
  • Expensive

This vacuum makes it easier to clean and super-simple to dispose of your dust and dirt too. How? The product has no-touch HEPA bag technology, which means that with the press of a button you can release your debris into the trash can, but it's also hands-free.

Rating: 4.4/5

Reviews: 5,882

Reviewer rave: "This vacuum really sucks! (Get it?) Super impressed with the power, weight and maneuverability of my new kenmore intuition! The bag allows for NO dust escape at all. My last kenmore vacuum lasted 18 years & I only let it go because it was too bulky & heavy." amazon.com

StyleUpright
Dust containerDisposable bag
Weight14 lbs
Cord length30 ft
AttachmentsUpholstery tool, combination tool, dusting brush
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7
Best Cordless HEPA Vacuum Cleaner

Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
7
Best Cordless HEPA Vacuum Cleaner

Dyson V11 Torque Drive Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Now 28% Off
Pros
  • Cordless
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Powerful suction
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Need to manually hold the trigger

This HEPA vacuum cleaner does not have a cord. It’s pricey, but if you hate tugging at your extension while you make your way around the house, this one's for you. Plus, it can run up to 60 minutes at a time, so it’s perfect for larger homes and deep cleans.

Rating: 4.6/5

Reviews: 11.738

Reviewer rave: “The first time I used the V11 I was extremely impressed with the pick up capacity. I was able to clean my entire apartment, with baseboards and detailing of dusty furniture and blinds, in under 45 minutes one morning before I went to work. I couldn't believe how much dust there was but already my eyes and sinuses are less itchy.” –amazon.com

StyleStick
Dust containerBagless dust bin
Weight6.7 lbs
Cord lengthCordless
AttachmentsCombination tool, dirt tool, crevice tool, mini motorized tool, dusting brush
8
Best Heavy-Duty HEPA Vacuum

Vacmaster Pro 8 Gallon Certified Hepa Filtration

Vacmaster Pro 8 Gallon Certified Hepa Filtration
8
Best Heavy-Duty HEPA Vacuum

Vacmaster Pro 8 Gallon Certified Hepa Filtration

Pros
  • Industrial motor
  • Tear-resistant dust collection bag
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Heavy

This HEPA vacuum is best for heavy-duty messes. It's got a crush-proof tank and hose, plus a 30-foot extension cord length. And, most importantly, when it comes to filtration, this device has a HEPA cartridge filter, microfiber pre-filter, sealable tear-resistant collection bag, and a HEPA-material exhaust filter for max protection and allergen pickup.

Rating: 4.5/5

Reviews: 2,194

Reviewer rave: "I've never owned a HEPA vacuum or shop style vac before but I have to say I have never been so impressed by a machine such as I had with this one. Considering its reasonable price given what it does it is worth every penny."amazon.com

StyleCanister
Dust containerDisposable bag
Weight19.4 lbs
Cord length30 ft
AttachmentsReusable foam sleeve filter, round brush, crevice tool
9
Best Bargain Buy

iwoly C150 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

iwoly C150 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
9
Best Bargain Buy

iwoly C150 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to maneuver
Cons
  • May get stuck on thick carpet
  • Less powerful suction

This vacuum is a real steal—it's only 80 dollars, and it has over 2,900 positive reviews on Amazon. The slim, swivel-steering design makes it super easy to maneuver around your home, and the powerful motor picks up all kinds of debris (even those bigger chunky crumbs!) with ease.

Rating: 4.3/5

Reviews: 2,913

Reviewer rave: “This little vacuum really packs a punch! It works incredibly on hardwood and carpet, this is honestly the best vacuum I've had! The attachments are so easy to use, and you don't have to bend over to use this, the neck is nice and long, and it's so lightweight! Battery life is great and the little light on the front of the vacuum really helps see dark and tight spaces!” —amazon.com

StyleStick
Dust containerBagless dust bin
Weight5.07 lbs
Cord lengthCordless
AttachmentsCrevice tool, extension tube, upholstery nozzle, dusting brush
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10
Best Remote-Controlled HEPA Vacuum

iMartine Robot Vacuum And Mop Cleaner

iMartine Robot Vacuum And Mop Cleaner
10
Best Remote-Controlled HEPA Vacuum

iMartine Robot Vacuum And Mop Cleaner

Pros
  • Strong suction
  • App-controlled
Cons
  • Expensive
  • May have to empty dust bin frequently

Sooo in case you needed another reason to get a robot vacuum, this HEPA filter one is a fan fave among Amazon customers. ICYMI, these little machines will dart around your home and vacuum for you. This one not only has a HEPA filter, but a long battery life, self-charger mode, a thin design, a remote control, and more.

Rating: 4.2/5

Reviews: 1,456

Reviewer rave: "I am consistently surprised at the amount of gunk this little guy picks up. And he keeps on going and going! The run time for this vacuum is much longer than I expected. I have hardwood, tile and carpet and it does a great job on all three.” amazon.com

StyleDisk
Dust containerBagless dust bin
Weight8.8 lbs
Cord lengthCordless
AttachmentsMop base, mop patch, roller brush, side brush
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