(Last Updated: December, 2024)
What Changed?
- Added Hoover Pro Shoulder Vac
- Removed discontinued products
- Adjusted pros and cons on Makita 193472
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When you first see backpack vacuum cleaners, you’re probably reminded of science fiction movies and plotlines that include the release of a hazardous waste.
However, backpack vacuums are a real thing and are more popular (and useful) than you may think.
If you’re in the market for backpack vacuum cleaners or are interested in learning more about them, you can rest assured that the vacuums we’re about to suggest are some of the best. They are high-quality and easy to use, as well as compact as a vacuum cleaner can get.
According to our tests, the best backpack vacuum cleaner is the ProTeam Commercial Backpack Vacuum. This vacuum cleaner is incredibly effective and efficient and can handle larger areas such as offices or large homes with ease.
Here are some of the other vacuums we tested in order to determine which one was the best of the best.
8 Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners (Home & Commercial)
More About The Hoover Pro Shoulder Vac
This handy Hoover commercial vacuum is more than just a vacuum cleaner - it’s an innovative, wearable vacuum. It weighs less than 10 pounds to ensure the comfort and mobility of its wearer and features a harness that has been carefully crafted by a certified chiropractor.
Using its strong HEPA filter and motor, it collects 99.4% of dust and debris which it then stores in its 6.4-quart dust canister. This canister boasts a unique domed lid that allows the user to see inside to monitor dust levels and decide when it's time to change the bag.
The bag in question can be either a reusable cloth bag or disposable bag, giving you the option of which bag type you prefer based on both budget and individual preference.
The hoover commercial vacuum backpack comes with a locking hose, straight wands, a floor tool, a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and a dusting brush.
Its lightweight versatility makes it our #1 pick for a backpack vacuum cleaner.
Pros:
- Variety of useful multi-surface attachments
- Lightweight and easy to carry around for extended periods of time
- HEPA filter
Cons:
- Attachments are prone to falling off during use if not attached tightly
Shop For backpack Vacuums | |
|---|---|
GV Blue 8 Qt Backpack Vacuum Cleaner  | Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum  |
Bissell BigGreen Commercial Backpack Vacuum  | Powerful Proteam SuperCoach Vac Pro  |
More About The Atrix VACBP1 Hepa Backpack Vacuum
This highly-trusted HEPA backpack vacuum by Atrix is a smart solution for those looking to have the ultimate range of movement while sporting their backpack vacuum. The vacuum weighs just over 10 pounds and sports an 8 quart HEPA filter that captures and contains dust and bacteria.
It uses a 120-volt motor that puts out 1,400 watts of power. To make wearing it comfortable, it comes with a belt that can be used to hold the vacuum's various attachments to make accessing them easy.
In addition, this lightweight vacuum is very versatile and can be used on stairs, furniture, and drapes as well as small crevices and hard to reach spaces.
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Pros:
- Comes with a HEPA filter
- 120 volt motor with 1400 watts of sheer power
- Accessory belt
Cons:
- Its power cord is rather short
Shop For backpack Vacuums | |
|---|---|
GV Blue 8 Qt Backpack Vacuum Cleaner | Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum |
Bissell BigGreen Commercial Backpack Vacuum Cleaner | Powerful Proteam SuperCoach Vac Pro |
More About The ProTeam Commercial
The ProTeam Commercial backpack vacuum boasts a 50-foot power cord and a weight of only 11 pounds. It uses a proven 4 step filtration system and captures 99.67% of dust, mites, and allergens, offering a 10-quart dust canister for housing the debris.
The vacuum includes an adjustable harness that evens distributes its weight and makes use of pain-free and reduces user fatigue. Extremely versatile, it can tackle everything from hardwood and hard floor to carpeted stairs with ease.
Pros:
- Features an adjustable harness
- Extra long cord for large areas
- 4 step filtration
Cons:
- Attachments are often loose on a wand
Shop For backpack Vacuums | |
|---|---|
GV Blue 8 Qt Backpack Vacuum Cleaner | Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum |
Bissell BigGreen Commercial Backpack Vacuum Cleaner | Powerful Proteam SuperCoach Vac Pro |
More About The Sanitaire EURSC412B
The Sanitaire EURSC412B boasts 5 amps of power and a collection of attachments for use on both hardwood floors and tiles and carpets.
It has a powerful HEPA filter, 6-quart dust canister, and is made with a disposal drop bag design for quick canister changes. It weighs roughly 11 pounds and has a CRI seal of approval to ensure its integrity and reliability.
Pros:
- Disposable bags
- CRI approved for your peace of mind
- Powerful HEPA filter
Cons:
- Weak attachments
SHOP FOR BACKPACK VACUUMS | |
|---|---|
GV Blue 8 Qt Backpack Vacuum Cleaner | Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum |
Bissell BigGreen Commercial Backpack Vacuum Cleaner | Powerful Proteam Super Coach Pro |
More About The Powr Flite BP6S
This compact backpack vacuum offers an extremely long power cord (50 feet) and an innovative design that transfers the unit’s weight to the user’s hips instead of back.
It includes a sturdy waist belt for tools and accessories and utilizes a 4-stage filtration system. Its motor is a HEPA motor that provides consistent power.
Pros:
- Long power cord so it’s easy to move around your home
- Waist belt for accessories and tools
- HEPA motor
Cons:
- The long cord can cause tripping in small spaces
SHOP FOR BACKPACK VACUUMs | |
|---|---|
GV Blue 8 Qt Backpack Vacuum Cleaner | Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum |
Bissell BigGreen Commercial Backpack Vacuum Cleaner | Powerful Proteam Super Coach Pro |
More About The Makita XT278PTX1
This compact, cordless backpack vacuum delivers a usage time of 90 straight minutes from a single charge and generates a whopping suction power of 53 CFM.
It uses a brushless motor to improve run time and battery usage, as well as a trusted 2-stage HEPA filtration system. This vacuum 99.97% of microparticles and allergens. It's blue and black design adds to its appeal by providing a pop of color.
Pros:
- Cordless and easy to use
- HEPA filtration system
- Stylish design
Cons:
- Filter reduces suction power
SHOP FOR BACKPACK VACUUMS | |
|---|---|
GV Blue 8 Qt Backpack Vacuum Cleaner | Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum |
Bissell BigGreen Commercial Backpack Vacuum | Powerful Proteam Super Coach Pro |
More About The Sanitaire EUKSC535
Another great model from Sanitaire, the EUKSC535 is a 25-pound backpack vacuum that can hold 10 quarts of dust and debris. It uses an 11 ½ amp motor that keeps the air within the area free of escaping particles and guarantees a great clean.
It is a quiet vacuum, features a 14” cleaning path, and offers dispersion technology to reduce user fatigue. It also includes a variety of tools such as a metal wand, crevice tool, dust brush, and both carpet and bare floor attachments.
Pros:
- Large dust canister so you don’t have to empty it as often
- Quiet to operate
- Comes with quite a few attachments
Cons:
- Heavier than other models
SHOP FOR BACKPACK VACUUM CLEANERS | |
|---|---|
GV Blue 8 Qt Backpack Vacuum Cleaner | Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum |
Bissell BigGreen Commercial Backpack Vacuum | Powerful Proteam Super Coach Pro |
More About The Makita 193472
The Makita 193472 is built with a powerful motor that has 53 CFM of sucking power. It has a long cordless run time and a large debris canister.
It has a highly-efficient HEPA filtration system that can capture the smallest of microparticles. It runs off of easy-to-find batteries and offers a sleek, classic black design that fits with most home decor and paints colors.
Pros:
- Strong motor with 53 CFM power
- HEPA filter
- Long cordless operation time
Cons:
- User manual isn’t very clear
SHOP FOR BACKPACK VACUUMS | |
|---|---|
GV Blue 8 Qt Backpack Vacuum Cleaner | Bissell Zing Canister Vacuum |
Bissell BigGreen Commercial Backpack Vacuum | Powerful Proteam Super Coach Pro |
Buyer’s Guide: Features to Consider in The Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners
There are many different features to consider when searching out the best backpack vacuum cleaners. Because backpack vacuums can be a little intimidating and confusing, it is important to fully understand what they are and what their intended purpose is.
Some of these features include their power capabilities, portable capacity, and versatility.
Power and Air Quality
Backpack vacuums are equipped with very strong motors. These motors are even more powerful than the motors that are found in the most massive upright vacuums.
Backpack vacuums are ideal if you are wanting to clean up your home as soon as possible. You can get incredible suction with a powerful motor and you’ll be able to be done with your chores in record time.
Portability
Backpack vacuums are ideal because they are portable - wherever you go, it goes without getting tangled up in a long cord. If you need to get upstairs or walk the entire length of your house, you can do so easily with a lightweight backpack vacuum.
Versatile
These types of vacuums are also extremely versatile. If your house ranges in floor type from room to room, such as hardwood floors, carpet, and tile, you don't have to worry.
Backpack vacuums won’t have any trouble providing the best clean for each floor type. The super strong suction can clean up your carpet, but it can also handle your delicate hardwood floors so no scratching occurs.
Ergonomic
Backpack vacuums are also ergonomic. This means that unlike a regular upright vacuum where you are almost always hunched over while cleaning, a backpack vacuum will allow you to stand up straight and clean.
The weight is evenly distributed so although the vacuum is sitting on your back, you won't become strained while it is in use. Crevice tools are also included with backpack vacuums in order to help you reach hard to clean spaces.
Durable
These vacuums are quite durable. The target audience for these cleaning machines leans more towards that of commercial use, but they are also useful in a home.
Because of this target, you’ll benefit from using it in your home as it will be made of stronger material than that of a regular old vacuum. Durability also means that pieces are less likely to break allowing your vacuum to last longer than normal.
High-Capacity
Backpack vacuums are equipped with high-capacity storage. Most vacuums hold only a few cups of dirt, dust, and debris. Backpack vacuums, on the other hand, don’t have that trouble.
They can hold a massive amount of debris which means you won't have to make a ton of trips to the garbage to empty the canister during your chore time.
Benefits
Backpack vacuums also have many great benefits that will make your cleaning a breeze. With this type of vacuum, you will save a ton of time.
No longer will you have to pull out a massive, heavy upright vacuum machine that can give you trouble if something has become caught in the brush roll.
You’ll be surprised at how lightweight backpack vacuums actually are. Because they are so powerful, you might feel that they would be extremely heavy to carry around; especially on your back.
Never fear, though, these vacuums only weigh about 10 to 15 pounds which is definitely a manageable weight for a vacuum cleaner of this capacity. It is definitely recommended to test out the weight of your backpack vacuum to find what suits you best.
Another benefit of the backpack vacuum is the streamlined filtration system that commercial customers are looking for. You might worry that efficiency gives way to power, but that is simply not the case here.
Most backpack vacuums are equipped with HEPA filters which are able to capture almost 99 percent of allergens from dust and dirt.
Maintenance
The biggest question asked when purchasing a new vacuum cleaner is: “is it easy to maintain?” With backpack vacuums, the answer would be yes. Just like a regular vacuum, the filter on your backpack vacuum should be removed and rinsed or replaced occasionally.
The manufacturer specifications for your model should tell you how often this action should occur. You also should be sure to only run the vacuum when the filter is in place.
It is also important that you make sure all brushes and extra accessories stay clean. Hair and debris can accumulate over time and this can cause your vacuum to stop suctioning properly. By keeping up with brush-roll maintenance you can guarantee your backpack vacuum will last a long time.
If you have a corded backpack vacuum, you want to be sure that you keep an eye on the cord’s condition. Check for any fraying of the cord on a weekly basis.
Also, make sure that you don’t tug the cord while you’re cleaning or even out from the wall once you’re done. This causes unnecessary cord damage.
Choosing Between Corded and Cordless
Backpack vacuums come with two choices: corded or cordless. You have many benefits and drawbacks to consider before making your decision in this department of choosing the best backpack vacuum for you.
Corded backpack vacuums definitely provide more cleaning power. They are not limited by a battery supply because you can plug them into an electrical outlet where they will draw the most power necessary.
With corded vacuums, you can clean larger areas nonstop. If you have a large home, this is a great benefit because you can finish your chores in one fell swoop.
The downside of a corded backpack is limited mobility. Obviously, they are more mobile than that of a regular vacuum, but you become limited by the length of the cord.
If you are worried about mobility, but would rather purchase a corded vacuum, think about purchasing one with a longer cord or even plugging into an extension cord.
Cordless backpack vacuums, on the other hand, offer unlimited mobility. This is ideal if you have many rooms that you have to clean. You are able to easily reach unreachable areas and vacuum in places (like your car) you never thought possible.
They will eventually run out of power which is an inconvenience if you’re in the middle of a cleaning job. Avoid this by selecting a vacuum that has a battery life up to an hour or more.
None of these vacuums what you're looking for? Check out our post of the best vacuums of the year here https://modernliving101.com/best-vacuum/
