A lightweight vacuum can profoundly change the way you clean your home. Lightweight vacuum cleaners are often more affordable and easier to carry and operate. They also take up less space than an average model. This doesn’t mean that you will have to compromise on cleaning performance. In fact, if you have specific needs in mind, such as if you have mobility issues, or if you need a vacuum with high portability and power, etc., a lightweight vacuum is often the best option you can find.

However, finding out what is the best lightweight vacuum cleaner can be time-consuming and confusing. To save you time wading through a plethora of best lightweight vacuum cleaner reviews, in this comprehensive guide, we reveal the secret on how to select the best lightweight vacuum for your needs and preferences. We also provide detailed reviews of the top 6 best lightweight vacuums that we think you will fall in love with.

Top Rated Best Lightweight Vacuum Cleaners Reviews In The World

1. Best Overall Shark Rocket Ultra-Light Corded Bagless Vacuum for Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning with Swivel Steering and Car Detail Set (HV302), Gray/Orange

The Shark Rocket Ultra Light is one of the best lightweight vacuum cleaners overall. Weighing just 8.2 pounds, the vacuum is effortless to move around with. The vacuum can be stored upright or mounted on a wall, significantly saving storage space.

The swivel steering is easy to maneuver, especially around furniture. The 25-foot power cord also provides excellent coverage so you don’t have to switch outlets often.

The standard cleaning head has a width of 8.5 inches. The generous cleaning path makes it quick and easy to sweep thorough big areas.

The Shark Rocket Ultra’s biggest appeal lies not only in its weight but also in its versatility. It comes with a home and car detail kit micro tool, so you can always find uses for the vacuum on almost any cleaning occasion. It can be converted from a stick to a handheld vacuum for ease of use in a car or on stairs. The micro detail kit makes it easy to clean small or odd spaces like upholstery, computers, or crevices.

Control is at your fingertips … literally. No more bending over just to switch between the carpet and bare floor.

Though it is versatile and highly portable, and does a good job switching between carpet and hard floors, if you have extensive carpet or have pet hair, the 4-amp motor might fall short, requiring you to consider another vacuum with more suction power.

2. Best Budget Eureka NES215A Blaze 3-in-1 Swivel Handheld & Stick Vacuum Cleaner

The Eureka Blaze is surprisingly light, both in weight and on your budget. Weighing in at just four pounds, the Eureka Blaze is the lightest on our list. That doesn’t diminish its cleaning prowess, though. The vacuum can easily be converted between three modes: stick, handheld, and stair. It also comes with a crevice tools attachment for cleaning between couch cushions or under seats.

With its ultra-light weight and 18-foot power cord, the Eureka Blaze is effortless to bring anywhere.

Unlike most standard stick vacuums, the Eureka Blaze features unique swivel steering for better maneuverability and efficiency.

The 2-amp motor is powerful enough to pick up dust, pollen, and pet hair. The special design captured nozzle enables effective suction of even larger particles. The built-in filter can also improve the air quality around the vacuum area.

The bagless design and washable built-in filter help to keep maintenance costs to a minimum.

However, the Eureka Blaze suffers certain limitations when it is when working on thick carpet or large floors and carpeted areas. The 2-amp motor is best-suited for use on low-pile carpet, rugs, or hard floors.

Still, the Eureka is an impressive vacuum, considering how light, cheap, versatile and, high-quality it is.

3. Best Carpet Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright Vacuum Cleaner

If you own a premium soft-style carpet such as Mohawk, Karastan, or Tigressa, you might want to know that a normal vacuum can do more harm than good to your carpet. It might cause unwanted worn, fuzzy, or frayed spots in your carpet, creating a change in both look and feel.

The Soniclean Soft Carpet is specifically designed to tackle this issue. Developed in conjunction with Mohawk and awarded the highest performance certification for carpet cleaning and maintenance by The Carpet & Rug Institute, it is probably the best lightweight vacuum cleaner specifically designed for soft carpet cleaning purposes.

One of the most notable features is the patented sonic (ultrasound) cleaning technology, which produces 200 vibrations per second. The sonic wave has been proven to loosen embedded dirt and dust in the carpet pile without damaging the delicate fiber. A similar technology is used in plant relocation, for which sonic wave is used to safely and quickly loosen and remove soil from tree roots.

The Soniclean Soft Carpet is specifically geared toward cleaning carpets. It is equipped with a patented EZ-Push adjustable vent system and large front wheels, which help the vacuum “float” effortlessly on even the plushest of carpets. The special ultra-soft brush roll is highly gentle yet effective on soft carpets. If a jam occurs, the protection mechanism will shut off the vacuum by itself and alert the user on the control interface to “Check Brush”.

There are two modes for controlling the vacuum power. First is the Quiet Mode, which is best-suited for vacuuming on hard floors and typical carpet. Meanwhile, the Deep Cleaning Mode should be activated for vacuuming high-traffic or heavily-soiled carpeted areas.

Despite the powerful cleaning ability, the vacuum is extremely lightweight, weighing only 10.5 pounds. This is thanks to the efficient motor design, which, while using less than half the electricity of many full-size vacuums, is still able to produce superior suction power. The extra-long 35-foot power cord doesn’t hurt, either. You can easily vacuum multiple rooms without having to switch outlets.

The vacuum head has a height clearance of seven inches. The handle can be laid flat for easy cleaning under furniture. The Soniclean is also equipped with a patented Sonicfresh fragrance dispensing system, which can release a light, refreshing scent every time you vacuum.

Among the most welcome features are the HEPA filters, which can capture 99.97% of finer dust and particles including allergens, mold, and bacteria, as well as eliminate odors. Dirt disposal is also easy and hygienic thanks to Soniclean’s patented Seal-Tech system. This is particularly useful because carpets are prone to accumulating this type of debris, which you certainly don’t want to walk on.

However, keep in mind that HEPA filter bags need to be replaced once they are full, so you’ll want to keep some handy. When the filter bag is full, the indicator light will turn on to alert you that it is time to replace the bag.

4. Dirt Devil Endura Max XL Upright Vacuum Cleaner for Pets, Bagless, Lightweight

If you own pets, the Dirt Devil Endura Max XL Upright Vacuum Cleaner is one of the best lightweight vacuum cleaners for pet hair. Possessing powerful suction and convenient tools to tackle the shedding hair of your furry friends, the Dirt Devil Endura Max XL Upright Vacuum Cleaner can make quick work of keeping your floor, carpet, and upholstery in tip-top condition.

This is thanks to the trademark Spin4Pro Brushroll and CleanPath Technology. Gliding on top of a carpet is satisfyingly smooth, while the brush roll can pick up large debris and reach deeply into carpet to remove ground-in dirt and hair with ease. The soft nylon brush is effective yet safe for use on both hard floors and carpet. The side bristle on the cleaner head supports edge-to-edge cleaning. There are four adjustable floor height levels to choose from. On top of this, the special TURBOCLAW can easily clean even the most stubborn dirt and hair from your upholstery and stairs.

The 2-in-1 dusting brush and crevice tool, as well as the extension arm, help save time and effort when you have to vacuum hard-to-reach places. The best part is that all the attachments are built-in, which means they don’t create clutter while vacuuming.

Furthermore, the vacuum is equipped with an Endura filter, which can trap odor and is easily accessible and rinsed for future use. Debris can be disposed of swiftly and hygienically with a single push thanks to the specially designed XL dust cup, which has a generous size to boot.

The 25-foot power cord is retractable, which makes putting away the vacuum a breeze after you are done vacuuming.

However, despite remaining relatively lightweight, the Dirt Devil Endura Max XL is still 13 pounds, making it the heaviest on our list.

5. Best Cordless Dyson V11 Absolute Cordless Vacuum Cleaner, Large

The Dyson V11 Absolute cordless is a big improvement from the company’s already-exceptional predecessors. Without a doubt, the Dyson V11 Absolute could easily be the best lightweight vacuum cleaner on the market right now. It is 40 percent bigger than the previous model and boasts a whopping 60-minute run time as compared to the previous 40 minutes. Better yet, you will get second-by-second knowledge of the remaining battery life thanks to the handy LCD screen, which also informs you about other essential information such as the current power mode, blockage reports, and maintenance reminders.

The cleaner comes with a lifetime washable HEPA filter that can trap odor, fine particles, and allergens in your home. The one-step hygienic dirt ejector makes disposing of debris fast, safe, and tidy.

The 60 minutes of continuous run time of the Dyson V11 Absolute is more than enough to vacuum your whole house in one charge. The Dyson V11 Absolute provides exceptional powerful suction force for a cordless vacuum. When needed, the Max power mode can deep clean thick carpet and get even ground-in, stubborn dirt.

It can also be swiftly converted from a stick vac to a hand vacuum for use on stairs, furniture, or upholstery, or in your car. The power docking station can be mounted almost anywhere, which saves space and promotes convenience.

While it has tons of desirable features that sound too good to be true, it should be kept in mind that the Dyson V11 Absolute doesn’t come cheap. In fact, it could be one of the most expensive lightweight stick vacuums on the market.

6. Oreck Elevate Conquer Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner, 2 Speed Control with HEPA Media Filtration, Lightweight, 35ft Power Cord, UK30300

Oreck manufactures some of the highest-performance upright vacuums on the market, while its machines routinely weigh and cost only half that of the competitors. The Oreck Elevate Conquer is proudly made in the USA, and has features and performance to match.

Utilizing a bagged upright design, the Oreck Elevate Conquer is compact, weighing only 10 pounds, yet it can hold up to an eye-popping four times more than typical bagless vacuums or canister vacuums.

On top of that, the superior five-layer HEPA filtration system traps at least 99.97% of ultra-fine particles, including home allergens, fine dust, spores, and odor. The SaniSeal system automatically locks in and traps particles and debris as well.

The low profile and virtually flat design allow the vacuum to reach under furniture. Swivel steering provides maximum maneuverability on all types of floors and carpets, and around furniture. At the same time, the side edge brushes collect debris from both sides of the vacuum while you clean, making cleaning around edges more effective and thorough. The bright LED headlights let you see in dark places where you otherwise could not.

The two-speed control is conveniently placed at your fingertips, which allows you to adjust the speed on the fly when switching to another surface.

The extra-long 35-foot power cord is among the most extensive on the market. You can easily cover the whole house without having to switch outlets.

Another equally impressive aspect is Oreck’s exceptional customer service. The Oreck Elevate Conquer is confidently backed by a seven-year limited warranty and a seven-year free service tune-up. That says a lot about the quality and performance that the Oreck Elevate Conquer has to offer.

However, one of the biggest handicaps of Oreck vacuum cleaners is that they don’t come with attachments. They are well-built and have stellar performance but if you need to vacuum inside your car, or above the floor, you might need to keep another vacuum handy.

What to Look for in a Lightweight Vacuum

The first thing you should consider when looking for a lightweight vacuum is the weight. However, while we tend to think that the lighter the vacuum is, the better it is, that notion is not always true. Vacuum cleaners weighing less than five pounds might have trouble moving around carpeted areas and vacuuming effectively. If you intend to use the vacuum every day, try to go for less than 15 pounds.

The next thing to look out for is whether you have a specific need in mind. If you have pets, consider a model that is good at picking up pet hair effectively without clogging the components. If your home or apartment is small, consider how the vacuum cleaner can be stored, whether it can be hung up, folded up, or stored upright. Or, if you are sensitive to allergens, it’s in your best interest to go for a bagged model vacuum or one armed with a HEPA-grade filter.

Also, if you need an attachment to clean the inside of your car, hard-to-reach places, or upholstery, for example, make sure to look out for models that support the correct type of attachments. However, keep in mind that more attachments means more storage space and a heavier machine.

Another equally important thing to consider is the price. A cheaper vacuum is nice on the budget, but it might be prone to lower quality and suction power, shorter service time, or more noise. More expensive models from reputable brands can potentially save you money over time and they often have better customer care.

One last thing to consider is whether to purchase a corded or cordless vacuum cleaner and how long the power cord should be. Cordless models are nice but they are often less powerful, have a limited running time, take time to charge, and are usually more expensive. A longer power cord is convenient, as you don’t have to change outlets too often, but it also means a heavier machine and might get in the way when you are vacuuming. A retractable power cord is a convenient option but, over time, it might need repair or replacement.

➜ RELATED: Best Vacuum Cleaners for Pet Hair

Who Should Consider a Lightweight Vacuum?

Lightweight vacuums are often lighter, smaller, and easier to use than larger vacuums.

People with mobility issues or arthritis should definitely consider a lightweight vacuum model that they can use every day without straining themselves. Not only are such vacuums easy to carry but their versatility and ease of use are welcome aspects that won’t get in users’ way.

Moreover, lightweight vacuum models often take up less storage space. If you are living in a small apartment, where space is valuable, a lightweight vacuum can be the most suitable choice.

Additionally, lightweight vacuum cleaners are easy to push, move around, and carry with you. If your home has multiple floors, if you plan to use the vacuum in various places, or if you wish to bring it on an RV trip, a lightweight vacuum is an excellent option to consider.

Bottom line

In this review, we have provided some practical tips on how to select the best lightweight vacuum cleaner to suit your needs. If you require a complete package to use in any cleaning situation, consider the Shark Rocket or Dyson V11 Absolute. If you are on a tight budget, the Eureka NES215A Blaze is dirt-cheap but offers great performance. If you own premium soft carpets that you want to keep impeccably clean, your best bet is the Soniclean Soft Carpet Upright.

On the other hand, if you have furry friends that shed, the Dirt Devil Endura Max XL is excellent for cleaning not only your floors and carpets but also your upholstery and vehicle. The Oreck Elevate Conquer’s stellar performance and quality are always worth considering, as it is a powerful yet lightweight vacuum cleaner with a bagged design and a HEPA-grade filtration system to trap ultra-fine dust and potential allergens in your home.