Stairs are the toughest surfaces in the home to clean, and bulky vacuum cleaners will not get the job done. This is why you need a vacuum specifically designed for the task. You need a lightweight and compact vacuum that combines power, maneuverability, and convenience. We evaluated over 100 vacuum cleaners and selected 7 for our buying guide, certifying them as tested.
Our analysis included 150,575 reviews, filtering out untrustworthy experts. Our scientifically proven True Score system ensures that only the best products make the cut. These excellent vacuums stand out for their efficiency, ease of use, and robust performance, providing reliable tools for maintaining clean stairs.
How Did We Rank the Best Vacuum for Stairs?
To determine the best vacuum for stairs, we meticulously examined over 200 sites, evaluated testing methods, analyzed customer reviews, and dissected expert opinions. Our robust True Score system filtered through essential criteria, identifying 2 required test results and 1 must-have specification. Our analysis pinpointed key performance metrics, ensuring we recommend only the top-performing models that excel in stair-cleaning capabilities.
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 70% of debris when cleaning carpets, including low pile and high pile.
Latest Updates
- 06/17/2024: Republished the list to include the best vacuum cleaners for stairs based on our True Score system.
Top Vacuum for Stairs 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 Stairs
The Dyson V15 Detect is a lightweight, cordless vacuum with strong suction for effectively cleaning floors, carpets, and pet hair.
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
The Dyson V15 Detect is a lightweight, well-rounded vacuum that efficiently cleans bare floors, carpets, and pet hair thanks to its strong suction power. It delivers a best-in-class pet hair removal performance of 100% and a bare floor cleaning efficiency of 98.59%, making it ideal for pet hair cleanup on hardwood stairs. Its carpet performance is 91.77%, efficiently extracting dirt and debris from fibrous textures and maintaining clean carpeted stairs.
The bin capacity of the Dyson V15 Detect is 0.2 gallons, which may require frequent emptying but ensures the unit remains lightweight at 6.7 lbs, enhancing its maneuverability on stairs and improving overall safety during use. This feature and its cordless design make it suitable for quick and thorough stair cleaning.
Compared to the Samsung Bespoke Jet, both lightweight models share the same bin capacity and are cordless. Although the Dyson is slightly superior on bare floor cleaning, making it the better option for stairs with hard surfaces, it is slightly louder (72.5 dB) than the Samsung (70.5 dB). These noise levels are both moderately loud, but the Samsung would be slightly less disruptive. The quieter Samsung holds its own with impressive overall cleaning performance, and it’s cheaper as well, making it the better value if you’re on a budget and want a quieter model.
Despite its higher price, the Dyson V15 Detect’s outstanding performance across all floor types, especially in lifting pet hair, makes it a reliable investment. If you need a vacuum that offers superior cleaning performance, lightweight design, and the convenience of cordless operation, this model is exceptional for maintaining a clean and efficient home with stairs.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Samsung Bespoke Jet
Best Apartment
Samsung Bespoke Jet is ideal for noise-sensitive homes. Its lightweight, cordless design effectively removes pet hair and debris.
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 live with noise-sensitive children or pets, consider the Samsung Bespoke Jet, which has a best-in-class noise level of 70.5 dB. This ensures that cleaning won’t disrupt your household, making it suitable for stair cleaning in multi-level homes. It boasts a carpet cleaning efficiency of 91.70%, adept at lifting dirt and debris from carpeted stairs. With a pet hair removal performance of 99.5%, it’s also ideal if you’re a pet owner looking to keep your staircase hair-free.
If you’re concerned about frequent maintenance, it’s important to note that the bin capacity of the Bespoke Jet is only 0.2 gallons, which may lead to more regular emptying. Despite this, the vacuum’s lightweight build at just 6 lbs enhances its maneuverability on stairs, making it easy to handle between floors. The cordless nature of it also increases its utility, facilitating effortless transitions from one level to another without the hassle of a cord.
Compared to the Dyson V15 Detect, both models share identical bin capacities and offer comparable carpet and pet hair cleaning performance. However, the Bespoke Jet’s quieter operation at 70.5 dB compared to the Dyson’s 72.5 dB makes it more suitable for homes where noise is a concern. It also presents a more budget-friendly option, making it a better value for its solid cleaning performance. The Dyson has slightly better bare floor performance, making it better for homes with mixed types of flooring.
While it has a smaller bin capacity, the Samsung Bespoke Jet still stands out with its well-rounded cleaning performance, quiet operation, and convenience. It’s a worthwhile investment if you need a reliable, lightweight vacuum to maintain a peaceful and clean home.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Stratos Cordless
Best Allergies
The Shark Stratos Cordless excels at mixed flooring and pet hair removal. It is ideal for quieter, smaller homes but may need frequent bin emptying.
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 need a vacuum with superior bare floor cleaning performance, consider the Shark Stratos Cordless, which clears 98.83% of debris. A carpet debris removal of 89.3% effectively lifts dirt and particles, making it ideal for homes with mixed flooring. It’s also a solid pick if your pets shed or if allergens are a concern, achieving a perfect pet hair removal rate of 100%.
At 8.9 lbs, it’s easy to lift if your home has multiple levels or extensive stairways. While moderate, the noise level of 76.7 dB might not suit quieter home environments. The Shark Stratos Cordless has a small bin capacity of 0.18 gallons, which may require more frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions, making it best for smaller homes or lofts.
Compared to the Shark Stratos Ultralight, both vacuums share similar bin capacities, noise levels, and weights. If your home has stairs and carpeted areas, you’ll find the Shark Stratos Cordless superior in carpet cleaning performance and that it’s more convenient with its cordless feature. Meanwhile, if you’re a pet owner on a budget with mostly hard surface floors, the Shark Stratos Ultralight’s long cord length and more affordable price will better meet your needs in a multi-level home.
If you want a thorough clean across various surfaces, the Shark Stratos Cordless is a robust option, albeit with a high price and a smaller bin capacity. Despite a few limitations, this versatile and convenient vacuum remains highly effective for keeping your small home or loft impeccably clean.
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Did you know 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, the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro excels in pet hair removal and handles various floor types with cordless ease.
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 is an excellent vacuum for pet owners in multi-level homes. It boasts a 100% pet hair removal rate. It’s well-suited for homes with various flooring types, clearing 98.6% of debris on bare floors and 89.4% on carpets. Its cordless design simplifies navigating around your stairs and through different rooms without the hassle of a cord.
This vacuum features a large bin capacity of 0.34 gallons, reducing the need for you to empty it frequently—ideal if you have a large home with several housemates or pets. However, at 12.4 lbs, this model is the heaviest on our list, which might be a consideration when cleaning extensive staircases or larger homes. It also operates at a noise level of 77 dB, which may not be the best fit if you need a quieter environment in your home.
Compared to the Shark Vertex Pro, the Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away is heavier, but it compensates with its larger bin capacity, more efficient cleaning, and better value for your money. The Shark Vertex Pro is lighter and easier for you to maneuver, making it suitable if you’re looking for a vacuum that’s less physically demanding to use. However, if your priority is thorough cleaning and a quieter operation in your large home, the Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away is better.
Despite the challenge of its weight, the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away remains an exceptional vacuum, particularly if you live in a larger home with stairs and pets. Its robust cleaning capabilities and bin capacity make it a great value if you demand effective pet hair and dirt management.
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DON’T SEE WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?
When choosing vacuums for tile floors, look for models with strong suction and soft brush rolls to avoid scratching. For grilling enthusiasts, the best ash vacuum provides specialized filtration and safe handling of fine particles. If you have pets, a cordless vacuum for pet hair offers convenience and effective fur removal.
A portable carpet cleaner and an upholstery steam cleaner are essential tools for deep cleaning carpets and furniture. If you encounter issues, knowing how to fix a vacuum hose can save time and money. A great car vacuum ensures thorough cleaning in tight spaces for car interiors. For traditionalists, top-rated bagged vacuums offer reliable performance and easy maintenance.
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 that excels at removing pet hair from bare floors. It is ideal for homes with stairs and hard surfaces.
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 great corded vacuum that excels in picking up pet hair from bare floors. With a pet hair removal rate of 99.33%, it’s ideal if you have pets that shed frequently. It cleans 97.50% of debris from hard surfaces, making it highly effective for staircases with hard surfaces. Its carpet cleaning efficiency stands at 82.25%, which is a solid pick-up rate, but bear in mind that it will not capture all embedded dirt in thicker carpets.
The noise level, at 76.8 dB, is standard for vacuums but could be considered loud if you prefer a quieter environment for your home. Its 30-foot cord offers extensive reach, making cleaning multiple flights of stairs easy without switching outlets often. Note that the bin capacity is 0.2 gallons, which could lead to occasional pauses to empty it during long vacuuming sessions.
Both the Shark Stratos Ultralight and the Stratos Cordless offer similar bin capacities and noise levels. The Shark Stratos Ultralight, with its reliable long cord and more budget-friendly price, is well-suited for homes with mostly hard floors. The Stratos Cordless might be a better option if homes have many carpeted areas and you value the convenience of a cordless model.
Overall, the Shark Stratos Ultralight is an excellent vacuum if you need a cleaning solution that balances cost, performance, and reach. While it has a limited bin capacity and may not offer the same freedom as cordless models, its exceptional pet hair-cleaning ability and long cord make it practical for homes with stairs and hard flooring.
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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
Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ is ideal for budget-conscious and quick stair cleanups. Lightweight and cordless, it’s effective on pet hair and bare 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
If you’re watching your budget and need a lightweight vacuum, Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ is a superb handheld vacuum for quick cleanups on stairs in your home. Weighing just 2.8 lbs, its lightweight design makes it easy to handle, and its cordless nature allows you to move from step to step effortlessly. This vacuum offers the best value on our list, making it an excellent choice if you’re trying to limit your spending.
It excels in removing pet hair, clearing up to 99.17% of debris, perfect for pet owners who need to maintain a fur-free staircase. It also does a reliable job on bare floors, capturing 95.25% of debris, which is ideal for keeping your hardwood, laminate, or tile stairs clean. However, its carpet cleaning effectiveness is 84.5%; while decent, it may leave some dirt embedded in carpet fibers.
Compared to the Shark Stratos Cordless, both vacuums are cord-free and easy to maneuver, enhancing their usability around your home. The Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ is notably lighter and more affordable, perfect for if you’re on a budget and primarily need to clean smaller areas in your home. However, its small bin capacity of 0.1 gallons means more frequent emptying, which could be a drawback if you have extensive areas to vacuum. The Shark Stratos Cordless, with its higher price, offers better overall cleaning efficiency and a larger bin, making it more suitable for vacuuming larger homes.
Despite bin capacity and carpet cleaning limitations, the Shark Ultracyclone Pet Pro+ delivers strong performance on pet hair and bare floors. Its portability and affordability make it a fantastic value, especially for quick stair vacuuming in smaller multi-level homes.
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Best Overall
Runner Up
Best Value
Best Budget
Best Mid-Range
Premium Pick
Shark Vertex Pro
Best Cordless For Hardwood
The Shark Vertex Pro excels on stairs, offering a large bin and lightweight design for easy lifting. Ideal for homes with pets and various floor types.
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 is an exceptional vacuum for efficiently cleaning stairs in your large home. It boasts a substantial bin capacity of 0.25 gallons, reducing the frequency of emptying, an advantage for larger homes. This cordless vacuum is convenient when navigating multiple floors and tight spaces on stairs. Weighing 8.82 lbs, it’s lightweight enough for easy lifting between floors. However, be aware that its noise level is relatively high at 82.4 dB, more suitable for homes where noise is less of a concern.
It excels with a bare floor debris cleaning rate of 98.5%, adept at picking up most dirt on hardwood, laminate, and tile surfaces. If you have pets, the 99.66% pet hair cleaning score ensures your stairs remain free from dander and hair. However, its carpet cleaning performance is 82.61%, which might not reach all the debris and dirt in thicker carpet fibers.
Although the Shark Vertex Pro is more expensive than the Shark Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away, its lighter weight offers easier maneuverability, which is ideal if you prefer a vacuum that’s less physically demanding to use. The Cordless Vertex Pro Powered Lift-Away, with its lower price, larger bin capacity, and quieter operation, is a better value if you have extensive carpeting and can handle a heavier vacuum.
The Shark Vertex Pro delivers excellent results particularly on bare floors and in removing pet hair, and it’s a valuable addition to any large home with mixed flooring. Despite its higher noise level, high price, and some limitations in deep carpet cleaning, its performance and convenience features make it a solid investment if you prioritize ease of use and effective vacuuming on stairs.
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Which Criteria Matters for Testing Best Vacuum for Stairs?
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 | > 70% | 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
> 70%
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 70%. 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 Vacuum for Stairs: Mistakes To Avoid
- Overlooking Portability and Weight: Choosing a heavy or bulky vacuum can make stair cleaning difficult and exhausting. Opt for a lightweight and portable vacuum that’s easy to carry and maneuver up and down the stairs.
- Ignoring Suction Power: Assuming all vacuums have adequate suction for stairs can lead to poor cleaning performance. Ensure the vacuum has strong suction power to effectively clean stair carpets and crevices. It’s also important to consider noise levels, as some vacuums are so loud that they can be disruptive. Choosing a vacuum with strong suction that operates quietly can provide efficient cleaning without excessive noise.
- Not Considering Attachments: Selecting a vacuum without proper attachments can limit its effectiveness. Look for models with specialized tools like crevice tools and brush attachments that can handle the tight spaces and varied surfaces of stairs. Similarly, vacuums for pet hair often come with specialized attachments that enhance their ability to clean stair carpets and crevices effectively.
- Disregarding Cord Length or Battery Life: Choosing a corded vacuum with a short cord or a cordless vacuum with poor battery life can be frustrating. For corded vacuums, ensure the cord is long enough to reach the entire staircase. For cordless options, check that the battery life is sufficient for your cleaning sessions.
The Best Vacuum for Stairs 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 |
