The 7 Best Stick Vacuums for Efficient Cleaning
Stick vacuums have long been a design that manufacturers aspire to. You get excellent suction from a lightweight, portable machine.
How do you choose the best stick vacuum for your home or office? Join us as we look at the ins and outs of these machines and help you find what you’re looking for.
In Short
There are many different aspects to consider when you’re purchasing a new vacuum.
Among other things, this article will teach you that:
- Stick vacuums are excellent for lightweight efficiency
- The best devices have a large capacity and excel at adaptation
- These machines don’t last well for hours of cleaning
- They have less suction than traditional vacuums
- The Shark HZ2002 Vertex is the best overall, thanks to its power and adaptability.
- The NEQUARE S181 Vacuum Cleaner is the best for cleaning on a budget
- Its exceptional power and portability make the Dyson V11 Torque Drive the best cordless stick vacuum.
From the FAQs, you’ll also discover that :
- Stick vacuums are worth it if you know what to buy.
- The Dyson V11 Torque Drive offers the best suction of cordless devices
- And
- The Shark HZ2002 Vertex has the best suction for a corded device.
Take the time to discover our helpful hints, and you’ll learn:
- Not to use a washable filter before it’s dry
- You shouldn’t use dry stick vacs on liquids
- Vacuuming frequently is better for your machine than vacuuming intensively.
What I Look for in a Stick Vacuum
When you review vacuums, you must know precisely what you’re looking for. While looking for the best devices of this type, I discovered several characteristics that the best machines share.
The best device will combine as many of these different categories as possible. It should be lightweight, easy to turn, have sufficient capacity, and easily adapt to your current needs.
Maneuverability: Some stick vacuums are bulky and difficult to use. A device with an appropriate shape results in a more enjoyable experience. I prefer recommending stick vacuums that are sleek, have swivel heads, and maneuver easily.
Capacity: Some smaller stick vacuums have almost no storage capacity. You typically need a vacuum with a dust cup of at least 0.5 liters. For some floor types, like tiles, as little as 0.35 liters will do. I usually recommend machines with at least a 0.5-liter capacity or 0.35 liters for tiled and wooden floors.
Battery time (for cordless devices): When you’re using a cordless device, you need a machine that won’t die in the first ten minutes. The best cordless devices can work for up to 60 minutes when fully charged. On average, most machines operate for 25-40 minutes between charges. I typically recommend vacuums with a battery life of 40 minutes or more.
Weight: Nobody wants to lug around a 30-pound vacuum, even if it’s on wheels. I generally advise using devices that weigh no more than 10-12 pounds. These devices are easy to pick up and move if necessary.
Adaptability: While these types of devices are primarily for vacuuming floors, you want all the essential extras. The best devices in this category offer multiple modes and attachments, ranging from dusting brushes to crevice attachments.
Attachments: You don’t need five different attachments to vacuum your tiled kitchen floor. For an all-purpose vacuum, you’ll need multiple attachments. My recommendation relies on the machine’s use.
How I Choose the Products I Recommend
There’s a rigorous process that accompanies every review I conduct. I only recommend products that:
- Provide excellent quality for the price
- Have a reputation for durability
- Require little unnecessary intervention by customers
- Are easy-to-use
- Receive excellent reviews
The Seven Stick Vacuums I Know and Love
As a captain, I pride myself in keeping my environment ship-shape. I’ve applied my experience in vacuum reviews to bring you the seven stick vacuums I like best.
Captain’s Choice for Overall Quality: Shark HZ2002 Vertex
Sharks are the masters of the seas and some of the best vacuums around. This vacuum brand has established a significant reputation for excellent quality and lightweight machines.
The HZ2002 Vertex is my choice for the best stick vacuum. It has a one-liter dust cup, enabling you to clean a sizable area before emptying the vacuum.
This isn’t a wet and dry vac but offers significant advantages. You can easily change between floor and hand vacuum setup or use the dusting brush. It also has an extension tube so that you can vacuum those hard-to-reach places.
The brush roll has an auto-clean function which allows you to spend more time cleaning floors and less time cleaning your vacuum. Shark’s revolutionary Powerfin technology keeps your roller in tip-top shape and prevents cleaning gaps.
The 5.7 amp motor offers ample suction power for everyday use and will meet most household needs.
Pros
- Powerfin technology prevents the roller from clogging
- Large dust cup
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- High-powered motor for excellent suction
- Converts to a hand vac
Cons
- Dry vac only
- Need to change settings for different floor-types
- The floor head is quite narrow
Key Specifications
Warranty: 5-year limited
Cordless: No
Capacity: 1 liter
Tools: Pet power brush, crevice tool, soft brush
Verdict
The Shark HZ2002 Vertex is an excellent choice for all-purpose cleaning. Its versatility, lightweight design, and powerful motor make it the best on the market. It also offers ideal accessories to help clean every nook and cranny. Get yours here.
Best Budget Buy: NEQUARE S181 Vacuum Cleaner
Nequare may not be a renowned brand like Shark or Dyson, but it produces similar quality products. Although we consider the S181 to be a budget buy, it’s still one of the best stick vacuums out there.
The S181 has a powerful 18 kpa motor which will keep your floors spotless. The 1.2-liter dust cup ensures that you don’t have to empty the vacuum every five minutes.
From hardwood floors to tiles and carpets, the S181 is the best on the market for such a low price.
This device has many attachments, like the dusting brush and crevice tool, to help you cover all the hard-to-reach areas.
Weighing in at only 2.5 pounds, this is a convenient tool for those who like to clean on the go. From pet hair to dust, breakfast cereals, and other debris, the S181 has you covered.
Pros
- Low cost
- 18 kpa motor
- Easy conversion to a hand vac
- Lightweight (2.5 lbs)
- Large dust cup (1.2 L)
Cons
- Not many additional attachments
- No wall mounts available
- You can’t deactivate the roller
Key Specifications
Warranty: One year
Cordless: No
Capacity: 1.2 liters
Tools: Dusting brush, crevice tool
Verdict
This machine is ideal for cleaning on a budget. It offers consistent power, a lightweight design, and a sizable dust cup. Get the excellent power and adaptability of the NEQUARE S181 Vacuum Cleaner today.
Best Cordless Stick Vacuum: Dyson V11 Torque Drive
Dyson is one of the founding fathers of the vacuum industry. People know this manufacturer and trust them to produce quality products.
The V11 is one of the most powerful cordless vacuums on the market. The Dyson cyclone technology creates several high-power suction funnels to remove dirt and debris.
If you want power and portability in one machine, the V11 is the one. It offers a runtime of up to 60 minutes on eco mode, while auto provides 40, and boost mode gives 20. The built-in screen will keep you updated about how much battery life remains.
You can use the V11 as a conventional floor vacuum, a hand vacuum, or an extended hand vacuum. It comes with a variety of brushes and cleaning heads to help you vacuum any area.
The V11 has one of the longest battery lives for cordless vacuums and has a 4.5 hour charge time between uses.
Pros
- Long (60 minutes) battery life
- High-power suction
- Multiple intelligent vacuum modes
- Automatically changes for different flooring types
- Features various attachments for different cleaning needs
Cons
- Hand vacuum setup can be unwieldy
- Not a low-budget device
- The floor brush can get clogged by too much fur or hair
Key Specifications
Warranty: 2-year limited
Cordless: Yes
Battery life: 60 minutes
Charge time: 4.5 hours
Capacity: 0.75 liters
Tools: Combo tool, mini motorized tool, crevice tool, stiff brush, soft brush, docking station
Verdict
Dyson has long been a brand known for powerful cordless vacuums, and this machine is no different. Powerful suction, and an extensive battery life of 60 minutes, make this the best cordless stick vacuum. If you need a powerful, portable device, get a Dyson V11 Torque Drive.
Best for Carpet: Dyson V8 Animal
The Dyson V8 Animal is another of the many wireless devices made by this brand. The design initially focused on pet owners but delivered unexpected results.
This machine has 150% more brush power than the V6 series, with longer stiff nylon bristles. Not only did this lead to better fur removal, but a deeper clean as well. Overall, this machine offers excellent carpet penetration and removes deeply embedded dust particles.
This device only comes with four attachments, but you can use most Dyson attachments with it. Non-motorized attachments, such as the hand vac dusting brush, allow you to use the vacuum longer between charges.
The filter is washable and should last for your device’s lifetime. This device has a wonderful dirt ejector, which allows you to empty the canister at the touch of a button. As with most cordless Dyson vacuums, it offers a fair battery life of up to 40 minutes.
Pros
- High-powered roller brush
- Excellent suction
- Lightweight
- Copes well with pet hair
- Low-noise device
Cons
- Only two power modes
- Relatively small bin
- You can’t deactivate the roller brush
Key Specifications
Warranty: Two years limited
Cordless: Yes
Battery life: 40 minutes
Charge time: 4-5 hours
Capacity: 0.5 liters
Tools: Floor cleaning head, extension tube
Verdict
While the original design for this vacuum targeted pet owners, the result is a carpet-cleaning masterpiece. The excellent suction power, cordless design, and long-bristle roller brush can keep any carpet clean. Don’t let your carpets gather dust, get a Dyson V8 Animal.
Best for Pet Hair: BISSELL PowerGlide Pet Slim Corded Vacuum
Bissell is an unsung hero of the vacuum cleaner industry, only stocked by selected retailers nationwide. The PowerGlide Pet Slim corded vacuum has some renown as a device for removing pet hair from carpets and furniture.
This device is considerably smaller than the original pet version of the Bissell PowerGlide. It weighs in at 9.25, depending on which attachment you’re using.
The revolutionary auto cleaning turbo brush for pet hair simplifies keeping your carpets and furniture clean. You can also switch the brush roller on or off to prevent nasty tangles when cleaning up masses of pet hair at once.
With its strong motor and multiple cleaning attachments, you can clean up after your furkids with ease.
Pros
- You can deactivate the roller brush
- High-power motor
- Clean slide technology allows you to empty the dust canister with ease
- Auto-cleaning turbo pet brush for removing fur
- Easy conversion to a hand vacuum
Cons
- Relatively small dust cup
- Heavier than some other devices
- Not the quietest
Key Specifications
Warranty: Five-year limited
Cordless: No
Capacity: 0.4 liters
Tools: Pet TurboEraser tool, Crevice tool, Dusting brush, Wall mount
Verdict
The BISSELL PowerGlide Pet Slim corded vacuum is ideal for homes with animals. While the Shark HZ2002 Vertex does well with intensive cleaning, this machine is specifically for pet owners. Get your fur removal masterpiece here.
Best for Tiled Floors: Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik
Many people don’t consider a vacuum for their tiled floors. Using a stick vacuum can cut your cleaning time significantly, and the Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik is an excellent choice.
This brightly colored device will put you in mind of cartoon devils of days gone by. The only trick it will play on you is to remove dirt faster than you thought possible.
This device has a smaller-than-average dirt cup of 0.35 liters but makes up for this deficiency in many other ways. You can change it from a stick vacuum into a hand device with a few simple steps, and it’s incredibly lightweight.
The motor isn’t the strongest on this list, but you also won’t have to mine your tiles for dirt hidden deep within. Considering the intended application, the motor is optimal.
With the additional crevice tool and fantastic maneuverability, this device is an ideal choice for your average tiled home.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Works well on tile and hardwood floors
- Can remove pet hair easily from flat surfaces
- Washable filter
- Easy to use
Cons
- Small dust cup
- It has a weaker motor than some other devices
- Not many attachments
Key Specifications
Warranty: 90-day limited
Cordless: No
Capacity: 0.35 liters
Tools: Crevice tool
Verdict
Thanks to its lightweight structure and durability, this device excels at keeping tiled floors spotless. Considering the washable filters and easy-to-empty dust cup, you want it on your side. Get your Dirt Devil Simpli-Stik today.
Best for Wood Floors: MOOSOO XL-618A
This brand hasn’t become a household name yet, but it’s only a matter of time. MooSoo produces some excellent products, including a stick vacuum that’s efficient on wooden floors.
The XL – 618A is a lightweight device that weighs only 3.3 lbs. For its size, this vacuum has a large dust cup that takes up to 1.2 liters.
This cordless device can last for up to 30 minutes between charges and has a charging time of 5.5 hours. Considering that wooden floors aren’t layered like carpets, you should be able to clean a sizable floor on a single battery.
This stick vacuum has two operating modes, allowing you to deep clean or do basic spring cleaning. The 10 kPa motor will provide all the power you need to keep your wooden floors clean. This device comes with two different brushes and an extension tube to help you clean those hard-to-reach places.
Pros
- Efficient vacuum for hardwood floors
- Two different brush attachments
- Washable filters
- 10 kpa motor
- Excellent filtration system
Cons
- Long charging time for a short battery life
- Can be prone to clogging
- Not meant for carpets
Key Specifications
Warranty: Two-year
Cordless: Yes
Battery life: 20-28 minutes
Charge time: 5.5 hours
Capacity: 1.2 liters
Tools: Motorized floor brush, 2-in-1 dusting brush, extension tube, wall bracket, cleaning tool
Verdict
According to both the supplier’s description and customers’ experiences, this is an excellent vacuum for cleaning hardwood floors. If you need to clean heavy carpets, consider something like the Dyson V8 instead.
If you want an inexpensive model that will keep your wooden floors clean, get a MOOSOO XL-618A. Its lightweight portability makes it an excellent choice for keeping wooden floors dirt- and scratch-free.
FAQs
Newcomers to the world of stick vacuums often have many questions. I’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions to get you started. If your question isn’t on this list, drop a comment below, and we’ll get back to you.
Are Stick Vacuums Worth It?
Like most devices, stick vacuums should meet specific criteria. They should be lighter than conventional canister and upright vacuums while still providing good power.
If you’re looking for a vacuum that can clean your 8,000 square foot mansion in one go, stick vacuums aren’t for you. If you want a device that can clean your average home, stick vacuums are worth it.
Can You Use a Stick Vacuum on Carpet?
You can use a stick vacuum on almost any type of floor. From carpets to cement and tiles, stick vacuums do it all.
If you know you need a vacuum for carpets but aren’t sure you want a stick vacuum, you have other options. Check out my guide to the best vacuums for apartments with carpets. The guide to vacuums for shag carpets is also an excellent option.
What Stick Vacuum Has the Best Suction?
If you’re in the market for a cordless device, the Dyson V8 and V11 both have excellent suction. Dyson has unique cyclone technology, which creates a double layer of suction.
If you don’t mind corded devices, the Shark HZ2002 Vertex is an excellent choice. These three vacuums qualify as the best on the market and offer superior suction power.
What’s the Best Stick Vacuum for Pet Hair?
The BISSELL PowerGlide Pet Slim offers the best quality for pet hair. You can get rid of pet hair or your own in a flash with this specialized device. It has an auto-cleaning turbo pet brush that removes fur in an instant. You can also deactivate the roller when dealing with hair clumps to avoid tangling.
Have a look at my guide to the best vacuums for pet hair to find other valuable devices.
Which Stick Vacuum Is Best for Hardwood Floors?
The MOOSOO XL-618A is excellent for wooden floors. From laminates to hardwoods like walnut and ash, this device will offer flawless cleaning. If you’re worried about scratching your beautiful floors, the XL-618A will set your mind at ease.
Which Stick Vacuum Cleaner Is the Best?
Shark HZ2002 Vertex is the best device. It offers excellent suction, lightweight portability, and effortless transition between floor types.
The Dyson V8 and V11 models are also excellent choices and offer many advantages. They’re cordless, so consider the battery life of 60 minutes before you purchase them.
Can Dyson Stick Vacuum Batteries Be Replaced?
You can replace the battery on your cordless Dyson stick vacuums. The batteries are readily available from most Dyson suppliers and relatively inexpensive.
Avoid buying generic brands or alternative batteries, as these rarely work well. They can also inadvertently damage your device. If your warranty is still in place, send the vacuum in to have the battery replaced.
Background Info & Helpful Tips
Newcomers to the world of stick vacuums can find them intimidating. To help you ease into things, I’ve accumulated some advantages and disadvantages of these devices below. You’ll also find a list of helpful tips.
Why Choose a Stick Vacuum
There are many reasons to choose stick vacuums. The best types offer a portable, efficient way of keeping your floors clean.
Most stick vacuums come with various attachments, allowing you to clean floors, upholstery, and crevices. The suction power of most devices is more than adequate to keep the floors in your home and office clean.
Stick vacuums have dust canisters that are easy to remove and empty. Combined with the device’s lightweight portability, a clean that would take 30 minutes with a canister vacuum takes only ten.
One advantage that many of these machines have is their automatic adaptation. You can move from a carpet to a hardwood floor, and a genuinely excellent device will adapt to the change. Others have individual settings for each type of floor.
The best devices are portable, affordable, adaptable, and efficient, meeting your basic cleaning needs.
The Downside to Stick Vacuums
The advantages of these devices come with a set of disadvantages to match.
Their main advantage lies in the fact that they’re portable. This is offset by the lack of suction power of larger canister vacuums. Second, most devices have a small dust canister.
If you purchase a cordless stick vacuum, you’ll also face limitations in how long you can vacuum. Like the Dyson V11 Torque Drive, the best devices on the market can operate for up to 60 minutes on a single battery.
Even the most excellent stick vacuum with a cord has a limited runtime. Thanks to their lightweight design, most of these devices can only manage 90-120 minutes of runtime before they start overheating.
Finding the Balance
If you look at the purpose of these machines, you can find a certain balance between the advantages and disadvantages. You have to ask yourself, “What are stick vacuums supposed to do?”
The design of even the most durable stick vacuum was never supposed to maintain hours of intensive cleaning. These are high-performance devices for home use, intended to clean small areas frequently.
Since the dust cups are easy to empty, their small size isn’t a problem. You’ll also be using the stick vacuum for regular, light cleaning, so neither the overheating nor the battery life is an issue.
If you’re using your device as intended, then the best devices on the market will offer more suction than you require. In the end, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages.
Pros and Cons: at a Glance
I’ve rounded up the pros and cons here so you can have a quick look.
Pros
- They’re smaller than conventional canister and upright models
- Portable and lightweight
- They offer efficient cleaning in most situations
- Most devices have multiple attachments
- They work well on most floor types
- The dust cups are easy to empty
Cons
- The dust canisters are smaller than conventional machines
- They lack the suction power of canister vacuums
- Cordless stick vacuums offer limited battery lives
- These machines can overheat when used for extended periods
Helpful Tips
I’ve lined up some helpful tips to help you keep your stick vacuum in the best shape.
- Dry your washable filters completely before the subsequent use. Many of the best vacuums come with removable and washable filters.
- Once you’ve washed the device’s filter, give it at least 24 hours to dry before the next use. Failure to do so can result in a clogged filter.
- Frequent small vacuum sessions are better than infrequent deep cleans. If you stack up your cleaning, it can become a frustrating task. You’ll find yourself having to empty the dust cup frequently, and you’ll take longer to finish. This places strain on both you and the vacuum machine.
- You may find even the most formidable stick vacuum overheating with extended use. Cordless devices can also only maintain vacuum sessions of up to 60 minutes. We recommend frequent vacuuming for the best results.
- Don’t use a dry vac to clean up spills. Not every stick vacuum has wet and dry capabilities. Some devices have a small paper filter that strains out microscopic allergens. If you vacuum liquids with such a device, you’ll render that filter useless. Other dry vacuums face a clogging risk when they take in fluids. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use your device as intended.
- Choose a machine that fits your environment. The right stick vacuum for you is the one that works well on your floor type.
- Some vacuums are excellent choices for tiles and hardwood, but they won’t cope with heavy carpets. Others are fantastic for cleaning carpets but can be excessive where tiles and hardwood are concerned. Pick a device that suits your flooring type or one that will readily adapt to multiple types.
- Stick vacuums aren’t industrial devices. Many buyers expect a stick vacuum to fulfill the role of a larger canister or industrial vacuum. Not even the most powerful stick vacuum can work for hours on end or has the suction of a large canister. These are zippy, portable devices for home use, or small office spaces, so don’t try to use them like industrial models.
- Deplete your batteries before recharging. If you fall into a consistent cycle of charging your device before the battery is flat, you’ll have problems later. Rechargeable batteries develop a ‘memory’ that eventually prevents them from charging fully.
- Only buy legitimate branded parts. It can be tempting to buy generic vacuum parts or batteries. Only the branded replacements are guaranteed to do what you need them to. Alternative products may cause slight damage that you can’t see. If your device is still under warranty, it’s best to send it in for repairs.
If you’ve enjoyed this review of the best stick vacuums, you’ll love some of my other articles. Check out my guide to best cordless vacuum for pet hair and American-made vacuums.
If you have arthritis, you can read my best lightweight vacuums for the elderly article. There’s also a guide to the best vacuums for dorm rooms.
Whichever vacuum you decide to purchase, I hope you find cleaning bliss.
