The need for a vacuum cleaner is beyond question in this era. Gone are the days of manually cleaning the floors, carpets, and corners of the property. When you can do it with only a flip of a button, you should definitely take advantage of that.
With the evolution of vacuum technology, you can find several types of vacuum cleaners on the market. There are gigantic machines that can create a vacuum so strong that you might even damage your floors and carpets.
Then there are lightweight and compact machines that do the job just fine. But they sometimes lack some necessary features.
Backpack vacuums, however, is a clever blend between the two. It’s powerful and you can carry it around with ease. It’s perfect for both residential and industrial use. Whatever your ultimate goal is, you can certainly rely on the best backpack vacuums on the market.
Backpack vacuums are also lightweight and they fit perfectly on your back. It means you won’t have to bend forward to adjust the controls and ruin your posture over long periods of time. You can reach the tightest corners of your property more conveniently as well.
As these models are designed to fit on your back, the space limitations are not much of an issue. Hence, most of these models come with enough dirt collection capabilities so that you won’t have to empty them several times during the cleaning.
But there is a problem. The array of choices is huge for backpack vacuums. And that is exactly where we come in. We have taken the trouble for you to list the best backpack vacuums that you can get your hands on.
Before the actual review, let’s get to some of the advantages and disadvantages of backpack vacuums. It will help you to understand better and choose better.
Table of Contents
Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaner – Comparison
| Picture | Product Name | Power Cord | Item Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Hoover C2401 Lightweight | 48 ft | 9.2 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Pro Team CoachVac | 50 ft | 11 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Atrix VACBP1 HEPA | 10 ft | 11 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | GV 10 Quart Commercial | 30 ft | 21 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Powr-Flite BP6S Comfort | 50 ft | 12 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Shop-VAC 2860010 | 25 ft | 8 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Sanitaire EURSC412B Quiet | 50 ft | 11.5 pounds | Check Latest Price |
 | Hoover CH30000 PortaPower | 33 ft | 8.3 pounds | Check Latest Price |
Disadvantages of Having a Backpack Vacuum
There are two sides to any coin. You can’t expect a product to be great in every aspect. Backpack vacuums are also subject to some disadvantages.
What are they? Let’s find out.
- Price: Not all manufacturers keep the mass people in mind while designing and developing a backpack vacuum. The unit you like might be a commercial unit. Hence, it will be significantly expensive than the other home use models. Do your research properly.
- Suction: The suction of residential units won’t be as strong as the commercial ones. If you have some deep pile carpets in your property, you’re better off with a commercial model that has a stronger motor.
- Features: The price of a backpack vacuum cleaner will be directly connected to its price. If you like a model and it’s really expensive, take a look at the features they pack. Do you really need them? If your answer is yes, go for it by any means. It not, save some money and go for a simpler alternative.
- Corded: Almost every backpack vacuum comes in a corded form. As they are mainly intended for commercial use, manufacturers don’t exactly like to make them cordless. Although it’s a good thing, it might become a problem if you have a small house. Managing the extra-long cables are hard.
Advantages of Having a Backpack Vacuum
- Efficiency: A backpack vacuum will cut down the time you spend on cleaning every day. It might seem unlikely, but the small-time savings add up in the end. It means that you can get more work done in less time without compromising the quality of work.
- Posture: A great advantage to backpack vacuums is the freedom to work upright. Leaning forward every now and then might be good for your health. But if you keep doing it regularly for a certain time, you are bound to develop back problems or injure yourself in the process. A backpack vacuum fits right into your backpack, obviously. So, you don’t have to bend and twist your arms to reach tight places. Also, these models are very easy to store. Just hang them somewhere in the living room.
- Seamless Cleaning: Despite being lightweight and compact, the backpack vacuums in our list don’t compromise on suction power. Suction is the most important parameter when things come to vacuum cleaner and our vacuums packs plenty of power. Also, cleaning the stairs is a walk in the park with backpack vacuums. It’s a nightmare to drag a large unit with yourself every time you clean the stairs. A quality backpack vacuum will eliminate the problem from the roots.
- Advanced Filtration: The best backpack vacuums often come with filtration systems like HEPA. HEPA filters have become a global phenomenon as it can capture very fine particles down to 0.3 microns. They are great for people who suffer from allergies or asthma.
The Best Backpack Vacuums Reviews
Now that you have a better understanding of backpack vacuum cleaners, we can safely go the reviews. We have taken functionality and price as your main criteria while selecting these vacuums. Let’s get started.
1. Hoover C2401 Lightweight Backpack Vacuum
The first backpack vacuum in our list is a commercial unit. It’s from Hoover which has proved itself to be a very reliable brand over the years. It’s very efficient and gets the work done very nicely.
You can easily unit clean any commercial property or large properties without any hassle. It weighs just over 9 pounds so it doesn’t put any strain over your back. 6.4 dry quarts of dust collecting capacity is plenty for most properties. The manufacturer offers a 2-year limited warranty on this unit.
One of the great perks of buying this backpack vacuum is that you get the HEPA filters. HEPA is the finest of the filters and it can capture very small particles like pollens and allergens down to 0.3 microns. If you have allergy or asthma problems, make sure you get a backpack vacuum with HEPA filters.
You get a crevice tool and a floor tool, an upholstery tool, and a dusting brush. All these accessories will ensure that your floors shine after every cleaning session. The dust bag inside the vacuum is reusable so you don’t have to replace them every now and then.
What We Like:
- HEPA filters equipped
- Very lightweight with only 9.2 pounds
- Powerful suction
- 48 feet power cord for tremendous coverage
- Comes with all necessary accessories
- Harness designed by a chiropractor to ensure minimal strain on back
What We Didn’t Like:
- The dust bag is prone to ripping
- Carpets are the not strong suit of this model
- Cleaning the dust bag is difficult
2. Pro Team CoachVac Backpack Vacuum
Pro Team is another major player in the vacuum cleaner industry. They have three variants of backpack vacuums and all of them are great on their own. It’s ideal for both home and commercial use.
You know they aren’t playing around because they ship a 10 dry quart dust bag which is huge for any vacuum cleaner, let alone backpack vacuums. It means you can clean your whole house at one go if you own a small or medium home.
It comes with four-stage HEPA filtration. You already know how great HEPA filters are at capturing tiny particles. With this model from Pro Team, you not only clean your home, but you also improve the air quality of your home as well.
The weight is very well within limits at only 11 pounds. For a regular person, your daily backpack with laptop and other accessories might be heavier than that. The hose length is 4.5 feet so you can reach all the corners and twists without any problem.
The motor has a genius design. It has a power offset so you can clean vigorously without making any loud noise. The power cable is very long so you can move around as per your choice all around the property.
What We Like:
- Weighs only 11 pounds
- Huge 10 DQT dust cup
- Outrageous 50 feet cable to tackle properties of any size
- Very quiet operation at only 66 decibels
- HEPA filters for advanced cleaning and better air quality
- Ideal for use in high-traffic areas like offices or warehouses
- Comes with all attachments
What We Didn’t Like:
- Might be little bigger for everyday use
- The mounting of the attachments is not top of the line
- Not suitable for elderly people
3. Atrix VACBP1 HEPA Backpack Vacuum
Atrix is very well known for their cost-effective solutions made for property owners. The VACBP1 is no different. It has amazing suction and excellent filtration, all in one. It’s a backpack vacuum so the operation is very straightforward and convenient.
This backpack vacuum cleaner is designed to use in both residential and commercial workspaces. It’s undoubtedly a genius design. It’s a very compact and small machine with an extra-long power cord that makes it perfect for use at homes, offices, classrooms, etc.
Other than the HEPA filter, it also features a very efficient filtration process. The motor can work both ways. Which means you can use it as a vacuum or a blower according to your needs. The double filtration makes it a great unit for properties that has pets.
The weight is only 10.3 pounds which is kind of the perfect weight for carrying it around in a backpack. There is a telescopic wand that lets you reach virtually any corner in the property. A belt loop is also included to store all the accessories.
Besides the backpack mounting, it also has a waist belt to distribute the already low weight equally for best ergonomics.
What We Like:
- Fits comfortably on the back
- Very good filtration with HEPA and proprietary mechanism
- 12x9x20 inches dimensions for maximum ergonomics
- 8 dry quarts dust cup
- Blower adapter, nozzles, different brushes, and all other accessories are included
- Powerful 120-volt 12-amp motor for fast and effective cleaning
- Weighs only 10 pounds
- Wide turbo for better cleaning under furniture
What We Didn’t Like:
- Less powerful compared to other commercial models
4. GV 10 Quart Commercial Backpack Vacuum
A commercial unit which also happens to be very lightweight. It works great on tiles and hard floors. But it doesn’t mean that GV 10 Quart can’t clean carpets. It sure can, just not as good as hard floors.
The filtration system is very advanced. It features a sealed HEPA filter which is great to get rid of molecular particles and pet dander from the house. It also improves the air quality of any given area.
The dust and dirt are collected in a 10-quart washable cloth bag. The bag is very durable and will last a very long time considering you don’t use it 24 hours a day. The carrying mechanism is also great in this model for GV.
The shoulder and waist straps are padded for maximum comfort. They can be adjusted to any body types and sizes. Necessary tools like upholstery tool, crevice tool, deluxe floor tool and different types of brushes are all premium quality.
It works equally on the high pile and low pile carpets. Yes, we know we said can’t clean carpets very well. But the job it does puts a lot of vacuum cleaners to shame. So, yes, it’s a very capable unit. The manufacturers offer a 30-day moneyback guarantee along with the 2-year limited warranty on the motor.
What We Like:
- Very compact design
- Ideal for both home and commercial use
- Air-powered brush for carpets with low pile
- Weighs only 10 pounds
- Advanced filtration with HEPA filter
- Washable dust collector bag
- All premium tools included
- Powerful motor that can tackle any type of debris
What We Didn’t Like:
- The hose is not very strong
- Complaints of early failure
5. Powr-Flite BP6S Comfort Pro Backpack Vacuum
Do you need a very cool looking backpack vacuum? We might have the perfect model for you. This amazing backpack vacuum from Powr-Flite looks like a jetpack. The innovative design and commercial capabilities have made it a great choice for any purpose.
The unit comes equipped with all modern amenities. It’s a professional unit and it looks like one. Powr-Flite is a common name for over 30 years and they have proved what they can do with their vacuum cleaners. The BP6S is not different.
The name of this unit contains the phrase ‘Comfort Pro’. Yes, it is very comfortable with all necessary straps and paddings where necessary. The harness is a proprietary design with seven adjustment points. You can adjust the vacuum as you want to achieve superior comfort.
But it does its original task very efficiently, which is cleaning. This model packs a powerful motor with all the specialized tools you might need to clean different surfaces and areas. There is a multi-stage filtration so there is practically no particle that can escape this backpack vacuum.
It’s one of the best backpack vacuums and it’s for good reasons. Pre and post-motor filters, HEPA filtration, exhaust bag, and SMS shake-out bag are all different stages of filtration that the particles go through. It not only cleans your property but also creates a healthy atmosphere.
What We Like:
- High-performance commercial machine
- Very high efficiency
- Squeaky clean surfaces with specialized tools
- Very low noise level to meet LEED recommendations
- Multi-level filtration for maximum results
- HEPA filtration to capture particles down to 0.3 microns
- Weighs about 12 pounds which is commendable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Being a commercial model, it’s expensive
- Steep learning curve
- Pretty big in size
6. Shop-VAC 2860010 6.5-Peak HP Industrial Vacuum
This model form Shop-Vac looks like an industrial unit because it is. It packs a powerful 6.5 HP motor to get any surface clean. It’s specifically designed to minimalize the effort the goes into cleaning large areas.
If your home or property has a lot of hard-to-reach spots, this might the perfect solution for you. The accessories that come with it make sure of that. The power cord is somewhat an obstacle in cleaning though. Only 25 feet might not cover the whole space in one go.
This model is for dry vacuuming only. The 4 feet hose is good enough to clean all those hard to reach corners we were talking about. Though the power cord is not very long, the mounting system of this backpack vacuum is top of the line.
It comes with adjustable harnesses so you don’t have to deal with strains in any condition. The weight is very much under the stress limit so there is no reason for any type of strain anyways.
What We Like:
- Very compact design
- Powerful motor
- State-of-the-art filtration
- Easy to access power switch
- Comes with all tools necessary
- Metal extension wands with dual surface nozzles
- 25 feet long cord suitable for home use
- Tool storage belt
- Weighs only 8 pounds
What We Didn’t Like:
- Looks aren’t the best in class
- Dust collection bags need replacing
7. Sanitaire EURSC412B Quiet Clean Backpack Vacuum
As the name suggests, the Sanitaire backpack vacuum cleaner is very quiet in operations. It’s powered by an 11.5 amps motor and the motor is powered by a protracted cord. It’s a very lightweight and compact unit with dimensions of 21×10.5×10.5 inches.
It’s designed with a commercial aspect in mind but it works fine in smaller areas too. It’s one of the best backpack vacuums to clean large areas effortlessly. It can reach the hard to reach spots like breeze.
It has a CRI seal of approval for its top of the line four-stage filtration. It’s equally functional in cleaning carpets and hard floors. The HEPA filter will get rid of 99.97% particles from your property surfaces.
This unit comes with a 50 feet power cord so you know they mean it when they say it’s for commercial use. On the contrary, the dust collection bag is only 6 quarts. While that’s not entirely bad, it could have been better. It produces only 69 decibels of noise which is perfectly fine for regular use.
This backpack vacuum from Sanitaire comes with some quality attachments for multi-surface cleaning so you won’t have to buy them separately.
What We Like:
- Extra-long 50 feet cord for broad coverage
- Very quiet operation
- Powerful suction
- HEPA filtration
- CRI seal approved
- Versatile usage
- Weighs a little over 11 pounds for decent maneuverability
What We Didn’t Like:
- Quite expensive
- Might be overkill for residential use
- Low capacity dust collector
8. Hoover CH30000 PortaPower Canister Vacuum
A perfect vacuum cleaner for every homeowner. It’s a compact canister unit for comfortable and easy cleaning. Despite being a commercial unit, it blends perfectly with home use. You can use this tiny vacuum to detail your stairs and clear sharp corners without any hassle.
It has a decent 33 feet power cord to allow you to clean the hard to reach spots with ease. You can carry this lightweight vacuum cleaner to your vehicle or attic to clean out the mess. The hose can be stretched to reach places like under the bed or closet.
One of the best features of this model is the interchangeable dust collector unit. You can use either a regular paper bag or a washable commercial cloth bag to collect the debris. Using the commercial cloth bag is advised if you are planning to clean sharp objects like broken glass. A paper bag is fine for regular cleaning needs.
It comes with a built-in crevice tool and a brush so you can clean a variety of surfaces. The crevice tool is perfect to clean tight spaces and the brush is perfect to clean carpets and rugs. A high-performance motor is installed to create strong suction.
What We Like:
- Very light and compact
- 33 feet power cord to reach a large area
- The interchangeable dust collection bag
- Comes with a built-in blower
- Extendable hose
- Comes with a crevice tool and brush
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not exactly a backpack model
- No automatic retract option
- The motor is only 7.4 amps which might not suffice for commercial use
Conclusion
After the vigorous research, we had to conduct, we sure do hope that our review will help you find the perfect backpack vacuum for you. Other than the review itself, we have tried to include educative information as much as possible.
So, if you are in the market looking for a backpack vacuum for your home or office, you are in the right place. Be sure to check out the models we have stated above to find the best backpack vacuum that suits your needs.