The 10 Best Vacuums For Stairs

This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in December of 2018. The advent of the vacuum made cleaning floors considerably easier and quicker. For a long time, though, it was difficult to use them on stairs, furniture, and other upholstery because of their bulky and heavy designs. Luckily, these days we have models that are powerful, yet maneuverable and lightweight, too. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Dyson V8

The Dyson V8 (appx. $329) is a cordless stick model that can easily be used on the entire home, but converts into a handheld unit for convenient cleaning of stairs and furniture. Its battery lasts for roughly 40 minutes when not using a motorized adapter.

Comes with a washable hepa filter
One-touch canister emptying
Docking station doubles as a charger

2. Black and Decker BDH2000PL Max

The Black and Decker BDH2000PL Max (appx. $63) has a pivoting tip that makes it simple to get at both horizontal and vertical surfaces. It also folds completely flat against the body for compact storage. At just three pounds, you can use it for long periods without fatigue.

Multistage filtration
Picks up large debris
Integrated brush tool

3. SharkNinja Navigator Lift-Away

The head of the SharkNinja Navigator Lift-Away (appx. $180) swivels smoothly for hassle-free maneuvering around chair legs and other furniture. Its canister detaches from the main unit for those times you need to get at elevated surfaces.

Works well on long and short hair
Dedicated hard floors mode
Very powerful suction

4. Tineco A10

The Tineco A10 (appx. $200) is extremely powerful, yet weighs less than three pounds, so you get the best of both worlds. A four-stage filtration system traps small and large particles, expelling clean air and making it a good choice for those with allergies.

Available in blue or orange
Includes a crevice attachment
Backed by a two-year warranty

5. Deik MT1206

The Deik MT1206 (about $140) transitions just as easily from carpet to hard floors as it does from a stick model to a handheld, so you'll never again have an excuse not to clean an area of your home. Plus, you can adjust the suction speed to suit your exact needs.

Includes a wall dock
Special upholstery attachment
Canister tends to fill up quickly

6. Makita 18V LXT

If you want something long enough that you won't have to bend over, but lightweight enough that it is easy to carry, the Makita 18V LXT (around $227) fits the bill. When needed, you can also remove the extension tool to use it on couches and other raised surfaces.

Handle is comfortable to grip
Includes a rapid charger
Battery only lasts 15 minutes

7. Shark Rocket Ultra-Light HV301

The Shark Rocket Ultra-Light HV301 (appx. $138) is corded, which means you won't have to worry about the suction power fading as the battery dies, but the downside is you'll always need to have an outlet within 25 feet of the area you are cleaning.

Low-profile head
Includes an accessories bag
Dust cup is hard to remove

8. Shark Pet-Perfect II

If you already have a whole-house model and just need something small and affordable, the Shark Pet-Perfect II (about $48) is for you. It includes a motorized brush that can pull up embedded pet hair from carpet and other fabric surfaces.

Led charge status indicator
Rubber-coated handle
Longevity is questionable

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9. Bissell Multi Auto

The Bissell Multi Auto (about $160) may be marketed for vehicles, but don't let that fool you. This thing is a beast in the house, too. Despite its small size, all of the many included attachments can be stored on the unit, and it features illuminated LEDs on the front.

Built-in flexible extension hose
Excellent battery life
Seems a bit overpriced

10. Eureka EasyClean

The Eureka EasyClean (appx. $30) may only be suitable for above-ground-level chores, making it a bit of a one-trick pony, but it definitely excels in this area. The rotating front allows you to get both the step and vertical riser without having to articulate your hand.

Integrated cord wrap
Works really well on pet hair
Heavier than most other handhelds

Last updated by Brett Dvoretz

A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.

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