10 Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners in 2022 – Reviews & Buying Guide

Anyone who falls short of the muscular strength to haul a standard vacuum cleaner should consider switching to a backpack vacuum cleaner. Also known as over-the-shoulder vacs, backpack vacuums are much easier to transport and use whether for residential or commercial purposes.

The ProTeam Super CoachVac is a top-rated backpack vacuum that enables you to clean up a wider area in less time and without fatigue or restrictions that come with a traditional vacuum. Of course, we acknowledge that this model might not be a one-size-fits-all, so read on to learn more about the 10 best backpack vacuums in 2021.

10 Best Backpack Vacuum Cleaners – Reviews

1.  ProTeam Super CoachVac 10-Quart Corded Backpack Vacuum

The ProTeam Super CoachVac is a commercial backpack vacuum that contains all bells and whistles for deep-down cleaning. It caters to the cleaning needs of hotels, school cafeterias, bars, kitchens, restaurants, and other industrial premises.

Its monstrous 10-quart dirt capacity holds the largest debris to circumvent emptying every time and again. The tool integrates an advanced 4-stage HEPA media filter, which improves indoor air quality in homes and business premises.

This ensures good health and safety for small kids and asthmatic patients. Its impressive four filtration stages have received the Gold Certification from the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI).

Furthermore, the unit features an extra micro-filter bag, eliminating the need to buy a replacement sooner. The vac is powered by a 1,118-watt motor that delivers 150 cubic feet of airflow per minute to suction up both large and heavy debris.

At just under 11 lbs, it’s relatively easy to lift and transport wherever you go. It’s also ultra-quiet with only 66 dB rating.

This back-mounted unit packs over 7 tools, including a dusting brush, multi-surface floor tool, and telescoping wand.

A 150-ft long power cord offers enormous reach and prevents recurrent outlet changes. To avoid getting tangled in it, there’s a hook on the harness where you can hang the cord.

Strengths

• Comes installed with a powerful motor for enhanced cleaning
• Extra-large dirt capacity negates frequent emptying
• Extension cord stretches up to 50 inches for greater mobility
• HEPA-style filter improves indoor air quality
• Plenty of standard attachments for detailed cleaning

Weaknesses

• A little more expensive than most backpack vacuums

2.  Hoover C2401 Lightweight Commercial Backpack Vacuum

Thanks to a Chiropractor-designed harness system and a 48-ft power cord, Hoover C2401 earns a spot as one of the best commercial backpack vacuum cleaners in the market today. It brings the ultimate portability you’d expect from a true backpack-style vac.

The vacuum is moderately lightweight at only 9.2 pounds, and is designed with inputs from professional chiropractors. It provides an ergonomic weight distribution and numerous customization options that significantly minimize the strain on your body.

Another thing you’d love about this vac is the 48-ft long power cord which dramatically cuts down the need to change outlets. The available hypercone filter with HEPA media guarantees a healthy air quality by trapping the finest pathogens and allergens without losing suction.

Equipped with a 1,000-watt motor, the device spins at an impressive 120 cubic feet per minute. This makes it possible to suck all nooks and crannies without a hassle.

Hoover’s C2401 can hold a maximum of 6.4 quarts of debris. Thus, it decreases emptying and increases vacuuming time. It also includes a reusable dust bag that eliminates the enduring expense of bags – but filters need frequent cleaning.

The clear dome lid allows you to monitor the dust capacity, so you know when to empty the collection bag. Finally, the vac combines the 38-inch wand and 60-inch hose, ensuring adequate reach when cleaning high spaces like ceiling corners.

Strengths

• Unbeatable suction power
• Super quiet operation
• Includes a HEPA filter for seizing allergy-causing substances
• A chiropractor-designed harness adds comfort and convenience
• Generous 48-ft power cord length ensures maximum maneuverability

Weaknesses

• Not effective with high-pile carpets
• The shake-out bag can be messy when emptying

3.  Atrix – VACBP1 HEPA Backpack Vacuum

Honestly speaking, the Atrix VACBP1 is one of the most lightweight, low-profile and cheap backpack vacuums available today. With 10.3 lbs overall weight, this budget-friendly workhorse is comfortable and convenient to use.

This vacuum also transforms into a blower comprising the exhaust filter cover and the blower adapter. Regarding power, it uses a 1,400-watt motor to spin air at 106 cubic feet per minute sucking up dust particles and other debris in one pass.

Its extension wand can adjust from 22-37 inches, making it effortless to customize your reach. This best backpack vacuum for home use also includes a broad spectrum of attachments for removing every last crumb from tough-to-reach spaces like blinds, air vents, slot machines or drapes.

The Atrix VACBP1 also flaunts a high-efficiency 4-stage HEPA filtration system and a 3-quart filter capacity. This combo makes it ideal for cleaning hospitals, lobbies, hotels, and more.

Owners who’ve used it say debris-stricken hard floors are no match for this unit. It grabs dirt from a distance and throws it via the HEPA filtration system.

Not only does it pick up dust and pollen but also adds fresh scent to air. The device encompasses multiple vacuuming accessories that are ideal for all sorts of cleaning requirements.

Even more, the belt loop has places where you can hang accessories like the furniture nozzle or the crevice tool.

Strengths

• A powerful 1400W motor churns out robust suction
• Strikingly lightweight at 10.3lbs
• Slim dimensions for convenient portability and storage
• HEPA filter bag clears out pet dander and allergens
• Carries a reasonable price tag

Weaknesses

4.  ProTeam ProVac FS 6, 6-qt Backpack Vacuum

This is another best commercial backpack vacuum from the celebrated manufacturer, Pro Team. It’s engineered to perform unequivocal cleaning on hard floors, carpets, and around obstacles like chairs and tables.

This sizable backpack vacuum is ideal for users who fancy the idea of instant suction. Its pump-style handle lets you turn on the suction with a simple button press.

Additionally, its adjustable FlexFit harness has additional padding for maximum comfort during extended cleaning. With the open weave fabric, ProTeam FS 6 keeps your body cool throughout the operation, and the 65.8-decibel rating means the item is ultra-quiet.

The unit uses a powerful 1,108-watt motor that propels air at 159 cubic feet of speed per minute. The collected debris making way to the 6-quart micro-filter bag passes through an advanced four-level HEPA media filter.

This is where over 99.97% of particulate matter gets trapped. Allergens and food debris are held to ensure the air quality is good for allergy sufferers.

A 50-ft power cord provides an extended cleaning radius. The lengthy cord also allows for easy maneuvering around the dinning and kitchen spaces.

The ProTeam FS 6 comprises eight tools which effortlessly slide onto the 56-inch feather-light aluminum wand.

Strengths

• 50-ft long cord for easy maneuvering and enhanced productivity
• 6-quart dirt capacity suitable for day-to-day applications
• Great airflow and suction power
•  Advanced 4-level filtration plus HEPA media filter improves indoor air quality
• Padded and adjustable FlexFit harness for ultimate comfort

Weaknesses

• Every attachment kit requires a separate wand to use
• Difficult to get the pieces to stay put on the hose

5.  Sanitaire EURSC412B Quiet Clean Backpack Lightweight Vacuum

Sanitaire EURSC412B is an affordable and functional vac manufactured by the legendary Electrolux. It’s engineered for use in commercial, industrial, or residential settings.

This 11.5-pound unit is a breeze to transport up and down the stairways or carry around offices. Its disposable dust bag can hold up to 6 quarts of debris, enabling you to focus more on vacuuming and less on emptying.

Furthermore, its standard HEPA filter has four stages of filtration, which can arrest allergens down to 0.3 microns in size. The four-stage HEPA-rated filter system can remove 99.97% of pathogens to make your indoor space allergens-free.

As one of the best industrial backpack vacuums, the device includes a 50-ft long cord that can reach a cleaning path of 12 inches. This is large enough to cover big workspaces and offices.

In terms of noise, the EURSC412B is rated at 69 decibel, which is about average. It can deliver all the suction you need while keeping the noise at minimum.

This best corded backpack vacuum is so versatile that it meets the LEED requirements for air quality in eco-friendly buildings. More importantly, the Carpet and Rug Institute has offered it the green seal.

Strengths

• Complies with the LEED requirements for air quality
• Designed for use in commercial, industrial, and DIY residential settings
• Exceptionally lightweight at 11.5 lbs
• A 50-ft power cord guarantees extended cleaning reach
• Advanced HEPA filter with 4-level filtration for cleaner air

Weaknesses

• Attachments feel awkward to affix
• The owner’s manual is incomplete

6.  Powr-Flite BP6S Comfort Pro Backpack Vacuum

The Power-Flite BP6S is a revolutionary backpack vacuum designed with comfort in mind. It has nice dimensions that painlessly fit on your back.

Similarly, its12 lbs unit weight is convenient to carry around the rooms. The vac guarantees better air quality using an impeccable 4-stage filtration coupled with a HEPA filter.

The Dueter ergonomic harness ensures complete weight distribution to your knees and hips for a comfortable, hands-free cleaning experience.

Three thickly padded straps provide the best customization up to seven different positions. Therefore, it provides a perfect fit. All tools fit conveniently on users of varied sizes.

The BP6S boasts a superb 50-ft long commercial-grade power cord. Not only does it withstand the wear and tear, but it also provides a ton of reach to clean a vast room on the go.

There’s also an extra-long telescopic wand that facilitates your reach to above-floor spaces. This back-mounted vac features a wide array of accessories.

These include a 5-inch-wide upholstery tool, a 17-inch crevice attachment, a 14-inch-wide carpet glider, and an angled wand. Also on offer are three extra accessories for cleaning all nooks and crannies.

Strengths

• All tools are easy to attach and detach
• A superb 50-ft long commercial-grade power cord withstands wear and tear
• All tools fit conveniently on every sized operator
• The vac’s straps and harness are customizable
• Ultra-quiet at 62 decibels – without compromising power

Weaknesses

• Switching from left to right-hand operation is hectic
• Rolled-up cord comes loose during storage

7.  GV 10 Quart Backpack Vacuum

This 10-Quart GV vacuum is another exemplary commercial backpack vacuum that has graced several commercial backpack vacuum reviews across the web. It packs a tremendous canister capacity in a relatively small footprint.

It can hold up to 50% more dirt than other backpack vacuums in the same price range. The vac weighs less than 11 pounds and has a low-profile design, so you can easily move it across surfaces without fuss. Plus, it has adjustable straps that fit every user.

The included three-stage sealed HEPA filter system with six HEPA filtration bags purifies the air as you work. Thus, it’s a great unit for people suffering from allergies and asthma.

The vacuum incorporates 110 CFM and 120 inches of water lift to supply the deep cleaning power. The suction relief valve helps you regulate the suction for cleaning lightweight items like curtains or area rugs.

The height of the roller can also be adjusted using a foot pedal. Ideal for pet-related applications, the vac uses the pet mini-head attachment to extract embedded pet hair on floors and upholstery.

Other tools include a dusting brush, crevice tool, deluxe floor tool, and upholstery tool.

Strengths

• Three-stage sealed HEPA filter system with six HEPA filtration bags
• Easy to adjust the height using the foot pedal
• Huge dust canister accommodates a lot of debris
• Easy to customize the harness when necessary
• Available LED lights help spot debris hidden underneath furniture

Weaknesses

• Tends to overheat forcing the thermal switch to shut off
• Hoses aren’t sturdy enough

8.  Powr-Flite BP4S Pro-Lite Backpack Vacuum

A lightweight and comfortable backpack vac ensures an exceptional user experience. What makes the Powr-Flite BP4S unique in its class is the anatomically-formed shoulder straps containing perforated foam and mesh lining.

This is meant to improve the breathability and augment a more comfortable fit. At just 10 lbs, this vacuum is extremely lightweight and comfortable to use even for professional-grade purposes.

Through a combination of the 4-quart housing and harness technology, it facilitates the ease of movement and unlimited agility.

It also lets you clean all types of carpets, hard floors and above-ground surfaces. This is made possible by a 40-ft long cord, which enables you to move freely anywhere around your work space.

The BP4S features a four-stage filtration system comprising a paper filter, micro-filter cloth bag, pre-motor filter, and exhaust filter. This combo makes the unit a perfect fit for allergy and asthma sufferers.

As for quietness, the vacuum records a 71 dB, meaning it won’t bother other people in homes or offices. What’s more, the BP4S consists of a 1 ½-inch double-bend wand, 14-inch Powr-Glide carpet tool, 17-inch crevice tool, 4-inch hose, and 14-inch hard floor tool.

Strengths

• Hands down lightweight and comfy to use
• Incredibly quiet at 71 dB
• 4-stage filtration for improved indoor air quality
• Guarantees freedom of movement all around the work space
• A boat-load of attachments come standard

Weaknesses

• Overheats after extended hours of cleaning
• Bottom filter requires constant cleaning to maintain the suction

9.  Hoover CH30000

Hoover’s CH30000 is another reliable commercial vacuum with fabulous features that make for easier and more convenient cleaning experience.

Being a canister vacuum, it’s ideal for cleaning tight places and detailing car interiors. At a measly 8.3lbs, this vac is no doubt the lightest vacuum is our backpack vacuum cleaner reviews. You’ll be able to maneuver it without straining your back.

With this incredible model, you’re all set to clean the stairways, down halls, and around sharp corners more conveniently. Its compact and lightweight form proves useful in reducing fatigue.

The Hoover CH30000 also packs a 33-inch SJT power cable that offers a wide cleaning path. It helps you cover a vast area with fewer passes.

In terms of versatility, the unit features a built-in blower, which aids in blasting fallen leaves and maintaining your home. You can use the blower to clean up hard-to-reach zones like upholsteries, draperies, and inside of your vehicle.

The canister vacuum uses both a paper dust bag and a reusable commercial cloth bag. Hence, you can alternate and switch between cleaning tasks with little to no exertion.

Strengths

• Engineered for cleaning tight places and detailing car interiors
• Packs a 33-inch SJT power cable that offers a wide cleaning path
• Lightweight and compact
• A built-in blower aids in blasting fallen leaves
• Convenient on/off switch to minimize user strain

Weaknesses

• Suction is rather weak– misses out on most dirt
• The cord clip keeps falling off

10.  Makita XCVO5Z 18V X2 LXT Backpack Vacuum

Makita’s XCV05Z is a bagged and best cordless backpack vacuum with a built-in dust extractor. Ideal for construction projects, large office buildings, hotels, and workshops, this backpack vacuum gives you high performance at a manageable weight.

The vacuum’s weight is rated at 9.4 pounds. This means the unit is flexible enough to handle during vacuuming or dust extraction jobs.

A powerful144-watt BL™ brushless motor delivers 53 cubic feet per minute (CFM) of suction and 28.5 inches of static water lift. It can pull out anything thrown its way.

Two 18-volt LXT 5.0Ah batteries provide up to 90 minutes of continuous runtime on low setting. On high setting, the batteries deliver 60 minutes of uninterrupted operation for cleaning up a sizeable space.

For added efficiency, its motor boasts an electronic control system that extends battery runtime by up to 50%. The LED light attached to the vacuum’s suction-speed controller helps you see the surrounding work area to ensure no dirt is left behind.

The vacuum’s dust bag holds not less than one-and-a-half gallons of debris. This allows you to work for longer stretches without emptying every so often.

Inside the unit is the dual-layer HEPA filter that traps 99.97% of microscopic particulate matter down to 0.3 microns. This implies that Makita’s XCV05Z complies with OSHA Rule 29 on respiratory crystalline silica exposure.

And, because the vacuum uses a brushless motor rather than a brushed DC motor, the entire unit generates 70 decibels of sound. As per OSHA requirements, you need a hearing protection when using it.

Strengths

• Lightweight and sure to use
• A strong suction power and water lift capacity
• Up to 90 minutes of continuous operation
• Combines a 39-inch bendable wand with a 34-inch telescoping wand for cleaning narrow spaces
• Integrated LED light illuminates dark areas

Weaknesses

• No batteries included
• The harness is susceptible to breaking

Best Backpack Vacuum for Home & Commercial Use – Buying Guide

Backpack vas aren’t created equal. Hence, this guide takes you through vital key pointers that should inform your purchase decision.

Power Consumption

Never buy a backpack vac that’s gonna spike your electricity bills. Most backpack vacs have between 500W and 3,000W power consumption rate. So, we recommend opting for around 1,400W power consumption.

Weight

There’s no approved rule of thumb for the best backpack vacuum weight.  We all have our limits, but get something with less than 15 lbs total weight. This is considered a lightweight vac that’s unlikely to strain your back as you clean.

Power Cord Length

You need to consider the power cord length when zeroing in on the best backpack vacuum cleaner. Longer power cords offer plenty of free movement, and drastically minimize the need to switch outlets every time. We prefer models having at least 35 inches of power cord.

Vacuum Tube Length

It’s worthwhile to consider the length of vacuum tube relative to your height when choosing a backpack vacuum. Often, what’s gonna inform your ideal length is your size and preference, because one-size-fits-all gimmick isn’t applicable here. To avoid picking a unit that’ll need constant bending, try out each vac to get a feel for ergonomics before purchasing it.

Ease of Use & Comfort

A good backpack vac should offer supreme comfort while vacuuming. Consequently, choose a unit whose harness is stable, firm and comfortable. It should provide the best fit for your body in relation to the weight distribution and the structure of the straps.

Suction Power

Suction power ratings determine how a backpack vacuum can suck dirt and grime. The best backpack vacuum is able to suck even the tiniest of particulate matter. Steer clear of units with the lowest ratings or those that don’t indicate their rating.

Noise Level

Vacs that emit high-pitched sounds can be a concern for homeowners who live with young kids or elderly. They can equally be a distress for those living in an apartment with neighbors who abhor noise. Preferably, choose models whose decibel scale ranges between low 60’s and mid to high 70’s because they won’t upset when fired up.

Attachments

Vacuum cleaners have different features and accessories. Before making any tangible purchase, find out whether the vac includes the extras you might need, such as crevice tools, upholstery brushes, extension wands, pet brushes, and dusting brushes. Focus particularly on the specific attachments you’d need rather than being obsessed with the sheer amount of accessories.

Final Verdict

The best backpack vacuum cleaner is a life saver for folks who hate hauling a canister or dragging an upright vacuum. An over-the-shoulder vac can dramatically reduce your cleaning time as well as the effort you usually put into cleaning.

For those in search for a convenient backpack vacuum for cleaning all messes around homes and commercial premises, the ProTeam Super CoachVac won’t disappoint. This jack-of-all-trades combines outstanding power, efficiency and comfort in a compact silhouette for convenient, deep-down cleaning.