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Hoover vs. Bissell

Derek Hales

Written By: Derek Hales

Updated on:

Hoover vs. Bissell — both of these names have been commonplace in the vacuum market for over 100 years, but what has each brand done with 100 years of experience?

Despite their similar years of operation, Hoover and Bissell have both grown into distinctively different brands.

Bissell Vs Hoover Vacuum Comparison

With some overlap in vacuum type, these brands have quite a few differences in features and model specifics.

The guide below will dive into different available models from each brand, and compare like products between the two names.

Table of Contents

  1. Cordless
  2. Handhelds
  3. Uprights
  4. Robots
  5. Best

Hoover Vacuums Overview

Hoover has over a century of vacuum experience under its belt, with a wide selection of models and features available.

Hoover Tempo Widepath usability

While Hoover started in the upright vacuum market, it has since expanded into other areas, including cordless stick vacuums, handheld vacuumscanister vacuums, and even hands-free robot vacuums.

Best Hoover Vacuum

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Hoover T-Series WindTunnel

The Hoover T-Series WindTunnel is a corded upright vacuum cleaner. It is extraordinarily popular due to its solid performance and exceptionally fair price. It performed well during our cleaning tests, scoring nearly flawlessly on carpets (but it did struggle on hardwood). Nevertheless, it’s a great budget vacuum pick for most homes.Check Price

Bissell Vacuums Overview

Similar to Hoover, Bissell has also been around for quite a long time—over 100 years, in fact. Bissell vacuums today include all major vacuum types—handheldstickuprightcanister, or robot vacuums.

There is a wide variety of Bissell model options as well as well as price ranges. Features range from a simple bagged upright vacuum to an autonomous, self-charging robot vacuum.

The low profile head of the Zing allows for increased maneuverability

Both Hoover and Bissell are going to be more budget-friendly than other brands, like vacuums from the Dyson vacuum lineup or even some of the higher end Shark vacuum cleaners. Most Bissell and Hoover vacuum cleaners fall at into the modertae-low price tiers, for even the most advanced models.

Best Bissell Vacuum

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Bissell Cleanview 1831

The Bissell Cleanview series is a popular upright corded vacuum. Like the Hoover Windtunnel, it’s very reasonable priced, while still offering the essentials most want in an upright. The Cleanview features a lightweight design (15.4 lbs), removable dust bin, 6 foot hose, and 25 foot cord. Neither the Bissell Cleanview or Hoover Windtunnel are going to beat a $300-$500 Dyson, but for their price they offer solid performance.Check Price

Hoover vs. Bissell Cordless Vacuums

Both Hoover and Bissell have similar lineups, but there are a few key differences between each brand name.

ModelHoover LinxBissell Bolt Pet Lithium-IonHoover CruiseBissell Bolt XRT
Hoover Linx Cordless stick vacuum reviewBissell Bolt Pet Lithium Ion stick vacuum reviewHoover Cruise cordless stick vacuum reviewBissell Bolt ION XRT stick 2-in-1 vacuum review
Height44"44"45"44"
Width10.6"10"9"10"
Depth8"6"9"6"
Weight10 lbs.5.8 lbs.4.7 lbs.9.1 lbs.
2-in-1NoYesYesYes
2 way foldNoYesNoYes
CordlessYesYesYesYes
Battery18 V14.4 V
22 V25.2 V
Run Time~20 minutes~25 minutes~30 minutes~40 minutes
Dust Bin Capacity1.0 L0.4 L0.40 L
Maintenance Costs$8 / year$13 / year$13 / year
Cleaning Performance92%66%
PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price

Aesthetically, these vacuums don’t necessarily have the ultra-modern look of competitive top-of-the-line brands, but they can still provide a quality clean at a fraction of the cost.

Compared to DysonsRoombas, or even select Shark vacuum cleaners, Hoover and Bissell are generally more affordable to the average consumer.

With this price drop, will come some lack of features and performance, but fora lower price, there are many options to choose from.

Bissell Bolt Pet

  • Dimensions: 6″ x 10″ x 44″
  • Run Time: ~25 minutes
  • Maintenance: ~$13 / year
  • Weight: 5.8 pounds

The Bissell Bolt Pet Lithium Ion cordless stick vacuum is a lightweight stick vacuum that can run as an upright or a portable handheld vacuum—say hello to the 2-in-1. After a full 4-hour charge, this stick vacuum can run for about 25 minutes, possibly less depending on flooring type.

Bissell Bolt Pet Lithium Ion cordless stick vacuum
Bissell Bolt Pet Lithium Ion

The Bissel Bolt collection offers a few different models and style, but this Pet model seems to be one of the most popular.

The “Pet” designation highlights some of the unique accessories included with this model, like the pet hair nozzle, sweep and scoop tool, and pet hair brushroll. It also includes the standard accessories, like the crevice tool and dusting brush.

One of the more unique features of the Bissell Bolt Pet is the two-way folding handle. This allows the vacuum to squeeze under extremely hard-to-reach areas. or tight spaces. This feature is similar to the flex of the Shark IonFlex DuoClean, but at a fraction of the price.

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Pros

  • Nice find for the budget-conscious consumer
  • 2-in-1 design for added versatility
  • XL dust bin capacity, compared to similar models

Cons

  • Relatively short run time
  • A few select third-party reviews complained about its lack of cleaning and suction power

Hoover Linx Cordless

  • Dimensions: 10.6″ x 8″ x 44″
  • Run Time: ~20 minutes
  • Maintenance: ~$8 / year
  • Weight: 10 pounds

The Hoover Linx Cordless stick vacuum looks fairly similar to the Bissell Bolt Pet, but take note—this model is not a 2-in-1 vacuum.

Nice features of the Hoover Linx cordless include an edge-to-edge cleaning head, XL dust bin capacity (over twice the capacity of the Bissell Bolt Pet vacuum), and a good price tag.

Hoover Linx cordless stick vacuum
Hoover Linx cordless stick vacuum

Potential downsides to this model would be its heavier weight and relatively short run time. To counteract one of those downsides, Hoover does offer the Linx in a corded vacuum model. Unlike the cordless, which relies on charging a lithium-ion battery, the corded model has an endless supply of power, as long as it can reach the outlet.

You can read the full Hoover Linx corded stick vacuum review here for the in-depth analysis (with cleaning performance testing.)

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Pros

  • Edge-to-edge cleaning brushroll
  • Twice the dust bin capacity of the Bissell Bolt Pet

Cons

  • Relatively short run time, varying from 15-25 minutes, depending on floor type.
  • Questionable cleaning performance on hardwood floors (we tested the Hoover Linx corded model, assuming they are similar.)
  • At 10lbs, this is not necessarily a lightweight stick vacuum

Hoover Cruise Ultra Light Cordless

  • Dimensions: 9″ x 9″ x 45″
  • Run Time: ~30 minutes
  • Maintenance: Unknown
  • Weight: 4.7 pounds

The Hoover Ultra Light Cruise cordless stick vacuum is a Hoover stick that is a sibling to the Hoover Linx, but also has quite a few differences. Both models are cordless—the Linx running with an 18 V battery and the Cruise operating with a 22 V battery. This enhanced battery results in about 10 extra minutes of run time (a total of approximately 30 minutes).

The dust bin is about half the size of the Linx, but that also translates to being about half the overall weight as well (4.7 pounds vs. 10 pounds). The other main difference is the 2-in-1 versatility. The Hoover Ultra Light Cruise is a 2-in-1, so it can run as a stick vacuum or a portable handheld.

The Hoover Ultra Light Cruise stick vacuum set includes a battery charger, crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, and a wall mount for easy storage.

Hoover Ultra Light Cruise cordless stick vacuum
Hoover Ultra Light Cruise cordless stick vacuum

Going on looks alone, some might say that this model has some striking resemblance to the Dyson V-Series stick vacuum—and they wouldn’t be wrong.

The in-hand dust bin canister, contracting wand, and sleek, low-profile cleaning head all seem to strike a chord with Dyson’s popular cordless stick vacuum. That being said, looks are basically where the similarities stop.

The actual cleaning systems, battery performance, and overall dynamic design are quite different. As with most of these cases, you get what you pay for; however on a budget, the Hoover Cruise may still be one worth considering.

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Pros

  • Mimics the style of the Dyson V-series stick vacuums, but at a lower price point
  • Lighter body weight over the Hoover Linx cordless stick vacuum
  • Includes a good number of accessories

Cons

  • The cleaning performance of the Cruise vs. the Dyson has not been fully tested to know if it performs at the same level. However, based on 3rd party reviews we think the answer is going to be “no”
  • Shorter run time than the Dyson V10, V8, and V7 cordless stick vacuum
  • Some reviews say that it clogs with pet hair

Bissell Crosswave

  • Dimensions: 12″ x 10.6″ x 46″
  • Power: ~25′ cord
  • Maintenance: ~$40 / year
  • Weight: 11 pounds

The Bissell Crosswave is a unique offering from Bissell in that it is a 2-in-1, wet and dry vacuum. It can vacuum hard surfaces and area rugs as well as wet mop and scrub them. The cleaning performance of this model was pretty exceptional, considering all of the features that it offers.

Bissell Crosswave
Bissell Crosswave

The Bissell Crosswave comes with a multi-surface brushroll, hardwood floor brushroll, area rug brushroll, pet brushroll, an assortment of cleaning solutions, a cleaning tray, and a washable filter.

Bissell Crosswave dirty water tank
Removing the Crosswave’s dirty water tank

This stick vacuum is designed to “do it all” on hardwood floors but is not designed to tackle vacuuming carpeted floors. It comes with a 25′ power cord, which wraps around the back of the vacuum.

Check out our full review of the Bissell Crosswave stick wet/dry vacuum here, complete with in-depth cleaning testing. Additionally, you may be interested in our Bissell Crosswave vs. Hoover Floormate comparison.

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Pros

  • Vacuums and mops hard surface flooring and area rugs
  • A variety of specialized brushrolls are available (multi-surface, hardwood, area rugs, pets)

Cons

  • Not equipped to tackle vacuuming carpeted flooring
  • Relatively short 25′ power cord, could mean plugging and unplugging more for a whole-home cleaning cycle

Bissell Bolt Ion XRT

  • Dimensions: 6″ x 10″ x 44″
  • Run Time: ~40 minutes
  • Maintenance: ~$13 / year
  • Weight: 9.1 pounds

The Bissell Bolt Ion XRT is essentially an upgraded model to the Bolt Pet. Between these two models, both are cordless, but the XRT has a stronger 25.2 V battery that offers about 30% more power and twice the run time of the standard Bissell Bolt Pet cordless stick vacuum.

It is also a 2-in-1 style so it can operate as an upright or portable handheld vacuum, depending on where the mess is.

Bissell Bolt XRT
Bissell Bolt XRT

Other features include swivel steering, a charging base, on/off brushroll switch, and 180 degree swivel steering. The Bolt Ion XRT also has the same two-way folding handle as the Bolt Pet vacuum, which allows the vacuum to flex backwards to reach under furniture or for compact storage.

Accessories with the XRT includes a crevice tool, dusting brush, and a 6″ wide suction tool for the handheld vacuum and a multi-surface brushroll to use when operating as a stick vacuum.

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Pros

  • Extended 40 minute run time, longer than most comparable models
  • 25.2 V battery equates to stronger suction power

Cons

  • Smaller dust bin capacity than comparable models

Hoover vs. Bissell Handhelds

When it comes to handheld vacuums, Bissell and Hoover both have a pretty nice selection. Bissell handhelds tend to focus on pet owners, while Hoover takes a more generalized approach.

There is a wide selection of corded and cordless models, some with many attachments, some with none at all, and a variety of price points as well. The table below provides a wide level comparison of the most popular handheld models between the two brands.

ModelHoover Air CordlessBissell Pet Hair Eraser CordlessBissell Pet Hair Eraser
Hoover Air cordless handheld vacuumBissell Pet Hair Eraser handheld cordless vacuumBissell Pet Hair Eraser
Length17.5"16"10"
Width4.2"6.8"5"
Depth4.8"4.5"8"
Weight4 lbs.3 lbs.5 lbs.
PowerLithium-Ion battery20 V Lithium-Ion battery15' cord
Run Time15 minutes15 minutesN/A
BaglessYesYesYes
Dust Capacity0.7 L0.7 L0.7 L
Maintenance Costs$40 / year$20-40 / year$11 / year
PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser

  • Dimensions: 10″ x 8″ x 5″
  • Power: 15′ cord
  • Maintenance: $11 / year
  • Weight: 5 pounds

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser handheld vacuum is a pocket-sized handheld that packs a powerful punch. Considering its size, I’ve gotta admit, I didn’t really expect much out of this little guy. But in the battle against pet hair, it really provides great suction power.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser small handheld vacuum review
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser

This handheld is corded and comes with two nozzles: a rubberized nozzle specifically for cleaning pet hair (especially from upholstery) and a hard nozzle for messes on hard surfaces.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser is only 5 pounds

You can read the full Bissell Pet Hair Eraser handheld review here, complete with cleaning performance testing.

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Pros

  • Great at cleaning up pet hair, using the rubberized cleaning head
  • Compact size for portability and quick and easy cleanup

Cons

  • Corded power makes this vacuum a little more difficult for “on-the-go” cleaning
  • Small dust bin capacity due to its small size

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Cordless

  • Dimensions: 16″ x 6.8″ x 4.5″
  • Run Time: ~15 minutes
  • Maintenance: ~$20-$40 / year
  • Weight: 4.7 pounds

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser handheld also comes in a cordless model. This model has the same name as the handheld above, but really lacks resemblance in any way. Aesthetically, it’s black and lime green, with a much longer body style than the corded Bissell Pet Hair Eraser.

It comes with three attachments: an upholstery tool, crevice tool, and motorized brush tool.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser cordless
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser cordless

The motorized brushroll and lack of a rubber nozzle mean this design is a bit different than Bissell’s other pet hair handheld. Despite the design differences, the brushroll is able to dig into and remove pet hair from most fabrics and upholstery.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser cordless
For most, the convenience of cordless is worth giving up a little performance

Additionally, the larger dust bin capacity, can be nice for around-the-house messes or taking it on the go.

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Pros

  • Includes more accessories than the corded Bissell Pet Hair Eraser
  • Cordless for added versatility and multiple uses, at home or on the go
  • Larger 0.7 L dust bin capacity

Cons

  • Relatively short run time, compared to similar models
  • High annual maintenance costs, due to costly filter replacements

Hoover Air Cordless

  • Dimensions: 17.5″ x 4.8″ x 4.2″
  • Run Time: ~15 minutes
  • Maintenance: $40 / year
  • Weight: 3.7 pounds

The Hoover Air cordless is a handheld vacuum that operates independently or can be partnered up with the Hoover Air stick vacuum for a 2-in-1 power tool.

Hoover Air cordless handheld vacuum
Hoover Air cordless handheld vacuum

It has a compact design and comes with few accessories including: a crevice tool, brush tool, lithium-ion battery, and a battery charger.

Hoover Air Cordless handheld vacuum accessories
1) battery and 2) nozzle extender

During our cleaning tests, we found this model to be pretty effective, with the exception of cleaning up large-debris messes (like cereal). You can read our complete Hoover Air Cordless review here.

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Pros

  • Can be converted to a 2-in-1 (stick attachment sold separately)
  • Pretty good suction and corner / crevice cleaning due to long nose

Cons

  • Costly battery replacement and generally high annual maintenance costs
  • Poor cleaning performance for large debris messes

Hoover vs. Bissell Upright Vacuums

The world of upright vacuums is a comfortable one for both Hoover and Bissell, offering a variety of options and multiple iterations of styles, models, and capabilities.

ModelHoover T-Series WindTunnelBissell Pet Hair EraserHoover AirBissell CleanView (9595A)Hoover React
Hoover Windtunnel T-Series vacuum reviewBissell Pet Hair Eraser VacuumHoover Air upright vacuum cleaner review Bissell CleanView upright vacuum cleaner reviewHoover React upright vacuum cleaner review
Height44"46.8"37.4"44"44.5"
Width16"12.4"13.7"12.5"13.4"
Depth12"13.5"11.6"13.5"12.2"
Weight16.5 lbs.18 lbs.13.05 lbs.15.1 lbs.16.93 lbs.
Power25' cord30' cord30' cord25' cord30' cord
Dust Bin Capacity3.0 L1.5 L1.2 L2.0 L1.5 L
Maintenance Costs$23 / year$52 / year
Cleaning Score93%85%
PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price

Both Hoover and Bissell vacuums range in price from from low to moderate pricing generally. Most are bagless models, with the exception of the Hoover Widepath upright, which is a bagged system.

These traditional uprights include multiple accessories and versatile ways to use the vacuum all around the home. Some of the uprights are even 2-in-1 vacuums with a portable lift canister, like the Hoover React.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser

  • Dimensions: 12.4″ x 13.5″ x 46.8″
  • Power: 30′ cord
  • Maintenance: ~$52-60 / year
  • Weight: 18 pounds

The Bissell Pet Hair Eraser upright vacuum is the full size version of the Pet Hair Eraser cordless. Unlike the handheld version, the upright Pet Hair Eraser is a corded model, but with the cord also comes an increase in power and suction for improved cleaning performance.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser upright vacuum side view

It has an edge-to-edge cleaning head for an XL 12″ wide cleaning path. It comes with a crevice tool, 8′ hose, quick-release wand, motorized brush tool, and a 2-in-1 pet brush. The design of the handle makes it easy to use the hose in-hand and maneuver around tricky spaces or spot clean areas, like upholstery.

Bissell Pet Hair Eraser - best upright vacuum value
Bissell Pet Hair Eraser

Amidst all of the features, one downside of this model is the higher than usual annual maintenance costs—approximately $52 / year with a standard filter replacement or up to $60 / year for the upgraded Febreze filter.

You can read the full Bissell Pet Hair Eraser upright vacuum review here.

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Pros

  • Advanced brushroll design is great for tackling pet hair, tangle-free
  • Includes a variety of added accessories and attachments

Cons

  • Overall, it struggled with fine debris, especially on carpet.
  • Heavier than many models, which could make it harder to maneuver

Bissell CleanView

  • Dimensions: 12.5″ x 13.5″ x 44″
  • Power: 25′ cord
  • Maintenance: Unknown
  • Weight: 15.1 pounds

The Bissell CleanView upright vacuum has been a part of the Bissell lineup for many years, which results in quite a few different sub-models. This mini-review is going to look specifically at the 9595A model.

This model includes an XL 2.0 L dust bin capacity, OnePass brushroll technology, and lighter than some other comparable Bissell uprights (at only 15.1 lbs).

Bissell CleanView upright vacuum cleaner review
Bissell CleanView upright vacuum

For easy maintenance, it also includes a washable filter with pre-motor filter. This helps to keep the annual maintenance costs to a minimum.

It comes with four primary accessories: the extension wand, TurboBrush tool, dusting brush, and a crevice tool.

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Pros

  • Lightweight body style for better maneuverability and portability
  • XL 2.0 L dist bin capacity for whole-home cleaning

Cons

  • Slightly shorter cord than usual, at only 25′
  • The design is a little bulky and it lacks advanced swivel steering

Hoover T-Series WindTunnel

  • Dimensions: 16″ x 16.5″ x 44″
  • Power: 25′ cord
  • Maintenance: ~$23 / year
  • Weight: 16.5 pounds

The Hoover T-Series WindTunnel is a bagless corded upright vacuum.

To date, it’s one of the best performing upright vacuums we’ve tested (see more of the best vacuums we’ve tested), which is all the more impressive, given it’s also remarkably inexpensive. During our cleaning tests, it scored a solid 84%, with most of its struggles resulting from hardwood floors.

Hoover Windtunnel vacuum cleaner
Hoover Windtunnel

The WindTunnel performance across our carpeted tests was excellent.

Close up shot of the floor head offered by the Windtunnel T-Series vacuum
Close-up shot of the floor head offered by the WindTunnel T-Series vacuum

The Hoover T-Series WindTunnel includes a motorized brushroll, accessory clip, crevice tool, and dusting brush.

For additional information, check out our Hoover T-Series WindTunnel review here.

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Pros

  • Internal cord wrap system is a nice extra that you don’t see many other places.
  • Excellent cleaning performance on carpets.
  • Sizable 3.0 liter bagless dustbin

Cons

  • Less than great performance on hardwood floors
  • Fairly loud at 81 dB

Hoover Tempo Widepath

  • Dimensions: 15″ x 13″ x 43″
  • Power: 25′ cord
  • Maintenance: ~$18 / year
  • Weight: 14.8 pounds

The Hoover Tempo Widepath is a bagged corded upright vacuum. In fact, this is one of the only bagged upright vacuums in this review of the two brands.

While bagged units are less popular today than they were 20 years ago, they can still provide some benefits for allergy-sufferers or those who simply want the simplicity of trashing the bag and replacing it, without the hassle of emptying out the dirt.

Hoover Tempo Widepath vacuum
Hoover Tempo Widepath vacuum

Before scratching the Tempo Widepath off your list and marking it as old or outdated, there are a few real benefits that the Widepath has going for it over comparable models. First of all, the Widepath is remarkably inexpensive. Additionally, the extra wide cleaning path helps cover a large area fast.

It comes with a large capacity dust bin and the following attachments: a crevice tool, dusting brush, upholstery tool, and extension wand.

Hoover Tempo Widepath usability

But at the same time, the cleaning performance on this vacuum was significantly less than comparable models, especially on hardwood floors, where it captured nearly 0% of the debris and instead flung the dirt around a 10′ radius across the room.

Low carpet cleaning performance was much better, but hardwood owners should probably consider other options before diving into this low-priced deal.

See our full Hoover Tempo Widepath review here.

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Pros

  • The bagged system decreases direct exposure to allergens or other irritants.
  • Low price tag compared to other upright, large capacity vacuums.
  • Sizable 3.14 L dust bag

Cons

  • Terrible performance on hardwood floors.
  • The lack of a bagless system means more maintenance in terms of time and costs.
  • Limited swivel steering, due to its slightly bulky design.

Hoover React

  • Dimensions: 13.4″ x 12.2″ x 44″
  • Power: 30′ cord
  • Maintenance: Unknown
  • Weight: 16.93

The Hoover React upright vacuum cleaner is a multi-purpose upright vacuum. The React upright vacuum is a bit more modern approach over the Hoover T-Series upright. It has a sleeker design and many noticeable differences.

First, the advanced swivel steering is a huge improvement over the Hoover T-Series. It’s a 2-in-1 body style, meaning that it can run as an upright, or you can use it with the portable lift canister, like a handheld.

Hoover React upright vacuum cleaner

Hoover React vacuum

Other features of the Hoover React include LED headlights, like the Shark Rotator upright vacuum, on/off suction control at the handle, additional setting via app on your smartphone, and two washable filters for lowered maintenance costs.

This model also has the ability to detect and react to changing floor heights as it cleans—no more manually adjusting the brushroll, like what you would have to do with the Hoover T-Series upright vacuum.

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Pros

  • Swivel steering and lightweight body style
  • Self-adjusts to different flooring height
  • Washable filters for lowered maintenance costs

Cons

  • Smaller dust bin capacity compared to the Hoover T-Series
  • Pricier than the Hoover T-Series upright model

Hoover Air

  • Dimensions: 13.7″ x 11.6″ x 37.4″
  • Power: 30′ cord
  • Maintenance: Unknown
  • Weight: 13.05 pounds

The Hoover Air WindTunnel upright vacuum brings a new look to the traditional WindTunnel vacuum. This model is extremely light, offers great swivel steering, and has a good selection of included accessories with a decent dust bin capacity.

The Air WindTunnel comes with a 2-in-1 crevice tool (which doubles as a hard crevice tool and dusting brush), a wand, and a few other smaller attachments that connect directly to the wand.

Hoover Air upright vacuum cleaner review
Hoover Air

The dust bin has a clear body so you can easily see when it’s full and needs emptying or if there is a clog. Overall, the bin can hold approximately 1.29 L of dirt, dust, or other debris.

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Pros

  • Fairly lightweight at 13 pounds
  • A pretty solid value
  • Washable filters help keep long-term costs in check

Cons

  • Relatively small dustbin at 1.2 liters (especially compared to XL bins like the Hoover WindTunnel)

Hoover vs. Bissell Robot Vacuums

The table below will outline the select few models that both Hoover and Bissell offer regarding inexpensive robot vacuums.

ModelHoover RogueHoover QuestBissell SmartClean
Hoover Rogue robot vacuum cleaner reviewHoover Quest robot vacuum cleaner reviewBissell SmartClean robot vacuum review
Height3.8"2.8"3.4"
Diameter13.6"12.5"13"
Weight7.5 lbs.8 lbs.5 lbs.
Run Time~120 minutes~90-120 minutes~80 minutes
Dust Bin Capacity0.6 L0.4 L
ConnectivityWifiBluetoothNone
PriceCheck PriceCheck PriceCheck Price

Neither Bissell nor Hoover is exceptionally well-known for their top-level robot vacuums. With the concept of budget vacuums, robot vacuum rarely fit in that category, just on the nature of the technology and intricate parts that are needed to create an artificial intelligence that can clean your home.

Of course, this is not to say that it can’t be done on the cheap. For the inside scoop, you can see our top recommendations for the best cheap robot vacuums, or jump straight to our full list of robot vacuum reviews here.

Hoover Rogue 970

  • Dimensions: 13.6″ x 13.6″ x 3.8″
  • Run Time: ~120 minutes
  • Maintenance: Unknown
  • Weight: 6.7 pounds

The Hoover Rogue robot vacuum is the newest version of a robot vacuum from Hoover. It is equipped with wifi connectivity, allowing it to be controlled from your smartphone, tablet, computer, or voice control (when partnered with Amazon Alexa or Google Home).

Compared to its predecessor, Hoover Quest, the Hoover Rogue boasts straighter navigational lines, versus the random zig-zag that many inexpensive robot vacuums are known for.

Hoover Rogue robot vacuum cleaning
Hoover Rogue

Hoover offers an app that the Rogue can be paired up with. When on the app, you can see a cleaning summary, schedule a cycle, or set up virtual barriers.

Unlike the Hoover Quest, which requires physical barriers to set navigational boundaries, the Hoover Rogue can generate its own boundaries using self-generated digital maps.

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Pros

  • Improved navigational system for a more methodical cleaning pattern
  • Digital cleaning maps allow for digital cleaning boundaries that you can easily set straight from your phone

Cons

  • Third-party reviews complain of loss of connection to the digital map, which results in the Rogue not being able to successfully vacuum the area
  • Many negative or troubling third-party reviews about this product raises some red flags

Hoover Quest

  • Dimensions: 13.8″ x 13.8″ x 3.5″
  • Run Time: ~120 minutes
  • Maintenance: Unknown
  • Weight: 11.65 pounds

The Hoover Quest is the older model that came before the Hoover Rogue. Naturally, you can expect slightly less-refined performance and less impressive features on this model. In fact, Hoover doesn’t even sell it on its site anymore, but it is still available fro third-party retailers.

Hoover Quest robot vacuum
Hoover Quest

The Quest uses Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone, versus the wifi connection the Rogue relies on.

BLUETOOTH VS WIFI | Bluetooth vs. Wifi: What’s the difference? Essentially, Bluetooth connects nearby devices wirelessly across a short distance. Wifi, on the other hand, connects wirelessly to the internet network to allow you to access your device from anywhere that has an internet connection.

The Quest app allows you to schedule cleanings from your phone and uses physical infrared barriers to block off areas that you don’t want the robot to access.

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Pros

  • Bluetooth connection to your smartphone for scheduled cleanings or additional settings
  • Lower price tag than many other robot vacuums on the market

Cons

  • Older model and no longer sold directly from manufacturer, so parts and accessories may be hard to come by
  • Lack-luster reviews lead to questions about overall cleaning performance

Bissell SmartClean

  • Dimensions: 13″ x13″ x 3.4″
  • Run Time: ~80 minutes
  • Maintenance: Unknown
  • Weight: 5 pounds

The Bissell SmartClean is Bissell’s main line of robot vacuums. There are two main sub-models; the 1974 and the 1605. The 1974 model is the upgraded version of the 1605 model.

The Bissell SmartClean uses two side cleaning brushes and a central brushroll to agitate and collect dirt, dust, and debris. This model is programmable for easy scheduled cleanings (via an on-board LCD screen) and automatically docks and recharges when the job is finished.

Bissell SmartClean robot vacuum

For larger homes or complicated layouts, the Bissell SmartClean comes with one virtual wall barrier to help partition off the space.

Unlike the Hoover Rogue (or many of the Roomba robot vacuums), the Bissell SmartClean does not connect to your smartphone or wifi network for scheduled cleanings. These cleanings are simply programmed directly on the screen of the vacuum itself.

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Pros

  • Has spinning side brushes and an agitating central brushroll for dual-action performance
  • On-screen programming means you don’t need a wifi connection to schedule cleanings

Cons

  • Spotty cleaning performance noted from select third-party reviews
  • A little pricey for not including wifi connectivity or a remote control

Is Hoover or Bissell better for you?

So Hoover vs. Bissell—is one name better than the other?

Not necessarily.

As is the case with many things, it really depends on your exact needs and what you’re looking for. Each brand offers distinctively different models and what is right for one person, may not be right for everybody.

When trying to decide between the two brands, it’s important to consider the features that are most critical and identify which ones don’t matter as much to you personally.

If you’re looking for an expensive portable handheld for pets:

I’d highly recommend the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser (corded) handheld vacuum. It’s small, budget-friendly, and does an amazingly impressive job at removing pet hair. If you really want a cordless option, go with the cordless version of the Pet Hair Eraser.

If you’re looking for a full-service upright, with the tools, power, and capacity to handle large messes, but without the larger price tag:

I’d recommend the Hoover Air upright or the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser upright vacuum. Both of these have a modern look, with many different parts, tools, and features for variable cleaning.

Have needs that aren’t answered in the guide above or simply have additional questions? No problem; we’re here to help! Feel free to send us an email here, and we’ll get back to you just as soon as we can.

Updates

  • June 7, 2019 – Updated a number of different elements on the page including layout, formatting, featured boxes, imagery, and more.

About Derek Hales

Derek HalesDerek Hales is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of ModernCastle.com. He has been featured in Fast Company, Reader's Digest, Business Insider, Realtor.com, She Knows, and other major publications. Derek has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from Kansas State University. Hales has been testing and reviewing products for the home since 2014.