7 Best Lightweight Vacuums of 2024

They Are Portable

If you struggle to lift your vacuum up the stairs, a lightweight model can help. Most stick and handheld vacuums weigh around three to eight pounds. This is a lot less than uprights and canisters, which can weigh closer to 16 pounds.

Plus, a lighter vacuum means portability. You’ll be able to transport it around the house without a problem. With some cordless models, you can even take them outside to clean your car.

Easier to Store

The two common types of lightweight vacuum cleaners are stick and handheld. Some available designs even combine both.

Most stick vacuums not only weigh less but are also slender and compact. This means they’re easier to store in small rooms or tight cupboards.

The same is true for handheld vacuums. You can put them up on a shelf where they’re easily accessible.

More Efficient Cleaning

When a vacuum feels light, you can glide it around easier and clean faster. You don’t have to put as much effort into it; it doesn’t feel like hard work. As a result, you will likely cover a larger area in less time than you could before.

Because it’s lightweight, you can also lift your vacuum to different heights. This enables you to clean ceilings, high shelves, or drapery. It’s also easier to get down low, even underneath your furniture — hard-to-reach spots become accessible.

Can Reduce Lower Back Pain

Using a lightweight vacuum and the proper cleaning technique helps prevent back pain. Often with heavier upright models, it can be tempting to push and pull with your arms while bending at the waist.

This movement can strain the muscles in your back, causing pain and discomfort ⁽¹⁾.

So, the best thing you can do is choose a lighter vacuum and use it correctly. Keep your hips and shoulders moving as you vacuum, and avoid twisting your back. You can also step forward with one foot as you clean.

Size

The size of a vacuum — not necessarily its weight — can make a difference. So, even if your “normal” vacuum isn’t that heavy, it might be problematic. In comparison, stick and handheld vacuums tend to be more compact, easier to handle, maneuver and store.

Power Input

One of the big choices you’ll have to make is whether the vacuum is corded or cordless. Both offer unique advantages. So, you’ll have to decide what makes the most sense for you.

Cordless vacuums tend to be more portable, with no power cord to restrict movement. But you’ll want to look for one with around 30 minutes to 60 minutes of runtime. Lithium-ion batteries usually power these. Make sure it’s fully charged before you use it.

With a corded vacuum, however, there’s no need to recharge. You can enjoy constant power straight from the electrical outlet. In this case, though, you want to make sure that it has a long enough power cord for your needs.

Around 20 feet to 25 feet should be enough for most homes.

Motorized Brush Roll

If you have lots of rugs and carpets, look for a machine with a motorized brush roll. The rotating bristles agitate the carpet to pull out the dirt.

For a home that isn’t fully carpeted, look for a machine with a shutoff for the motorized brush roll. This will prevent the bristles from damaging hard floors.

Handheld Conversion

If you want to clean surfaces and upholstery, as well as flooring, look for a stick model that converts to a handheld. This makes your vacuum more versatile and even more portable.

We love this conversion for cleaning the stairs, upholstery, and car.

LED Lights

Do you have trouble seeing underneath furniture? Are there a lot of dark or shaded spots in your home? Additional lighting can help you clean more efficiently by letting you see what you might otherwise miss.

LED lights on the base can make a world of difference, brightening up those hard-to-see places.

Reputation

Sometimes, you do get what you pay for. So, if you’re looking for a reliable vacuum, it is best to stick with a trustworthy, well-known brand. We’re talking about names like Dyson, Shark, Bissell, and Hoover.

These companies specialize in vacuums and cleaning products, so extensive research is part of their development. Of course, a name does not equal a guarantee. But it’s often a way to reassure yourself that you’re getting a quality product for your money.

Warranty

Warranties are also important. Not all manufacturers offer warranties on their products. But when they do, it’s usually an indication that they trust the design of their models and are willing to back it up.

You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that the brand will repair or replace your machine if something goes wrong. One to five-year warranties are common for vacuums. Extended warranties might also be available for an additional cost.

Accessories

Whether you’re choosing a handheld vacuum or a stick with handheld conversion, you’ll want to consider the accessories.

Some manufacturers include extra cleaning tools that attach to the machine. They can also help you clean other things in your home beyond your floors.

1. Dusting Brush

For grabbing dirt and dust from worktops and tables, look for a vacuum with a dusting brush. This has soft bristles to lightly scrub away the debris. They may be rectangular or circular, with suction provided through the middle.

2. Extension Wand

An extension wand is a handy accessory for cleaning high or hard-to-reach spots. This gives you a way to vacuum drapes, upper shelves, and even ceilings. Some extension wands also have a fabric strip to capture lint.

3. Upholstery Tool

Look for an upholstery tool for cleaning sofas, mattresses, and other soft materials. This has bristles and a wide cleaning head to rub the fabric and remove any clinging dirt and debris.

4. Crevice Tool

Consider a vacuum with a crevice tool to get into corners, along edges, and into narrow spots. It looks like a long, thin pipe and concentrates the suction power to capture dirt.

5. Motorized Tool

Pets are notorious for shedding their fur, which sticks to everything and can be difficult to remove. Cleaning it is easier with a mini motorized tool. This allows good suction and can loosen and scrub away pet hair.

Swivel Steering

Upright vacuums are often rigid and inflexible. The machine moves back and forth – that’s it. It can crash into objects, and then you have to lift it awkwardly to change direction. This is one of the reasons some people don’t like using them.

In contrast, many stick vacuums have swivel steering. This allows the body of the machine to flex from side to side. You can glide around objects while staying on the same cleaning path.

Lay-Flat Design

Another drawback of traditional-style vacuums is that they aren’t the best for reaching underneath furniture. This leaves dirt and dust hiding in your home, which can aggravate your allergies.

Many stick vacuums, on the other hand, can lay flat. They can slide easily underneath low furnishings, grabbing all debris in its wake.

Some of these models have handles that both extend and fold. This allows the vacuum to lay flat without your having to crouch awkwardly. Choosing this feature will also help you avoid back injuries and uncomfortable positions.

Non-Marring Wheels

The wheels of some vacuum cleaners can leave streaks on your floor. These look like black skid marks and are the last thing you want when you’re cleaning your home.

Plastic wheels can be awful for this. They sometimes scratch the top layer of flooring when you move the vacuum cleaner.

To avoid this, look out for non-marring wheels designed to protect hardwood floors. Rubber wheels are also a good shout since they prevent dents and scratching ⁽²⁾.

Filtration System

If you suffer from seasonal allergies or are sensitive to dust, you will benefit from a good filtration system. Many vacuums include washable filters. These capture allergens and prevent them from recirculating back into the air.

The ones to look out for are HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters. They can trap contaminants in a mesh of tight fibers ⁽³⁾.

A HEPA filter can collect 99 percent of fine particles ⁽⁴⁾. This helps prevent sneezing and other unpleasant symptoms that you develop when exposed to allergens.

It’s also beneficial to look out for a double or triple filtration system. This ensures that dust and tiny contaminant particles don’t escape from the vacuum back into your air.