7 Best Lightweight Vacuums 2025

If you’re drowning in pet hair and need a vacuum that fights back with laser-focused precision, the Shark HV322 Rocket Pet Plus is your new best friend. This corded powerhouse delivers relentless suction that doesn’t fade, making quick work of embedded fur on carpets, hardwood, and upholstery. With LED headlights that expose every hidden speck and a 0.68-quart XL dust cup, it combines visibility and capacity in a featherlight frame—perfect for homes where shedding is a full-time job.

In real-world testing, the Shark HV322 shines brightest on stairs, furniture, and under furniture, thanks to its seamless conversion into a handheld vacuum with zero loss of power. The dual pet tools—especially the motorized pet multi-tool—pull stubborn hair from couch seams and car interiors like a magnet. While it’s not ideal for whole-house deep cleans due to its stick design, it excels at targeted, daily maintenance. On low-pile carpets and sealed hard floors, it performs flawlessly, but thick plush rugs can slightly bog down the brush roll.

Compared to the Eureka NES100, the Shark HV322 offers superior pet-specific engineering and stronger suction, though it’s heavier and pricier. It’s the go-to choice for pet owners who prioritize deep cleaning capability and specialized attachments over minimalist design. If your home is a pet hair battleground, this vacuum brings battlefield-grade tools—outperforming budget models with confidence.

The Eureka Airspeed redefines what ultra-lightweight cleaning can feel like—this 7.7-pound dynamo glides across hard floors with a nimble, featherweight touch that makes daily tidying almost effortless. With a 10.5-inch cleaning path and a robust 700-watt motor, it tackles dust, crumbs, and stray cereal with impressive speed, especially on tile and hardwood. Its quick-release handle transforms it into an above-floor cleaner in seconds, letting you dust blinds or vacuum car seats without lugging around a bulky machine.

During hands-on use, the Airspeed proved most effective on low-pile carpets and sealed hard floors, where its suction stays strong and consistent. The washable filter is a smart, cost-saving touch—no replacements needed. However, on thicker carpets, it struggles to pull up deeply embedded debris, and the compact dust bin requires frequent emptying during larger messes. Still, for quick cleanups and spot treatments, it’s surprisingly capable for its size and price.

When stacked against the Bissell Featherweight 2033M, the Eureka offers broader floor coverage and better ergonomics, though both target budget-conscious buyers. It lacks the swivel steering of premium models but makes up for it with onboard tool storage and a wider cleaning path. Ideal for small apartments or kitchens, it’s the no-fuss, grab-and-go solution for light-duty cleaning—offering more power and reach than stick vacuums at a similar cost.

Don’t let its bare-bones price tag fool you—the Bissell Featherweight 2033M is a surprisingly agile performer for small messes and quick cleanups. Weighing next to nothing and packing three-in-one functionality, it effortlessly shifts from stick to handheld to stair vacuum, making it perfect for dorm rooms, RVs, or studio apartments. Its 0.67-liter dirt cup handles spills and crumbs with ease, and the crevice tool digs into tight corners where dust bunnies hide.

In practice, this vacuum thrives on sealed hard floors, countertops, and low-pile rugs, where its suction is adequate for surface-level debris. It’s not built for deep carpet cleaning or pet hair extraction—larger particles can clog the intake, and it lacks motorized brushes. Still, for post-meal crumb runs or morning countertop sweeps, it’s fast, accessible, and always ready. The corded design means no downtime waiting for a charge, a clear edge over budget cordless models.

Compared to the Eureka NES100, the Bissell is lighter and more compact, but sacrifices attachments and build durability. It’s the minimalist’s choice—ideal for renters or secondary homes where space and cost matter most. While it won’t replace a full-sized vacuum, it outshines in convenience and simplicity, offering just enough power to keep small spaces spotless without breaking the bank.

The Eureka NES100 earns its ‘Best Overall’ title by striking a near-perfect balance between power, portability, and practicality in a sub-$30 package. At just 2.75 lbs, it’s one of the lightest stick vacuums available, yet it delivers corded suction that never quits, making it ideal for homes that need instant, reliable cleaning without battery anxiety. Its 3-in-1 design—stick, handheld, or stair vacuum—gives it surprising versatility for cars, furniture, and tight corners.

Real-world testing shows it handles pet hair, cereal spills, and dust bunnies with ease on hard floors and low-pile carpets. The included crevice tool reaches under appliances, and the upright storage with integrated cord wrap keeps it tidy in closets or under sinks. However, it lacks a motorized brush, so it can’t deep-clean high-pile rugs or pull embedded fur like pricier models. Still, for daily maintenance and quick messes, it’s consistently effective.

Against the Shark HV322, the NES100 is lighter and more compact, but lacks LED lights and pet-specific tools. It’s not as powerful, but for most households, it offers 80% of the performance at 30% of the cost. Perfect for small homes, pet owners with light shedding, or as a secondary vacuum, it delivers exceptional value with minimal trade-offs—a true standout in the budget lightweight category.

If you need a true handheld warrior that doesn’t sacrifice reach or control, the Eureka Blaze NES215A is a game-changer for tight spaces and spot cleaning. Weighing only 4 pounds and featuring swivel steering, it pivots like a dream under couches, around table legs, and up narrow staircases—something most handhelds can’t claim. Its 240-watt motor delivers strong suction for its size, capturing dust, crumbs, and even larger debris thanks to the capture nozzle that prevents pushing junk around.

In testing, the Blaze excelled in car interiors, kitchen counters, and furniture cleaning, where agility trumps raw power. The onboard crevice tool is always within reach, and the washable filter keeps long-term costs near zero. While it’s not built for whole-room cleaning, its 2-amp motor outperforms many stick vacuums in targeted use. However, the dust cup is small, and extended use can cause wrist fatigue due to the unbalanced design.

Compared to the Bissell Featherweight, the Blaze offers better maneuverability and stronger suction, thanks to its swivel neck and optimized nozzle. It’s not as powerful as corded stick models, but for handheld-specific tasks, it’s unmatched in its price range. Ideal for quick cleanups, car detailing, or homes with frequent spills, it delivers precision and portability in one compact body—making it the top pick for handheld-first cleaning.

The Shark HV301 is a masterclass in maneuverability, where swivel steering meets fingertip control to create one of the most agile lightweight vacuums on the market. At under 9 lbs, it floats around furniture and tight corners with surgical precision, making it perfect for cluttered living rooms or homes with lots of obstacles. The fingertip surface toggle lets you switch between carpet and hard floor modes without bending down—a small touch that adds up over time.

In real use, the HV301 delivers deep carpet cleaning and bare floor pickup with consistent, corded suction that never fades. The included tools—especially the anti-allergen dust brush—are well-designed for dusting shelves and cleaning upholstery. Emptying the dust cup is fast and clean, and the 5-year warranty signals long-term confidence. However, the wand can feel flimsy during extended reach, and the cord isn’t as long as some competitors’.

Pitted against the Eureka PowerSpeed, the Shark HV301 is lighter and more nimble, though the Eureka has a larger dust cup and height adjustment. For homes prioritizing ease of movement and quick cleanups, the Shark wins with superior agility and control. It’s the best choice for anyone who hates wrestling with a vacuum—delivering professional-grade steering in a budget-friendly, lightweight body.

The Eureka PowerSpeed NEU181A proves that lightweight doesn’t mean weak—this 10-pound upright packs a 960-watt punch that rivals heavier models, making it a top contender for deep carpet cleaning without the back strain. With a massive 2.6-liter dust cup, it can handle whole-house sessions without constant emptying, and the flip-to-empty bin keeps hands clean—a rare luxury at this price. The 5-height brush roll adjustment ensures optimal contact on everything from plush rugs to hardwood, preventing scatter and boosting pickup.

During testing, it dominated on medium to high-pile carpets, lifting embedded dirt and pet hair with authority. The onboard pet turbo brush is a standout, agitating fur from car seats and sofas with ease. However, its upright form makes stairs and furniture cleaning awkward, and it’s less agile than stick or handheld models. Still, for homes with wall-to-wall carpeting, it’s one of the most capable budget uprights available.

Next to the Shark HV301, the PowerSpeed offers greater capacity and carpet performance, but sacrifices portability and swivel steering. It’s the ideal upgrade for pet owners who want upright power without the heft. If your priority is deep cleaning over convenience, this vacuum delivers maximum performance per pound—a rare blend of strength and lightness in one affordable package.