8 Best Lightweight Vacuums for Carpet 2025

The CHEBIO A16 isn’t just another cordless stick vacuum—it’s a game-changer for carpet dwellers who demand deep cleaning without the drag. With 28KPa of max suction power, it dives deep into carpet fibers to extract embedded pet hair, fine dust, and debris that cheaper models merely shuffle around. Its V-shape anti-tangle brush eliminates the most frustrating pain point of pet owners: hair wrapped like spaghetti around the roller. You can glide from thick rug to hardwood without stopping to cut fibers—a rare win in this price tier.

In real-world testing, the A16 delivered consistent performance across medium-pile carpets, pulling up tracked-in dirt and dried cereal with ease. The 45-minute runtime in eco mode handled a 1,000 sq ft apartment on a single charge, though switching to max mode cuts that in half. The 1.5L dust cup is a standout—large enough to delay emptying, yet compact enough to maintain balance. However, on high-pile or shag rugs, the motorized head occasionally bogged down, requiring slower passes. While the LED-lit nozzle is brilliant for spotting crumbs under the couch, the battery isn’t user-replaceable, which could limit long-term usability.

Compared to the Shark HV371, the CHEBIO trades some ergonomic finesse for raw power and runtime. It doesn’t convert to a handheld as seamlessly, but its all-in-one design and anti-tangle tech make it ideal for homes with pets and mixed flooring. For those tired of clogged rollers and weak suction, the A16 delivers pro-level cleaning in a lightweight frame—offering more bang for the buck than the pricier Shark Rocket models, despite fewer attachments.

The Shark HV301 is a nimble powerhouse that redefines what a lightweight vacuum can do on carpet. Weighing under 9 lbs and boasting Swivel Steering, it dances around furniture legs and slips under sofas with laser-like precision—perfect for quick cleanups in cluttered living spaces. Its corded design ensures uninterrupted power, delivering consistent suction that never fades, a critical advantage over budget cordless models that gasp mid-task. For homes where mobility and reliability are non-negotiable, this vacuum is a top-tier performer.

During testing, the HV301 excels on low to medium-pile carpets, lifting everyday debris and surface pet hair without hesitation. The fingertip controls let you toggle between floor types on the fly, while the easy-empty dust cup minimizes mess when dumping. However, on thicker carpets, it doesn’t dig as deep as uprights like the Eureka PowerSpeed—some fine dust remains embedded. The handheld conversion is smooth, and the included tools (crevice, upholstery, dust brush) are genuinely useful for stairs and car interiors. Still, the 0.4-quart dust cup fills quickly during whole-home sessions, forcing frequent emptying.

When stacked against the Bissell Featherweight, the Shark offers superior maneuverability and deeper cleaning, though it’s slightly heavier. It’s the ideal middle ground between portability and performance—perfect for apartments, condos, or homes with multiple small carpeted zones. While it doesn’t match the deep-cleaning prowess of the Shark HV371, it delivers more agility and better value than its more expensive sibling, making it a smarter pick for light-to-medium carpet care.

The Eureka PowerSpeed is a no-nonsense carpet warrior built for pet owners who battle hair and dander daily. Its upgraded cyclone system doesn’t just suck—it shreds and separates, trapping 99.9% of allergens in the bin and preventing clogs. With 5 height settings, it adapts to everything from plush rugs to bare floors, while the powerful brush roll agitates deep into carpet to dislodge years of trapped grime. If you’ve ever felt your vacuum just “skates” over the surface, this one feels like it’s actually working—digging, lifting, and extracting.

In testing, the PowerSpeed dominated on medium to high-pile carpets, pulling up clumps of cat hair and fine dust that lesser vacuums ignored. The stretch hose and onboard tools make above-floor cleaning a breeze—curtains, car seats, and baseboards get freshened without switching devices. However, the roller brush clogs easily with long hair, requiring bi-weekly maintenance as warned. Skip it, and performance plummets—or worse, risk overheating. While it’s lightweight for an upright, at 12.5 lbs, it’s not as agile as stick models for stairs or quick pickups.

Against the Eureka Airspeed, the PowerSpeed trades some portability for deeper cleaning and better filtration. It’s not as compact, but it handles pet messes with authority. For homes where carpet is the dominant surface and pets rule, this vacuum is a workhorse worth the extra effort—offering better allergen capture and carpet penetration than the Shark HV301, despite less elegant steering.

The Bissell Featherweight 2033M is the definition of no-fuss, lightweight cleaning—a featherlight 6.6 lbs that’s so simple, even kids can use it. It’s not built for deep cleans, but for spot jobs, quick spills, and surface-level messes on low-pile carpet and hard floors. With instant-on suction and a crevice tool that snaps on instantly, it’s perfect for grabbing crumbs after dinner or vacuuming a dropped cereal box. For renters, seniors, or anyone who hates hauling heavy machines, this is the ultimate convenience vacuum.

In real use, the Featherweight handles light debris well but struggles with embedded dirt or pet hair. The 0.67L dust cup fills fast, and suction drops noticeably as it fills. It’s ideal for hard floors and area rugs, but don’t expect it to refresh wall-to-wall carpet—its brush roll lacks the power to agitate deeply. Still, for stair cleaning, car interiors, or quick kitchen sweeps, it’s fast, quiet, and ultra-portable. The stick-to-handheld conversion is seamless, and storage is a breeze thanks to its slim profile.

Compared to the Intercleaner, it offers less versatility and weaker suction, but wins on brand reliability and simplicity. It’s not a primary vacuum, but a brilliant secondary tool—like a cleaning sidekick. For those who want the lightest possible option for daily touch-ups, it outshines bulkier models, though it can’t match the carpet performance of the Eureka PowerSpeed or the runtime of the CHEBIO.

The Intercleaner 12-in-1 is a hidden gem for multi-surface homes that need one tool to rule them all. At just 3 lbs (without cord), it’s lighter than a laptop, yet packs 15KPa of suction—enough to tackle short carpets, tile, and everything in between. Its 16.4-ft power cord eliminates range anxiety, letting you clean an entire floor without unplugging. But the real magic is in its 11 included accessories, transforming it from a stick vacuum into a dusting, crevice, and upholstery specialist with zero setup time.

Testing revealed strong performance on hardwood and low-pile rugs, with the anti-tangle design keeping hair from wrapping around the brush. The 0.8L dust cup is generous for its size, and the one-button empty keeps hands clean. However, on thicker carpets, it lacks the motor strength to lift deeply embedded dirt. The quiet operation is a bonus for homes with pets or babies, but the plastic build feels less durable than Shark or Eureka. Still, the Pro-Max 3-layer HEPA filtration ensures clean exhaust air—ideal for allergy sufferers.

Against the Eureka NES100, the Intercleaner offers more attachments and better suction, though with a less sturdy feel. It’s the best pick for versatility, especially in homes with stairs, cars, and mixed flooring. While it doesn’t deep-clean carpets like the PowerSpeed, it outperforms the Bissell Featherweight in flexibility, making it a smart choice for families needing one vacuum for every job.

The Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4 is the sweet spot between power and portability in the upright category. At 7.7 lbs, it’s one of the lightest uprights available, yet it doesn’t sacrifice cleaning power—its 700W motor and 10.5” cleaning path make short work of full-room sessions. The quick-release handle turns it into a handheld in seconds, perfect for stairs or furniture, while the onboard crevice tool and dusting brush are always within reach. For those who want upright-level cleaning without the bulk, this is a revelation.

In practice, the Airspeed handles low to medium carpets with confidence, lifting surface debris and light pet hair. The washable filter keeps maintenance costs near zero, and the compact design fits in closets or under sinks. However, it lacks height adjustment, so performance on high-pile rugs is limited. The suction is strong but not elite, falling short of the PowerSpeed on deeply embedded dirt. Still, for daily maintenance and quick cleans, it’s efficient and effortless—a true set-and-forget workhorse.

Compared to the PowerSpeed, it’s lighter and more compact, but less powerful and less versatile across carpet types. It’s not the best for pet-heavy homes, but for apartments, dorms, or light-duty use, it delivers more value than the Shark HV301 in a smaller footprint. If you want an upright that doesn’t feel like a chore to use, the Airspeed is the most balanced lightweight option in its class.

The Eureka NES100 is a budget-savvy hero that punches above its weight in the lightweight vacuum arena. At just 2.75 lbs, it’s featherlight and effortless to maneuver, making it ideal for quick cleanups, stairs, or spot-treating pet accidents. Its corded design means endless runtime, and the 3-in-1 versatility—stick, handheld, or nozzle-only—lets you clean car seats, baseboards, and ceilings without strain. For under $30, it’s a steal for basic carpet and floor maintenance.

Testing showed solid suction on low-pile carpet and hard floors, though it struggles with embedded dirt in thicker rugs. The dust cup is small, requiring frequent emptying, and the filter needs regular rinsing to maintain performance. Still, the cord wraps neatly, and the upright storage saves space—perfect for small homes. It’s not a deep-cleaning machine, but for daily touch-ups and pet hair, it’s reliable and ready to go—no charging, no waiting.

Versus the Bissell Featherweight, it offers similar portability but better suction and a more stable build. It’s not as feature-rich as the Intercleaner, but more durable and easier to store. For renters, seniors, or anyone needing a no-frills, always-ready vacuum, the NES100 is the most practical budget pick—outperforming pricier models in convenience and ease of use, even if it can’t match the carpet depth of the PowerSpeed.