10 Best Backpack Vacuums in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

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These days, backpack vacuum cleaners have increased in popularity and become a crucial part of homes and workplaces. These cleaning machines are built to keep houses and apartments clean. High-quality backpack vacuums eliminate a number of surfaces around the house whether its pet fur, pollen, and other tiny particles. Backpack vacuum cleaners make cleaning quick and effective, as compared to conventional vacuums. They are much smaller, more maneuverable, and more compact than many cleaning apparatuses. Most of them have HEPA filters that clean up the air in your home.

Having the best backpack vacuum cleaners at your hands will help keep your restaurant, backyard, home, or office building floor surfaces tidy and dust-free. What makes them great is they may be used on a number of styles of floors from walls, carpets, and hardwood. Not only are these vacuums effective, strong, and convenient, they also reduce the pressure created by bending over into hard-to-reach vacuum places.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 11 hrs of research

Best Backpack Vacuums – Overview

Recently, backpack vacuum cleaners became more popular. They provide greater versatility, they are more user-friendly and also have HEPA filters that disinfect the air in your house while you vacuum the carpet. They are ideally suited to fit into smaller spaces that can’t be reached by most vacuums, and can also have strong suction. We put together a buyer’s guide highlighting several things you should learn about backpack vacuums and evaluated 10 of the best backpack vacuum cleaners in the market.

Backpack Vacuums Reviews

1. Atrix – VACBP1 HEPA Backpack Vacuum – Best Value

The Atrix – VACBP1 HEPA Backpack Vacuum is lightweight, safe, and low profile. With an adjustable belt loop and shoulder straps, this backpack ensures a comfortable fit with firm back support. The user is also able to easily convert between the left hand and right-hand orientations. This backpack vacuum is perfect for janitors that have a large area to clean. The backpack style allows the user to keep the weight of the vacuum centered on their body.

This powerful backpack vacuum can be used for a variety of commercial and residential cleaning needs. Use the lightweight backpack vacuum for general sanitation and janitorial needs such as pest control, offices, warehouses, stairs, ceilings, entryways, furniture, drapes, and hard to reach crevices. The 120-volt backpack vacuum packs a whopping 1,400 watts of cleaning power. It has a CFM (cubic foot per minute) output of 106 CFM.

Key Features:

• 8-Quart HEPA filter
• Output of 106 CFM
• 1,400 watts of cleaning power
• Adjustable belt loop and shoulder straps

Specifications:

• Brand: Atrix
• Dimensions: 20″ H x 12″ W x 9″ D
• Weight: 10.3 lbs

2. ProTeam Backpack Vacuums – Premium Pick

The ProTeam Backpack Vacuums is a productivity powerhouse designed to tackle the most demanding cleaning challenges. This powerful, high-filtration unit is ideal for vacuuming high square-footage areas that require the utmost cleanliness including universities, campuses, schools, and meeting halls. Built for any cleaning challenge, the Super CoachVac is the perfect tool, providing versatility and performance in a lightweight, compact vacuum backpack.

The 10-quart Super CoachVac backpack vac features a powerful, 1188-watt, 9.9-amp motor that produces an airflow of 150 CFM and a 100-inch static lift. At only 66 dBA, this vacuum backpack is one of the quietest in its class. This commercial backpack vacuum features an ergonomic, adjustable harness that responds to your motion as you’re vacuuming for hours of comfortable cleaning. The extra-long 50-foot power cord allows you to clean large areas without having to unplug.

Key Features:

• 10-quart filter
• Four level advance filtration with HEPA
• Output of 150 CFM
• 50-foot power cord

Specifications:

• Brand: ProTeam
• Dimensions: 25″ H x 8.5″ W x 8.5″ D
• Weight: 11 lbs

3. GV Commercial Backpack Vacuum

The GV Commercial Backpack Vacuum has an aluminum construction that makes this vacuum lightweight and super easy to use. This vacuum includes a 3 stage filtration. Sealed HEAP filter with 10 Quart SMS washable cloth bag, and 6 HEPA filtration bags! If you have allergies this vacuum is for you. The large 10 quart bag size lasts a long time and more supplies can easily be purchased as needed.

110 CFM & 120 inches of water lift for powerful deep cleaning! You won’t find a backpack vacuum with more power (most are under 100 inches of water lift, not 120 like this one). Loaded with easy to use tools like a crevice tool, duster brush, upholstery tool (with slide off brush), deluxe floor tool, & mini Head with brush roll – air-driven power mini head.

Key Features:

• Suction relief is perfect for drapes and throw rugs
• Pet tool with spinning brushroll and geared belt
• Durable metal latches, body and crushproof hose
• Easy friction fit tools and hose

Specifications:

• Brand: GV
• Dimensions: 26″ H x 9″ W x 9″ D
• Weight: 11 lbs

4. Atrix – VACBPAI ERGO PRO Backpack

The Atrix – VACBPAI ERGO PRO Backpack uses an 8 quart HEPA filter bag that traps unwanted debris and particles. The Vacbpai has four levels of filtration which consist of an eight quart HEPA bag, cloth shakeout bag, HEPA premotor filter, and an exhaust filter. This vacuum can be worn on your back with a comfortable and ergonomic feel. The small backpack vacuum is perfect for contract cleaning, offices, warehouses, stairs, ceilings, entryways, ledges, and lobby furniture.

The Ergo Pro backpack vacuum utilizes a powerful vacuum motor. This generates a high suction in small portable backpack design. The backpack vacuum cleaner emits a quiet 72 decibel sound which is recognized as quieter than the dial of a telephone. Ideal for noise-sensitive areas such as an office environment. Included with the Vacbpai Ergo Pro Backpack: 5” diameter commercial hose-5.5’, 50” two-piece aluminum wand, carpet tool, hard floor tool, crevice tool, upholstery tool, and oval brush

Key Features:

• 8 quart HEPA filter bag
• 50” two-piece aluminum wand
• Portable design
• Includes a variety of attachments

Specifications:

• Brand: Atrix
• Dimensions: 20″ H x 12″ W x 9″ D
• Weight: 10.3 lbs

5. Hoover Commercial Lightweight Backpack Vacuum

You don’t have to vacuum in pain or in any discomfort with the Hoover Commercial Lightweight Backpack Vacuum. This handy vacuum cleaner stores all of its collected dust and debris in a backpack canister, allowing you to clean without any obstructions.

The C2401 vacuum cleaner is also compact so that you can clean out narrow passageways, small spaces, as well as large areas with ease and comfort. The C2401 can carry up to 6.4 quarts of dust and debris. You can also monitor its dust capacity with its clear dome lid so it is easy to know when to empty its collection bag. The C2401 can be used with a shakeout cloth liner or with a disposable paper bag insert, allowing you the flexibility of choices and options needed for a versatile cleaning job.

Key Features:

• Hypercone filter made with HEPA media
• Chiropractor-designed harness
• Quiet operation
• Extra-long 3-wire Quick Change cord
• Cleaning accessory pack

Specifications:

• Brand: Hoover Commercial
• Dimensions: 30″ H x 13.25″ W x 13.25″ D
• Weight: 9.2 lbs

6. Prolux 2.0 Commercial Bagless Backpack Vacuum

Prolux 2.0 Commercial Bagless Backpack Vacuum reduces strain and increases productivity! It doesn’t matter if you’re tall or short, this vacuum will work for you! The height-adjustable telescopic wand ensures that all of our customers will be able to easily use this vacuum. Prolux’s Bagless Backpack Vacuum Cleaner also features a canister that collects dust, dirt, and debris as you vacuum your home. With the clear canister, you can see how much debris is collected, making it easy to know when it’s time to open the canister and empty it!

The Prolux 2.0 Bagless Backpack Vacuum Cleaner is designed with a “vortex chamber” which forces dust particles away from the HEPA filter, causing a self-cleaning effect that virtually eliminates upper filter clog! This revolutionary Bagless Backpack Vacuum comes with a self-cleaning filter and a washable HEPA filter! This bagless design requires next to no maintenance.

Key Features:

• 125 CFM thermal protected motor
• Bagless design
• Self-cleaning filter
• Height-adjustable telescopic wand 

Specifications:

• Brand: Prolux
• Dimensions: 30″ H x 13.25″ W x 13.25″ D
• Weight: 9 lbs

7. Powr-Flite BP6S Comfort Pro Backpack Vacuum

The Powr-Flite BP6S Comfort Pro Backpack Vacuum has all of the cleaning power of a Premium model without the bells and whistles. This backpack weighs the least of the four Comfort Pros, making it the least cumbersome backpack we offer. Comfort Pro backpacks deliver superior comfort, plus improved cleaning performance and productivity. Independent studies show backpacks clean over 2 1/2 times faster, and Comfort Pro is engineered to ensure an unparalleled level of operator comfort and efficiency.

Engineered to deliver superior cleaning power, productivity, and dependability, while protecting Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), these backpacks are the perfect combination of power and comfort. The Comfort Pro can be used on all types of carpet and hard floors and can also be used for “above the floor” cleaning. The premium model features storage for tools right on the belt – so you can clean any surface without having to go back and change equipment.

Key Features:

• Powerful 130 CFM and 110″ waterlift
• 5-stage HEPA filtration for improved indoor air quality
• Superior 62 dBA rating
• Tools fit conveniently on the waist belt
• Ergonomic shoulder harness from Deuter

Specifications:

• Brand: Powr-Flite
• Dimensions: 31″ H x 16″ W x 12″ D
• Weight: 12 lbs

8. Milwaukee 0885-20 M18 FUEL 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum

The Milwaukee 0885-20 M18 FUEL 3-in-1 Backpack Vacuum brings unmatched performance, portability, and versatility to the jobsite cleanup category. A POWERSTATE Brushless Motor and cyclonic technology deliver up to 2X more suction than the competition, allowing users to clean up drywall dust, concrete dust, wood/metal shavings and other common jobsite debris quicker and more efficiently.

A quick-release removable harness with an integrated canister hook allows users to wear, hang, and carry the product for ultimate cleaning versatility on any jobsite. At only 76 dBA, the vacuum is up to 3X quieter than a traditional jobsite vacuum, allowing for quiet operation in occupied spaces. As a part of the M18 System of tools, it is powered by red lithium battery packs, which deliver up to 25 minutes of run time on a high demand 9.0 Battery Pack in high mode, and over 40+ minutes of run time in low mode.

Key Features:

• 55 CFM
• Removable harness with integrated canister hook
• Telescoping extension wand
• 40+ minutes of run time in low mode

Specifications:

• Brand: Milwaukee
• Dimensions: 26.85″ H x 14.29″ W x 9.96″ D
• Weight: 15.25 lbs

9. Makita XCV05Z 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Backpack Vacuum

The Makita XCV05Z 18V X2 LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Backpack Vacuum is a powerful and portable clean-up solution. It is also a powerful and portable dust extraction solution for contractors that provides the Benefits of both smaller-capacity on-board dust collection systems and standard vacuums that sit on the Floor.

It is ideal for clean-ups, as well as for construction when used as part of a dust extraction system. It’s powered by two 18V Lithium-Ion batteries for 36V power and performance but without leaving the 18V LXT® battery platform. The efficient BL™ Brushless motor generates 53 CFM of suction and 28.5” of water lift for fast clean-ups and improved dust extraction, with no cord to pull along or get in the way.

Key Features:

• 53 CFM of suction power and 28.5″ of water lift
• Up to 90 minutes of continuous operation
• HEPA filtration system
• Efficient BL Brushless motor

Specifications:

• Brand: Makita
• Dimensions: 19.3″ H x 12.6″ W x 9.8″ D
• Weight: 9.4 lbs

10. ProTeam Commercial Backpack Vacuum

The ProTeam Commercial Backpack Vacuum powers through the toughest industrial and construction clean up jobs providing versatility and performance in a lightweight, compact backpack. The versatile design allows for quick conversion into a high-powered blower while the large 10-quart filter capacity contains substantial amounts of debris. It’s ideal for large, high traffic areas including industrial complexes, construction sites, and warehouses.

The ProTeam MegaVac features a versatile design for quick conversion into a high-powered blower in two easy steps, without additional parts or accessories. It’s perfect for blowing leaves and other debris from walkways, patios, lawns, and parking lots. The four level advanced filtration captures and contains 99.9 percent of dust, dirt, allergens, and other particulates down to 1 micron to produce cleaner, healthier air.

Key Features:

• Multi-surface cleaning – wood, tiles, carpets
• Loaded with accessories to clean floors, ceilings and everything in-between
• Extra-long, 50-foot power cord
• Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Seal of Approval – Gold Rating

Specifications:

• Brand: ProTeam Store
• Dimensions: 27″ H x 8.5″ W x 8.5″ D
• Weight: 11 lbs

Buying Guide

Corded or Cordless

You have to pick between corded and cordless ones. We suggest a corded handheld vacuum for industrial uses because it has no downtime. Yes, you’re tied to an outlet but you can get a cord of extension to extend the reach. In comparison, cordless backpack vacuums are great for home cleaning. A run time of 1-hour or 90-min would be adequate to cover the entire field.

Long Power Cord

Backpack vacuums are designed for the commercial vacuum market and as such have long cords to make navigating easier for them. Without having to adjust outlets you will clean the regions. This doesn’t mean they can’t be found in the residential sector, however. On the contrary, you’ll profit from a cord that lets you comfortably clean a whole room.

Comfort

Make sure you have a secure strap at the backpack vacuum you are taking out. Unless the vacuum on the backpack is not really convenient, it sort of undermines the entire point of it. If you can try one before you purchase one, it can aid you a ton in understanding whether it’s a perfect fit or not.

Weight

If you’re the one who has to hold the vacuum all the time, it should be an essential aspect of your purchase. Any people with disabilities may profit from getting a lightweight backpack vacuum that would allow them to do the job themselves. Some of the portable vacuums we’ve seen weigh 10 pounds or less. When that’s on your back it doesn’t feel like anything

Suction

The strongest quality backpack vacuum is driven by intense suction. Such a device will clean correctly. Avoid machines that need repeated charging because they are extremely frustrating.

Filters

A decent vacuum cleaner has to have solid filters, as well as being lightweight and providing exceptional suction strength. During the cleaning cycle, filters will remove dust and other particles from your house. Make sure the filters are functioning properly.

Frequently Ask Questions

What are backpack vacuums?

They are canister vacuums shaped like backpacks to rest on your back. They are built to raise the weight from your hands to your legs. In addition, they are designed to improve ease of use and usability.

Are there residential backpack vacuums?

Backpack vacuum cleaners are very common in industrial applications and are becoming increasingly prevalent in residential use. When used for washing hardwood floors, rugs, carpets, attics, stairs, kitchens, basements, and everywhere else the dirt can be found, they are outstanding. Backpack vacuum cleaners have good results and, while they suck up debris, most clean the air. They also have far less issues than most forms of vacuum cleaners. Backpack vacuum cleaners are lightweight and can penetrate into places you can never get to the old vacuum. There are only a handful of the reasons why they are becoming more prominent today in households.

Where can you use backpack vacuums?

A backpack vacuum is designed to encourage users to travel efficiently and effectively around a room with maximum maneuvering capability is needed for mid-size to large jobs. A backpack vacuum lets operators move and weave around a room, or even a whole home, with ease while sucking up dust and debris and, in most cases, even sweeping up the air. Users can work with virtually any job with their handheld shell of a vacuum with all the accessories and equipment supplied with backpack vacuums. With the extension wand and the dusting adapter it is possible to hit ceiling fan blades and curtain rods.

What maintenance requirements are needed for backpack vacuums?

Filters must be cleaned and periodically patched or rinsed, and the storage bags must be drained or reused. Users should expect multiple filters to deal with at times, owing to the multi-stage filtration systems. While the required maintenance is not excessive, it could not be neglected. Just as good as their filters are these high-quality filtration devices, so careful maintenance is important.

Do backpack vacuums work on carpets?

Most of these machines are not ideally suited for carpets, especially deep pile carpets. For hard floors, they are best. However, this shortcoming is not due to a lack of strength but rather to the absence of suitable accessories. They lack a vacuum that is powered by vacuum cleaner heads. Because most backpack vacuum cleaners are designed for commercial and industrial use, and in industrial settings, you rarely come across carpets, mostly deep-pile rugs.

Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best backpack vacuums as well as our guide on features to look for in a backpack vacuum. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.