Cleaning is such a headache and time-consuming house chore that the busy life nowadays does not allow us to spend time on it frequently, especially if we have such a big house, pets, or are very vulnerable to dust and dirt.
And, when house cleaning has become such a hard nut to crack like that, it’s high time for you to buy a vacuum cleaner. Since there are many things needed to be concerned about when buying this kind of machine, we have finally discovered eight best lightweight vacuum cleaners after a lot of research and tests. Let’s begin to have a deep insight into them now and we’re sure that they will not let you down!
Here are the best lightweight vacuum cleaners you can buy in 2024:
- Best Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner (Stick Vacuum Cleaners): Shark Rocket HV302
- Best Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner (Stick Vacuum Cleaners): Dyson V8
- Best Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Upright Vacuum Cleaners): Oreck Commercial U2000R-1
- Best Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Upright Vacuum Cleaners): eufy HomeVac
- Best Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner (Canister Vacuum Cleaners): Bissell Zing 2156A
- Best Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner (Canister Vacuum Cleaners): Eureka Mighty Mite 3670H
- Fast Cleaning (Handheld Vacuum Cleaners): Shark WV201 WANDVAC
- Best For Pet Hair (Handheld Vacuum Cleaners): BLACK+DECKER BDH2000PL
| 8 Best Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner | Shark Rocket HV302
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Best Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner | Dyson V8
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Best Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner | Oreck Commercial U2000R-1
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Best Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner | eufy HomeVac
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Best Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner | Bissell Zing 2156A
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Best Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner | Eureka Mighty Mite 3670H
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Fast Cleaning | Shark WV201 WANDVAC
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Best For Pet Hair | BLACK+DECKER BDH2000PL
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Best Corded Stick Vacuum Cleaner (Stick Vacuum Cleaners): Shark Rocket HV302
Durable
Many attachments included
Great suction
Flexible
Easy to store
A bit small and hard-to-detach dust cup
Weak filtration system
Shark has always been producing a collection of vacuum models that have rarely failed in pleasing its customers, and the Rocket HV302 is not an exception. This Rocket HV302 model, though it is not the most recent and modern one from this brand, it is still especially notable for its flexible design in the stick vacuum niche.
The machine can be easily converted into a hand vacuum, which makes it suitable for not only floor cleaning but also lightweight tasks above the floor. There are also two cleaning modes, which are carpet and hardfloor to deal with multi-surface floorings in your house.
Multiple accessories such as the under-appliance wand, crevice tool, pet multi-tool and home & car detail kit are all attached to the main vacuum. One-time payment and you will get a full combo that includes every necessary tool for your house tidying. What a good bargain, right?
Although the Rocket HV302’s power is enough to be a full-house vacuum, that does not come at its dust cup. The dust chamber capacity is small, so if you have large rooms, you might probably have to empty it after each, and that is quite annoying. Besides, its filtration system is pretty weak and does not get high evaluation. So, from our point of view, this is not really recommended for allergy sufferers.
| Shark Rocket HV302 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 8.2 lbs |
Dimension | 10.5 x 9.8 x 46 inches |
Most Suitable For | Stairs, hardwood floors; hair; carpets |
Cord Length | 30 ft |
Highlight Features | Bagless |
Shark Rocket HV302 is a convenient, versatile stick vacuum for a small house and department.
Best Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner (Stick Vacuum Cleaners): Dyson V8
Lightweight
Compact
Easy to use
Maneuverable
Easy to empty
Poor battery life
Less powerful
You want to cut the cord from your new stick vacuum because the cord is too complex and messy for you? Dyson V8 comes to save you from that stress! With this cordless version, Dyson has totally lived up to our expectations with a variety of top-notch features.
The most impressive one here can’t avoid showing is the HEPA filtration. For the detailed information about this excellent filter system, please check the buying guide in the next part, but simply put, it’s the life-saver for those who are easy to get allergic to dust, debris, hair, etc.
Moreover, weighing only 2.6 kg, undoubtedly, this is one of the most lightweight stick vacuum cleaners that you can find in the market. The soft roller can also be considered as a bonus here. Since most brush rollers are hard and can ruin your hardfloor’s finish, a softer one like this has much more potential and can be used for different purposes.
Dyson has said that you can use the Max mode without worrying about draining the battery in 8 minutes, but to be honest, the battery is not as good as advertised and the evidence is it has a pretty short lifespan. With its price range, this con might make you feel disappointed, but overall, this is a garden-variety problem showing up in most cordless vacuum, so this is still a promising option.
| Dyson V8 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2.6 kg |
Running Time | 40 minutes |
Filter Bag Capacity | 0.14 gallons |
Most Suitable For | Hardwood floors, hair |
Highlight Features | Bagless |
Dyson V8 is a mid-end stick vacuum cleaner with bells and whistles.
Best Corded Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Upright Vacuum Cleaners): Oreck Commercial U2000R-1
Long cord length
Convenient handle
Powerful
Maneuverable
Just suitable for low pile carpeting
No tools included
If you’re talking about a corded upright vacuum cleaner that can go anywhere around the house, Oreck Commercial has created one, which is this U2000R-1 with the extraordinarily long cord, up to 40 feet. We have searched and come across tons of corded vacuums, and to us, it’s rare to find one with this impressive cord length, even at some high-end models.
The long cord allows you to move around your house but doesn't require you to care about the proximity of power suctions. This makes the whole unit more maneuverable and powerful at the same time. The machine also has a helping hand handle, which enables you to turn On/Off and take control at ease.
Unlike Dyson V8, this vacuum does not come with many advanced features, but it has got most of the basic jobs done perfectly. Still, there is one minor. This U2000R-1 does not work well with low pile carpeting. If you are a big fan of low pile carpets and have a lot of them in your house, you might want to think about other suggestions or buy the secondary vacuum to support this.
| Oreck Commercial U2000R-1 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 8 pounds |
Dimension | 36 x 14 x 6.5 inches |
Most Suitable For | Pet hair; rugs |
Cord Length | 40 ft |
Highlight Features | Top fill bag |
No fancy attachments or adjustments but this Oreck Commercial U2000R-1 is for you if you’re seeking a powerful unit for your large house.
Best Cordless Upright Vacuum Cleaner (Upright Vacuum Cleaners): eufy HomeVac
Long run time
Lightweight
Long battery life
Easy to empty and clean
Large dust holder capacity
Not so long-lasting, especially the roller brush
Cheap material
An upright vacuum cleaner but super lightweight, it is eufy HomeVac. This is a great cordless vacuum that has enough ability for a whole-house cleaning with its incredibly long run time.
With its maximum 50-minute run time, it outperforms a lot of products at its price level and even some that can be sold at about twice or three times as expensive. We believe that this excellent run time can be achieved mostly because of the Eco mode, which is very energy-efficient.
People used to think that an upright vacuum must be bulky and heavy, but this eufy HomeVac will definitely change their minds with its 5.8 pound weight.
This product is backed up with the double filters. Although it might not reach the standard of the HEPA filtration system, it still can significantly reduce the dust or exhaust turning back to the atmosphere to some extent.
As this eufy HomeVac is ridiculously light compared with an upright design, it comes as no surprise that it is made from kind of cheap materials and cannot last for good. The roller brush or beater bar is the most flawful part when many buyers witnessed it stopped working after only several uses.
| eufy HomeVac Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 5.8 pounds |
Running Time | 50 minutes |
Filter Bag Capacity | 0.9L |
Most Suitable For | Hardwood floors; stairs; pet hair |
Highlight Features | Bagless |
eufy HomeVac is a cordless upright vacuum cleaner with small design and superior run time.
Best Bagless Canister Vacuum Cleaner (Canister Vacuum Cleaners): Bissell Zing 2156A
Powerful suction
Retractable cord
Large dirt cup
Affordable
Small, short design
Short cord
If a vacuum cleaner is something luxury for you, you want to choose the most cost-effective one but still can meet your needs, perhaps Bissell Zing 2156A will come in handy.
The most outstanding point at this machine that many corded vacuum should desire is its retractable cord. The corded model is very helpful as it is powerful, but for those who have only small storage space, this could be a problem. Still, this will be successfully solved with this automatic cord rewind.
In addition, normally, a bagless vacuum might cause you annoyance when you have to empty the small dust holder over and over. Fortunately, thanks to the 2 liter dirt cup capacity, you no longer have to buy any backup bags or clean the chamber frequently. The machine does not have brush roll, meaning that it’s excellent for hard flooring but not really ideal for carpet.
The retractable cord is a big plus but this Bissell Zing 2156A’s cord is quite short (15 feet) to continuously clean up. The main hose part is short, too, which might force you to bend back for extended reach, so it’s not suitable for a long use period.
| Bissell Zing 2156A Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | Nearly 8 pounds |
Dimension | 14 x 11 x 12 inches |
Most Suitable For | Hardwood, wood floors; pet hair; stairs |
Cord Length | 15 ft |
Highlight Features | Bagless |
Bissell Zing 2156A is an optimal choice for short to medium-height people.
Best Bagged Canister Vacuum Cleaner (Canister Vacuum Cleaners): Eureka Mighty Mite 3670H
Long hose
Large dust bag
Powerful
Affordable
Unable to work with rugs
Eureka Mighty Mite 3670H is another affordable yet powerful canister vacuum cleaner that you can rely on.
Unlike the Bissell Zing 2156A which has such a short hose that might cause you a pain in the neck when vacuuming, this model from Eureka has a long one. This feature makes it more maneuverable and can get in and out tight space effortlessly.
As a bagged vacuum, its large dust bag has come as we expected. The 2.5 liter bag will surely win over other bagless models when it comes to the dust holding capacity. The bag is made of paper, meaning that it is non washable but easy to empty as you just need to throw it into the bin.
Generally, the Eureka Mighty Mite 3670H has a great standard with powerful suction, long hose, large dust bag, long cord enough for a large room, on-board tools attached and an affordable price. However, remember to take into consideration that this is unable to work with rugs or it’s really bad at it since there is no brush roller.
| Eureka Mighty Mite 3670H Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 8.6 pounds |
Dimension | 17.5 x 11.3 x 9 inches |
Most Suitable For | Hardwood floors; stairs |
Cord Length | 20 ft |
Highlight Features | Bagged |
Eureka Mighty Mite 3670H is a one-size-fit-all vacuum for hard floorings.
Fast Cleaning (Handheld Vacuum Cleaners): Shark WV201 WANDVAC
Ultra-lightweight
Compact
Great suction power
Easy to use
Multi-surface attachments included
A bit short battery life
While the two recommendations above cannot deal with rugs, you might want to look for other choices with the multi-surface ability, right? Let us introduce you to another name from the Shark brand, the WV201 WANDVAC. This brand seems to be really distinctive in equipping its products with the attachments or modes to make it applicable and well-adaptable to multiple kinds of surfaces.
As a handheld vacuum cleaner, of course, this one is lightweight, but we can’t deny that its weight, 1.4 pounds, is truly light even when compared to other hand models.
The brushless motor is the thing that steals our heart here! It means that the whole machine, and its motor can work more effectively and become more durable when it runs at high speeds, enabling you to have fast cleaning. The Ion charging dock will provide you with quick access and fast charging without a need of a power socket.
Despite owning a brushless motor, this product cannot prevent its battery from fast draining. This is such a pity because if the Shark can improve it, this could be a perfect handheld vacuum cleaner!
| Shark WV201 WANDVAC Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.4 pounds |
Running Time | 9 minutes and 30 seconds |
Filter Bag Capacity | 0.08 quarts |
Most Suitable For | Hair; pet hair; small jobs |
Highlight Features | Bagless |
Shark WV201 WANDVAC is an ultra-lightweight handheld vacuum that you can bring it anywhere with you!
Best For Pet Hair (Handheld Vacuum Cleaners): BLACK+DECKER BDH2000PL
Great suction power
Long run time
Fast charging
Maneuverable
Loud
Not so durable
Finally, the last one on this list, Black+Decker BDH2000PL. This one has impressed us with its long run time compared to many other handheld vacuum cleaners.
Besides, it also has many pros such as powerful suction, and fast charging. Still, the feature that users will benefit most from this unit is its 3-stage filtration system. It might not be so amazing like the HEPA filtration, but it still can protect allergy sufferers from pet hair, dust, and whatsoever.
There are a few little issues at this machine that we want to mention. Although noise has always been a problem of vacuum, we still don’t recommend this one for you if you cannot put up with noise because it is really loud, indeed.
| BLACK+DECKER BDH2000PL Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 3.0 lbs |
Running Time | 15 - 20 minutes |
Filter Bag Capacity | 15 ounces |
Most Suitable For | Stairs; hair; pet hair |
Highlight Features | Bagless |
BLACK+DECKER BDH2000PL is a handheld vacuum cleaner that can continuously run for an extended period of time.
How To Choose The Best Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner?
There is more than one type of vacuum cleaners to choose from, let alone a wide range of models and brands. Moreover, this is not the machine that will cost you a few dollars, instead, this is a huge investment for your home! That’s why although this buying guide could be a bit long, please read it thoroughly and don’t miss out on any single word to clearly determine which type of vacuum is the right one for you.
First, let’s get started with the four major groups that have always been dominating the vacuum cleaner market, which are stick, upright, canister, and handheld.
Stick
Stick vacuum cleaner is the optimal choice for a quick cleaning, especially in cramped, messy space. Briefly described, it can be considered as a mini-size model or a slim-down version of the upright and full-size canister vacuums. This kind of vacuum tends to be pretty lightweight, and maneuverable, so it can get in and out corners or high-traffic areas like the closet more easily.
However, it’s not powerful enough to be the cleaner for the whole house. So, if you have already had a big vacuum cleaner with endless power, and now you are looking for a secondary one for daily usage, this stick model is a great alternative.
Upright
The upright vacuum’s design might not make the grade of every customer because it’s bulky, and quite heavy with a large, strong suction and wide cleaning head. Its upright section, which is also the vacuum’s hose, is where the motors and filtration system stay. This is also the reason why this vacuum model tends to weigh heavier when you push and pull or move it around to clean.
This kind of design makes it difficult for the upright to handle some low and tight space such as under the couch or bed. However, the bulky design can be a plus at the same time when it’s built more solid, and durable. The upright design is not small but it’s really space-saving as it will minimize the floor space required for storage.
Canister
Canister vacuum cleaner is famous for its long hose, which allows users to easily reach and clean far-away or high places. The canister body houses the motor and filters, but with the help of the long hose, you don’t have to carry it with you when vacuuming like the upright. And, even if it’s time to move on, it’s still super easy as you just need to wheel it or grab its handle.
Therefore, the canister model is often attracted with stairs or house ceiling clean up. Although this is a compact design for cleaning, it might cause you some tricky issues when it comes to storage because of its hose.
Handheld
Handheld is the type of vacuum cleaners that is constructed with only the bagless version. As the name implies, the handheld vacuum is small and can be fully controlled with just one hand. This model is most suitable for small cleaning tasks such as spot cleaning, couch cushions or vacuuming in tight and narrow spaces like gaps between couch, and car’s furniture.
Since this type of vacuums is too small, it just can be your secondary or supportive machine rather than a whole-house cleaner.
Corded or Cordless
Every type of vacuum cleaner is divided into two categories, which are corded and cordless, and each of them will have its own pros and cons.
With cordless version, it will surely win over the corded one when it comes to maneuverability when you will never have to worry about the cord length, the lack of proximate power sockets, or the problem that the cord may be stuck somewhere when you are moving around the house.
Still, that convenience is the trade-off for the suction’s power. As the cordless model runs on battery, it cannot always keep its power strong and consistent. Runtime is another limitation of this product version. Of course, many manufacturers have recently launched many new machines running on Lithium-ion that can lengthen the runtime obviously (some can work continuously up to over 40 minutes), but the higher level of power you often use, the faster the vacuum’s battery will drain. So, be prepared that it cannot work 100% of its power like it is advertised or it cannot be powerful as you want, otherwise it will soon wear out.
Bagged or Bagless
Many people used to think that every vacuum cleaner has a bag but actually, many new vacuum models now are bagless. With the bagged, it is very hygienic since it completely protects you from dust, dirts or possible allergens that can make you sniffle or sneeze by sealing them in a closed bag.
Besides, it’s also ideal for lazy people for its convenience since the bag is pretty large and once it’s full, your job is just to throw it away. Still, this also means that you have to occasionally buy a new bag, so it’s not so eco-friendly and cost-effective. In contrast, the bagless, though it is not recommended for allergic or poor-immunity people as you will have to clean up a chamber full of trash and debris, it is an affordable and environmental-friendly option!
Weight and Design
A vacuum cleaner should be lightweight, or at least, its weight does not cause you a hard time when swinging around.
Just think about this! You will not only use this machine to clean the floor but sometimes, also the ceiling, so a heavy choice will undoubtedly lead to your arms or even back pains. Make a wise choice here and check the product’s weight carefully to see whether you can deal with it or not.
If your house is not so big, a small-designed and lightweight model is an optimal option for space-saving. Well, after all, you buy a vacuum to clean your house, but not to make it more messy and crowded, right?
Filler
For those who might not know, according to some scientific research, vacuum cleaners can release exhaust, grime or some allergic substances. And, when that process happens, fine dust and dander can follow the flow of exhaust and get back to the atmosphere, which might result in some health-related issues. Therefore, most high-quality vacuums nowadays come with a filtration system, which enables users to trap even the finest particle of dust to some extent.
The filter is often made of two main materials. The first one has a sponge-like texture, meaning that it is washable and can be used over and over, thereby this is an affordable choice. The other one looks like paper, and it needs occasional replacement to keep its effectiveness.
That’s not all about filters. Do you know what is the, by far, gold filtration system that every vacuum cleaner wishes to have? That is the HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. If any vacuums are equipped with this kind of filter, it is proof that the manufacturer really cares about its customers and has tried to bring them superior quality. This HEPA system can remove 99.9% of animal hair or such ultra-small or microscopic dust like pollen, and bacteria in the atmosphere. If you are an allergic-sufferer, don’t hesitate to go for a vacuum with this feature as it’s a real deal for you!
Brush Roll
Brush roll is the part that is not always present in a vacuum cleaner, but once it appears, it will affect the suitable floor type. For example, the brush roll is pretty tough, so if you use it for wood or painted floors, it might scratch and ruin their finish. We advise you to use a brush roll for soft surface objects such as carpet as it will gently roll up all the carpet fibers to thoroughly clean and suck all the debris and dust from the deepest layers.
The bottom line here is what if you have a multi-surface flooring? Should you buy with or without brush roll models? The best bet for you in this situation is purchasing one with a brush roll that is able to disassemble .
Ease of Use
A vacuum can have multiple complex, superior features but it does not mean that they have to be difficult to use! If a machine takes you struggling time to operate it, trust us, it is not valuable or great as you see on the advertisement.
Price
No one can make light of the price before deciding to buy anything, right? Frankly, we cannot define which price range is the best for a good vacuum cleaner as there are both excellent and junk models at different ranges. The expensive price might come with better products and more advanced features but sometimes, it’s just not worth that much.
So, what you should do now is to consult our reviews or any other articles, and then choose the one with the price that suits your budget most!
Which Brands Make The Best Lightweight Vacuum Cleaner?
Eureka
Dyson
Shark
FAQs
Which vacuum lasts the longest?
In our opinion, the upright vacuum tends to have the longest lifespan because of its bulky but durable design.
Are expensive vacuums worth it?
Of course, it’s undeniable that the more expensive vacuum you have, the more effortless your cleaning will be. However, it is not always that case. There are still a variety of affordable vacuums whose quality can outperform some with the higher price, and they are on this list!
Which type of vacuums uses much electricity?
This question is a bit general, indeed. It’s tough to decide which type of vacuum cleaners will use electricity most as all of them need quite a lot of electricity to run, so our tip to save up electricity here is to choose the model with the energy-efficient feature.
How often should you replace your vacuum?
A vacuum often has an average lifespan of 8 years, but this number is not fixed depending on the machine’s brand, quality as well as your personal maintenance and use.
What if my vacuum loses suction?
There are several reasons leading to the vacuum’s loss of suction. So, here are some possible solutions for you when this problem occurs:
Check and empty the bag with bagged models.
Lower the vacuum’s height to the lowest setting.
Fix the clogged hose: remove the hose or use a long stick to push the trash out.
Check and make sure that there is no gap between the hose and the vacuum’s body when putting them together. A duct tape is also recommended to seal the bag if there is any air hole.
Check to see whether the roller is clogged or not.
If you have done all the methods above but your machine still does not work, sorry, but it really needs help from the professional repair shop!
Conclusion
Finally, we have hit the bottom line of this long but informative article. We know that choosing your right vacuum cleaner is pretty complicated as you will have to put a lot of aspects into consideration, from your purposes, floor types, budget, to the vacuum’s features itself.
Still, we are confident to say that with our thorough buyer’s guide as well as honest reviews about some best-selling names of the best lightweight vacuum cleaners on the market, you have already had in hand the most appropriate vacuum for yourself! Thank you a lot for sticking with us!
Eugene WilliamsHi, my name is Eugene, the ultimate home enthusiast! I write buying guides and ideas on how to create a warm and welcoming home. Join me on my journey to make everyday in your house a staycation in the comfort of your own space!
