Finding the best small upright vacuum can transform cleaning in tight spaces like apartments, dorm rooms, or small homes. These vacuums offer lightweight portability, powerful suction, and convenient designs focused on maneuverability and compact storage. Below is a summary of five top-rated options that balance size, power, and versatility for various floor types and cleaning needs.
| Vacuum | Brand | Weight | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bissell CleanView Compact | Bissell | Lightweight | Scatter-Free Tech, Powerful Suction, Supports Pet Rescue |
| Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight | Eureka | 7.7 lbs | Quick Release Handle, All-Floor Suction, 10.5″ Cleaning Path |
| Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo | Bissell | 10 lbs | Full Size Power, Quick Release Wand, Compact Design |
| Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe | Shark | Lightweight | Lift-Away Pod, HEPA Filter, Swivel Steering |
| Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight | Eureka | 10 lbs | 5 Height Settings, Large Dust Cup, Multi-Surface Use |
Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum
The Bissell CleanView Compact is designed for small spaces like dorm rooms and apartments. It features scatter-free technology that effectively captures debris on hard floors without scattering messes around. Its powerful suction cleans floors efficiently while staying lightweight for ease of use. Bissell supports the Pet Foundation, meaning every purchase contributes to homeless pet welfare. The vacuum includes a removable extension wand, enhancing accessibility for corners or stairs.
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Vacuum
The Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight vacuum weighs just 7.7 pounds, making it highly portable and easy to store. With a 10.5-inch cleaning path and powerful suction suited for both hard floors and carpets, it speeds up cleaning jobs. The vacuum includes a quick-release handle to extend reach for above-floor cleaning and comes with crevice and dusting tools to tackle upholstery and tight spaces. Its compact design fits conveniently in smaller homes.
Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum
This Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo model combines full-size suction power with a compact, lightweight design weighing approximately 10 pounds. It features a quick-release wand to easily extend reach for above-floor surfaces, enhancing versatility. Ideal for apartments or dorm rooms, this vacuum is maneuverable and effective for cleaning various surfaces. Like the other Bissell models, it supports pet welfare through the company’s foundation initiatives.
Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe Upright Vacuum
The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe offers powerful suction with the advantage of a detachable pod for lift-away cleaning. This makes it easier to reach under furniture and clean above-floor spaces such as upholstery and stairs. Featuring anti-allergen complete seal technology paired with a HEPA filter, it effectively traps dust and allergens inside the vacuum. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability in tight spaces, suitable for small homes and apartments.
Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight Upright Vacuum
The Eureka PowerSpeed Lightweight vacuum combines a lightweight frame at 10 pounds with versatile cleaning power. It has five height adjustment settings to handle various floor types, from hard surfaces to deep carpets. The large 2.6-liter dust cup minimizes frequent emptying, supporting longer cleaning sessions. Its bagless design ensures easy maintenance and efficient performance in small living spaces.
Buying Guide for Small Upright Vacuums
Choosing the ideal small upright vacuum involves evaluating several key factors to match your specific cleaning needs and living space constraints.
1. Size and Weight
Compact vacuums excel in portability. Look for models under 10 to 12 pounds for easy carrying, especially if you have stairs or multiple floors. A slim profile helps in storing the vacuum in closets or corners of small rooms.
2. Suction Power and Cleaning Path
Strong suction ensures efficient dirt and debris pickup on carpets and hard floors. A wider cleaning path (around 10-11 inches) reduces cleaning time but may compromise maneuverability in very tight spaces.
3. Versatility and Attachments
Consider vacuums with detachable wands, crevice tools, and dusting brushes to reach narrow gaps, upholstery, and high surfaces. Multi-surface capability enables efficient cleaning across various floor types, from hardwood to carpet.
4. Filtration System
HEPA or advanced filtration systems are important for allergy sufferers as they trap fine dust and allergens. Some models include sealed systems to prevent dust leakage during use.
5. Noise Level
For apartments or shared spaces, quieter operation is a plus. Check product descriptions or reviews for noise level indications if sound sensitivity is a concern.
6. Dust Cup Capacity and Maintenance
Larger dust cups mean less frequent emptying during cleaning, while quick-release mechanisms simplify waste disposal. Bagless designs are often easier to maintain but require regular filter cleaning.
7. Cord Length and Battery (if cordless)
Longer power cords reduce the need to switch outlets frequently. For cordless models, battery life and charge time are crucial for uninterrupted cleaning.
8. Additional Features
- Swivel Steering: Enhances turnability in tight spaces.
- Lift-Away Functionality: Provides greater flexibility for cleaning above floors and upholstery.
- Pet Hair Capability: Specialized brushes or tech can improve pet hair removal.
Carefully weighing these factors will help you find the best small upright vacuum to keep your compact living spaces clean and allergen-free with ease.