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10 Best Vacuum Cleaners For Stairs 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum, Silver/Nickel

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,224
Weight
Suction Power
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
2797 reviews

Weight
This vacuum is built well with a sleek design that's easy to maneuver and surprisingly lightweight, making cleaning much less of a chore.
Suction Power
The suction power is impressive, effortlessly picking up dirt and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors.
Attachments and Accessories
Helpful attachments like the dusting brush and crevice tool make reaching tricky spots and cleaning between furniture a breeze.
Corded vs. Cordless
Despite the battery not lasting long on full blast, it charges quickly and maintains powerful performance.
Filtration System
The HEPA filtration system significantly improves air quality, which is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers.

The Dyson V8 Plus Cordless Vacuum is a strong contender for cleaning stairs due to its lightweight design and excellent portability, weighing just 5.6 pounds. This vacuum is cordless, offering up to 40 minutes of fade-free power, making it convenient for moving around without being tethered to a power outlet. It features two power modes, allowing you to switch between everyday cleaning and more intensive tasks.

The vacuum comes with several helpful attachments, including a Motorbar cleaner head for all floor types and a Hair Screw Tool for handling long hair and pet hair, which is particularly useful for stairs, upholstery, and car interiors. Additionally, it can convert to a handheld vacuum, further enhancing its versatility for stair cleaning and other tight spaces. The advanced filtration system traps 99.99% of particles as small as 0.3 microns, which is beneficial for maintaining clean air quality in your home.

Maintenance is straightforward with its bagless design and washable filters. However, the 0.14-gallon dustbin capacity may require frequent emptying during extensive cleaning sessions. While the vacuum offers a practical wall docking station for storage and charging, the 40-minute runtime may be insufficient for larger homes requiring longer cleaning periods. Additionally, the noise level at 70 dB might be a consideration for those sensitive to sound. The Dyson V8 Plus is ideal for homes with pets and multiple floor types, providing a balance of power, versatility, and convenience.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,224
Weight
Suction Power
Attachments and Accessories

Most important from
2797 reviews

Weight
This vacuum is built well with a sleek design that's easy to maneuver and surprisingly lightweight, making cleaning much less of a chore.
Suction Power
The suction power is impressive, effortlessly picking up dirt and pet hair from both carpets and hard floors.
Attachments and Accessories
Helpful attachments like the dusting brush and crevice tool make reaching tricky spots and cleaning between furniture a breeze.
Corded vs. Cordless
Despite the battery not lasting long on full blast, it charges quickly and maintains powerful performance.
Filtration System
The HEPA filtration system significantly improves air quality, which is particularly beneficial for allergy sufferers.
#2

Shark | Pet Cordless Vacuum Cleaner | LED Headlights | Removable Handheld Vacuum for Pet Hair | Crevice Tool & Pet Multi-Tool Included | 40min Runtime | For Carpet & Hard Floors | Grey | IX141

Rating
9.8
Weight
Suction Power
Corded vs. Cordless

Most important from
43802 reviews

Weight
The vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for cleaning stairs and tight spaces.
Suction Power
The powerful suction on 'high' mode is impressive, effortlessly picking up cat litter, lint, and hair from various surfaces.
Corded vs. Cordless
The cordless design is a gamechanger for quickly cleaning pet hair and dirt without dealing with cords.
Ease of Maintenance
Emptying the dust bin is straightforward with the bottom trap door, avoiding the need to shake or turn it upside down.

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is a versatile and portable vacuum that is well-suited for cleaning stairs. Weighing only 6.89 pounds, it is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for staircases. Its cordless design enhances portability, allowing users to clean without being tethered to a power outlet. The vacuum offers up to 40 minutes of runtime, which is sufficient for most household cleaning tasks, though this might vary depending on the mode and attachments used.

The powerful suction provided by the HyperVelocity feature ensures effective cleaning on both carpets and hard floors, and the bristle brushroll aids in thorough dirt removal. The removable hand vac adds to its versatility, enabling above-floor cleaning, which is particularly useful for hard-to-reach areas on stairs. Attachments like the crevice tool further enhance its ability to clean tight spaces and corners efficiently. One notable feature is the XL Dust Cup, which allows for fewer interruptions during cleaning due to its larger capacity and easy dirt disposal with the CleanTouch Dirt Ejector.

LED headlights are a thoughtful addition, illuminating hidden debris, which can be particularly beneficial on stairs where lighting is often less optimal. On the downside, the vacuum requires a 240-minute charging time, which may be inconvenient for users needing frequent or prolonged cleaning sessions. Although it includes a HEPA filter, ensuring good filtration, maintaining the vacuum might require regular cleaning of the filters and brushroll. The noise level of 80 dB might be a bit loud for some users. This vacuum cleaner is a solid choice for those needing a lightweight, portable solution for stair cleaning, especially in homes with pets.

Rating
9.8
Weight
Suction Power
Corded vs. Cordless

Most important from
43802 reviews

Weight
The vacuum is lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it perfect for cleaning stairs and tight spaces.
Suction Power
The powerful suction on 'high' mode is impressive, effortlessly picking up cat litter, lint, and hair from various surfaces.
Corded vs. Cordless
The cordless design is a gamechanger for quickly cleaning pet hair and dirt without dealing with cords.
Ease of Maintenance
Emptying the dust bin is straightforward with the bottom trap door, avoiding the need to shake or turn it upside down.
#3

Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum, Hepa Filter, Anti-Allergen Technology, Swivel Steering, Ideal for Carpet, Stairs, & Bare Floors, with Wide Upholstery & Crevice Tools, Lavender

Rating
9.6
Weight
Portability
Suction Power

Most important from
114954 reviews

Weight
The vacuum is lightweight at 12.5 pounds, making it easier to carry up and down stairs.
Portability
Although the vacuum is corded, its powerful performance and ease of use make up for the lack of portability.
Suction Power
The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum offers amazing suction power, outperforming other brands like Bissell and Hoover.
Attachments and Accessories
The lift-away functionality and useful attachments, including a crevice tool and upholstery tool, make it versatile for cleaning stairs, furniture, and tight spaces.
Corded vs. Cordless
Although the vacuum is corded, its powerful performance and ease of use make up for the lack of portability.
Filtration System
The anti-allergen complete seal technology and HEPA filtration system are highly effective, particularly for those with allergies.
Ease of Maintenance
Emptying the dustbin might be more involved compared to other brands, but it ensures a better seal and less dust leakage.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is designed with stairs in mind, featuring several attributes that make it well-suited for this purpose. At 12.5 pounds, it is relatively lightweight and incorporates lift-away functionality, allowing you to detach the pod for easy above-floor cleaning on stairs and furniture.

Its powerful suction ensures thorough cleaning on both carpets and bare floors, while the brushroll shutoff feature provides versatility in switching between different surfaces. The swivel steering further enhances maneuverability, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and corners, which is particularly useful when cleaning stairs. This vacuum comes with useful attachments, including a wide upholstery tool and a crevice tool, which help in tackling pet hair and reaching narrow areas and corners efficiently.

The anti-allergen complete seal technology combined with HEPA filtration effectively traps dust and allergens, promoting cleaner air quality. However, as a corded vacuum, it may limit portability compared to cordless models, especially when moving between floors. Maintenance is relatively straightforward with washable filters, though some assembly is required. The product is backed by a five-year limited warranty, reflecting a commitment to durability. This vacuum is ideal for users who need a powerful, versatile cleaner for stairs, carpets, and bare floors, and who might also have pets.

Rating
9.6
Weight
Portability
Suction Power

Most important from
114954 reviews

Weight
The vacuum is lightweight at 12.5 pounds, making it easier to carry up and down stairs.
Portability
Although the vacuum is corded, its powerful performance and ease of use make up for the lack of portability.
Suction Power
The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum offers amazing suction power, outperforming other brands like Bissell and Hoover.
Attachments and Accessories
The lift-away functionality and useful attachments, including a crevice tool and upholstery tool, make it versatile for cleaning stairs, furniture, and tight spaces.
Corded vs. Cordless
Although the vacuum is corded, its powerful performance and ease of use make up for the lack of portability.
Filtration System
The anti-allergen complete seal technology and HEPA filtration system are highly effective, particularly for those with allergies.
Ease of Maintenance
Emptying the dustbin might be more involved compared to other brands, but it ensures a better seal and less dust leakage.

Buying Guide for the Best Vacuum Cleaners For Stairs

Choosing the right vacuum cleaner for stairs can make a significant difference in how easy and effective your cleaning routine is. Stairs can be tricky to clean due to their shape and the need to maneuver around corners and edges. When selecting a vacuum cleaner for stairs, consider the following key specifications to ensure you get a model that fits your needs and makes the task as effortless as possible.
WeightWeight is a crucial factor when choosing a vacuum cleaner for stairs because you will need to carry it up and down. A lightweight vacuum cleaner is easier to handle and reduces the risk of strain or injury. Generally, vacuums under 10 pounds are considered lightweight and are ideal for stairs. If you have physical limitations or prefer a more comfortable cleaning experience, opt for a model on the lighter side.
PortabilityPortability refers to how easy it is to move the vacuum cleaner around. For stairs, a portable vacuum with a compact design and a comfortable handle is essential. Look for models that are easy to carry and maneuver, especially those with ergonomic handles or straps. If you have multiple floors or a large staircase, a highly portable vacuum will make the task much more manageable.
Suction PowerSuction power determines how effectively the vacuum cleaner can pick up dirt, dust, and debris. For stairs, strong suction is important to ensure a thorough clean, especially in the corners and edges where dirt tends to accumulate. Suction power is often measured in watts or air watts. Higher values indicate stronger suction, but for stairs, a balance between power and ease of use is key. Choose a vacuum with sufficient suction to handle your specific needs, whether it's pet hair, fine dust, or larger debris.
Attachments and AccessoriesAttachments and accessories can greatly enhance the versatility and effectiveness of a vacuum cleaner for stairs. Common useful attachments include crevice tools, which help clean tight spaces, and brush tools, which are great for removing pet hair and dust from carpeted stairs. Consider what types of debris you typically encounter and choose a vacuum with the appropriate attachments to address those needs. Having the right tools can make cleaning stairs much easier and more efficient.
Corded vs. CordlessThe choice between a corded and cordless vacuum cleaner depends on your preference for convenience and power. Cordless vacuums offer greater mobility and ease of use, as you don't have to worry about plugging and unplugging the cord as you move up and down the stairs. However, they rely on battery life, which can limit usage time. Corded vacuums, on the other hand, provide consistent power without the need to recharge but can be less convenient due to the cord. Consider your cleaning habits and choose the type that best fits your lifestyle.
Filtration SystemThe filtration system in a vacuum cleaner is important for maintaining air quality and trapping allergens. HEPA filters are highly effective at capturing small particles, including dust mites, pollen, and pet dander, making them ideal for households with allergy sufferers. If air quality is a concern, look for a vacuum with a high-quality filtration system. For general use, a standard filter may suffice, but for those with allergies or respiratory issues, a HEPA filter is recommended.
Ease of MaintenanceEase of maintenance refers to how simple it is to clean and maintain the vacuum cleaner. Models with washable filters, easy-to-empty dustbins, and accessible brush rolls can save you time and effort. Consider how often you will need to perform maintenance tasks and choose a vacuum that offers convenient features to make this process straightforward. A vacuum that is easy to maintain will ensure it remains effective and lasts longer.

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