To rate vacuum cleaners there are two approaches, the best value for the money or the best performer. The ideal vacuum would do well in both classifications.
For many, one that fits the bill is the Eureka Boss Smart Vac 4870MZ. This vacuum is priced at around 0. This is a reasonable price, and now on to performance. This vacuum cleaner does a decent job picking up pet hair. This is the crucial test on performance which it passed. It has many onboard attachments and does both carpeting and hard wood floors. To help clean the hard wood floors, there is an off switch for the brush so the dust will not be scattered by its movement. Unlike many of its counterparts, this vacuum is relatively quiet and comes standard with a sealed HEPA filter as part of its three-stage filtration system. The one major drawback is its weight at 21 pounds, making it a little cumbersome to push around.
If power with no regard for price is the way you wish to choose a vacuum, then the hands down choice is the Dyson DC25 Ball All Floors. It is priced at just over 0, but the nonstop suction power is amazing from the Root Cyclone technology. This also comes equipped with a HEPA filter to reduce the particles that the exhaust might otherwise transport into the air. The hinge ball design makes maneuvering easy and the telescopic wand make access even easier. It is tall and does not fit under most furniture but what it does cover is really clean.
When it's time to rate vacuum cleaners, these two shine above the rest.