Best Backpack Vacuums

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Best Backpack Vacuums

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How to Choose the Best Backpack Vacuum

When looking for the best backpack vacuums, we reviewed several home and commercial vacuums to find the right one for every cleaning job and budget! Whether you need a heavy-duty vacuum for professional jobs, a large one for your workshop, or a lightweight vacuum to clean and reduce allergens in your home, there is a backpack vacuum for you! Before we get into the reviews, there are a few important features you should be familiar with first. Let’s get started!

Best Backpack Vacuums

HEPA Filter: HEPA filters are high-efficiency filters that remove small particles and other potential allergens from the air while you vacuum. If you have allergies, asthma, or you just want cleaner air, consider picking up a backpack vacuum with a HEPA filter.

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Power: An electric vacuum requires a cord to work, and we will note the length of the cord so you know if you need to buy an extra extension cord. Cordless vacuums run on batteries that need regular charging to work.

How to Choose the Best Backpack Vacuum

Pieces: The number of extra accessories each vacuum comes with can vary. Some have simple kits to only do carpeted floors, while others come with several extra attachments like pet cleaning brushes, extension poles, accessories belt, and extra bags or filters.

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Tank Size:Tank size is important, especially if you plan to clean a large area. Smaller tanks are generally lighter, which is great for cleaning small areas. Larger tanks may be heavier, but they don’t need to be emptied out as often.

Best Backpack Vacuums

Weight: Since you’ll be carrying this vacuum on your back, consider the weight when shopping! Most backpack vacuums are fairly light, but if you have any kind of back problems, look for a lightweight model to reduce muscle strain or injury.

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Warranty: Any time you invest in an electric appliance, take special note of the warranty length in case something breaks or malfunctions! Companies that have lengthy warranties are telling you they will make things right if your vacuum doesn’t work properly.

Top 10 Products

Now that you know more about what kind of vacuum you’ll need, let’s get into it! Our backpack vacuum buying guide has 10 different sizes and styles of vacuums to meet anyone’s needs. Each one has unique features at a variety of price points, so you can easily find one for your home, office, or workspace! Short on time? No problem! Start by reading about our Top Pick and Budget Pick then come back later when you have more time!

Makita Backpack Vacuum

Makita Backpack Vacuum
Our top pick is the best cordless backpack vacuum cleaner out there – and for good reason! This cordless backpack vacuum uses lithium ion batteries to give you up to 90 minutes of power on low, or 60 minutes on the high setting. We also like that this 2-quart tank has a double HEPA filter system, which picks up fine particulates from your surfaces and keeps your home’s air super clean. At only 9.5 pounds, it’s also light enough to wear around your home, workshop, or garage without straining your precious back and shoulders! This vacuum comes with a hose and 3 adapters, so you can use this with just about any attachment you already have at home! We think this is the best cordless backpack vacuum to keep in your garage, woodworking shop, or for cleaning up home improvement projects around the house! It is lightweight, durable, and highly effective at cleaning surfaces while keeping your air free of allergens!
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Atrix VACBP1 Backpack Vacuum

Atrix VACBP1 Backpack Vacuum
Next up is our favorite for an effective, yet cheap backpack vacuum from Atrix! This kit comes with everything you need to get started – just attach it to your extension cord and get vacuuming! It comes with a variety of attachments, including a 6-foot hose, extension wand, and 8 different end pieces to get the custom clean you need! Oh, and the kit also comes with an attachment belt, so you can carry everything with you. No more going back and forth to grab different attachments! The 8-quart tank is large enough to handle messy jobs and large spaces, which means fewer stops to empty the tank. We also like that the 4-stage HEPA filtration system keeps the fine particulates like pollen and dust inside the machine instead of kicking them back into the air! If you want the best backpack vacuum cleaner, but don’t want to break your budget, definitely pick up this complete kit to get you started!
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ProTeam Backpack Vacuum

ProTeam Backpack Vacuum
In addition to finding the best backpack vacuum for home use, we also went on the hunt for the best commercial backpack vacuum for your home or professional needs! This professional-grade backpack vacuum from ProTeam is perfect for tackling professional jobs, or for cleaning your large home with ease! It was originally made especially for cleaning schools and campuses, so it’s built to be both highly effective and safe for cleaners, students, and faculty. The HEPA filtration system traps fine particulates and allergens, keeping the air safe for your clients or family. We also like that it comes with an enormous 10-quart tank, so you can clean up a large area without needing to stop frequently to empty it out. The attachments are perfect for handling any cleaning needs, and the 50-foot extension cord that’s included is long enough to handle large spaces! Oh, and it’s only 11 pounds, so it’s fairly lightweight given how large and powerful it is!
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Shop-Vac BackPack Vacuum

Shop-Vac BackPack Vacuum
Are you looking for the best backpack vacuum for hardwood floors? Consider picking up this lightweight backpack vacuum from Shop-Vac, a trusted brand in vacuums for almost 50 years! This vacuum is made especially for floors, with two extension rods and a floor-cleaning brush that will trap debris and get into hard to reach places. No more struggling to clean under the bed and couch, or behind furniture! The cartridge filter cleans the air as you vacuum, and you can add a fine dust collection bag for added air cleansing. It also comes with an easy to reach start/stop button, so you can turn it on or off without taking the unit off your back! We also like that you can use this vacuum without the bag, so you don’t waste the bags on cleaning large debris like spilled dry food. It’s also comfortable to wear – it’s only 8 pounds, and it comes with an adjustable harness for added comfort!
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GV BackPack Vacuum

GV BackPack Vacuum
Do you need the best backpack vacuum for carpet that can tackle low and high-pile rugs equally well? This vacuum from GV can handle all kinds of carpeting and rugs, and also makes quick work of other flooring types like tile, concrete, and hardwood. The 8-quart tank is large enough to clean your home without needing to unload it too often, and it comes with a 25-foot cord to stretch around any size room in your home. The HEPA filter system ensures the air around you stays clean while you vacuum. We also really like that this comes with a variety of attachments to tackle small spaces, stairs, and even a pet hair attachment for your upholstery! This vacuum also weighs only 10 pounds, so you can clean your entire home while barely breaking a sweat! If you are looking for a lightweight, yet powerful backpack vacuum for your home, this one has everything you need to get you started!
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Sanitaire Backpack Vacuum

Sanitaire Backpack Vacuum
Next up is one of our favorite options for the best backpack vacuum for sale that can work in both the home and professional environments. This model from Sanitaire has been certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) for use in commercial jobs and meets LEED requirements for air safety. That means this machine is certified to remove harmful allergens and particles from surfaces and keep the air around you clean while you vacuum. We like that this vacuum comes with 12-inch wide cleaning tools for both carpet and smooth floors, along with a variety of smaller attachments for tough to reach spots. The two extension rods are great for reaching under furniture or on top of cabinets, too! We also like that it’s comfortable to wear! It weighs only 11.5 pounds, and the straps distribute weight using a padded harness, similar to a hiking backpack. It’s also super quiet, so you can clean without disturbing others around you!
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Powr-Flite Comfort Pro Vacuum

Powr-Flite Comfort Pro Vacuum
Next up is a powerful and super-safe backpack vacuum from Powr-Flite. This professional-grade vacuum is perfect for your next professional gig, or for tackling large spaces at home! We like that this vacuum is made with a 5-stage air filtration system, including filters on the air outtake vents! This vacuum was given a gold rating by the CRI, which means it’s one of the best at keeping the air around you clean and allergen free! Another feature we like is the harness. The “aircomfort” design keeps you cool as you work, is fully adjustable, and it’s sturdy enough to support the machine without straining your back! It comes with 3 different 14-inch flooring tools and a few smaller attachments to clean under, above, and around just about anything! The 4-foot hose and 2 extension poles give you the stretch you need to reach high places like ceiling fans and vents or give the top of your cabinets a good dusting!
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Bissell BigGreen Commercial Vac

Bissell BigGreen Commercial Vac
Our backpack vacuum reviews wouldn’t be complete without Bissell, a well-known brand in vacuums for home and professional use. This commercial vacuum is perfect for tackling large areas and awkward spaces without much hassle! The 6-quart tank is plenty large enough to clean a large room before emptying. It also has a sensor that shuts off the motor when the tank is full, so you can’t overheat or burn out the motor by accident. One thing we really like about this vacuum is the attachments! There are two floor attachments to tackle carpeting, tile, hardwood, and concrete with ease. It also comes with a variety of upholstery and ceiling fan attachments for furniture and awkward high spaces like ceiling fans and upper cabinets. Oh, and it comes with a 50-foot extension cord, which means you can clean a huge area without switching power outlets! If you need a commercial backpack that’s versatile and easy to use, check this one out!
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GV Commercial Vacuum

If you need a commercial vacuum to clean up a large space, but keep your allergies at bay, check out this backpack vacuum from GV! We really like that this vacuum can hold up to 10 quarts of dust and debris while only weighing 11 pounds! The 3-stage HEPA filter system is great for sucking up plenty of pollen, dust, and other allergens while keeping the air around you safe and clean. A major plus if you have severe allergies! It’s also great that they include 6 extra bags, so you don’t have to worry about finding replacements any time soon! The attachments are great for general cleaning, including a multi-type flooring tool, small attachments for upholstery, and the same pet hair tool as the GV vacuum earlier in the list! This would be the perfect backpack vacuum to have in your garage or workshop because it’s large, lightweight, and easy to use to keep your workspace clean and sanitary!
If you need a commercial vacuum to clean up a large space, but keep your allergies at bay, check out this backpack vacuum from GV! We really like that this vacuum can hold up to 10 quarts of dust and debris while only weighing 11 pounds! The 3-stage HEPA filter system is great for sucking up plenty of pollen, dust, and other allergens while keeping the air around you safe and clean. A major plus if you have severe allergies! It’s also great that they include 6 extra bags, so you don’t have to worry about finding replacements any time soon! The attachments are great for general cleaning, including a multi-type flooring tool, small attachments for upholstery, and the same pet hair tool as the GV vacuum earlier in the list! This would be the perfect backpack vacuum to have in your garage or workshop because it’s large, lightweight, and easy to use to keep your workspace clean and sanitary!
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Prolux 2.0 Backpack Vacuum

Finally, if you’re looking for a bagless backpack vacuum that will keep your home clean without extra parts to buy, definitely check out this one from Prolux! Their backpack vacuum uses a bagless tank to store dirt and dust, eliminating the need for buying replacement bags every so often. Oh, and the HEPA filters are washable, so you don’t have to replace them for a long time either! This not only reduces the overall cost over the lifetime of your vacuum, it also reduces the amount of waste! We also like all the features it comes with – including a pet hair tool, various attachments, and a 35-foot extension cord. You can clean just about any surface in your home without needing to bend or stretch, thanks to a long hose and adjustable extension pole. Whether your home is large or small, this compact and lightweight backpack is easy to use and will give you a clean home in no time!
Finally, if you’re looking for a bagless backpack vacuum that will keep your home clean without extra parts to buy, definitely check out this one from Prolux! Their backpack vacuum uses a bagless tank to store dirt and dust, eliminating the need for buying replacement bags every so often. Oh, and the HEPA filters are washable, so you don’t have to replace them for a long time either! This not only reduces the overall cost over the lifetime of your vacuum, it also reduces the amount of waste! We also like all the features it comes with – including a pet hair tool, various attachments, and a 35-foot extension cord. You can clean just about any surface in your home without needing to bend or stretch, thanks to a long hose and adjustable extension pole. Whether your home is large or small, this compact and lightweight backpack is easy to use and will give you a clean home in no time!
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About the Author

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Samantha Dewitt

Expert Researcher and Writer

Samantha Dewitt is a lead researcher and writer for GeekWrapped, writing under a pen name. She gets excited about pet, baby, and science products and has over 12 years of experience.

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Article last updated on:

September 30, 2019

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TOP PICK

Makita Backpack Vacuum

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Disclosure: When readers buy the independently chosen products on this site, we earn a commission.