Activa 30 Pro

Best comes down to the user preference and circumstance - floor types and other needs. However, some things for me are non negotiable; durability, ease of maintenance, repair and use and of course, performance - not just out of the box, but in 5 or 10 years. When it comes to performance, when it comes to carpets especially, suction is important, but it isn't the most important. Airflow and agitation are more important, to beat and flow the air through the carpet fibres, so the suction can take it away. The old Hoover advert - it beats as it sweeps as it clean a remains true and they had 300 watts. Hard floors generally don't require huge amounts of suction. Creating a good seal can also work, but that means snow ploughing large items, so usually you can't have one without the other, but some vacs have a retractable flap to allow large items in but keep the seal. These are usually on cordless vacs with lower power. Well designed corded vacuums with a powered brush bar is the starting point. You have to decide whether you prefer an upright or a canister, though personally I think a canister is more versatile. I don't understand the issues people have with using canisters, it's just a vacuum! That means you should buy a bagged vacuum. The Miele's have great suction and amazing filtration. The performance is superb BUT they are not as reliable as Sebo. The bags are more expensive, the brush rolls are not as easy to remove hair off or generally maintain and on the C3 range at least, there is an issue where the bags can fail to seat correctly and the dirt can fill the chamber around the bag, possibly getting into the motor. I think Sebo's are better options. In day to day use, the performance is essentially the same, the bags are bigger and they are easier to maintain. Furthermore, they all use the same power head, the ET-1, so the performance from that defines the pick up performance essentially. Any vacuum that uses it will have the same at the head performance, including the upright Felix/Dart. The brush roll can be removed to cut off hair and clean it, it can even be put in the dishwasher! The E Series is the sweet spot, but the D Series is fantastic but big. That would be my choice. Lindhaus also make excellent vacuums but they are harder to find and harder to get the spares for, but if you can, they shouldn't be overlooked.