We Use CookiesWe use cookies to enhance the security, performance, functionality and for analytical and promotional activities. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our privacy policy

10 Best Compact Vacuum Cleaners 2025 in the United States

How do we rank products for you?

Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

headphones-stars

Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark Clean & Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum – Lightweight Cordless Vacuum with Auto-Empty System, HEPA Filter, Portable, Rechargeable, Exclusive Motorized Hand Tool for Pet Hair, BU3523

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,373
Suction Power
Dust Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
13372 reviews

Suction Power
Three levels of suction make it versatile for different cleaning needs, from dust to heavier messes.
Dust Capacity
Although the canister is small and needs frequent emptying, the vacuum’s powerful suction and ease of use make up for it.
Weight and Portability
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for cleaning hard floors without the hassle of a larger canister vac.
Corded vs. Cordless
This vacuum is quieter than corded models and still has a lot of battery charge remaining after cleaning a large area.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum performs well with pet hair and automatically adjusts to different floor types, enhancing its versatility.

The Shark Clean & Empty Cordless Stick Vacuum offers several advantages for those looking for a compact and efficient cleaning tool. One of its standout features is the auto-empty system, which ensures that the vacuum automatically empties its contents into the base after each use, minimizing dust exposure and keeping your hands clean. Additionally, the HEPA filtration system effectively traps 99.97% of dust and allergens, making it suitable for allergy sufferers.

With its lightweight design, at just 11.24 pounds, and cordless nature, it is highly portable and easy to maneuver around the house. This vacuum also provides up to 40 minutes of runtime on ECO mode, which is decent for most cleaning sessions. The inclusion of a motorized hand tool specifically designed for pet hair makes it an excellent choice for pet owners. Furthermore, the multi-surface brush roll adjusts automatically to different floor types, enhancing its versatility for carpets, hard floors, tile, and hardwood. LED headlights on the nozzle help spot hidden debris, ensuring a thorough clean.

However, the charging time of 5 hours might be a drawback for some users who need quick turnarounds. Additionally, while it offers three power levels, the suction power may not be as robust as some corded models. The dust capacity of 1.3 liters is adequate but might require more frequent emptying for larger homes. This vacuum is a solid choice for those seeking a user-friendly, versatile, and relatively powerful cleaning solution without the hassle of cords.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,373
Suction Power
Dust Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
13372 reviews

Suction Power
Three levels of suction make it versatile for different cleaning needs, from dust to heavier messes.
Dust Capacity
Although the canister is small and needs frequent emptying, the vacuum’s powerful suction and ease of use make up for it.
Weight and Portability
Lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for cleaning hard floors without the hassle of a larger canister vac.
Corded vs. Cordless
This vacuum is quieter than corded models and still has a lot of battery charge remaining after cleaning a large area.
Attachments and Accessories
The vacuum performs well with pet hair and automatically adjusts to different floor types, enhancing its versatility.
#2

Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum, 185AW, 3 Power Modes, Up to 60 Minutes,² Deep Cleans Hard Floors and Carpets, Detangles pet Hair, Converts to Handheld

Rating
9.1
Suction Power
Dust Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
2404 reviews

Suction Power
Exceptional cleaning power that picks up everything, making it a superior choice over other models like Hoover.
Dust Capacity
User-friendly despite a minor inconvenience with emptying the dust canister, which doesn't detract from its overall effectiveness.
Weight and Portability
Effortless to use, especially for those with back problems, thanks to its lightweight and ergonomic design.
Corded vs. Cordless
The cordless feature and impressive run time make it a standout, outperforming traditional upright vacuums.
Attachments and Accessories
Versatile with multiple power levels and attachments, ideal for various surfaces including vinyl floors and furniture.

The Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum is designed to offer a powerful and versatile cleaning solution for your home. It boasts 60% more power compared to previous models and offers up to 60 minutes of run time, making it suitable for whole-home deep cleaning. The vacuum features three power modes—Auto, Eco, and Boost—allowing users to choose the optimal balance of power and battery life for their needs. The LCD screen conveniently displays power modes, maintenance alerts, and remaining run time to the second, adding a layer of user-friendliness to the device.

The vacuum is lightweight and portable, weighing just 6.6 pounds, which makes it easy to maneuver around the house and clean hard-to-reach areas. Its cord-free design further enhances its portability. The Motorbar cleaner head is effective on various floor types and features anti-tangle technology to handle long hair and pet hair efficiently. The vacuum can also convert into a handheld unit, making it versatile for cleaning cars, stairs, and upholstery.

The advanced whole-machine filtration system traps 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, ensuring that expelled air is cleaner. It is equipped with a range of useful attachments, including a mini soft dusting brush, crevice tool, and hair screw tool. However, the dust capacity is relatively small at 0.2 gallons, which may require frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions. Also, while the vacuum excels in performance, its price point might be higher compared to other models in the market. The included 2-year warranty and lifetime Dyson support add value, ensuring long-term reliability and assistance. The Dyson V11 Origin is an excellent choice for those looking for a powerful, versatile, and user-friendly compact vacuum cleaner, particularly if they need a cordless option for cleaning various surfaces effectively.

Rating
9.1
Suction Power
Dust Capacity
Weight and Portability

Most important from
2404 reviews

Suction Power
Exceptional cleaning power that picks up everything, making it a superior choice over other models like Hoover.
Dust Capacity
User-friendly despite a minor inconvenience with emptying the dust canister, which doesn't detract from its overall effectiveness.
Weight and Portability
Effortless to use, especially for those with back problems, thanks to its lightweight and ergonomic design.
Corded vs. Cordless
The cordless feature and impressive run time make it a standout, outperforming traditional upright vacuums.
Attachments and Accessories
Versatile with multiple power levels and attachments, ideal for various surfaces including vinyl floors and furniture.
#3

Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum, Cleans Hard Floors and Carpets, Detangles, Converts to Handheld, 115AW, 2 Power Modes, Up to 40 Minutes¹

Rating
8.8
Suction Power
Filtration System
Dust Capacity

Most important from
3960 reviews

Suction Power
Its powerful suction and specialized motorbar effectively tackle pet hair, making it ideal for homes with multiple furry pets.
Filtration System
The vacuum leaves the home feeling cleaner with noticeably fresher air, thanks to its advanced filtration system.
Dust Capacity
The compact dustbin requires frequent emptying, particularly in homes with heavy pet hair or dust accumulation.
Weight and Portability
The lightweight and cordless design transforms vacuuming from a dreaded chore into a quick and comfortable experience.
Corded vs. Cordless
This vacuum excels in smaller homes and apartments, delivering strong performance within a manageable 30 to 40-minute runtime.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments add versatility, and conversion to handheld mode makes cleaning stairs, cars, and upholstery effortless.

The Dyson V8 Plus cordless vacuum is a strong choice if you're looking for a compact vacuum that handles both hard floors and carpets well. It offers powerful suction at 115 AW, which is good for daily cleaning and tough spots. The motorbar cleaner head is especially useful because it detangles long hair and pet hair, making it ideal for pet owners or homes with a lot of hair and dust. Its advanced HEPA filtration system traps 99.99% of tiny particles, helping to keep the air in your home cleaner.

Weighing about 5.7 pounds, it’s light enough to carry around easily, and being cordless means you don’t have to worry about plugging and unplugging while cleaning. The vacuum runs up to 40 minutes on normal power, which is enough for most rooms, but only about 5 minutes in the stronger max mode, so you may need to plan for recharging if you have a larger space or heavy messes. The dust capacity is 0.54 liters, which is decent but might require frequent emptying in a very dusty or pet-hair-heavy home. It comes with useful attachments like a crevice tool, a mini dusting brush, and a special hair screw tool that quickly picks up tangled hair from various surfaces.

It also converts to a handheld vacuum for stairs, cars, or upholstery, adding to its versatility. This vacuum suits those who value portability and need a device that tackles pet hair and multiple floor types without the hassle of cords. However, if you need longer runtime in powerful mode or a bigger dustbin, you might want to consider other options.

Rating
8.8
Suction Power
Filtration System
Dust Capacity

Most important from
3960 reviews

Suction Power
Its powerful suction and specialized motorbar effectively tackle pet hair, making it ideal for homes with multiple furry pets.
Filtration System
The vacuum leaves the home feeling cleaner with noticeably fresher air, thanks to its advanced filtration system.
Dust Capacity
The compact dustbin requires frequent emptying, particularly in homes with heavy pet hair or dust accumulation.
Weight and Portability
The lightweight and cordless design transforms vacuuming from a dreaded chore into a quick and comfortable experience.
Corded vs. Cordless
This vacuum excels in smaller homes and apartments, delivering strong performance within a manageable 30 to 40-minute runtime.
Attachments and Accessories
Attachments add versatility, and conversion to handheld mode makes cleaning stairs, cars, and upholstery effortless.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Vacuum Cleaners

Choosing the right compact vacuum cleaner can make a big difference in maintaining a clean and healthy home environment. Compact vacuum cleaners are designed to be lightweight and easy to store, making them ideal for small living spaces or for those who need a portable cleaning solution. When selecting a compact vacuum cleaner, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. Here are the main specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Suction PowerSuction power is a measure of how effectively a vacuum cleaner can pick up dirt and debris. This is important because higher suction power means better cleaning performance, especially on carpets and rugs. Suction power is usually measured in watts (W) or air watts (AW). For light cleaning tasks and hard floors, a lower suction power (around 100-200W) may suffice. For more demanding tasks, such as deep cleaning carpets, look for higher suction power (200W and above). Consider your cleaning needs and the types of surfaces in your home to determine the right suction power for you.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system in a vacuum cleaner is crucial for trapping dust, allergens, and other particles, ensuring that the air expelled is clean. This is especially important for people with allergies or asthma. Common types of filters include standard filters, HEPA filters, and washable filters. HEPA filters are the most effective, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. If you have allergies or pets, opt for a vacuum with a HEPA filter. For general use, a standard or washable filter may be sufficient.
Dust CapacityDust capacity refers to the amount of dirt and debris the vacuum cleaner can hold before it needs to be emptied. This is important because a larger capacity means less frequent emptying, which can be more convenient. Dust capacity is usually measured in liters. For small apartments or occasional use, a dust capacity of 0.5 to 1 liter may be adequate. For larger homes or frequent use, look for a capacity of 1 to 2 liters or more. Consider how often you clean and the size of your living space to choose the right dust capacity.
Weight and PortabilityWeight and portability are key factors in a compact vacuum cleaner, as they affect how easy it is to maneuver and store the device. This is particularly important if you have multiple floors or limited storage space. Compact vacuums typically weigh between 2 to 5 kilograms. For easy handling and storage, aim for a vacuum on the lighter end of this range. If you need a vacuum for quick clean-ups or to carry between rooms, prioritize portability and lightweight design.
Corded vs. CordlessCompact vacuum cleaners come in both corded and cordless models. Corded vacuums offer consistent power and are ideal for longer cleaning sessions, but they require access to power outlets and can be less convenient to move around. Cordless vacuums offer greater flexibility and ease of use, as they are battery-powered and can be used anywhere. However, they have limited battery life, typically ranging from 20 to 60 minutes per charge. Consider your cleaning habits and preferences: if you need flexibility and quick clean-ups, a cordless model may be best. For longer, uninterrupted cleaning, a corded model might be more suitable.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of your vacuum cleaner, allowing you to clean different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas more effectively. Common attachments include crevice tools, dusting brushes, and upholstery tools. Some vacuums also come with specialized pet hair tools or motorized brushes. Think about the specific cleaning tasks you need to perform and choose a vacuum with the appropriate attachments. For example, if you have pets, look for a model with a pet hair tool. If you need to clean tight spaces, a crevice tool will be useful.

FAQ

Most Popular Categories Right Now