It may seem a bit of a stretch to say that a lightweight vacuum will keep your family healthy, but there is certainly an argument to be made for it. If you have a vacuum that’s heavy and difficult to maneuver, then you may find yourself using it less and less. Of course, the less you vacuum, the dirtier your home becomes and the more likely your family is to become sick. When you enter cold and flu season each year, you’ll want to keep up on your vacuuming all the more and if that need leads you towards purchasing a new lightweight vacuum, you’ve come to the right place.
We reviewed dozens of lightweight vacuums to identify the best of the best. We found the battery operated vacuums that you can take with you wherever you go, and those that have an impressive power cord length, letting you go most everywhere and still deliver unlimited use. We looked at handheld vacuums, stick vacuums, upright, and canisters to identify the best vacuum for your home.
All through our research, the Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum stood out as the best overall lightweight vacuum. With a large dust cup capacity of 4.1 liters and only weighing ten pounds, you’ll be able to take this vacuum from room to room before taking a break to dump the dirt and debris.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Lightweight Vacuums
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Lightweight Vacuum | Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum | 4.2 |
| Best Handheld Lightweight Vacuum | ONSON Vacuum Cleaner | 4.2 |
| Best Budget Lightweight Vacuum | Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum | 4.3 |
| Best Cordless Lightweight Vacuum | Hikeren Cordless Vacuum | 4.7 |
| Best Lightweight Canister Vacuum | Hoover PortaPower Lightweight Commercial Canister Vacuum | 4.1 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Overall Lightweight Vacuum: Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum
Not only is the Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum lightweight, at only ten pounds, it has a handle along the top of the motor, making it the most portable upright you’ll likely ever find. But, for the sake of convenience, the power cord length of twenty five feet means you’ll be able to vacuum even longer before needing to take it anywhere.
The flexible hose attached to this upright will give you additional versatility and allow you to use one of its three included accessory attachments to vacuum nearly any part of your home. The crevice tool will allow you to reach under and between, the dusting brush will easily clean your blinds and curtains, while an upholstery brush will freshen your furniture. And for maximum ease, these tools are all stored on board, too.
The numbers don’t lie and for this lightweight vacuum, that says wonderful things. There are over 1,600 customer reviews on Amazon earning this vacuum an overall rating of 4.2 stars – making this a pretty amazing vacuum!
Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Bagless Upright Vacuum Key Features:
- Bagless
- 10 lbs; with handle
- Includes flexible hose, 3 attachments
Best Handheld Lightweight Vacuum: ONSON Vacuum Cleaner
The ONSON Vacuum Cleaner is powered by a rechargeable battery, and even with the battery, (that will often weight down the competition), it still only weights 4.87 pounds. Under five pounds creates an ideal weight for a vacuum which you’ll be carrying in your hands, not wheeling from room to room. Consider that the power of this vacuum is no less strong than the heavier and bulkier counterparts and this is obviously going to be a vacuum you use frequently.
This vacuum is all about the functionality. Not only can you easily take it wherever you want to without any cord to bother with, you’ll also have the included accessories that make it useful in each of those rooms you head to, as well. It also has specialized motorized brushes to ensure that the surface you’re cleaning is getting the appropriate brush with the right amount of power.
With over 3,500 customer reviews on Amazon, and an overall rating of 4.2 stars, this handheld and lightweight vacuum is very likely to meet your needs just as it has the vast majority of its other customers.
ONSON Vacuum Cleaner Key Features:
- Rechargeable battery operation
- 2 color options
- Bagless, cordless
Best Budget Lightweight Vacuum: Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum
The Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum can be either a handheld or a stick, depending on your preference and considering how much power this little vacuum packs, the versatility will be utilized, for sure. By adding the floor nozzle attachment to the handheld configuration, you’ll be able to use this vacuum on the stairs; with the stick, it easily cleans your hard wood floors, and without either, the compact handheld will still clean up a wide array of messes.
With an overall weight of three pounds, you’ll have no trouble lifting this vac and transporting it anywhere you want; using it in your car, your home, even your garage. And with a fifteen foot power cord length, you have a fair bit of room to work with before you move the plug location, too.
This vacuum has over 2,000 customer reviews on Amazon and an overall rating of 4.3 stars. That in and of itself is a comforting fact, but when you realize that your investment will be only $30, your purchase will seem all the less risky.
Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum Key Features:
- 3 color options
- 0.67 liter dust cup
- Bagless
Best Cordless Lightweight Vacuum: Hikeren Cordless Vacuum
The Hikeren Cordless Vacuum is a practical vacuum that won’t require you be tethered to any wall for operation. The rechargeable battery only requires three to four hours before it reaches a full charge and the vacuum will prominently display the battery life so you’ll never be caught unawares when the vacuum needs recharged. The stick folds down and out of the way to make it handheld (or can be removed entirely). When using the stick, you’ll be able to swivel 90 degrees up and down, as well as 180 degrees side to side, allowing it to reach far more places than its competitors.
You can use this vacuum for wet or dry messes and that makes it perfect for your home and for more utilitarian use, as well – for example, for minor spills in the garage or car. For your own matter of preference, you’ll even get to pick between a black and grey color model, too.
While there’s plenty to love about this vacuum, when making your decision, you shouldn’t overlook the rating, on Amazon. There aren’t the thousands of reviews that some other vacuums have, but with 1,500+, you can take the rating as an honest one. And considering that rating is 4.3 stars, this is one tempting cordless vacuum, to be sure.
Hikeren Cordless Vacuum Key Features:
- Power brush attachment with LED lights
- 30-40 minutes battery life with continuous use
- 18-month guarantee
Best Lightweight Canister Vacuum: Hoover PortaPower Lightweight Commercial Canister Vacuum
The Hoover PortaPower Lightweight Commercial Canister Vacuum is easily carried by the handle atop the motor and with a canister so powerful, you’ll be surprised by its weight of just 8.3 pounds. Its compact design makes it roughly twenty by twelve inches and that adds to its portability and to the convenience of storing, as well. It’s an excellent choice if you value power and have only a tight place to store your vacuum when not in use.
The functionality doesn’t end with its portability, though. Not only does it have a strong motor that provides impressive suction, you can utilize that same motor for a powerful blowing feature, as well. This canister has so many extenders and attachment accessories included, there’s not much you won’t be able to clean with it. It has a flexible hose, two telescoping wands, and five specialized cleaning nozzles for everywhere in your home.
Over 1,000 customers on Amazon who bought this vacuum felt strongly enough to come back and review it and what that means for you is that there is enough of a baseline to build your confidence that the overall rating is an accurate one. When that rating is 4.1 stars, you can trust that this is a vacuum you’re more than likely going to love.
Hoover PortaPower Lightweight Commercial Canister Vacuum Key Features:
- 7.4 amps motor
- 33′ power cord length
- Included shoulder strap for hands-free use
Who Should Buy a Lightweight Vacuums
When you notice that you’re not using your vacuum as much as you probably should be, it’s time to think about getting a lightweight vacuum. After all, no matter how effective your vacuum is, it will do you no good if you’re exhausted after its use. A vacuum should require very little effort, not be a workout each time you use it. The harder it is to use, the less you’ll use it. Even if you don’t mind the weight, it’s the lack of convenience that will prevent you from using it. In fact, even if you’re incredibly fit and regularly work out, vacuuming won’t be the most efficient work out, even though it can feel like an intense one. Get your workout at the gym and find a vacuum that won’t overextend your muscles to make sure you’re spending your time most efficiently.
If you want a vacuum that’s versatile, a lightweight vacuum is the best way to achieve that. Because a lightweight vacuum is the most portable, that means you’re going to use it for more. If you can bring it into the basement, you may actually vacuum up the dead bugs in the light fixtures. Carrying it up the stairs to your bedrooms means you’ll be reminded to vacuum the stairs, too. And if you think to do those tasks, having the specialized tools to do them well is going to be extra helpful. A lightweight vacuum may not have a load of attachments and accessories on board, but they’ll very likely come with the tools to make full use of your vacuum that goes everywhere.
Important Features to Consider
A lightweight vacuum should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a lightweight vacuum:
- Cordless. By design, cordless vacuums need to be lightweight because that will make them the most portable. That may not be as cut and dry as you think, though. Sometimes those batteries weigh quite a bit and if you’re not careful, the cordless won’t be the handheld you’re planning. A cordless will allow you to vacuum your car, your home, and everything in between. You could even pack it up and take it with you to help a friend or clean a place you’re renting.
- Bagless. A bagless vacuum doesn’t directly have much to do with the weight of the vacuum, but the capacity of a bag does tend to be bigger than a bagless dust cup. While the contents of the dust bag aren’t going to add a substantial weight, you may want to consider that it will add some weight when it gets fuller. Frequently emptying the smaller bagless dust cup can be a bother, but the weight will bear come consideration. Additionally, consider that those larger bags will require a larger vacuum, too; even it it’s light, bigger is bulkier.
- Battery Life. If you opt for a battery powered vacuum, consider the battery life when weighing the conveniences. If you have to stop vacuuming every 20 minutes to recharge for hours, you may not have the opportunity to vacuum from room to room, no matter how easily you can carry it. Along with a battery life that will allow you to get all your vacuuming done in one charge, you’ll also want to consider charging time. You can expect most cordless vacuums to reach a full charge within a few hours, but it goes without saying that the faster it charges, the better.
- Versatility. As we’ve mentioned in our top five, a lightweight vacuum is bound to be more versatile just by its design. For a vacuum to be moved from one room to another; one floor to another, even – it significantly improves its functionality. Obviously you’ll be able to vacuum your home more thoroughly if you can reach all the places that require vacuuming, but if you select a vacuum that includes attachments and specialized accessories, you will be able to use this one, light vacuum to do not just the floors in each room but also the furniture, the blinds, curtains, stairs, under furniture, and more – the possibilities really add up with the lighter vacuums.
- Filters. Replacing a filter isn’t a frequent requirement in vacuums because they’re often washable, but you’ll want to take note of that before purchase. In case you or a family member struggles with allergies, finding the right filter may make life a bit easier. A true HEPA filter can eliminate up to 99.7% of the most common allergens and even if no one suffers from sensitive allergies, that still may make cold and flu season less painful to get through. While a vacuum’s filter won’t likely rid your home of all contagions, it can remove some and any additional help to avoid those runny noses and constant coughing is a big plus.
- Weight in relation to portability. If it’s light, that’s a long way towards building its convenience, but if it’s a lightweight vacuum that is still awkward to carry, the weigh won’t do you much good. You’ll need to take a good look at the pictures and consider extra features that will make the larger vacuums easier to carry; a handle on a canister, for example. It may also be worth taking a moment to read through the customer reviews to search for others’ experiences on the practical portability of the vacuum you have in mind. You won’t have to dig too deeply; that kind of grievance will be pretty obvious from the beginning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lightweight vacuum and how does it work?
A lightweight vacuum should work just like any other vacuum cleaner by providing suction from the nozzle or brush of a machine and trapping the dust, dirt, and debris into a receptacle of some kind. This is called the dust cup in some vacuums and a dirt bag in others. There are disposable bags to minimize the dust fly away and dustless cups to skip the extra step of purchasing and replacing the bag once it’s full. You can purchase these vacuums with a battery or corded; as an upright, a stick, a handheld, or a canister. With virtually any type of vacuum you have seen, you can find a lightweight version of it. The only difference is that the lightweight vacuums, of course, weigh less.
When selecting a lightweight vacuum, you may need to weight your priorities, however. Added functionalities may add pounds, but if you’re careful in your consideration, there’s every reason to believe you can get all you need in your vacuum while still not packing extra pounds on it.
How many watts is a good vacuum cleaner?
Generally, corded vacuums are between 1000 and 2000 watts and cordless are between 20 and 200 watts. While we may think more power means a more thorough clean, that’s not necessarily the case for a vacuum cleaner. In fact, you should understand from the beginning of your search that a higher wattage does not mean better suction. If all vacuums were made at the same efficiency level, it may, but not all vacuums perform equally. A high efficiency vacuum is one that will convert more watts into “air watts” (or the percentage of watts used specifically to suck air and not just to operate the vacuum’s motor, or LED lights, or self-propelled function, for example). So the 150 watts vacuum may very well suck up more dirt and debris than the 1500 watts vacuum. The recommended wattage for a small sized apartment is between 250 and 480 watts. Anything more than that is either being used by an inefficient machine or is a waste of energy.
Worth note, however, is that there is a maximum wattage of power for vacuums in some areas. In 2014, the UK passed a law banning the sale of vacuums with a wattage above 1,600; that saves the household money and conserves energy. But the bottom line above saving money and energy is that the higher wattage simply isn’t necessary for an effective vacuum.
How much does a lightweight vacuum weigh?
There’s obviously a range in weight for vacuums, but as a general rule, a vacuum would be considered “lightweight” if it was under fifteen pounds. There are some typical standards within that rule, as well. For example an upright will weigh more than a canister and a canister will weight less than a handheld. A good lightweight upright range will be around ten to twelve pounds, for a canister it may be eight to ten. And the lightest vacuums, the handhelds, will also have a good deal of variety within their own category, as well. For example, a battery powered handheld will probably be around or just over five pounds but if you can find a handheld with a power cord, you may be looking at as little as three or four pounds.
Other factors will contribute to earning a vacuum the same convenience of “lightweight” beyond just being lightweight, however, and you would be doing yourself a disservice to eliminate a vacuum strictly because it tops fifteen pounds. No vacuum that’s, say 30 pounds, is going to be easy to maneuver, but a self-propelled upright can certainly get away with a bit more heft before the weight bothers you in its everyday use. You’ll need to carefully consider your home and your need, though. If you still need to lug the vacuum up and down stairs, for example, no amount of self-propelling will make up for a strictly lightweight vacuum. Likewise, a canister vacuum that has a flexible hose to reach your entire open floor plan can get away with a bit more heft and still be ultra-convenient.
How long does a cordless lightweight vacuum last?
Of course, each vacuum will have its own specific details, but the bulk of vacuums will fit within a standard range of battery life. You can expect a vacuum to last at least 20 minutes on full speed, and up to 40 minutes of continuous use. That may not seem like much, but consider how much time you really spend vacuuming your home at one time. You should also consider that if you have a cordless, a big chunk of the time you would normally spend plugging, unplugging, replugging, and wrapping the cord will be no longer applicable. While you may not think of this, a finite battery life may also be a good time regulator if you often find yourself getting absorbed and spending too much of your day on one task. The outliers of battery life can be as few as 10 minutes of continuous use (best for quick spill clean ups), and up to a 120 minutes on a lower speed of power (best for special tasks like blinds and between cushions).
Another crucial component of a battery operated vacuum is the charging time. Again the specifics will vary between models, but the bulk of battery powered vacuums will be charged on a wall charger within a few hours, four at the most. While you probably won’t vacuum multiple times a day if the battery life is long enough to get the job completely done in one go, it’s worth considering that you can still have messes in the evening if you’ve vacuumed that day, and a dead vacuum won’t let you clean that mess up until bedtime.
Other Lightweight Vacuums We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other lightweight vacuums. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best lightweight vacuums list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your home. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Canister Lightweight Vacuums
- Cordless Lightweight Vacuums
- Stick Lightweight Vacuums
- Upright Lightweight Vacuums
Canister Lightweight Vacuums
This canister is just under eight pounds, and with large, functional wheels, you’ll be able to carry or push/pull this vacuum with you from room to room.
Key Features:
- 15′ power cord
- Bagged or bagless options
- 2 color options
Cost: $60
Eureka Mighty Mite Corded Canister Vacuum
This canister vacuum is less than nine pounds and uses a ten amp motor to provide powerful suction and blowing functions.
Key Features:
- Carry handle
- Bagless alternative
- 3 colors available
Cordless Lightweight Vacuums
Dibea Lightweight Cordless Vacuum
This vacuum has four attachments and an extension wand to make any mess in your home a breeze to clean.
Key Features:
- 4.85 lbs
- 4 LED lights
- 1-year warranty
Cost: $110
Hoover Linx Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner
The bottom-release dirt cup allows you to empty your debris fast and painlessly so you can get back to whatever else needs your attention.
Key Features:
- Edge-cleaning bristles
- 2-year warranty
- 10 lbs
Cost: $130
JASHEN Powerful Stick Vacuum Cleaner
With a 3-stage HEPA filtration, you can minimize your home’s allergens, making it more comfortable for your family and friends.
Key Features:
- 40 minute continuous use
- 2 colors available
- 1-year warranty
Cost: $85
With an ergonomic handle and a large capacity battery, you’ll be comfortably vacuuming for up to 45 minutes.
Key Features:
- 4-5 hr charge time
- 2-year warranty
- Includes 2 heads and extension tube
Cost: $110
Shark ION Lightweight Cordless Vacuum
With a flexible extension tube that allows bending, you can reach under furniture or in tight spaces without needing to contort yourself.
Key Features:
- 3.15 lbs
- 2 color choices
- 80 minute battery life
Cost: $270
Tineco Hero Cordless Vacuum 2-in-1 Handheld Stick Vacuum
You’ll easily be able to convert this handheld, lightweight vacuum into a stick with the extension tube that won’t decrease the vacuum’s efficiency.
Key Features:
- 4-stage filtration
- 2-year warranty
- 2.87 lbs
Stick Lightweight Vacuums
Dirt Devil Vibe 3-in-1 Vacuum Cleaner
Your vacuum will handle a hard wood floor as easily as a plush carpet with the on/off brush roll of this stick vacuum.
Key Features:
- 3.4 lbs
- Bagless; easy empty dust cup
- 10″ nozzle
Cost: $30
Eureka Blaze 3-in-1 Swivel Lightweight Stick Vacuum
You can use this stick vacuum as an upright or as a handheld by quickly removing the extended handle in order to customize your vacuuming experience as the need arises.
Key Features:
- 2 colors available
- 2 amp motor
- 4 lbs
Cost: $30
You can easily use this vacuum as a handheld or an upright and the 180 degree rotating head will make it ultra versatile either way.
Key Features:
- 3.6 lbs
- 19′ power cord
- 1-year warranty
Cost: $35
This vacuum weighs in at just under five pounds and that makes it a lightweight handheld that will give you no problems for portability.
Key Features:
- 1-year warranty
- 16.4′ power cord
- Includes extension wand and 4 attachment accessories
Cost: $60
Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum
This vacuum uses 500 watts to make sure that no matter where you take it, it will perform powerfully and efficiently.
Key Features:
- 0.42 quart dust cup
- 25′ power cord
- 8 lbs
Upright Lightweight Vacuums
Black and Decker Upright Cleaner
This upright vacuum will give a wide 12″ path of suction, making each sweep of the vacuum an efficient route.
Key Features:
- 8.8 lbs
- Includes 3 attachments
- 1-year warranty
Cost: $70
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright Vacuum
The attachment accessories of this upright will allow you to store them directly on board, minimizing the risk of losing them.
Key Features:
- Carrying handle
- Reusable and washable filter
- 7.7 lbs
Cost: $75
HOOVER T-Series WindTunnel Rewind Plus Upright Vacuum
This upright vacuum features a twenty-five foot power cord that automatically rewinds and retracts inside the vacuum so you can store it neatly.
Key Features:
- 8′ flexible hose
- HEPA filter
- Includes extension wand and 3 attachments
Cost: $90
Oreck Commercial Upright Bagged Vacuum
Each sweep of this vacuum cleans 12 inches of your home, significantly minimizing the time you spend vacuuming.
Key Features:
- Inexpensive disposable bags
- 8 lbs
- 630 cubic inch dust bag
Cost: $205
Oreck Elevate Command Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner
This upright lightweight vacuum is less than ten pounds, making it no problem to push and pull as you remove 99% of allergens from every carpet in your home.
Key Features:
- 2 speed options
- 30′ or 35′ power cords available
- 5-year warranty
Cost: $450
Shark DuoClean Powered Lift-Away
This upright is the top end of our “lightweight” requirement at just under fifteen pounds, but with the thirty foot power cord and the convenient handle, it’s still a cinch to use all over your home.
Key Features:
- Includes extendable wand; 3 attachment nozzles
- HEPA filtration
- LED headlights
Cost: $270
Shark Navigator Upright Vacuum with Lift-Away
If you have family members with allergies, then you’ll want to consider this vacuum, with the anti allergen complete seal technology to complement its HEPA filtration system.
Key Features:
- Zero-M self-cleaning brush roll
- Swivel steering
- 25′-30′ cord length
Cost: $220
