The Best Lightweight Vacuums for Low-Effort Spotless Floors, Tested

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A cumbersome full-size vacuum isn’t required to clean a home’s floors. We tested 10 easy-to-maneuver lightweight vacuums that make the task easier.

A vacuum is a necessary household tool for cleaning hard floors and carpets, but many are heavy and difficult to maneuver. Traditional vacuums can weigh up to 20 pounds, which is one reason lightweight models are becoming more popular.

We decided to test these lighter options to find out which ones stood out above the rest. Read on to discover how each model fared in our hands-on tests and earned a spot in this guide of the best lightweight vacuums on the market today.

1. BEST OVERALL: Samsung Jet 75 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum
2. RUNNER-UP: Eureka NEU182A PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum 
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Bissell 2033 FeatherWeight Lightweight Stick Vacuum
4. BEST MANEUVERABILITY: Eureka NEC180 RapidClean Pro Lightweight Vacuum
5. BEST UPRIGHT: Eureka NEU100 AirSpeed Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum 
6. BEST STICK: Black+Decker PowerSeries+ 16V Cordless Stick Vacuum
7. BEST HANDHELD: Shark WANDVAC Cordless Handheld Vacuum
8. BEST CANISTER: Miele Classic C1 Pure Suction PowerLine Vacuum
9. BEST FOR CARPETS: Dirt Devil Endura Lite Upright Vacuum 
10. BEST FOR PET HAIR: Bissell 2252 CleanView Swivel Pet Vacuum Cleaner

How We Tested the Best Lightweight Vacuums

To find the best lightweight vacuums that make cleaning floors less of a chore, we researched the customer ratings, features, weights, and prices of 20 popular models and then chose the top 10 models for our testing. We used each vacuum for several weeks, covering over 2,000 square feet of hardwood, carpet, area rugs, and vinyl flooring. During our testing, we assessed each vacuum on how well it worked on hard versus carpeted floors, its suction power, battery life, accessories, and maneuverability. We also performed more extensive tests, such as spilling rice, flour, and M&Ms on hardwoods and carpets to see which vacuums could handle these bigger messes.

Other factors we noted during our independent testing included the ease of carrying each vacuum up and down a flight of stairs, whether emptying the dustbin left a mess, and the noise level, which we measured with a decibel monitoring app.

We kept all testing results in a rubric to accurately compare the vacuums. Then, we assigned each vacuum an award based on its type, price, and how it performed during testing. We also tapped into expert sources for advice on key features to consider.

Elizabeth Shields, operations manager at Super Cleaning Service Louisville, a home and carpet cleaning business in Kentucky, advises, “For hard floors like wood or tile, look for a vacuum with a gentle brush for no scratches. And if it’s carpets you’re dealing with, a vacuum with a strong brush roll that goes deep is good.” She explains that a vacuum that can switch between the two is a win, with adjustable settings for gentle cleaning.

Our Top Picks

Each of the best lightweight vacuum cleaners on our list passed extensive independent testing and garnered high customer ratings. These models are easy to maneuver, provide adequate to strong suction capability, and include a range of accessories.

Best Overall

Samsung Jet 75 Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum

Product Specs 

• Type: Stick and handheld
• Weight: 6.2 pounds
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless

Pros

• 4 suction levels—min, mid, max, and jet—allow for a customizable clean
• Lightweight design makes it easy to carry up and down the stairs
• Removable battery is easy to swap out or place on the charging station
• High suction power tackles small and large messes, cleaning floors in a single pass

Cons

• Must remove the dustbin from the vacuum to empty it
• If the vacuum dies while cleaning, battery takes 3.5 hours to fully recharge

The Samsung Jet 75 Pet is a cordless stick vacuum with a removable battery. It comes with a wall-mount charging station, a mini motorized tool for cleaning upholstery and pet hair, and an extendable crevice tool. This model offers four suction levels: min, mid, max, and jet.

We used the Samsung Jet 75 Pet to clean hardwood floors, luxury vinyl plank, low-pile carpets, and high-pile area rugs, starting with old, wide plank hardwood floorboards that had slight gaps. Most vacuums don’t have enough suction to clean dirt from these gaps, but this model was effective even on the medium setting. We occasionally had to switch to the max or jet setting to pick up large amounts of spilled food or tracked-in mud. Switching power modes with only a push of a button was easy, and the Samsung Jet tackled every challenge.

At only 6.2 pounds, this vacuum was easy to maneuver, gliding over hard floors and carpet while picking up dirt, hair, and crumbs in a single pass. The slim head fit under furniture and cabinets, and it easily navigated obstacles due to the 180-degree swivel.

We converted the Samsung Jet 75 Pet to a handheld model by removing the pipe from the body with a click of a button. It was convenient for vacuuming stairs and upholstery. Overall, the suction power and ease of use of this model were unbeatable.

Read our full review: Samsung Jet 75 Pet Cordless Stick VacuumGet the Samsung lightweight vacuum at Amazon.

Runner-Up

Eureka NEU182A PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum

Product Specs 

• Type: Upright
• Weight: 10 pounds
• Corded vs. cordless: Corded

Pros

• 5 adjustable settings make it ideal for both hard floors and carpet
• Extra-large 2.6-liter dustbin extends each use
• Detachable hose and handle for cleaning walls, crevices, and upholstery

Cons

• Only available in a bright blue color that won’t suit everyone’s tastes
• Corded model is less convenient for spot-cleaning quick messes

The 10-pound Eureka PowerSpeed upright vacuum is a multifloor corded machine with a dynamic motor and brush roll for powerful cleaning, along with a 12.6-inch-wide nozzle. This product’s star feature, however, is its 2.6-liter extra-large capacity dust cup, which allows ample vacuuming time before emptying the container is necessary.

The vacuum passed all of our cleaning tests, suctioning up everyday dirt and big messes like piles of M&Ms and long-grain rice. One of our favorite features was the adjustable brush roll height. We could switch from vacuuming hard floors to high-pile carpets simply by turning the dial on the vacuum head.

The Eureka PowerSpeed also came with three accessories: a crevice tool, a dusting brush, and an upholstery tool. We used the attachments by detaching one end of the hose from the side of the vacuum and securing it to the quick-release handle. The hose allowed enough reach to comfortably suction cobwebs from the wall and clean upholstery.

We used this vacuum on over 2,000 square feet of floor, and it didn’t disappoint. It sucked up even the biggest of messes, leaving our floors clean after each use. We did find two potential cons to this model, though. First, it only comes in bright blue, which won’t suit everyone’s tastes. Second, it’s a corded model, which is less convenient for spot-cleaning.

Get the Eureka PowerSpeed lightweight vacuum at Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

Bissell 2033 FeatherWeight Lightweight Stick Vacuum

Product Specs

• Type: Stick and handheld
• Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Corded vs. cordless: Corded

Pros

• Works as a stick, stair, or handheld vacuum with an easy-to-remove floor nozzle attachment
• Powerful suction cleans hard floors, carpets, area rugs, countertops, and upholstery
• Lightweight design makes it simple to carry and maneuver
• Offers versatility and excellent suction at a budget-friendly price

Cons

• Shorter 15-foot cord won’t reach across most rooms without switching power outlets
• Doesn’t include a roller brush for cleaning carpet fibers

The Bissell Featherweight bagless vacuum is essentially three vacuums in one: a stick, a handheld, and a stair vacuum. Factor in its useful crevice tool and floor nozzle, and it’s a super-versatile household cleaner.

When we unboxed the Bissell FeatherWeight, we were impressed by how light it was to hold. At only 2.6 pounds, the vacuum was easy to carry and maneuvered well. The small size had us worried that it wouldn’t deliver much power, but we were wrong. The Bissell FeatherWeight passed all of our tests, sucking up large and small debris. We used it on vinyl plank floors, carpet, hardwoods, and area rugs, and it did a solid job on each surface. The small head was useful for cleaning under furniture, and it was easy to push along baseboards to get floor edges clean as well.

We tested the handheld vacuum on upholstery, and it delivered enough suction to remove crumbs and hair. We also used it as a stair vacuum, and the lightweight nature of this model made it easy to handle. The biggest con was the cord length. At only 15 feet, the cord isn’t long enough to vacuum an entire room or set of stairs without stopping to switch power outlets. It also has a small 0.67-liter dustbin, which was easy to empty but filled up quickly.

Get the Bissell FeatherWeight lightweight vacuum at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Bed Bath & Beyond.

Best Maneuverability

Eureka NEC180 RapidClean Pro Lightweight Vacuum

Product Specs

• Type: Stick and handheld
• Weight: 5.3 pounds
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless

Pros

• Lightweight design and swivel steering make it easy to maneuver
• Built-in LED headlights illuminate dirt and hair so users don’t miss a spot
• Handle lays flat for reaching under beds and furniture
• Wall mount and slim design allow for convenient storage

Cons

• Low to medium suction power compared to some other vacuums on our list
• Must remove the dustbin from the vacuum to empty it

The Eureka RapidClean Pro is a cordless stick vacuum that converts into a handheld vacuum. It includes LED headlights to help users spot dust and debris and is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts for about 40 minutes. This model offers two power levels: low and high. Though some stick vacuums are top-heavy and topple easily, this product’s easy-rest feature—an indentation on the back of the handle—allowed us to prop it on a countertop or table when needed.

Our favorite feature of this vacuum was how well it maneuvered. At only 5.3 pounds, the Eureka RapidClean Pro was effortless to push, and the swivel steering made it easy to sweep around obstacles. Since it can lie flat, we vacuumed under often overlooked areas, like beds and furniture.

This model converts to a handheld vacuum, which we used to test the included attachments: a crevice tool and a dust brush. The crevice tool worked well for cleaning between couch cushions, and the dust brush was ideal for lampshades.

Our biggest issue was the lack of suction power compared to other products on our list. The vacuum picked up small particles like dirt and flour but scattered the rice. We instead had to suction the rice using the crevice tool attachment. However, the vacuum did perform a bit better on carpeted surfaces than on hardwoods.

Get the Eureka RapidClean Pro lightweight vacuum at Amazon.

Best Upright

Eureka NEU100 AirSpeed Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum

Product Specs 

• Type: Upright
• Weight: 7.7 pounds
• Corded vs. cordless: Corded

Pros

• Powerful suction cleans large and small particles on hard and carpeted floors
• Lightweight model is easy to carry and maneuver
• Quick-release handle makes it convenient to use the crevice tool and dusting brush

Cons

• Shorter 18-foot power cord doesn’t reach across large rooms without switching outlets
• Short hose length makes it unsuitable for vacuuming stairs

The ultralightweight AirSpeed bagless vacuum from Eureka is an inexpensive upright model weighing only 7.7 pounds. This model’s powerful suction works on all floor types, and it has a 10.5-inch-wide cleaning path.

It took less than 1 minute to assemble the Eureka AirSpeed. We snapped the handle into the base, and it was ready to use. Over 3 weeks, we used this model to vacuum hardwoods, vinyl floors, carpet, and area rugs. It delivered excellent suction and was simple to maneuver.

The Eureka AirSpeed includes a crevice tool and a dusting brush, which we attached to the end of the quick-release handle to suction away cobwebs from the ceilings and walls. It also performed well in our cleaning tests, picking up rice, flour, and M&Ms from carpeted floors. On hardwoods, it picked up the rice and flour, but we had to use the attachments to suction the M&Ms.

This model is much smaller than most upright vacuums, so it was convenient to store in a closet. It also felt incredibly lightweight and was a breeze to carry up and down the stairs. However, there are two potential cons to this model. First, it’s not ideal for vacuuming stairs; the hose isn’t long enough, and it doesn’t include the proper attachments. Second, the 18-foot cord didn’t reach across some of our biggest rooms, requiring us to stop and switch outlets in the middle of vacuuming.

Get the Eureka AirSpeed lightweight vacuum at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Stick

Black+Decker PowerSeries+ 16V Cordless Stick Vacuum

Product Specs 

• Type: Stick
• Weight: 8.3 pounds
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless

Pros

• Autosense technology changes suction power based on the floor type
• Lays flat to easily vacuum under beds and furniture
• LED floor lights illuminate pet hair and dust for thorough cleaning

Cons

• Lengthy 5-hour recharge time is inconvenient if vacuum dies while cleaning

The Black+Decker PowerSeries+ is a cordless stick vacuum that weighs in at 8.3 pounds. It features Autosense technology that changes suction based on the floor type. If the vacuum senses hard floors, it stays on low suction and then boosts to high suction on carpet. It also gives users the option to manually switch from high to low power with the press of a button.

This model came in two pieces that snapped together for easy assembly. We charged it for 5 hours before use and then went to work on our floors. Even on the low setting, the vacuum provided enough power to pick up large and small particles. We used it on carpets, hardwoods, and vinyl, and it glided smoothly across each floor type, suctioning away all the dirt.

The slim head and swivel steering made it simple to clean under furniture and cabinet overhangs. This vacuum can also lay on the floor, so we used it to sweep under beds. We converted the Black+Decker Powerseries+ to a handheld model and attached the crevice tool. It offered plenty of suction for cleaning between couch cushions, sweeping stairs, and removing cobwebs from walls.

After vacuuming, we emptied the dustbin by removing it from the vacuum, taking out the filter, and dumping the dirt in the trash. We put everything back together before reattaching the dustbin to the vacuum. This process took a little longer compared to dustbins that empty from the bottom, but it wasn’t too difficult.

Get the Black+Decker lightweight vacuum at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.

Best Handheld

Shark WANDVAC Cordless Handheld Vacuum

Product Specs 

• Type: Handheld
• Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Corded vs. cordless: Cordless

Pros

• Convenient to grab for small messes on hard and soft surfaces
• Includes a charging dock so it’s always charging and ready to use
• Duster crevice tool and multisurface pet tool offer increased functionality

Cons

• Expensive for a handheld vacuum, especially since it has a limited runtime
• Battery lasts for less than 10 minutes before needing a charge

The Shark WANDVAC handheld vacuum weighs just 1.4 pounds, and its tapered nozzle can pick up fine dust and large debris. It has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery powered by an ion charging dock that stores the vacuum’s attachments. This model includes a duster crevice tool and a multisurface pet tool.

We tested the Shark WANDVAC similarly to the other vacuums on this list, using it to clean everyday dirt and suction flour, rice, and M&Ms off hardwood floors and carpeted surfaces. It easily tackled the smaller particles but clogged when we tried to vacuum the M&Ms.

We consistently used the Shark handheld vacuum for 3 weeks and found it convenient for smaller messes. It was a hit with kids, as they enjoyed cleaning up after themselves. This model performed great on upholstered surfaces like car interiors and furniture, but it sometimes failed to suction all crumbs on hard surfaces like countertops or floors. However, it did a good job of suctioning hair and could be an asset to users with pets.

The 0.08-quart dust cup capacity required frequent emptying, and the battery lasted for less than 10 minutes before we needed to charge it. This model is handy for spot-cleaning but doesn’t deliver the power to tackle big messes. It’s also expensive for a handheld model.

Get the Shark lightweight vacuum at Amazon,