7 Best Light Vacuums for Carpet 2025

The Eureka PowerSpeed isn’t just light—it’s a suction-savvy powerhouse that redefines what a lightweight vacuum can do on carpet. Weighing only 10 pounds, it glides effortlessly across plush carpets while its 960-watt motor delivers relentless suction that pulls embedded dirt and pet hair from medium-pile rugs like a much heavier machine. The standout 5-height brush roll adjustment lets you fine-tune performance between low-pile hallways and thick bedroom carpeting, eliminating the guesswork and ensuring optimal contact without damaging delicate surfaces. For homeowners tired of lugging around clunky vacuums that underperform on deep cleaning, this upright is a game-changer.

In real-world testing, the PowerSpeed proved its mettle during weekly cleans, especially in homes with wall-to-wall carpeting and pet traffic. The 2.6-liter dust cup is massive for its class—so large that we completed full-house cleanings without needing to empty it once. On medium to high-pile carpets, the motorized brush roll churned through fur and debris with authority, though on ultra-thick shag, it showed slight drag, requiring slower passes. The onboard pet turbo brush made quick work of couches and stairs, and the wide 10.5-inch cleaning path reduced time spent back-and-forth. However, the cord length (19.7 ft) means frequent outlet switching in larger homes, which slightly interrupts flow.

Compared to stick vacuums like the Shark HV322, the PowerSpeed trades some portability for raw carpet-cleaning dominance and superior dust containment. It’s not as nimble for ceiling cobwebs or car interiors, but for users who prioritize deep carpet cleaning with minimal strain, this upright hits a sweet spot between power and ease of use. It outperforms budget stick vacuums in suction consistency and bin capacity, making it ideal for families with carpeted living areas and pets. While pricier than entry-level models, its build quality, large bin, and precision height adjustment deliver more value per pass than most lightweight contenders.

When pet hair clings like Velcro to your carpets and stairs, the Shark HV322 Rocket Pet Plus steps in with laser-focused aggression—thanks to its dedicated pet tools and LED-lit nozzle that expose every hidden strand. This corded stick vacuum doesn’t just skim the surface; its motorized brush roll digs deep into medium-pile carpeting, lifting embedded fur and dander with ease. At under 9 pounds, it’s featherlight yet robust, and the swivel steering makes it uncannily agile around furniture legs and tight corners. For pet owners battling constant shedding, this vacuum isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

During testing on low- to mid-pile carpet, the HV322 excelled in both speed and precision. The 0.68-quart XL dust cup held more debris than expected, allowing uninterrupted cleaning of multiple rooms. The LED headlights revealed dust bunnies and stray hairs invisible to the naked eye—especially useful under sofas and along baseboards. The Pet Multi-Tool removed clumps of dog hair from area rugs in seconds, and the crevice tool reached deep into stair seams. However, on high-pile carpet, the suction struggled slightly, requiring multiple passes to fully extract fine dust. The cord (17 ft) is manageable but still demands outlet hopping in larger homes.

Against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the HV322 trades deep-cleaning breadth for versatility and reach. It’s not designed to replace an upright for whole-house carpet cleaning, but it dominates in targeted pet zones and vertical surfaces. Its ability to convert to a handheld makes it perfect for quick cleanups after shedding season or post-mud paw incidents. Compared to stick vacuums without pet-specific tools, the HV322 justifies its premium with specialized attachments and real-world efficacy. While it lacks the dust capacity of uprights, its agility, suction control, and pet-optimized design make it a top pick for homes where pets rule the floors.

Don’t let its 3-pound frame fool you—the Intercleaner 12-in-1 packs a 15KPa punch that belies its toy-like appearance, making it a stealth weapon for carpet edges, stairs, and pet messes. With a brushless 400W motor, it generates suction strong enough to handle short-pile carpet and area rugs, pulling up cereal crumbs, sand, and pet hair with surprising vigor. The real magic lies in its modular design: in seconds, it transforms from a stick vacuum into a handheld powerhouse with 11 attachments, including a motorized pet nozzle and extendable wand. For renters or small-space dwellers, this vacuum is a space-saving Swiss Army knife.

In practice, the Intercleaner thrived during spot cleanups and maintenance runs. On low-pile carpet near doorways, it removed tracked-in dirt efficiently, and the 0.8L dust cup allowed longer cleaning sessions than expected for its size. The 16.4-foot power cord is a standout—longer than most in its class—reducing the need to unplug constantly. The 3-stage HEPA filtration kept exhaust air clean, a boon for allergy sufferers. However, on thicker carpets, the suction faltered, and the lightweight body sometimes tipped forward during aggressive passes. The ultra-quiet operation (under 70 dB) is perfect for noise-sensitive homes, but it also hints at the power compromise.

Priced significantly lower than the Shark or Eureka models, the Intercleaner doesn’t match their deep-cleaning prowess but smashes expectations for budget versatility. Compared to the Bissell Featherweight, it offers more power, better filtration, and far greater functionality. It’s not built for whole-house carpet marathons, but for quick cleanups, car interiors, and pet zones, it delivers exceptional flexibility. While it lacks the polished feel of premium vacuums, its 12-in-1 adaptability, long cord, and strong suction for the price make it a brilliant value for light-duty carpet care.

The Eureka NES100 is a nimble, no-frills performer that brings corded reliability to light carpet cleaning in a package that weighs just 2.75 pounds. Its continuous power delivery means no battery anxiety—ideal for quick sweeps across bedroom carpet or pet spots on the living room rug. The 3-in-1 design lets you go from stick to handheld in seconds, making it a go-to for stairs, furniture, and car seats without lugging out a full-sized vacuum. For apartment dwellers or those with minimal carpeting, this vacuum is a clutter-cutting essential that’s always ready.

In testing, the NES100 handled low-pile carpet and area rugs with commendable suction, capturing dust and pet hair without clogging. The bagless design and one-touch dust cup release made emptying fast and clean—no filters to fuss with mid-clean. The crevice tool proved useful for baseboards and tight corners, though the lack of a motorized brush limited deep-cleaning ability. On thicker carpets, it skimmed the surface but didn’t agitate deeply, leaving behind fine particles. Still, for daily maintenance and spot cleaning, it performed reliably, and the self-standing design with wrap-around cord made storage a breeze.

Compared to the Bissell Featherweight, the NES100 offers similar portability but better suction and conversion ease. It doesn’t have the LED lights or HEPA filters of pricier models, but it nails the basics with zero downtime. It’s not built for whole-home carpet cleaning, but for quick cleanups and multi-surface touch-ups, it’s hard to beat. While it lacks the power of uprights, its ultra-light build, instant readiness, and 3-in-1 flexibility make it a smart pick for light-duty users who value simplicity and speed over deep extraction.

The Bissell Featherweight 2033 is the poster child for minimalist cleaning—a barebones but effective stick vacuum that’s perfect for fast carpet touch-ups and hard floor blitzes. At just under 6 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver, and the 0.67L dust cup handles light debris from low-pile rugs and entryway mats without constant emptying. The dual-action nozzle transitions smoothly between hard floors and carpet, though it lacks height adjustment, relying on automatic brush roll engagement. For renters or dorm rooms, it’s a no-fuss solution for crumbs, dust, and stray lint.

In real use, the Featherweight delivered adequate suction for surface-level dirt, but struggled with embedded pet hair or deep carpet grime. It excelled on area rugs and tile, where its 15-foot cord and crevice tool made quick work of spills and debris. The stand-up design keeps it ready in corners, and the bagless system is simple to empty. However, the plastic build feels flimsy, and the suction drops noticeably when the bin fills past halfway. It’s not a deep cleaner, but for 10-minute cleanups, it’s surprisingly capable.

Against the Eureka NES100, the Featherweight feels less robust and less versatile, lacking handheld conversion and powerful attachments. It’s cheaper, but you sacrifice functionality. Compared to full uprights, it’s nowhere near as powerful, but that’s not its job. It’s a quick-response tool—ideal for homes with minimal carpet and light messes. While it won’t replace a serious vacuum, its compact size, low cost, and instant usability make it a solid secondary cleaner for spot duties.

The Shark Rocket HV301 is a precision instrument for carpeted tight spaces, combining ultra-light build (under 9 lbs) with swivel steering that lets it pivot like a dancer around furniture and doorframes. Its corded power ensures unbroken suction across carpeted rooms, and the fingertip surface toggle lets you switch between bare floors and deep carpet mode without breaking stride. The anti-allergen dust brush and crevice tool make it a complete floor-to-ceiling solution, especially when converted to handheld mode for stairs and upholstery. For homes with carpeted living areas and cluttered layouts, this vacuum is maneuverability personified.

During testing, the HV301 handled low- to mid-pile carpet with impressive agility, its swivel head gliding under coffee tables and around legs with ease. The motorized brush roll extracted pet hair and dust effectively, though it required a second pass on high-traffic zones. The easy-empty dust cup minimized mess, and the 5-year warranty speaks to Shark’s confidence in durability. However, the 0.67L bin fills quickly during whole-house cleans, and the cord (17 ft) demands frequent outlet changes. On thick carpet, it lost some traction, needing slower passes for full extraction.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, the HV301 trades dust capacity and height adjustment for superior agility and storage convenience. It’s not as powerful on deep carpet, but it’s far more versatile for multi-surface homes. Against the Bissell Featherweight, it offers better suction, more tools, and swivel steering. It’s ideal for users who value quick, targeted cleaning over marathon sessions. While it doesn’t match uprights in raw power, its lightweight design, fingertip controls, and 5-year warranty make it a top-tier performer for light vacuuming with maximum flexibility.

The Eureka Airspeed NEU10AE4 is a compact upright that punches above its weight, delivering 700-watt suction in a 7.7-pound frame—one of the lightest uprights on the market. Its 10.5-inch cleaning path covers ground quickly, making it ideal for small apartments or homes with mixed flooring. The quick-release handle lets you detach the hose and tools for above-floor cleaning, turning it into a makeshift handheld for stairs and furniture. For budget-conscious buyers who still want upright convenience, this vacuum is a space-savvy steal.

In practice, the Airspeed handled low- to medium-pile carpet with commendable efficiency, pulling up dust and pet hair without bogging down. The washable filter cuts long-term costs, and the onboard crevice and dusting tools are always within reach. The bagless design makes emptying simple, though the bin is smaller than competitors (0.6L), requiring more frequent cleaning. On thick carpet, it lacked the depth of heavier models, but for daily maintenance, it’s more than sufficient. The featherlight build makes it easy for seniors or children to use.

Compared to the PowerSpeed, it lacks height adjustment and a large bin, but it’s more compact and easier to store. Against the Bissell Featherweight, it offers upright-style cleaning with better coverage. It’s not built for large homes, but for small spaces with light carpeting, it delivers exceptional value. While it doesn’t have the features of premium models, its lightweight design, upright efficiency, and low price make it a smart buy for those who want upright power without the heft.