7 Best Small Vacuums for Carpet 2026

This powerhouse performer redefines value in the world of budget uprights, delivering 1.7L dust capacity and 720W of raw cleaning power that punches far above its price tag. Weighing just 8.4 lbs, it’s surprisingly lightweight for an upright, making it a go-to for users who dread lugging heavy machines across rooms. The long 25-foot cord eliminates constant outlet hopping, solving a major pain point for whole-home cleanups—especially on carpeted floors where uninterrupted suction matters.

In real-world testing, the Amazon Basics vacuum handled low to medium-pile carpets with confidence, pulling up embedded dirt and surface debris without bogging down. Its dual-surface performance is solid, though bare floors require careful glide to avoid scattering fine particles. The washable filter maintains suction over time, and the large dust cup truly shines during deep cleans—few competitors in this range offer this much capacity without frequent emptying. However, it lacks height adjustments, so transitioning between carpet and hardwood isn’t as seamless as higher-end models.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, this model sacrifices deep-cleaning versatility for simplicity and affordability. It doesn’t have motorized tools or height settings, but it wins on ease of maintenance and runtime freedom—a corded design means no battery anxiety. Ideal for renters, small homes, or anyone needing a no-fuss, high-capacity workhorse for mixed flooring. While it doesn’t match the deep-clean aggression of pricier uprights, its combination of power, capacity, and cost-efficiency makes it a standout in the entry-level carpet-cleaning segment.

Meet the nimble ninja of spot cleaning—the Bissell Featherweight Stick, a no-fuss, ultra-portable solution engineered for rapid carpet touch-ups and hard-floor refreshes. At just under 7 pounds, it’s one of the most effortless stick vacs to wield, especially for quick pickups on low-pile carpets or stairs. Its dual-action design lets it transform into a handheld or stair vac in seconds, solving the all-too-common problem of dragging a full-size machine for a small mess.

During testing, the 0.67L dirt cup proved sufficient for daily crumbs and light debris, though heavier carpet jobs required mid-session emptying. The suction is adequate for surface-level dust and pet hair, but it struggles with deeply embedded dirt—don’t expect deep-pile revival. It excels on hard floors, area rugs, and sealed surfaces, where its low profile and swivel neck glide smoothly under furniture. The included crevice and floor nozzles add versatility, but the lack of a motorized brush limits its effectiveness on high-traffic carpet zones.

When stacked against the Eureka NES312, the Featherweight loses on power but wins on simplicity and price. It’s not built for whole-home deep cleans, but rather for on-demand, targeted cleaning—perfect for apartments, dorms, or households with minimal carpeting. While it can’t match the carpet-agitating force of motorized models, its instant readiness, lightweight build, and multi-mode flexibility make it a smart pick for those prioritizing convenience over brute strength.

This pocket-sized powerhouse delivers 15KPa of suction from a 400W brushless motor—a jaw-dropping feat for a vacuum weighing just 3 lbs. The Intercleaner isn’t just lightweight; it’s a 12-in-1 cleaning chameleon, equipped with an arsenal of tools that transform it from a stick vac to a handheld, crevice cleaner, dusting brush, and more. For pet owners battling fur on carpets, furniture, or car seats, this pet-hair annihilator offers unmatched flexibility in a whisper-quiet package.

In real-world use, the 16.4-foot cord grants impressive reach, letting you clean an entire room without replugging—rare at this price point. The 0.8L dust cup holds more than expected, supporting 5–7 cleaning cycles before emptying, and the one-button dump keeps hands clean. On low-pile carpets, the motorized brush digs up hair and dust effectively, though thick rugs expose its limits. The 3-layer HEPA filtration is a standout, trapping allergens and ensuring clean exhaust—ideal for allergy sufferers.

Compared to the Eureka NES100, it offers superior suction, more attachments, and better filtration, all while costing less. It’s not built for deep carpet restoration like the PowerSpeed, but for targeted, multi-surface cleaning, it’s unmatched. Perfect for pet households, small spaces, or parents needing a quiet, safe, child-friendly cleaner. With best-in-class versatility and pet-friendly operation, it outperforms many vacuums twice its price.

Step into deep-cleaning dominance with the Eureka PowerSpeed—an upright that brings professional-grade carpet revival to the budget-conscious homeowner. With 5 height adjustments, it automatically adapts to carpet pile and hard floors, ensuring optimal contact and maximum agitation where it’s needed most. The 10 lbs frame feels sturdy yet manageable, and the 2.6L extra-large dust cup means fewer interruptions during whole-house sessions—a game-changer for high-traffic homes.

Performance tests revealed exceptional deep-cleaning power on medium to high-pile carpets, where the rotating brush roll extracted years of trapped dust and pet hair. On hardwood, it glides smoothly with reduced suction to avoid scattering debris. The on-board pet turbo tool is a standout, effortlessly lifting fur from upholstery and stairs. However, the foam filter requires frequent rinsing to maintain peak suction, and without regular roller brush maintenance, performance drops fast—per the manufacturer’s warning about clogs and potential smoke.

When compared to the Amazon Basics upright, the PowerSpeed is heavier but delivers superior deep-clean results and better surface adaptability. It’s the clear choice for pet owners and families with wall-to-wall carpeting who need real deep-cleaning muscle. While not as nimble as stick vacs, its unmatched carpet penetration and large capacity make it the best upright pick for those prioritizing cleaning depth over portability.

The budget-savvy MVP of small vacuums, the Eureka NES100, delivers corded reliability and 3-in-1 flexibility at a price that feels like a steal. Weighing just 2.75 lbs, it’s one of the lightest corded models available, making it perfect for quick carpet spot cleans, stairs, or car interiors. Its continuous suction means no battery fade, so it’s always ready—ideal for households that need a no-hassle, always-on standby cleaner.

In daily use, the NES100 shines on low-pile carpets and hard floors, where its lightweight frame and swivel neck navigate tight corners with ease. The handheld conversion is seamless, and the crevice tool is great for baseboards and furniture. However, suction is modest—fine for surface dust and light debris, but it struggles with embedded dirt. The self-standing design and wrap-around cord make storage a breeze, a small but meaningful win for clutter-prone homes.

Against the Intercleaner, it trades attachments and power for ultra-affordability and simplicity. It lacks HEPA filtration and extra tools, but for those seeking a no-frills, always-ready helper, it’s hard to beat. Best for renters, seniors, or minimalists who want a low-cost, low-maintenance vacuum for light-duty tasks. While it doesn’t offer deep clean performance, its value, readiness, and ease of use make it the top pick for budget-focused carpet touch-ups.

Enter the precision cleaner that redefines lightweight performance—the Eureka NES312, a 4 lbs dynamo built for low-pile carpet dominance and agile above-floor cleaning. With 350W of continuous suction and a motorized brush roll, it aggressively attacks embedded pet hair and dust, making it a top-tier performer where most stick vacs falter. The 180° rotating floor head hugs corners and edges, ensuring no dust escapes—even in tight spaces behind furniture.

Real-world testing confirmed its strength on short carpets, tile, and hardwood, where the motorized brush lifted pet hair with ease. The 3-in-1 design transitions smoothly from stick to handheld, perfect for stairs, car seats, or ceiling cobwebs. The 5-second dust dump and washable filter make maintenance a breeze, while the tool-free assembly appeals to users who hate complicated setups. However, it’s less effective on high-pile rugs, where the brush can drag and suction diminishes.

Compared to the Shark HV301, it lacks swivel steering and premium build but delivers similar motorized performance at half the cost. It’s the ideal choice for pet owners with mostly low-pile carpeting who want strong, reliable suction without the price tag. While not as versatile as the Shark, its focused power, effortless storage, and fatigue-free handling make it the best value for targeted, daily carpet maintenance.

This is the gold standard of corded stick vacuums—the Shark Rocket HV301, a sub-9 lb marvel that combines ultra-light agility with professional-grade cleaning power. Its swivel steering is nothing short of revolutionary, allowing it to pivot on a dime around furniture legs and tight corners—perfect for carpeted living rooms and hallways. With fingertip surface controls, you switch from carpet to hardwood in seconds, solving the friction-versus-suction dilemma that plagues lesser models.

In performance trials, the Shark excelled on both bare floors and medium-pile carpets, extracting deep debris with ease thanks to its sealed suction path and never-losing-power design. The convertible handheld mode is robust and stable, ideal for stairs, upholstery, and car detailing. The included anti-allergen dust brush and crevice tool add serious versatility, and the 5-year warranty signals long-term confidence. It struggles slightly on ultra-thick rugs, but its overall balance of power, maneuverability, and filtration is unmatched.

Stacked against the Eureka NES312, the Shark offers superior build quality, better steering, and stronger all-around performance, though at a higher cost. It’s the best choice for families wanting a single, do-it-all vacuum that handles everything from pet hair to allergens. With best-in-class ergonomics, filtration, and durability, it justifies its premium status as the overall top pick for small vacuums on carpeted floors.