The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam is the best overall carpet cleaner I tested. It was the only carpet washer that effectively removed pet urine and pet odors from my carpet. It also came in second to the Tineco Carpet Cruiser with tough stain removal. But for $300 less than the Tineco, its price-to-value ratio is unbeatable. I haven’t stopped recommending this to my friends and family which made it an easy decision to give it CNET’s editors choice award.

Why I like it: While the Tineco Carpet Cruiser edged out the Bissell HydroSteam on the tough stain removal test, the Bissell blew away the competition on pet odor testing. It effectively removed the pet urine smell and dog dander odor and came in close second in tough stain removal. The pre-steam function is unique in that it helps lift those tough odors from the carpet fibers and loosen the stains before washing it. I also liked its larger water tanks and long cord. Unlike most other carpet cleaners, I didn’t need to stop to empty or refill before completing the cleaning of my 500 square feet of carpet. With most carpet cleaners, I have to unplug and replug to clean my entire carpet — not with the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam.

Who it’s good for: This carpet cleaner is best for pet owners and parents — especially cat owners, dog owners and toddler parents. During testing, the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam effectively removed pet urine odor and the lingering “dog smell” from my carpet. It also lifted tough stains like ketchup, red wine and chocolate syrup.

As a parent currently going through toddler potty training, removing tough stains and urine smells is key. In between sniff tests, I used lemon to cleanse my pallet and reset my sense of smell. When sniffing the carpet samples with the pet urine, I couldn’t detect the urine smell after using the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam.

Any dog or cat owner knows there is a distinct pet odor — not from potty accidents — just from having pets. Their dander leaves an odor on my furniture and carpets. I waited two months to clean my own carpet to test which carpet cleaner could lift and deodorize that distinctive “dog smell.” The Bissell Revolution HydroSteam was simply the best at eliminating and deodorizing pet smells.  

Who shouldn’t buy it: As much as I loved how well it performed, it is the heaviest of the bunch at 22.5 lbs. Also, the recline pedal needs more pressure than on the other machines I tested. A few times, I needed to kick it to get it to recline. This carpet cleaner isn’t ideal for anyone who struggles with dexterity or carrying it up and down stairs.

As the second loudest, this carpet cleaner might not be good for those with sensitive hearing or for use while children are sleeping, as you might wake them (like I did).  

If you simply need general foot traffic cleaning or you don’t have pets, you’re better off with a cheaper model, such as the Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce or our budget pick, the Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X.

Why I like it: The Tineco Carpet One Cruiser is the Cadillac of carpet cleaners and it has a price tag to match. But it’s the only carpet cleaner we tested with AI-smart detection, Wi-Fi-enabled features and three levels of push-assist, while also nailing our tough stain test. Based on our sight evaluation, it 100% lifted the chocolate syrup, ketchup and red wine. It almost 100% lifted the Sharpie marker but to be fair, none of the carpet cleaners did a good job on the Sharpie marker test. Plus, the Sharpie marker is labeled as permanent. 

The Tineco is also the quietest carpet cleaner I tested, with a decibel (dB) level of 76.8 — equivalent to a busy restaurant. A quieter carpet machine is important if you have sleeping children or nosy neighbors. 

The unique push-assist feature made navigating the machine incredibly easy, reducing user effort. The smart sensor automatically adjusts suction and water flow based on the level of dirt, ensuring optimal cleaning without guesswork. The self-cleaning mode is a huge bonus feature unlike any other. With the push of a button it initiates cleaning mode, which saves you time after cleaning, prevents odor buildup within the machine and will extend the life of the cleaner.

While it’s much pricier than other options, its performance and state-of-the-art smart features make it an excellent choice for professional-level carpet cleaning.

Who it’s good for: This carpet cleaner is ideal for parents of messy kids or clumsy folks who often spill. If you expect to be in a tough stain situation or have experienced tough carpet staining in the past, this machine will impress you with its stain-fighting prowess. 

Its quiet operation also makes it perfect for households with sleeping children or those with sensitive hearing. 

The push-assist feature could be great for users who want effortless maneuverability or those who lack dexterity or strength to push a heavy cleaner. 

Who shouldn’t buy it: While a clear winner for stain removal, the Tineco Carpet One Cruiser is the most expensive carpet cleaner we tested —  by a large margin. It is $300 more than the next best tested cleaner on stains: Bissell Revolution HydroSteam. And its $700 price tag makes it inaccessible for many.

Its smart features and AI-detection are cool, but if you prefer to have manual control over the suction and water flow, you can’t override it on the Tineco. 

I also found it annoying to have to empty the dirty water tank five times for one carpet cleaning session. Compared to the other cleaners I tested, this was a lot. For reference, the most I needed to empty on the other machines was twice. It has a dual dirty and clean water tank, which seems convenient at first, but it limits the space and both tanks are smaller. 

While the push-assist mode is unique and great for those who can’t push a heavy machine, it’s still heavy to lift or carry up and down stairs. 

The Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X is light to lift, light to push and one of the quieter models. It has a simple and easy-to-use set up. While it’s not the top performer for tough stains or pet odors, its ease of use and affordability make it a solid budget-friendly option. Top carpet cleaner models generally cost $300 or more making this $229 Bissell a good value buy. 

Why I like it: At only 17.5 pounds, the Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X is noticeably lighter than other carpet cleaners I tested, making it easy to maneuver and transport. It’s also quieter than most competitors, which is a welcome feature for sensitive hearing or parents with sleeping children. 

For general foot traffic and light staining, this machine performs well, leaving carpets refreshed. Its straightforward design makes it incredibly easy to set up and use, even for first-time carpet cleaner owners. The combination of its lightweight design, quiet operation and effective light cleaning results in excellent value for its price.

Who it’s good for: This carpet cleaner is perfect for individuals or families with light to moderate carpet cleaning needs, such as general foot traffic or occasional small spills. If you live in an apartment or a smaller home and need a carpet cleaner that’s easy to store and move around, its lightweight design is a plus. It’s also a great option for those looking for a cost-effective solution for maintaining clean carpets without breaking the bank.

Who shouldn’t buy it: If you have multiple pets, especially stinky pets or pets that have frequent potty accidents, this model isn’t the best choice. If you’re dealing with significant pet odor issues, deep-set stains or frequent heavy-duty cleaning, the Bissell Revolution Pet ProHeat 2X might not be powerful enough. If you spend $150 more, the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam is a better choice for pet owners. 

It’s a basic model, so no self-cleaning mode, no smart features and no storage tray. This means you’ll need to clean the machine more manually after each use and without a tray, you might see leakage during storage.

The Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce is an excellent choice for ease of use and fast drying, thanks to its intuitive design and dedicated dry-only mode. It’s particularly effective for general foot traffic and offers great convenience with its large tanks and no-mix solution system.

Why I like it: The Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce stands out for its exceptional ease of use. There’s no measuring or mixing solution, as it automatically dispenses the correct amount, simplifying the cleaning process. The dry-only mode is a fantastic feature. During the dryness test, it stood out as the fastest drying cleaner I tested. Also, this was the only carpet cleaner I tested that allowed me to clean my entire carpet area on a single tank of water, thanks to its large dirty and clean water tanks, which saved a lot of time and effort by minimizing interruptions for refilling or emptying. 

Who it’s good for: This carpet cleaner is ideal for anyone seeking a hassle-free cleaning experience, especially those who prefer minimal setup and want their carpets to dry quickly. If you have large carpeted areas and want to avoid frequent tank refills, the generous tank capacities of this machine will be a major benefit. It’s also a great option for individuals who primarily need to address general foot traffic and light staining, rather than consistently tackling deep-set or pet-related messes.

Who shouldn’t buy it: While it excels in ease of use and drying, the Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce might not be the best choice for dealing with extremely tough stains or significant pet odors, as its performance in those tests was only average. Its short cord can be a minor inconvenience, requiring you to unplug and replug more often in larger rooms.

It’s also a loud machine, which might be a consideration for those with sensitive hearing or if you need to clean while others are sleeping. While it offers good value for its price, if your primary need is superior performance on deep stains or eliminating strong pet odors, you might want to consider other models on our list. 

It’s a device that uses a combination of water, cleaning solution, mechanical brushing and vacuuming to remove dirt, stains and debris from carpet fibers.

Mostly, yes. These machines are designed to be safe and effective on a wide range of carpets, including synthetic and natural fibers. Just double-check the manufacturer’s guidelines and test a small area first, especially for delicate or antique carpets.

It depends on various factors, such as the amount of foot traffic, the presence of pets and indoor air quality. A good rule of thumb is to deep clean carpets at least once or twice a year, with regular vacuuming and spot cleaning in between.

Absolutely. Carpet cleaning machines will improve indoor air quality by removing allergens such as smoke particles, dust, pollen and pet dander. Regular cleaning can help reduce the presence of these allergens, making the indoor environment healthier overall.

The best carpet cleaner for you depends on a few factors, including your home requirements and budget. After testing, the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam took the spot as overall best carpet cleaner. However, if you need something more budget-friendly and easy-to-use, the Hoover SmartWash+ FlexForce might be a better option.