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10 Best Compact Vacuums 2025 in the United States

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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.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum Cleaner with HEPA Filter, Heavy Duty Vacuum with Powerful Suction for Pet Hair Pickup, DuoClean Technology, Powered Lift-Away, Ideal for Carpets & Hardfloors, AZ4002

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,486
Suction Power
Weight
Dustbin Capacity

Most important from
9130 reviews

Suction Power
The Shark POWERDETECT is predicted to be the best retail vacuum with its fantastic suction and brush power, advanced filtration, and innovative features like LED lights and infrared dirt detection.
Weight
Despite the base being light and prone to tipping over when the canister is removed, the Shark's design and powerful suction make it a valuable cleaning tool.
Dustbin Capacity
The large volume canister and extended cord length are significant improvements over previous models, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Filtration System
The Shark POWERDETECT is predicted to be the best retail vacuum with its fantastic suction and brush power, advanced filtration, and innovative features like LED lights and infrared dirt detection.
Attachments and Accessories
While compact and easy to use, the vacuum's lack of storage for all attachments can be inconvenient and may lead to misplaced parts.

The Shark POWERDETECT Upright Vacuum Cleaner is designed to offer powerful suction and advanced cleaning technology, making it a strong contender in the compact vacuum category. One of its standout features is the DuoClean technology, which utilizes two brush rolls that automatically adjust to different floor types, ensuring effective cleaning on both carpets and hard floors. Additionally, the Intelli-Sense sensors provide intelligent responses to hidden dirt and debris, enhancing suction power where it’s needed most. The anti-allergen complete seal paired with a HEPA filter effectively traps dust and allergens, making it a great option for allergy sufferers or pet owners.

This vacuum’s weight and corded design may be a concern for some users. It is not the lightest option on the market, which could make it less convenient for those who prefer more portability. Additionally, being corded limits its maneuverability compared to cordless models, particularly in larger spaces or areas without nearby outlets. However, its powerful suction and specialized attachments, like the self-cleaning brush roll and various tools for pet hair, compensate for these drawbacks and can be very beneficial for pet owners.

The dustbin capacity, while adequate, may require frequent emptying, especially in homes with pets or heavy shedding. This vacuum's advanced features come at a higher price point, which may not appeal to budget-conscious shoppers looking for basic cleaning capabilities.

In conclusion, the Shark POWERDETECT is an excellent choice for anyone needing thorough cleaning performance and effective allergen control, particularly in homes with pets. However, those looking for a lightweight, cordless option might want to explore other alternatives.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,486
Suction Power
Weight
Dustbin Capacity

Most important from
9130 reviews

Suction Power
The Shark POWERDETECT is predicted to be the best retail vacuum with its fantastic suction and brush power, advanced filtration, and innovative features like LED lights and infrared dirt detection.
Weight
Despite the base being light and prone to tipping over when the canister is removed, the Shark's design and powerful suction make it a valuable cleaning tool.
Dustbin Capacity
The large volume canister and extended cord length are significant improvements over previous models, enhancing convenience and efficiency.
Filtration System
The Shark POWERDETECT is predicted to be the best retail vacuum with its fantastic suction and brush power, advanced filtration, and innovative features like LED lights and infrared dirt detection.
Attachments and Accessories
While compact and easy to use, the vacuum's lack of storage for all attachments can be inconvenient and may lead to misplaced parts.
#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
8.5
Suction Power
Weight
Dustbin Capacity

Most important from
2240 reviews

Suction Power
Great suction power and multiple power modes cater to various cleaning needs.
Weight
Lightweight design makes it easy to use, even for those with back problems.
Dustbin Capacity
Emptying the dust canister is a minor inconvenience but doesn't detract from the overall excellent performance.
Corded vs. Cordless
Cordless convenience enhances the ease of use, making cleaning less of a chore.
Attachments and Accessories
Versatile attachments make it effective on different surfaces, from vinyl floors to furniture.

The Dyson V11 Origin Cordless Vacuum is a powerful and versatile cleaning tool designed for whole-home deep cleaning. One of its standout features is its cordless design, giving you the freedom to move around without being tethered to an outlet. It boasts 60% more power compared to previous models, and offers up to 60 minutes of run time, making it ideal for extensive cleaning sessions. The vacuum has three power modes—Auto, Eco, and Boost—allowing you to balance power and battery life according to your needs.

An LCD screen conveniently displays power modes, maintenance alerts, and remaining run time down to the second, adding to its user-friendly nature. Weighing 6.6 pounds, it's lightweight and easy to maneuver, reducing strain during use. However, its 0.2-gallon dustbin capacity may require frequent emptying during larger cleaning jobs. The advanced whole-machine filtration system is a major plus, trapping 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns and expelling cleaner air, making it a great option for allergy sufferers.

The inclusion of a range of attachments like the Motorbar cleaner head, Hair screw tool, crevice tool, and mini soft dusting brush makes it adaptable for various cleaning tasks, from carpets and hard floors to car interiors and pet hair. While it comes with a higher price tag compared to some competitors, the Dyson V11's performance, durability, and 2-year warranty make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a high-quality, versatile vacuum. The only notable downside is the relatively small dustbin capacity, which might be inconvenient for larger homes.

Rating
8.5
Suction Power
Weight
Dustbin Capacity

Most important from
2240 reviews

Suction Power
Great suction power and multiple power modes cater to various cleaning needs.
Weight
Lightweight design makes it easy to use, even for those with back problems.
Dustbin Capacity
Emptying the dust canister is a minor inconvenience but doesn't detract from the overall excellent performance.
Corded vs. Cordless
Cordless convenience enhances the ease of use, making cleaning less of a chore.
Attachments and Accessories
Versatile attachments make it effective on different surfaces, from vinyl floors to furniture.
#3

Dyson Digital Slim Cordless Vacuum

Rating
8.5
Suction Power
Weight
Dustbin Capacity

Most important from
781 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum delivers impressive suction power even on medium settings, making it efficient for most everyday cleaning tasks.
Weight
Its lightweight and compact design makes it incredibly easy to carry and maneuver, perfect for quick cleanups and smaller living spaces.
Dustbin Capacity
The dustbin is small but easy to empty quickly, a minor trade-off considering the vacuum’s portability and convenience.
Corded vs. Cordless
Battery life offers up to 30-40 minutes on eco mode, providing ample time for cleaning several rooms without interruption.
Attachments and Accessories
The handheld conversion is a handy feature for cleaning cars, stairs, and upholstery with ease.

The Dyson Digital Slim Cordless Vacuum is a lightweight and versatile option for those seeking a compact vacuum. Weighing just 4.4 pounds, it’s about a third lighter than Dyson’s more powerful V11 model, making it easy to carry around and use for quick cleanups. Its cordless design offers up to 40 minutes of consistent suction, which is solid for a compact vacuum and convenient for moving through different areas without plugging and unplugging. The dustbin holds about 0.1 gallons, which is typical for a slim vacuum but may require frequent emptying during larger cleaning jobs.

The vacuum comes with three Dyson-designed accessories including a motorbar cleaner head that works well on various floor types and can handle pet hair and tangled long hair effectively. This makes it a good pick if you have mixed flooring or pets. An LCD screen adds useful info like remaining run time and power modes, helping you manage cleaning more efficiently. Its filtration system is advanced, capturing 99.99% of tiny particles down to 0.3 microns, which helps improve indoor air quality. The vacuum also converts into a handheld, which is handy for cars, stairs, and upholstery.

The battery takes about 3.5 hours to recharge, so you might want to plan your cleaning sessions accordingly. The dustbin capacity and runtime might feel limiting if you have a very large space or heavy-duty cleaning needs. This vacuum is well suited for everyday use in smaller homes or apartments, especially if you value portability, cordless convenience, and solid cleaning performance on multiple surfaces.

Rating
8.5
Suction Power
Weight
Dustbin Capacity

Most important from
781 reviews

Suction Power
The vacuum delivers impressive suction power even on medium settings, making it efficient for most everyday cleaning tasks.
Weight
Its lightweight and compact design makes it incredibly easy to carry and maneuver, perfect for quick cleanups and smaller living spaces.
Dustbin Capacity
The dustbin is small but easy to empty quickly, a minor trade-off considering the vacuum’s portability and convenience.
Corded vs. Cordless
Battery life offers up to 30-40 minutes on eco mode, providing ample time for cleaning several rooms without interruption.
Attachments and Accessories
The handheld conversion is a handy feature for cleaning cars, stairs, and upholstery with ease.

Buying Guide for the Best Compact Vacuums

When choosing a compact vacuum, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Compact vacuums are designed to be lightweight and easy to store, making them ideal for small living spaces or quick clean-ups. However, they can vary widely in terms of power, features, and usability. By understanding the key specifications, you can make an informed decision and select the best compact vacuum for your needs.
Suction PowerSuction power is a measure of how effectively a vacuum can pick up dirt and debris. This is important because stronger suction means better cleaning performance, especially on carpets and rugs. Suction power is often measured in watts or air watts. For light cleaning tasks or hard floors, lower suction power (around 100-200 watts) may be sufficient. For more demanding tasks or carpeted areas, look for higher suction power (200+ watts). Consider your cleaning needs and the types of surfaces in your home when choosing the right suction power.
WeightWeight is a crucial factor for compact vacuums, as they are designed to be portable and easy to maneuver. A lighter vacuum (under 5 pounds) is ideal for quick clean-ups and easy storage, while a slightly heavier model (5-10 pounds) may offer more power and features. If you have multiple floors or need to carry the vacuum up and down stairs, a lighter model will be more convenient. Consider your physical strength and how often you'll need to move the vacuum when deciding on the right weight.
Dustbin CapacityDustbin capacity refers to the amount of dirt and debris the vacuum can hold before it needs to be emptied. This is important because a larger capacity means less frequent emptying, which can be more convenient for larger cleaning tasks. Compact vacuums typically have smaller dustbins (0.3-0.6 liters), which are suitable for quick clean-ups and small spaces. If you have a larger area to clean or prefer less frequent emptying, look for a model with a larger dustbin capacity (0.6-1 liter). Consider how often you clean and the size of the area when choosing the right dustbin capacity.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system in a vacuum is responsible for trapping dust, allergens, and other particles, ensuring that the air expelled is clean. This is especially important for people with allergies or asthma. HEPA filters are the gold standard, capturing 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. If you have allergies or pets, look for a vacuum with a HEPA filter. For general use, a standard filter may be sufficient. Consider your health needs and the presence of pets when choosing the right filtration system.
Corded vs. CordlessCompact vacuums come in both corded and cordless models. Corded vacuums offer consistent power and are ideal for longer cleaning sessions, but they require access to an electrical outlet and can be less convenient to maneuver. Cordless vacuums offer greater flexibility and ease of use, especially for quick clean-ups and hard-to-reach areas, but they rely on battery life, which can range from 15 to 60 minutes. If you need a vacuum for quick, on-the-go cleaning, a cordless model may be best. For more extensive cleaning tasks, a corded model might be more suitable. Consider your cleaning habits and the size of the area when deciding between corded and cordless.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can enhance the versatility of a compact vacuum, allowing you to clean different surfaces and hard-to-reach areas. Common attachments include crevice tools, dusting brushes, and upholstery tools. These can be particularly useful for cleaning furniture, car interiors, and tight spaces. If you have specific cleaning needs, such as pet hair removal or delicate surfaces, look for a vacuum with the appropriate attachments. Consider the types of surfaces and areas you need to clean when choosing the right attachments and accessories.

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