You might know a friend (or maybe it's you) who gets the itch to either vacuum first thing in the morning before half the neighbourhood is awake or at 11:50 p.m. when everyone is getting ready for bed. While having a clean space helps with anxiety [1], it shouldn't come at the detriment of others. No matter how great your vacuum is [2], a good rule of thumb for gauging its loudness is to see if you can hold a conversation without screaming over it. If you can't hear yourself or the other person, then it's probably time to consider trading it in for something a little less noisy.
For the sake of your ears and those around you, we took the liberty of rounding up the quietest vacuums on the market based on their high-performance noise-level technology and customer reviews. From robotic cleaners to cordless vacuums [3], these vacs are sure to prevent any noisy headaches.
Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S
If you have a pet running around, the Eufy BoostIQ RoboVac 11S [4] ($150, originally $230) with a noise level of 55dB may be the vacuum for you. With over 45,700 reviews, it scores a 4.5-star rating among Amazon customers. One buyer said their dog was unbothered by the device. Overall, they were extremely happy to see they could continue to work at home with minimal background noise while the RoboVac was running.
Hoover Commercial HushTone 13
The Hoover Commercial HushTone 13 [5] ($329, originally $370) is one of the most premium vacuums on the market. Not only is it supremely quiet (noise level of 69dB), but it also has top-quality suction power that leaves no dust bunny or crumb behind! Customers gave this vacuum a 4.3-star rating when it came to noise level, with one person saying, "even on the boost setting, this vacuum is surprisingly quiet compared to other vacuums."
Bissell Zing Bagless Canister Vacuum
Falling on the less expensive side, the Bissell Zing Bagless Canister Vacuum [6] ($60) is here to clean everything in relative silence. According to customer reviews, this lightweight vacuum is so quiet, your pets won't even know the vacuum is on. Thanks to its 15-foot retractable cord, you'll be able to clean those harder-to-reach places without breaking a sweat. This vacuum is also suitable for all types of floor surfaces (hardwood, tiles, and rugs), including upholstery.
Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight Cordless Vacuum
For those working with less storage space, the Eureka RapidClean Pro Lightweight Cordless Vacuum [7] ($155) is your best bet. The top detaches for storage purposes and handheld cleaning. The vacuum's modern design allows it to suck everything in flush to the floor, meaning no area is off limits. Additionally, its Easy Rest Feature lets the vacuum securely rest on countertops and furniture. One customer commented that she was able to have a full conversation without having to yell over the vacuum — a major plus.
Orfeld Cordless Vacuum
The Orfeld Cordless Vacuum [8] ($180) is physical proof that you can have a high-performance vacuum with digital motors that's still ultraquiet. With a noise level of 66dB, many customers have praised how quiet this vacuum is.
Sebo Airbelt K3 Canister Vacuum
Although it's a bit pricey, there's a lot to love about the Sebo Airbelt K3 Canister Vacuum [9] ($799). Complete with three different attachments for cleaning, this lightweight vacuum has rubber-coated wheels and bumper protection to prevent damageing both itself and your furniture. Several five-star ratings credited the vacuum for its "top of the line" quiet technology.
Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum
The Kenmore Intuition Bagged Upright Vacuum [10] ($200) truly does it all. Not only is its noise level under 75dB, but it can also extend to reach ceilings. In addition to its flexibility, this incredible vacuum can also be detached in order to clean small crevices and countertops. Ninety-six percent of The Home Depot customers recommend this vacuum, writing its low noise level is its most notable feature.
iMartine Robot Vacuum Cleaner
Robot vacuums are ideal for multitaskers and are frequently quieter alternatives to a standard vac. Your housemates and pets won't be bothered by the iMartine Robot Vacuum Cleaner [11] ($116, originally $137) thanks to its exceptionally low noise volume (under 58dB). This vacuum in particular is slimmer than other vacuums, allowing it to comfortably clean tight corners and under furniture. The vacuum holds a positive 4.3-star rating from over 3,400 Amazon customers, and it's easy to see why.
ProTeam Backpack Vacuum
We know the ProTeam Backpack Vacuum [12] ($401) isn't the most beautifully designed vacuum cleaner on the market, but you shouldn't count it out. Since the vacuum is styled like a backpack, you can easily carry it anywhere around your house. Its telescoping wand also makes it extremely easy to vacuum stairways, cabinets, countertops, and more. In addition to its efficiency, one person said they were surprised to find its 66dB noise level is "quieter than conventional vacs."