The Best Stick Vacuums
Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead Lightweight Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
The Dyson Cyclone is an excellent choice for your next stick vacuum. It comes with a docking station for both charging and storage, can be switched into a handheld by removing the floor attachment, and claims a 60-minute charge. Users have commented that the 60-minute life is a bit overstated if using the machine on the maximum suction level, so keep that in mind if you have large rooms that will take an extended period of time to clean, but 60 minutes is the longest battery life claimed by any of the products we have suggested. Overall, the vacuum gets high marks for having a strong suction for a stick vacuum and being lightweight for handheld jobs.
Pros
- No cords
- Lightweight
- Strong suction
- Bagless
Cons
- Claims that charge does not hold well on higher suction
Key Features
- Docking station for charging
- 60-minute charge
- Converts to handheld
- Includes crevice tool and combination brush
Specifications
- Brand: Dyson
- Dimensions: 9.8 x 10.2 x 48.9 inches
- Weight: 5.1 pounds
Bissell Featherweight Stick Bagless Vacuum
The Bissell Featherweight Stick vacuum is a low priced option that is ideal for hardwood floors but may struggle on thicker carpets. One factor that hurts its ability to work well on carpet is the lack of a rotating brush, however this was also viewed as a positive from some users as this prevented long hair from becoming entangled. At right around three pounds, this vacuum is not going to break your back and at this price point it won’t break the bank either. You can remove the stick while leaving on the floor attachment to easily vacuum up your stairs. You can also take off the floor attachment and have a traditional handheld vacuum for use on furniture or countertops.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Bagless
- No rotating brush for hair to get wrapped around
Cons
- Suction struggles on carpet
- Short cord
Key Features
- Converts to both handheld and stair vacuum
- 15-foot cord
- Includes crevice tool
Specifications
- Brand: Bissell
- Dimensions: 8.3 x 9.5 x 44.2 inches
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
Shark Rocket Pet Pro Lightweight Cordless Stick/Hand Vacuum
The Shark Rocket Pet Pro has solid suction for a stick vacuum and a rotating brush to loosen dirt. The brush is designed to be self-cleaning so that hair does not become entangled in the roller. It is cordless and is designed to run for 40 minutes between charges when operated in standard mode. LED lights on the base are great for seeing in corners and under furniture to ensure you don’t miss anything. The biggest critique is that it will not stand on its own, but must be propped against something or laid on the floor.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Empties easily
- Good suction
Cons
- Not self-standing
- Dirt cup is smaller than expected for a pet vacuum
Key Features
- Self-cleaning brush roll
- Converts to hand vacuum
- 40 minute runtime in standard mode
- LED lights on base
- Removable battery for charging
Specifications
- Brand: Shark
- Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.1 x 46.1 inches
- Weight: 7.2 pounds
Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik Vacuum Cleaner
The Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik is not intended to be your only vacuum as it’s power is not going to blow you away. However, it will help you clean up quick messes in tight places just fine. Like similar stick vacuums of lower power and price, this vacuum will struggle on thicker carpet but do well on tile and hardwood. Converts easily to a handheld for furniture or a car, just make sure you are close to an outlet as it is not battery powered which does detract from its portability. The biggest selling point is the low cost so if you need a touchup vacuum for tight areas, then the Simpli-Stik may be for you.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Low cost
- No bag
Cons
- Struggles on thick carpet
Key Features
- Converts to handheld vacuum
- 16-foot cord
- Rinsable filter
Specifications
- Brand: Dirt Devil
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 10 x 42.9 inches
- Weight: 3.7 pounds
Stick Vacuum Buying Guide
Stick vacuums may or may not be the best option for your household, and most users have purchased a stick vacuum as a secondary tool and do not use them as their primary house vacuum. This buying guide will help you consider the most important factors when purchasing a stick vacuum so that you can make an informed decision. While vacuums come with many additional features for you to consider, our guide will focus on suction strength and power source for the sake of our discussion.
Suction
You will want to consider the suction provided by each model while also considering what jobs you plan to use it for as not all jobs are created equal. The stronger the suction, the higher the price as a general rule of thumb, and there is no reason to over-buy if your needs are small. If you are primarily looking to clean up dust and cobwebs occasionally, then there is no need to spring for a higher-end model with a larger price tag. However, if you have toddlers or pets in your house, your vacuum is likely to be used more often and the greater power will likely be needed. If you are looking at stick vacuums as your sole floor cleaning tool, you will do well to pay a little bit more and find a model that will be able to actually clean deep into carpets and rugs and suck up larger debris, which most lower-end models struggle with.
Power Source
Both electric powered and battery operated models can come in handy in different situations. While cords can become frustrating as you constantly avoid running over them while vacuuming not to mention the constant need to change outlets as you run out of cord, batteries need to be charged and often have a run time of only 30-40 minutes with standard suction which will drain even faster when using a higher suction setting. Weigh both options compared to your needs before making a decision.
