My wife always loved her dust buster and rarely, if ever, used a regular vacuum. It never held a charge, didn't have much suction, and was really difficult to empty and clean. She loves her Dyson stick vacuum. She gushes about it when it comes up. It's better at each of those things, but isn't great.

Personally, I like using the Roomba. It's not great, either, but I don't mind picking up the room and letting it run.

I'm sure there's a large market for traditional vacuums, those always seem to get most recommended. Miele canisters are always considered "the best," but reviewers know most people aren't interested just because of the price.