8 Best Compact Vacuum Cleaners of 2025

Effortless cleaning meets real power in the Eureka Airspeed, a vacuum that defies expectations for budget-friendly models. Weighing just 7.7 pounds, it’s one of the lightest uprights on the market, yet packs a 700-watt motor and a 10.5-inch cleaning path that zips across carpets and hard floors with surprising force. Its quick-release handle transforms it into a handheld unit in seconds—perfect for pet hair on the couch or dusting ceiling corners—making it a true above-floor hero without sacrificing floor-cleaning performance.

In real-world testing, this vacuum handled low-pile rugs and sealed hardwood with consistent pickup, though it struggled slightly on high-pile carpets where deeper agitation is needed. The bagless design and washable filter make maintenance a breeze, and the onboard crevice tool and dusting brush are always within reach. While the 15-foot cord limits range compared to some competitors, its compact footprint makes it ideal for apartments, small homes, or quick cleanups between deeper sessions. It doesn’t push debris around like cheaper models, thanks to solid brush roll dynamics.

Compared to the Bissell Featherweight, the Eureka Airspeed offers broader floor coverage and stronger suction, though it’s slightly heavier. It lacks the cordless freedom of premium stick vacs but delivers more power and durability than most sub-$50 models. For renters, pet owners, or anyone tight on storage, this upright punches far above its price point—delivering the kind of everyday reliability that makes cleaning feel less like a chore.

Agile, adaptable, and astonishingly nimble—the Eureka Blaze redefines what a 3-in-1 stick vacuum can do at this price. At only 4 pounds, it’s featherlight, yet its 2-amp motor delivers enough suction to lift fine dust, cereal crumbs, and pet hair from both hardwood and low-pile rugs. The standout swivel steering makes it glide around table legs and under furniture like a pro, while the capture nozzle actually picks up larger debris instead of shoving it aside—a common flaw in budget stick vacs.

During testing, the 18-foot power cord proved a game-changer, eliminating the need to constantly switch outlets in larger rooms. The X-Large dust cup reduced emptying frequency, and the washable filter ensures long-term cost savings. It transitions smoothly from stick to handheld mode, excelling at car interiors, stairs, and upholstery. However, its suction dips on medium-pile carpets, and the lack of a dedicated motorized pet tool limits deep cleaning on heavily shedded areas.

Pitted against the Shark Rocket, the Blaze is lighter and more portable, but lacks the same deep-cleaning power and accessory range. Still, for small homes, dorms, or quick daily sweeps, it offers unmatched maneuverability and versatility in a minimalist design. It’s the kind of vacuum that lives under your sink but gets used daily—delivering no-fuss performance where simplicity wins.

Freedom meets function in the Bissell PowerClean, a cordless stick vacuum that stands on its own—literally. With up to 40 minutes of runtime in low mode and a 200W motor, it tackles pet hair, dust, and debris across hardwood, tile, and carpets without missing a beat. The tangle-free brush roll is a revelation: after weeks of testing with long-haired pets, we saw zero hair wrap, a major win over competitors that require constant maintenance.

Its HEPA-sealed allergen system captures 99% of dust and dander, making it a top pick for allergy sufferers. The bright headlights revealed hidden dust under furniture, and the FurFinder tool extracted deeply embedded pet hair from area rugs. In high-traffic zones, it performed consistently, though suction weakened slightly in turbo mode after 10 minutes. The self-standing design is a small luxury that pays off—no more leaning it against the couch only to hear it crash.

Compared to the KARDV, it offers less raw suction and shorter runtime, but wins on ergonomics and ease of use. It’s not the most powerful, but it’s the most thoughtfully designed for real-life messes. For pet owners who want cordless convenience without the tangle hassle, this vacuum delivers smart, stress-free cleaning with standout build quality.

Elegant engineering meets hotel-grade performance in the Oreck Compact Canister—a vacuum that feels built to last while weighing just 5.5 pounds. Its 20-foot power cord and flexible hose make whole-home cleaning seamless, gliding from hardwood to carpet without unplugging. The HEPA inner bag system captures 99.95% of particles, including smoke and pet dander, making it a breath-of-fresh-air upgrade for allergy-prone homes.

In practice, the canister design shines on stairs, under furniture, and for overhead cleaning—its telescopic wand extends effortlessly, and the onboard tools are always within reach. We tested it on a multi-level home and appreciated the quiet operation and consistent suction—no drop-off even as the bag filled. It doubles as a blower, a rare and useful feature for clearing dust from electronics or window tracks. However, the learning curve for new users is steeper than stick vacuums, and storage requires more planning due to the separate canister unit.

Next to the Shark Rocket, it’s lighter and more portable, but lacks cordless convenience. Yet for those who value precision cleaning and air quality, the Oreck delivers refined performance with pro-level filtration. It’s not flashy, but it’s the kind of vacuum that works silently and effectively—earning loyalty through reliability rather than gimmicks.

The king of spot cleaning is back—BLACK+DECKER’s dustbuster AdvancedClean is the go-to handheld for messes that demand instant attention. With a 16V MAX lithium-ion battery, it delivers high-power suction in a compact body, making it perfect for car seats, kitchen counters, and pet accidents. The rotating slim nozzle pivots to clean under appliances and along baseboards, while the pull-out crevice tool reaches between couch cushions with ease.

Real-world use confirms its dominance: we spilled cereal, tracked in mud, and tested it in a dusty garage—each time, the cyclonic action maintained strong suction without clogging. The translucent dirt bowl lets you see when it’s full, and the one-touch empty keeps hands clean. It recharges quickly and holds a charge well, though runtime is limited to about 15 minutes of continuous use. It’s not meant for whole-home cleaning, but for targeted jobs, it’s unbeatable in its class.

Compared to the Eureka Blaze in handheld mode, it offers better reach and ergonomics for tight spaces. While KARDV has more power, this dustbuster wins on portability and ease of use. For anyone who hates lugging out a full vacuum for small messes, this is the ultimate grab-and-go solution—delivering precision power where it matters most.

Raw power meets smart design in the KARDV 500W vacuum, a beast of a cordless stick that sets a new benchmark for performance under $100. With 40Kpa of suction and a 500W motor, it pulls up pet hair, fine dust, and even embedded debris from carpets with authority—outperforming many vacuums twice its price. The 60-minute runtime in low mode is a game-changer, easily covering 1,500 sq. ft. homes on a single charge.

Testing revealed exceptional versatility: the V-shaped anti-tangle brush handled long human and pet hair without a single wrap, and the green LED headlights illuminated dust bunnies under the bed like a flashlight. The smart LED display shows battery life, suction mode, and brush alerts—no guesswork. With 8-in-1 accessories, it converts into a handheld for car interiors, mattresses, and ceiling fans. However, the 1.5L dust cup, while large, can be awkward to empty on carpeted floors.

Against the Bissell PowerClean, it offers longer runtime and stronger suction, though with a bit more weight. It’s not as nimble as the Shark Rocket, but blows it away in power and features. For families with pets, kids, or large homes, this vacuum delivers premium performance with smart touches—making it the best overall compact option for those who want it all.

Simplicity perfected—the Bissell Featherweight is the lightest and most agile stick vacuum for quick daily cleanups. At just 6.2 pounds, it’s effortless to carry from room to room, and the 15-foot power cord offers decent reach for small spaces. Its 0.67L dirt cup fills fast but empties with a single button press, and the crevice tool snaps neatly into place for instant access.

In action, it excels on hard floors and low-pile rugs, sucking up cereal, dust, and pet hair with surprising efficiency for its size. We used it daily for kitchen spills and entryway messes—its compact form makes it ideal for quick grabs. However, it lacks the power to deep-clean carpets, and the non-motorized brush just pushes larger debris around. It’s best suited for light-duty cleaning, not whole-home sessions.

Compared to the Eureka Airspeed, it’s lighter but less powerful—a trade-off that favors convenience over capability. It doesn’t match the cordless freedom of the KARDV or Bissell PowerClean, but for under $35, it’s the most accessible stick vacuum for renters or second-home use. It’s the ultimate grab-and-go cleaner for those who value speed and simplicity over specs.

Power, precision, and pro-level versatility define the Shark Rocket—a corded stick vacuum that converts to handheld in seconds and cleans from floor to ceiling without breaking a sweat. Weighing under 9 pounds, it’s surprisingly light for its class, yet delivers unwavering suction thanks to its corded design—no battery fade, no loss of power. The swivel steering is a standout, allowing tight turns around furniture and into corners with ballet-like grace.

In real-world use, it deep-cleaned carpets and lifted surface dust from hardwood with equal ease. The fingertip controls let us switch between surfaces without bending down, and the included tools—crevice, upholstery, and anti-allergen brush—covered every surface in our test home. The easy-empty dust cup minimized mess, and the 5-year warranty speaks volumes about its durability. Still, the cord, while long, can get in the way during handheld use, and the vacuum doesn’t stand on its own—requiring wall mounting or careful leaning.

Next to the Oreck canister, it’s more maneuverable and faster for daily use, though not as quiet. Compared to the KARDV, it lacks runtime flexibility but offers more consistent power. For those who want a do-it-all corded vacuum with pro-grade performance, this is the gold standard of versatility—delivering no-compromise cleaning with lasting reliability.