12 Best HEPA Vacuum Cleaners For Allergies UK 2023 (Expert Reviews)

As well as Enjoying talking about himself in the third person the Appliance Hunter also likes to be able to breathe properly. So as an Asthma sufferer a HEPA vacuum is a must.

But even if you’re not an allergy sufferer a HEPA vacuum can be a good idea to help purify the air in your home keeping it fresher.

And if you’re a pet owner it can take any allergens out the air so even people with pet allergies can come visit (check out my guide to pet hair vacuums for more info).

I’ve searched high and low hunting through the lands to bring you the best HEPA vacuums available here in the UK, I even went back in 2022 and updated to all the latest and greatest models so you can be sure these are the absolute best choices. Check them out below.

Top 5 Best HEPA Vacuum Cleaners For Allergies UK

• Top Choice – Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner [NZ850UK] with Powered Lift-Away and Anti Hair Wrap
• Best Cordless HEPA Vacuum – Dyson V8 Animal Complete Cordless Vacuum Cleaner
• Best For pet allergies – Miele Blizzard CX1 Excellence PowerLine Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
• Best Canister Vacuum – Hoover Enigma Pets Bagged Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner
• Best Cheap – VYTRONIX CYL01 Powerful Compact Cyclonic Bagless Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner

1. Top Choice – Shark Upright Vacuum Cleaner [NZ850UK] with Powered Lift-Away, Anti Hair Wrap

I love Shark vacuums, they come up time and time again across all my articles because they offer superb suction and great value for money. The latest Dyson is probably “better” but the prices are getting out of control so in my mind they aren’t as worth the money.

This NZ850 was a great step up over the NZ800 because they managed to somehow increase the suction by 25%! That is some serious suction power and will get in and clean even deep pile and old carpets. First run around you’re going to be slightly horrified at how much dirt gets picked up.

There is an allergy seal around the tank that traps in 99.9% of dust and allergens, which combined with the serious suction leaves you with a ridiculously clean house. The body also lifts out so that you can vacuum any stairs or high corners with the hose for a full house clean.

Its main downside is that all that power and suction comes at a cost, and that’s the weight of the whole thing, it is on the heavier side as far as vacuums go so it takes a bit of work to get around the house. But you can lower the suction for easier movement and the deep clean is absolutely worth it.

If you care about cleanliness and keeping your house clean and fresh then you won’t do better than with the Shark NV850UK. Oh, and did I mention the anti hair wrap that stops long hair from getting tangled around the brush head? Genius.

2. Best Cordless HEPA Vacuum – Dyson V8 Animal Complete Cordless Vacuum Cleaner

This is easily the best vacuum cleaner if you’re worried about allergies or you’re looking to ease asthma, the 40 minutes run time is plenty to get around your whole house and it’s light enough for easy daily cleaning.

It’s got a motorised brush head for maximum pick up but it can also be used as a handheld vacuum and that also has a smaller motorised brush to get pet hair up our furniture but also every other little speck of dust too.

The filter is the best you can get, you can trust Dyson to provide you with the best there is. The only reason this isn’t my top choice is it’s more expensive, but I can assure you it’s my favourite vacuum cleaner and worth every penny.

It’s got all the accessories you need for a deep clean of your house and a 1.8 m long cord for charging. But with 40 minutes run time you don’t ever need to use it corded.

It also charges with a charging station that you mount on the wall for easy storage.

The best vacuum cleaner for allergies, or if you’ve got someone coming over who has allergies.

3. Best For pet allergies – Miele Blizzard CX1 Excellence PowerLine Bagless Vacuum Cleaner

This is an excellent choice if you’re looking to get a deep clean because this Miele uses Vortex technology to separate the big dirt you pick up before the fine dust particles are fed through a separate HEPA filter. The airflow speeds actually exceed 100 km/h!

​This leaves you with a deeper clean but does mean you have to periodically clean out the filter.

Good on hardwood floors and carpets thanks to the adjustable power settings, and it’s got a 2-year guarantee but has been tested for the equivalent of 20 years use!

It might seem more expensive than other canister vacuums but you can’t argue with 20-years worth of quality.

Emptying is a breeze because you just open the container from the bottom once it’s in the bin and all the dust falls out the bottom, and because all the fine dust is collected in the filter it doesn’t cause a big cloud when you empty it.

Overall: A super choice of allergy vacuum, picks up pet dander, pet hair, allergens from the air, and everything else.

4. Best Canister Vacuum – Hoover Enigma Pets Bagged Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner

My frugal brain doesn’t particularly like bagged vacuums, having to buy a top-up so you can keep vacuuming is just a pain.

But.

I can’t deny it is very hygienic, all the dust is stored in a bag and in the case of this Hoover, it’s a self-sealing bag that ensures there are no dust clouds when emptying it.

And if you are cleaning up after a pet but can’t afford a more luxury vacuum then this Hoover is a great choice. Plenty of suction power and you’ve got a crevice tool, furniture tool and a pet hair tool to deep clean into every single nook and cranny of your house.

It’s also quiet for a vacuum cleaner which is great for a house with pets in it, it’s 66bd which is quieter than a dishwasher which typically runs at 70db. But louder than normal speech which is about 60db. So it still sounds like a vacuum but it doesn’t sound like a jet is taking off in your living room.

Overall: A great vacuum for the clean conscious with its easy empty and minimal mess bag system.

5. Best Cheap – VYTRONIX CYL01 Powerful Compact Cyclonic Bagless Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner

This is a fantastic vacuum cleaner considering the low price, it’s got plenty of suction power to pick up all the dust off the ground. More importantly, it’s got a 4 stage filtration system to ensure that absolutely no allergens are expelled out the other end.

It’s got all the attachments you need to get into every corner and in and around your sofa cushions for a deeper clean.

Of course, it’s not as good as the more expensive vacuums on this list but for the price, it’s not bad at all.

The way the nozzle fits in can lead it to topple over if you’re not paying attention as you’re dragging it along but this isn’t uncommon for this style of vacuum cleaner.

Overall: Considering the low price this gets you a surprisingly good clean.

What is a HEPA Filter?

HEPA, which stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air, is an air purifier filter which traps 99.97% of particulates that are over .3 microns.

Let’s break that down further. What is a micron?

A micron is a particle that is one-millionth of a meter. So, that can range a bit in size. Some microns are even big enough to be detected by the human eye. Still very small though.

As a frame of reference, a spore is 3-40 microns. Bacteria is .3 to 60 microns, mould is 3-12 microns and a dust mite is 10 microns.

Out of those examples, then a HEPA filter will trap all of them including bacteria. That keeps your air very pure. Any particle smaller than .3 microns may pass through the filter, but in general, even those smaller ones are effectively trapped.

A HEPA filter must be tested and the minimum accepted range is the previously mentioned 99.97% of microns trapped.

The way a HEPA filter works is by a series of mesh layers that not only trap the larger particles from getting through, but also by the collision of smaller particles against larger ones. Some HEPA filters are washable, and some need to be replaced once they are no longer effective.

Not all HEPA filters are equal, however. Some are simple and use tried and true methods to clear the air, and others are enhanced to trap a variety of particulates.

What Are the Different Types of HEPA Filters?

There are different types of HEPA filters. Which kind you need will be determined by what problem you need to be solved.

If you just want the dust mites out of the air when you vacuum then a simple HEPA will do the trick. If you need odours from pets or cigarette smoke removed, then a simple one may not be enough.

Some other types of HEPA filters:

Activated Carbon

There is a layer of activated carbon in the filter that doesn’t just trap particles, it reacts with them chemically.

This is very effective at removing odours and chemicals from the air.

Ionic

This type of HEPA filter charges negative ions that attract particles with positive ions. They then bond together and are too heavy to pass through the mesh of the filter.

This helps with eliminating pollutants from the air as well as odours.

UV Air Purifiers

By using electromagnetic radiation against the dust, it kills moulds, viruses, bacteria and yeast. It doesn’t filter out any dust particles, it just sort of cleans the dust before it gets filtered out. Even using a HEPA with UV, it’s important to note the rating to see if it will filter out enough microns for your allergy needs.

If you are an allergy sufferer then having a vacuum that leaves the air cleaner after using it is extremely important. A vacuum without proper filtration could make your allergies worse.

Must-Have Features of a Vacuum for Allergies

When looking into a vacuum for allergy sufferers, it’s important to take note of a few features.

Here are a few items you should look for when determining if the vacuum you are considering will indeed help out with your allergies.

Standard of Filtration

Your basic HEPA filter will be rated to filter 99.97% of particles over .3 microns. That is probably enough for most allergy sufferers. However, people that have certain allergies may need something stronger than that.

There are HEPA filters on vacuums that remove 99.99% of particles up to .3 microns, and even some that are rated for even smaller particles, around .2 microns.

Sealed System

Many good vacuums these days come very tightly sealed. If you are an allergy sufferer, you need to make sure that the vacuum with a HEPA filter is among them. If the gaskets leak air then the HEPA filter is useless.

Dust laden air will be making its way back into your home before it gets filtered. Leaky systems are also not very good at suction and you wouldn’t want that even without allergy issues.

Bagged vs Bagless

Bagless vacuums are very popular since they are generally more efficient and keep their suction better than bagged vacuums. However, emptying a dusty canister means having a lot of the dust you are trying to avoid coming in very close contact with you.

Bagged vacuums, therefore, maybe a better option if you have bad allergies. Many bagged vacuums have an automatic seal system that closes as soon as you detach it. Simply drop the bag in the bin and avoid any dust altogether.

There are even some models that have the bag itself act as a filter.

Attachments

Allergens are not only trapped in your carpets but on just about any surface. To make sure your entire house is allergen-free after vacuuming you may need some specialized attachments. A good upholstery brush, for example. If you have pets, a turbo brush to clean your sofa and pet beds is essential.

Certificates

There are organizations like the British Allergy Foundation that will give their stamp of approval for vacuums that have special features for people with allergies. This can give some peace of mind that the product has been tested with you in mind.

Other HEPA Vacuum Cleaners For Allergies Reviewed

Shark Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Cleaner [NV601UK]

This was the old top choice, still a great vacuum, still got the hepa filter but now there’s an even better model available for not a lot more so I swapped it out when I updated in 2022

The most important feature of this vacuum is that it’s got a HEPA filter and a complete seal to ensure 99.9% of allergens are picked up and stored in the vacuum, they’re not going to escape back out the exhaust.

You’ll just want to empty it straight into your outside bin.

It’s also got LED lights across the front at floor level so you can see under sofas and tables but also clearly see if there is anything on the floor.

This is also a lift-away model so the body lifts off to act as a handheld vacuum for cleaning stairs and getting into your sofa. The HEPA filtration system is still at work here so you can get every single piece of dust and allergens up and out of your house.

It’s reasonably lightweight, the perfect balance of effectiveness and cost, you can’t go wrong.

Energise Vibe Vacuum

Runner up to the Amazon basic is this Vax cheap HEPA vacuum. It is still a great vacuum even considering its very low price tag.

It sports a powerful 950-watt motor that provides a good amount of suction. The attachments can help you get a total home clean up. With a crevice tool, upholstery brush and dusting brush, you can reach every nook and cranny thanks to the telescopic wand and long hose.

The HEPA filter can trap particles and also, the body is sealed well. Earning it an A rating for dust re-emissions. Of course, as is the case with so many of these bagless vacuums, the canister will cause a small dust cloud when you empty it.

I can only recommend bagless cylinder vacuums for allergy sufferers that don’t have severe allergies.

It’s very lightweight and easy to move around. The small profile enables easy storage and also to clean stairs.

HEPA Cyclonic Vacuum Cleaner

Brand: VonHaus

Type: Bagless Cylinder

Pros:

• 700 watt
• 2.5 litre bagless
• Quiet at 76 dB
• Telescopic tube
• Crevice tool and upholstery brush included
• Auto shut off in case of overheating
• Lightweight 6.7 kg

Cons:

• Short 6 m cord

View Price at Amazon.co.uk

The most popular HEPA filter enabled vacuum is this smart cylinder vacuum by VonHaus. It has a great price and some features that make it easy to see why it sells so well on Amazon.

There is one caveat, however. This is a bagless model and there will be dust spilling into the air when you empty the cylinder. If you have severe allergies you may want to keep this in mind.

If your allergies are seasonal or are not too serious, then this shouldn’t be an issue.

With all that said, the vacuum itself does a great job of filtering the air through the HEPA filter to keep it from circulating throughout your house. Another interesting feature is an alarm if the filter gets clogged.

Well, more like a high pitched sound that comes from the unit rather than a dedicated alarm, but enough to alert you to an underperforming filter. If it happens you just need to empty the bin to remove the debris.

As far as other functions not related to allergies, the vacuum is good on both hard floors and carpets alike. It sports two speeds. Low for carpet and high for the floor. This, along with no rotating brush head, makes it a very good option for deep pile carpets.

It’s on the lighter side of a cylinder vacuum at less than 7 kg so it is highly manoeuvrable. The small profile also helps here. As well as for storage.

Though I wouldn’t recommend it for anybody with very serious allergies, for somebody with sensitivity to dust or dust mites, then this is enough to keep your house free from allergens. In all, it is a good value vacuum for allergies.

Basic Allergy Vacuum Cleaner

This is only a cheap HEPA filter vacuum in name. Because it is Amazon’s product, they can sell it cheaper than the competition while keeping many features people are looking for.

Sometimes, these cheap, ultra-budget items seem like they just couldn’t possibly work well. This smart little hoover is proof that you can buy quality products on a budget.

The motor is powerful yet, AAA-rated in energy efficiency and the variable suction is a good feature to have for when changing surface types. Low suction for deep pile rugs and high for hard floors.

For accessories, you get a crevice tool, upholstery brush and parquet brush. The hose is 1.5 meters and adjustable, so even though the cord is on the short side, you do get a good range of cleaning.

The reason you’re reading this review is to find out if the HEPA filter is good enough. It is rated at a 12 which means it is very good at picking up particulates down to .3 microns. But, what makes this a very good option for somebody looking for a cheap HEPA filter vacuum is the fact that it is A-rated at dust emissions. It is sealed well so the filter can do it well.

The one disappointment when it comes to some of these HEPA filter vacuums is the bagless chamber. When dumping the debris, you do risk inhaling some of the allergens. Make sure to keep it in mind if your allergy is rather bad.

Expert Vacuum Cleaner

The Philips Expert does it all if you are a pet owner. It is so powerful that it claims to remove up to 40% more dust than its peers. This is welcome news if you are one of those pet owners that have allergies to pet hair or dander.

The HEPA 13 rated filter gets 99.99% of all particles over .3 microns. Consider, in addition to that, how much more dust you can remove with this vacuum and you begin to see how this is so highly rated for a HEPA vacuum for pet allergies.

With an A rating for dust re-emission, it effectively filters and retains the dust and particles inside and out of the air in your home.

The TriactiveMax head works great by beating the carpet to get the deep-down dust within. This helps immensely not only keeping your carpets cleaner and fresher but to reduce the suffering for pet owners with allergies.

Usually, the bagless varieties of vacuum end up leaving a plume of dust when emptying. The dustbin features a spout system that reduces the amount of dust that puffs up when emptying.

The articulating head makes it very easy to manoeuvre. Also, the design of the head reduces the stick on suction that some other powerful vacuums have. This makes it a breeze to clean up without needing to manhandle the nozzle off the floor.

This is one of the best all-around cylinder vacuums on the market. It comes highly recommended even if you don’t have pet allergies. Or even pets for that matter! If you do have allergies, then this should be on your shortlist as you research.

NV340UKT Lift-Away Upright Vacuum Cleaner

Knowing that pet owners suffer from allergies with a myriad of dust mites, bacteria and other nefarious particles in the air of their home, Shark made this vacuum with them in mind.

It excels at cleaning pet hair and deep, stubborn pet messes. Also, though, is an excellent filtration system that traps 99.99% of particles .3 microns or over. The HEPA filter does its job with the body specially sealed to make sure that no dust-filled air can evade the filter.

There are two other mesh filters in addition to the HEPA and all are washable.

Rotating brush bars on the floor head beat the pet hairs and other large debris into submission before it is sucked up into the canister. Then there is a powerful turbo brush for pet hair.

Then the fact that this turns into a handheld with a flexible hose means that you can clean the stairs or your car. All the while enjoying clean, bacteria and particle-free air while you’re at it.

The Shark excels at both carpets and hard floors. It’s one of the best vacuums for hard floors as it has a dust away feature to wipe up any dust residue left behind by the nozzle.

The only downside is the canister when emptying. You will still have to be very careful when emptying the bagless canister to avoid undoing all the work the filters have done.

Hoover Power Capsule Pets PC20PET Bagged Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner

I’ll be honest, if you’re worried about pet allergies and need a great vacuum, the Shark or the Dyson above will be a better choice. But if you don’t have the money for those that’s fine because this hoover is a great alternative that’s more budget-friendly.

It’s a bagged hoover which is great for clean up, you can simply unclip the bag and throw it away without the dust explosion that sometimes comes from a bagless vacuum. But I’d still remove the bag outside.

The air that comes through the Hoover comes out purified and fresh into your home with allergens removed. plus it’s got a pet brush attachment you can use to give your sofas and curtains a more thorough vacuuming.

It comes with disposable bags, and generally, you pay about £8 for 4 bags either on Amazon or in a shop, which is very reasonable, some vacuums you’re looking at 20-30 for replacement bags, plus they have a large 5 litre capacity so you should only need to empty it every month or so depending on how often you vacuum.

The suction is strong and the working radius from plug to end of the hose is 9m so you can get around good portions of the house without having to unplug and replug the vacuum in over and over.

While not as powerful as the Shark or Dyson, a great little vacuum for the price point.

Related Reading

7 Best Wet And Dry Vacuum Cleaners UK 2023 – An Expert Buyers Guide
10 Best Shark Vacuum Reviews UK 2023 – An Expert Buyer’s Guide