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The Best Stick Vacuum

Last updated on September 27, 2022

We looked at the top 15 Stick Vacuums and dug through the reviews from 76 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Stick Vacuums.

Best Dyson Vacuum

Our Review Process

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As hardwood floors become increasingly sought after in American homes, the stick vacuum has emerged as the cleaning solution of choice for many. A slimmed-down sister of the old upright vacuum, it does the hard work of tidying up floors without that bulky bag or the bulky profile. The first stick vacuums could store easily in even the smallest closet, and while they couldn’t boast the pickup power of the big uprights, they worked just fine for tile or hardwood. They could also handle tiny crevices and corners with greater agility.

Vacuum technology has come a long way in the last couple of decades, to the point where the best stick vacuums are perfectly capable of picking up dirt from just about any surface — rugs, carpets or upholstery.  Most models now can toggle between modes for cleaning carpets or bare floors. The main difference is typically a stiff-bristled rotating brush, which helps loosen deep-seated carpet dirt. On wood floors, it not only scatters that same dirt but can sometimes harm sensitive surfaces, so choose your setting accordingly.

The initial draw of the stick vacuum — portability — has likewise improved. Even budget models are now cordless, allowing you the freedom to clean floors, ceilings or patios without worrying where the plug is. Battery life is always a concern, but just mount it for a recharge and you’re ready to go again.

Many modern stick vacuums don’t even need to be confined to the house, thanks to their modular sensibility. Vacuums like the Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum are light enough in their normal configuration, but you can also detach the vacuum from the floor cleaner. Snap on one of a series of attachments, and you’ve got an effective handheld cleaner that can tackle car interiors or other tough-to-reach areas.

Finally, one of the same things that make stick vacuums so sleek also makes it more sanitary. Instead of the bag container of the classic upright vacuum, stick vacuums trap the dirt they capture in a cup — typically near the handle at the top. This container isn’t as roomy as that of an upright vacuum, meaning you’ll need to empty it more often. But when you do, it will generally mean less mess. Some vacuums double down on that cleanliness with a HEPA filter that traps tiny particles and allergens, but the thickness of that filter can reduce suction power in budget models.

Our Picks For The Top Stick Vacuums

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Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

Bissell Multipurpose 3-In-1 Stick Vacuum

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Bissell

Multipurpose 3-In-1 Stick Vacuum

If you're looking for a lightweight stick vacuum that doesn't lack power, this is the model for you. In fact, this vacuum can be used as a stick vacuum, handle vacuum or a stair vacuum. Available colors include blue, purple, lime and black.

Overall Take

Powerful SuctionWith every purchase of this stick vacuum, a donation is made to help homeless pets.

Pros
" Compact, lightweight vacuum that's easy to maneuver. Converts to a handheld vacuum. Crevice tool included. Powerful enough to pick up pet hair and stuck-on debris. Quiet operation."
Cons
"The cord on this unit could have been longer."
 Runner Up

Eureka Upright LED Headlights Stick Vacuum

Eureka

Upright LED Headlights Stick Vacuum

While some stick vacuums are designed for hardwood floor use only, this model also works on carpet and tile. It weighs just 6 pounds and folds up to fit in compact spaces when not in use. Homeowners will love the vacuum's powerful suction, swivel steering and extra-long 30-foot cord.

Overall Take

Most VersatileThe head of this stick vacuum features built-in LED lights to help you locate dirt and debris under tables and other furniture.

 We Also Like

Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Stick Vacuum

Shark

Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Stick Vacuum

While not cordless, this stick vacuum has a cord length that can accommodate most rooms. Its maneuverability is a highlight, with suction that can tackle most carpets and attachments that can convert it to a hand vacuum for small cleanups or detail work. A series of washable filters makes for easy maintenance.

Overall Take

Great ManeuverabilityAn easy-to-maneuver stick vacuum with top-notch suction power and washable filters.

Pros
" Suction rivals upright vacuums. Accessories for everything from car detailing to cleaning computer keyboards. Converts to hand-vac easily."
Cons
"A bit expensive to others"
 Strong Contender

Dyson V10 Handheld Lightweight Stick Vacuum

Dyson

V10 Handheld Lightweight Stick Vacuum

This handy stick vacuum boasts up to 60 minutes of run time and advanced whole machine filtrated. The wide 9.84-inch cleaning path helps you get more cleaning done with fewer passes, and the soft roller cleaner head can pick up both large debris and fine dust.

Overall Take

High-Quality PickKeep your house sparkling clean with help from this trust cordless vacuum.

Pros
" The V10 is effective at cleaning up along edges and on bare floors. It left tile very clean, with little visible surface debris."
Cons
"Not quiet on Max mode, expensive and has only one battery."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
22

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the stick vacuums available to purchase.
15

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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76

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: BestReviews, New York Times Wirecutter, Tech Gear Lab, USA Today, Consumer Reports.

89,342

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 15 Stick Vacuums and also dug through the reviews from 76 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Stick Vacuums.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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What to Look For

  • The No. 1 concern for anyone buying a vacuum, stick or otherwise, is going to be suction. It’s a difficult thing to quantify, as there’s still no generally accepted measurement of vacuum effectiveness. Not to mention, the fact that suction isn’t consistent even on the best vacuums. It can vary with the type of surface being cleaned, how full the dirt container is or how often the filter has been cleaned. Horsepower is also a good ballpark measurement, and user reviews can be helpful in determining how well a vacuum works and what type of surfaces it handles best.
  • Portability can also be a big concern. Stick vacuums are a favorite in many households primarily because they can maneuver under couches and coffee tables or even into ceiling corners — areas that upright units can’t easily reach. Cordless vacuums can be especially helpful for this, but you’ll want to bear the weight in mind, especially for older users.
  • If you’re choosing a cordless vacuum, research the battery life. The batteries on these vacuums are typically rechargeable, but larger houses may need more than one charge to get the job done. Some models have a removable battery, and you can even upgrade to a spare one that can be recharged while you run the original.
  • Depending on what you plan to use it for, attachments can make all the difference. Stick vacuums are versatile to begin with, but many have the added bonus of detaching from the floor cleaner and transforming into a handheld device. From there, you can pop on attachments like brushes or crevice tools to tackle upholstery, car seats or fan blades — if those extras are available for your vacuum.
  • Allergy sufferers are going to want effective suction (and maybe a HEPA filter for severe cases), but they will also want to make sure all those particles and dirt can be emptied out without getting it all over their hands. In that case, look for a detachable cup that can be easily cleaned or a container that can be emptied without even touching the lid. Container capacity can be another big plus, ensuring that it won’t need to be emptied as often.
  • You and your floors may love a vacuum with a lot of horsepower, but your sleeping child may not. Some vacuums are definitely louder than others, so if you have sensitive roommates or children, do your research.

Stick Vacuum Rankings

1. Bissell Multipurpose 3-In-1 Stick Vacuum

Overall Score: 9.6
Reviews Included: 8

2. Eureka Upright LED Headlights Stick Vacuum

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 1

3. Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Stick Vacuum

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 10

4. Dyson V10 Handheld Lightweight Stick Vacuum

Overall Score: 8.6
Reviews Included: 9

5. INSE HEPA Filter One-Handed Stick Vacuum

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 1

6. Tineco A11 Hero Multi-Surface Cordless Stick Vacuum

Overall Score: 8.2
Reviews Included: 5

7. Eureka Blaze XL Customizable Stick Vacuum

Overall Score: 8.2
Reviews Included: 7

8. Shark Vertex Ultra-Light Cordless Stick Vacuum

Overall Score: 8.1
Reviews Included: 9

9. Hoover Impulse Bagged Multi-Floor Stick Vacuum

Overall Score: 8.1
Reviews Included: 8

10. Dyson V7 Motorhead Cord Free Quick Clean Stick Vacuum

Overall Score: 8.1
Reviews Included: 9

11. Hoover Linx Extreme Recline Stick Vacuum

Overall Score: 8.1
Reviews Included: 11

12. Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead Non-Motorized Stick Vacuum

Overall Score: 7.8
Reviews Included: 7

13. Dirt Devil Simplistik Vacuum

Overall Score: 7.7
Reviews Included: 6

14. Bissell Cyclonic Maneuverable Stick Vacuum

Overall Score: 7.5
Reviews Included: 8

15. VonHaus Compact HEPA Sponge Stick Vacuum

Overall Score: 7.0
Reviews Included: 8

More to Explore

The concept of vacuum cleaners has been around since the late 1800s, but the efforts of early inventors were more trouble than they were worth. Daniel Hess’ initial patent for a “carpet-sweeper” involved the use of manually-operated bellows to create suction, so it’s no surprise that one may never have been created.

The advent of gasoline power didn’t do much to improve the concept. In 1898, John S. Thurman created a “pneumatic carpet renovator” that used a gas engine to blow (not suck) dirt into a large receptacle. The drawback? It had to be carted around in a horse-drawn carriage, with tubes that snaked into a house through the windows or doors. Believe it or not, Thurman actually did have some takers for his offer of house cleaning calls at $4 a pop.

The world’s smallest vacuum cleaner? As of December 2018, that honor goes to Talabathula Sai of India. He created a working 2.13-inch vacuum cleaner using a pen cap, 12-volt battery and a DC motor. We’re not sure what it cleans, but it sounds like it would be perfect for Barbie’s dream house.

More to explore