Buying a high-quality backpack vacuum is an excellent alternative to a bulky, heavy upright or canister one. Many of the best backpack vacuum cleaners are ideal for cleaning the house, especially large floor spaces. Backpack vacs have the advantages of being lightweight, portable, and cause less strain on your back. Although typically used to clean commercial premises, many backpack models are suitable for household use.
Backpack vacuum cleaners do as their name suggests. Shoulder straps hold the lightweight vacuum on your back. All you need to carry in your hand is the telescopic wand to vacuum floors and high, hard-to-reach places.
It can be hard going to know which is the best backpack vacuum cleaner to choose from. Most people usually buy a traditional upright vacuum, canister vacuum, or stick model. However, there are many reasons to choose a backpack model to vacuum your home.
The 6 Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners
This guide of the best backpack vacuum cleaners examines the best models currently for sale online. In the unbiased reviews, you’ll find the pros and cons of each backpack vac as well as their best features.
1. Atrix HEPA Backpack Vacuum
The Atrix backpack vacuum cleaner is one of the best corded vacs on the market. The backpack canister has a low profile and is not bulky. This reduces the risk of knocking things over while vacuuming. The Atrix vacuum also has a wide range of tools and accessories that include an upholstery nozzle, crevice tool, and turbo brush.
Some of the reasons to consider buying the Atrix backpack vac are the comfortable fit, powerful motor, and HEPA filter. Also, even after vacuuming for a long time, the backpack feels cool to touch. Another benefit of this backpack vac is that it doubles up as a blower.
Pros:
- Low-profile, sleek design
- Wide range of attachments
- It can be used as a leaf blower
- Affordable backpack vacuum cleaner
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Can be noisy
- A short power cord, requires an extension cord
2. Prolux Backpack Vacuum Cleaner
The Prolux backpack vacuum cleaner is one of the best backpack models if someone has allergies. The high-grade filtration system removes 99.9% of airborne allergens and keeps your household air clean. The Prolux cleaner is suitable for home use. It has one of the most powerful suction from the backpack vacuums available.
The Prolux vacuum backpack has all the accessories you need to keep your home clean. There are multi-surface floor tools, crevice tools, brush attachments, extension cord, and six HEPA filters.
Pros:
- Excellent filtration to remove allergens
- High-quality vacuum attachments
- Low noise operation
- Powerful suction and lift
- Five-year warranty
Cons:
- It may be too bulky for some people
- Heavier than other residential backpack vacuum cleaners
3. Powr-Flite BP10S Comfort Pro Backpack Vacuum Cleaner
The Powr-Flite backpack vacuum cleaner delivers plenty of power in a lightweight, comfortable unit. The backpack vac has seven adjustable points on the padded straps and belt for the best fit. You also get a five-stage, washable HEPA filter to keep the tiniest of allergens out of the air.
This award-winning backpack vac comes with all the attachments you require. Although this is a commercial-grade vacuum, it is also suitable for large rooms and carpeted areas in residential properties.
Pros:
- One of the quietest commercial grade backpack vacuums
- Excellent filtration system
- Comfortable to use for extended periods
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- Maybe too large and bulky for smaller homes
4. Prolux Bagless and Backpack Vacuum Cleaner
If you want a bagless backpack vacuum cleaner that delivers impressive results, then the Prolux backpack vac is the best choice. The corded electric vacuum has powerful suction to remove embedded dirt from floors. Using cyclonic power technology, the powerful, lightweight bagless vacuum is virtually maintenance-free.
One of the advantages of the Prolux bagless backpack is the dust removal process. The see-through canister has a one-touch emptying function that empties at the bottom, thus helping to prevent dust from escaping into the air.
Pros:
- Commercial-grade tools
- Suitable for residential properties
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps
- HEPA filters
- Excellent range of tools and accessories
Cons:
- People with allergies may prefer bagged vacuums
5. Makita XCV09Z Cordless Backpack Vacuum Cleaner
The Makita XCV09Z is one of the best cordless backpack vacs you can buy. Makita is a brand leader in battery-operated tools, and their backpack vacuum is no exception. The vac is powered by standard Makita batteries and provide up to 115 minutes of vacuuming. The brush less motor means that the vacuum runs for more extended periods and is quieter than many other backpack models.
Like all the best backpack vacuums on this review, the Makita model has high-quality HEPA filters. Also, Makita battery technology means that the batteries charge in super-fast time.
Pros:
- Incredible quiet operation
- Comfortable harness
- Battery, cordless operation with excellent runtime
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- Lack of accessories
- High price tag
- The hose could be longer
6. GV Backpack Vacuum Cleaner and Blower
The GV backpack vac is a superb vacuum cleaner for residential use. The powerful backpack model has high-quality attachments, including a metal telescopic wand, floor tools, pet hair attachment, and a crevice brush. In addition, the backpack vacuum for homes has a four-stage HEPA filter to clear the air from allergens.
To make cleaning easier, the handy harness has storage pockets for all the tools. The sleek, low-profile design reduces the risk of inadvertently knocking things over.
Pros:
- Lightweight yet powerful vacuum
- Comfortable to strap to your back
- Good range of accessories
- It doubles up as a blower
Cons:
- The power cord could be longer
The Best Features of Backpack Vacuum Cleaners
The advantages of backpack vacuums are that they make cleaning easier, faster, and more efficient. Because backpack vacs don’t weigh much and attach to your back, they are ideal for your posture. There is no more lifting, pushing, and pulling a bulky canister or upright vacuum.
Backpack vacuums combine the power of a canister vacuum cleaner with the versatility of a lightweight stick vacuum. Additionally, backpack models tend to have the best filters, including HEPA filters, from any type of household cleaning tool.
What to Consider Before Buying a Backpack Vacuum Cleaner
Suppose you are thinking of purchasing a backpack vacuum cleaner. In that case, the primary considerations are weight, cleaning area, size, how much you can carry, and attachments. To help make an informed choice, here are more facts about how to choose the ideal backpack vac for your cleaning needs:
Cleaning area—
Backpack vacuums are ideal for cleaning large areas. These vacuums are perfect for cleaning stairs, large rooms, and whole homes.
Power—
The best backpack vacs are typically more powerful than other types of vacuums. However, this generally means that they can be noisier and consume more energy.
Comfort—
Make sure that the vacuum has padded straps and an ergonomic design for comfort. Also, there should be a belt for around your waist to keep the vacuum securely attached to your back.
Accessories—
It’s also good to ensure you get the necessary accessories. Extension wands, crevice tools, powered brushes, and floor tools are all necessary attachments.
Noise—
The noise level is a vital consideration as vacuums can get noisy. Around 70 decibels (dB) is considered loud, so look for one that is between 60 and 70 dB.
Size—
Make sure that the backpack vac isn’t too bulky for your home. With a vac strapped to your back, it can be easy to knock items over.
Power source—
An important consideration is to choose a corded or cordless model. Corded backpack vacuums are ideal for extensive cleaning. However, you are limited by the cord length. Cordless backpack models let you vacuum anywhere, but battery life restricts cleaning time.
Bagged or bagless—
Consider if you require a bagless or bagged model. Bagless backpack vacuums are easy to empty and have no running costs because you don’t need to buy dust bags. Bagged backpack vacs are a better choice if someone in the house has allergies as they don’t let dust particles back into the air.
Filters—
Most backpack vacuums have excellent filtration systems. If allergies are an issue, then choose the best backpack vac with a HEPA filter.
FAQ’s About Backpack Vacuum Cleaners
What factors affect a backpack vacuum cleaner’s power?
A backpack’s powerful suction is a combination of airflow and lift. The vacuum’s power is measured as cubic feet per minute (CFM). Static lift is usually measured in inches. This is the number of inches the vacuum’s airflow can pull up water in a tube.
How often should I replace the dust bag?
The frequency you need to replace the dust bag depends on how often you vacuum the home and how much dirt it picks up. Generally, it’s necessary to replace the dust bag and filter once every six months.
How should I wear a backpack vacuum?
It’s necessary to adjust the shoulder straps to fit comfortably. Put your arms through the shoulder straps, making sure that they are not too tight. Fasten the belt around your waist. The vacuum canister should fit snugly against your back. Make any strap adjustments to get the fit right.
Why is using a backpack vacuum the most ergonomic way to vacuum?
The design of backpack vacuums makes sure that weight is on the hips and legs. This prevents straining arms or shoulders when lifting or operating an upright vacuum or canister vacuum.
The Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners — In Conclusion
Backpack vacuum cleaners are ideal cleaning solutions if you must clean large areas. Strapping the vacuum to your back means that all the weight is distributed on your hips. This prevents arm and shoulder strain. Additionally, backpack vacuums are generally lighter and easier to use than traditional vacuum cleaners. Most people find that they can vacuum homes faster with a backpack vacuum cleaner.