If you’re tired of struggling with a heavy vacuum, a lightweight one is a game-changer. The best models weigh under 15 pounds, making cleaning less of a workout. Look for models with strong suction for all surfaces, a swivel head to get around furniture, and a HEPA filter to trap allergens. In our buying guide, we evaluated over 100 vacuum cleaners, analyzing 150,575 reviews to identify the top seven performers.
Our unique approach includes certifying and verifying products as tested and using our scientific True Score to filter out fake and low-quality reviews. This ensures that only the best vacuum cleaners make it to our final list. The winning vacuums showcased superior suction, ease of use, and reliability. These selections ensure efficient and thorough cleaning, making them the best choices for a lightweight vacuum.
How Did We Rank the Best Lightweight Vacuums?
We analyzed over 200 sites to bring you the ultimate guide to the best lightweight vacuums. By examining testing methodologies, customer reviews, and expert opinions, we distilled which criteria matter most. Our analysis identified 2 required test results and 1 must-have specification. We considered critical issues such as ease of use, suction power, and battery life. Our true score system ensures you get reliable, comprehensive recommendations for your next lightweight vacuum purchase.
Our commitment to unbiased reviews is powered by our ‘True Score’ system, targeting low quality and fake reviews. When you shop through our links, you’re backing our mission. Dive deeper to see how.
?️ Minimum Specifications
- Must be under 15 lbs
? Test Criteria
- Bare Floor Performance: The vacuum sucks up 95% of debris when cleaning bare surfaces such as tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors.
- Carpet Performance: The vacuum sucks up 75% of debris when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.
Latest Updates
- 06/20/2024: Republished the list to include the best lightweight vacuum cleaners based on our True Score system.
Top Lightweight Vacuums For 2024
Prices accurate at the time of publishing
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Dyson V15 Detect
Best Lightweight
Ideal for homes with pets and multiple floors, the Dyson V15 Detect offers powerful suction, pet hair removal, and hard floor cleaning in a lightweight design.
True Score
919119Experts
932kCustomers
Cosmic Wonder
SAVE $200$799.99$599.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Laser illumination technology
- Incredible performance on both carpets and hard floors
- Lightweight design
- Decent battery life
- Anti-allergenic HEPA filter
Reasons to Avoid
- Complicated maneuvrability on deep carpets
- Relatively low-capacity 0.45L dust cup
- Plastic construction
Specifications
Bagless Yes 
Bin Capacity 0.2 gal 
Brush Roll Shut-Off No 
Carpet Height Adjustments Yes 
Cleaning Path Width 10" 
Compatible Floor Type All floors 
Cord Length Cordless 
Corded/Cordless Cordless 
Filter Type Other 
Hypoallergenic Yes 
Pet Yes 
Product Weight 6.7 lbs 
Vacuum Type Handheld vacuums 
Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 92 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 73 All Retailers
- $599.99$800Save $200
- $624.99
- $638.99$750Save $111
Our Verdict
If you’re seeking a lightweight vacuum that won’t strain your back during cleanups, the Dyson V15 Detect is a fantastic solution with strong suction capabilities. It boasts flawless pet hair removal at a 100% rate and excellent hard floor cleaning at 98.59%, making it perfect for swiftly and effectively cleaning spaces with pets and various types of flooring. Its carpet cleaning efficiency is 91.77%, impressively removing deeply embedded dirt and debris from carpet fibers.
Weighing only 6.7 lbs, the Dyson V15 Detect’s lightweight design is ideal if you need an easy-to-maneuver vacuum for a multi-floor home or space with multiple rooms. Its compact bin capacity of 0.2 gallons might require frequent emptying, but this is a small trade-off for its portability and cordless convenience that simplifies quick cleanups and storage.
Compared to the Samsung Bespoke Jet, both models share similar attributes like being cordless and having similar bin capacities. However, the Dyson performs better on bare floors, making it ideal if your home has hardwood or tile. While the Dyson is slightly louder at 72.5 dB, its superior cleaning performance justifies the extra noise, especially if you prioritize thorough cleaning over a quieter vacuum. The Samsung offers better value with great well-rounded performance if you can’t splurge on the Dyson.
Despite the premium price tag, the Dyson V15 Detect’s combination of powerful cleaning, lightweight design, and cordless freedom makes it a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a hassle-free vacuuming experience in a busy, active home.
Read Less
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung Bespoke Jet
Best Apartment
Samsung Bespoke Jet is a lightweight, easy-to-handle vacuum that excels on carpets and bare floors. It also removes pet hair superiorly and operates quietly.
True Score
88867Experts
91551Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $200$899.00$699.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- The cleaning station simplifies emptying the dust cup
- Two battery packs
- Lightweight design
- Turbo brush accessory
- Excellent performance on carpets and hard floors
Reasons to Avoid
- Doesn’t support wet cleaning
- Bulk two-in-one floor head
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.2 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 9.8" Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type 5-stage, Cyclonic, HEPA Hypoallergenic Unknown Pet Yes Product Weight 6 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 92 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 71 All Retailers
- $699.00$899Save $200
- $699.99
Our Verdict
If you want a lightweight vacuum that won’t strain your body during cleaning sessions, consider the Samsung Bespoke Jet, which excels in carpeted spaces. It cleans carpets with an impressive 91.70% effectiveness and handles pet hair exceptionally well, achieving a 99.5% pickup rate—ideal for pet owners looking to keep their interiors pristine. It also delivers a 97.71% efficiency on bare floors, ensuring thorough removal of debris from hard surfaces.
At a mere 6 lbs, the Samsung Bespoke Jet is among the lightest vacuums available, greatly enhancing its portability and ease of handling in multi-level homes or lofts. Although its bin capacity is only 0.2 gallons, meaning you may be frequently emptying the bin, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the convenience of its cordless design, which allows for effortless navigation around furniture and different rooms. With its superior operation noise level at just 70.5 dB, this quiet vacuum will maintain a peaceful environment in your home.
When comparing it to the Dyson V15 Detect, both share similar capacities and perform closely on carpet and pet hair. However, the Samsung edges out with a lower noise level, making it more suitable for homes with noise-sensitive kids and pets. While it’s more affordable than the Dyson, its efficiency on bare floors falls slightly short of the Dyson, making the Dyson a better fit for homes with more hard flooring if you prioritize efficiency above all else.
Overall, the Samsung offers an excellent balance of low weight, quiet operation, and effective cleaning, making it an attractive option if you need a versatile and manageable vacuum. Despite its smaller bin, its benefits make it a fantastic vacuum if you need a lightweight, efficient vacuum in a busy living space with mixed flooring.
Read Less
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Stratos Cordless
Best Allergies
The Shark Stratos Cordless excels with a superior pick-up rate on bare floors and perfect pet hair removal, ideal for homes with mixed flooring and pets.
True Score
85866Experts
86729Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $71$399.99$329.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Impressive suction power
- Great bare floor performance
- Great Carpet cleaning performance
- Excellent pet hair cleaning performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Attachments are very limited
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.18 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Yes Cleaning Path Width 10" Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.9 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 89 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $329.00$400Save $71
- $349.99$500Save $150
Our Verdict
If you’re seeking a lightweight vacuum that doesn’t compromise on cleaning power, the Shark Stratos Cordless is an excellent solution that stands out with its 98.83% debris pick-up rate on bare floors. It captures all pet hair with perfect 100% efficiency, making it ideal if you have pets or have sensitive allergies. It also delivers solid performance on carpets by clearing 89.3% of debris, making it versatile enough for homes with mixed flooring.
At 8.9 lbs, the Shark Stratos Cordless is easy to handle, enhancing its usability on stairs or lofts where maneuvering around floors is necessary. However, its operation at a noise level of 76.7 dB can be considered moderately loud, which might be a concern if you live in a quieter space or have noise-sensitive housemates or neighbors.
Compared to the Shark Stratos Ultralight, the cordless version offers enhanced carpet cleaning and the flexibility of a cordless design. This feature enables effortless movement between rooms, providing a practical solution for homes with multiple floors and rooms. Meanwhile, the Ultralight, being more affordable and corded, is ideal if you’re on a budget, have a smaller home, and prefer continuous power over the convenience of cordless operation.
Overall, the Shark Stratos Cordless is a superb vacuum if you need a lightweight, effective cleaning tool. Although it’s pricier and the bin capacity may require frequent emptying, its performance across different surfaces makes it a reliable vacuum for maintaining a clean and comfortable home with bare floors.
Read Less
Did you know that 78% of vacuum cleaner reviewers are untrustworthy?
Our research found only 27 of 125 vacuum cleaner reviewers as of July 2024 can be trusted. This is why Gadget Review is committed to calculating the most accurate product scores on the web.
To do this, we give every vacuum cleaner review site a Trust Rating, which measures how trustworthy the site and their testing claims are. We then leverage AI & a machine learning model to combine and calculate the Trust Rating with data from experts and consumers to deliver the True Score, the web’s most accurate product quality rating.
150,575Vacuum Cleaner Reviews Analyzed
100
Total Products Analyzed
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away
Best Cordless
Ideal for large homes with pets, the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away removes pet hair 100% and cleans mixed floor types well.
True Score
84842Experts
86328Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $1$399.99$399.00Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent performance on all floor types
- Good battery life
- Outstanding pet hair pick-up rate
- Low on-going costs
- LED headlights
Reasons to Avoid
- The brush roll is not removable
- Poor stain-removal performance
- Lacks a turbo brush
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.34 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 10" Compatible Floor Type Carpet, Hardwoods Cord Length Cordless Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 12.4 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 89 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $399.00$400Save $1
- $399.99
Our Verdict
The Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away excels in large homes with pets, delivering a perfect 100% pet hair removal rate. Its effectiveness extends across various floor types, cleaning 98.6% of debris from bare floors and 89.4% from carpets. The cordless design offers the freedom to easily navigate large spaces without the hassle of a cord, ideal for sprawling apartments or multi-story homes.
This vacuum’s generous 0.34-gallon bin capacity reduces the frequency of emptying, which is suitable for larger homes. However, at 12.4 lbs, it is one of the heavier models, which might challenge its maneuverability in tight spaces like lofts. It operates at a noise level of 77 dB, which, while manageable, could be a concern in quieter, sound-sensitive environments.
When compared with the Shark Vertex Pro, both models feature HEPA filters crucial for reducing allergens—a must if allergies are a concern in your household. The Lift-Away provides better value with superior carpet cleaning and a larger bin, suited for extensive cleaning tasks in big apartments. Yet, its heavier weight may be discouraging if you prioritize ease of maneuvering, so if that’s the case, consider the lighter Vertex Pro.
Despite its weight, the Lift-Away remains a reliable vacuum if you need a robust, effective cleaning tool for your large home. Its ability to handle a wide range of cleaning tasks makes it particularly appealing for pet owners looking for a vacuum that balances performance and convenience in big living spaces.
Read Less
DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
When looking for a great RV vacuum, consider compact and lightweight options that offer strong suction power and easy storage. For pet owners, the best handheld vacuums for pet hair can efficiently clean up fur and dander, making them essential for maintaining a clean RV. Additionally, a cordless shop vac provides versatility and convenience for various cleaning tasks on the go.
Timing your purchase can save you money; the best time to buy a vacuum is often during sales events like Black Friday or post-holiday sales. If you are going to vacuum while pregnant, use a lightweight model and avoid heavy lifting. Understanding how a wet-dry vac works can also help you choose the right tool for dealing with both wet and dry messes in your RV or home.
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Stratos Ultralight
Best Long Hair
The Shark Stratos Ultralight is a corded vacuum with a long cord that’s ideal for pet hair and bare floors, and it’s decent on carpets.
True Score
83821Experts
86945Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $106$299.99$193.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Good bare floor cleaning performance
- Decent carpet cleaning performance
- Great pet hair performance
Reasons to Avoid
- Below average suction power rating
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.2 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off No Carpet Height Adjustments No Cleaning Path Width 8.25" Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length 30 ft Corded/Cordless Corded Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.6 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 98 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 82 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $193.99$300Save $106
- $199.99$300Save $100
- $249.00$400Save $151
Our Verdict
The Shark Stratos Ultralight is a lightweight corded vacuum ideal for managing pet hair and debris on bare floors. Its 99.33% pet hair removal rate makes it suitable for homes with shedding pets. It also excels on hard surfaces with a 97.50% cleaning efficiency but has a lower carpet performance at 82.25%, which is still a great rate but will not remove all dirt from carpet fibers immediately.
With a noise level of 76.8 dB, it’s moderately loud, but it’s tolerable enough for the average person not to find it too disruptive. Its 30-foot cord provides extensive reach, reducing the need to switch outlets often, which is ideal for larger or multi-room apartments. However, the 0.2-gallon bin capacity may need emptying occasionally, depending on your cleaning frequency.
Compared to the Shark Stratos Cordless, which also has similar bin capacities and noise levels, the Ultralight may be corded, but it stands out with its longer reach and lower price. Those make it a great option for pet owners on a budget who primarily have hard flooring. The Cordless model, however, offers better carpet cleaning and the convenience of a cordless setup, which might appeal more if your living space is carpeted and you have to vacuum around lots of furniture.
Overall, the Shark Stratos Ultralight is a practical choice if you prioritize affordability, effective cleaning on hard surfaces, and ease of use. Some may find the cord a drawback, but its performance on pet hair and its extended cord length is particularly beneficial for lightweight vacuum users in spacious homes with bare floors.
Read Less
Category Snapshot
Vacuum Cleaners
- Total Brands/Products Tested
31 Brands, 100 Products
- Top 2 Brands
Dyson, Miele
- Price Range (Budget-Premium)
$50-$400+
- Average True Score
75.70
- Important Test Criteria
Bare Floor Performance (%)
Carpet Performance (%)
- Most Trusted Testers
- Typical Warranty
1 year
- Covered by Insurance
Yes – Amazon, Best Buy
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+
Best Handheld
Light and affordable, the Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ excels in compact spaces, removing pet hair effectively and performing solidly on floors.
True Score
81806Experts
831kCustomers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $10$89.99$79.99Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Excellent performance with pet hair
- Great dirt pick-up rate on carpets and hard floors
- Comes with a turbo brush
- Great build quality
- Portable design
Reasons to Avoid
- Poor battery life
- Lacks a HEPA filter
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.1 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Unknown Cleaning Path Width 2.5" Compatible Floor Type All floors Cord Length Unknown Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type Cloth, Washable Hypoallergenic Unknown Pet Yes Product Weight 2.8 lbs Vacuum Type Handheld vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 95 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 85 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Noise Level (dB) 77 All Retailers
- $79.99$90Save $10
- $79.99$90Save $10
- $85.99$90Save $4
Our Verdict
The Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ is an exceptional handheld vacuum that’s ideal for quick cleanups in compact spaces. Weighing just 2.8 lbs, its design is easy to handle, making it perfect for swiftly navigating through your apartment or small home. As one of the more affordable options on our list, it offers significant value if you’re budget-conscious.
It excels at removing pet hair, capturing 99.17% of debris, which is essential for pet owners looking to maintain a fur-free environment. It also performs effectively on bare floors, clearing 95.25% of debris, and is competent on carpets with an 84.5% cleaning efficiency, though it may miss some deeper-set dirt during the first pass.
Compared to the Shark Stratos Cordless, both vacuums are cordless, enhancing their usability around the home. The Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ stands out for its lighter weight and lower cost, making it suitable if you have limited space to clean and are looking for an easy-to-manage vacuum. However, its small 0.1-gallon dustbin capacity may require frequent emptying, especially if you use it in larger spaces than a typical studio apartment. The Stratos Cordless, while pricier, offers enhanced cleaning efficiency and a larger dustbin, making it more suited for more extensive cleaning tasks.
Despite its smaller bin and less potent carpet cleaning abilities, the Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ remains a solid vacuum if you need a lightweight solution that won’t break the bank. Its excellent performance on pet hair and hard floors and its affordability makes it particularly appealing if you live in a studio apartment or similar small living arrangement and need an effective vacuum.
Read Less
Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Vertex Pro
Best Cordless For Hardwood
The Shark Vertex Pro is a lightweight, cordless vacuum ideal for large spaces, excelling on bare floors and pet hair, though slightly noisy.
True Score
80803Experts
82341Customers
Absolutely Fresh
SAVE $103$479.99$377.48Read More
Snapshot
Reasons to Buy
- Has an anti-allergen HEPA filter
- Low noise output
- LED screen for status display
- Large dirt canister
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Reasons to Avoid
- High maintenance requirements
- Struggles with fine debris on low pile carpet
- Long charge time
Specifications
Bagless Yes Bin Capacity 0.25 gal Brush Roll Shut-Off Unknown Carpet Height Adjustments Unknown Cleaning Path Width 10" Compatible Floor Type Carpet, Hardwoods Cord Length Unknown Corded/Cordless Cordless Filter Type HEPA Hypoallergenic Yes Pet Yes Product Weight 8.82 lbs Vacuum Type Stick Vacuums Wet And Dry Usage No All Specs
Test Results
Bare Floor Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 99 Carpet Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 83 Pet Hair Performance (% of Debris Cleaned) 100 Noise Level (dB) 82 All Retailers
- $377.48$480Save $103
- $429.99
- $449.99
Our Verdict
The Shark Vertex Pro stands out as a lightweight, cordless vacuum that excels on bare floors. It boasts a 98.5% debris cleaning rate that’s effective on hardwood, laminate, and tile floors. It’s also highly effective at removing pet hair, achieving a 99.66% pickup rate, making it ideal for pet owners looking to maintain a clean, allergen-free environment. Although its carpet cleaning ability is solid at 82.61%, it will not reach deep into thicker carpets to remove all embedded dirt immediately.
This model is particularly user-friendly, fitting seamlessly into small storage spaces thanks to its compact design. The 0.25-gallon bin capacity is adequate for large apartments, reducing the frequency of bin emptying. Weighing 8.82 lbs, the Shark Vertex Pro is easy to handle, making moving around large homes or lofts with stairs less taxing. Note, however, that its 82.4 dB noise level might be disruptive in quieter or smaller apartments.
The Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away is lighter than the Vertex Pro, facilitating easier maneuverability if you prioritize a vacuum that’s easy on your body. While the Powered Lift-Away offers better carpet cleaning, a larger bin capacity, and a quieter operation, its heavier build requires more physical effort to operate, so make sure you have enough arm strength if you plan to use it in a large home.
Overall, the Shark Vertex Pro is a valuable addition if you live in a large apartment or home and need a powerful and manageable vacuum. It effectively cleans bare floors and pet hair, coupled with its lightweight and cordless design, providing an excellent balance of performance and convenience despite being a bit noisy.
Read Less
Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Lightweight Vacuums?
By focusing on these criteria (2 required), anyone can quickly and easily compare these vacuum cleaners and how they’ll perform. This helps you make an informed decision and purchase a vacuum cleaner that will meet your needs.
| CRITERIA | RANGE | REQUIRED | DEFINITION |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bare Floor Performance | > 95% | Yes | How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning bare surfaces like tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors. |
| Carpet Performance | > 75% | Yes | How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile. |
Our Trusted Data Sources
We looked at 120+ vacuum cleaner reviewers and found that 27 are trustworthy (60%+ Trust Rating). The three we have listed below are our most trusted for vacuum cleaner.
- Dagobiet Morales Alfaro – RTings, LinkedIn
- Derek Hales – Modern Castle, LinkedIn
- Sabine Heinlein – Wirecutter, LinkedIn
Interested in a comprehensive analysis of our data sources? We’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a detailed list of every vacuum cleaner review website we’ve identified, organized by their respective Trust Ratings from highest to lowest. But we didn’t stop there. We’ve meticulously reviewed each publication and verified the data by checking whether the authors have bio links to MuckRack or LinkedIn. We’re committed to not only checking the facts but ensuring their veracity.
Vacuum Cleaner Test Data & Results
1. Bare Floor Performance Test Results
As the name suggests, bare floor performance references how well a vacuum does when it’s cleaning up tiles, vinyl planks, or hardwood flooring. Debris comes in a variety of sizes of course, and much of the testing revolves around picking up debris that ranges in size from cereal to bits of dirt to sand to a mix of everything above and more.
We recommend that a vacuum be able to pick up at least 95% of debris from a bare floor to ensure you end up with clean floors. Hitting a perfect score is obviously ideal, but the worse a vacuum performs here, the more work you need to do sweeping up or re-vacuuming. Missing debris is frustrating, and can invite pests if you miss bits of food, or annoyance if you step on something barefoot and hurt yourself.
Bare Floor Performance
> 95%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning bare surfaces like tile, vinyl planks, and hardwood floors.
Units of Measurement: % (percentage)
Tools to Measure: Scale
Why It’s Important:
A vacuum is supposed to clean, so if it can’t pick up most of the debris on a floor, it’s not doing its job.
Bare Floor Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)
2. Carpet Performance Test Results
Carpet Performance
> 75%
Acceptable range of performance
Definition: How much debris the vacuum sucks up when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.
Units of Measurement: % (percentage)
Tools to Measure: Scale
Why It’s Important:
If you have carpet, how well a vacuum cleans directly impacts how your carpet feels to walk on, and prevents pests from moving in.
Carpet cleaning ability is another important part of how your vacuum performs. Whether you have low-pile, high-pile, or rugs, how effectively a vacuum cleans up the dirt and debris left behind on the carpet is enormously important to keeping your carpet comfortable.
Generally speaking, we recommend a carpet cleaning performance of at least 75%. You might notice this is much lower than bare floors, and that’s because carpet is harder to clean. Short of devoting the time to actually shampoo and dry out a carpet, thoroughly cleaning out a carpet is very difficult, and good vacuums will reach deep between fibers and pull out long-forgotten crumbs.
Carpet Performance in % (higher is better; 0 = No Data)
Best Lightweight Vacuums: Mistakes To Avoid
- Assuming All Lightweight Vacuums Lack Power: It’s a common misconception that lighter vacuums don’t have strong suction. Ensure you choose a model that balances lightweight design with powerful performance to effectively clean your home.
- Ignoring Filtration Quality: Overlooking the vacuum’s filtration system can lead to poor air quality. Select a lightweight vacuum with a high-quality filter, like the HEPA filter in the Shark Anti-Allergen Pet Power, to trap dust and allergens effectively.
- Disregarding Cord Length or Battery Life: Choosing a vacuum with a short cord or inadequate battery life can limit your cleaning range. Ensure the cord is long enough to cover your entire cleaning area or that the battery life can sustain a full cleaning session.
- Overlooking Versatility: Some lightweight vacuums might not work well on all floor types. Look for a model that can handle different surfaces, from carpets to hard floors, to ensure comprehensive cleaning.
The Best Lightweight Vacuums Tests Compared
Product |
True Score
|
Bare Floor Performance
|
Carpet Performance
|
Pet Hair Performance
|
Noise Level
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 |
|
|
|
|  $599.99 $800 $200 |
| 88 |
|
|
|
|  $699.00 $899 $200 |
| 85 |
|
|
|
| $329.00 $400 $71 |
Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away
| 84 |
|
|
|
| $399.00 $400 $1 |
| 83 |
|
|
|
|  $193.99 $300 $106 |
| 81 |
|
|
|
| $79.99 $90 $10 |
| 80 |
|
|
|
| $377.48 $480 $103 |
