Compare Amazon Basics Upright Vacuum vs Simplicity Vacuums Allergy Upright Vacuum, S20EZM

Tools are basic and limited (commonly crevice and a small brush/upholstery-style tool depending on source), and at least one reviewer notes nonstandard sizing that makes upgrades difficult.

Included tools are usually described as basic but useful (commonly crevice and a combo dusting/upholstery tool). Several reviewers want a wider or softer dusting tool, and some add aftermarket pet or specialty attachments.

A few comments call the vacuum simple, clean, or stylish, while others dislike cosmetic choices or mention broken trim/cover parts that are mostly aesthetic.

Backscatter is a recurring issue in hard-floor tests, with multiple mentions of debris being kicked or thrown behind/to the sides rather than contained.

Airflow blowback or scatter is specifically mentioned on hard floors by some users, including reports of particles being thrown back toward feet during use.

Area rug handling depends heavily on height setting and rug type. Some owners say it works well when adjusted up; others say it can grab edges, chew bindings, or feel too aggressive on certain rugs.

Assembly is typically quick and simple, often limited to snapping the handle into place and parking the hose/tools.

Assembly is repeatedly described as simple and quick, typically sliding in the handle and attaching the hose, with minimal screws.

The bag-full indicator is viewed as helpful when present, but at least one owner reports it failing to reset after changing bags.

Bagless design with a relatively large bin for the class is convenient, but several reviewers point to a simple cyclone and poor sealing that can let fine dust migrate into filters or back out.

The bagged system is a major selling point: owners like cleaner disposal, consistent suction, and less dust exposure than bagless designs. Bag capacity is often praised, but replacement cost and bag consumption (especially with heavy shedding or wool rugs) are frequent notes.

Build quality feedback is polarized: some praise sturdy materials (metal brush roll, aluminum wand, rubber bumpers), while others report cheap-feeling plastics, wobble, broken handles/covers, or hose issues over time.

High-pile/shag carpet is repeatedly mentioned as a poor fit, with reviewers recommending spending more if you have thick carpet.

High-pile carpet performance is generally strong due to agitation and height settings, but some users find it hard to push or overly aggressive if set too low.

On low-pile carpet, fine debris pickup is one of its better areas in multiple reviews, often described as decent-to-good for the price.

Low-pile carpet results are typically positive, especially for everyday pickup and pet hair, though pushing effort can increase if suction is high and height is set low.

On medium-pile carpet, results are mixed: sand can be picked up reasonably well, but medium-sized debris can be snowplowed due to fixed gates and no height adjustment.

Medium-pile carpet cleaning is consistently praised, with multiple reports of lifting matted carpet and pulling embedded dirt and pet hair that previous vacuums missed.

Some owners mention clogs or brush/belt issues that require disassembly, while others highlight visible clog indicators and easy access to the roller area for checks.

Comparisons are common: many say it out-cleans certain Sharks/Dysons on carpet and pet hair, while at least one comparison favors a premium canister for ease and deep extraction despite higher upkeep.

Controls are simple (basic on/off, foot-style operation mentioned), but the lack of key functionality like brush roll shutoff and height adjustment is a frequent criticism.

Controls are usually described as straightforward, with height adjustment settings that are easy to use. The foot pedal placement is occasionally criticized for accidental shutoffs when bumping furniture.

Cord length perception varies: several reviewers call it long enough (often cited as 30 ft), while others say it is shorter than expected and requires frequent outlet changes in larger spaces.

Cord storage exists, but at least one reviewer notes awkward cord-hook placement and extra steps to avoid running over the cord during use.

Cord wrap is often praised as neat and practical, but multiple users wish for a retractable cord for convenience and to reduce cord management hassles.

Crevice pickup is reported as weak in at least one measured test, showing minimal progress after multiple passes and frequent scatter.

Day-to-day use is often described as simple and satisfying on carpet, but usability drops for some due to weight when carrying, strong pull on thick carpet, short hose frustrations, or brush roll behavior during hose use.

Edge cleaning is commonly described as below average, with visible misses close to walls in side-by-side testing.

Edge and baseboard cleaning is highlighted positively by some owners, while others still avoid edges on delicate rugs due to brush aggression.

Emptying is mechanically easy, but multiple reviewers advise emptying outdoors due to dust exposure and lack of sealed containment.

A consistent weakness: multiple sources note no HEPA-style filtration and poor sealing, with reports of fine particles escaping back into the air (including smoke/leak-style demonstrations).

Filtration is a standout: multiple reviews highlight HEPA-style bags and filters, strong dust containment, and noticeable allergy relief versus bagless vacuums.

The floorhead/brush system is powerful but divisive. Many emphasize strong agitation and carpet grooming; many also complain the brush roll runs continuously and can be too aggressive on hard floors and some rugs.

Hard-floor sealing is repeatedly criticized: reviewers cite no squeegee/poor sealing and no brush roll shutoff, contributing to scatter and weak hard-floor results.

Pet hair pickup is frequently cited as a relative strength, including high pickup rates in some controlled tests.

Hair wrap is a common drawback, especially with long hair, which can tangle around the brush roll and require manual removal.

Hard-floor performance is often rated poor to merely passable; multiple tests show scatter and difficulty capturing sand/rice cleanly on bare surfaces.

Hard-floor fine dust pickup is inconsistent: some users report very clean results, while others say the brush roll and airflow can scatter particles or require switching to other vacuums for hard floors.

Large debris on hard floors (like rice/cereal) is a notable weak point in testing, with reports of significant scatter and low collection amounts in some trials.

Large debris intake on hard floors gets mixed feedback, including complaints about litter or particles being thrown back during use in some homes.

The headlight is frequently mentioned as useful for spotting debris, though at least one owner questions bulb longevity and whether the lights are true LEDs.

Hose reach is commonly described as short/limited, which reduces comfort for cars, stairs, and above-floor tasks.

Reach is a frequent theme: some are happy with the wand/hose extension for corners and drapes, while others say the permanently attached hose feels too short and can tug the vacuum toward them.

Low-profile reach is described as weak, with limited recline/clearance for getting under furniture compared with better-designed uprights.

Ongoing maintenance is typical for cheap bagless uprights (frequent emptying and washable filter care), and reviewers often stress extra caution because of dusty handling.

Maintenance expectations are higher than some modern uprights: multiple owners mention periodic belt changes and watching filters/bags, and a few report recurring belt or brush issues.

Handling is mixed: some call it easy to maneuver with good wheel roll and a small footprint, while others find it awkward to lift onto steps, hard to push on thick carpet, or unstable/wobbly when parked.

Where measured, it is reported as loud for an upright class budget model (around the low-90 dB range in one comparison test).

Noise is a common downside. Many describe it as loud, though a few say the tone is acceptable or less irritating than other vacuums.

Onboard tool storage is present and appreciated for convenience, though the overall tool set remains minimal.

Onboard tool storage is commonly praised as convenient and secure, helping reduce lost tools and making quick transitions easier.

Ongoing costs are mostly about bags and periodic belts/filters. Many accept the trade for cleaner disposal and better dust control, but some find OEM bags or add-on tools expensive.

Longevity reports are split: some claim many years across prior Simplicity units and expect long service due to replaceable parts, while others report failures around 1 to 2 years, frequent belt breaks, or brush/motor issues.

Overall sentiment trends negative to lukewarm: reviewers generally see it as a very cheap, lightweight option with narrow strengths, but too many compromises for mixed-floor homes or filtration-sensitive users.

Packaging is noted as simple and relatively eco-friendly in one unboxing, with heavy reliance on cardboard and minimal plastic.

Pet owners frequently praise strong pickup on carpet and reduced lingering hair. A few reports note limitations for long hair on upholstery or brush/belt strain in heavy pet homes.

The price is a major draw, but several reviewers caution that the low cost comes with meaningful cleaning and filtration compromises, often recommending spending a bit more for broader usability.

Value is usually rated positively for a bagged HEPA-style upright, with several reviewers calling it worth the money. Some disagree when durability or repair frequency becomes an issue.

Some users describe a powered-assist or self-propel-like feel, while others explicitly wish it were self-propelled, especially as they age or when cleaning thick carpet.

Stair cleaning is supported via hose/tools and at least one stair-focused attachment mention, but carrying weight and hose tug can make stair work more demanding for some users.

The vacuum is described as small and narrow, which can be convenient for storage and quick deployment, especially as a secondary unit.

Several reviewers like the compact footprint and storage friendliness, especially for apartments and tight spaces. Upright stability is occasionally criticized due to wobble or center-of-gravity comments.

Suction/airflow is generally described as adequate for basic carpet pickup, but multiple measured tests place it behind stronger uprights and especially limited through the hose/wand.

Suction is consistently described as strong, often the primary reason people keep the vacuum. A minority say it is good but not on par with their best prior vacuum, or that strong suction can increase push effort.

Several comments frame it as most suitable for small, carpet-leaning spaces or as a backup vacuum, rather than a do-everything primary cleaner.

Support experiences are mixed but lean positive in key stories, including at least one report of a quick refund after failure. Others report difficulty reaching customer service or post-warranty parts frustration.

Tool use is straightforward in concept (wand/hose plus small tools), but some workflows are fiddly, such as managing the cord when removing the wand and dealing with limited reach.

Tool changes are usually straightforward, especially with the telescoping wand. Compatibility with older hoses or certain attachments is a reported pain point for some owners.

At least one reviewer notes it does not get low under furniture and the head tends to lift, limiting under-bed/sofa reach.

Above-floor cleaning is possible, but hose suction is repeatedly called weak and the short reach makes upholstery and tight-area cleaning less effective than better uprights.

Above-floor cleaning is generally strong with the wand and crevice tool, but upholstery performance is mixed, including complaints about long pet hair on couches and limited included fabric tools.

Versatility is limited by its weak hard-floor performance and short hose, though the light weight and basic wand/hose setup can cover occasional stairs or car touchups.

Repeatedly described and measured as extremely lightweight for an upright (roughly 8–9 lb), making it easy to carry and maneuver.

Weight impressions vary but cluster around sturdy and somewhat heavy. Many say it feels fine while pushing, but heavier when carrying up stairs or doing repeated back-and-forth on thick carpet.

Wool and delicate rug compatibility is a concern in the reviews: some users report damage to a rug or needing to avoid edges, and others note wool rugs fill bags quickly even when they like the cleaning result.