I have the Electrolux Harmony canister and it so quiet it doesn't even startle the cats. That is until I put on the high powered carpet beater brush. It generates a loud noise. I only use it to vacuum the cat trees so it's in use very little

When I had a Sears canister it scared everyone, including me. No, just kidding, but it was loud.

LOL,Patsy. If you think that Sears is loud, wait until you hear that Dyson for animals. It will scare folks in the next county, but it does a good job of getting animal hair and pumping up your heart.

Are you wanting a cannister for upstairs or an upright.
I have a miele cannister for my non carpeted areas and you're right, it is quite quiet.
I also have the Sears progressive upright. I've never thought about it as super loud, but next time I use it I will try to compare with the miele.

Patricia, you crack me up. It does a good job of getting the animal hair up and the animals out, is that it? LOL

I'm wanting a canister...we have hardwood floors (some original to this 1893 house), and rugs on them, and kitty hair is an issue. I also need to be able to get under and around things.

So Dyson is noisy? I have been alarmed by the android quality of the machine...but if it can be taught to vacuum while we are out to dinner, I could accept it...and the kitties could hide in their "oh, no, it's a thunderstorm!" places...??

Seriously, though...anything you all can pass on will be appreciated.

The Harmony is very light weight, plastic of course. It's easy to reach in and under items, like my low dresser and chest of drawer. I can reach completely under a single bed and half way under the queen. So the design of the hose and attachments is user friendly. I have all hard surface flooring.

My Hoover canister makes less noise than my last two uprights.

Thanks, all. I am liking the reviews of Electrolux Harmony on line. Thanks, Brutuses, for the recommendation.

Get a Roomba. It's very very quiet... because the door is closed and you're not in the room with it!!!