Whether corded or cordless, stick vacuum cleaners pack a ton of suction power into a lightweight vacuum. Some can also quickly transform into a handheld vacuum cleaner, making your cleaning routine that much more efficient. But perhaps the most notable feature of the stick vacuum is its narrow frame, rendering it easy to store in a corner or closet. Interested in buying a stick vacuum, but not sure where to start? These are the best stick vacuum cleaners, according to our in-depth testing.
The Best Stick Vacuums
Best Overall: Tineco Pure ONE S11This cordless stick vacuum is sleek, lightweight, and has a smart sensor that detects dirt as you clean. Best for Hardwood Floors: Dyson Omni-glideThis vacuum was—dare we say—fun to use. It had our testers gliding across the floor. Best Budget: Moosoo 4-in-1For under $100, this is a fantastic stick and handheld convertible vacuum. Best Splurge: Samsung Jet 90Adjustable stick height, clever attachments, and multiple brush heads make this cordless vacuum worth the money. Best Corded: Shark Vertex UltralightThis corded stick vacuum sucked up pet hair quickly and easily, and the self-propelling feature makes cleaning an effortless chore. Best for Small Spaces: Shark WandvacThis slim, cordless stick vacuum is collapsible for easy storage, and at $200, it’s a high-quality vacuum at an affordable price. Best for Large Spaces: Dyson OutsizeWith a half-gallon bin volume and powerful suction, this stick vacuum has the features of an upright model without the hassle of a cord.
How We Tested
We put each vacuum through a series of studio tests and at-home trials. Our studio tests involved vacuuming up dirt, hair, pet fur, and cat litter, as well as whole and crushed cereal on a variety of surfaces: low and high pile carpet, shag and textured rugs, and tile. We documented how much of the mess remained after one back-and-forth swipe, and if any crumbs were left behind, we recorded how long it took to vacuum up the entire mess. After we ran each vacuum through the studio tests, we tested their durability by knocking them over and running them into baseboards, taking note of any damage to the vacuum or dustbin. We also checked the ease of assembly and warranty terms, tested battery life, and contacted each brand’s customer service team. Then, we sent the vacuums home with our testers for at-home trials involving everyday use, and polled editors who owned the vacuum models for six months or more to find out how they really hold up. Keep scrolling to see our results and choose the best stick vacuum for your cleaning needs. The Tineco Pure ONE S11 cordless stick vacuum was a tester favorite. It’s a big step up from the beloved Tineco A11 Hero, and even at $100 more than the Hero, it’s worth it. As you vacuum, the smart sensor screen changes from red to blue so that you can see when it’s cleaned every last bit of cat litter or cereal crumbs off your floor. It’s lightweight, quiet, and has a battery life of 40 minutes. Our favorite feature? You can hold down the trigger to power your vacuum, but a lever also flips down to hold the trigger for you, if you’d prefer that option. The Dyson Omni-Glide cordless stick vacuum actually glides across the floor as you vacuum. It is effortlessly easy to maneuver and its soft rollers pick up anything and everything in its path. The handle placement is convenient for vacuuming in all directions, and it has a power button, so you don’t have to hold down the trigger, as with other Dyson models. RELATED: Shark vs. Dyson: Which Vacuum Is Better? At the end of our photoshoot day, we reached for this vacuum to quickly clean up all of the messy props. It even vacuumed the photoshoot backdrop without damaging it. This cordless stick vacuum’s suction power is perfectly formulated for hard flooring. For under $100, this is a great cordless stick vacuum. It sucked up embedded dirt just as well as vacuums four times the price. And at 43 inches tall, it sits at a much more comfortable height for users on the petite side. The Samsung Jet 90 sucked up our staged mess in just one swipe, and it left freshly-cleaned vacuum carpet lines in the process. You can adjust the height of this vacuum, and it also comes with multiple brush heads for different flooring types and an option to buy a spin mop head. The Shark Wandvac is incredibly sleek, comes in various colors (such as sage and rose gold), and packs a surprising amount of power into a small device. Our tester loved reaching for this for everyday cleanups around her small apartment, and the top of the vacuum detaches and hooks to the bottom for easy storage on the charging dock. If you don’t want to have to worry about battery life, you’ll want to choose a corded stick vacuum, and the Shark Vertex Ultralight is a fantastic pick. It self-propels, making cleaning effortless, and the LED lights illuminate your mess, so you can confidently clean anything that’s in your path. The cord is 30 feet long, so you’ll be able to clean a large amount of space from the same outlet. If you like the look and feel of a stick vacuum but have a large space, this is the vacuum for you. It stands at 50 inches tall, has a half-gallon volume dustbin, and a 12.5-inch brush head, so it can pick up more mess in less swipes. If you’re familiar with the Dyson V8 model, this is a super-sized version. It has three modes: eco, normal, and max, and a battery life of 120 minutes, so you can clean your large space without having to stop and recharge mid-clean. However, our tester found that it’s so powerful, it’s a bit of a workout to vacuum back and forth.
How do I find the best stick vacuum for me?
When shopping for the best stick vacuum, consider your flooring type, the size of your space, and any special features you’ll need. If your home has wall-to-wall carpet, you’ll likely choose a stick vacuum with powerful suction. If you have hardwood floors, a soft roller brush head like the Dyson Omni-Glide or the Samsung Jet 90 would better suit you. The size of your space should also factor into your vacuum choice, as you’ll want to consider storage and battery life. Do you have a closet to store your cleaning supplies, or are you looking for a vacuum—like the Shark Wandvac, Dyson, or Tineco—that breaks into smaller pieces or mounts on the wall for easy storage? If you live in a one-bedroom apartment, the Bissell or Wandvac’s 20-minute battery life might be all you need, but if you live in a large house, you’re going to want to look for longer battery life, such as the Dyson Outsize’s 120-minute run time. If you’re a traditionalist, special features and clever attachments might not be important to you. However, tech-smart vacuums like the Tineco Pure ONE S11 with features such as smart sensor technology or LED lighting make cleaning more efficient and fun for some.
How long do stick vacuums last?
A good stick vacuum should last around five years, but you’ll want to check the conditions of your warranty when paying top-dollar. Most warranties don’t cover normal wear-and-tear, but always contact customer service to see if they have a solution for the issue before you dispose of your vacuum.
How often should I clean my vacuum?
Yes, it’s an extra chore, but experts advise that you should empty the dustbin and clean the brush head and attachments after each use. Clean the filter once a month, and allow it to dry before placing it back in your vacuum. Once a year, you should completely disassemble and clean the vacuum pieces before putting them back together.
Other Stick Vacuums We Tested
These stick vacuums didn’t quite make our “Best Of” list, but they have other stand-out features worth noting.
