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The best stick vacuums are capable of quickly cleaning up small, everyday messes—like spilled cereal, dirt tracks and rogue pet hair. They’re more lightweight and portable than full-size vacuums and often deliver better suction and more convenience than a robot vacuum. Plus, stick vacuums are unmatched in versatility, as many come with attachments to clean a variety of surfaces or convert into handheld vacuums with the push of a button.
If you want unparalleled performance for the hairiest/crummiest/sandiest of messes, the Dyson Outsize Total Clean Cordless Vacuum is as powerful as it gets. That said, it’s pricey ($900), so if you want to spend less, there are plenty of other high-performers on this list.
The Dyson Outsize Total Clean Cordless Vacuum gets our vote for the best stick vacuum overall.
There are a wide variety of stick vacuums available today, including corded and cordless models. Corded models deliver unlimited operation time with the caveat that you’re tethered to a power outlet, limiting the amount of space you can cover in a single go. Cordless models are battery-powered, giving you more flexibility as you clean. The downside is that their battery life is limited. However, many of today’s options can run for an hour or more before they need to be charged, giving you enough power to clean even the largest spaces.
Whether you’re looking for a powerful stick vacuum to replace your full-size model or just a small, lightweight supplementary cleaning tool, these are the best stick vacuums to keep your home spic and span.
Cordless: Yes | Battery life: 120 minutes | Weight: 7.9 pounds
Dyson is one of the most popular brands for stick vacuums and the Outsize Total Clean is its latest and greatest model. This high-end pick can outperform even full-size vacuums, as it features a full-size cleaner head and dust bin, as well as two batteries that deliver up to 120 minutes of runtime. It also comes with a handful of accessories and attachments, and can transform into a handheld unit for added versatility.
This model was engineered with larger homes in mind, so it delivers 90% more suction power than the V8 ones. It automatically senses and adapts to changes in floor type to optimize suction and increase battery life. The digital display screen lets you know just how much battery you have left.
What the Reviews Say: With hundreds of positive reviews, this Dyson vacuum is a hit among reviewers, who say it’s a worthwhile splurge. “I love this vacuum so much, I want to marry it! The wide head and powerful suction means less sweeps across the floor to accomplish the task, which equals less time spent vacuuming. I am done so much faster, not having to go over the floor a thousand times and not being limited to an area with a cord tying me down.”
Cordless: Yes | Battery Life: 40 minutes | Weight: 5.26 pounds
This powerful but lightweight (barely 5 pounds) stick vacuum lets you clean anywhere while you move around cord-free. Increase the suction while on carpet with a flick of the button. We especially like the slim profile and ability to get the vacuum head underneath furniture as it lies flatter than some others. It isn’t too noisy and the LED lights are a perk for getting into less lit areas of the house. It easily converts into a handheld vacuum, with the usual accessories for cleaning upholstery and crevices.
What the Reviews Say: Buyers love how lightweight this vacuum is, its versatility and price point. “I would highly recommend this Eureka to anyone that is looking for a light weight, cordless, and powerful vacuum cleaner. I use it on my laminate floors, tile floors, and my indoor/outdoor carpet and the price point as it compares to the features.”
Cordless: No | Battery life: N/A | Weight: 8.2 pounds
Corded stick vacuums like the Shark Rocket have unlimited runtime and are also typically more affordable than cordless models. This one has a 25-foot power cord, plus you can easily toggle it between hard floor and carpet cleaning using the fingertip controls. The vacuum has swivel steering that lets you maneuver around furniture with ease. It also comes with a crevice tool, precision duster and pet multi-tool to clean more areas of your home.
What the Reviews Say: This corded vacuum has more than 10,000 reviews, and buyers are consistently impressed with its suction power, especially for the reasonable price. “The suction is no joke. There are two settings: one that is as powerful as my old vacuum on max power, and one that is turbo charged. This will demolish ground-in dirt and hair, even from high-pile carpet or rugs.”
Cordless: Yes | Battery life: 40 minutes | Weight: 5.6 pounds
You can prevent pet hair from taking over your home with the Dyson V8 Animal. The cordless stick vacuum is designed especially for pet owners, featuring whole-machine HEPA filtration, increased brush bar power for getting hair out of rugs and up to 40 minutes of suction power with a non-motorized attachment. Even with a motorized tool attached it can run for up to 25 minutes, allowing you to clean heavy traffic areas (and possibly your entire home) in one go.
This popular vacuum comes with a direct-drive cleaner head, a mini motorized tool for upholstery and a crevice tool and combination tool. Plus, its wall dock makes it convenient to store and charge. The max power mode gives you a boost of suction for tough tasks, and it also converts into a handheld model for quick spot cleaning.
What the Reviews Say: This mid-price Dyson model has close to 7,000 reviews, and pet owners have lots of positive feedback. “We have owned for a week and both my husband and myself are less congested in the morning. We have two cats, and I wanted this Dyson specifically to get under our beds and other furniture. It amazes me how much it continues to pick up. Plus, it is light and easy to take off the wall to do some quick clean up.”
Cordless: No | Cord Length: 18 feet | Weight: 3.2 pounds
If your home has mostly hard floors—whether it’s hardwood, tile or linoleum—you can keep them clean with this lightweight stick vacuum from Eureka. The corded vacuum weighs just over three pounds, making it easy for anyone to handle. It also has swivel steering that makes it easy to guide around your home. Its nozzle is designed to pick up both larger debris and small dust particles, plus it converts into a handheld vacuum if you want to clean the stairs, your car, or other tight areas.
What the Reviews Say: This inexpensive stick vacuum has more than 23,000 reviews from people who love its lightweight design. “For those who have laminate, wood, vinyl or cat litter trails, this is a dream come true. This is lightweight, but not cheap like a kids’ toy. The swivel is fantastic, glides smoothly and effortlessly. The unit lays flat, so it’s easy to vacuum under beds and furniture.”
Cordless: Yes | Battery Life: 60 minutes | Weight: 6.27 pounds
With its lightweight design, the Samsung Jet 75 Cordless Stick Vacuum is a top pick for cleaning hardwood, tile, carpet and hard-to-reach places. Weighing only 6 pounds, this stick vacuum is easy to maneuver under sofas, on stairs and over the tops of wooden blinds. It has a 180-degree swivel head that lets you change direction without much effort, and a high-capacity dustbin that you don’t have to empty too often.
The five-layer filtration system captures pet dander, pollen and other allergens, trapping dust and up to 99.999% of fine particles so you can breathe better. And the Jet Cyclone technology keeps dirt and debris from building up in the filter, eliminating clogs. A single charge will give you 60 minutes of runtime.
What the Reviews Say: The Samsung Jet 75 has more than 1,000 5-star reviews from happy shoppers who laud its suction power. “The suction power is amazing and it cleans very well. I could not believe the stuff this vacuum picks up! There are no dust particles flying around while vacuuming, which is important.”
Cordless: Yes | Battery life: 60 minutes | Weight: 6.8 pounds
You’ll be amazed at how much dirt is removed from your carpets with the Dyson V15 Detect—the newest cordless stick vacuum from the brand. This high-end vacuum uses lasers to reveal microscopic dust on your floors and intelligently optimize suction to deep clean your rugs.
It delivers up to 60 minutes of run time per charge. The high-torque cleaner head uses an anti-tangle comb that prevents fibers from getting wrapped around the bristles. Plus, the machine calculates and categorizes the particles it picks up, showing you a breakdown of what you’re cleaning on its LCD screen.
What the Reviews Say: Reviewers rave about the advanced features of this vacuum, including its laser-detection abilities and powerful suction that gets deep into rugs. “As a cordless vacuum, I feel it has more than enough power for throughly cleaning our rugs and hard flooring. Battery life is also excellent. After completing our cleaning routine the v15 usually ends up on the wall charging dock with 40% of charge.”
Cordless: No | Cord length: 15 feet | Weight: 3.4 pounds
Stick vacuums can be quite expensive, sometimes costing just as much as full-size models, but the Dirt Devil Vibe is an affordable option for tackling quick cleaning jobs around the house. The corded vacuum has a detachable handle that lets you use it as a handheld vacuum, plus you can turn its brush roll on and off, depending on what type of floor you’re cleaning. The power cord is 15 feet long and the vacuum weighs just a few pounds.
What the Reviews Say: With more than 10,000 reviews, there’s no shortage of feedback on this budget-friendly vacuum. “This vacuum is perfect for small messes and quick cleaning. It’s very lightweight and easy to use. It only has one attachment, but for our needs, it’s perfect.”
Cordless: Yes | Battery life: 60 minutes | Weight: 8 pounds
The MieleTriflex HX1 can be configured in three different ways, allowing you to use it for more jobs around your home. You can attach the vacuum’s Power unit, which houses the motor, to either the top or bottom of the stick, changing the balance of the vacuum to make it easier to clean under furniture or up along the ceiling. It can also be used as a handheld vacuum and it comes with a variety of attachments, including a dusting brush and crevice nozzle.
The vacuum can run for up to 60 minutes per charge and its Lifetime Filter retains 99.9% of dust. Unlike most stick vacuums, it can “self-park” in an upright position, saving you from having to lean it up against something.
What the Reviews Say: This stick vacuum is fairly new, so it doesn’t have quite as many reviews as other models, but there are still plenty of buyers that sing its praises. “Miele knows how to make a good floor vacuum. The Triflex is no exception. It hugs the floors, sucking up everything. It has these little rubber flange things on the bottom that focus the suction forward and to the sides. It is alarmingly good at sucking up everything right up to the baseboards.”
Cordless: Yes | Battery life: 45 minutes | Weight: 7 pounds
Lithium ion batteries have changed the game for vacuum cleaners, allowing them to run for longer without compromising suction power. The Hoover Onepwr Blade Max Stick Vacuum Cleaner is a top choice in this category. It is powered by a 4.0 Ah lithium ion battery that delivers up to 45 minutes of runtime per charge.
This cordless stick vacuum features a multi-surface brush roll that works on carpets and hard surfaces, and it also comes with a microfiber roller for hard floors. The unit includes several other accessories as well, like a dusting brush, crevice tool, upholstery tool and more. It captures 99% of dust and fine particles to help make your home spotless. All in all, it has a lot to offer for a price tag that’s under $400.
What the Reviews Say: Buyers are pleased with the suction power of this vacuum, and many say it’s comparable to a Dyson. “We love this cord-free vacuum so much! It has a brushless motor with a dirt cup that is super easy to remove and empty out. It has a powerful suction for hardwood floors and the best part is that it can convert into a hand-held vacuum.”
There are several key factors you’ll want to consider as you shop for a stick vacuum. By evaluating potential purchases in these important areas, you’ll be able to select the best stick vacuum for your needs.
Stick vacuums come in two main styles: cordless and corded. Cordless models are powered by an on-board battery, which means they have a limited runtime and must be charged between uses. However, the benefit is that you’re not restricted by a power cord while using them, making it quicker and more convenient to clean. On the other hand, corded models, which plug into a power outlet, have unlimited runtime, but you have to stop and unplug them as you move from room to room.
If you do opt for a cordless stick vacuum, it’s important to consider how long the battery lasts on a single charge. Some inexpensive vacuums may only work for 20 minutes, while high-end models can often last for an hour or more. If you have a large home, you’ll likely want a vacuum that lasts longer—otherwise you may find yourself having to recharge the battery in the middle of your cleaning session.
One major benefit of stick vacuums is that they’re often very lightweight, which makes them easy to carry around your home and even up stairs. Today’s popular models often range from 3 to 8 pounds, allowing you to find an option that works for your abilities.
Stick vacuums are generally equipped with small, bagless dustbins that you remove to empty. However, you’ll want to consider the size of the dustbin in comparison to the area you’re cleaning—for instance, if you’re vacuuming a carpet covered with pet hair, you’ll likely find that a small dustbin fills up quickly, forcing you to empty it multiple times.
It’s common for stick vacuums to include different attachments and accessories, so take some time to think about the types of tools you’ll use in your home. Popular options include crevice tools, dusting attachments and mini motorized brush heads for furniture, and some vacuums also come with wall-mounting kits, telescoping wands and more.
Your average stick vacuum might not have as much sheer suction power as an upright vacuum, but it does excel in other areas. These types of vacuums are typically much lighter and more portable than full-size versions, and they often have a cordless design that makes them more convenient to use. Some high-end stick vacuums do offer powerful suction and advanced features that can rival the performance of an upright model, but they’ll likely be in the same price range.
As with regular vacuums, the lifespan of your stick vacuum will depend on several factors, including the quality of its build, how much you use it and how diligent you are about maintenance. On average, a well-made stick vacuum will last five to seven years.
To make cleaning hard floors more convenient, many stick vacuums come with special brush heads designed to pick up small particles. Often called soft roller heads, these attachments are ideal for vacuuming dust, dirt and hair off hardwood, tile and linoleum flooring.