8 Best Small Vacuums for Carpet 2025

This game-changer for carpet dwellers packs a surprising punch with its 15KPa suction and 400W brushless motor, making it one of the most capable compact vacuums for low-to-medium pile carpets. The 12-in-1 versatility stands out—transforming from a stick to a handheld with swappable tools like a crevice nozzle, dusting brush, and extension wand—gives you surgical precision for stairs, baseboards, and furniture. It’s engineered for real-life messes, especially pet hair, where its tangle-free design and HEPA filtration team up to pull allergens from carpets without clogging or spreading dust back into the air.

In real-world testing, the 16.4-foot power cord eliminates the frustration of constant outlet hopping, letting you clean an entire living room and hallway without replugging. On medium-pile rugs, it pulled up embedded crumbs and fur in a single pass, thanks to its rotating brush roll and consistent suction—a rarity in this size class. However, on thicker carpets (over 0.5 inches), the suction begins to struggle, and the lightweight frame can tug awkwardly if you push too hard. The 0.8L dust cup is generous for a mini vac, allowing up to seven rooms before needing a dump—ideal for quick daily sweeps.

Compared to the Bissell Featherweight 2033, this Intercleaner model delivers superior carpet penetration and tool variety, though it’s slightly heavier. It’s the clear upgrade for pet owners who need more than surface-level cleaning but still want something light enough for upstairs use. While the Amazon Basics B0D6QS74FM wins on price, this Intercleaner dominates in performance and feature depth, offering a rare blend of power, filtration, and adaptability in a compact frame.

Meet the featherlight speed demon of spot cleaning—the Bissell Featherweight 2033 is built for effortless, no-fuss pickups on low-pile carpets and hard floors. Weighing just under 4 pounds, it’s effortless to carry up stairs or maneuver under furniture, making it a go-to for quick cleanups after meals or shedding seasons. Its dual-action nozzle transitions smoothly between floor types, while the 0.67L dust cup and 15-foot cord offer enough runtime and capacity for small apartments or single-room refreshes.

During testing, it excelled at surface-level debris like cereal, sand, and pet hair on short rugs, but struggled with deeply embedded dirt—a limitation of its non-motorized brush roll. On plush carpets, it barely made a dent, often pushing debris around instead of lifting it. However, on sealed hardwood and tile, it performed admirably, capturing fine dust and larger crumbs with ease. The crevice tool stores onboard, and the stick-to-handheld conversion is seamless, making it a solid choice for car interiors or tight corners.

When stacked against the Eureka NES100, the Featherweight feels more refined but offers less suction power. It’s best suited for low-traffic homes or as a secondary vacuum where deep carpet cleaning isn’t a priority. While it lacks the HEPA filtration of pricier models like the Intercleaner, it delivers unmatched agility at a minimal cost, making it a smart pick for light-duty users who value speed over strength.

If pet messes are your daily battle, the BISSELL 2390A is a precision strike weapon—designed from the ground up to obliterate embedded pet hair on upholstery, stairs, and car seats. Its 14V lithium-ion battery delivers consistent cordless freedom, and the motorized brush tool is the real star, spinning fast enough to yank fur from fabric weaves without snagging. With triple-level filtration, it traps dander and fine dust, making it a must-have for allergy sufferers who clean pet zones daily.

In real use, the vacuum cleared dog hair from a microfiber sofa in two passes and handled cereal spills in the backseat of an SUV with ease. The easy-empty dirt bin is a game-changer—no shaking or poking required—just press a button and debris drops out cleanly. However, runtime is limited to about 15 minutes on high, which can cut short larger jobs. The lack of a floor nozzle means it’s not a full-room vacuum, but that’s not its purpose—it’s a targeted cleaner for high-traffic pet zones, and it nails that mission.

Compared to the Shark HV322, it’s less versatile as a whole-home solution but outperforms in upholstery-specific tasks thanks to its specialized tools. It’s pricier than stick vacs in the $30 range, but the motorized brush and pet-focused design justify the cost for multi-pet homes. If you need spot-cleaning dominance over broad coverage, this BISSELL is worth every penny.

The Bissell 3508 is a compact powerhouse that punches above its weight, especially for apartment dwellers and dorm rooms where space and suction both matter. Its scatter-free technology is a game-changer—unlike many mini vacs that kick dust forward, this one seals debris inside on the first pass, even on hardwood. Weighing under 8 pounds, it’s easy to lug between floors, yet delivers upright-level suction that tackles low-to-medium pile carpets with confidence.

In testing, it cleared tracked-in dirt from a bedroom rug in two swipes and handled cat litter spills on tile without scattering. The removable extension wand is a clever touch—letting you clean under beds or high shelves without switching tools. The dirt container is simple to empty with a one-button release, though it holds less than a liter, requiring mid-clean dumps for larger spaces. While it lacks advanced features like HEPA or LED lights, its suction consistency and scatter control make it a reliable daily driver.

Against the Eureka NEU10AE4, it offers better dust containment but a narrower cleaning path. It’s not the lightest or cheapest, but it’s the most balanced for small-space carpet owners who want upright power without the bulk. Compared to budget stick vacs, it delivers superior floor transition performance, making it the best all-around compact upright in its class.

Don’t let the sub-$30 price tag fool you—the Eureka NES100 is a no-nonsense, get-it-done machine that delivers solid suction and smart storage in a featherlight 2.75-pound frame. It’s perfect for renters and pet owners on a budget who need a vacuum that’s always ready—no charging, no waiting. The corded design ensures uninterrupted power, and the 3-in-1 conversion (stick, handheld, or handheld with attachments) makes it ideal for stairs, cars, and tight corners.

In real-world use, it handled cereal spills on low-pile carpet and pulled pet hair from car seats effectively, though it required multiple passes on denser rugs. The crevice tool stores onboard, and the cord wraps neatly around built-in hooks, eliminating tangles and saving closet space. The bagless design and washable filter keep long-term costs near zero, a big win for budget-conscious buyers. However, the suction, while adequate, can’t match the 15KPa models—so it’s best for light-to-moderate carpet cleaning, not deep cleans.

Compared to the Amazon Basics B0D6QS74FM, it offers better build quality and suction, despite a similar price. It’s not as feature-rich as the Intercleaner, but for pure budget efficiency and reliability, it’s hard to beat. If you need a no-frills, always-ready carpet buddy that won’t break the bank, this Eureka is a silent standout.

The Shark HV322 is a stair-cleaning beast—engineered for vertical cleaning missions where most vacuums fall short. Its LED headlights are a game-changing feature, illuminating hidden pet hair and dust under furniture and along baseboards, while the XL dust cup (0.68 quarts) lets you clean an entire flight of stairs without stopping. The ultra-lightweight body and instant handheld conversion make it effortless to carry and use overhead, a rare win for upholstery and car cleaning.

In testing, it removed deeply embedded dog hair from a fabric-covered staircase in one pass, thanks to its motorized pet nozzle and strong suction. The two included pet tools—a crevice and multi-surface brush—add serious versatility, and the corded design ensures constant power. However, the vacuum lacks a dedicated hard floor setting, so on tile, it can push debris around if not used carefully. The build quality feels premium, but the price reflects it—this is a specialized tool, not a daily sweeper.

Compared to the BISSELL 2390A, it offers greater capacity and floor coverage, though it’s less portable. It’s clearly built for pet-heavy homes with stairs or furniture, where deep cleaning matters more than speed. While it’s the most expensive in the list, its LED lights and pet-specific tools make it worth the investment for targeted, high-impact cleaning.

The Eureka NEU10AE4 is a dual-surface dynamo, designed to transition seamlessly between hardwood and carpet without losing suction or stability. Its 10.5-inch cleaning path covers ground quickly, while the 7.7-pound frame makes it easy to push and store, even in tight closets. The quick-release handle lets you detach and clean above floors instantly—attach the dusting brush or crevice tool directly to the wand for blinds, shelves, or car vents.

On testing, it cleared tracked-in mud from a bedroom carpet and pulled pet hair from a throw rug with ease. The washable filter is a long-term cost saver, and the onboard tool storage keeps accessories within reach. However, it lacks advanced filtration—fine dust can escape back into the air, a downside for allergy sufferers. The suction is strong but not deep-penetrating, so it’s better for maintenance than deep cleans.

Compared to the Bissell 3508, it offers a wider cleaning path but less scatter control. It’s ideal for mixed-floor homes where speed and simplicity matter. While it doesn’t have HEPA or LED lights, it delivers reliable, no-fuss cleaning at a competitive price—making it a top pick for carpet-and-hardwood households who want balanced performance.

The Amazon Basics B0D6QS74FM is the ultimate value play—a no-frills, get-the-job-done vacuum that undercuts the competition by $10 or more without sacrificing core functionality. Its 300W motor delivers consistent suction on low-pile carpets and sealed floors, and the washable HEPA filter is a rare inclusion at this price, capturing 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns—a major win for allergy-prone homes.

In real use, it handled daily crumbs, dust, and light pet hair on area rugs and kitchen floors with ease. The 2-in-1 design converts to handheld in seconds, and the 19.7-foot cord gives exceptional reach. However, it struggles on high-pile carpets, where suction drops noticeably, and the 0.5L dust cup fills quickly during whole-room cleaning. The self-standing design and cord wrap make storage a breeze, ideal for small apartments.

Against the Eureka NES100, it offers better filtration and cord length but less suction power. It’s not built for deep cleaning, but as a budget-friendly starter vacuum, it’s unbeatable for basic carpet maintenance. If you need clean air, low cost, and simple operation, this Amazon Basics model is the smartest entry-level choice.