10 Best Vacuum For Carpeted Stairs 2026 in the United States

The Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum is a solid choice for carpeted stairs thanks to its lift-away feature, which lets you detach the main pod and easily clean stairs, furniture, and other above-floor areas without lugging the whole vacuum. Weighing 13.7 pounds, it strikes a balance between being sturdy and manageable, though it may be a bit heavy for some users to carry up and down stairs frequently. Its corded design ensures consistent suction power, which is strong enough to tackle pet hair and deep dirt on carpets. The swivel steering makes it easier to maneuver around tight corners and narrow staircases, adding to its user-friendliness.

The vacuum comes with useful attachments like a crevice tool and dusting brush, which help reach corners and delicate surfaces on stairs. Its HEPA filtration system paired with an anti-allergen seal captures 99.9% of dust and allergens, making it a great pick for allergy sufferers. However, since it’s corded, the cord length might limit movement on larger staircases without frequent unplugging. Also, while the dust cup is generously sized at 0.87 liters for longer cleaning sessions, emptying it might require some care to avoid scattering dust.

This vacuum is well-equipped for cleaning carpeted stairs, especially if you need strong suction, good maneuverability, and effective allergen control, though its weight and cord might be considerations for some users.

The Shark NV352 Navigator Lift Away Upright Vacuum is designed to tackle a variety of cleaning tasks, making it a solid choice for those needing a vacuum for carpeted stairs and more. One of its standout features is the Lift-Away functionality, allowing you to detach the pod and easily clean high or hard-to-reach areas like stairs and furniture. This makes it particularly useful for stairs, where maneuverability can be challenging with traditional vacuums.

In terms of suction power, the NV352 offers strong performance, effectively deep-cleaning carpets while being lightweight enough (weighing just 12.5 pounds) for easy handling. The anti-allergen technology combined with the HEPA filter helps trap dust and allergens, making it a good option for allergy sufferers or homes with pets, as it's also equipped with specialized pet hair pickup attachments, enhancing its versatility.

The vacuum features swivel steering, which adds to its maneuverability, allowing you to navigate around furniture and tight corners with ease. However, it is corded, which may be a drawback for those who prefer the convenience of cordless vacuums, especially in larger homes where reaching distant outlets can be cumbersome. The included crevice and upholstery tools are useful for detailed cleaning, though the cleaning path width of 11 inches can make larger jobs a bit time-consuming. The NV352 comes with a decent warranty (5-year limited), providing peace of mind. It does have a noise level of 80 dB, which might be bothersome for some users during operation. This vacuum is a strong contender for anyone seeking an efficient solution for carpeted stairs and general home cleaning, especially pet owners.

The Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum stands out with powerful suction and intelligent features, making it an excellent option for cleaning carpeted stairs. Weighing 6.8 pounds, it is fairly lightweight, which is beneficial for maneuverability on stairs. The cordless design adds to its convenience, allowing unrestricted movement without worrying about outlets or cords. Its 60-minute run time is sufficient for most cleaning sessions, but the battery life may diminish over time or with heavy use.

The vacuum includes several useful attachments like the Mini soft dusting brush, Crevice tool, and Hair screw tool, specifically designed for stairs, upholstery, and pet hair, enhancing its versatility. The advanced filtration system traps 99.99% of particles, expelling cleaner air, which is a significant plus for households with allergies or pets. The LCD screen adds a modern touch, providing real-time data on cleaning performance and battery status.

However, the higher noise level at 70 dB might be a drawback for some users. Additionally, with a dust capacity of only 0.2 gallons, it might require frequent emptying during larger cleaning tasks. The strong build quality and 2-year warranty ensure durability, making it a reliable choice. The Dyson V15 Detect Plus effectively meets the needs of users looking for a high-performance vacuum for carpeted stairs, although its price point may be on the higher side.