10 Best Vacuum For Apartments 2025 in the United States

The Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum IX141 is designed with apartment dwellers in mind, especially those who have pets. Being cordless, it offers freedom of movement without worrying about plugs, which is handy in smaller spaces. Its 40-minute runtime is solid for cleaning multiple rooms or quick touch-ups. The vacuum’s Hypervelocity suction and bristle brushroll help it clean both carpets and hard floors well, making it versatile for different apartment surfaces. The HEPA and foam filtration system is effective at capturing dust and pet dander, which is a bonus if you have allergies. The removable handheld vacuum with pet and crevice tools lets you clean furniture, tight spots, and pet hair with ease. LED headlights are a thoughtful addition, helping reveal hidden dirt under furniture or in dark corners.

On the downside, it weighs nearly 7 pounds, which might feel a bit heavy for prolonged use or for those who prefer ultra-light vacuums. The noise level is around 80 dB, so it's not the quietest option, which could be a consideration in close living quarters. Its XL dust cup means fewer stops to empty during cleaning, but it is bagless, which some people may find messier to empty. Charging takes about 4 hours, which is typical but something to plan around.

This vacuum represents a strong choice for pet owners in apartments who want a cordless, versatile cleaner with good suction and helpful attachments, though it may be a bit on the heavier and louder side compared to some alternatives.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is a versatile and efficient vacuum cleaner that suits small apartment living well. One of its standout features is the Lift-Away functionality, allowing you to detach the pod and clean stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas with ease. This is particularly useful for apartment dwellers with multi-level spaces or various surface types. The vacuum is lightweight at 12.5 pounds, making it easy to carry and maneuver, while the swivel steering ensures you can navigate tight spaces and corners effortlessly. This makes cleaning less of a chore, especially in smaller apartments where space can be limited.

The powerful suction is effective on both carpets and bare floors, with the added convenience of a brushroll shutoff to switch between surfaces instantly. This feature is ideal for mixed flooring often found in apartments. For those with allergies, the vacuum includes Anti-Allergen Complete Seal Technology and a HEPA filter, which work together to trap dust and allergens inside the vacuum. This makes it a great choice for maintaining clean air quality in your home. The included upholstery and crevice tools make it easy to tackle pet hair and reach tight spots, enhancing its usability.

However, it is a corded vacuum, which might limit mobility compared to cordless models, and the noise level is 80 dB, which some users might find a bit loud. The vacuum’s capacity is 1.1 quarts, which is decent but might require more frequent emptying for larger cleaning tasks. The vacuum is also bagless, which means you won’t need to buy replacement bags, but you will need to clean the dust container regularly. The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum provides a balanced combination of power, portability, and useful features, making it well-suited for apartment living.

The Shark Upright Vacuum, Navigator Lift-Away (NV356E) is a versatile and convenient option for apartment living. Its lift-away functionality allows you to detach the pod for easy cleaning of stairs and furniture, making it great for multi-level apartments. The HEPA filter and anti-allergen complete seal are excellent features for those concerned with dust and allergens, trapping 99.9% of particles.

This vacuum is particularly suited for pet owners, thanks to its strong suction power and pet-specific attachments like the Pet Power Brush, which efficiently picks up pet hair and dander from surfaces and upholstery. The swivel steering enhances maneuverability, helping you navigate tight spaces and corners with ease. The extra-large dust cup (0.87L) reduces the frequency of emptying, allowing longer cleaning sessions without interruption.

However, weighing 13.7 pounds, it might be a bit heavy for some users, especially when lifting it for above-floor cleaning. The noise level is 80 dB, which is relatively standard but could be considered loud for those sensitive to noise. This vacuum is corded, providing consistent power but limiting range and requiring frequent replugging in larger spaces. The included attachments, such as the crevice tool and dusting brush, add versatility for different cleaning tasks. The vacuum's bagless design means you won't need to purchase replacement bags, but it does require regular maintenance of the washable HEPA and foam filters. With a solid 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 110,000 customer reviews, it is well-regarded for its performance and reliability.

In summary, the Shark Navigator Lift-Away is a powerful, feature-rich vacuum that is well-suited for apartment living, particularly for pet owners and those with allergy concerns. However, its weight and noise level could be drawbacks for some users.