Compared to my regular vacuum, everything is better. The quiet mode *is* much quieter but has just as much suction. The parts clip in rather than just slide in, so they don't come apart while vacuuming. The power cord is longer and has a much stronger rewind so it easily rewinds all the way. At last! The air coming out is completely clean. Other vacuums that have a HEPA filter aren't sealed properly so not all the air is forced through the filter and some just comes out the back, making the filter irrelevant. Stupid I know but that's how many of them are. It maneuvers around walls etc better than others, the bags and filter on this model filter better than the HEPA standard, even the hose is stronger and less likely to kink. It's just better in every way. It's even nice looking, a matt blue colour. I love this vacuum.