8 Best Light Vacuums of 2026

The Eureka Airspeed redefines agility in upright vacuums with its ultra-lightweight build and compact footprint, making it a game-changer for renters, small-space dwellers, and anyone who dreads lugging heavy machines up stairs. Weighing just 7.7 pounds and powered by a 700-watt motor, it delivers surprising suction across both hard floors and carpets, while the 10.5-inch cleaning path ensures rapid coverage. The quick-release handle is a standout—no more awkward bending or fumbling for attachments—just snap on the crevice tool or dusting brush and go, solving the all-too-common frustration of limited above-floor cleaning reach.

In real-world testing, the Airspeed excelled on sealed hardwood and low-pile rugs, lifting tracked-in dirt and pet hair with ease. However, on thick carpets, suction consistency dipped slightly due to its compact design limiting airflow volume. The bagless system with washable filter keeps maintenance costs near zero, and the flip-to-empty dust cup minimizes mess—though at 0.67L, it fills quickly during whole-home sessions. Cord length (19.7 ft) is adequate but not exceptional, requiring outlet hopping in larger spaces. Still, its featherlight maneuverability makes it ideal for quick daily touch-ups rather than deep cleans.

Compared to bulkier uprights like the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Airspeed trades raw power for unmatched portability and storage convenience. It’s best suited for apartments, dorms, or secondary vacuums where space and weight matter most. While the Shark Rocket offers stronger sealed-suction performance, the Eureka wins on price and simplicity. For those prioritizing effortless storage and light-duty cleaning, the Airspeed delivers where it counts—compact design meets real usability.

Step into the future of floor care with the SVHT Cordless Vacuum, where 40KPA hyper-suction and Advanced Green Light Tech combine to expose hidden dust like never before. This isn’t just another stick vacuum—it’s a deep-cleaning powerhouse that effortlessly pulls embedded pet hair from carpets and lifts fine debris from hardwood, all while the illuminated nozzle reveals what your eyes miss. With a high-torque anti-tangle brush roll featuring soft-hard V-bristle design, it resists clogs from long hair, a godsend for pet owners tired of constant maintenance. The 8-stage sealed filtration captures 99.9% of particles down to 0.01 microns, making it a top-tier choice for allergy sufferers.

During extended cleaning runs, the SVHT delivered 43 minutes on ECO mode across mixed surfaces—enough to cover a 1,000 sq ft apartment on a single charge. Switch to MAX mode, and suction intensifies for high-traffic zones, though runtime drops to 18 minutes. The 3-pound main body feels nearly weightless, allowing effortless overhead cleaning on blinds or car interiors when converted to handheld mode. However, the plastic build lacks the premium feel of higher-end models, and the dust bin (0.6L) requires frequent emptying during whole-home sessions. It struggles slightly on high-pile rugs, where suction can falter under dense fibers.

Against the LEVOIT LVAC-200, the SVHT offers brighter visibility and stronger filtration at a lower price, though with slightly less runtime. It outperforms budget models like the Eureka Blaze in suction and tech, but lacks swivel steering. Ideal for pet owners, allergy sufferers, and tech-savvy households, this vacuum strikes a rare balance: pro-grade cleaning in a lightweight frame. With best-in-class illumination and tangle resistance, it outshines competitors where visibility and hygiene matter most.

The LEVOIT LVAC-200 is engineered for one thing: conquering pet hair without the headache of constant tangles. Its tangle-resistant roller and V-shaped bristle design slice through fur-laden carpets like a hot knife through butter, minimizing wrap-arounds that plague most stick vacuums. With up to 50 minutes of runtime—the longest in this lineup—it’s built for large homes or multi-pet households where cleaning marathons are the norm. The 5-stage filtration system traps dander and allergens effectively, making it a breathable haven for sensitive users. Add in the one-click dust bin release and washable filter, and you’ve got a low-maintenance workhorse that’s as smart as it is strong.

In testing, the LVAC-200 maintained consistent suction across hardwood, tile, and medium-pile carpet, handling cereal spills and tracked-in dirt with confidence. The 2-in-1 pet tool excels on upholstery and car seats, while the crevice tool reaches deep into corners. At just 5.5 pounds, it’s easy to carry upstairs or use for extended periods, though the lack of swivel steering makes tight turns around furniture slightly awkward. The dust bin (0.6L) fills quickly with heavy debris, and while suction is strong, it doesn’t quite match the 40KPA punch of the SVHT. Still, for daily pet hair battles, its tangle-resistance and endurance are unmatched.

Compared to the SVHT, the LEVOIT trades illumination and max suction for longer runtime and superior hair-handling. It’s heavier than the Amazon Basics model but far more capable on carpets. Best for homes with multiple pets or shedding-prone breeds, it’s the most reliable tangle-free experience in its class. While pricier than budget options, its combination of runtime, filtration, and pet-specific design justifies the investment—a true deep-clean companion for fur-filled homes.

The Eureka PowerSpeed is a suction-surprising upright that packs a 960-watt motor into a chassis that weighs just 10 pounds—a rare combo that makes it a standout for deep cleaning without the back strain. With 5-height brush roll adjustment, it adapts seamlessly from plush carpets to bare hardwood, ensuring optimal contact and debris lift across surfaces. The 2.6-liter dust cup is massive for its class, meaning fewer trips to the trash during whole-home cleans. For pet owners, the onboard Pet Turbo Brush is a revelation, agitating embedded fur from carpets with cyclonic force, solving the #1 pain point of surface-level vacuums that merely push hair around.

In real-world use, the PowerSpeed tackled kitchen spills, tracked-in mud, and pet accidents with authority, maintaining strong suction even on thick rugs. The extended 25-foot cord eliminates outlet hopping in large homes, a major win over cordless models with limited runtime. However, its rigid upright frame makes it awkward for cleaning under low furniture or stairs—unlike stick or handheld converters. The plastic housing feels durable but not premium, and while the dust cup is large, emptying it can be slightly messy compared to flip-top designs. Still, for deep carpet cleaning with minimal effort, few budget uprights come close.

Against the Eureka Airspeed, the PowerSpeed trades portability for raw cleaning power and larger capacity. It’s heavier than the SVHT or LEVOIT but dominates on carpeted homes. Ideal for families with pets and wall-to-wall carpeting, it delivers upright performance without the weight penalty. While not as nimble as stick vacs, its combination of power, capacity, and pet-specific tools makes it the best upright for serious carpet cleaning—a workhorse that outperforms its price tag.

Don’t let its $27 price tag fool you—the Eureka Blaze is a no-frills dynamo that punches above its weight with a 2-amp motor and capture nozzle that actually picks up large debris instead of pushing it around. At just 4 pounds, it’s one of the lightest 3-in-1 vacuums available, effortlessly converting from stick to handheld for cleaning stairs, car interiors, or couch crumbs. The X-large dust cup reduces emptying frequency, a rare plus at this price, while the washable filter keeps long-term costs near zero. For renters or college students, it solves the core problem: affordable, portable cleaning without constant clogs or weak suction.

In testing, the Blaze handled cereal, sand, and pet kibble surprisingly well, thanks to its wide intake nozzle. However, on carpets, suction lacks the power to extract deeply embedded dirt, and fine dust often escapes the filtration system. The 18-foot cord is generous for a budget model, but the rigid wand limits reach under furniture. There’s no swivel steering—just basic directional control—making it less agile than the Shark Rocket. Still, for quick spills, hard floors, and light-duty messes, it delivers reliable performance where it matters most.

Compared to the Amazon Basics 2-in-1, the Blaze offers larger dust cup and stronger motor, though with similar build quality. It’s not a substitute for deep cleaning, but as a spill responder or secondary vacuum, it’s unbeatable for value. Ideal for dorms, RVs, or garage cleanups, it’s the most capable sub-$30 vacuum we’ve tested. While it lacks the tech of pricier models, its simplicity, light weight, and real suction make it a stealthy winner for budget-conscious users who need basic reliability.

The Bissell Featherweight is built for speed, not depth—a lightning-quick stick vacuum that weighs so little you’ll forget it’s in your hand, perfect for instant spill response or daily surface refreshes. With dual-action cleaning, it transitions smoothly from hardwood to low-pile carpet, lifting crumbs, dust, and light debris in seconds. The 3-in-1 design lets you detach the handle for handheld use on stairs or furniture, solving the common issue of needing multiple tools for small jobs. At just 6.5 pounds, it’s one of the easiest vacuums to grab and go, ideal for busy parents or anyone with limited storage.

In real use, the Featherweight shines on kitchen floors, entryways, and countertops, where messes happen fast and need fast cleanup. However, its 0.67L dust cup fills quickly, and suction fades when tackling pet hair or embedded dirt. It’s not designed for whole-home cleaning—low suction power and short cord (19.7 ft) limit effectiveness on larger jobs. The floor nozzle lacks a roller brush, so it merely vacuums surface dust rather than agitating fibers. Still, for 10-minute tidy-ups, it’s unmatched in convenience.

Against the Amazon Basics, the Bissell offers similar weight and portability but with slightly better ergonomics. It’s less powerful than the Eureka Airspeed but more agile for overhead use. Best for apartment dwellers or as a secondary vacuum, it’s the go-to for quick wins, not deep cleans. If your priority is grab-and-go speed over suction strength, the Featherweight is the quickest path to a spotless floor—lightweight simplicity done right.

The Amazon Basics 2-in-1 is the definition of value engineering—a 3.9-pound corded stick vacuum that delivers HEPA-level filtration and true handheld versatility at a rock-bottom price. With a washable HEPA filter that traps 99.97% of particles down to 0.3 microns, it’s a breath-friendly choice for allergy sufferers on a budget. The 2-in-1 design clicks apart in seconds, transforming into a handheld for cleaning car seats, shelves, or baseboards. The self-standing base and cord wrap make storage a breeze in closets or under sinks, solving the clutter problem many budget vacuums ignore.

In testing, it handled dust, crumbs, and light pet hair on hardwood and tile with ease, though it struggled on medium-pile carpets due to its 300W motor and fixed-height nozzle. The 0.5L dust cup requires frequent emptying, and while suction is consistent, it’s not strong enough for deep carpet cleaning. The ergonomic grip reduces hand fatigue, and the 19.7-foot cord is standard but sufficient for most rooms. It’s not built to last a decade, but for occasional use or small spaces, it’s impressively capable.

Versus the Eureka Blaze, it offers HEPA filtration and sleeker storage, though with a smaller dust cup. It lacks the pet tools of the PowerSpeed but wins on portability and air quality. Ideal for first-time buyers, college students, or secondary use, it’s the most responsible budget pick for health-conscious users. While not a deep cleaner, its combination of HEPA, light weight, and conversion flexibility makes it the smartest value in the under-$30 bracket—affordable air purity without compromise.

The Shark Rocket HV301 is the gold standard for corded agility, blending ultra-lightweight design (under 9 lbs) with swivel steering that dances around furniture like a pro. Its sealed suction system never loses power, delivering consistent lift on both carpets and hardwood, a rare feat in budget vacuums. The fingertip surface toggle lets you switch between floor types without bending down, while the handheld unit detaches instantly for cleaning stairs, ceilings, or car interiors. With a 5-year warranty, it’s built to last—solving the durability concerns that plague cheaper models.

In real-world testing, the Rocket excelled at whole-home cleaning, maintaining strong suction across 1,500 sq ft without overheating. The anti-allergen dust brush and crevice tool are genuinely useful, and the easy-empty dust cup minimizes mess. However, the cord (20 ft) requires outlet changes in large homes, and the plastic build feels lightweight but not luxurious. While it lacks the tangle resistance of cordless pet vacuums, it outperforms them on bare floors and sealed carpets thanks to constant power.

Compared to the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Shark offers better maneuverability and longer warranty, though with a smaller dust cup. Against the SVHT, it wins on durability and consistent power, but loses on runtime and portability. Ideal for owners of mixed flooring who want corded reliability, it’s the most agile upright-handheld hybrid in its class. With swivel steering, strong suction, and long-term confidence, it’s the corded king of lightweight performance—versatile, tough, and built to last.