10 Best Small Vacuum For Area Rugs 2025 in the United States

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a versatile choice for small area rugs and other surfaces. It boasts strong suction power that effectively deep-cleans carpets and tackles bare floors with ease. The lift-away functionality is a standout feature, allowing you to detach the pod for cleaning stairs and above-floor areas, which adds to its versatility.

The brush roll shutoff feature is particularly useful, enabling you to switch between carpet and bare floor cleaning seamlessly. At 12.5 pounds, it is relatively lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially with the swivel steering that helps navigate tight spaces and around furniture effortlessly. The vacuum also includes a HEPA filter and Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology, which are excellent for trapping dust and allergens, making it a good option for those with allergies.

However, it is a corded model, which might limit mobility compared to cordless options. Additionally, the noise level is 80 dB, which is moderate but not the quietest. The wide upholstery tool and crevice tool are handy for pet hair and hard-to-reach areas, enhancing its functionality. While some assembly is required, the vacuum is generally user-friendly. It includes a 5-year limited warranty, offering some peace of mind. This vacuum is ideal for those looking for a reliable, multi-functional vacuum suitable for various surfaces, including area rugs, carpets, stairs, and bare floors.

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Deluxe (NV360) is a solid choice if you need a vacuum primarily for area rugs and mixed floor types. It delivers powerful suction that can deep-clean carpets while also handling bare floors effectively, thanks to its brushroll shutoff feature, which protects delicate surfaces. The lift-away pod adds versatility, letting you clean stairs, upholstery, and hard-to-reach spots with ease.

Its swivel steering improves maneuverability around furniture, although at about 16 pounds, it’s somewhat heavy compared to lighter models designed specifically for small rugs. Filtration is a standout here, with a HEPA filter and anti-allergen seal technology that trap dust and allergens well, making it a good pick for allergy sufferers. The large 0.9-quart dust cup means fewer stops to empty during cleaning.

Being corded, it avoids battery limits but also restricts mobility somewhat and requires access to outlets. If you want a reliable, multi-surface vacuum with strong suction and excellent filtration for area rugs and beyond, and don’t mind a bit of weight or plug-in power, this model will serve you well.

The Shark HV322 Rocket Deluxe Pro is a corded stick vacuum that offers strong suction, which is great for deep cleaning area rugs and picking up pet hair. Its 0.67 horsepower motor and 4.2 amps provide enough power to handle carpeted surfaces effectively. The vacuum includes a brush roll designed for multiple floor types, which helps with thorough cleaning on rugs without damaging fibers. It weighs 8.6 pounds, making it fairly lightweight and easy to maneuver around furniture and stairs, though it might feel a bit heavier compared to some cordless models. One helpful feature is its ability to convert into a handheld vacuum, which adds versatility for cleaning upholstery or hard-to-reach spots.

The filtration system uses a foam filter, which is decent for capturing dust but may not be the best for allergy sufferers compared to HEPA filters. Noise level is around 80 dB, so it’s somewhat loud but typical for corded vacuums. Being corded means you won’t worry about battery life, but you’ll need access to outlets and some attention to the cord during use. The XL dust cup capacity (0.68 quarts) means fewer stops to empty it, which is convenient for cleaning larger rug areas. LED headlights on the nozzle and handheld unit help spot hidden dirt and pet hair, a handy feature especially in dim spaces. Included pet attachments are a bonus if you have pets, as they help lift embedded hair from rugs and furniture.

There is only one power level available, so suction intensity cannot be adjusted, and assembly is required out of the box. This vacuum is a reliable, powerful corded option that works well on area rugs and pet hair, offering good maneuverability and useful extras like LED lights and pet tools.