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The Best 6Reviewed by Mike Hunter·July 7, 2026·checked July 5, 2026

Best Carpet Cleaners

Top 6 carpet cleaners reviewed and ranked.

At a glance6 products ▾
1Shark CarpetXpert EX151Top Score
(4 sources)
$199.99Best for: Budget-conscious users seeking good suction and easy maintenance
$199.99 · Check Price on Amazon
2Bissell Big Green Pet Pro 3288
(4 sources)
$459.99Best for: Heavy-duty pet owners needing extended cleaning sessions
$459.99 · Check Price on Amazon
3Bissell Revolution HydroSteam 4120
(4 sources)
$329.99Best for: Users wanting steam cleaning for tough stains
$329.99 · Check Price on Amazon
4Shark CarpetXpert EX201
(4 sources)
$192.91Best for: Users needing strong suction and spot cleaning
$192.91 · Check Price on Amazon
5Bissell ProHeat 2x Revolution Pet Pro Plus 3588F
(4 sources)
$239.99Best for: Pet owners seeking deep cleaning with specialized tools
$239.99 · Check Price on Amazon
6Hoover PowerDash Pet+ Compact FH50704
(4 sources)
$132.79Best for: Compact users seeking easy maintenance and portability
$132.79 · Check Price on Amazon
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The full ranking

How we rank →
Shark CarpetXpert EX151
#1 · Top Score
Best for: Budget-conscious users seeking good suction and easy maintenance
Shark CarpetXpert EX151
from 4 sources$199.99as of Jul 5
▾Why it's ranked here

The Shark CarpetXpert EX151 delivers strong suction performance, particularly at the nozzle, and offers easy maintenance with accessible brushroll and cleaning components. However, it performs poorly on certain stains like peanut butter and tomato sauce. The small dirty water tank limits coverage area, though it does feature a convenient hose storage system and integrated spot cleaning tool that enhances versatility compared to competitors. This model is best suited for users seeking a budget-friendly option with good suction but may not meet expectations for heavy-duty stain removal.

Strengths
  • — Above average sealed suction at the hose and well above average unsealed suction at the nozzle
  • — Brushroll is highly accessible and easily removable for cleaning
Watch-outs
  • — Below average performer cleaning tomato sauce, grape juice, and especially peanut butter in upright stain test
  • — Dirty water tank has exceptionally low capacity, which gives this cleaner a very small area of coverage before you need to empty this tank
$199.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Bissell Big Green Pet Pro 3288 →
Bissell Big Green Pet Pro 3288
#2
★ Premium Pick
Best for: Heavy-duty pet owners needing extended cleaning sessions
Bissell Big Green Pet Pro 3288
from 4 sources$459.99as of Jul 5
▾Why it's ranked here

The Bissell Big Green Pet Pro 3288 is a heavy-duty upright carpet cleaner designed specifically for pet owners, featuring an 8-Row DirtLifter® PowerBrush and specialized pet tools. Consumer Reports praised its effectiveness for removing embedded dirt and odors, though noted it's quite heavy at 44 lbs. The dual tank system (1.75 gallons each) allows for extended cleaning sessions without refilling. It earned the Pet Proven® gold badge for exceptional cleaning power and includes a 9-foot hose for reaching stairs and upholstery.

Strengths
  • — Features 8-Row DirtLifter® PowerBrush for powerful stain and odor removal
  • — Includes long-reach hose (9') and specialized pet tools for hard-to-access areas
Watch-outs
  • — Heavy weight (44 lbs) may be difficult for some users to maneuver
  • — Requires warm tap water for optimal cleaning performance
$459.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Shark CarpetXpert EX151 →
Bissell Revolution HydroSteam 4120
#3
Best for: Users wanting steam cleaning for tough stains
Bissell Revolution HydroSteam 4120
from 4 sources$329.99as of Jul 5
▾Why it's ranked here

The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam 4120 performs well in stain cleaning tests, particularly with syrup stains, thanks to its steam functionality. However, it leaves carpets wetter than competitors and requires frequent tank refills and emptying. Tom's Hardware called it a 'well above average performer' in stain tests, but noted it's expensive and has below-average suction. It's best suited for users seeking steam cleaning benefits, though those wanting drier results should consider alternatives.

Strengths
  • — Well above average performer in upright stain test, especially cleaning syrup stains
  • — Uses steam in addition to soap and water, which helps loosen dried-on stains
Watch-outs
  • — Leaves carpet wetter after cleaning than most competitors
  • — Requires frequent refilling of clean water tank and emptying of dirty water tank
$329.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Shark CarpetXpert EX151 →
Shark CarpetXpert EX201
#4
Best for: Users needing strong suction and spot cleaning
Shark CarpetXpert EX201
from 4 sources$192.91as of Jul 1
▾Why it's ranked here

The Shark CarpetXpert EX201 offers strong suction performance and versatile cleaning capabilities, excelling in moisture extraction and spot cleaning with its StainStriker handheld unit. However, reviewers noted below-average stain removal performance on most stains during upright cleaning tests, particularly with peanut butter. The compact design and easy maintenance features make it suitable for pet owners and households needing both full-area and targeted cleaning, though the small water tank capacity limits coverage before refills are needed. This makes it a solid choice for targeted cleaning but less ideal for large area cleaning without frequent refills.

Strengths
  • — Excellent suction power at the nozzle, well above average for moisture extraction
  • — Easy maintenance with accessible brushroll and detachable dirty water tank
Watch-outs
  • — Below average performance on most stains in upright cleaning test, particularly peanut butter
  • — Small water tanks with below average capacity requiring frequent refills
$192.91 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Shark CarpetXpert EX151 →
Bissell ProHeat 2x Revolution Pet Pro Plus 3588F
#5
Best for: Pet owners seeking deep cleaning with specialized tools
Bissell ProHeat 2x Revolution Pet Pro Plus 3588F
from 4 sources$239.99as of Jul 5
▾Why it's ranked here

The Bissell ProHeat 2X Revolution Pet Pro Plus Carpet Cleaner earns high praise for its professional-grade cleaning performance, especially on pet stains and odors. Bob Vila's review highlighted its effectiveness on everything from dirt to chocolate to pet accidents, with reviewers noting its powerful suction and specialized tools. The machine features Heatwave Technology to maintain water temperature and includes a CleanShot pretreater for targeted stain removal. However, users find it front-heavy and bulky, making it awkward to carry and store. It's ideal for pet owners seeking deep cleaning but may not suit those with limited storage space.

Strengths
  • — Delivers professional-grade cleaning results with powerful suction and deep cleaning capabilities
  • — Effective at removing tough pet stains and odors including cat urine and skunk scent
Watch-outs
  • — Front-heavy design makes carrying awkward during use
  • — Large machine takes up considerable storage space
$239.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Shark CarpetXpert EX151 →
Hoover PowerDash Pet+ Compact FH50704
#6
Best for: Compact users seeking easy maintenance and portability
Hoover PowerDash Pet+ Compact FH50704
from 4 sources$132.79as of Jul 5
▾Why it's ranked here

The Hoover PowerDash Pet+ Compact FH50704 received mixed reviews regarding its performance. While it offers good suction and easier maintenance compared to similarly priced models, it scored poorly in stain cleaning tests, particularly for upright stains. Tom's Hardware noted it performed worse than the standard PowerDash Pet and Bissell TurboClean in stain tests. However, Reddit users praised its lightweight design and ease of use, with one reviewer noting it's been reliable for over four years. This product suits users seeking a compact, easy-to-maintain cleaner but may not be ideal for those requiring strong stain removal capabilities.

Strengths
  • — Very good suction at the nozzle for the price
  • — Able to cover a larger area than similarly priced models before you need to refill its clean tank or empty its dirty water tank
Watch-outs
  • — Has a very narrow cleaning path
  • — Didn't perform well in upright stain test
$132.79 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →vs. Shark CarpetXpert EX151 →
Reviews aggregated from
ConsumeranalysisVacuum WarsSharkninjaHintofhelenBissellPetmycarpetBissellbiggreenpetpluscarpetcleaneBissellbiggreenmachinereviewexten

Spec comparison

6 products
vs
SpecShark CarpetXpert EX151Bissell Big Green Pet Pro 3288
Weight15.9 lb44 lb
Cord Length25 ft25'
Hose Length5 ft9'
Cleaning Path Width10 in10.5 in
SuctionWell above average at nozzlepowerful suction
Tank Capacity0.6 gal1.75 Gal
Dimensions13.2"D x 12"W x 43.5"H21"D x 11"W x 108"H

Frequently asked questions

What is the best carpet cleaner?
Shark CarpetXpert EX151 is our top pick for carpet cleaners, with an averaged rating of 4.5/5 from 4 published reviews. The Shark CarpetXpert EX151 delivers strong suction performance, particularly at the nozzle, and offers easy maintenance with accessible brushroll and cleaning components. However, it performs poorly on certain stains like peanut butter and tomato sauce. The small dirty water tank limits coverage area, though it does feature a convenient hose storage system and integrated spot cleaning tool that enhances versatility compared to competitors. This model is best suited for users seeking a budget-friendly option with good suction but may not meet expectations for heavy-duty stain removal.
Is there a cheaper alternative worth considering?
Hoover PowerDash Pet+ Compact FH50704 (around $132.79) rates 3.6/5 in our analysis. The Hoover PowerDash Pet+ Compact FH50704 received mixed reviews regarding its performance. While it offers good suction and easier maintenance compared to similarly priced models, it scored poorly in stain cleaning tests, particularly for upright stains. Tom's Hardware noted it performed worse than the standard PowerDash Pet and Bissell TurboClean in stain tests. However, Reddit users praised its lightweight design and ease of use, with one reviewer noting it's been reliable for over four years. This product suits users seeking a compact, easy-to-maintain cleaner but may not be ideal for those requiring strong stain removal capabilities.
How does Verdict rank these products?
Every rating on Verdict is the numerical average of scores published by independent review sites, YouTube reviewers, and Reddit buyer reports. No editor adjusts the order — the ranking is whatever the source data produces. See our methodology page for the full process.
When was this guide last updated?
This guide was last re-checked in July 2026. We re-run our research pipeline for each category on a rolling basis so prices and rankings reflect current market reality.

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