When space matters but clean floors are non-negotiable, finding the best small upright vacuum is essential. Compact vacuums offer powerful suction, convenient storage, and are perfect for apartments, dorms, and homes with limited space. This guide reviews six standout models known for their efficiency, maneuverability, and thoughtful features. Below is a quick summary table comparing the top choices to help you identify what might best fit your cleaning needs.
Product | Brand | Weight | Key Features |
---|---|---|---|
Bissell CleanView Compact Upright | Bissell | Compact, lightweight | Scatter-free tech, powerful suction, removable extension wand |
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight | Eureka | 7.7 lbs | Wide cleaning path, bagless, quick-release handle, compact storage |
Eureka Blaze 3-in-1 Stick Vacuum | Eureka | 4 lbs | 3-in-1 design, onboard crevice tool, easy maneuverability |
Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo | Bissell | 10 lbs | Full-size power, compact design, quick-release wand |
Amazon Basics Upright Bagless | Amazon Basics | 8.4 lbs | 1.7L dust cup, crevice/ uphostery tools, detachable handle |
Dirt Devil Endura Lite Upright | Dirt Devil | Lightweight, compact | Endura filtration, multi-floor brush, 6ft extension reach |
Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum
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The Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum stands out for those seeking efficiency in limited spaces. Designed for easy storage in dorm rooms, apartments, or small homes, this vacuum is a lightweight yet powerful cleaning solution. It incorporates scatter-free technology that reduces debris scatter on hard floors, making it adept at handling both carpets and bare surfaces.
Every purchase supports the Bissell Pet Foundation, benefiting animal welfare with your buy. Its powerful suction ensures thorough cleaning in just a few passes. A removable extension wand provides versatility, allowing you to reach awkward corners or ceilings effortlessly. With a compact form, it’s easy to maneuver around furniture and tight spaces, while its streamlined design fits neatly into closets or storage nooks.
The convenience of a removable extension wand enhances above-floor cleaning, making this vacuum a practical choice for pet owners or anyone managing a petite living space. The vacuum’s overall capabilities balance performance with portability, aligning with the needs of users who want robust, simple cleaning in a small package.
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Upright
Ideal for those prioritizing lightweight design and ease of storage, the Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight Compact Bagless Upright weighs only 7.7 pounds, making it exceptionally portable. Its featherweight build is complemented by a 10.5-inch wide cleaning path, allowing users to cover more ground per sweep and finish chores faster.
This Eureka model includes a quick-release handle for effortless above-floor cleaning. Attachments like the crevice tool or dusting brush are included, enabling you to tackle upholstery, window ledges, or any hard-to-reach places. Powerful all-floor suction draws out dirt, dust, and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors without the need for multiple passes.
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With a bagless design and simple maintenance, this vacuum is particularly suitable for residents in small apartments, dorms, or households seeking efficient routine cleaning. The compact form factor means it fits into small closets or utility spaces, while ergonomic design details allow for comfortable, prolonged use without fatigue.
Eureka Blaze 3-in-1 Stick Vacuum Cleaner
The Eureka Blaze Stick Vacuum Cleaner is designed for versatility in compact living environments. Weighing only 4 pounds, it is among the lightest upright options available and easily transforms into three different configurations. Its 3-in-1 design allows users to quickly switch between stick vacuum, handheld vacuum, and stair vacuum modes.
This vacuum features swivel steering for increased maneuverability, which helps you clean under furniture and around obstacles more efficiently than standard stick vacuums. The onboard crevice tool provides access to tight spaces and corners, making it useful for detailed cleaning. Unlike many stick vacuums that struggle with larger debris, the capture nozzle picks up bits of food, pet hair, or dirt without just pushing them forward.
It’s an excellent choice for cleaning hard floors and low-pile carpets, and its lightweight build means even children or older adults can carry it up stairs with ease. Simple to maintain and store, the Eureka Blaze offers flexible power for apartment dwellers, students, or anyone seeking an efficient, miniature upright vacuum.
Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum
The Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo Upright Vacuum blends full-size power with a compact design, making it suitable for apartments or homes where storage is tight. With its lightweight build at just 10 pounds, this vacuum is functional and easy to maneuver around room layouts cluttered by furniture or obstacles.
It comes with a quick-release wand, which is useful for extended reach when cleaning ceiling corners, drapes, or difficult spots. The compact size ensures storing it is hassle-free, yet it doesn’t compromise on suction—helping you keep both floors and above-floor surfaces spotless.
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Bissell’s continued support for its pet foundation is included with each purchase, supporting animal charities. The streamlined platform allows users to transition from cleaning open rooms to tight spaces without heavy lifting or multiple vacuums. The Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo is built for reliability in compact settings, balancing ease of use with significant cleaning power, even for moderate pet hair or high-traffic households.
Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
The Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner is a straightforward, efficient solution for those seeking versatile cleaning in smaller homes or apartments. Weighing only 8.4 pounds, it boasts a long 18-foot cord for extended reach across rooms, reducing the need to search for new outlets as you clean.
Included are upholstery and crevice tools that attach directly to the unit or its detachable handle, making it suitable for cleaning furniture, stairs, and tight corners. The large 1.7-liter dust cup supports longer cleaning sessions with fewer interruptions, and a handy quick-release button speeds up debris disposal.
This vacuum is effective across both carpet and hard floors, enabled by the combination of focused suction and lightweight handling. Its bagless design further simplifies maintenance, while easy maneuverability helps users clean faster and with less strain. Storage is equally simple, making this a practical pick for those with limited closet space.
Dirt Devil Endura Lite Upright Bagless Vacuum Cleaner
The Dirt Devil Endura Lite Upright Vacuum Cleaner focuses on delivering advanced filtration and compact power in a budget-friendly, user-friendly package. Its main highlight is the Endura filtration system, ensuring there’s no loss of suction and supporting sustained, high-level performance over regular cleaning cycles.
This upright cleaner is designed with a multi-floor brush roll, allowing it to shift seamlessly between carpet and hard floor, and its light, compact build suits those who live in apartments, small homes, or who want a secondary vacuum for quick cleanups. The quick-release extension wand with a six-foot reach is particularly helpful for high surfaces and awkward corners.
On-board accessories make tackling diverse cleaning jobs easier, whether it’s maneuvering around furniture, accessing tight spaces, or cleaning stairs. Its ease of use, minimal storage requirements, and lightweight construction make it a popular pick for users with mobility considerations or for households looking to supplement a primary vacuum.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Small Upright Vacuum
Selecting the best small upright vacuum involves balancing practical considerations with individual lifestyle needs. This guide breaks down the critical factors you should weigh before making a purchase.
Weight and Portability
For many apartment and dorm residents, lightweight design is a top priority. Vacuums like the Eureka Blaze (4 lbs) and Eureka Airspeed (7.7 lbs) are highly portable, easy to carry upstairs or between rooms, and require minimal effort to store. If you deal with multiple floors or limited strength, prioritize vacuums under 10 pounds.
Storage and Size
Small upright vacuums are designed to fit in closets, pantries, or under beds. Check the overall dimensions and assess your likely storage space. Compact options like the Bissell CleanView models and Amazon Basics Upright save precious room and are ideal for tight-living situations.
Suction Power and Cleaning Efficiency
Suction quality ensures effective debris pickup on both carpet and hard flooring. Features such as scatter-free technology (Bissell) or a wide cleaning path (Eureka Airspeed) can expedite cleaning and improve results. Evaluate if the vacuum’s advertised power aligns with the type and frequency of messes typically encountered in your home.
Multi-Surface Versatility
Today’s small upright vacuums often transition between carpet and hard floors with ease. Models offering adjustable brush rolls or height settings (like those from Dirt Devil and Bissell) present added flexibility. If you have a variety of flooring, seek out these adjustable designs.
Filtration and Pet Friendliness
Advanced filtration systems, such as the Endura filter, trap allergens and fine dust, improving air quality. Households with pets should consider vacuums that emphasize pet hair pickup and come with specialized attachments or brushes, like certain Bissell uprights.
Dust Cup Capacity and Maintenance
Larger dust cups minimize emptying frequency, which is more convenient for bigger spaces or for those who clean frequently. Look for quick-release mechanisms and see-through canisters for hassle-free monitoring and maintenance.
Included Tools and Accessories
Attachments like crevice tools, dusting brushes, extension wands, and upholstery adapters enable cleaning above the floor, reaching tight spaces, or handling delicate fabrics. Review which accessories are bundled and whether they can be neatly stored on-board.
Cord Length and Reach
Consider cord length for the size of your home—longer cords, such as the Amazon Basics model’s 18 feet, minimize the need to unplug and relocate. If you’ll routinely clean drapes or high corners, extension wands or detachable handles are useful for added reach.
Bagged vs. Bagless
Bagless vacuums tend to be more economical and eco-friendly, reducing recurring costs. They offer easy-to-empty dust cups but may require more frequent filter cleaning. Think about your maintenance preferences before choosing between bagged and bagless models.
Noise Levels
For shared living spaces like dorms or apartments, a quieter vacuum may be preferable. While decibel ratings aren’t always provided, lightweight models with efficient motors generally produce less noise, making them suitable for day or night cleaning.
Cost Considerations
While price varies, focus on the balance between features, performance, and longevity. Entry-level compact vacuums are generally accessible, but a reputable brand and robust warranty may offer better value over time.
Brand Reputation and Support
Brands like Bissell, Eureka, and Dirt Devil have established histories in small appliances, often providing better after-sales service or community support. Additionally, purchases supporting causes (like pet foundations) may appeal to ethically minded buyers.
Ideal Scenarios and Uses
- College Dorms: Compact, lightweight models with decent suction help keep shared spaces tidy without taking up valuable floor area.
- City Apartments: Narrow vacuums with efficient edge cleaning reach into the corners and under furniture common in urban homes.
- Supplemental Cleaning: If you already own a full-size vacuum, a compact upright is practical for quick daily cleanups or use on staircases.
- Pet Owners: Choose models with strong suction and pet attachments to easily handle fur, dander, and stray kibble.
Summary Comparison Table
Model | Main Strength | Weight/Class | Special Features | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|
Bissell CleanView Compact Upright | Scatter-free hard floor cleaning | Lightweight/Compact | Removable wand, pet-friendly | Pete owners, small homes |
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Lightweight | Wide cleaning path | Ultra-light | Quick-release handle, bagless | Apartments, fast cleaning |
Eureka Blaze Stick Vacuum | 3-in-1 versatility | Ultra-light | Swivel steering, onboard tool | Hard floors, dorms |
Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo | Full-size power, small package | Lightweight/Compact | Quick-release wand, pet focus | High-traffic homes, apartments |
Amazon Basics Upright Bagless | Big dust cup/cord reach | Lightweight | 1.7L bin, 18ft cord, tools | Budget-friendly, basic needs |
Dirt Devil Endura Lite Upright | Advanced filtration | Lightweight/Compact | 6ft wand, on-board tools | Allergy concerns, small spaces |
By considering these criteria alongside the detailed overviews above, you can confidently identify the best small upright vacuum for your living situation and cleaning requirements.