8 Best Lightweight Upright Vacuums 2025

Effortless cleaning meets wallet-friendly performance in the Amazon Basics Upright Bagless Vacuum, a no-frills powerhouse that punches above its weight class. Weighing just 8.4 lbs, it’s a dream to lug up stairs or maneuver around furniture, while the 25-foot power cord eliminates constant plug-switching during whole-home cleanups. The 1.7L dust cup is a standout—larger than most in this category—meaning fewer interruptions to empty debris, and the washable filter ensures long-term cost savings and consistent suction.

In real-world testing across low-pile carpets and hardwood floors, this vacuum delivered surprisingly strong suction for its price, effortlessly pulling up pet hair, cereal crumbs, and fine dust. The dual-surface cleaning worked well, though it lacked a brushroll shutoff, so we had to manually lift the nozzle slightly on bare floors to prevent scattering. The detachable handle proved useful for quick above-floor cleanups on stairs or under furniture, and the included crevice and upholstery tools snapped securely into place. However, the rigid build made tight corner access a bit clunky, and the noise level was on the higher end—tolerable, but not quiet.

When stacked against pricier models like the Shark NV352, the Amazon Basics model doesn’t match the HEPA filtration or swivel steering, but it delivers core functionality without fluff—making it ideal for renters, small homes, or anyone prioritizing value and simplicity. It’s not built for allergy sufferers or large homes with multiple surface types, but for quick daily cleanups and budget-conscious buyers, it’s a reliable workhorse that outperforms expectations. It trades advanced features for sheer practicality, offering solid performance at a fraction of the cost of mid-tier Sharks or Bissells.

Unmatched versatility and deep-cleaning power define the Shark NV352 Navigator, a top-tier upright that sets the gold standard for all-in-one cleaning performance. The Lift-Away pod is a game-changer—detach it and transform the vacuum into a portable unit perfect for stairs, car interiors, or furniture, all without losing suction strength. Combined with HEPA filter + Complete Seal Technology, it captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a lifesaver for allergy sufferers and pet owners dealing with dander and embedded fur.

During testing, the swivel steering made navigating around chair legs and tight corners feel almost effortless, and the brushroll shutoff seamlessly transitioned from plush carpets to hardwood without scattering debris. Suction remained strong across surfaces, and the wide upholstery tool made quick work of dog hair on sofas. The 25-foot cord and generous reach meant fewer plug changes, and the 5-year warranty speaks volumes about durability. That said, the full unit weighs 13.5 lbs, which feels heavier than true lightweight models—especially when lifting the pod repeatedly on stairs.

Compared to the Bissell CleanView or Eureka budget picks, the Shark NV352 delivers professional-grade performance with smarter ergonomics and superior filtration. While it’s pricier, the feature density and build quality justify the investment for households with pets, kids, or mixed flooring. It’s overkill for studio apartments but perfect for medium to large homes where cleaning efficiency and air quality matter. It dominates the competition by balancing power, adaptability, and health-conscious design in a way few uprights can match.

Big cleaning capacity meets smart design in the Shark NV360, a high-performance upright that shines in larger homes where frequent emptying is a chore. With a 0.9-quart dust cup—larger than most in its class—it supports extended cleaning sessions without constant stops, and the one-touch release makes emptying fast and mess-free. The Lift-Away pod returns here, giving you the freedom to clean under furniture or carry the lightweight canister upstairs, while HEPA + Complete Seal Technology ensures allergens stay trapped, not recirculated.

In real-world use, the brushroll shutoff proved essential for transitioning between thick rugs and tile, preserving floor finishes while maintaining suction efficiency. The swivel steering offered smooth navigation, though the unit felt slightly bulkier than the NV352 during tight turns. Suction power was excellent on medium-pile carpets and picked up pet hair with ease, but the lack of onboard tool storage was a minor inconvenience—tools had to be stored separately. At 12.8 lbs, it’s not the lightest, but the balanced design reduces strain during prolonged use.

Against the Amazon Basics or Eureka models, the NV360 delivers premium features at a mid-range price, making it a smarter buy for those who value long-term usability over initial savings. It doesn’t have the longest cord (only 20 feet), but the trade-off is a more compact body. Ideal for pet owners and families with mixed flooring, it bridges the gap between budget and high-end Sharks. It outclasses entry-level vacuums with superior filtration and convenience, offering nearly the same performance as the NV352 but with even better dust retention.

Ultra-light agility meets surprising power in the Bissell CleanView Compact 3508, a sub-8-pound dynamo built for small-space warriors and mobility-limited users. At just 7.8 lbs, it’s one of the lightest uprights available, making it effortless to carry up apartment stairs or store in a closet—a major win for dorms and studios. The removable extension wand adds reach without adding bulk, letting you clean ceiling corners or under cabinets with ease, while Scatter-Free Technology keeps debris contained on hardwoods, a common pain point in lightweight models.

In testing, suction held up well on low-pile rugs and tile, capturing cereal, sand, and pet hair without clogging. The one-touch dirt ejection was hygienic and simple, though the dust cup capacity is modest—requiring more frequent emptying in larger spaces. The compact motor delivers full-size cleaning power in a minimalist frame, but it struggles with high-pile carpets where deeper agitation is needed. Noise is moderate, and the 18-foot cord limits range compared to 25-foot competitors. Still, for quick touch-ups and daily maintenance, it’s impressively efficient.

Next to the Eureka NEU10AE4, the 3508 feels more refined, with better ergonomics and a smoother release mechanism. It lacks HEPA or swivel steering, so it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers or homes with furniture-packed layouts. But for urban dwellers, seniors, or college students, it’s a no-fuss, highly portable solution that prioritizes ease of use. It sacrifices some power and features but delivers exceptional convenience and maneuverability, making it a standout in the ultra-light segment.

Budget brilliance with featherlight handling—the Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4 proves you don’t need to spend much to get a truly lightweight, no-maintenance cleaner. Weighing just 7.7 lbs, it’s among the easiest uprights to lift and store, and its compact footprint fits neatly in closets or under sinks—perfect for tight living spaces. The 10.5-inch cleaning path covers ground quickly, and the 700W motor delivers solid suction for a budget unit, handling cereal, dust, and pet hair across low-pile carpets and hardwoods with minimal effort.

The quick-release handle turns it into a portable cleaner in seconds—attach the crevice tool or dusting brush directly to the handle for stairs or upholstery. We appreciated the onboard tool storage; both accessories snap securely to the body and stay put during movement. The washable filter eliminates replacement costs, and the bagless design keeps ongoing expenses low. However, suction fades slightly on deep carpet cleaning, and the rigid neck makes under-furniture reach difficult. The 20-foot cord is decent, but not class-leading.

Compared to the Amazon Basics model, it’s slightly lighter and cheaper, though it lacks the larger dust cup. It doesn’t match the Bissell or Shark in refinement, but for first-time buyers or secondary home use, it’s a no-brainer value pick. It’s not built for large homes or heavy pet hair, but as a daily maintenance vacuum, it’s hard to beat. It wins on affordability, weight, and simplicity, offering essential features without fluff—making it the smartest entry-level lightweight upright for basic cleaning needs.

Agility redefined—the Bissell CleanView Swivel 2024 model sets a new bar for maneuverability in upright vacuums, thanks to its precision swivel steering that pivots on a dime. This makes cleaning around coffee tables, bed frames, and kitchen islands feel effortless, eliminating the awkward dragging common in rigid models. The Triple Action Brush Roll aggressively lifts embedded dirt and pet hair from carpets, while Scatter-Free Technology keeps hard-floor messes contained—no more chasing stray Cheerios across the kitchen.

Real-world testing showed strong, consistent suction across medium-pile rugs and laminate, with the multi-cyclonic system maintaining airflow even as the bin filled. The active extension wand (new for 2024) extends reach for ceiling fans or high shelves, and the easy-empty dirt tank minimizes hand contact. At 10.5 lbs, it’s not the lightest, but the balanced design reduces fatigue. One downside: the cord is only 18 feet, requiring more outlet changes in larger homes. Also, while it handles pet hair well, it lacks a HEPA filter, so it’s not ideal for allergy sufferers.

Pitted against the Shark NV352, it loses on filtration and lift-away versatility but wins on nimble handling and updated features. It’s a perfect fit for homes with lots of furniture or tight spaces, where agility trumps portability. For pet owners who clean daily and value smooth navigation, it’s a top contender. It offers modern upgrades and superior steering, making it a more responsive alternative to heavier, less agile models—even if it sacrifices some filtration and reach.

Eco-smart cleaning gets a lightweight upgrade in the Eureka NEU10AE5, a planet-friendly performer that combines ultra-low weight with zero-maintenance filtration. At 7.7 lbs, it’s effortless to carry and store, and the washable filter means no recurring costs or plastic waste—ideal for environmentally conscious users who still want powerful cleaning. The 10.5-inch cleaning path and 700W motor deliver quick, efficient coverage on carpets and hard floors, and the onboard crevice tool and dusting brush stay accessible during use, eliminating fumbling for attachments.

In practice, suction was strong for light to moderate debris, though it struggled with deeply embedded pet hair on high-pile rugs. The quick-release handle made above-floor cleaning simple, and the compact design allowed easy storage in tight spaces. Like its sibling model NEU10AE4, it lacks swivel steering, making tight turns a bit awkward, and the 20-foot cord limits range. But the eco-friendly maintenance model is its standout trait—rinse the filter, air dry, and reuse indefinitely. For allergy sufferers, though, the absence of HEPA is a dealbreaker.

Compared to the Bissell 3508, it’s similarly light but offers better long-term sustainability. It doesn’t match the Shark NV360 in power or dust capacity, but it wins on environmental impact and cost efficiency. It’s best for eco-minded renters, small homes, or secondary vacuums where green cleaning matters. It proves you can have lightweight design and sustainable operation without breaking the bank—making it the most responsible budget-friendly upright in the lineup.

Big power in a tiny frame—the Bissell CleanView Compact Turbo 3437F is engineered for dorms, RVs, and micro-apartments where space is at a premium but cleaning demands aren’t. Despite weighing 10 lbs, it packs full-size suction that tackles pet hair, tracked-in dirt, and daily debris with ease, thanks to its high-torque motor and Scatter-Free Technology that keeps messes under control on hardwoods. The quick-release extension wand transforms it into a handheld cleaner, perfect for car seats, stairs, or under-bed spots, adding serious versatility to a compact build.

Testing revealed strong performance on low to medium carpets, though it struggled slightly on thick rugs where deeper agitation is needed. The dirt tank is small—requiring frequent emptying in larger spaces—but the one-touch ejection keeps cleanup quick. The 19-foot cord is adequate for small units, and the upright design allows self-standing storage. However, the lack of swivel steering makes furniture navigation clunky, and the build feels slightly less durable than pricier Bissell models.

Against the Eureka Airspeed, it’s heavier but more powerful; versus the CleanView 3508, it’s bulkier but offers stronger suction. It’s the best pick for students or city dwellers who need compact storage and reliable daily cleaning. It sacrifices some agility and filtration but delivers core performance in a space-saving form, making it the ultimate small-space upright for functional, no-fuss cleaning. It outmuscles other mini-vacs while staying highly portable.