The Best Stick Vacuums

Based on 7,882 analyzed user reviews

NerdWallet Shopping’s scorings of the best stick vacuums are based on our analysis of the opinions of experts and shoppers like you.

Picking a vacuum isn’t easy. We researched some of the most popular models on the market to make your decision a little less confusing.

We recognize that consumers look for different qualities in vacuums, so we scored users’ observations on multiple features of top models, including their performance on carpet and hard surfaces.

Here are our top stick vacuums.

The vacuums

1. Dyson V6 Motorhead Cordless

The Dyson V6 Motorhead is a standout stick vacuum that excels at cleaning performance, user maneuverability and durability.

Buyers Like

• Performs well on carpet, bare floors and stairs
• Picks up pet hair
• Lightweight, portable and maneuverable

Buyers Dislike

• Short battery life
• Can be messy to empty

Read our full Dyson V6 Motorhead review

2. Dyson V6

A top choice among pet owners, the Dyson V6 earns rave reviews from buyers for its pet hair pickup, its stair-cleaning ability and its efficiency on bare floors. The Dyson V6 is similar to the V6 Motorhead, but lacks the direct-drive cleaner head.

Buyers Like

• Performs well on bare floors and stairs
• Picks up pet hair
• Durable

Buyers Dislike

• Relatively noisy
• Short battery life

3. Shark Navigator Freestyle SV1106 Cordless

Ideal for single-story homes, the Shark Navigator Freestyle SV1106 performs well on carpet, is relatively quiet, and cleans with minimal hassle.

Buyers Like

• Quiet
• Easy to clean

Buyers Dislike

• Doesn’t perform well on stairs
• Parts tend to break over time

Read our full Shark Navigator SV1106 review

4. Dirt Devil BD20035Red Cordless

The Dirt Devil BD20035Red is a reliable all-purpose stick vacuum that performs well on bare floors, excels at picking up pet hair, and offers an easy-to-clean design.

Buyers Like

• Performs well on stairs
• Easy to clean

Buyers Dislike

• Doesn’t reach corners of rooms
• Noisy

5. Shark Rocket HV301

With its long power cord and durable construction, the Shark Rocket HV301 is a dependable stick vacuum for whole-home cleaning.

Buyers Like

• Long power cord
• Durable

Buyers Dislike

• Suction is not strong
• Device is top-heavy
• Can be messy to empty

Read our full Shark Rocket HV301 review

6. Electrolux Ergorapido Ion EL1030A Cordless

Consumers praise the Electrolux Ergorapido Ion EL1030A for its pleasant cleaning experience, including its low noise level and easy-to-clean design.

Buyers Like

• Performs well on stairs
• Quiet

Buyers Dislike

• Doesn’t perform well on high carpet or thick rugs
• Durability concerns — battery tends to lose charge after continued use

Read our full Electrolux Ergorapido EL1030A review

7. Hoover Linx BH50010 Cordless

The Hoover Linx BH50010 is a lightweight stick vacuum that can transition from cleaning the carpet on the first floor to those hard-to-reach spots on the stairs.

Buyers Like

• Performs well on carpet and stairs
• Lightweight and maneuverable

Buyers Dislike

• Short battery life
• Not durable for long-term use

Read our full Hoover Linx BH50010 review

8. Bissell Lift-off Pet 53Y81 Cordless

Carting your vacuum around the whole house is made simple by the Bissell Lift-Off Pet 53Y81’s low noise level and manageable weight.

Buyers Like

• Lightweight and maneuverable
• Quiet
• Good customer service

Buyers Dislike

• Not ideal for large areas of carpet
• Doesn’t pick up pet litter well
• Can clog easily

Our analysis

Our scores range from a low of 1 to a high of 10. Here’s how we devised them:

Overall score: The overall score reflects buyer satisfaction with each vacuum in 10 categories, including how well it cleans across various surfaces, ease of use, durability and noise.

How well it cleans: This score reflects buyer satisfaction with the vacuum’s performance on carpet and hard floors, including hardwood, bare, tile and vinyl. It also considers buyer satisfaction with the vacuum’s ability to clean up pet hair and debris.

Ease of use: This score reflects buyer satisfaction with the vacuum’s ability to maneuver (including its weight and cord length), the process of emptying or cleaning it out, and whether it’s easy to operate.

Stick vacuum buying guide

Because they’re lightweight, portable and maneuverable, stick vacuums are popular for small cleaning jobs, but sorting out what sets one of these vacuum cleaners apart from another can be difficult.

When buying a stick vacuum, these are the top things you should keep in mind:

Surface type
Before making a purchase, ensure that the model you’re considering is a fit for your home. Certain vacuums are strong performers on bare floors, others can pick up messes on carpet and still others can do both. A lack of suction on certain surfaces can mean dirt and debris will be left behind.

Weight
Because stick vacuums are intended for cleaning rooms, stairs and practically every other area of the house, you’ll likely be carrying yours around frequently during cleaning. Pick a product that is light enough for you to carry. Some stick models can weigh less than five pounds.

Battery
As is the case with robot vacuums, you’ll want to keep the battery life of your stick vacuum in mind. How long can it run on a single charge? How long will it need to recharge before it can operate again? If you don’t want to risk the possibility of running out of battery power or forgetting to recharge your device, opt for a stick vacuum with a power cord.

Pet Hair
It’s a category of vacuum cleaning all its own: pet hair pickup. If you have any furry companions in your home, consider a device that is suited for removing their hair. Some models even come with nozzles and on-board tools that are specifically designed for that purpose.

Noise
Stick vacuums may be comparatively smaller than traditional upright models, but they can sometimes be just as loud. Consider the noise level of your possible new device, and if noise bothers you, pick a quieter model.

Longevity
How long do you plan on keeping your stick vacuum? Before you invest in a new cleaning device, look at customer reviews to gauge the durability of a particular vacuum model. You’ll also want to research how much it will cost to purchase replacement parts and accessories, if necessary.

Accessories
When you buy a vacuum, sometimes you aren’t buying just a vacuum. Certain models come with tools and accessories suited for different cleaning jobs, from dust nozzles to pet hair attachments. Read through a vacuum’s product specs to see whether the vacuum you’re considering has any extras.

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For more vacuum roundups, check out:

• The best vacuums
• The best vacuums for pet hair
• The best vacuums for hardwood floors

 

Compare other popular vacuums here:

• Dyson Ball vs Shark Rotator
• Roomba 880 vs Roomba 870
• Hoover Air Cordless vs Linx

For more vacuum buying advice, check out:

• How to get the best deal on a vacuum
• 5 things you should know before buying a vacuum

Courtney Jespersen is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: courtney@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @courtneynerd.

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Top image via iStock.