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The 3 best lightweight vacuums for 2024, tested and reviewed
Take a load off with high-power, low-lift uprights and sticks from Dyson, Shark and Eureka.
In our guide to the best stick vacuum cleaners, we proclaimed clunky, clumsy vacuums a thing of the past (or at least they should be). And it's true, more and more brands are getting on our level with innovative, nimble designs that mean you don't have to compromise suction strength in the name of agility. No one does it better than the best lightweight vacuums for 2024: a mix of powerful, flexible, versatile vacuums that are perfect for everyday cleaning — and then some! — without all the heavy lifting and residual backaches.
Best lightweight vacuum overall (cordless stick)
Dyson V12 Detect Slim
Best featherweight vacuum (corded)
Eureka Home Featherweight
The best lightweight upright vacuum (corded)
Shark Navigator Light
We chose our top picks based on hours of scouring product descriptions, reading customer comments and testing top-rated vacuums for a thorough review. We put them through their paces against pet fur, rice, Cheerios, sand and even kitty litter. And the results? Well, they may just surprise you!
The three winning lightweight vacuums make cleaning look breezy and include a compact featherweight, a clever upright and a sleek stick vac that will have you seeing green. Keep scrolling for info on our testing protocols, plus tips for choosing a vacuum based on your needs. Curious about other styles? Check out the best cordless stick vacuums and the best robot vacuums for more vacs that are light on their feet.
A quick note before we dive in: Every lightweight vacuum on this list is recommended for use on carpeted and hardwood floors. All of the cordless vacuum cleaners come with a charger or charging dock that needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet, most requiring four(ish) hours of charging to reach full battery potential. When we mention height, we're referring to how tall the vacuums are assembled; length and width reflect how long and, respectively, how wide the cleaner brush heads are. Happy shopping!
Table of contents:
Best lightweight vacuum overall
Size: 9.9"L x 9.8"W x 49.1"H | Weight: 5.22 pounds | Bin capacity: 0.34 liters | Vacuum type: Cordless stick (60-minute run time) | Anti-allergy (HEPA) filter: Yes | Power: 150 watts
Topping our list for overall pick is the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, which earned its spot for being a lean, mean, fluorescent green(!) cleaning machine.
At only 5.22 pounds, this cordless vacuum is one of the lightest stick vacuums we've encountered, and the lightest of any Dyson. It consists of three main pieces: a vacuum head that doubles as a handheld vac, a long tube and a brush cleaner head (it comes with two). You can assemble the vacuum in a matter of seconds and charge it using the included wall mount or standalone charger.
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim has an easy-release dust cup, a HEPA filter and three modes — Eco, Auto and Boost — for different suction needs. The handheld portion is lightweight and pairs with a suite of included accessories, like a crevice tool and a mini anti-screw brush tool, for getting into nooks and crannies.
Its standard "Motorbar" cleaner head is great on both hardwood and carpets: It mowed down all of the materials in our "carpet course" and made matted fur vanish from car mats in one go (more on our protocols in the "How we tested" section below).
The Dyson V12 Detect Slim has a run time of 60 minutes, along with a sophisticated LCD screen that displays not only battery life and modes, but detailed cleaning reads (so you can tell how much debris you're actually getting). No other cordless vacuum on our lightweight vacuum list had these features.
What really makes this vacuum unique — and why we chose it as the best cordless stick vacuum for hardwood floors in a previous test — is that it also comes with a special "Fluffy Optic" cleaner head that illuminates everything in its path a glowy, neon yellow-green.
The fluffy brush zapped up Cheerios, sand and rice, no matter how small or creviced the grain. Because the cleaner head is so narrow and nimble — and it swivels! — we were able to use it against walls and in tighter spaces, such as around bathroom toilets, without having to swap in different attachments. And because the brush is so soft, we were able to glide it along delicate surfaces — such as real wood floors and painted molding — without worrying about scuffing.
This Ghostbuster-reminiscent gizmo worked so well that we started referring to it as "the closer" during testing, using it to ensure there was nothing left after other vacuum tests.
The downside: This vacuum is definitely a splurge, and the dust cup is smaller than that of other Dysons. The Dyson V15 Detect and Dyson Gen5detect, reviewed here, require less frequent emptying, though they come at a slightly heftier weight and price point.
- Fluffy Optic cleaner head swivels and lights up for highlighting dirt
- Main vacuum body is detachable and can double as a handheld
- Digital display with mode, battery and cleanliness reads
- Includes a mini hair screw tool for smaller surfaces and tighter spaces
- Smaller dust bin size
- Pricey
More top lightweight vacuums we recommend for 2024
Size: 9.65"L x 5.63"W x 45.87"H | Weight: 4 pounds | Bin capacity: 0.55 liters | Vacuum type: Corded featherweight | Anti-allergy (HEPA) filter: Yes | Power: 240 watts
Featherweight vacuums are among the lightest and most compact, with Eureka's hitting the sweet spot in our testing for value, form and function.
The Eureka Featherweight consists of three main pieces: the cleaner head, the body (where the power button and dust cup sit) and a long wand with the handle at top. Everything, including an enclosed crevice tool, clicks into place — no screws or additional setup required.
The dust cup holds 0.55 liters, which is fairly generous for a featherweight vacuum, and detaches easily for handheld use. We also like how it's transparent, so you can see when it's getting full.
We found both of the handles — one on the wand for conventional vacuuming and one on the body for using it as a handheld vacuum — comfortable to hold and maneuver.
For being so lightweight (only 4 pounds completely configured), the Eureka Featherweight packs a good amount of suction power and proved a solid match for all the materials in our tests. That included sand, which proved a sticking point for other models we evaluated.
In real-life testing, we appreciated the Eureka Featherweight's 18-foot-long cord for skirting around bigger rooms and pieces of furniture. The vacuum is also freestanding, with the cleaner head remaining propped at a 90°-angle for easier carrying.
Cons: Like with some of the other featherweights we tested, Eureka's cleaner head isn't clear so you can't see if something gets caught in the brush with your naked eye. It also wasn't as proficient in our pet-hair test as the Dyson V12 Slim Detect and upright vacuums, and therefore may not be ideal for getting really matted fur out of low-pile carpets. It also doesn't swivel or have an LED light, making it tougher to navigate in darker conditions.
- Compact
- Detachable body doubles as a handheld vacuum
- Generous, 18-feet-long cord
- Includes crevice tool with clip-on holder
- Extremely affordable
- No digital display
- Cleaner head doesn't swivel or have lights
Size: 13.5"L x 11.32"W x 45.28"H | Weight: 10.6 pounds | Bin capacity: 0.84 liters | Vacuum type: Corded upright | Anti-allergy (HEPA) filter: Yes | Power: 700 watts
Not quite ready to cut the cord and/or prefer the look and feel — plus typical gusto — of a more traditional upright vacuum? You can at least cut back on the heavy lifting with Shark's lightweight Navigator model.
The Navigator Light consists of a cleaner head, a removable dust cup (aka canister), a long wand with a handle and a hose (where the dirt funnels through, as opposed to up the tube like with a typical stick vacuum or right into the canister like with a featherweight vac).
It comes pretty much ready to go: You attach the crevice/brush tool to the side and make sure the hose is secured. And it's super easy to operate: There's a power button, a brush roll button and a lever that enables you to detach the canister for emptying purposes.
Where this Shark shows its prowess against other (lightweight vacuum) predators, however, is its powerful suction, nimble cleaner head and detachable hose/wand. As the vacuum's name suggests, it's almost unstoppable when navigating a range of materials and terrains.
The Navigator Light zipped through our carpet and kitchen tests, devouring everything from Cheerios and kitty litter to rice and even piles of sand. In our pet-hair test, this vacuum made matted fur disappear from car mats in one pass.
Because the Navigator Light has a narrower cleaner head than other lightweight vacuums we tested, we were able to combat dirt and dust against edges, under cabinets and around furniture without much maneuvering (read: uncomfortable bending). Additionally, the vacuum sits a few inches taller than others, which may prove more comfortable for taller individuals. There's also that detachable hose/wand for tackling high spots and other hard-to-reach angles!
Cons: At 0.842 liters, the Navigator Light's dust cup capacity isn't as large as some lightweight vacuums that made our rounds. And it weighs a few additional pounds, though it appears to be made of more durable materials.
- Detachable wand and hose
- Large dust bin
- Generous, 25-foot-long cord
- Includes crevice and upholstery tools
- Slightly heavier than other lightweight models we tested
- Cleaner head doesn't swivel or have lights
Factors to consider when choosing a lightweight vacuum
Size: Taller stick vacuums generally equate to longer tubes (or wands) and greater reach, particularly helpful for those who are tall or navigating vast, shallow surface areas, like beneath platform beds. That said, more height means you’ll be farther from your target, in which case extendable or flexible tubes can help with maneuverability (and lights can help with visibility). Longer brush rolls mean fewer swipes. Wider and dual brush rolls mean shorter passes.
Weight: The lighter the vacuum, the easier the lift (and steer). Lightweight designs glide across hardwood floors seamlessly but can have less grip on thick carpets. Lighter models are often associated with smaller dust cups and fewer tech components (like LCD screens and the respective engineering that makes a vacuum top-heavy), though not always.
Bin capacity: Larger cups house more dirt so you don’t have to take as many trips to the trash can. Most of the vacuums we tested in this lightweight pool hold between 0.4 and and 0.9 liters, with the exception of the Kenmore Elite, Bissell CleanView and Eureka Airspeed, which hold more than 1 liters. We prefer cups with lids that open with the help of a lever (usually on the side or along the backside of the bin) versus having to manually unclip the lids and, in some cases, having to reach into the cup with our fingers.
Vacuum type:
Featherweight vacuums are typically corded and among the lightest of vacuums. They consist of a cleaner head (or base) that connects to a body (where the power switch and dust cup sit), which then attaches to a long pole or wand. The dirt goes right into the dust cup in the body, which also serves as a handheld when detached.
Stick vacuums are typically cordless and tend to be a little heavier than a featherweight, but less so than an upright. They're designed with a cleaner head that often connects to a long tube, with the detachable handheld portion that houses the dust cup and any electronics sitting up top. Dirt travels through the tube, then into the upper dust cup portion.
Upright vacuums are typically corded and among the heaviest and biggest vacuums. The vacuums we tested consist of a long pole (aka wand), with handle and a large body (that holds the dust cup), which sits on top of the cleaner head. In this case, a vacuum hose is used to capture the dirt, which then funnels into the dust cup.
Run time: According to our research, the average cordless stick vacuum run time hovers around 30 to 40 minutes for budget models, 40 to 50 minutes for mid-priced models and 50 minutes or above for luxury models, with the Dyson V12 Detect Slim topping this list at 60 minutes. If you're buying a cordless vacuum cleaner, we suggest looking for one with at least 40 minutes of run time for multi-floor jobs and thorough cleanings. Here's our guide to the best cordless vacuums of any weight.
Filter style: Vacuum filters zap pollutants and improve air quality, with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters considered the gold standard. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HEPA filters "theoretically remove at least 99.97% of dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and any airborne particles with a size of 0.3 microns," with larger or smaller particles “trapped with even higher efficiency.” Follow instruction manuals for how and when to replace or clean filters for optimal results.
Wattage: More watts — also referred to as " air watts" — typically correlate to greater suction power. High-voltage batteries generally have a longer shelf life, or run time, so you can tackle more space or several vacuum jobs in one go without recharging.
Brushes and attachments: Most of the lightweight vacuums we tested come with a detangling brush roller that can be used for multiple floor types; some also have a soft brush roller specifically for hard surfaces. Lights by the cleaner head offer more visibility in low lighting and beneath furniture, while mini roller attachments help tackle tighter spaces (such as inside your car; they’re also great for getting stubborn pet fur from sofas). Brush tools aid in detailing and spot-treating (cushions, curtains), and crevice tools are a must for navigating ceilings and wall corners.
Docking and storing: With freestanding vacuums and charging docks, you don't have to worry about your vacuum falling; you can also use a charging mount (typically screwed into the wall) to keep your vacuum upright. All of the vacuums on this list come with a cable for charging.
How we tested these lightweight vacuums
We set up several obstacle courses to test these lightweight vacuums against materials with varying shapes, textures and densities on different surfaces like carpet and hardwood. We also tested their respective attachments on sofas and other upholstered furniture. Then we put the vacuums through their paces in real-life scenarios, prioritizing homes that needed a good cleaning and/or had pet inhabitants. The nitty gritty:
"Carpet course" test: We spaced out materials — faux fur, rice, Cheerios, kitty litter and sand — across a plush carpet to see how the vacuums managed to cut through the clutter.
"Kitchen sink" test: We poured rice and Cheerios on a hardwood kitchen floor to gauge how well the vacuums could get a grip — especially against trims and in cabinet crevices.
"Passenger pet" test: We asked family and friends to avoid vacuuming for a week, then used car mats to collect the fur their pet companions had shed, to see which vacuums had the best suction.
"Vacs gone wild" test: We didn’t stop there! We clocked hours testing these vacuums in different houses and settings to see if they could rise to different occasions.
Other lightweight vacuums we tested
Bissell Featherweight ($33): At 2.6 pounds, this Bissell is the lightest of the featherweights we tested, with the greatest amount of suction power and the biggest dust cup. In its upright position, it zapped up Cheerios, rice and sand with no issue in our "kitchen sink test," but struggled with the pile of sand in the "carpet course" evaluation and required an extra pass, which is why it didn't top our list. The cord is also shorter than Eureka's featherweight and the dust bin is opaque — ideal for discretion, but not assessing when it needs emptying.
Dirt Devil Power Express Lite ($55): The "Express Lite" is designed and functions similar to the Eureka Featherweight — but with 750 watts, it's technically more powerful (we also like how the cleaner head is transparent, and it comes with a bonus pet tool). That said, the dust cup is slightly small and the vac stumbled a bit on sand scattered across hardwood floors — not a big concern for most but perhaps for beach houses.
Kenmore Elite ($150): The "Elite," which weighs less than 6 pounds, is at the top of its game (there's a reason we awarded it our best value cordless vacuum), with 40 minutes of run time, two suction modes, a generous 1-liter dust cup, LED lights and a flexible tube for reaching shallow areas without bending. It navigated our "carpet course" and "kitchen sink" tests with ease and got close to edges. It doesn't pack quite the same pickup as the Dyson V12 Slim Detect or the upright vacuums we evaluated, though.
Wyze Cordless Vacuum ($120): This popular pick from Wyze is akin to the Kenmore Elite in that it's a sleek cordless stick vac that offers 40 minutes of run time and has LED lights for visibility (it performed similarly, too). With Wyze, you get a fancier LCD display, a washable filter and an extra floor brush tool — for slightly less money and much less weight (it's 2.8 pounds). The tradeoff is that the Wyze Cordless Vacuum has a slightly smaller cup (0.68 liters) and doesn't have a flexible tube.
Shark Wandvac ($200): Shark's Wandvac has a minimalistic frame that weighs less than 6 pounds and a self-charging station for added convenience. The vacuum was easy to maneuver and, when detached, the upper/handheld was narrow enough for tackling shallow areas, such as under car seats. It did great in our "carpet course" test, but not as well as the Dyson V12 Slim Detect in our "kitchen sink" and "passenger pet" tests. Plus, the smaller dust cup meant more trips to the trash.
Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Light Vacuum ($70): The Airspeed is the lightest upright vacuum (7.7 pounds) — with the largest dust cup — we evaluated, arriving nearly assembled along with crevice and brush tools, plus a replacement filter. It proved its suction prowess, requiring only one pass in our "passenger pet" test, but dragged some Cheerios and sand in the "carpet course" and "kitchen sink" tests.
Bissell CleanView Compact Upright Vacuum ($60): This compact version of Bissell's popular CleanView vac is comparable to the Eureka Airspeed in terms of form, function and suction power, and comes with similar attachments, sans the extra filter. Aside from missing a few pieces of fur in the "passenger pet" test, performance was almost identical. But: The dust cup is slightly smaller than the Airspeed's (1 vs. 1.7 liters) and the cord is slightly shorter (18 vs. 25 feet).
Lightweight vacuum FAQs
What is the difference between a stick vacuum and upright vacuum?
Stick vacuums typically consist of a handled vacuum head, complete with a battery, dust cup, control buttons, filter and sometimes a digital display screen (think of the head, or “upper,” as its central processing and operating unit). The vacuum head attaches to a thin tube, which then connects to a cleaner head with roller brush(es). The "upper" can be attached to various tools for handheld use.
Like many upright vacuums designed today, stick vacuums are often bagless (thanks to their dust cups). They also are often cordless, whereas most upright vacuums have a cord. Given their svelte silhouettes and detachable parts, cordless stick vacuums tend to be more nimble and storage-friendly. But they may not pack as much power as an upright vacuum.
Are lightweight vacuums good for carpet?
Because lightweight vacuums are made of lighter materials and often have less suction power than heavier, corded vacuums, they don't “hunker down” quite the same, meaning they may not be the best bet for getting embedded fur or debris out of plusher carpets. Even so, we were able to achieve pretty good traction with the models we tested, especially when it came to the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, Shark Navigator Light, Eureka Airspeed Ultra-Light, and Bissell CleanView Compact, all of which made matted pet fur vanish.
Are lightweight vacuums the best option for seniors?
Lightweight, compact vacuums are typically easiest to push, making them a good option for anyone with weight-bearing restrictions or aversions. Featherweight vacuums are among the lightest and most compact, with upright vacuums weighing a tad heavier but providing slightly more stability for those who may be prone to leaning forward.
The high dust cups/uppers on stick vacuums mean less bending to empty and, in the case of cordless models, less tripping hazards. Flexible tubes and wands, like on the Kenmore Elite, plus LED lights, help with reach and visibility in shallow, dark areas, and swivel-style cleaner heads mean easier maneuvering.
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
