When looking for the best multi-surface vacuum, consider suction power, versatility, and ease of maintenance. Our buying guide highlights six winning vacuums selected from over 100 evaluated models. We analyzed 150,575 reviews to ensure accurate assessments.
Our unique approach verifies products as tested and filters out fake and low-quality reviews using our scientific Trust Rating. These top-performing vacuums stood out for their efficiency and reliability across different surfaces. Good suction ensures effective cleaning on various surfaces like hardwood, carpet, and tile, while versatile designs and lightweight builds enhance maneuverability.
How Did We Rank the Best Multi-Surface Vacuums?
Our buying guide for the best multi-surface vacuums is a product of thorough research from over 200 websites. We evaluated diverse testing methods, expert critiques, and user reviews to identify 2 essential test results and 1 critical specification. Our comprehensive analysis ensures you get the most accurate and useful recommendations.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low-quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must work on all floor types.
? Test Criteria
- Bare Floor Performance: The vacuum sucks up 95% of debris when cleaning bare surfaces such as tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors.
- Carpet Performance: The vacuum sucks up 70% of debris when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.
Latest Updates
- 06/24/2024: Republished the list to include the best multi-surface vacuum cleaners based on our True Score system.
Top Multi Surface Vacuums For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dyson V15 Detect
Best Multi Surface
The Dyson V15 Detect has exceptional multi-surface cleaning, quiet operation, and maneuverable design, justifying its higher price for versatile home cleaning.
True Score
889119Experts
942kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $200$799.99$599.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Laser illumination technology
- Incredible performance on both carpets and hard floors
- Lightweight design
- Decent battery life
- Anti-allergenic HEPA filter
Reasons to Avoid
- Complicated maneuvrability on deep carpets
- Relatively low-capacity 0.45L dust cup
- Plastic construction
Specifications
Bagless Yes 
Bin Capacity 0.2 gal 
Brush Roll Shut-Off No 
Carpet Height Adjustments Yes 
Cleaning Path Width 10" 
Compatible Floor Type All floors 
Cord Length Cordless 
Corded/Cordless Cordless 
Filter Type Other 
Hypoallergenic Yes 
Pet Yes 
Product Weight 6.7 lbs 
Vacuum Type Handheld vacuums 
Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 92 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 73 All Retailers
- $599.99$800Save $200
- $624.99
- $638.99$750Save $111
Our Verdict
The Dyson V15 Detect is an exceptional multi-surface vacuum cleaner, ideal for homes with diverse floor types. It delivers the best-in-class carpet cleaning performance of 91.77% and 100% in pet hair cleaning, effectively tackling hair and fiber entanglement. With a bare floor cleaning effectiveness of 98.59%, it thoroughly cleans various surfaces, capturing even the finest strands and particles.
With a noise level of 72.54 dB, the Dyson V15 Detect operates at a moderate noise level, louder than conversation but not particularly bothersome. Its 0.2-gallon bin capacity may need frequent emptying in larger homes or high-traffic areas, but this is a minor trade-off considering its performance. If you prefer a larger bin capacity and don’t mind a corded design, the more affordable Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Powerline offers a 0.9-gallon bin.
Weighing only 6.7 lbs and being cordless and handheld, the V15 Detect offers impressive maneuverability. This feature allows for effortless cleaning from room to room without the restriction of a cord, enhancing its effectiveness on multiple surfaces within a single cleaning session. Its hypoallergenic and bagless design also simplifies maintenance while minimizing exposure to allergens, making it a practical choice for allergy sufferers.
Although the Dyson V15 Detect is the most expensive option on our list, its ability to adapt seamlessly to different flooring types justifies the higher price. Its advanced technology ensures deep cleaning and automatically adjusts to the specific needs of each surface type, making it an exceptional choice for a multi-surface vacuum cleaner if you’re willing to invest.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung Bespoke Jet
Best Apartment
The Samsung Bespoke Jet is quiet, powerful, and versatile across surfaces. It is ideal for homes with pets and frequent, discreet cleaning needs.
True Score
85867Experts
92551Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $200$899.00$699.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- The cleaning station simplifies emptying the dust cup
- Two battery packs
- Lightweight design
- Turbo brush accessory
- Excellent performance on carpets and hard floors
Reasons to Avoid
- Doesn’t support wet cleaning
- Bulk two-in-one floor head
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.2 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 9.8" Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type 5-stage, Cyclonic, HEPA Hypoallergenic Unknown Pet Yes Product Weight 6 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 92 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 71 All Retailers
- $699.00$899Save $200
- $699.99
Our Verdict
If you need a powerful vacuum for various surfaces, the Samsung Bespoke Jet is an excellent pick. It features a best-in-class noise level of only 70.5 dB, putting it around the level of a washing machine – loud but not particularly bothersome. It features a remarkable cleaning effectiveness of 97.71% on bare floors like hardwood, laminate, or tile and a solid performance on carpets by clearing 91.7% of debris. Additionally, it cleans up to 99.50% of pet hair, making it a comprehensive cleaning solution for homes with furry companions.
This vacuum boasts a HEPA filter system that improves air quality by capturing fine particles, ideal for moving between carpeted areas that release allergens and dustier hard floors. It also features a compact design with a standard 0.2-gallon bin capacity. However, the more affordable Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Powerline offers a 0.9-gallon bin if you require a larger bin. However, it also weighs 14.8 lbs and is corded, which reduces portability and flexibility.
The Samsung Bespoke Jet, weighing just 6 lbs, is exceptionally maneuverable and easy to handle around furniture, between rooms, and on stairs. Its lightweight design allows smooth gliding across various surfaces, making it perfect for daily cleaning. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a multi-surface vacuum cleaner that effectively cleans different floor types without compromising on any one surface.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Powerline
Best Bagged
The Miele Classic C1 Powerline has ample bin capacity, versatile cleaning, and an extended cleaning path, making it ideal for thorough cleaning in larger homes.
True Score
84873Experts
896kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
$349.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Powerful suction force
- Great bare floor cleaning performance
- Good carpet cleaning performance
- Exceptional pet hair cleaning performance.
Reasons to Avoid
- Loud operation
- Limited range of attachments
- No HEPA filter
Specifications
Bagless No Bin Capacity 0.9 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 13" Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length 30 ft Corded/Cordless Corded Filter Type Other Hypoallergenic No Pet No Product Weight 14.8 lbs Vacuum Type Canister Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 85 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Noise Level (dB) 73 All Retailers
- $349.00
Our Verdict
If you prioritize a vacuum cleaner with a large bin capacity to reduce the frequency of bag changes, the Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Powerline is an excellent choice. It offers a substantial bin capacity of 0.9 gallons, allowing extensive cleaning sessions without interruption.
It has the best-in-class cleaning effectiveness on bare floors of 99.75% and 84.69% on carpets, ensuring thorough cleaning, whether on hardwood, tile, laminate, or carpet. Additionally, it effectively removes 98% of pet hair, making it a robust option for pet owners.
This model features a long 30-foot cord, providing great reach across multiple rooms and reducing the need to switch outlets often. However, it is important to note that at 14.8 pounds, the Miele Classic C1 is heavier than some alternatives, which might impact maneuverability. For a more agile option, the Shark Stratos Cordless is 8.9 pounds and has a cordless design, but it has a much smaller bin capacity at only 0.18 gallons.
The Miele Classic C1 has a cleaning path width of 13 inches, which enhances its efficiency by covering more surface area with each pass. This vacuum’s substantial bin capacity and ability to excel on multiple flooring types make it a highly versatile and effective choice for those seeking a comprehensive cleaning tool that excels across various surfaces.
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Did you know that 78% of vacuum cleaner reviewers are untrustworthy?
Our research found only 27 of 125 vacuum cleaner reviewers as of July 2024 can be trusted. This is why Gadget Review is committed to calculating the most accurate product scores on the web.
To do this, we give every vacuum cleaner review site a Trust Rating, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Rating with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.
150,575Vacuum Cleaner Reviews Analyzed
100
Total Products Analyzed
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Stratos Cordless
Best Allergies
The Shark Stratos Cordless is versatile across flooring types, excelling on hard surfaces and carpets, making it a robust choice for multi-surface cleaning.
True Score
81866Experts
85726Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $129$499.99$371.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive suction power
- Great bare floor performance
- Great Carpet cleaning performance
- Excellent pet hair cleaning performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Attachments are very limited
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.18 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Yes Cleaning Path Width 10" Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.9 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 89 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $371.00$500Save $129
- $399.00$400Save $1
Our Verdict
If you need a multi-surface vacuum cleaner that excels across various flooring types, the Shark Stratos Cordless is an excellent choice. It boasts a fantastic bare floor cleaning performance of 98.83%, making it ideal for hardwood, tile, and other hard surfaces. Additionally, it effectively handles pet hair, achieving 100% pet hair removal, which is particularly beneficial for homes with pets on both carpeted and hard floors.
This vacuum delivers solid carpet cleaning performance at 89.28% and weighs only 8.9 lbs. Its lightweight, cordless design facilitates easy movement across various rooms and floor types without the limitations of a cord. It’s compatible with all flooring types, adding to its versatility as a comprehensive cleaning tool. In contrast, the corded Shark Stratos Ultralight, with a lower carpet cleaning performance of 82.25%, may offer better value if you have less carpet, as it’s cheaper, and its performance on other surfaces is nearly identical.
Although the Shark Stratos Cordless operates at a noise level of 76.7 dB, it’s not earsplitting, even if it is the loudest on our list. However, the bin capacity of 0.18 gallons might require more frequent emptying, especially in homes with a lot of traffic, but this is a minor trade-off given its strong performance on multiple surfaces.
Despite some limitations, the Shark Stratos Cordless excels on hard floors and carpets, making it a robust choice for a multi-surface vacuum cleaner. Whether you’re dealing with long hair, pet fur, or general debris, this vacuum offers a powerful and flexible cleaning solution for any home.
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DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
For those debating between a canister vs an upright vacuum, canister models offer better maneuverability, while upright models typically provide easier storage and use. Each type has its strengths, so select based on your specific needs.
For deep cleaning, a top portable carpet cleaner can efficiently tackle stubborn stains and spills. Automated solutions like the leading robot vacuum and premier robot mop provide convenient, hands-free cleaning for both floors and carpets, maintaining a spotless home with minimal effort.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Stratos Ultralight
Best Long Hair
The Shark Stratos Ultralight excels on multiple surfaces, offering continuous power and effective debris removal for versatile cleaning performance.
True Score
80821Experts
86925Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $100$299.99$199.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good bare floor cleaning performance
- Decent carpet cleaning performance
- Great pet hair performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Below average suction power rating
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.2 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 8.25" Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length 30 ft Corded/Cordless Corded Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.6 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 82 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $199.99$300Save $100
- $199.99$300Save $100
- $249.00$400Save $151
Our Verdict
If you need a vacuum that excels on multiple surfaces, the Shark Stratos Ultralight is an exceptional choice, especially for homes with mixed flooring. Its corded design, featuring a 30-foot cord, provides enough range to clean decently sized spaces without having to unplug and replug.
The Shark Stratos Ultralight delivers a robust 97.50% debris removal efficiency on hard surfaces, making it highly effective at collecting long hair and other debris on hardwood, tile, and laminate. Although its carpet cleaning performance is slightly lower at 82.25%, it still performs commendably on lighter carpets where hair and fine particles can be a concern. Weighing just 8.6 lbs, this vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver, facilitating seamless navigation around furniture and through various rooms.
While its 0.2-gallon bin capacity may necessitate frequent emptying in high-traffic areas, this is a minor trade-off for its overall versatility and effectiveness. With a moderate noise level of 76.8 dB, it balances sound with strong cleaning performance. Though its narrower 8.25-inch cleaning path might require more passes over the same area, it remains efficient for its size. The Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Powerline, though more expensive and heavier at 14.8 pounds, offers a larger cleaning path but may be less maneuverable due to its weight.
The Shark Stratos Ultralight features a HEPA filter that effectively captures fine particles, enhancing air quality and making it ideal for allergies or respiratory sensitivities. Its ability to easily handle various floor types, continuous power, and effective particle capture make it a fantastic choice for a versatile and efficient multi-surface vacuum cleaner.
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Category Snapshot
Vacuum Cleaners
- Total Brands/Products Tested
31 Brands, 100 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Dyson, Miele
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$50-$400+
- Average True Score
75.70
- Important Test Criteria
Bare Floor Performance (%)
Carpet Performance (%)
- Most Trusted Testers
- Typical Warranty
1 year
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – Amazon, Best Buy
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+
Best Handheld
The Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ is a budget-friendly powerhouse for pet hair, excelling on multiple surfaces with high efficiency.
True Score
77806Experts
831kCustomers
Mixed Reviews
SAVE $10$89.99$79.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent performance with pet hair
- Great dirt pick-up rate on carpets and hard floors
- Comes with a turbo brush
- Great build quality
- Portable design
Reasons to Avoid
- Poor battery life
- Lacks a HEPA filter
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.1 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Unknown Cleaning Path Width 2.5" Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Unknown Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type Cloth, Washable Hypoallergenic Unknown Pet Yes Product Weight 2.8 lbs Vacuum Type Handheld vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 95 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 85 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $79.99$90Save $10
- $79.99$90Save $10
- $85.99$90Save $4
Our Verdict
If you’re a pet owner dealing with shedding, the Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ is the cheapest option on our list and a powerhouse for managing pet hair. It excels across multiple surfaces with a pet hair performance score of 99.17%, effectively capturing fur and making it an efficient tool for keeping your home clean.
Additionally, its carpet cleaning ability scores 84.50%, and it manages bare floors with 95.25% effectiveness, indicating robust versatility across different household environments. It features a moderate noise level of 77.2 dB, which, while not the quietest, balances effectively between performance and noise, making it suitable for regular use without major disturbance. With a cleaning path width of just 2.5 inches and a bin capacity of 0.1 gallons, it’s designed for smaller cleanups rather than extensive cleaning tasks.
This handheld model isn’t just about pet hair; its compact size and handheld design make it an excellent choice for quick cleanups and smaller areas, offering significant utility in cars or for spot cleaning. Weighing only 2.8 lbs, it is effortless to handle, making it perfect for quick sessions in busy areas. Its design enhances usability in crowded spaces, where larger vacuums can be cumbersome. If you’re looking for a larger but still easily portable vacuum, the Samsung Bespoke Jet, at just 6 pounds, offers enhanced carpet cleaning performance at 91.70%, though it comes at a higher price point.
Considering its performance, the Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ is an excellent option if you need a lightweight, effective solution for mixed flooring types. This vacuum is ideal for anyone needing a specialized yet flexible vacuuming solution.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Multi Surface Vacuums?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required), anyone can quickly and easily compare these vacuum cleaners and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a vacuum cleaner that will meet your needs.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Floor Performance | > 95% | Yes | How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning bare surfaces like tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors. |
| Carpet Performance | > 70% | Yes | How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 120+ vacuum cleaner reviewers and found that 27 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for vacuum cleaner.
- Dagobiet Morales Alfaro – RTings, LinkedIn
- Derek Hales – Modern Castle, LinkedIn
- Sabine Heinlein – Wirecutter, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every vacuum cleaner review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Vacuum Cleaner Test Data & Results
1. Bare Floor Performance Test Results
As the name suggests, bare floor performance references how well a vacuum does when it’s cleaning up tiles, vinyl planks, or hardwood flooring. Debris comes in a variety of sizes of course, and much of the testing revolves around picking up debris that ranges in size from cereal to bits of dirt to sand to a mix of everything above and more.
We recommend that a vacuum be able to pick up at least 95% of debris from a bare floor to ensure you end up with clean floors. Hitting a perfect score is obviously ideal, but the worse a vacuum performs here, the more work you need to do sweeping up or re-vacuuming. Missing debris is frustrating, and can invite pests if you miss bits of food, or annoyance if you step on something barefoot and hurt yourself.
Bare Floor Performance
> 95%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning bare surfaces like tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors.
Units of Measurement: % (percentage)
Tools to Measure: Scale
Why It’s Important:
A vacuum is supposed to clean, so if it can’t pick up most of the debris on a floor, it’s not doing its job.
Bare Floor Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)
2. Carpet Performance Test Results
Carpet Performance
> 70%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.
Units of Measurement: % (percentage)
Tools to Measure: Scale
Why It’s Important:
If you have carpet, how well a vacuum cleans directly impacts how your carpet feels to walk on, and prevents pests from moving in.
Carpet cleaning ability is another important part of how your vacuum performs. Whether you have low-pile, high-pile, or rugs, how effectively a vacuum cleans up the dirt and debris left behind on the carpet is enormously important to keeping your carpet comfortable.
Generally speaking, we recommend a carpet cleaning performance of at least 70%. You might notice this is much lower than bare floors, and that’s because carpet is harder to clean. Short of devoting the time to actually shampoo and dry out a carpet, thoroughly cleaning out a carpet is very difficult, and good vacuums will reach deep between fibers and pull out long-forgotten crumbs.
Carpet Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)
Best Multi Surface Vacuums: Mistakes To Avoid
- Overlooking Filtration Systems: Not paying attention to the vacuum’s filtration system can affect air quality, especially if you have allergies or pets. Choose a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to trap small particles more effectively.
- Disregarding Vacuum Weight and Maneuverability: Purchasing a heavy or difficult-to-maneuver vacuum can make cleaning cumbersome. Test the vacuum for ease of use. Lightweight and swivel models are easier to navigate around furniture and upstairs.
- Underestimating Suction Power and Performance: Focusing too much on additional features and not enough on suction power can result in poor cleaning results. Check the vacuum’s specifications for suction power, typically measured in air watts (AW) or amps. Strong suction is crucial for deep cleaning carpets and picking up fine dust.
- Ignoring Maintenance and Bag/Bagless Options: Not considering the maintenance needs of the vacuum can lead to higher costs and more effort. Decide whether you prefer a bagged or bagless vacuum. Bagged vacuums often require less frequent maintenance but involve ongoing costs for bags. Bagless vacuums save on bags but need regular filter cleaning and dustbin emptying.
The Best Multi Surface Vacuums Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Bare Floor Performance
|
Carpet Performance
|
Pet Hair Performance
|
Noise Level
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 88 |
|
|
|
|  $599.99 $800 $200 |
| 85 |
|
|
|
|  $699.00 $899 $200 |
Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction Powerline
| 84 |
|
|
|
|  $349.00 |
| 81 |
|
|
|
| $371.00 $500 $129 |
| 80 |
|
|
|
| $199.99 $300 $100 |
| 77 |
|
|
|
| $79.99 $90 $10 |
