The central vac is much better, because the unit is farther away, and it cannot put dust back in the air, and it has a much larger moter plus another in the power head, and it is much more convenient, you do not have to deal with a cord, and it is super quiet all you hear is the small noise from the power head, and when you have a regular attachment on it you here nothing, and because the collection cup is so big you only have to empty it about every 6 months, and it is very lightweight, it is much better than an upright, and much more powerful it costs a bit more but it is worht it, your home is cleaner, you do not sneeze and when you sell your home it will increase in market value.