8 Best Light Vacuums of 2025

This cordless powerhouse redefines what budget-friendly vacuums can achieve. With a 500W motor delivering 40KPa suction, the KARDV doesn’t just clean—it obliterates dust, pet hair, and embedded debris across hardwood, tile, and medium-pile carpets. Its V-shape anti-tangle roller is a game-changer, effortlessly slicing through long hair and pet fur that typically choke lesser models. The smart LED display adds a premium touch, giving real-time feedback on battery, mode, and brushroll status—making it one of the most intuitive entry-level stick vacs on the market.

In real-world testing, the KARDV shines in medium to large homes thanks to its 60-minute runtime in Eco mode, easily covering 1,200 sq. ft. without recharging. The 1.5L dust cup reduces emptying frequency, a rare perk at this price, while the multi-layer filtration system captures 99% of particles over 0.1μm, making it ideal for homes with kids or pets. However, on high-pile rugs, the suction dips slightly in Max mode, and the motor noise climbs—not deafening, but noticeable in quiet spaces. Still, for hard floors and low-to-medium carpets, it’s remarkably efficient.

Compared to the Bissell Featherweight, the KARDV offers far more power, runtime, and versatility, though it’s slightly heavier. Against the VOKENE, it matches suction but edges ahead with better software integration via the display. It’s the best overall pick for users who want smart features, strong performance, and long runtime without paying premium prices—offering a rare balance of features, function, and value in one sleek package.

The Shark HV322 Rocket Pet Plus is a corded cleaning dynamo built for homes that battle pet hair daily. Its instant, uninterrupted suction—no battery drop-off—means it digs deep into carpets and grabs stubborn fur from stairs, furniture, and crevices with relentless efficiency. The LED headlights are a small but brilliant touch, illuminating dust bunnies and hidden pet hair under couches and beds, solving a real pain point for pet owners who miss spots in dim corners.

During testing, the convertible handheld design proved invaluable for quick cleanups—think car seats, throw pillows, or breakfast nooks. The 0.68-quart XL dust cup allows for longer sessions without constant dumping, and the dual pet tools (crevice and multi-surface) make targeted cleaning precise and effective. While it lacks the runtime limits of cordless models, the 6.5-foot cord reach can feel short in larger rooms, requiring frequent outlet changes. It’s also not designed for whole-home deep cleans in one go, but excels in spot-cleaning and furniture-focused tasks.

Compared to the LEVOIT LVAC-200, it trades battery freedom for consistent power and specialized pet tools, making it better for immediate, high-intensity pet messes. While heavier than ultra-light cordless options, its ergonomic balance and quick conversion make it ideal for users prioritizing versatility and pet-specific performance. It’s the top choice for pet parents who need reliable, corded power without switching machines—delivering targeted cleaning with fewer compromises than most stick vacs in its class.

Meet the featherlight champion of quick cleanups—the Bissell Featherweight lives up to its name with a mere 6.7 pounds of weight, making it effortless to carry up stairs or maneuver under furniture. It’s engineered for speed and simplicity, delivering just enough suction to handle crumbs, dust, and light debris on sealed hard floors and low-pile rugs. The dual-action design lets you use it as a stick, handheld, or stair vacuum, offering surprising flexibility for its size and price.

In practice, it’s perfect for apartment dwellers or minimalists who need a no-fuss solution for daily surface messes. The 0.67L dirt cup fills quickly during full-room cleaning, and while it handles hard floors well, it struggles with embedded pet hair or thick carpet fibers. There’s no motorized brushroll, so it relies on passive suction—fine for light jobs, but not for deep cleaning. Still, for a 5-minute kitchen spill or a quick pass over a coffee table, it’s instantly grab-and-go ready.

Against the Intercleaner corded model, it’s lighter but less powerful; compared to the KARDV, it lacks suction and runtime but wins in instant accessibility and ultra-low weight. It’s the best ultra-lightweight option for users who prioritize ease of use and storage over deep-cleaning capability—a no-brainer for small spaces or secondary vacs, where simplicity and speed trump power.

The VOKENE cordless vacuum is a runtime rebel, engineered for homes that demand long, uninterrupted cleaning sessions. With a removable 45-minute battery in Eco mode, it outlasts many pricier models, making it a standout for larger apartments or multi-room homes. Its 45KPA suction—among the highest in this category—crushes dust, cat litter, and pet hair with authority, especially on hard floors and low-pile carpets. The 7-stage HEPA filtration captures 99.99% of particles down to 0.1 microns, turning it into a clean-air guardian for allergy sufferers.

Real-world use reveals a vacuum that’s both durable and adaptable: the 8-in-1 tool kit lets you tackle car interiors, ceiling cobwebs, and sofa crevices with ease. The physical button controls prevent accidental mode changes—a smart upgrade over touch sensors that misfire. However, the battery isn’t swappable in real time, so once it dies, you’re paused until it recharges (4.5 hours). On high-pile rugs, suction consistency wavers, and the unit leans slightly forward when upright, requiring minor balancing.

Against the CHEBIO A16, it offers stronger suction and better filtration but at a higher price. Compared to the KARDV, it trades 15 minutes of runtime for slightly less polished ergonomics. It’s the best runtime pick for users who hate mid-clean charging breaks and need strong filtration and deep-clean power—delivering longevity and lung power in a well-rounded package.

The CHEBIO A16 is a budget-savvy beast, punching far above its price tag with 28KPa suction, a 1.5L dust cup, and 45-minute runtime—features usually reserved for premium models. Its V-shape anti-tangle brush slices through pet hair without clogging, eliminating one of the most common frustrations in pet-friendly homes. The flexible LED motorized floor head rotates 180°, letting you glide under sofas and beds without dragging the whole unit, a major win for furniture-heavy spaces.

In testing, it handled hard floors and low-pile carpets with ease, and the one-touch dust release kept cleanups mess-free. The fully sealed cyclone system with washable HEPA filter ensures lasting performance and cleaner air—ideal for allergy-prone households. However, the suction drops noticeably on thick rugs, and the build feels slightly plasticky compared to higher-end rivals. It also lacks a smart display, relying on basic LED indicators, which feels like a missed opportunity.

Compared to the KARDV, it offers similar capacity and runtime but less suction power and fewer smart features. Against the Bissell Featherweight, it’s heavier but vastly more capable. It’s the best budget-friendly option for users who want core premium features—large dust cup, anti-tangle, long runtime—without overspending, proving that strong performance doesn’t require a premium price.

The LEVOIT LVAC-200 is a pet hair annihilator, engineered from the ground up to capture dander, fur, and fine allergens without clogging. Its tangle-resistant roller is a marvel—tested with long human and pet hair, it sheds debris cleanly with minimal maintenance, a rare win in a category plagued by brushroll jams. Backed by a 5-stage filtration system, it traps 99.9% of allergens, making it a breathable haven for allergy sufferers and multi-pet homes.

In real use, the 50-minute runtime covers most homes in a single charge, and the lightweight design (under 5 lbs) makes it easy to carry between floors. The 2-in-1 pet and crevice tools are effective for upholstery and tight spaces, though the dust bin is smaller than competitors at 0.6L, requiring more frequent emptying during deep cleans. On thick carpets, suction holds well but not as aggressively as the KARDV or VOKENE. It’s also quieter than average, ideal for homes where noise sensitivity matters.

Compared to the Shark HV322, it trades corded power for portability and superior filtration. Against the AIRDIYA, it offers better tangle resistance and run time. It’s the best for pet hair and allergies, combining smart design, quiet operation, and health-focused filtration—making it the top pick for homes where air quality and fur management are non-negotiable.

The AIRDIYA cordless vacuum is a hard-floor specialist, laser-focused on delivering 40KPa suction for tile, hardwood, and short-pile rugs. Its sponge-dampened body reduces noise to 65dB, making it one of the quietest in its class—perfect for early mornings or households with sleeping babies and noise-sensitive pets. The 6-layer filtration system captures 99.99% of dust down to 0.2 microns, ensuring cleaner air with every pass, while the self-standing design and 2.8-pound handheld unit make storage and spot cleaning effortless.

Testing confirmed it excels on sealed hard floors, lifting fine dust and cat litter with ease. The multi-functional brush kit adapts well to ceilings, curtains, and car interiors. However, it’s clearly not built for high-pile carpets—the motor shuts down under strain if used repeatedly on thick rugs. Runtime is limited to 35 minutes max, and the battery requires 2–3 charge cycles to activate, which may confuse first-time users. It also lacks wall-mount support, limiting charging options.

Against the CHEBIO, it’s quieter and lighter but offers less runtime and weaker carpet performance. Compared to the Bissell Featherweight, it’s smarter and more powerful but less versatile. It’s the best for hard floors, ideal for condos, kitchens, and minimalist homes where quiet, efficient, and hygienic cleaning on smooth surfaces is the priority—trading carpet power for precision and peace.

The Intercleaner 12-in-1 corded vacuum is a feature-packed powerhouse that proves corded doesn’t mean outdated. With a 16.4-foot power cord, it eliminates range anxiety, letting you clean an entire floor without outlet-hopping—a major advantage over short-corded rivals like the Shark. Its 15KPa suction and 400W brushless motor deliver consistent power across hardwood and low-pile carpets, while the 12-in-1 tool set transforms it into a whole-home cleaning Swiss Army knife—from car vents to ceiling fans.

In real use, the 3lb lightweight body makes it easy for kids, seniors, or quick cleanups, and the one-button dust release keeps hands clean. The Pro-Max 3-layer HEPA system with washable filters cuts long-term costs and improves air quality. However, it lacks a motorized brushroll, so it’s ineffective on deep carpet debris, and the 0.8L dust cup fills fast during large jobs. It’s also not cordless, which limits mobility compared to battery models.

Compared to the Bissell Featherweight, it offers more tools and better suction; against the Shark HV322, it has longer reach but less pet-specific design. It’s the best corded option for users who want unlimited runtime, maximum versatility, and low maintenance—delivering exceptional value for small-to-medium homes where constant charging isn’t an option.